Throughout Every Last Child, voices stay hushed until they are shouting — in pain, in worry, in command. Set largely in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, Tom Roberts's urgent, tender documentary has the pulse of a noir film as it follows families and healthcare workers scrambling to vaccinate their children against polio, though the Taliban has forbidden it.
Polio is a potentially fatal disease, and leaves even its survivors irrevocably altered, their limbs stiff or shriveled, immobile. Meanwhile, the Taliban will kill those they find disobeying the ban on vaccinations. The Taliban, whom we in the West tend to hear more about than the civilians whose lives are affected by their power, can seem mythic. That's part of what makes this film so powerful: its human...
Polio is a potentially fatal disease, and leaves even its survivors irrevocably altered, their limbs stiff or shriveled, immobile. Meanwhile, the Taliban will kill those they find disobeying the ban on vaccinations. The Taliban, whom we in the West tend to hear more about than the civilians whose lives are affected by their power, can seem mythic. That's part of what makes this film so powerful: its human...
- 6/3/2015
- Village Voice
It might seem a stretch to compare the Taliban to certain overly crunchy, free-range parents in, say, southern California. But when it comes to being anti-vaccination, filmmaker Tom Roberts sees little difference. “It’s exactly the same thing,” said Roberts, whose “Every Last Child” – the story of an anti-polio campaign being waged in Pakistan against lethal Taliban resistance – opens in theaters Wednesday and holds an only slightly skewed mirror up to our own problems with inoculations and paranoia. “The resistance to vaccinations is based in an intense distrust of central authority,” said the veteran filmmaker, who directed “Every Last Child” for the Abu Dhabi-based Image Nation. “They feel there’s some kind of conspiracy against them -- religious, sociological, class. All vaccinations campaigns are fought by communities that are alienated from the central government. All those groups that fear or dislike or distrust central government resist the campaigns.” And why.
- 6/2/2015
- by John Anderson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Pioneering Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa ("From A To B") is reteaming with Image Nation Abu Dhabi on his next feature, "The Worthy," which will go into production later this year.
The "From A to B" director will be joined by Hollywood veterans Peter Safran ("The Conjuring," "Annabelle") and Steven Schneider ("Paranormal Activity," "Insidious") who have come on board to produce the project with Mostafa’s regional producer Rami Yasin ( Sea Shadow," "From A to B").
"The Worthy" is set in a dystopian future which has been plunged into chaos due to a chronic water shortage. The story follows a small group of survivors seeking refuge with the only clean remaining water source in the area. When two visitors infiltrate their compound, they soon become pawns in a test for survival, where only one of them shall be chosen worthy.
Ali Mostafa was joined by producer Rami Yasin and Image Nation’s head of narrative, Ben Ross in Cannes to make the announcement.
Mostafa said: “As the first action/thriller I’m directing, 'The Worth' is a new adventure for me. My producers, Peter and Steven, have produced some of the best genre movies ever made with critical and commercial hits such as 'The Conjuring' and 'Paranormal Activity.' They are really at the top of their game right now and their expertise will be invaluable on The Worthy so I’m excited to be working with them and with Image Nation again on 'The Worthy.'”
Producer Peter Safan said: “The film industry in Abu Dhabi is at an extremely exciting time in its development, I am looking forward to playing a small part in its growth by working on this fantastic film.”
Steven Schneider said about joining the project as a producer: “Image Nation is a pioneering force in the UAE community and Ali Mostafa is such a unique talent. I think we have an amazing team working on this project and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Mostafa’s last film "From A to B," co-produced by twofour54 and Image Nation, topping iTunes charts across the Middle East. The hit comedy drama is set to be released theatrically in the UK and Italy this year.
Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation, said of the upcoming project: “We’re so happy to be working with Ali Mostafa again on this exciting new genre film. He is a true talent and shares our vision for growing the local and regional film industry.”
Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation said: “Image Nation Abu Dhabi is able to create projects like this due to our unique ability to team Hollywood expertise with local talent.”
