Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, also known as Ebertfest, is celebrating its 25th anniversary by hosting screenings of Bob Fosse’s most polarizing film and one of Malcolm D. Lee’s most beloved movies.
The annual celebration of movies, which is named for the famous critic, will run April 17 to April 20 at the historic Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Ill. It will kick off with an opening night screening of Fosse’s “Star 80,” a look at the life and brutal murder of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten that divided reviewers when it opened in 1983, with some seeing it as as exploitative and others believing it was a masterpiece. Ebert was certainly in the latter camp, praising the film with a glowing four-star review, calling it “an important movie…Devastating, violent, hopeless, and important, because it holds a mirror up to a part of the world we live in, and helps us see it more clearly.
The annual celebration of movies, which is named for the famous critic, will run April 17 to April 20 at the historic Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Ill. It will kick off with an opening night screening of Fosse’s “Star 80,” a look at the life and brutal murder of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten that divided reviewers when it opened in 1983, with some seeing it as as exploitative and others believing it was a masterpiece. Ebert was certainly in the latter camp, praising the film with a glowing four-star review, calling it “an important movie…Devastating, violent, hopeless, and important, because it holds a mirror up to a part of the world we live in, and helps us see it more clearly.
- 2/28/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
It’s just another day in the life of Jessica Chastain. The above photo suggests that the Oscar-winning actress is calm, cool and collected, safe in the eye of the storm that is the Toronto International Film Festival. A shot painstakingly orchestrated by a veteran photographer, the photo looks effortless and Chastain flawless, bringing Old Hollywood glamour to clamoring Canadian streets.
“I love photographing a woman with great fashion,” said George Pimentel, celebrity photographer. “There’s nothing wrong with photographing men, but a woman who has a great outfit is special. Jessica Chastain came out of her car and I let security know I wanted the streets to be cleared. I wanted her in the middle of the street with Toronto in the back.”
In reality, this is just another day in the life of the Pimentel. This year’s TIFF marks the Toronto native’s 30th year in the industry,...
“I love photographing a woman with great fashion,” said George Pimentel, celebrity photographer. “There’s nothing wrong with photographing men, but a woman who has a great outfit is special. Jessica Chastain came out of her car and I let security know I wanted the streets to be cleared. I wanted her in the middle of the street with Toronto in the back.”
In reality, this is just another day in the life of the Pimentel. This year’s TIFF marks the Toronto native’s 30th year in the industry,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Libby Hill
- The Wrap
Pedro Almodóvar, Spike Lee and Patricia Arquette were among those accepting honors at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute awards Sunday night: George Pimentel photographed the red carpet and inside the show for TheWrap.
Thanks to SAG-AFTRA strike waivers, several actors including Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke, were also on hand. “Sing Sing” and “Rustin” actor Colman Domingo was also able to collect his Tribute Performer Award in person, as was “The Dead Don’t Die” star Vicky Krieps.
Enjoy these shots of Lee, who was there to receive the Ebert Director Award, and more awards recipients and presenters.
Photo by George Pimentel
Willem Dafoe plays a Hunter S. Thompson-esque writer in “Gonzo Girl” from director Patricia Arquette.
Photo by George Pimentel
“Daisy Jones & the Six” actress Camila Morrone co-stars with Willem Dafoe in “Gonzo Girl,” the directorial debut of Patricia Arquette.
Photo by George Pimentel
Patricia Arquette went...
Thanks to SAG-AFTRA strike waivers, several actors including Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke, were also on hand. “Sing Sing” and “Rustin” actor Colman Domingo was also able to collect his Tribute Performer Award in person, as was “The Dead Don’t Die” star Vicky Krieps.
Enjoy these shots of Lee, who was there to receive the Ebert Director Award, and more awards recipients and presenters.
Photo by George Pimentel
Willem Dafoe plays a Hunter S. Thompson-esque writer in “Gonzo Girl” from director Patricia Arquette.
Photo by George Pimentel
“Daisy Jones & the Six” actress Camila Morrone co-stars with Willem Dafoe in “Gonzo Girl,” the directorial debut of Patricia Arquette.
Photo by George Pimentel
Patricia Arquette went...
- 9/12/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
At the 2023 TIFF Tribute Awards hosted at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto presenters Barry Jenkins and Chaz Ebert went off-script to emphasize how much it meant to hand the Ebert Director Award to Spike Lee.
The Oscar-winning “Moonlight” director went first, sharing how he was one of two Black men in his film program at a predominantly white college. While his peer would say he wanted to be the next Spike Lee, he said, “‘I want to be the first Barry Jenkins,’ and I would qualify that by saying I think that’s the way Spike would want it.” In town serving as one of the judges for the festival’s Platform programming block, Jenkins continued, “So Spike I just wanted to say you’ve carried so much weight for so many of us for so damn long that I’m on this jury and I’m tired as hell.
The Oscar-winning “Moonlight” director went first, sharing how he was one of two Black men in his film program at a predominantly white college. While his peer would say he wanted to be the next Spike Lee, he said, “‘I want to be the first Barry Jenkins,’ and I would qualify that by saying I think that’s the way Spike would want it.” In town serving as one of the judges for the festival’s Platform programming block, Jenkins continued, “So Spike I just wanted to say you’ve carried so much weight for so many of us for so damn long that I’m on this jury and I’m tired as hell.
- 9/11/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Spike Lee called out film critics who suggested that Do the Right Thing would spark riots when it opened in 1989, while expressing his gratitude for late reviewer Roger Ebert, who praised the film after its Cannes debut. “He was very crucial in my career,” said Lee as he received the Ebert Director Award, named for the late film critic Roger Ebert, at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards on Sunday.
“Your husband got behind me, because there was mother f–kers in the press who were saying that Do the Right Thing...
“Your husband got behind me, because there was mother f–kers in the press who were saying that Do the Right Thing...
- 9/11/2023
- by Carita Rizzo
- Rollingstone.com
Despite the first simultaneous strikes of actors and writers since 1960 — 16 years before the first edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, or, as it was known then, the Festival of Festivals — a host of big names came out to present and receive honors Sunday evening at the fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards.The gala dinner fundraiser for the fest’s philanthropic efforts — and an occasional harbinger of Oscar recognition — is held each year at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
This year’s highest-profile Tribute Award honoree, Spike Lee, has no ties to the ongoing awards season. Lee was presented with the Ebert Director Award by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, filmmaker Barry Jenkins (who called Lee “one of the best filmmakers of our time” and thanked him for carrying “so much weight for so many of us [Black filmmakers] for so damn long”) and the late film critic Roger Ebert‘s widow Chaz Ebert...
This year’s highest-profile Tribute Award honoree, Spike Lee, has no ties to the ongoing awards season. Lee was presented with the Ebert Director Award by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, filmmaker Barry Jenkins (who called Lee “one of the best filmmakers of our time” and thanked him for carrying “so much weight for so many of us [Black filmmakers] for so damn long”) and the late film critic Roger Ebert‘s widow Chaz Ebert...
- 9/11/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spike Lee blasted critics who suggested that “Do The Right Thing” would spark riots when it opened in 1989, while honoring one of the reviewers who came to the film’s defense. The remarks came as Lee received the Ebert Director Award, named for the late film critic Roger Ebert, at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards on Sunday.
“Your husband got behind me when those mother f–kers in the press were saying that ‘Do the Right Thing’ was going to incite Black people to riot,” Lee said, as he accepted his prize from Chaz Ebert, the late critic’s wife. “That this film should not be shown in the United States.”
Lee cited David Denby and Joe Klein as two of the most prominent critical voices against the film, which has gone to be considered one of the greatest films ever made. The pair wrote, Lee recalled, that...
