Born without legs in October 1987 and immediately abandoned at the hospital by her biological parents, Jen Bricker was adopted by a small-town Illinois couple — who already had three boys — and raised to believe she could do anything she put her mind to. Her parents, Gerald and Sharon, gently encouraged their daughter to remove the word “can’t” from her vocabulary, and so Bricker never thought twice about playing with or competing against the other kids at her school.
She excelled across a variety of different sports, but her greatest passion was reserved for gymnastics. Obsessed from the moment she first saw future gold medalist Dominique Moceanu perform one of her floor routines on TV, Bricker devoted herself to becoming a brilliant power tumbler, and when she was 11 she placed fourth in the Aau Junior Olympic Games despite being the only disabled athlete in competition.
Based on that remarkable saga of persistence and possibility,...
She excelled across a variety of different sports, but her greatest passion was reserved for gymnastics. Obsessed from the moment she first saw future gold medalist Dominique Moceanu perform one of her floor routines on TV, Bricker devoted herself to becoming a brilliant power tumbler, and when she was 11 she placed fourth in the Aau Junior Olympic Games despite being the only disabled athlete in competition.
Based on that remarkable saga of persistence and possibility,...
- 3/13/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
One-half of Barbenheimer has been available on digital platforms for weeks, and now the equation is complete. Releasing the other half on a long holiday weekend is a smart strategy because it restores momentum as a deluge of fall prestige titles premiere in theaters and online.
The contender to watch this week: “Oppenheimer“
At long last, Oppy has come home. Christopher Nolan‘s colossal biopic about atomic-bomb daddy J. Robert Oppenheimer is available on VOD, right in time for an Oscar contest that’s fully aflame. The blockbuster’s likely nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Score (Ludwig Göransson), and Best Sound. Gather the whole family for three hours of thrilling post-turkey physics.
Other contenders:
“Joan Baez: I Am a Noise”: The pop documentaries that flood streaming services today are often undercooked PR exercises without enough critical distance from their subjects,...
The contender to watch this week: “Oppenheimer“
At long last, Oppy has come home. Christopher Nolan‘s colossal biopic about atomic-bomb daddy J. Robert Oppenheimer is available on VOD, right in time for an Oscar contest that’s fully aflame. The blockbuster’s likely nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Score (Ludwig Göransson), and Best Sound. Gather the whole family for three hours of thrilling post-turkey physics.
Other contenders:
“Joan Baez: I Am a Noise”: The pop documentaries that flood streaming services today are often undercooked PR exercises without enough critical distance from their subjects,...
- 11/25/2023
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Gold Derby
Tickled director David Farrier started investigating the man clamping cars in his neighborhood, and ended up in a toxic film-maker-subject relationship
It’s been 10 years since David Farrier, a New Zealand journalist and documentarian, first heard about his neighborhood car menace. In 2013, a co-worker tearfully reported that she accidentally parked her car in the lot for a store called Bashford Antiques, in the Auckland neighborhood of Ponsonby (which Farrier describes as “the Beverly Hills of Auckland”), only to return to a tow truck with a pugilistic operator and a steep ransom. After hours of negotiation, she paid $250 for her car.
At the time, there was no cap on the amount one could demand for a car parked on private property, and the people at Bashford Antiques were especially enthusiastic exploiters. Clamping – in which someone arrests the wheels of an easily misparked car for a ransom of hundreds of dollars – became...
It’s been 10 years since David Farrier, a New Zealand journalist and documentarian, first heard about his neighborhood car menace. In 2013, a co-worker tearfully reported that she accidentally parked her car in the lot for a store called Bashford Antiques, in the Auckland neighborhood of Ponsonby (which Farrier describes as “the Beverly Hills of Auckland”), only to return to a tow truck with a pugilistic operator and a steep ransom. After hours of negotiation, she paid $250 for her car.
At the time, there was no cap on the amount one could demand for a car parked on private property, and the people at Bashford Antiques were especially enthusiastic exploiters. Clamping – in which someone arrests the wheels of an easily misparked car for a ransom of hundreds of dollars – became...
- 10/5/2023
- by Adrian Horton
- The Guardian - Film News
"He's a very dangerous man." Drafthouse Films has revealed a new US trailer for a wacky weird, strange documentary film titled Mister Organ, the latest from New Zealand journalist / director David Farrier. This premiered at last year's Fantastic Fest in Austin and we featured the original trailer back then. Some will remember Farrier's previous doc film Tickled, another deep dive into a strange and unexplainable world of tickling, which he followed up with the "Dark Tourist" series. In this new doc, Farrier is drawn into a game of cat and mouse with a mysterious individual - a man creating havoc in his own neighborhood, wheel clamping cars at a local antique store. Delving deeper he unearths a trail of court cases, royal bloodlines and ruined lives, in this true story of psychological warfare. Who is this guy?! What a wacko. I am such a huge fan of David Farrier! Reviews...
- 9/12/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
David Farrier is a filmmaker who has already found himself discovering more than he expected with his breakout hit documentary, “Tickled,” which dove deep into the incredibly strange and shocking world of competitive tickling. However, he seems to have inadvertently stumbled into another twisty story with his upcoming doc, “Mister Organ.”
Read More: ‘Mister Organ’ Review: David Farrier Bites Off More Than He Can Chew In Excellent New Doc [Fantastic Fest]
As seen in the new trailer for the film, “Mister Organ” begins as an investigative documentary about a business in Farrier’s neighborhood with a number of questions.
Continue reading ‘Mister Organ’ Trailer: The Director Of ‘Tickled’ Returns With Another Shocking Doc at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘Mister Organ’ Review: David Farrier Bites Off More Than He Can Chew In Excellent New Doc [Fantastic Fest]
As seen in the new trailer for the film, “Mister Organ” begins as an investigative documentary about a business in Farrier’s neighborhood with a number of questions.
Continue reading ‘Mister Organ’ Trailer: The Director Of ‘Tickled’ Returns With Another Shocking Doc at The Playlist.
- 9/11/2023
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
David Farrier's documentary, Mister Organ, opens in theaters on October 6th in NY and LA. It will expand nationwide across the U.S. and Canada from October 13th. The doc's distributor, Drafthouse Films, has released a new trailer for the U.S. release. Check it out down below. Intrepid journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose previous film Tickled became a global sensation for exposing the dark underbelly of competitive endurance tickling, faces off against his greatest foe yet in Mister Organ, an enthralling and bizarre tale that finds Farrier in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious con man who is wreaking havoc on his neighborhood. Our own Kurt caught Mister Organ when the doc played at Calgary Undergound earlier this year....