Image Nation has been ramping up its film and TV production output over the last year and recently wrapped its next feature film from first time feature Emirati director, Majid Al Ansari. "Zinzana" is set to release in the UAE this fall. The news follows the recent announcement that The Media Zone Authority is set to focus on new initiatives to further support local and Arab films and filmmakers.
Michael added: “This announcement comes at an exciting time as we prepare to enter a new era of filmmaking in the UAE and the region. To be announcing two huge productions with Emirati directors in such a short period of time is an incredible step and is reflective of how we are continuing to grow rapidly as a local industry.”
Earlier this week, Image Nation announced they will be fully financing James Ponsoldt’s upcoming feature adaptation of Dave Eggers’ contemporary thriller "The Circle" starring Tom Hanks and Alicia Vikander. The film will be presented by Image Nation in association with Parkes MacDonald Productions. The film is being produced by Hanks and Goetzman for Playtone, Anthony Bregman for Likely Story, and Ponsoldt.
Image Nation’s documentary slate includes the high-profile feature documentary "He Named Me Malala," directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth") and co-produced by Participant Media. Fox Searchlight will open the film in the U.S. on October 2. And directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom Roberts, "Every Last Child" follows the lives of five people caught up in the current Polio crisis in Pakistan. Zeitgeist Films releases "Every Last Child" in the U.S. from June 3, and the film recently screened as part of the Special Presentations lineup at the Hot Docs international documentary festival in Canada.
The "From A to B" director will be joined by Hollywood veterans Peter Safran ("The Conjuring," "Annabelle") and Steven Schneider ("Paranormal Activity," "Insidious") who have come on board to produce the project with Mostafa’s regional producer Rami Yasin ( Sea Shadow," "From A to B").
"The Worthy" is set in a dystopian future which has been plunged into chaos due to a chronic water shortage. The story follows a small group of survivors seeking refuge with the only clean remaining water source in the area. When two visitors infiltrate their compound, they soon become pawns in a test for survival, where only one of them shall be chosen worthy.
Ali Mostafa was joined by producer Rami Yasin and Image Nation’s head of narrative, Ben Ross in Cannes to make the announcement.
Mostafa said: “As the first action/thriller I’m directing, 'The Worth' is a new adventure for me. My producers, Peter and Steven, have produced some of the best genre movies ever made with critical and commercial hits such as 'The Conjuring' and 'Paranormal Activity.' They are really at the top of their game right now and their expertise will be invaluable on The Worthy so I’m excited to be working with them and with Image Nation again on 'The Worthy.'”
Producer Peter Safan said: “The film industry in Abu Dhabi is at an extremely exciting time in its development, I am looking forward to playing a small part in its growth by working on this fantastic film.”
Steven Schneider said about joining the project as a producer: “Image Nation is a pioneering force in the UAE community and Ali Mostafa is such a unique talent. I think we have an amazing team working on this project and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Mostafa’s last film "From A to B," co-produced by twofour54 and Image Nation, topping iTunes charts across the Middle East. The hit comedy drama is set to be released theatrically in the UK and Italy this year.
Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation, said of the upcoming project: “We’re so happy to be working with Ali Mostafa again on this exciting new genre film. He is a true talent and shares our vision for growing the local and regional film industry.”
Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation said: “Image Nation Abu Dhabi is able to create projects like this due to our unique ability to team Hollywood expertise with local talent.”
Image Nation has been ramping up its film and TV production output over the last year and recently wrapped its next feature film from first time feature Emirati director, Majid Al Ansari. "Zinzana" is set to release in the UAE this fall. The news follows the recent announcement that The Media Zone Authority is set to focus on new initiatives to further support local and Arab films and filmmakers.
Michael added: “This announcement comes at an exciting time as we prepare to enter a new era of filmmaking in the UAE and the region. To be announcing two huge productions with Emirati directors in such a short period of time is an incredible step and is reflective of how we are continuing to grow rapidly as a local industry.”
