Exclusive: Texas Monthly, the magazine that has been chronicling life in the Lone Star State since 1973, has continued its expansion into film and TV by setting its first-ever feature documentary, to be made in partnership with Peabody and Critics’ Choice Award-winning filmmaker Deborah Esquenazi (Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four).
The currently untitled film centers on James Reyos, a gay Apache man who for 40 years has sought to clear his name of the brutal murder of a Catholic priest in oil-rich West Texas. Embedding with the Innocence Project of Texas that has taken up Reyos’ case, Esquenazi with her doc sheds new light on a story that has eluded detectives, crime researchers and amateur sleuths for four decades, exposing a web of media lore and homophobia, as well as whispers of a possible serial killing team targeting clergy in the 1980s. The project extends coverage of...
The currently untitled film centers on James Reyos, a gay Apache man who for 40 years has sought to clear his name of the brutal murder of a Catholic priest in oil-rich West Texas. Embedding with the Innocence Project of Texas that has taken up Reyos’ case, Esquenazi with her doc sheds new light on a story that has eluded detectives, crime researchers and amateur sleuths for four decades, exposing a web of media lore and homophobia, as well as whispers of a possible serial killing team targeting clergy in the 1980s. The project extends coverage of...
- 7/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
BET has announced the cable premiere of the documentary “Loudmouth,” which explores the legacy of social justice leader Reverend Al Sharpton. The documentary will premiere Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. on BET, BET Her, VH1, BET+ and Showtime at a later date.
“‘Loudmouth’ tells the story about how and why I had to be loud to call out the racism in a northern city like New York, where you were competing with the bright lights of Broadway,” Rev. Sharpton said in a statement. “In this crucial year, when we are fighting for racial justice in the voting booth and in the streets, I hope this film will inspire the next generation of Loudmouths to get off the sidelines.”
“Loudmouth” features never-before-seen footage of Rev. Sharpton on the frontlines, in the media and in the corridors of power, as well as chronicling how he has spent his lifetime in pursuit of...
“‘Loudmouth’ tells the story about how and why I had to be loud to call out the racism in a northern city like New York, where you were competing with the bright lights of Broadway,” Rev. Sharpton said in a statement. “In this crucial year, when we are fighting for racial justice in the voting booth and in the streets, I hope this film will inspire the next generation of Loudmouths to get off the sidelines.”
“Loudmouth” features never-before-seen footage of Rev. Sharpton on the frontlines, in the media and in the corridors of power, as well as chronicling how he has spent his lifetime in pursuit of...
- 2/10/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has acquired North American rights to Body Parts, a documentary that takes a critical look at the way Hollwood shoots sex scenes.
Kristy Guevara-Flanagan directed and Helen Hood Scheer produced the feature that “traces the evolution of ‘sex’ on-screen,” according to a release, “exposing the uncomfortable realities behind some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history and celebrating the bold creators leading the way for change.”
The documentary, which held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, includes interviews with actors Jane Fonda, Rosanna Arquette, Rose McGowan, Emily Meade and Alexandra Billings, directors Karyn Kusama and Angela Robinson, and TV show creators David Simon and Joey Soloway. Those industry insiders “provide a nuanced look at how different bodies––sizes, abilities, races, genders, and sexualities––are seen on screen and how the mechanisms of filmmaking center the male perspective. The film also follows the...
Kristy Guevara-Flanagan directed and Helen Hood Scheer produced the feature that “traces the evolution of ‘sex’ on-screen,” according to a release, “exposing the uncomfortable realities behind some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history and celebrating the bold creators leading the way for change.”
The documentary, which held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, includes interviews with actors Jane Fonda, Rosanna Arquette, Rose McGowan, Emily Meade and Alexandra Billings, directors Karyn Kusama and Angela Robinson, and TV show creators David Simon and Joey Soloway. Those industry insiders “provide a nuanced look at how different bodies––sizes, abilities, races, genders, and sexualities––are seen on screen and how the mechanisms of filmmaking center the male perspective. The film also follows the...
- 11/29/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Greenwich Entertainment is going big on Loudmouth. The company has acquired North American rights to the documentary about the Rev. Al Sharpton, and plans a December 9 theatrical release for the film just as Oscar shortlist voting rolls around.
The film directed by Josh Alexander held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, examining an activist, commentator and occasional political candidate who has been a major part of American life for almost 40 years.