“Your husband got behind me when those mother f–kers in the press were saying that ‘Do the Right Thing’ was going to incite Black people to riot,” Lee said, as he accepted his prize from Chaz Ebert, the late critic’s wife. “That this film should not be shown in the United States.”
Lee cited David Denby and Joe Klein as two of the most prominent critical voices against the film, which has gone to be considered one of the greatest films ever made. The pair wrote, Lee recalled, that...
- 9/11/2023
- by Brent Lang and Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Effie T. Brown and Debra Martin Chase have been named special honorees at the 2023 Black Reel Awards.
The Black Reel Awards — also known as “The Bolts” — are an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African Americans in Film (Faaaf) recognizing the “excellence of African Americans and the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora in the global film industry.” The 23rd annual ceremony, presented in partnership with idobi Radio, will take place on Feb. 6, 2023.
“Since its inception, the Black Reel Awards have remained at the forefront of acknowledging the accomplishments of exceptional Black creatives. Each of these women has left an indelible mark on cinematic history and the culture,” said Black Reel Award founder and CEO Tim Gordon in a statement. “Idobi shares our passion for excellence, and together we take great delight in honoring this prolific group of icons.”
Bassett will...
The Black Reel Awards — also known as “The Bolts” — are an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African Americans in Film (Faaaf) recognizing the “excellence of African Americans and the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora in the global film industry.” The 23rd annual ceremony, presented in partnership with idobi Radio, will take place on Feb. 6, 2023.
“Since its inception, the Black Reel Awards have remained at the forefront of acknowledging the accomplishments of exceptional Black creatives. Each of these women has left an indelible mark on cinematic history and the culture,” said Black Reel Award founder and CEO Tim Gordon in a statement. “Idobi shares our passion for excellence, and together we take great delight in honoring this prolific group of icons.”
Bassett will...
- 1/16/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Chaz Ebert has become one of the foremost agents of change in the entertainment industry, working to make sure traditionally overlooked communities get the chance to develop their talents in the business.
Tonight, the entrepreneur, film producer, publisher of RogerEbert.com and president of the Ebert Company Ltd. is being honored for her efforts to drive inclusion with the Facets Legend Award at the Screen Gems Benefit 2022 in her native Chicago.
“Chaz is so deserving of this honor as she is passionate about programs that help break the glass ceiling for women and people of color and that provide education and arts opportunities for women, children, and families,” noted Facets executive director Karen Cardarelli. “We are inspired by her extraordinary contributions to the industry.”
Ebert began her career as an attorney, working as a litigator for the Environmental Protection Agency, and later in private practice. In 1989 she became vice president of the Ebert Company Ltd,...
Tonight, the entrepreneur, film producer, publisher of RogerEbert.com and president of the Ebert Company Ltd. is being honored for her efforts to drive inclusion with the Facets Legend Award at the Screen Gems Benefit 2022 in her native Chicago.
“Chaz is so deserving of this honor as she is passionate about programs that help break the glass ceiling for women and people of color and that provide education and arts opportunities for women, children, and families,” noted Facets executive director Karen Cardarelli. “We are inspired by her extraordinary contributions to the industry.”
Ebert began her career as an attorney, working as a litigator for the Environmental Protection Agency, and later in private practice. In 1989 she became vice president of the Ebert Company Ltd,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – Chaz Ebert carries on. The standard bearer for representing Chicago’s film world also continues her advocation for the community beyond film, since the passing of her husband Roger Ebert in 2013. Chaz will be honored by Facets Chicago at their Screen Gems Benefit on September 28th, 2022.
“Chaz is so deserving of this honor as she is passionate about programs that help break the glass ceiling for women and people of color and that provide education and arts opportunities for women, children, and families. We are inspired by her extraordinary contributions to the industry and eagerly anticipate honoring her this year with the Facets Legend Award,” said Facets Executive Director Karen Cardarelli when announcing the honor. Film critic Michael Phillips will host the tribute.
Chaz Ebert Honored by Facets Chicago
Photo credit: Facets.org
Chaz Hammel Ebert was born in Chicago, and was an attorney when she met Roger Ebert...
“Chaz is so deserving of this honor as she is passionate about programs that help break the glass ceiling for women and people of color and that provide education and arts opportunities for women, children, and families. We are inspired by her extraordinary contributions to the industry and eagerly anticipate honoring her this year with the Facets Legend Award,” said Facets Executive Director Karen Cardarelli when announcing the honor. Film critic Michael Phillips will host the tribute.
Chaz Ebert Honored by Facets Chicago
Photo credit: Facets.org
Chaz Hammel Ebert was born in Chicago, and was an attorney when she met Roger Ebert...
- 9/27/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Click here to read the full article.
This is the second installment of a series of dispatches from the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. You can read the first dispatch here.
As news emerged from Venice that a documentary feature had won that film festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion, for only the second time — All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (Neon), Oscar winner Laura Poitras‘ look at Nan Goldin‘s crusade against the Sackler family, was crowned the winner on Saturday, Italian time — the film festival in Toronto, where that film will have its North American premiere on Monday evening, was just hitting its stride.
On Sunday evening, Harry Styles mania — which had struck Venice days earlier with the premiere of Olivia Wilde‘s Don’t Worry Darling (Warner Bros.), in which he stars opposite Florence Pugh, and with an interaction between him and Chris Pine that may or may...
This is the second installment of a series of dispatches from the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. You can read the first dispatch here.
As news emerged from Venice that a documentary feature had won that film festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion, for only the second time — All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (Neon), Oscar winner Laura Poitras‘ look at Nan Goldin‘s crusade against the Sackler family, was crowned the winner on Saturday, Italian time — the film festival in Toronto, where that film will have its North American premiere on Monday evening, was just hitting its stride.
On Sunday evening, Harry Styles mania — which had struck Venice days earlier with the premiere of Olivia Wilde‘s Don’t Worry Darling (Warner Bros.), in which he stars opposite Florence Pugh, and with an interaction between him and Chris Pine that may or may...
- 9/12/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Indie Film Site Network (Ifsn), a collaboration between well-respected media outlets covering the most essential developments in independent and international cinema. Ifsn, which represents The Film Stage, Hammer to Nail, Ioncinema.com, RogerEbert.com, and Screen Anarchy, was created with a mission to support film criticism and foster an ever-growing community of indie film lovers.
In the evolving landscape of filmmaking and film criticism, the very definition of “independent” is shifting and it is our mission to work with sites and distributors that still retain that singular focus on the best in cinema. With Indie Film Site Network, we’re delighted to offer a destination for distributors and filmmakers where they know they will truly be reaching the most passionate fans of independent movies.
Through reviews, interviews, podcasts, news, special features, and extensive coverage from film festivals across the world to theatrical,...
In the evolving landscape of filmmaking and film criticism, the very definition of “independent” is shifting and it is our mission to work with sites and distributors that still retain that singular focus on the best in cinema. With Indie Film Site Network, we’re delighted to offer a destination for distributors and filmmakers where they know they will truly be reaching the most passionate fans of independent movies.
Through reviews, interviews, podcasts, news, special features, and extensive coverage from film festivals across the world to theatrical,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
“Clemency” director Chinonye Chukwu writes and directs “Till,” an upcoming biopic about Mamie Till Mobley (Danielle Deadwyler), an American educator and activist who pursues justice after the 1955 lynching of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till (Jalyn Hall) when he was visiting his cousins in Mississippi.
Per the official logline, “In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.”