Earlier this week, Image Nation announced they will be fully financing James Ponsoldt’s upcoming feature adaptation of Dave Eggers’ contemporary thriller "The Circle" starring Tom Hanks and Alicia Vikander. The film will be presented by Image Nation in association with Parkes MacDonald Productions. The film is being produced by Hanks and Goetzman for Playtone, Anthony Bregman for Likely Story, and Ponsoldt.
Image Nation’s documentary slate includes the high-profile feature documentary "He Named Me Malala," directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth") and co-produced by Participant Media. Fox Searchlight will open the film in the U.S. on October 2. And directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom Roberts, "Every Last Child" follows the lives of five people caught up in the current Polio crisis in Pakistan. Zeitgeist Films releases "Every Last Child" in the U.S. from June 3, and the film recently screened as part of the Special Presentations lineup at the Hot Docs international documentary festival in Canada.
- 5/21/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Exclusive: Ex-Rezo sales chief unveils eclectic international slate.
Sebastien Chesneau has launched new sales company Cercamon aimed at quality independent titles from across the world.
It debut Cannes slate comprises Dalibor Matanic’s Un Certain Regard screener The High Sun as well as Tim Blake Nelson’s Tribeca title Anesthesia, Tom Roberts’ Every Last Child, Peter Sattler’s Camp X-Ray and Olmo Omerzu’s Family Film.
“Cercamon means world searcher in Occitan,” says the former Rezo Films International sales chief, referring to a Romance language spoken in Southern France.
“We plan to handle around eight films a year, 50% English-speaking films and 50% art-house films selected in A-list festivals,” said the sales veteran, who is based in Dubai, having moved there from Paris last year.
Sebastien Chesneau has launched new sales company Cercamon aimed at quality independent titles from across the world.
It debut Cannes slate comprises Dalibor Matanic’s Un Certain Regard screener The High Sun as well as Tim Blake Nelson’s Tribeca title Anesthesia, Tom Roberts’ Every Last Child, Peter Sattler’s Camp X-Ray and Olmo Omerzu’s Family Film.
“Cercamon means world searcher in Occitan,” says the former Rezo Films International sales chief, referring to a Romance language spoken in Southern France.
“We plan to handle around eight films a year, 50% English-speaking films and 50% art-house films selected in A-list festivals,” said the sales veteran, who is based in Dubai, having moved there from Paris last year.
- 5/15/2015
- ScreenDaily
Read More: Watch: Devastating Trailer for 'The Act Of Silence,' Follow-Up To 'The Act of Killing' Zeitgeist films has acquired all non-tv U.S. rights for Tom Roberts' film "Every Last Child," a collaboration with Image Nation Abu Dhabi following the current Polio crisis in Pakistan. With vaccination a recently controversial topic in the States, and many still shaken by fears from the recent Ebola outbreak, this documentary is a timely reminder of what an epidemic actually looks like. Though Polio was once nearly eradicated, it's now on the rise in some countries including Pakistan, where a ban against vaccination by the Taliban resulted in violence and a political and healthcare crisis Director Tom Roberts said the goal of the film is to "spread awareness internationally to help eradicate this crippling disease." Read More: How To Take A Digital Story And Give It Mainstream Appeal...
- 4/9/2015
- by Elizabeth Logan
- Indiewire
Kino Lorber has acquired all Us and Canadian rights from Le Pacte to Israeli film-maker Nadav Lapid’s The Kindergarten Teacher.
Lapid’s Franco-Israeli follow-up to Locarno 2011 Silver Leopard winner Policeman premiered in Cannes last year and screened recently at New Directors / New Films in New York.
The Kindergarten Teacher (pictured) centres on a fortysomething teacher in Tel Aviv who becomes obsessed with a five-year-old poetry prodigy.
The film will open at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on July 31 prior to nationwide roll-out in August and September
Zeitgeist Films has picked up all Us rights excluding TV from Cinetic Media to Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s documentary Every Last Child.