“Sharpton has been a polarizing figure, inspiring both love and hate on local and national stages,” a release for the film stated. “Chronicling his work for social change from the streets of 1980s Brooklyn to 2020s Minneapolis, Loudmouth presents never-before-seen footage of the social justice titan on the frontlines, in the media as well as in the corridors of power, to paint an intimate and revealing portrait of a tireless warrior who has never...
The film directed by Josh Alexander held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, examining an activist, commentator and occasional political candidate who has been a major part of American life for almost 40 years.
“Sharpton has been a polarizing figure, inspiring both love and hate on local and national stages,” a release for the film stated. “Chronicling his work for social change from the streets of 1980s Brooklyn to 2020s Minneapolis, Loudmouth presents never-before-seen footage of the social justice titan on the frontlines, in the media as well as in the corridors of power, to paint an intimate and revealing portrait of a tireless warrior who has never...
- 9/28/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
“Pov,” the Emmy-winning PBS documentary series, has announced the acquisition of environmental thriller “Delikado” as part of its upcoming 35th season.
The film, which premiered April 29 at the Hot Docs Canadian Intl. Documentary Festival, is the directorial debut of award-winning journalist Karl Malakunas. “Delikado” is produced by two-time Emmy nominees Marty Syjuco and Michael Collins, as well as Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala.
“Delikado” takes place in the Philippines on the island of Palawan, a Unesco World Heritage site with one of the oldest, largest and most diverse rainforests in the world. It is also the country’s “last ecological frontier” and one of the deadliest places for land defenders in the world, next to Brazil, the Congo and Colombia. The film follows three inspirational leaders – a charismatic lawyer, an ex-illegal logger and a fearless politician – as they work with indigenous communities trying to save their increasingly valuable natural resources from being plundered.
The film, which premiered April 29 at the Hot Docs Canadian Intl. Documentary Festival, is the directorial debut of award-winning journalist Karl Malakunas. “Delikado” is produced by two-time Emmy nominees Marty Syjuco and Michael Collins, as well as Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala.
“Delikado” takes place in the Philippines on the island of Palawan, a Unesco World Heritage site with one of the oldest, largest and most diverse rainforests in the world. It is also the country’s “last ecological frontier” and one of the deadliest places for land defenders in the world, next to Brazil, the Congo and Colombia. The film follows three inspirational leaders – a charismatic lawyer, an ex-illegal logger and a fearless politician – as they work with indigenous communities trying to save their increasingly valuable natural resources from being plundered.
- 5/3/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of its world premiere at Hot Docs, London-based MetFilm Sales has acquired worldwide rights (excluding the U.S.) for feature documentary “Delikado,” directed by Karl Malakunas.
The film is an environmental thriller set in Palawan, one of Asia’s hottest new tourist destinations. Within this idyllic setting, forests and wildlife are being pillaged by criminal gangs, often supported by politicians and their cronies.
Human life is cheap and mortal danger constant and pulpable. In such an environment, a tiny network of environmental crusaders, led by the charismatic Bobby, Tata and Mayor Nieves, risk their lives and the safety of their families to prevent the thieving and destruction of their homeland.
The film is the first feature film for filmmaker and journalist Karl Malakunas, who has been covering environmental issues, conflict, natural disasters and political upheavals for two decades. After living in the Philippines for eight years while working as Afp’s Manila bureau chief,...
The film is an environmental thriller set in Palawan, one of Asia’s hottest new tourist destinations. Within this idyllic setting, forests and wildlife are being pillaged by criminal gangs, often supported by politicians and their cronies.
Human life is cheap and mortal danger constant and pulpable. In such an environment, a tiny network of environmental crusaders, led by the charismatic Bobby, Tata and Mayor Nieves, risk their lives and the safety of their families to prevent the thieving and destruction of their homeland.
The film is the first feature film for filmmaker and journalist Karl Malakunas, who has been covering environmental issues, conflict, natural disasters and political upheavals for two decades. After living in the Philippines for eight years while working as Afp’s Manila bureau chief,...
- 4/28/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Taking place in its newly minted summer slot of June 8-19, the 2022 edition of Tribeca Festival has now unveiled its film lined up. First, some stats: The features program spans ten categories and showcases 110 feature films and 16 online premieres from 151 filmmakers across 40 countries. The lineup includes 88 world premieres, 2 international premieres, 7 North American premieres, 2 U.S. premieres, and 11 New York premieres. There are 32 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects, and 50 first-time directors. More than 64 (81) of the feature films are directed by female, Bipoc, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers––46 (58) female directors, 34 (43) Bipoc directors, 8 (10) LGBTQ+ directors.