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/11/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Drafthouse Films has acquired three films that it will release theatrically in U.S. theaters followed by digital releases across major streaming platforms.
They include “Mister Organ,” a documentary from journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose 2016 film “Tickled” explored the dark underbelly of “competitive endurance tickling,” will be released in theaters this fall. As he turns his camera on another stranger than fiction story, Farrier finds himself caught in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious character who expertly manipulates the lives of anyone who dares to expose his secrets. The film, Produced by Ant Timpson and Firefly Films’ Emma Slade and Alex Reed, was a critical and audience favorite at Fantastic Fest 2022, and has become a box office hit in Farrier’s native New Zealand.
“I am incredibly happy to be working with Drafthouse Films,” said Farrier “Watching this funny, disturbing, and deeply weird documentary...
They include “Mister Organ,” a documentary from journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose 2016 film “Tickled” explored the dark underbelly of “competitive endurance tickling,” will be released in theaters this fall. As he turns his camera on another stranger than fiction story, Farrier finds himself caught in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious character who expertly manipulates the lives of anyone who dares to expose his secrets. The film, Produced by Ant Timpson and Firefly Films’ Emma Slade and Alex Reed, was a critical and audience favorite at Fantastic Fest 2022, and has become a box office hit in Farrier’s native New Zealand.
“I am incredibly happy to be working with Drafthouse Films,” said Farrier “Watching this funny, disturbing, and deeply weird documentary...
- 5/16/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
David Farrier does not like bullies. He cannot abide liars. And I dare guess that he is not a fan of litigious revenge either. The New Zealand journalist turned filmmaker has a particular knack for sussing out the strange people who embody a combination of all three of these things. He meticulously, and beguilingly, gives shadowy bullies the full investigative treatment. I felt that his previous documentary, Tickled, about the doxxing, exploitive groomer David D'Amato, a man of inherited wealth behind an international "Competitive Tickling League," was a once-in-a-lifetime sinister rabbit hole to fall into. Mister Organ proves that lightning can strike the same place twice. And that place happens to be where David Farrier is sitting. After writing a series of pieces on the...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/23/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Daily Dead is proud to return as one of the sponsors for this year's Overlook Film Festival, taking place March 30th–April 2nd in New Orleans, and following their initial lineup announcement last month, Overlook has now announced their full schedule for their 2023 edition that's brimming with must-see screenings, eerie events, and immersive experiences, including a 40th anniversary screening of David Cronenberg's adaptation of Stephen King's The Dead Zone and a special introduction of William Castle's The Tingler from David Dastmalchian's TV horror host persona, Dr. Bartholomew Fearless!
We have the official press release with additional details below, and be sure to visit Overlook Film Festival's official website for more information!
Press Release: March 14, 2023 | New Orleans, LA – The Overlook Film Festival released today the full schedule for its upcoming 2023 edition, taking place March 30 – April 2 in America’s most haunted city, New Orleans, LA. The festival schedule is now live at overlookfilmfest.
We have the official press release with additional details below, and be sure to visit Overlook Film Festival's official website for more information!
Press Release: March 14, 2023 | New Orleans, LA – The Overlook Film Festival released today the full schedule for its upcoming 2023 edition, taking place March 30 – April 2 in America’s most haunted city, New Orleans, LA. The festival schedule is now live at overlookfilmfest.
- 3/14/2023
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
David Farrier’s documentaries often land somewhere between small-town Louis Theroux, and balls-to-the-wall David Fincher. Disarming, honest, human, but as tense as any straight-up serial killer thriller from the past three decades. They go well beyond the usual Netflix true crime slush pile in just how numbingly straight Farrier plays them too, casting a naive-leaning, charmingly candid version of himself in the lead. An investigative journalist who’s fallen down a rabbit hole so deep and bizarre, the only way out is with a camera. And a prestigious festival tour.
His subjects aren’t exactly baby-eating monsters either. Although his latest, a slightly rambunctious car clamper called either Michael Organ or Count Micheal Organe, depending on what side of the bed he wakes up on on that day, lands as just as threatening.
Farrier’s first feature since his 2016 breakout Tickled, Mister Organ is just about as messy and inconclusive as its subject.
His subjects aren’t exactly baby-eating monsters either. Although his latest, a slightly rambunctious car clamper called either Michael Organ or Count Micheal Organe, depending on what side of the bed he wakes up on on that day, lands as just as threatening.
Farrier’s first feature since his 2016 breakout Tickled, Mister Organ is just about as messy and inconclusive as its subject.
- 3/7/2023
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
David Farrier has made his mark in the past several years with documentaries with off-beat subjects like 2016’s “Tickled” and his 2018 Netflix series “Dark Tourist.” Now, he’s back with his latest feature, “Mister Organ,” about perhaps his most weirdest subject yet.
Read More: Fantastic Fest 2022 Lineup: New Films From Luca Guadagnino, Park Chan-wook, Martin McDonagh, & More Added To The Event
The upcoming doc follows Farrier as he becomes interested in the titular Michael Organ, a wheel clamper in New Zealand.
Continue reading ‘Mister Organ’ Trailer: David Farrier’s Goes Down The Rabbit Hole Again With New Doc Premiering At Fantastic Fest at The Playlist.
Read More: Fantastic Fest 2022 Lineup: New Films From Luca Guadagnino, Park Chan-wook, Martin McDonagh, & More Added To The Event
The upcoming doc follows Farrier as he becomes interested in the titular Michael Organ, a wheel clamper in New Zealand.
Continue reading ‘Mister Organ’ Trailer: David Farrier’s Goes Down The Rabbit Hole Again With New Doc Premiering At Fantastic Fest at The Playlist.
- 9/21/2022
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Global distributor, producer and streamer Mubi has snapped up major European markets for hot Sundance title “Pleasure,” which delves into the world of the porn industry in Los Angeles.
The service has acquired all rights to the provocative film in the U.K., Ireland, Italy and Turkey. Directed by Ninja Thyberg, the film recently received its world premiere as part of Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Starring newcomer Sofia Kappel, “Pleasure” tells the story of a young woman (Bella Cherry) who moves from a small town in Sweden to Los Angeles in pursuit of stardom, and lands squarely in the porn industry. Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman praised “Pleasure” in his review, calling it an “intentionally stark” and “disturbingly authentic” look at what the porn industry has become.