Director Tom Roberts explores the ongoing polio crisis in Pakistan and premiered recently at Doc NYC. Zeitgeist plans to release in select cities this summer. Cercamon handles international sales.
Lapid’s Franco-Israeli follow-up to Locarno 2011 Silver Leopard winner Policeman premiered in Cannes last year and screened recently at New Directors / New Films in New York.
The Kindergarten Teacher (pictured) centres on a fortysomething teacher in Tel Aviv who becomes obsessed with a five-year-old poetry prodigy.
The film will open at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on July 31 prior to nationwide roll-out in August and September
Zeitgeist Films has picked up all Us rights excluding TV from Cinetic Media to Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s documentary Every Last Child.
Director Tom Roberts explores the ongoing polio crisis in Pakistan and premiered recently at Doc NYC. Zeitgeist plans to release in select cities this summer. Cercamon handles international sales.
- 4/9/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Award season as come to a close, and we’ve all been witness to what is a historic unprecedented run for one urgent film. The ripple became a wave when we were on hand to witness Laura Poitras collect multiple awards at the Cinema Eye Honors, and as predicted, the Academy Awards capped off a historic awards season run with an Oscar win. Here is our roundup and recap of the previous month’s film festival and award season headlines related to the docu film world.
Academy Awards
While Citizenfour took home the award for best documentary of the year, Ellen Goosenberg Kent and Dana Perry’s Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 was given the Oscar for best short doc.
Berlin International Film Festival - Germany – February 5th – February 15th
When Darren Aronofsky and his presiding jury members announced the Berlinale winners, Patricio Guzmán’s long awaited follow-up to Nostalgia For The Light,...
Academy Awards
While Citizenfour took home the award for best documentary of the year, Ellen Goosenberg Kent and Dana Perry’s Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 was given the Oscar for best short doc.
Berlin International Film Festival - Germany – February 5th – February 15th
When Darren Aronofsky and his presiding jury members announced the Berlinale winners, Patricio Guzmán’s long awaited follow-up to Nostalgia For The Light,...
- 3/3/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Image Nation has revealed plans to create more locally-produced documentaries following the premiere of its first factual feature at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.
As One, a film chronicling the challenges faced by a group of autistic children in the UAE as they rehearsed for and performed a musical show, had its first public screening on Saturday (Oct 25).
Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation, said the Abu Dhabi-based film production company now plans to significantly invest in its portfolio of documentary films and series in coming years.
He also urged Emiratis to submit their ideas for subjects.
“Our aim is to help create a cadre of talent in the documentary field while also recording pieces of local history,” he said.
“We would encourage Emirati and Arab voices to come to us with ideas for films that should be made that capture key moments in time for the UAE.
“This country has many, many stories...
As One, a film chronicling the challenges faced by a group of autistic children in the UAE as they rehearsed for and performed a musical show, had its first public screening on Saturday (Oct 25).
Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation, said the Abu Dhabi-based film production company now plans to significantly invest in its portfolio of documentary films and series in coming years.
He also urged Emiratis to submit their ideas for subjects.
“Our aim is to help create a cadre of talent in the documentary field while also recording pieces of local history,” he said.
“We would encourage Emirati and Arab voices to come to us with ideas for films that should be made that capture key moments in time for the UAE.
“This country has many, many stories...
- 10/30/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
They often get quite a bit less attention than their fictional brethren, and it doesn’t help that many films fly under the radar while development and filming is underway. To chart this course with a little more precision, I’m launching Ioncinema.com’s latest feature, What’s Up Doc?, our monthly Top 50 Most Anticipated films, a sort of hitlist and/or snapshot of the most alluring, the most promising documentary film projects from the established documentarian guard, the new crop of future voices or the fiction filmmakers who on occasion dip their toes in the form. Curated by me, Jordan M. Smith, you’ll find docu items that are in their beginning stages to being moments away from their film festival berth. Like any such list, we can expect film items to fluctuate in ranking, with the cut-off being publicly items — such recent examples include Laura Poitras’s white hot Edward Snowden project,...
- 10/23/2014
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
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.