The film utilizes decades worth of research by filmmaker Keith Beauchamp, whose documentary “The Untold story of Emmett Till” in part led to the U.S. Department of Justice reopening the case in 2004. Beauchamp co-wrote the screenplay for “Till” with Michael Reilly and Chukwu, whose 2019 film “Clemency” landed lead star Alfre Woodard a BAFTA nomination and the film the U.S. Grand Jury Dramatic Prize at Sundance.
Whoopi Goldberg, Frankie Faison, and Haley Bennett also star in the historical drama,...
Per the official logline, “In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.”
The film utilizes decades worth of research by filmmaker Keith Beauchamp, whose documentary “The Untold story of Emmett Till” in part led to the U.S. Department of Justice reopening the case in 2004. Beauchamp co-wrote the screenplay for “Till” with Michael Reilly and Chukwu, whose 2019 film “Clemency” landed lead star Alfre Woodard a BAFTA nomination and the film the U.S. Grand Jury Dramatic Prize at Sundance.
Whoopi Goldberg, Frankie Faison, and Haley Bennett also star in the historical drama,...
- 7/25/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
There were big winners at the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards which was presented by idobi. Featuring 12 live awards and 5 honorees, and unveiling a new statuette, the ceremony made sure to conduct tributes to films which made their mark in Black Cinema History.
This year’s show became a battle of cinematic royalty, beginning with a duel twenty years in the making. In 2001 Denzel Washington faced off against Will Smith in the Outstanding Actor category with Washington’s performance in Training Day beating out Smith’s work in Ali. In the return match, Smith proved he is the reigning king with his role in King Richard receiving the Outstanding Actor award over Washington’s “king” in The Tragedy of Macbeth. King Richard also claimed the awards for Outstanding Film and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis).
Jeymes Samuel’s masterpiece, The Harder They Fall claimed a record 20 Bolt nominations. Fall cashed...
This year’s show became a battle of cinematic royalty, beginning with a duel twenty years in the making. In 2001 Denzel Washington faced off against Will Smith in the Outstanding Actor category with Washington’s performance in Training Day beating out Smith’s work in Ali. In the return match, Smith proved he is the reigning king with his role in King Richard receiving the Outstanding Actor award over Washington’s “king” in The Tragedy of Macbeth. King Richard also claimed the awards for Outstanding Film and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis).
Jeymes Samuel’s masterpiece, The Harder They Fall claimed a record 20 Bolt nominations. Fall cashed...
- 3/1/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In recognition of their contributions to the world of entertainment, the executive committee of the Black Reel Awards is pleased to announce the recipients for honorary awards this year.
Two-time Black Reel Award winner and director of the new movie, Bruised, Halle Berry will receive the prestigious Vanguard Award for her tireless and inspiring work in the film community. Nate Moore, Vice President of Production and Development for Marvel Studios, will also receive a Vanguard Award for his contributions to and promotion of diversity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Actor, producer and twelve-time Black Reel Award nominee, Laurence Fishburne will receive the Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award. Fishburne will be the first actor to receive the honorary award named for the legendary icon since the passing of Poitier, just weeks ago. Other honorees include Chaz Ebert who will receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award and producer Suzanne De Passe who will...
Two-time Black Reel Award winner and director of the new movie, Bruised, Halle Berry will receive the prestigious Vanguard Award for her tireless and inspiring work in the film community. Nate Moore, Vice President of Production and Development for Marvel Studios, will also receive a Vanguard Award for his contributions to and promotion of diversity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Actor, producer and twelve-time Black Reel Award nominee, Laurence Fishburne will receive the Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award. Fishburne will be the first actor to receive the honorary award named for the legendary icon since the passing of Poitier, just weeks ago. Other honorees include Chaz Ebert who will receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award and producer Suzanne De Passe who will...
- 2/8/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Passing Netflix Reviewed for Shockya.com & BigAppleReviews.net, linked from Rotten Tomatoes by Harvey Karten Director: Rebecca Hall Screenwriter: Rebecca Hall, based on the novel by Nella Larsen Cast: Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Alexander Skarsgård, Bill Camp Screened at: Critics’ link, NYC, 11/12/21 Opens: October 27, 2021. Streaming November 10, 2021 Chaz Ebert, the […]
The post Passing Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Passing Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 11/17/2021
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios company, has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to The Accursed, the first feature from writer-directors Elizabeta Vidovic and Kathryn Michelle, which will be released in theaters and on demand November 12.
The horror film from Almost Normal Productions centers on Hana (Yancy Butler), who has spent 20 years suppressing a curse that was placed upon her bloodline, only to have a family member knowingly release it, forcing her to kill or to be killed.
Izabela Vidovic, Goran Visnjic, Maiara Walsh, George Harrison Xanthis, and Melora Walters also star.
“The Accursed sprouted out of our love of the horror genre. Imbued with rich Eastern European folklore, it explores our fear of all things lingering in dark corners and presses on our deep insecurity of being betrayed,” said Vidovic and Michelle. “Our characters have all become prisoners of their own device as they attempt to keep...
The horror film from Almost Normal Productions centers on Hana (Yancy Butler), who has spent 20 years suppressing a curse that was placed upon her bloodline, only to have a family member knowingly release it, forcing her to kill or to be killed.
Izabela Vidovic, Goran Visnjic, Maiara Walsh, George Harrison Xanthis, and Melora Walters also star.
“The Accursed sprouted out of our love of the horror genre. Imbued with rich Eastern European folklore, it explores our fear of all things lingering in dark corners and presses on our deep insecurity of being betrayed,” said Vidovic and Michelle. “Our characters have all become prisoners of their own device as they attempt to keep...
- 10/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Check out TheWrap’s digital Cannes magazine issue here. You can find all of TheWrap’s Cannes coverage here.
Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” proved to be another highlight in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, but the person earning real raves is the film’s star, Simon Rex.
American audiences might better know him as Dirt Nasty from the “Scary Movie” franchise of films, but critics have called him “terrific” and “sensational” and said that he has earned his “Uncut Gems” moment for his performance as a washed-up porn star who is trying to groom a younger girl in the art. One Twitter user even suggested that Cannes should award him the Best Actor prize for his work.
“Give Simon Rex the Best Actor award. Sean Baker is a national treasure. I was glued to his twisted red state Americana vision for almost its entire two hours,” critic Jordan Ruimy wrote.
Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” proved to be another highlight in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, but the person earning real raves is the film’s star, Simon Rex.
American audiences might better know him as Dirt Nasty from the “Scary Movie” franchise of films, but critics have called him “terrific” and “sensational” and said that he has earned his “Uncut Gems” moment for his performance as a washed-up porn star who is trying to groom a younger girl in the art. One Twitter user even suggested that Cannes should award him the Best Actor prize for his work.
“Give Simon Rex the Best Actor award. Sean Baker is a national treasure. I was glued to his twisted red state Americana vision for almost its entire two hours,” critic Jordan Ruimy wrote.
- 7/15/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert are to be the subject of a narrative documentary podcast series.
The Spotify Original series Gene & Roger comes from Bill Simmon’s The Ringer and host Brian Raftery. The series will document their rise with a focus on the cultural footprint they left behind.
The pair, known for their Thumps Up, Thumbs Down reviews will chronicle their lives and careers and feature never-before-heard commentary and sound bites from Siskel and Ebert and those closest to them. Ebert died in 2013 and Siskel died in 1999.
Guests will include Siskel’s widow Marlene Iglitzen, Ebert’s widow Chaz Ebert, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Shales, Justin Lin, Carrie Rickey, Thea Flaum, Nancy De Los Santos, Ray Solley, Ramin Bahrani, Carie Lovstad, Jesse Beaton, Richard Roeper, Erik Rydholm and David Price.
The eight-episode series, which will launch on July 20, is produced by Noah Malale and Bobby Wagner.
Raftery has written for Wired,...