“A movie like ‘Pleasure’ jerks the skeevy, compulsive porn world out of the closet in a way that few movies have,...
The service has acquired all rights to the provocative film in the U.K., Ireland, Italy and Turkey. Directed by Ninja Thyberg, the film recently received its world premiere as part of Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Starring newcomer Sofia Kappel, “Pleasure” tells the story of a young woman (Bella Cherry) who moves from a small town in Sweden to Los Angeles in pursuit of stardom, and lands squarely in the porn industry. Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman praised “Pleasure” in his review, calling it an “intentionally stark” and “disturbingly authentic” look at what the porn industry has become.
“A movie like ‘Pleasure’ jerks the skeevy, compulsive porn world out of the closet in a way that few movies have,...
- 2/9/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Arthouse streaming service Mubi has snapped up rights to Toronto International Film Festival title “Shiva Baby” for the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, India, Turkey and Latin America.
Written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Emma Seligman, “Shiva Baby” follows a young bisexual Jewish woman at a shiva — a mourning tradition in the Jewish community — at which she must confront her over-achieving ex-girlfriend as well as her sugar daddy, his girlfriend and their baby.
Utopia Media boarded the film ahead of its Toronto premiere.
“Shiva Baby” — which began life as a short written and directed by Seligman while studying film at New York University — screened in the narrative feature competition at SXSW, and received its public premiere at last month’s TIFF. Variety critic Tomris Laffly said of the movie, “Think of this late-coming-of-age farce as a funny ‘Krisha’ or the indoor apocalypse that takes place in ‘Mother!’ — but with broken glass objects,...
Written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Emma Seligman, “Shiva Baby” follows a young bisexual Jewish woman at a shiva — a mourning tradition in the Jewish community — at which she must confront her over-achieving ex-girlfriend as well as her sugar daddy, his girlfriend and their baby.
Utopia Media boarded the film ahead of its Toronto premiere.
“Shiva Baby” — which began life as a short written and directed by Seligman while studying film at New York University — screened in the narrative feature competition at SXSW, and received its public premiere at last month’s TIFF. Variety critic Tomris Laffly said of the movie, “Think of this late-coming-of-age farce as a funny ‘Krisha’ or the indoor apocalypse that takes place in ‘Mother!’ — but with broken glass objects,...
- 10/8/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance winner and upcoming BFI London Film Festival title “Farewell Amor” will bow in December on curated streaming service Mubi.
Mubi has acquired worldwide VOD rights, excluding North America, Africa, China and Israel, on the film. IFC has acquired the North America rights.
Producer Huriyyah Muhammad won the Sundance Institute/Amazon Studios Producers Award for narrative features at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film received its world premiere in the U.S. dramatic competition section in January. It will play at the BFI London Film Festival’s ‘Love’ strand in October.
Written and directed by feature debutant and Sundance Institute fellow Ekwa Msangi, the film follows an Angolan immigrant reunited with his family in New York City after 17 years. Now strangers sharing a one-bedroom apartment, they discover a shared love of dance that may help them overcome the distance between them.
Stars include Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (“Blood Diamond...
Mubi has acquired worldwide VOD rights, excluding North America, Africa, China and Israel, on the film. IFC has acquired the North America rights.
Producer Huriyyah Muhammad won the Sundance Institute/Amazon Studios Producers Award for narrative features at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film received its world premiere in the U.S. dramatic competition section in January. It will play at the BFI London Film Festival’s ‘Love’ strand in October.
Written and directed by feature debutant and Sundance Institute fellow Ekwa Msangi, the film follows an Angolan immigrant reunited with his family in New York City after 17 years. Now strangers sharing a one-bedroom apartment, they discover a shared love of dance that may help them overcome the distance between them.
Stars include Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (“Blood Diamond...
- 9/21/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Josh Braun, producer of some of the best documentaries in the world, joins Josh and Joe to discuss the movies that have influenced him throughout his life.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man On Wire (2008)
The Cove (2009)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Encounters At The End of the World (2007)
Winnebago Man (2009)
Spellbound (2002)
Supersize Me (2004)
Tell Me Who I Am (2019)
Apollo 11 (2019)
The Edge of Democracy (2019)
Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Searching For Sugarman (2012)
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Frat House (1998)
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003)
The Exorcist (1973)
Go West (1940)
A Night In Casablanca (1946)
Hello Down There (1974)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
El Topo (1970)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Female Trouble (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Monterey Pop (1968)
Grey Gardens (1975)
Grey Gardens (2009)
Titicut Follies (1967)
To Have And Have Not (1944)
All About Eve...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man On Wire (2008)
The Cove (2009)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Encounters At The End of the World (2007)
Winnebago Man (2009)
Spellbound (2002)
Supersize Me (2004)
Tell Me Who I Am (2019)
Apollo 11 (2019)
The Edge of Democracy (2019)
Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Searching For Sugarman (2012)
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Frat House (1998)
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003)
The Exorcist (1973)
Go West (1940)
A Night In Casablanca (1946)
Hello Down There (1974)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
El Topo (1970)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Female Trouble (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Monterey Pop (1968)
Grey Gardens (1975)
Grey Gardens (2009)
Titicut Follies (1967)
To Have And Have Not (1944)
All About Eve...
- 7/21/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
As social distancing, shuttered theaters, and self-quarantine become daily life, chances are you’ve turned to your plethora of streaming services to quell the boredom. But there’s more to life than Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+: several niche streaming services are offering free trials and discounts, giving you plenty of offbeat and hard-to-find content choices. Among them is horror specialist Shudder, British-focused Acorn TV, nonfiction purveyor Dox, and Sundance Now.
IndieWire has compiled a list of services currently offering discounts and free trials, along with some of their most notable offerings, and will update it with any new additions. Also included are other streaming services that regularly offer free trials.
More from IndieWireThe Best Movies New to Every Major Streaming Platform in February 2020A Mysterious Plane Crash Unravels Into Global Conspiracy in 'Cold Case Hammarskjöld' Doc -- Exclusive Clip Shudder
The offer: 30 days free with promo code...
IndieWire has compiled a list of services currently offering discounts and free trials, along with some of their most notable offerings, and will update it with any new additions. Also included are other streaming services that regularly offer free trials.