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
IFC Films has taken worldwide rights (excluding Nordics) Bad Axe, a documentary directed by David Siev in his feature debut. In it, the filmmaker returns home to rural Michigan for an intimate look at his Asian-American family’s quest to keep their local restaurant and American dream alive amidst the pandemic and Trump-era political and racial tensions.
Bad Axe world premiered at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and received Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling in the Documentary Feature Competition. The festival jury noted, “Stories centered on the pursuit of the “American Dream” abound. Rarely do they portray the sacrifices and recurrent trials that the promise of a better life entails the way director David Siev accomplishes.”
IFC will release the film in theaters and on VOD in 2022.
“Many films speak about social justice and the American dream, but rarely are we granted...
Bad Axe world premiered at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and received Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling in the Documentary Feature Competition. The festival jury noted, “Stories centered on the pursuit of the “American Dream” abound. Rarely do they portray the sacrifices and recurrent trials that the promise of a better life entails the way director David Siev accomplishes.”
IFC will release the film in theaters and on VOD in 2022.
“Many films speak about social justice and the American dream, but rarely are we granted...
- 4/13/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films has acquired the worldwide rights (excluding Nordics) to “Bad Axe,” a documentary from director David Siev that won the Audience Award for a documentary at this year’s SXSW.
Siev’s debut feature documentary follows an Asian-American Michigan family as they fought racism and abuse in order to keep their local restaurant alive and open amid the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the backdrop of Trump-era political and racial tensions.
IFC Films is planning a release for “Bad Axe” later this year in both theaters and on VOD.
“Bad Axe” is produced by Jude Harris, Diane Quon, Katarina Vasquez and David Siev. The film is executive Produced by Jeff Tremaine (“Jackass Forever”), Shanna Zablow Newton, Marci Wiseman, Daniel J. Chalfen, Dawn Bonder, Michael Meinhold and Tim Chow.
In addition to picking up the Audience Award following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, it...
Siev’s debut feature documentary follows an Asian-American Michigan family as they fought racism and abuse in order to keep their local restaurant alive and open amid the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the backdrop of Trump-era political and racial tensions.
IFC Films is planning a release for “Bad Axe” later this year in both theaters and on VOD.
“Bad Axe” is produced by Jude Harris, Diane Quon, Katarina Vasquez and David Siev. The film is executive Produced by Jeff Tremaine (“Jackass Forever”), Shanna Zablow Newton, Marci Wiseman, Daniel J. Chalfen, Dawn Bonder, Michael Meinhold and Tim Chow.
In addition to picking up the Audience Award following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, it...
- 4/13/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
IFC Films has acquired worldwide rights to the SXSW award-winning documentary “Bad Axe.” The deeply personal film is directed by David Siev, and follows the director as he returns home to rural Michigan. There, he captures his Asian-American family’s quest to keep their local restaurant alive, amidst the backdrop of pandemic and Trump-era political and racial tensions. It’s Siev’s feature debut.
IFC Films will release “Bad Axe” in theaters and on VOD in 2022.
Producers include Jude Harris, Diane Quon, Katarina Vasquez, and Siev. The film was executive produced by Jeff Tremaine, Shanna Zablow Newton, Marci Wiseman, Daniel J. Chalfen, Dawn Bonder, Michael Meinhold and Tim Chow.
“Bad Axe” had its world premiere at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and received Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling in the Documentary Feature Competition. The festival jury noted, “Stories centered on the pursuit of the ‘American Dream’ abound.
IFC Films will release “Bad Axe” in theaters and on VOD in 2022.
Producers include Jude Harris, Diane Quon, Katarina Vasquez, and Siev. The film was executive produced by Jeff Tremaine, Shanna Zablow Newton, Marci Wiseman, Daniel J. Chalfen, Dawn Bonder, Michael Meinhold and Tim Chow.
“Bad Axe” had its world premiere at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and received Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling in the Documentary Feature Competition. The festival jury noted, “Stories centered on the pursuit of the ‘American Dream’ abound.
- 4/13/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Canadian Intl. Documentary Festival, better known as Hot Docs, has revealed its first slate of Special Presentation films for this year’s festival, running April 28 to May 8 in Toronto and streaming online.
World premieres include “The Talented Mr. Rosenberg,” a lurid look into the story of infamous Toronto con man Albert Rosenberg, a.k.a. the Yorkville Swindler; “Million Dollar Pigeons,” a charming introduction to the competitive world of pigeon racing; and “The Quiet Epidemic,” an investigation into Lyme disease dating back to 1975 that reveals why ticks, and the diseases they carry, have been allowed to spread globally.