The Spotify Original series Gene & Roger comes from Bill Simmon’s The Ringer and host Brian Raftery. The series will document their rise with a focus on the cultural footprint they left behind.
The pair, known for their Thumps Up, Thumbs Down reviews will chronicle their lives and careers and feature never-before-heard commentary and sound bites from Siskel and Ebert and those closest to them. Ebert died in 2013 and Siskel died in 1999.
Guests will include Siskel’s widow Marlene Iglitzen, Ebert’s widow Chaz Ebert, Quentin Tarantino, Tom Shales, Justin Lin, Carrie Rickey, Thea Flaum, Nancy De Los Santos, Ray Solley, Ramin Bahrani, Carie Lovstad, Jesse Beaton, Richard Roeper, Erik Rydholm and David Price.
The eight-episode series, which will launch on July 20, is produced by Noah Malale and Bobby Wagner.
Raftery has written for Wired,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sean Penn defiantly swims against the Hollywood current with “Flag Day,” a labor of love that harkens back to another era of moviemaking. Jennifer Vogel’s memoir “Flim-Flam Man: A True Family History,” published in 2004, resisted film financing over 18 years, said producer William Horberg (“The Queen’s Gambit”) at the Cannes afterparty at the Martinez. Back at the start, producer Michael De Luca loved the project, and after many detours and obstacles, when the MGM studio head saw the nearly finished film, enthusiastically acquired it for release in 2021 (just as the studio was acquired by Amazon). Horberg was joyful at the film’s good fortune.
Like many other well-reviewed films at Cannes, a robust theatrical future is by no means assured for this old-fashioned ’70s-’80s father-daughter story, which marks Penn’s first time acting in his own film, after helming six features. Thanks to Matt Damon, Penn said at Sunday’s press conference,...
Like many other well-reviewed films at Cannes, a robust theatrical future is by no means assured for this old-fashioned ’70s-’80s father-daughter story, which marks Penn’s first time acting in his own film, after helming six features. Thanks to Matt Damon, Penn said at Sunday’s press conference,...
- 7/11/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Sean Penn defiantly swims against the Hollywood current with “Flag Day,” a labor of love that harkens back to another era of moviemaking. Jennifer Vogel’s memoir “Flim-Flam Man: A True Family History,” published in 2004, resisted film financing over 18 years, said producer William Horberg (“The Queen’s Gambit”) at the Cannes afterparty at the Martinez. Back at the start, producer Michael De Luca loved the project, and after many detours and obstacles, when the MGM studio head saw the nearly finished film, enthusiastically acquired it for release in 2021 (just as the studio was acquired by Amazon). Horberg was joyful at the film’s good fortune.
Like many other well-reviewed films at Cannes, a robust theatrical future is by no means assured for this old-fashioned ’70s-’80s father-daughter story, which marks Penn’s first time acting in his own film, after helming six features. Thanks to Matt Damon, Penn said at Sunday’s press conference,...
Like many other well-reviewed films at Cannes, a robust theatrical future is by no means assured for this old-fashioned ’70s-’80s father-daughter story, which marks Penn’s first time acting in his own film, after helming six features. Thanks to Matt Damon, Penn said at Sunday’s press conference,...
- 7/11/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Spike Lee is using his platform as the first-ever Black jury president at the Cannes Film Festival to speak out against American racism on an international level. During a festival press conference on July 6, the Do the Right Thing director recalled that not much has changed since the film premiered in 1989. "A couple weeks ago was the 32nd anniversary of the film," he said to Chaz Ebert. "I wrote it in 1988. When you see brother Eric Garner, when you see king George Floyd murdered, lynched. I think of Radio Raheem. And you think and hope that 30 motherf*cking years later, Black people would stop being hunted down like animals."
The 64-year-old also called out the corruption of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. "This world is run by gangsters," he shared with Yahoo! News. "Agent Orange, this guy in Brazil, and Putin are gangsters. They have no morals,...
The 64-year-old also called out the corruption of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. "This world is run by gangsters," he shared with Yahoo! News. "Agent Orange, this guy in Brazil, and Putin are gangsters. They have no morals,...
- 7/8/2021
- by Grayson Gilcrease
- Popsugar.com
Spike Lee did not mince his words at the Cannes Film Festival jury press conference this afternoon, which raised the curtain on his history-making tenure as the event’s first Black Competition jury president in its 74-year history.
Lee is returning to the festival that helped launch his career when She’s Gotta Have It screened here in 1986. Three years later he showed his seminal movie Do The Right Thing in Cannes Competition.
Asking a question about what the fest means to Lee, Chaz Ebert, the wife of the late famed film critic Roger Ebert, noted that her husband had been appalled that Do The Right Thing had not received any awards from the Cannes jury that year, and had even threatened to boycott the festival as a result.
Lee said that he had “a special place in [his] heart for Roger” and noted that U.S. press at the time...
Lee is returning to the festival that helped launch his career when She’s Gotta Have It screened here in 1986. Three years later he showed his seminal movie Do The Right Thing in Cannes Competition.
Asking a question about what the fest means to Lee, Chaz Ebert, the wife of the late famed film critic Roger Ebert, noted that her husband had been appalled that Do The Right Thing had not received any awards from the Cannes jury that year, and had even threatened to boycott the festival as a result.
Lee said that he had “a special place in [his] heart for Roger” and noted that U.S. press at the time...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Spike Lee is making history at Cannes Film Festival. The Oscar-winning director is the first Black president of the jury, where he’ll head the nine artists and actors — including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tahar Rahim and Song Kang-ho — tasked with voting on the prestigious Palm d’Or.
“Cannes is the world’s greatest film festival,” Lee said on Tuesday afternoon in the South of France. “No disrespecting other film festivals.”
Lee has been coming to Cannes since 1986, when his first film “She’s Gotta Have It” debuted at the festival. “One of my most memorable Cannes had nothing to do with film,” Lee said. “It was back in the 1990s, when the New York Knicks were good. We were in the NBA finals. I flew from Nice to New York for a game and came back.” He took a beat. “The Knicks lost that game.”
Chaz Ebert asked the first question at the press conference,...
“Cannes is the world’s greatest film festival,” Lee said on Tuesday afternoon in the South of France. “No disrespecting other film festivals.”
Lee has been coming to Cannes since 1986, when his first film “She’s Gotta Have It” debuted at the festival. “One of my most memorable Cannes had nothing to do with film,” Lee said. “It was back in the 1990s, when the New York Knicks were good. We were in the NBA finals. I flew from Nice to New York for a game and came back.” He took a beat. “The Knicks lost that game.”
Chaz Ebert asked the first question at the press conference,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
When Chaz Ebert decided to have Black Writers Week on RogerEbert.com, she chose mid-June dates to coincide with the same week as Juneteenth. Upon this decision, she had no idea Juneteenth was to become a federally recognized holiday.
“I’m really filled with emotion today because of it being the first federally-recognized Juneteenth Independence Day. The fact it it is happening at the end of our Black Writers Week is even more impactful,” Ebert told Variety. “I didn’t expect that the legislation would pass… It sort of took me by surprise.”
Inspired by the site’s Women Writers Week, which she started in 2013, Ebert planned to roll out a diversity and inclusion week. Then the Black Lives Matter movement had its watershed moment last summer, and she decided to change her approach.
“After the death of George Floyd last year and all of the aftermath of the protests...
“I’m really filled with emotion today because of it being the first federally-recognized Juneteenth Independence Day. The fact it it is happening at the end of our Black Writers Week is even more impactful,” Ebert told Variety. “I didn’t expect that the legislation would pass… It sort of took me by surprise.”