More from IndieWireThe Best Movies New to Every Major Streaming Platform in February 2020A Mysterious Plane Crash Unravels Into Global Conspiracy in 'Cold Case Hammarskjöld' Doc -- Exclusive Clip Shudder
The offer: 30 days free with promo code...
- 3/18/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
New Indie
Filmmakers have made the case that, instead of going to film school, young would-be directors might be better off just listening to director commentaries. And if that’s the educational route you’ve chosen, two of today’s most interesting directors are telling all on new Blu-ray releases. Want to know more about how Barry Jenkins brought James Baldwin’s powerful novel “If Beale Street Could Talk” (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) to the big screen, or how Karyn Kusama crafted the bleak neo-noir “Destroyer” (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)? They tell all on these essential new releases.
Also available: S. Craig Zahler is at it again with “Dragged Across Concrete” (Lionsgate), a cops-gone-rogue heist saga starring Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson.
See Photo: See Nicole Kidman's Extreme Transformation for Karyn Kusama's Cop Thriller 'Destroyer'
New Foreign
Few directors in the history of cinema have...
Filmmakers have made the case that, instead of going to film school, young would-be directors might be better off just listening to director commentaries. And if that’s the educational route you’ve chosen, two of today’s most interesting directors are telling all on new Blu-ray releases. Want to know more about how Barry Jenkins brought James Baldwin’s powerful novel “If Beale Street Could Talk” (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) to the big screen, or how Karyn Kusama crafted the bleak neo-noir “Destroyer” (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)? They tell all on these essential new releases.
Also available: S. Craig Zahler is at it again with “Dragged Across Concrete” (Lionsgate), a cops-gone-rogue heist saga starring Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson.
See Photo: See Nicole Kidman's Extreme Transformation for Karyn Kusama's Cop Thriller 'Destroyer'
New Foreign
Few directors in the history of cinema have...
- 4/26/2019
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
February is here, which means Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Hulu is offering traditional fare (think Kleenex and chocolates) like the Sandra Bullock-led rom-com “While You Were Sleeping,” as well as “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Moonstruck,” and “Barefoot.”
Why stop at romantic relationships though? Celebrate Galentine’s Day, the Feb. 13 “holiday” popularized by “Parks and Recreation,” which honors women and female friendship. Check out the thrilling “Thelma & Louise” or “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” and for campy reality TV fun, watch women fight and make up on “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
Hulu has also brought out a spate of James Bond films, so get yourself a martini and marathon “Dr. No,” “From Russia With Love,” and “Thunderball,” all the way up to “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
Additionally, recent critically acclaimed movies available on the platform this month include the dark comedy western “The Sisters Brothers,...
Why stop at romantic relationships though? Celebrate Galentine’s Day, the Feb. 13 “holiday” popularized by “Parks and Recreation,” which honors women and female friendship. Check out the thrilling “Thelma & Louise” or “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” and for campy reality TV fun, watch women fight and make up on “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
Hulu has also brought out a spate of James Bond films, so get yourself a martini and marathon “Dr. No,” “From Russia With Love,” and “Thunderball,” all the way up to “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
Additionally, recent critically acclaimed movies available on the platform this month include the dark comedy western “The Sisters Brothers,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
For better or worse, the last few years have seen a sizable influx of twist-dependent documentaries: Non-fiction odysseys that start as one thing and then — due to an ominous circumstance of some kind — suddenly veer in an unexpected new direction, these films tend to dig their own rabbit holes and then gain narrative traction from the gravity of plummeting down them. Looking at the success of recent examples like “Catfish,” “Tickled,” and even last year’s “Three Identical Strangers” (which might be a bit less coy about its big reveal), it seems that “Wtf!” has become an increasingly desirable reaction in a culture that fears and fetishizes spoilers in equal measure.
“Cold Case Hammarskjöld” is far and away the best and most shocking of these films. It’s the only one in which the big “twist” has genuine real-world implications that stretch beyond the story at hand, and the only...
“Cold Case Hammarskjöld” is far and away the best and most shocking of these films. It’s the only one in which the big “twist” has genuine real-world implications that stretch beyond the story at hand, and the only...
- 1/29/2019
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Whether a feature or a bug, one of the central aspects of the Netflix documentary series “Somebody Feed Phil” is that host Phil Rosenthal is an unabashed outsider. Going to places he doesn’t understand with an open mind and an open palate, it’s a celebration of global cuisine from the point of view of somebody who is experiencing everything for the first time. It’s an approach that works for that show, but it’s strange to see that same humor and surface-level fascination in service of something with far more dramatic weight than a snack from a street vendor.
David Farrier’s new series “Dark Tourist” takes a broad categorization of unconventional global tourist destinations and approaches them with the same voyeuristic tone and format, treating a whole host of global oddities as a set of minor curiosities. The result is a slippery documentary exercise that never...
David Farrier’s new series “Dark Tourist” takes a broad categorization of unconventional global tourist destinations and approaches them with the same voyeuristic tone and format, treating a whole host of global oddities as a set of minor curiosities. The result is a slippery documentary exercise that never...
- 7/20/2018
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
We should have known that the bizarre story behind “Tickled” wouldn’t stop with either the film’s release or its subject’s death. Months after David D’Amato — the man behind the Competitive Endurance Tickling empire that David Farrier and Dylan Reeve delve into in their compelling documentary — died, some continue to wonder: Did he really?
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Directors React to David D’Amato’s Death: It ‘Has Hit Us Pretty Hard’
The two filmmakers put that conspiracy theory to rest in a new article for the Spinoff, writing unequivocally that “D’Amato has indeed died” and even going so far as to provide a copy of his death certificate. With that cleared up, however, they’re left to question how his company Jane O’Brien Media persists now that its founder has departed this mortal coil.
As with everything else related to this endlessly strange saga, the...
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Directors React to David D’Amato’s Death: It ‘Has Hit Us Pretty Hard’
The two filmmakers put that conspiracy theory to rest in a new article for the Spinoff, writing unequivocally that “D’Amato has indeed died” and even going so far as to provide a copy of his death certificate. With that cleared up, however, they’re left to question how his company Jane O’Brien Media persists now that its founder has departed this mortal coil.
As with everything else related to this endlessly strange saga, the...