The Special Presentations will also include the international premieres of “Aftershock,” the story of two bereaved Black fathers seeking justice, legislation and medical accountability in an unspoken U.S. crisis: maternal health care; “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” an exploration by Abigail Disney, Walt Disney’s great-niece, of the...
World premieres include “The Talented Mr. Rosenberg,” a lurid look into the story of infamous Toronto con man Albert Rosenberg, a.k.a. the Yorkville Swindler; “Million Dollar Pigeons,” a charming introduction to the competitive world of pigeon racing; and “The Quiet Epidemic,” an investigation into Lyme disease dating back to 1975 that reveals why ticks, and the diseases they carry, have been allowed to spread globally.
The Special Presentations will also include the international premieres of “Aftershock,” the story of two bereaved Black fathers seeking justice, legislation and medical accountability in an unspoken U.S. crisis: maternal health care; “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” an exploration by Abigail Disney, Walt Disney’s great-niece, of the...
- 3/15/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
With the grand in-person return of the New York Film Festival in the rearview mirror, New York’s fall festival season barrels on with Doc NYC, the largest documentary festival in the country. This year’s festival will return to in-person theatrical screenings, with virtual options and passes available as well. The 2021 lineup includes more than 120 feature-length documentaries, including 32 world premieres and 34 U.S. premieres. World premieres include films on figures such as NBA legend Kevin Garnett, recently passed rapper Dmx, rat pack crooner Dean Martin, and the late literary icon Kurt Vonnegut. They join previously announced titles on Kenny G and Dionne Warwick, as well as Matthew Heineman’s “The First Wave,” a penetrating look at the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City.
Doc NYC is also launching three new competitive sections this year: A U.S. Competition for new American nonfiction films, an International...
Doc NYC is also launching three new competitive sections this year: A U.S. Competition for new American nonfiction films, an International...
- 10/19/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Sundance title “Captains of Zaatari” has sold into Utopia for the U.S., where it will get a theatrical release this fall.
London-based sales agent Dogwoof secured the movie with Robert Schwartzman and Cole Harper’s fledgling distributor Utopia, which is planning a day-and-date release in cinemas on Nov. 19 in New York and Los Angeles, alongside a premiere on Apple TV and Altavod.
Directed and produced by Ali El Arabi from Egypt, the film follows two best friends, Mahmoud and Fawzi, living in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, who dream of becoming professional soccer players. Despite being confined under challenging conditions, they remain hopeful and practice day in and day out. When a world-renowned sports academy visits, both have a chance to turn their dream into a reality.
The film, which world premiered in competition at Sundance in January, has also sold into Sherry Media (Canada), Trigon (Switzerland) and...
London-based sales agent Dogwoof secured the movie with Robert Schwartzman and Cole Harper’s fledgling distributor Utopia, which is planning a day-and-date release in cinemas on Nov. 19 in New York and Los Angeles, alongside a premiere on Apple TV and Altavod.
Directed and produced by Ali El Arabi from Egypt, the film follows two best friends, Mahmoud and Fawzi, living in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, who dream of becoming professional soccer players. Despite being confined under challenging conditions, they remain hopeful and practice day in and day out. When a world-renowned sports academy visits, both have a chance to turn their dream into a reality.
The film, which world premiered in competition at Sundance in January, has also sold into Sherry Media (Canada), Trigon (Switzerland) and...
- 7/7/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
“Pray Away,” a documentary that holds a microscope to the “pray away the gay” movement, is coming to Netflix.
The film, from executive producers Jason Blum and Ryan Murphy, will debut on the streaming service in August. Prior to its arrival on Netflix, “Pray Away” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 16.
“Pray Away” was initially slated to open at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, which was paused in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s edition will run from June 9 through 20 and will be held across New York City’s five boroughs.
Kristine Stolakis directed the film in her feature filmmaking debut. The doc examines the enduring harm of conversion therapy and centers on former leaders of religious anti-gay campaigns. It also focuses on survivors, who seek healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.
Stolakis produced “Pray Away” with Jessica Devaney and Anya Rous.
The film, from executive producers Jason Blum and Ryan Murphy, will debut on the streaming service in August. Prior to its arrival on Netflix, “Pray Away” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 16.
“Pray Away” was initially slated to open at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, which was paused in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s edition will run from June 9 through 20 and will be held across New York City’s five boroughs.
Kristine Stolakis directed the film in her feature filmmaking debut. The doc examines the enduring harm of conversion therapy and centers on former leaders of religious anti-gay campaigns. It also focuses on survivors, who seek healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.