Inspired by the site’s Women Writers Week, which she started in 2013, Ebert planned to roll out a diversity and inclusion week. Then the Black Lives Matter movement had its watershed moment last summer, and she decided to change her approach.
“After the death of George Floyd last year and all of the aftermath of the protests...
- 6/19/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lisa Cortés, co-director of Amazon’s voter suppression documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy, is set to direct The Empire of Ebony, a documentary that explores the rise and impact of the first black media empire Ebony magazine and its sister publication, Jet. Cortés will produce the pic with Alyse Shorland and Roger Ross Williams under his One Story Up banner. Cortés and Williams previously collaborated on the Emmy-winning doc, The Apollo.
Currently in production, the doc will focus on the Johnson Publishing Company, the first home to Ebony and Jet. It will explore the media empire’s beginnings as a small publishing company, started by John H. Johnson and Eunice W. Johnson with a five hundred dollar loan, to its incredible growth into a publishing juggernaut with an unparalleled cultural impact. The film will chart the rise of Ebony and Jet and their growth into a brand...
Currently in production, the doc will focus on the Johnson Publishing Company, the first home to Ebony and Jet. It will explore the media empire’s beginnings as a small publishing company, started by John H. Johnson and Eunice W. Johnson with a five hundred dollar loan, to its incredible growth into a publishing juggernaut with an unparalleled cultural impact. The film will chart the rise of Ebony and Jet and their growth into a brand...
- 2/25/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut already made a big splash with its Sundance Film Festival premiere — and the film is set to make even bigger noise, as Netflix is nearing a $16 million deal for worldwide distribution rights on the film, an individual with knowledge of the deal tells Variety.
Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga star in the project, based on the 1929 novella by Nella Larsen and adapted by Hall, about racial passing in 1920s New York.
“Passing” was one of the buzziest titles heading into the festival, with Endeavor Content handling sales for the picture. The film boasts a starry cast and, after its well-reviewed premiere, a sizable acquisition deal was to be expected.
Set amid the Harlem Renaissance, Irene (Thompson) and Clare (Negga) are two mixed race women, and childhood friends, who reunite in their adulthood, discovering that they now live on two different sides of the color line,...
Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga star in the project, based on the 1929 novella by Nella Larsen and adapted by Hall, about racial passing in 1920s New York.
“Passing” was one of the buzziest titles heading into the festival, with Endeavor Content handling sales for the picture. The film boasts a starry cast and, after its well-reviewed premiere, a sizable acquisition deal was to be expected.
Set amid the Harlem Renaissance, Irene (Thompson) and Clare (Negga) are two mixed race women, and childhood friends, who reunite in their adulthood, discovering that they now live on two different sides of the color line,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix is nearing a deal to acquire worldwide rights to Passing, the Rebecca Hall-directed and -scripted drama that stars Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, Andre Holland and Alexander Skarsgard. Sources said the deal will land at around a $15.75 million.
The drama is about two African-American women who can “pass” as white, and who choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York. The drama is a compelling exploration of racial and gender identity, performance, obsession and repression. Passing competed in the U.S. Drama Competition at the Sundance Film Festival.
Along with Coda, it was the most eagerly awaited acquisition title to hit Sundance, and with this deal, it does not disappoint. The film is a real statement of female empowerment, with Hall making her helming debut on the Nella Larsen novella, and Thompson and Negga turning in powerhouse performances. Netflix competed in a field of five bidders,...
The drama is about two African-American women who can “pass” as white, and who choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1929 New York. The drama is a compelling exploration of racial and gender identity, performance, obsession and repression. Passing competed in the U.S. Drama Competition at the Sundance Film Festival.
Along with Coda, it was the most eagerly awaited acquisition title to hit Sundance, and with this deal, it does not disappoint. The film is a real statement of female empowerment, with Hall making her helming debut on the Nella Larsen novella, and Thompson and Negga turning in powerhouse performances. Netflix competed in a field of five bidders,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmett Till was just 14 years old when he was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, after being accused of flirting with a white woman. The brutality of his murder and the fact that his killers were acquitted, drew attention to the long history of violent persecution of African Americans in the United States. Till posthumously became an icon of the civil rights movement, due in part to the unrelenting efforts of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, a major face of racial justice, following her son’s death, devoting her life to the issue until her own passing in 2003.
In recent years, there have been several seemingly failed attempts to bring Till’s story to the screen by a handful of Hollywood players, each based on different source material. It makes sense; a screen adaptation of the tragic and brutal story of Till’s murder at the hands of a white mob, and the aftermath,...
In recent years, there have been several seemingly failed attempts to bring Till’s story to the screen by a handful of Hollywood players, each based on different source material. It makes sense; a screen adaptation of the tragic and brutal story of Till’s murder at the hands of a white mob, and the aftermath,...
- 8/27/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
As a freelance film critic working in Los Angeles for the past seven years, and a resident of the city since I came from Mexico in my early teens, I’ve been lucky to find supporters at publications and film-related institutions who’ve found value in my work and insights.
That’s why three years ago when the Trump administration rescinded Daca (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) — the Obama-era program that offered temporary protection to nearly a million undocumented youth — I publicly revealed that I’m one of the recipients who would be directly impacted if the courts decided to terminate it.
Confronted with the terrifying prospect of losing everything I’d built up to that point, it seemed imperative to share my story with colleagues in the entertainment industry who previously were unaware of my status. In doing so, the hope was for the issue to no longer be hypothetical for those around me.
That’s why three years ago when the Trump administration rescinded Daca (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) — the Obama-era program that offered temporary protection to nearly a million undocumented youth — I publicly revealed that I’m one of the recipients who would be directly impacted if the courts decided to terminate it.
Confronted with the terrifying prospect of losing everything I’d built up to that point, it seemed imperative to share my story with colleagues in the entertainment industry who previously were unaware of my status. In doing so, the hope was for the issue to no longer be hypothetical for those around me.
- 7/3/2020
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Both the Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center have continued their at-home screenings, due to the physical theaters having to close during the pandemic quarantine. Below are the updates to their current offerings.
Music Box Theatre Presents Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 6, Alice, Deerskin, Straight Up, Lucky Grandma and Magnolia Pictures Documentaries
Chicagoland Shorts Vol 6
Photo credit: MusicBoxTheatre.com
The Music Box Theatre will get a percentage of the proceeds from any screening. Click site link below for details.
Scheduled: Now until the theater re-opens.
Description: Chicagoland Shorts Vol 6 is the annual Windy City overview of local short films works, presented by Full Spectrum Productions. See the Music Box website for a list of the films.
Alice Emilie Piponnier is the perfect wife and mother, living happily with her husband Francois and their son in an apartment in Paris. When her credit cards are declined one day while shopping,...
Music Box Theatre Presents Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 6, Alice, Deerskin, Straight Up, Lucky Grandma and Magnolia Pictures Documentaries
Chicagoland Shorts Vol 6
Photo credit: MusicBoxTheatre.com
The Music Box Theatre will get a percentage of the proceeds from any screening. Click site link below for details.
Scheduled: Now until the theater re-opens.
Description: Chicagoland Shorts Vol 6 is the annual Windy City overview of local short films works, presented by Full Spectrum Productions. See the Music Box website for a list of the films.
Alice Emilie Piponnier is the perfect wife and mother, living happily with her husband Francois and their son in an apartment in Paris. When her credit cards are declined one day while shopping,...
- 5/20/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In this most unprecedented of times, the film community of Chicago has been affected profoundly by the coronavirus pandemic. The spring film festivals were just getting into gear, and obviously as gatherings have been discouraged the cancellations and postponements have started to come in. Here are the updates …
Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival Status: Canceled
Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival
Photo credit: ChicagoIndependentFilmFestival.com
Scheduled: March 20th-21st, 2020
Description: Now in its seventh year, the Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival supports international and national filmmakers and showcases strong independent work in the city of Chicago.