- 6/18/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
David D’Amato, the subject of the documentary “Tickled,” “died suddenly” on March 13. On March 18, the “Tickled” filmmakers, David Farrier and Dylan Reeve, released a statement on their website which includes a poignant message about the complicated antagonist of their film.
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Doc Creator Involved In Heated Confrontation With Film’s Subjects At L.A. Premiere — Watch
The directors show compassion for D’Amato, and recount their tumultuous relationship with him. Read Farrier & Reeve’s statement in full below:
Statement on Death of David D’Amato
We are incredibly sad to learn that David P D’Amato, the subject of Tickled, has passed away.
We don’t know any specific details about his death at this time.
David D’Amato has been a part of our lives for around three years now – a very unusual three years – and despite the various lawsuits he brought against us, this news...
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Doc Creator Involved In Heated Confrontation With Film’s Subjects At L.A. Premiere — Watch
The directors show compassion for D’Amato, and recount their tumultuous relationship with him. Read Farrier & Reeve’s statement in full below:
Statement on Death of David D’Amato
We are incredibly sad to learn that David P D’Amato, the subject of Tickled, has passed away.
We don’t know any specific details about his death at this time.
David D’Amato has been a part of our lives for around three years now – a very unusual three years – and despite the various lawsuits he brought against us, this news...
- 3/18/2017
- by William Earl
- Indiewire
David D’Amato, the antagonist in David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s documentary “Tickled,” has passed away. An obituary published in The New York Times reveals the 55-year-old “died suddenly” on March 13. No other details of his passing are provided.
D’Amato gained notoriety as the elusive subject of Farrier and Reeve’s investigation into and the subsequent documentary on Jane O’Brien Media, a company that produces “competitive tickling” fetish videos featuring young, athletic male participants. The duo alleges that D’Amato ran and funded the company, which allegedly intimidated the subjects of the videos if they did not comply with specific demands. D’Amato denied that he was affiliated with the company, but a slew of documents revealed during the investigations appear to tie him directly to the business.
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Directors React to David D’Amato’s Death: It ‘Has Hit Us Pretty Hard’
At the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Tickled,...
D’Amato gained notoriety as the elusive subject of Farrier and Reeve’s investigation into and the subsequent documentary on Jane O’Brien Media, a company that produces “competitive tickling” fetish videos featuring young, athletic male participants. The duo alleges that D’Amato ran and funded the company, which allegedly intimidated the subjects of the videos if they did not comply with specific demands. D’Amato denied that he was affiliated with the company, but a slew of documents revealed during the investigations appear to tie him directly to the business.
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Directors React to David D’Amato’s Death: It ‘Has Hit Us Pretty Hard’
At the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Tickled,...
- 3/18/2017
- by William Earl
- Indiewire
Joey Moser talks to Tickled director David Farrier about his infamous documentary and its follow-up The Tickle King, now showing on HBO. This post originally appeared on AwardsDaily TV by Joey Moser.
- 3/7/2017
- by Clarence Moye
- AwardsDaily.com
With “The Wire,” “Treme” and “Show Me a Hero” all in the books, David Simon is ready to drop “The Deuce” on eager audiences. His latest HBO series takes a look at the porn industry circa the 1970s, with James Franco (in dual roles) and Maggie Gyllenhaal leading the way. Entertainment Weekly has the first two images from the show, one of which you can see below.
Read More: HBO Orders David Simon’s Porn-World Drama ‘The Deuce’ Starring James Franco & Maggie Gyllenhaal To Series
Franco plays two brothers: Vincent and Frankie Martino, who played a role in the rise of adult entertainment in New York; he also directed two episodes. Gyllenhaal, meanwhile, plays a prostitute named Candy. “The stereotypes and ideas we have about prostitutes and people who work in porn are too vague,” the actress tells EW. “I hope that this show, in a way, shines a bright...
Read More: HBO Orders David Simon’s Porn-World Drama ‘The Deuce’ Starring James Franco & Maggie Gyllenhaal To Series
Franco plays two brothers: Vincent and Frankie Martino, who played a role in the rise of adult entertainment in New York; he also directed two episodes. Gyllenhaal, meanwhile, plays a prostitute named Candy. “The stereotypes and ideas we have about prostitutes and people who work in porn are too vague,” the actress tells EW. “I hope that this show, in a way, shines a bright...
- 3/2/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
“Animals” is back, baby!
When HBO’s subversive animated comedy returns March 17, rats Phil and Mike (series creators Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano) are back for more adventures that appear to include… well, using a human baby with wrestler Sting’s signature face painting, which of course he had lifted from “The Crow.”
Read More: The Most Significant TV Animals of 2016
The series will also delve into the worlds of squirrels, gorillas, earthworms and what looks like green algae. As usual, a huge cast of guest stars will voice the critters, including “Game of Thrones” khaleesi Emilia Clarke, Fred Armisen, Ice-t, Dan Harmon, RuPaul, Kim Gordon, Mark Duplass, Judy Greer and strangely, cook Rachael Ray. Take a look at the official trailer for Season 2
Produced by Mark and Jay Duplass, “Animals” premiered at the 2015 Sundance film festival before HBO picked up the comedy for two full seasons. Season 1 debuted February 5 on HBO,...
When HBO’s subversive animated comedy returns March 17, rats Phil and Mike (series creators Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano) are back for more adventures that appear to include… well, using a human baby with wrestler Sting’s signature face painting, which of course he had lifted from “The Crow.”
Read More: The Most Significant TV Animals of 2016
The series will also delve into the worlds of squirrels, gorillas, earthworms and what looks like green algae. As usual, a huge cast of guest stars will voice the critters, including “Game of Thrones” khaleesi Emilia Clarke, Fred Armisen, Ice-t, Dan Harmon, RuPaul, Kim Gordon, Mark Duplass, Judy Greer and strangely, cook Rachael Ray. Take a look at the official trailer for Season 2
Produced by Mark and Jay Duplass, “Animals” premiered at the 2015 Sundance film festival before HBO picked up the comedy for two full seasons. Season 1 debuted February 5 on HBO,...
- 3/1/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Obamacare was given the signature John Oliver rant/explainer treatment on Sunday night’s “Last Week Tonight,” and it got his goat.
Specifically, Oliver broke down how the health care act has been the “bane of Republicans’ existence,” to the point that one even compared the Affordable Care Act to a rampaging goat in his house that had to be evicted before proceeding with renovations.