Stolakis produced “Pray Away” with Jessica Devaney and Anya Rous.
- 5/12/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of the pic’s June 16 world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, Netflix has snapped up the Blumhouse TV and Ryan Murphy executive produced documentary Pray Away which investigates the enduring harm of conversion therapy and the “pray the gay away” movement. An August release on the streamer is currently set.
In the Kristine Stolakis-directed and produced docu, former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma. In the 1970s, five men struggling with being gay in their Evangelical church started a bible study to help each other leave the “homosexual lifestyle.” They quickly received over 25K letters from people asking for help and formalized as Exodus International, the largest and most controversial conversion therapy organization in the world. But leaders struggled with a secret: their...
In the Kristine Stolakis-directed and produced docu, former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma. In the 1970s, five men struggling with being gay in their Evangelical church started a bible study to help each other leave the “homosexual lifestyle.” They quickly received over 25K letters from people asking for help and formalized as Exodus International, the largest and most controversial conversion therapy organization in the world. But leaders struggled with a secret: their...
- 5/12/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Pray Away” will premiere at Tribeca Film Festival on June 16
The documentary “Pray Away,” executive produced by Jason Blum and Ryan Murphy, has landed at Netflix, the streamer announced on Wednesday.
“Pray Away,” which examines the harm of conversion therapy and the “pray the gay away” movement, will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 16. It will then debut on Netflix in August.
Kristine Stolakis directed the documentary and also produced alongside Jessica Devaney and Anya Rous. Murphy and Blum executive produced alongside Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Mary Lisio, Amanda Spain, Daniel J. Chalfen, Jim Butterworth, Katy Drake Bettner, Johnny Symons, Julie Parker Benello, Patty Quillin, Nion McEvoy, Leslie Berriman, Regina K. Scully and Alexis Martin Woodall.
The official logline reads: “Former leaders of the ‘pray the gay away’ movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from...
The documentary “Pray Away,” executive produced by Jason Blum and Ryan Murphy, has landed at Netflix, the streamer announced on Wednesday.
“Pray Away,” which examines the harm of conversion therapy and the “pray the gay away” movement, will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 16. It will then debut on Netflix in August.
Kristine Stolakis directed the documentary and also produced alongside Jessica Devaney and Anya Rous. Murphy and Blum executive produced alongside Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Mary Lisio, Amanda Spain, Daniel J. Chalfen, Jim Butterworth, Katy Drake Bettner, Johnny Symons, Julie Parker Benello, Patty Quillin, Nion McEvoy, Leslie Berriman, Regina K. Scully and Alexis Martin Woodall.
The official logline reads: “Former leaders of the ‘pray the gay away’ movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from...
- 5/12/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Feature had been invited to Tribeca, Telluride in 2020.
Netflix has acquired global rights to upcoming Tribeca Festival world premiere and gay conversion documentary Pray Away.
Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum are among executive producers on the title, which was invited to screen at Tribeca and Telluride last year before the pandemic scuppered plans.
It will premiere at Tribeca on June 16 prior to debuting on the platform in August.
Kristine Stolakis made her feature directorial debut on Pray Away, which follows former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement as they contend with the aftermath of their actions.
Meanwhile a...
Netflix has acquired global rights to upcoming Tribeca Festival world premiere and gay conversion documentary Pray Away.
Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum are among executive producers on the title, which was invited to screen at Tribeca and Telluride last year before the pandemic scuppered plans.
It will premiere at Tribeca on June 16 prior to debuting on the platform in August.
Kristine Stolakis made her feature directorial debut on Pray Away, which follows former leaders of the “pray the gay away” movement as they contend with the aftermath of their actions.
Meanwhile a...
- 5/12/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
London-based sales agent Dogwoof has snapped up Sundance-bound documentaries “Ailey” and “Captains of Zaatari.”
Directed by Jamila Wignot, “Ailey” will world premiere in the U.S. Documentary competition. Dogwoof will handle international rights, while Cinetic will oversee North American sales.
The outfit has also snapped up the debut feature by Ali El Arabi, “Captains of Zaatari,” which will launch in the World Documentary competition. The film was added to the Sundance doc competition earlier this week.
“Ailey” is billed as an immersive profile of ground-breaking African American choreographer Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The archive-laden “Ailey” captures the enigmatic dancer who, confronted by a world that refused to embrace him, was forced to carve out a new path for himself.
Produced by Lauren DeFilippo, “Ailey” is an Insignia Films production, in association with American Masters Pictures, Itvs, Xtr, Impact Partners and Black Public Media. The...