Official Statement: As we anticipated Columbia College [the location of the Fest] has closed indefinitely. We are glad we got the word out to you as early as we possibly could. We started this festival to support the independent film community. These are strenuous times. Please continue to support one another and lift each others spirits.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema...
Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival Status: Canceled
Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival
Photo credit: ChicagoIndependentFilmFestival.com
Scheduled: March 20th-21st, 2020
Description: Now in its seventh year, the Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival supports international and national filmmakers and showcases strong independent work in the city of Chicago.
Official Statement: As we anticipated Columbia College [the location of the Fest] has closed indefinitely. We are glad we got the word out to you as early as we possibly could. We started this festival to support the independent film community. These are strenuous times. Please continue to support one another and lift each others spirits.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema...
- 3/16/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The Toronto Film Festival rolled out the red carpet Monday night for its inaugural Tiff Tribute Gala, a fundraiser and awards-season launcher that feted a select group of cinema changemakers and included both inspiring and surprising moments.
Held at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the packed event was hosted by Toronto thesps Sarah Gadon (“American Woman”) and Stephan James (“If Beale Street Could Talk”), both alumni of Tiff Rising Stars, one of many career-boosting programs the not-for-profit Tiff puts on year round.
Following a greeting from Tiff co-heads Cameron Bailey and Joanna Vicente — who together decided to consolidate previous tribute/fundraiser events into a single high-profile festival centerpiece for maximum impact — “The Goldfinch” director John Crowley presented the Variety Artisan Award to Roger Deakins.
“I am honored to make a great artist greatly uncomfortable,” Crowley joked, referring to the legendary cinematographer’s dislike of the spotlight.
Deakins — whose work,...
Held at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the packed event was hosted by Toronto thesps Sarah Gadon (“American Woman”) and Stephan James (“If Beale Street Could Talk”), both alumni of Tiff Rising Stars, one of many career-boosting programs the not-for-profit Tiff puts on year round.
Following a greeting from Tiff co-heads Cameron Bailey and Joanna Vicente — who together decided to consolidate previous tribute/fundraiser events into a single high-profile festival centerpiece for maximum impact — “The Goldfinch” director John Crowley presented the Variety Artisan Award to Roger Deakins.
“I am honored to make a great artist greatly uncomfortable,” Crowley joked, referring to the legendary cinematographer’s dislike of the spotlight.
Deakins — whose work,...
- 9/10/2019
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Five months after premiering at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Tayarisha Poe’s feature film debut “Selah and The Spades” has been picked up by Amazon Studios.
The streamer acquired worldwide rights to the film, which was written and directed by Poe, and will distribute “Selah and The Spades” directly to its streaming platform. Amazon also plans to develop an original series based on the teen drama set in a boarding school. Poe will also write, direct and produce the series.
“I’m thrilled that ‘Selah and The Spades’ has found a home with Amazon Studios, and doubly excited to see the world of The Haldwell School expand and develop in the serial format,” Poe said in a statement. “I’d always hoped to work with a company that realized the multi-format potential of this fictional world, and truly we have found the ideal partners with Amazon.”
The film stars Lovie Simone,...
The streamer acquired worldwide rights to the film, which was written and directed by Poe, and will distribute “Selah and The Spades” directly to its streaming platform. Amazon also plans to develop an original series based on the teen drama set in a boarding school. Poe will also write, direct and produce the series.
“I’m thrilled that ‘Selah and The Spades’ has found a home with Amazon Studios, and doubly excited to see the world of The Haldwell School expand and develop in the serial format,” Poe said in a statement. “I’d always hoped to work with a company that realized the multi-format potential of this fictional world, and truly we have found the ideal partners with Amazon.”
The film stars Lovie Simone,...
- 7/17/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios has acquired worldwide rights to writer/director Tayarisha Poe’s feature film debut “Selah and the Spades,” which made its world premiere as a Next selection this past January at the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, the streaming giant is developing an original series based on the teen drama, which Poe will write, direct, and produce, along with Lauren McBride, who also produced the film.
Set in the closed world of an elite Pennsylvania boarding school, the Haldwell, where the student body is run by five factions, the film stars a young cast of fresh new faces, including Lovie Simone as the titular Selah Summers. She’s joined by Celeste O’Connor, Jesse Williams, Gina Torres, Henry Hunter Hall, Evan Roe, and Jharrel Jerome, who is likely still basking in the afterglow of his first Emmy nomination for Netflix’s “When They See Us.”
Of Haldwell’s five factions — The Spades,...
Set in the closed world of an elite Pennsylvania boarding school, the Haldwell, where the student body is run by five factions, the film stars a young cast of fresh new faces, including Lovie Simone as the titular Selah Summers. She’s joined by Celeste O’Connor, Jesse Williams, Gina Torres, Henry Hunter Hall, Evan Roe, and Jharrel Jerome, who is likely still basking in the afterglow of his first Emmy nomination for Netflix’s “When They See Us.”
Of Haldwell’s five factions — The Spades,...
- 7/17/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios has acquired worldwide rights to “Selah and the Spades,” a gripping look at a prep school drug dealer, Variety has learned.
The film marks the feature debut of writer and director Tayarisha Poe and had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it was a favorite with critics. Amazon has big plans for the project and is in the process of developing an original series based on the teen drama. Poe will write, direct and produce the original series, along with Lauren McBride who also produced the film.
“I’m thrilled that ‘Selah and The Spades’ has found a home with Amazon Studios, and doubly excited to see the world of The Haldwell School expand and develop in the serial format,” said Poe in a statement. “I’d always hoped to work with a company that realized the multi-format potential of this fictional world,...
The film marks the feature debut of writer and director Tayarisha Poe and had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it was a favorite with critics. Amazon has big plans for the project and is in the process of developing an original series based on the teen drama. Poe will write, direct and produce the original series, along with Lauren McBride who also produced the film.
“I’m thrilled that ‘Selah and The Spades’ has found a home with Amazon Studios, and doubly excited to see the world of The Haldwell School expand and develop in the serial format,” said Poe in a statement. “I’d always hoped to work with a company that realized the multi-format potential of this fictional world,...
- 7/17/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Quentin Tarantino snapped at a female reporter from The New York Times who asked why Margot Robbie wasn’t given more to say or do in his latest film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“I reject your hypothesis,” he said at a press conference for his new film on Wednesday morning at the Cannes Film Festival.
Robbie plays Sharon Tate in the movie. The film takes place in the 1960s Hollywood and focuses on a struggling TV actor named Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they make their way through a changing movie industry.
At the press conference, Tarantino scowled — looking visibly upset — at the question as Robbie tried to tactfully answer it.
“I think the moments I was on screen gave a moment to honor Sharon,” Robbie said. “I think the tragedy was the loss of innocence. To show the wonderful...
“I reject your hypothesis,” he said at a press conference for his new film on Wednesday morning at the Cannes Film Festival.
Robbie plays Sharon Tate in the movie. The film takes place in the 1960s Hollywood and focuses on a struggling TV actor named Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they make their way through a changing movie industry.
At the press conference, Tarantino scowled — looking visibly upset — at the question as Robbie tried to tactfully answer it.
“I think the moments I was on screen gave a moment to honor Sharon,” Robbie said. “I think the tragedy was the loss of innocence. To show the wonderful...
- 5/22/2019
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
At the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, three of the projects screening in the Short Film Corner — “Birthday,” “Phenomenally Me” and “Without Dying” — will be products of the DePaul/Cha Documentary Filmmaking Program, a six-week course co-sponsored by the Chicago Housing Authority in which high school girls learn filmmaking from graduate students and faculty of DePaul University.