Read More: John Oliver ‘Slightly Concerned’ About His Immigration Status After Trump’s Travel Ban
The problem is that goat has been saving people’s lives (see picture above for the metaphor embodied), and now Republicans are facing angry constituents at town halls demanding why the very thing that is keeping them alive and with a roof over their heads is going to be taken away.
He also broke down some of Paul Ryan’s talking points for ideas that may make it into the Republicans’ replacement plan,...
Specifically, Oliver broke down how the health care act has been the “bane of Republicans’ existence,” to the point that one even compared the Affordable Care Act to a rampaging goat in his house that had to be evicted before proceeding with renovations.
Read More: John Oliver ‘Slightly Concerned’ About His Immigration Status After Trump’s Travel Ban
The problem is that goat has been saving people’s lives (see picture above for the metaphor embodied), and now Republicans are facing angry constituents at town halls demanding why the very thing that is keeping them alive and with a roof over their heads is going to be taken away.
He also broke down some of Paul Ryan’s talking points for ideas that may make it into the Republicans’ replacement plan,...
- 2/27/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
The strange saga of David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s fascinating and controversial documentary “Tickled” didn’t end once the filmmakers stopped filming in 2015. When Farrier, a well-known New Zealand entertainment journalist, first started researching the world of “competitive endurance tickling” for a piece, he soon discovered a bizarre entertainment underworld populated by both true tickling enthusiasts and shady dealers who weren’t eager to have their activities at the center of a buzzy documentary.
“Tickled,” which premiered at Sundance in 2016, is as much about Farrier and Reeve attempting to understand the “sport” of tickling as it is about the filmmakers being threatened, harassed and bullied by various representatives of Jane O’Brien Media, who host competitive tickling events and then record them for internet dispersal. Even when production ended, the Jane O’Brien reps persisted, popping at “Tickled” screenings at Sundance, True/False and other public venues.
Read More:...
“Tickled,” which premiered at Sundance in 2016, is as much about Farrier and Reeve attempting to understand the “sport” of tickling as it is about the filmmakers being threatened, harassed and bullied by various representatives of Jane O’Brien Media, who host competitive tickling events and then record them for internet dispersal. Even when production ended, the Jane O’Brien reps persisted, popping at “Tickled” screenings at Sundance, True/False and other public venues.
Read More:...
- 2/24/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Currently in the thick of the United States immigration crisis, Evgeny Afineevsky’s (“Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom”) latest HBO documentary “Cries From Syria” is desperately needed. The film is set to air on HBO on March 13 at 1o p.m. with a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles on March 3 and New York on March 10.
Read More: Sundance 2017: HBO Acquires War Documentary ‘Cries From Syria’
The official synopsis states, “‘Cries From Syria’ is a searing, comprehensive account of the Syrian war from the inside out. The film draws on hundreds of hours of war footage from Syrian activists and citizen journalists, as well as testimony from child protestors, revolution leaders, human rights defenders, ordinary citizens and high-ranking army generals who have defected from the government. Their collective stories are a cry for attention and help from a world that little understands their reality or agrees...
Read More: Sundance 2017: HBO Acquires War Documentary ‘Cries From Syria’
The official synopsis states, “‘Cries From Syria’ is a searing, comprehensive account of the Syrian war from the inside out. The film draws on hundreds of hours of war footage from Syrian activists and citizen journalists, as well as testimony from child protestors, revolution leaders, human rights defenders, ordinary citizens and high-ranking army generals who have defected from the government. Their collective stories are a cry for attention and help from a world that little understands their reality or agrees...
- 2/23/2017
- by Kerry Levielle
- Indiewire
David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s documentary Tickled is ostensibly about the “competitive endurance tickling” scene, but that doesn’t really capture just how surprising and weird the film truly is. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, HBO will be airing Tickled on February 27 (at which point it will also hit HBO Now and HBO Go), but even if you have seen it, HBO will be throwing in a special bonus to give you even more information about the ridiculous world of Tickled.
According IndieWire, HBO’s presentation of Tickled will be accompanied by The Tickle King, a 20-minute follow-up made up of never-before-seen footage It will reportedly involve the “bizarre and unsettling things” that happened to Farrier and Reeve as the began taking Tickled to film festivals and theaters last year, and it will feature the two of them beginning to “answer questions that remained once the ...
According IndieWire, HBO’s presentation of Tickled will be accompanied by The Tickle King, a 20-minute follow-up made up of never-before-seen footage It will reportedly involve the “bizarre and unsettling things” that happened to Farrier and Reeve as the began taking Tickled to film festivals and theaters last year, and it will feature the two of them beginning to “answer questions that remained once the ...
- 2/7/2017
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
HBO is pulling out all the stops when it comes to their broadcast debut of David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s fascinating, uncomfortable and fascinatingly uncomfortable “Tickled.” The Sundance documentary will bow on the cable outfit on Monday, February 27, where it will be accompanied by a brand new special entitled “The Tickle King,” which includes 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage.
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Doc Creator Involved In Heated Confrontation With Film’s Subjects At L.A. Premiere — Watch
“Tickled” chronicles Farrier’s bizarre interactions with the world of “competitive endurance tickling,” a “sport” he discovered online and one that features young men who are paid to be tied up and tickled for a series of increasingly strange videos. But it’s not the existence of the videos or the sport that drive “Tickled,” it’s Farrier’s wholly unexpected interactions with the people who are behind the phenomenon. When Farrier, a...
Read More: ‘Tickled’ Doc Creator Involved In Heated Confrontation With Film’s Subjects At L.A. Premiere — Watch
“Tickled” chronicles Farrier’s bizarre interactions with the world of “competitive endurance tickling,” a “sport” he discovered online and one that features young men who are paid to be tied up and tickled for a series of increasingly strange videos. But it’s not the existence of the videos or the sport that drive “Tickled,” it’s Farrier’s wholly unexpected interactions with the people who are behind the phenomenon. When Farrier, a...
- 2/6/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Awards season keeps ticking right along, but tonight’s Cinema Eye Honors promised at least a tiny respite from narrative-based filmmaking, as the New York City-set ceremony is all about honoring the best in the year’s documentary filmmaking.
Big winners included Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson,” which picked up Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking, along with editing and cinematography wins. Right behind it was Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America,” which earned Edelman a directing win, along with a production win for Edelman and Caroline Waterlow. Best TV offering went to “Making a Murderer.”