Directed by Jamila Wignot, “Ailey” will world premiere in the U.S. Documentary competition. Dogwoof will handle international rights, while Cinetic will oversee North American sales.
The outfit has also snapped up the debut feature by Ali El Arabi, “Captains of Zaatari,” which will launch in the World Documentary competition. The film was added to the Sundance doc competition earlier this week.
“Ailey” is billed as an immersive profile of ground-breaking African American choreographer Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The archive-laden “Ailey” captures the enigmatic dancer who, confronted by a world that refused to embrace him, was forced to carve out a new path for himself.
Produced by Lauren DeFilippo, “Ailey” is an Insignia Films production, in association with American Masters Pictures, Itvs, Xtr, Impact Partners and Black Public Media. The...
- 1/14/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The International Documentary Association has unveiled 13 films receiving $850,000 in funds as part of its Enterprise Documentary Fund production grants.
The titles, announced Monday at the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival in Washington, D.C. are “After Sherman,” “Aftershock,” “Body Parts,” “Driver,” “Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard,” “Hossain,” “Magic & Monsters,” “Razing Liberty Square,” “Riotsville, USA,” “Testament,” “Untitled Amazon Documentary,” “Untitled Free Speech Project” and “Untitled Stasi.”
Nausheen Dadabhoy and Jialing Zhang were named as recipients of the Logan Elevate Grants of $25,000 each. Supported by The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, the Logan Elevate Grants support emerging women filmmakers of color.
“With unique vision and voice, these grantees confront us with complicated truths about our pasts, presents and futures, recalling for me Maya Angelou’s famous quote: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” said Carrie Lozano, who was director of the Ida Enterprise Documentary Fund...
The titles, announced Monday at the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival in Washington, D.C. are “After Sherman,” “Aftershock,” “Body Parts,” “Driver,” “Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard,” “Hossain,” “Magic & Monsters,” “Razing Liberty Square,” “Riotsville, USA,” “Testament,” “Untitled Amazon Documentary,” “Untitled Free Speech Project” and “Untitled Stasi.”
Nausheen Dadabhoy and Jialing Zhang were named as recipients of the Logan Elevate Grants of $25,000 each. Supported by The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, the Logan Elevate Grants support emerging women filmmakers of color.
“With unique vision and voice, these grantees confront us with complicated truths about our pasts, presents and futures, recalling for me Maya Angelou’s famous quote: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” said Carrie Lozano, who was director of the Ida Enterprise Documentary Fund...
- 10/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentary Fund recipients encompass projects in development, production, and post-production stages and their work spans subject matter from a deeply personal family project in Ecuador, to a mission to save libraries in Kenya, to a musical involving female and trans prisoners in Buenos Aires.
Frederick Wiseman’s Boston City Hall project, City Hall, is among post-production grant recipients.
A little...
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentary Fund recipients encompass projects in development, production, and post-production stages and their work spans subject matter from a deeply personal family project in Ecuador, to a mission to save libraries in Kenya, to a musical involving female and trans prisoners in Buenos Aires.
Frederick Wiseman’s Boston City Hall project, City Hall, is among post-production grant recipients.
A little...
- 5/20/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
The Oscilloscope Laboratories docu-thriller The Infiltrators is hitting virtual cinemas today before making its way to on-demand and digital June 2. The virtual release is becoming a staple for many film titles as it allows audiences to purchase film tickets through a theater’s website and, in turn, helps continue support of theaters that have been closed due to Covid-19.
Directed by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, the film made its world premiere last year at the Sundance Film Festival where it the won the Next Section Audience Award. The hybrid pic blends feature filmmaking, re-enactments of real-life events and documentary footage to tell the true story of young undocumented immigrants who are intentionally detained by Border Patrol and thrown into a for-profit detention center.
More from DeadlineWestern Thriller 'True History Of Kelly Gang' And '60s Coming-Of-Age Drama 'To The Stars' Make Debuts - Specialty Streaming PreviewComing-Of-Age Foodie Comedy 'Abe' Fires Up,...
Directed by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, the film made its world premiere last year at the Sundance Film Festival where it the won the Next Section Audience Award. The hybrid pic blends feature filmmaking, re-enactments of real-life events and documentary footage to tell the true story of young undocumented immigrants who are intentionally detained by Border Patrol and thrown into a for-profit detention center.
More from DeadlineWestern Thriller 'True History Of Kelly Gang' And '60s Coming-Of-Age Drama 'To The Stars' Make Debuts - Specialty Streaming PreviewComing-Of-Age Foodie Comedy 'Abe' Fires Up,...