The program’s founders know that access to moviemaking and equipment — and the chance to put them into action — can be a life-changing experience. Just ask Zana Carter, who a few summers ago was a high school student with a love of writing and the films of Spike Lee and a desire to see more stories on screen that reflected her life as a resident of Chicago public housing.
“Those things drove me into filmmaking,” says Carter. “Being part of an African American community with stories not being shared that should be acknowledged” was important.
The program’s founders know that access to moviemaking and equipment — and the chance to put them into action — can be a life-changing experience. Just ask Zana Carter, who a few summers ago was a high school student with a love of writing and the films of Spike Lee and a desire to see more stories on screen that reflected her life as a resident of Chicago public housing.
“Those things drove me into filmmaking,” says Carter. “Being part of an African American community with stories not being shared that should be acknowledged” was important.
- 5/17/2019
- by Tom Mclean
- Variety Film + TV
The story is all too familiar: a filmmaker tweets something that seems harmless and then it draws backlash from the social media masses. Director Scott Derrickson is the latest embroiled in Twitter ire as he’s been getting slammed for his remarks about film criticism. In turn, he is looking to evacuate the Twitter mothership.
It all started in early November when the Doctor Strange director tweeted his opinion about Bohemian Rhapsody, which has been criticized for “straight-washing” the story of Freddie Mercury, an icon for the Lgbtq community.
“I really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody,” he wrote. “Most criticisms I’ve read about the film say it could’ve been something more. But I refuse to judge a film by I wanted it to be, I receive it for what it is.”
Twitter, pounced on the opportunity to criticize his criticism to which the level-headed Derrickson responded, “This tweet sparked some great dialogue,...
It all started in early November when the Doctor Strange director tweeted his opinion about Bohemian Rhapsody, which has been criticized for “straight-washing” the story of Freddie Mercury, an icon for the Lgbtq community.
“I really enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody,” he wrote. “Most criticisms I’ve read about the film say it could’ve been something more. But I refuse to judge a film by I wanted it to be, I receive it for what it is.”
Twitter, pounced on the opportunity to criticize his criticism to which the level-headed Derrickson responded, “This tweet sparked some great dialogue,...
- 12/2/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
For the second time in a month, Scott Derrickson is making his issue with film critics known. The “Doctor Strange” director started a debate in early November when he called out a number of “Bohemian Rhapsody” reviews, and now he’s threatening to lessen his social-media presence due to the way he says he’s been treated by critics.
“If I keep getting personally attacked by film critics I will leave twitter. They will win. I cannot afford to have them souring my name to other critics and filmmakers. It’s consequential,” he wrote. “And none of them come at me directly. That would at least deserve a smidgeon of respect.”
When Derrickson defended “Bohemian Rhapsody” by saying “I refuse to judge a film by I wanted it to be, I receive it for what it is,” a number of critics accused the Freddy Mercury biopic of “de-queering” its subject.
“If I keep getting personally attacked by film critics I will leave twitter. They will win. I cannot afford to have them souring my name to other critics and filmmakers. It’s consequential,” he wrote. “And none of them come at me directly. That would at least deserve a smidgeon of respect.”
When Derrickson defended “Bohemian Rhapsody” by saying “I refuse to judge a film by I wanted it to be, I receive it for what it is,” a number of critics accused the Freddy Mercury biopic of “de-queering” its subject.
- 12/2/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Tayarisha Poe is set to make her directorial debut with the upcoming drama “Selah and the Spades.” The film will star Lovie Simone (“Greenleaf”) as ‘Selah,’ along with Celeste O’Connor (“Wetlands”) and Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight”). Jesse Williams and Gina Torres (“Suits”) round out key supporting roles.
Tayarisha Poe is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker. She was a Sundance Institute Knight Foundation Fellow in 2016 and her feature project “Selah and the Spades” went on to receive development support from Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters, Directors, and Creative Producing Labs and Catalyst Forum; Cinereach, Ifp, TribecaAll Access, The Leeway Foundation, and Small But Mighty Arts.
In “Selah and the Spades,” factions provide everything the students need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The most powerful faction is The Spades. With the end of the school year approaching, Selah (Simone) is confronted with the reality of a...
Tayarisha Poe is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker. She was a Sundance Institute Knight Foundation Fellow in 2016 and her feature project “Selah and the Spades” went on to receive development support from Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters, Directors, and Creative Producing Labs and Catalyst Forum; Cinereach, Ifp, TribecaAll Access, The Leeway Foundation, and Small But Mighty Arts.
In “Selah and the Spades,” factions provide everything the students need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The most powerful faction is The Spades. With the end of the school year approaching, Selah (Simone) is confronted with the reality of a...
- 8/21/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – First Tuesdays in Chicago have a new face and a new attitude. Amy Guth – who is a filmmaker, author and broadcaster – was named in July as Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Film Festival, the monthly fest event that convenes every first Tuesday during the year. Her first presentation opportunity for 2018 is tomorrow night at the popular Female Filmmakers Night. For the short film line-up, more information and ticket purchasing, click here.
Amy Guth was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently resides in Chicago. The versatile media purveyor has a background in journalism, having served as editor at the Chicago Tribune’s “Redeye” and Metromix print and online publications. She is currently a weekend and fill-in host at Chicago’s Wgn radio, and continues her roles as a freelance writer, podcaster and filmmaker. She has been associated with the Midwest Independent Film Festival for several years, and often...
Amy Guth was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently resides in Chicago. The versatile media purveyor has a background in journalism, having served as editor at the Chicago Tribune’s “Redeye” and Metromix print and online publications. She is currently a weekend and fill-in host at Chicago’s Wgn radio, and continues her roles as a freelance writer, podcaster and filmmaker. She has been associated with the Midwest Independent Film Festival for several years, and often...
- 8/6/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Previous | Image 1 of 6 | NextCelebration: Michael Kutza, Founder of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Chicago – It was a night of stars, tributes and memories as Cinema/Chicago, the organization that presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, honored the Founder of the Fest (and longtime Artistic Director) Michael Kutza at their 2018 Summer Gala on July 14th. Appearing on the Red Carpet to honor the Chicago cinema icon, who will be retiring at the end of the year, were movie stars Kathleen Turner and Terrence Howard, directors Andrew Davis (“The Fugitive”) and Steve James (“Hoop Dreams), as well as the iconic movie producer Paula Wagner.
Michael Kutza was 22 years old in 1965, when he founded the Chicago International Film Festival, with former silent film star and Chicagoan Colleen Moore. He was Artistic Director until 2017, and held that title longer than any other festival Ad in history… and in honor of that record and...
Chicago – It was a night of stars, tributes and memories as Cinema/Chicago, the organization that presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, honored the Founder of the Fest (and longtime Artistic Director) Michael Kutza at their 2018 Summer Gala on July 14th. Appearing on the Red Carpet to honor the Chicago cinema icon, who will be retiring at the end of the year, were movie stars Kathleen Turner and Terrence Howard, directors Andrew Davis (“The Fugitive”) and Steve James (“Hoop Dreams), as well as the iconic movie producer Paula Wagner.
Michael Kutza was 22 years old in 1965, when he founded the Chicago International Film Festival, with former silent film star and Chicagoan Colleen Moore. He was Artistic Director until 2017, and held that title longer than any other festival Ad in history… and in honor of that record and...
- 7/25/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – One of the greatest representatives of Chicago cinema history, Michael Kutza, the Founder and CEO of the Chicago International Film Festival, announced his retirement after 55 years on North America’s oldest film festival. He will be honored at the Festival Summer Gala in Chicago on July 14th, 2018.