Nominations were lead by Raoul Peck’s “I Am Not Your Negro” and “O.J.: Made in America,” which each pulled in five nominations apiece, though Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire at Sea” aren’t far behind, with four nominations each. Both Peck and Rosi’s features ultimately walked away without an award.
Big winners included Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson,” which picked up Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking, along with editing and cinematography wins. Right behind it was Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America,” which earned Edelman a directing win, along with a production win for Edelman and Caroline Waterlow. Best TV offering went to “Making a Murderer.”
Nominations were lead by Raoul Peck’s “I Am Not Your Negro” and “O.J.: Made in America,” which each pulled in five nominations apiece, though Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire at Sea” aren’t far behind, with four nominations each. Both Peck and Rosi’s features ultimately walked away without an award.
- 1/12/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It's that time again! With the end of the year approaching, everyone begins revealing their own Top 10 best of the year lists. One of our favorite lists that kicks off this time is from filmmaker John Waters' - his Top 10 favorite films from this year. For 2016, Waters has chosen yet another (expected) eclectic mix of films, including Paul Verhoven's controversial Elle, Todd Solondz's divisive Wiener-Dog, as well as David Farrier & Dylan Reeve's outstandingly creepy documentary Tickled, among some other oddball picks. A few years back his top film was Spring Breakers, and last year it was a film titled Helmut Berger, Actor. I always like hearing about Waters' favorites because he has such unique taste and his quick comments are fun to read. Waters includes a short one/two-sentence explanation with each pick, so head to ArtForum to read all of his thoughts on his Top...
- 12/1/2016
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
★★★☆☆ It's unlikely you're going to come across too many documentaries this year with a yarn to spin as tangled and twisted as Tickled. Following the investigations of New Zealand pop culture journalist David Farrier, it is essentially an expose of a particular media company who specialise in online videos of Competitive Endurance Tickling (Cet). And yes, that is as weird as it sounds. From stumbling upon a bizarre video of the 'sport' in action, Farrier and his co-director Dylan Reeve quickly find themselves prodding at the dark underbelly of a seedy practice, uncovering unnerving power games and trying to unravel an elusive mystery.
- 11/28/2016
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Anthropoid (Sean Ellis)
Throw a dart at a map, and you can make a World War II movie set in whatever place you hit. Of course, pretty much any film about the Good War that doesn’t focus on the American (sometimes British) point of view of the conflict will probably seem “random” to the mainstream; one odd side-effect of Hollywood’s Oscar-baity love of the era. But there...
Anthropoid (Sean Ellis)
Throw a dart at a map, and you can make a World War II movie set in whatever place you hit. Of course, pretty much any film about the Good War that doesn’t focus on the American (sometimes British) point of view of the conflict will probably seem “random” to the mainstream; one odd side-effect of Hollywood’s Oscar-baity love of the era. But there...
- 11/4/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The nominees for the 10th annual Cinema Eye Honors have been announced, with “I Am Not Your Negro” and “Oj: Made in America” both receiving five each. They’re followed in short order by “Cameraperson” and “Fire at Sea,” which along with “Weiner” are all in contention for the top prize. A total of 37 features and five shorts will be in contention at the upcoming ceremony, which “Hoop Dreams” director Steve James will host from the Museum of the Moving Image on January 11. Here’s the full list of nominees:
Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking
“Cameraperson” (Kirsten Johnson)
“Fire at Sea” (Gianfranco Rosi)
“I Am Not Your Negro” (Raoul Peck)
“Oj: Made in America” (Ezra Edelman)
“Weiner” (Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg)
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Kirsten Johnson, “Cameraperson”
Gianfranco Rosi, “Fire at Sea”
Raoul Peck, “I Am Not Your Negro”
Robert Greene, “Kate Plays Christine”
Ezra Edelman, “Oj:...
Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking
“Cameraperson” (Kirsten Johnson)
“Fire at Sea” (Gianfranco Rosi)
“I Am Not Your Negro” (Raoul Peck)
“Oj: Made in America” (Ezra Edelman)
“Weiner” (Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg)
Outstanding Achievement in Direction
Kirsten Johnson, “Cameraperson”
Gianfranco Rosi, “Fire at Sea”
Raoul Peck, “I Am Not Your Negro”
Robert Greene, “Kate Plays Christine”
Ezra Edelman, “Oj:...
- 11/2/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
After winning raves on the festival circuit David Farrier and Dylan Reeve's documentary Tickled hits digital outlets - iTunes, Google Play and all the rest - tomorrow (November 1st) and so if you've not yet delved into the perplexing, hilarious and often bizarre look at the world of 'competitive tickling' well, yout rime is almost here. And for those who have but want more? Well, your time is almost here as well because this digital release comes complete with a generous assortment of extra features. After stumbling upon a bizarre “competitive endurance tickling” video online, wherein young men are paid to be tied up and tickled, reporter David Farrier reaches out to request a story from the company. But the reply he receives is shocking—the...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 10/31/2016
- Screen Anarchy
The Academy will announce its list of Oscar-eligible documentaries this week, a field that counted just 82 entries in 2005; last year, there were 124. And along with this growth comes a new attribute for the much-admired/often ignored genre: Power.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the bailiwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the bailiwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
- 10/24/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy will announce its list of Oscar-eligible documentaries this week, a field that counted just 82 entries in 2005; last year, there were 124. And along with this growth comes a new attribute for the much-admired/often ignored genre: Power.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the balliwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the balliwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
- 10/24/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Los Angeles, CA (October 10, 2016) . The Broadcast Film Critics Association (Bfca) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (Btja) have announced the nominees for the inaugural Critics. Choice Documentary Awards. The winners will be presented their awards at a gala event on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Bric, in Brooklyn, New York.
.It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,. said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin.
.This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism. We look forward to celebrating all these fine and important achievements at the first Critics. Choice Documentary Awards gala on November 3rd..
13th, 30 For 30: O.J.: Made in America...
.It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,. said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin.
.This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism. We look forward to celebrating all these fine and important achievements at the first Critics. Choice Documentary Awards gala on November 3rd..
13th, 30 For 30: O.J.: Made in America...
- 10/11/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (Bfca) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (Btja) have announced the nominees for their inaugural Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, taking place next month at a first-time gala event in Brooklyn, New York. Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America” and Clay Tweel’s “Gleason” lead the pack of nominees, with five nominations each. Other nominees include Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson,” the gob-smacking “Weiner” and recent Netflix features “Amanda Knox” and “Audrie & Daisy.”