- 5/1/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to the critically acclaimed immigration feature The Infiltrators. Directed by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, the film made its world premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival where it went on to won the Audience Award: Next and the Next Innovator Prize. Oscilloscope is set to release the feature in theaters before streaming on digital platforms.
The Infiltrators is a very timely docu-thriller that tells the true story of young immigrants who get detained by Border Patrol, and put in a shadowy for-profit detention center — on purpose. Marco (Maynor Alvarado) and Viri (Vida‘s Chelsea Rendon) are members of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance, a group of radical Dreamers who are on a mission to stop deportations. And the best place to stop deportations, they believe, is in detention. However, when they try to pull off a prison break in reverse,...
The Infiltrators is a very timely docu-thriller that tells the true story of young immigrants who get detained by Border Patrol, and put in a shadowy for-profit detention center — on purpose. Marco (Maynor Alvarado) and Viri (Vida‘s Chelsea Rendon) are members of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance, a group of radical Dreamers who are on a mission to stop deportations. And the best place to stop deportations, they believe, is in detention. However, when they try to pull off a prison break in reverse,...
- 9/5/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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
In today’s film news roundup, immigration drama “The Infiltrators” gets financing, Jake Busey is starring in a high-school comedy, and Stuart Ford’s Agc Studios hires two former Im Global executives.
Project Financing
Chicago Media Project Invest/Impact’s Paula Froehle and Steve Cohen have joined the immigration drama “The Infiltrators” as executive producers and financiers, Variety has learned exclusively.
Cmp I/I has invested previously in the Academy Award-winning documentary “Icarus,” “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and Showtime’s series “The Fourth Estate.”
Directed and produced by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, “The Infiltrators” centers on a small group of young undocumented immigrants who embark on a high-risk mission inside America’s for-profit detention system in order to set people free. The film, which mixes documentary with narrative dramatization, stars Chelsea Rendon, Vik Sahay, Maynor Alvarado, and Manuel Uriza.
Production is currently underway in Southern California. The...
Project Financing
Chicago Media Project Invest/Impact’s Paula Froehle and Steve Cohen have joined the immigration drama “The Infiltrators” as executive producers and financiers, Variety has learned exclusively.
Cmp I/I has invested previously in the Academy Award-winning documentary “Icarus,” “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and Showtime’s series “The Fourth Estate.”
Directed and produced by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, “The Infiltrators” centers on a small group of young undocumented immigrants who embark on a high-risk mission inside America’s for-profit detention system in order to set people free. The film, which mixes documentary with narrative dramatization, stars Chelsea Rendon, Vik Sahay, Maynor Alvarado, and Manuel Uriza.
Production is currently underway in Southern California. The...
- 8/31/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: We’re getting an exclusive first look at United Skates, a documentary produced and directed by first-time feature filmmakers Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown, ahead of its world premiere at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival.
United Skates centers on the battle in a racially charged environment to save African-American roller rinks, an underground subculture that has thrived for decades in the U.S., fostering community and incubating hip-hop by featuring acts from Dr. Dre and Ice Cube in Los Angeles to Queen Latifah, Salt-n-Pepa and Naughty by Nature on the East Coast. Their ranks have been dwindling, and the feature-length pic becomes part history lesson and part investigation into racial politics as the filmmakers visit black rink owners in L.A., Chicago, North Carolina and elsewhere.
“Five years ago, we were invited to a roller rink in the middle of the night, and honestly, we didn’t know what hit us,...
United Skates centers on the battle in a racially charged environment to save African-American roller rinks, an underground subculture that has thrived for decades in the U.S., fostering community and incubating hip-hop by featuring acts from Dr. Dre and Ice Cube in Los Angeles to Queen Latifah, Salt-n-Pepa and Naughty by Nature on the East Coast. Their ranks have been dwindling, and the feature-length pic becomes part history lesson and part investigation into racial politics as the filmmakers visit black rink owners in L.A., Chicago, North Carolina and elsewhere.
“Five years ago, we were invited to a roller rink in the middle of the night, and honestly, we didn’t know what hit us,...
- 4/13/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Get Lifted Film Co. partners John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius have come aboard as executive producers of United Skates, a documentary produced and directed by first-time feature filmmakers Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown. The feature-length pic is having its world premiere later this month at the Tribeca Film Festival in the Documentary Competition section.