The Gala, appropriately called “Celebrating Michael,” will be chaired by Chaz Ebert, Candice Jordan and Maria Pappas, and will take place Loews Chicago. The event will feature film luminaries and guests to honor Michael’s passion for cinema and his dedication to fostering the appreciation of film for an entire career. Michael Kutza was 22 years old in 1964, when he founded the Chicago International Film Festival, with former silent film star and Chicagoan Colleen Moore. He was Artistic Director until 2017, and held that title longer than any other festival Artistic Director. As part of the event, Michael will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Gala, appropriately called “Celebrating Michael,” will be chaired by Chaz Ebert, Candice Jordan and Maria Pappas, and will take place Loews Chicago. The event will feature film luminaries and guests to honor Michael’s passion for cinema and his dedication to fostering the appreciation of film for an entire career. Michael Kutza was 22 years old in 1964, when he founded the Chicago International Film Festival, with former silent film star and Chicagoan Colleen Moore. He was Artistic Director until 2017, and held that title longer than any other festival Artistic Director. As part of the event, Michael will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 6/24/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Donald Glover grabbed a glass and squeezed by me, bobbing his head to “This Is How We Do It” along the way. I’d been repeating to myself, “This is Not normal, don’t forget to take it all in” — Cannes is, in fact, light-years from normal — and in that instant, Young Lando/Childish/Earn brushed by me on the night of my first Cannes premiere. This is what they meant when they said you will have a Cannes Moment. This is how we do it, indeed.
Attending the Cannes Film Festival has been my dream since I learned it bestowed its highest honor, the Palme d’Or, on Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” We’ve all seen the glamorous red carpets where everyone worships at the altar of World Cinema. But as is so often the case with dreams, the reality is far from what we build in our minds.
Attending the Cannes Film Festival has been my dream since I learned it bestowed its highest honor, the Palme d’Or, on Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” We’ve all seen the glamorous red carpets where everyone worships at the altar of World Cinema. But as is so often the case with dreams, the reality is far from what we build in our minds.
- 5/15/2018
- by Jacqueline Coley
- Indiewire
TheWrap and The Female Quotient Present “Changing Hollywood: The Road to 50/50 by 2020” at the 71st Cannes Film Festival, moderated by Sharon Waxman with producer Cassian Elwes, film executive Chaz Ebert, actress Dionne Audain, Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk, documentary filmmaker Lucy Walker and Swedish Film Institute’s Anna Swerner.
Read original story The Scene at TheWrap and The Female Quotient’s Cannes Panel on Gender Equity (Photos) At TheWrap...
Read original story The Scene at TheWrap and The Female Quotient’s Cannes Panel on Gender Equity (Photos) At TheWrap...
- 5/15/2018
- by Photographed by Genevieve Caron
- The Wrap
A group six of leading entertainment industry insiders and activists on Monday affirmed that the goal of gender equity in Hollywood can be achieved if women continue to insist on change.
“Every time you ask difficult questions about this topic you create an uncomfortable atmosphere,” said panelist Anna Serner, CEO of the Swedish Film Institute, a public entity that finances film in Sweden, at a Wrap-sponsored panel focused on gender equity at the Cannes Film Festival.
But Serner said it was imperative to “count, count, count” the number of women to get to fully 50-50 equity. “Forty-sixty is rubbish,” she said.
Serner was one of the first women to adopt the “50/50 by 2020” mission to achieve full gender parity in the film industry, and in three years the institute has achieved just that in film funding, she said.
She was joined on the panel by veteran film producer and activist Cassian Elwes...
“Every time you ask difficult questions about this topic you create an uncomfortable atmosphere,” said panelist Anna Serner, CEO of the Swedish Film Institute, a public entity that finances film in Sweden, at a Wrap-sponsored panel focused on gender equity at the Cannes Film Festival.
But Serner said it was imperative to “count, count, count” the number of women to get to fully 50-50 equity. “Forty-sixty is rubbish,” she said.
Serner was one of the first women to adopt the “50/50 by 2020” mission to achieve full gender parity in the film industry, and in three years the institute has achieved just that in film funding, she said.
She was joined on the panel by veteran film producer and activist Cassian Elwes...
- 5/14/2018
- by Zalika Scott
- The Wrap
Kutza co-founded Chicago International Film Festival in 1964.
Michael Kutza the founder and CEO of Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, will step down at the end of the year.
Kutza co-founded the in 1964 and served as the festival’s artistic director through 2017.
The festivl’s board have organised a gala to celebrate Kutza’s 55-year career, where they will present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Chaz Ebert, Candace Jordan, and Maria Pappas will chair the ‘Celebrating Michael’ event set for July 14.
After co-founding the Chicago International Film Festival with silent screen actress Colleen Moore, Kutza...
Michael Kutza the founder and CEO of Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, will step down at the end of the year.
Kutza co-founded the in 1964 and served as the festival’s artistic director through 2017.
The festivl’s board have organised a gala to celebrate Kutza’s 55-year career, where they will present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Chaz Ebert, Candace Jordan, and Maria Pappas will chair the ‘Celebrating Michael’ event set for July 14.
After co-founding the Chicago International Film Festival with silent screen actress Colleen Moore, Kutza...
- 5/8/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
The Ebert name is starting to move in new directions, but after 20 years, Ebertfest remains largely the same. Roger Ebert’s annual film festival, held in his hometown of Champaign, Illinois, threw a cake-and-ice-cream party for its anniversary edition but otherwise stuck to programming a familiar mix of fare the beloved film critic championed during his life and newer work chosen for its similarities to films and themes he had embraced in the past. This year, the newer selections included “13th,” “Interstellar” and “Columbus,” while choices from the Ebert vault included “American Splendor,” “Rambling Rose” and opening-night selection “The Fugitive.”
Meanwhile, Chaz Ebert, Roger’s widow and co-founder and chair of the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, plans moves into film production and broader social action. She announced during the festival that she would be co-producing a biopic of Sojourner Truth, to be helmed by Lateef “Cal” Calloway, who previously...
Meanwhile, Chaz Ebert, Roger’s widow and co-founder and chair of the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, plans moves into film production and broader social action. She announced during the festival that she would be co-producing a biopic of Sojourner Truth, to be helmed by Lateef “Cal” Calloway, who previously...
- 4/26/2018
- by Andrew Lapin
- Indiewire
Tuesday, April 3
– Sundance Selects announced that it has acquired U.S. rights to the film “Blaze,” co-written, produced and directed by Ethan Hawke. Sybil Rosen co-wrote the film with Hawke based on her memoir “Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley.” Jake Seal, John Sloss and Ryan Hawke produced alongside Ethan Hawke.
The film held its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival where newcomer Ben Dickey won the Special Jury Award for Achievement in Acting for his portrayal of Blaze Foley. The is inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The film weaves together three different periods of time, braiding re-imagined versions of Blaze’s past, present and future. The different strands explore his love affair with Sybil Rosen; his final performance in a near-empty honky-tonk; his last,...
– Sundance Selects announced that it has acquired U.S. rights to the film “Blaze,” co-written, produced and directed by Ethan Hawke. Sybil Rosen co-wrote the film with Hawke based on her memoir “Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley.” Jake Seal, John Sloss and Ryan Hawke produced alongside Ethan Hawke.
The film held its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival where newcomer Ben Dickey won the Special Jury Award for Achievement in Acting for his portrayal of Blaze Foley. The is inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The film weaves together three different periods of time, braiding re-imagined versions of Blaze’s past, present and future. The different strands explore his love affair with Sybil Rosen; his final performance in a near-empty honky-tonk; his last,...
- 4/2/2018
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
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