“It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,” said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin. “This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism.
“It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,” said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin. “This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism.
- 10/10/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Ava DuVernay‘s “13th,” the political documentary “Weiner,” the wrenching character study “Gleason” and the ESPN miniseries “O.J.: Made in America” are among the 10 documentaries nominated as the year’s best in the inaugural Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, which announced its nominations on Monday. Other nominees included the live-action/animation hybrid “Tower,” the touching portrait “Life, Animated,” the historical exploration “The Witness,” David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s offbeat “Tickled” and Kirsten Johnson’s unconventional self-portrait “Cameraperson.” Emphasizing the blurry line between film and television docs, “13th,” which DuVernay made for Netflix, was nominated for both best theatrical doc and best TV/streaming doc.
- 10/10/2016
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
That wailing you hear is all the best-documentary aspirants who did Not make the Doc NYC “Short List.” It’s considered one of several key steps for landing on the Academy doc branch’s eventual short list – which, like the Doc NYC list, also numbers 15.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
- 9/28/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
That wailing you hear is all the best-documentary aspirants who did Not make the Doc NYC “Short List.” It’s considered one of several key steps for landing on the Academy doc branch’s eventual short list – which, like the Doc NYC list, also numbers 15.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
- 9/28/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
While best documentary conversations start to take shape in January at the Sundance Film Festival, making the transition from rapturous festival play to awards-season contender is a harrowing road. A documentary must be truly extraordinary to make the final Oscar five.
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
- 9/23/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
While best documentary conversations start to take shape in January at the Sundance Film Festival, making the transition from rapturous festival play to awards-season contender is a harrowing road. A documentary must be truly extraordinary to make the final Oscar five.
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
- 9/23/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Tickled director David Farrier talks to Dr. Garth Twa about his remarkable documentary.
Spoiler alert: This interview references events from the documentary Tickled. Don’t read on if you don’t want to know what happens.
It was a cold Thursday night in Park City, Utah. The crowd had trudged through the snow up the steps of the Library Center Theatre where the Sundance Film Festival was presenting Tickled by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve: a documentary on ‘competitive endurance tickling’. We nestled in, ready to be entertained and amused, if nothing else. I mean, competitive endurance tickling? The amusement soon waned.
Farrier is a journalist in New Zealand specialising in the odd, the bizarre, the, well, entertaining and amusing. When he stumbled on videos of fit young men in athletic gear tickling other fit young men (only these ones were restrained, bound at the ankles and the wrists,...
Spoiler alert: This interview references events from the documentary Tickled. Don’t read on if you don’t want to know what happens.
It was a cold Thursday night in Park City, Utah. The crowd had trudged through the snow up the steps of the Library Center Theatre where the Sundance Film Festival was presenting Tickled by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve: a documentary on ‘competitive endurance tickling’. We nestled in, ready to be entertained and amused, if nothing else. I mean, competitive endurance tickling? The amusement soon waned.
Farrier is a journalist in New Zealand specialising in the odd, the bizarre, the, well, entertaining and amusing. When he stumbled on videos of fit young men in athletic gear tickling other fit young men (only these ones were restrained, bound at the ankles and the wrists,...
- 8/24/2016
- by Dr. Garth Twa
- Pure Movies
Ryan Lambie Published Date Tuesday, August 23, 2016 - 12:30
In David Cronenberg's freakish, genre-bending classic Videodrome, a sleazy cable TV boss seeks out the most sleazy entertainment he can find to put on his channel - but then discovers a disturbing underworld that he wished he'd never seen.
There are several curious parallels between Tickled, a new feature-length documentary hailing from New Zealand, and Cronenberg's 1982 movie - not that Tickled's reporter, director and narrator has much in common with Max Renn, the protagonist of the latter. But TV reporter David Farrier, who normally specialises in those fluffy stories you see at the end of the news, soon finds himself in way over his head when he starts investigating something called "competitive endurance tickling" - a supposed sport that fronts for something far more sinister.
It all begins when Farrier stumbles on a company called Jane O'Brien Media, and one...
In David Cronenberg's freakish, genre-bending classic Videodrome, a sleazy cable TV boss seeks out the most sleazy entertainment he can find to put on his channel - but then discovers a disturbing underworld that he wished he'd never seen.
There are several curious parallels between Tickled, a new feature-length documentary hailing from New Zealand, and Cronenberg's 1982 movie - not that Tickled's reporter, director and narrator has much in common with Max Renn, the protagonist of the latter. But TV reporter David Farrier, who normally specialises in those fluffy stories you see at the end of the news, soon finds himself in way over his head when he starts investigating something called "competitive endurance tickling" - a supposed sport that fronts for something far more sinister.
It all begins when Farrier stumbles on a company called Jane O'Brien Media, and one...
- 8/23/2016
- Den of Geek
This is the Pure Movies review of Tickled by Dan Higgins. Tickled is directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve. David Farrier usually does “soft news”. The sort of news that provides the light relief to the usual doom and gloom of the rest of it. He interviews lizard eaters, donkey ladies, warlords and Justin Bieber. He’s essentially a Nz-based Louis Theroux during the Weird Weekend years. And one day he is browses across a video and facebook page for competitive tickling organisation Jane O’Brien Media with thousands of likes. He thinks this would make an interesting story and sends them an email. What he receives back is a cease and desist email in the form of a homophobic rant. He is surprised and shocked and continues to look into this unique sport/fetish. The response to his interest is increasingly threatening and he decides there is more...
- 8/17/2016
- by Dan Higgins
- Pure Movies
A light-hearted investigation into competitive tickling soon becomes a dark meditation on control in this absorbing film
Related: Tickled review: fetish documentary goes from giggly to grim
As Rio 2016 reaches week two, it’s fair to say that the sport of “competitive endurance tickling” is unlikely ever to line up alongside handball and synchronised swimming in the pantheon of weird Olympic events. And for good reason, if David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s excellent, troubling documentary on the subject is anything to go by.
Continue reading...
Related: Tickled review: fetish documentary goes from giggly to grim
As Rio 2016 reaches week two, it’s fair to say that the sport of “competitive endurance tickling” is unlikely ever to line up alongside handball and synchronised swimming in the pantheon of weird Olympic events. And for good reason, if David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s excellent, troubling documentary on the subject is anything to go by.
Continue reading...
- 8/15/2016
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
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