It’s the latest move from busy Get Lifted, which is coming off its executive producer role on Easter Sunday’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert special on NBC, which drew 9.6 million total viewers and earned a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day. Legend played Jesus Christ. The also recently produced the Sundance pic Monster and produced Wgn America’s hit Underground.
United Skates centers on the battle in a racially charged environment to save African-American roller rinks, an underground subculture that has thrived for decades in the U.S.
It’s the latest move from busy Get Lifted, which is coming off its executive producer role on Easter Sunday’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert special on NBC, which drew 9.6 million total viewers and earned a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day. Legend played Jesus Christ. The also recently produced the Sundance pic Monster and produced Wgn America’s hit Underground.
United Skates centers on the battle in a racially charged environment to save African-American roller rinks, an underground subculture that has thrived for decades in the U.S.
- 4/5/2018
- by Dominic Patten and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
City Drive Films proudly announced that they have acquired Us rights to the multiple-award winning documentary, "The Mind of Mark DeFriest." Directed by Gabriel London, the critically acclaimed film chronicles the life of erstwhile Florida prison escape artist Mark DeFriest, as well as the terrifying abuse he experienced during his decades in Florida’s prison system.
"The Mind of Mark DeFriest" will open theatrically in select cities beginning on March 6, 2015, and will air on Showtime® on March 19.
The film follows is the true story of a brilliant young man’s descent into an unforgiving and brutal prison system that sought to break him. Originally found ‘incompetent to be sentenced’ by five of six psychiatrists, DeFriest, like many prisoners with mental illness, spent an incredible amount of time in solitary confinement – 27 of the last 34 years. His crimes? Taking the tools his father, who was recently deceased, had willed to him before the will was probated – and a string of ‘Houdini’ escapes in the early 1980s that earned him the unending ire of the system.
As the film screened at festivals in 2014, audiences began to rally around the injustice in DeFriest’s case and members of the Florida Commission on Offender Review were compelled to see the film and the story in a new light.
"The Mind of Mark DeFriest" is a testament to how powerful a film can be in righting social justice. “For me, the dream has always been that both the film and the man would see the light of day,” said director London. “With the support of City Drive and the platform Showtime offers, we will reach a wide audience with the power to write a happier ending for Mark and the thousands of others like him in our prison system.”
“We are beyond excited to be associated with and working on such an important Film. Gabriel dedicated many years of his life to bring to light this fascinating story and help secure Mark’s freedom. People need to see this Film and help reform our prison system. ” said City Drive’s Founder/ President Daniel E Catullo III.
The film was produced by London, Daniel J. Chalfen and Charlie Sadoff. It premiered internationally at Toronto’s Hot Docs Film Festival in 2014 and in the Us at the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival. It has continued to play multiple festivals nationwide and winning awards including Best Documentary Feature Award at the Lone Star Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Naples International Film Festival, and best Florida feature at the Key West International Film Festival.
For more information visit Here...
"The Mind of Mark DeFriest" will open theatrically in select cities beginning on March 6, 2015, and will air on Showtime® on March 19.
The film follows is the true story of a brilliant young man’s descent into an unforgiving and brutal prison system that sought to break him. Originally found ‘incompetent to be sentenced’ by five of six psychiatrists, DeFriest, like many prisoners with mental illness, spent an incredible amount of time in solitary confinement – 27 of the last 34 years. His crimes? Taking the tools his father, who was recently deceased, had willed to him before the will was probated – and a string of ‘Houdini’ escapes in the early 1980s that earned him the unending ire of the system.
As the film screened at festivals in 2014, audiences began to rally around the injustice in DeFriest’s case and members of the Florida Commission on Offender Review were compelled to see the film and the story in a new light.
"The Mind of Mark DeFriest" is a testament to how powerful a film can be in righting social justice. “For me, the dream has always been that both the film and the man would see the light of day,” said director London. “With the support of City Drive and the platform Showtime offers, we will reach a wide audience with the power to write a happier ending for Mark and the thousands of others like him in our prison system.”
“We are beyond excited to be associated with and working on such an important Film. Gabriel dedicated many years of his life to bring to light this fascinating story and help secure Mark’s freedom. People need to see this Film and help reform our prison system. ” said City Drive’s Founder/ President Daniel E Catullo III.
The film was produced by London, Daniel J. Chalfen and Charlie Sadoff. It premiered internationally at Toronto’s Hot Docs Film Festival in 2014 and in the Us at the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival. It has continued to play multiple festivals nationwide and winning awards including Best Documentary Feature Award at the Lone Star Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Naples International Film Festival, and best Florida feature at the Key West International Film Festival.
For more information visit Here...
- 2/11/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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