Exclusive: Bob Hercules, who co-directed the Peabody-winning American Masters bio-documentary Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, is set to co-produce and co-direct Tom Who, a documentary about the career of late-night talk-show icon Tom Snyder. Preproduction kicked off this week on the project, which is being co-produced and co-directed by Snyder’s daughter Ann Marie Snyder.
The film will feature lost archival material from NBC’s Snyder-hosted The Tomorrow Show, which ran from 1973-81 after The Tonight Show and showcased Snyder informal, conversational style and drew guests from John Lennon and Barbara Walters to Steven Spielberg and Charles Manson. The show gave way to David Letterman’s Late Night which took over the time slot in 1982 (see Snyder’s final signoff below).
After Tomorrow, Snyder, who started his career in radio and was an anchor for NBC News and Los Angeles’ Knbc, became the first host of CBS’ Late, Late Show franchise,...
The film will feature lost archival material from NBC’s Snyder-hosted The Tomorrow Show, which ran from 1973-81 after The Tonight Show and showcased Snyder informal, conversational style and drew guests from John Lennon and Barbara Walters to Steven Spielberg and Charles Manson. The show gave way to David Letterman’s Late Night which took over the time slot in 1982 (see Snyder’s final signoff below).
After Tomorrow, Snyder, who started his career in radio and was an anchor for NBC News and Los Angeles’ Knbc, became the first host of CBS’ Late, Late Show franchise,...
- 2/24/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of the world’s most influential women — pioneering primatologist Jane Goodall and lauded writer Joan Didion — are both on the receiving end of insightful new documentaries this year, both of which are hitting screens in the coming weeks. Brett Morgen’s “Jane” (which opened just last week to deservedly rave reviews) tracks the early years of Goodall’s work in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, combining both new interviews with the still-trailblazing scientist and early footage lensed by her former husband Hugo van Lawick (a celebrated animal photographer) to tell a full-bodied story about Goddall’s amazing ethic and her tremendous empathy for the animals she’s made the center of her life.
This week, Griffin Dunne’s look at Didion’s life, “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” will arrive on Netflix, following her own early years and her current state as a literary icon. Both...
This week, Griffin Dunne’s look at Didion’s life, “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” will arrive on Netflix, following her own early years and her current state as a literary icon. Both...
- 10/24/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Each with their own past experiences with Dr. Maya Angelou—the American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, most famous for her 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings—documentary filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack came together by chance on Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, PBS’ American Masters doc about Angelou’s life and times. Both intended to pursue their own separate doc projects on Angelou, with the knowledge that no documentary had…...
- 6/15/2017
- Deadline TV
Each with their own past experiences with Dr. Maya Angelou—the American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, most famous for her 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings—documentary filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack came together by chance on Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, PBS’ American Masters doc about Angelou’s life and times. Both intended to pursue their own separate doc projects on Angelou, with the knowledge that no documentary had…...
- 6/15/2017
- Deadline
With unprecedented access, filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack trace Dr. Angelou’s incredible journey, shedding light on the untold aspects of her life through never-before-seen footage, rare archival photographs and videos and her own words. From her upbringing in… Continue Reading →...
- 4/4/2017
- by Aramide A. Tinubu
- ShadowAndAct
As February comes to a close, PBS intends to conclude their month-long programming of Black History celebrating African-American experience with various documentaries and specials, with the nationwide premiere of “American Masters — Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise” directed and produced by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, on Tuesday, February 21 on PBS. The film will also be available on DVD through PBS Distribution.
The film discusses Dr. Maya Angelou’s working relationships with Malcolm X and James Baldwin along with new interviews with Dr. Angelou (filmed before her death in 2014), Oprah Winfrey, Common, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton and many others.
Read More: ‘Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise’ Review: Comprehensive Documentary Lacks the Spark of Its Subject
Preceding next week’s airing of the documentary, tonight at approximately 6:05 p.m. E.T., “American Masters” in affiliation with Facebook and Instagram, will live stream a special preview event...
The film discusses Dr. Maya Angelou’s working relationships with Malcolm X and James Baldwin along with new interviews with Dr. Angelou (filmed before her death in 2014), Oprah Winfrey, Common, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton and many others.
Read More: ‘Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise’ Review: Comprehensive Documentary Lacks the Spark of Its Subject
Preceding next week’s airing of the documentary, tonight at approximately 6:05 p.m. E.T., “American Masters” in affiliation with Facebook and Instagram, will live stream a special preview event...
- 2/16/2017
- by Kerry Levielle
- Indiewire
It’s unfair to cram any life — least of all the truly extraordinary ones — into a neat, two-hour package meant for handy cinematic consumption, a point that is driven home repeatedly throughout Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack’s admirably comprehensive documentary “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise.” Though the film endeavors to cover all of Angelou’s incredible life, complete with significant and compelling interviews featuring the subject herself, a series of essential talking heads and plenty of archival footage, it can hardly match the spark and originality of the woman it attempts to honor. Angelou’s life and work was rich, significant, influential and hugely varied, and yet “And Still I Rise” is hobbled by unimaginative delivery and direction.
In short, it’s limited, and Angelou’s own history proves that limitations must be fought against at every turn.
Still, Hercules and Whack’s attempts to distill...
In short, it’s limited, and Angelou’s own history proves that limitations must be fought against at every turn.
Still, Hercules and Whack’s attempts to distill...
- 10/13/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The first documentary about the late poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou will roll out in select theaters across the country this month after a successful one-theater run in Chicago. Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, from directors Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, will now open in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco on October 14 via American Masters Pictures. Watch the trailer above. Angelou’s story is told through home movies, footage, archival photos…...
- 10/5/2016
- Deadline
The New Regency chairman and producer will receive the Industry Tribute at the 2016 Ifp Gotham Awards in New York on November 28.
The award is awarded each year to an individual “whose unique vision and contributions have made a significant impact on the motion picture industry.”
Milchan’s producing credits include recent best picture Academy Award winners 12 Years A Slave and Birdman, as well as Revenant, Once Upon A Time In America, The King Of Comedy and Brazil.
New Regency’s upcoming films include Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply, Assassin’s Creed and A Cure For Wellness.
Legendary Entertainment has hired veteran branding, consumer products and licensing executive James Ngo to the newly created role of senior vice-president of franchise management. Ngo will set to work finding additional revenue-generating streams for such properties as Godzilla and Pacific Rim and will also manage the company’s brand collaborations on established IP such as Pokémon.The American...
The award is awarded each year to an individual “whose unique vision and contributions have made a significant impact on the motion picture industry.”
Milchan’s producing credits include recent best picture Academy Award winners 12 Years A Slave and Birdman, as well as Revenant, Once Upon A Time In America, The King Of Comedy and Brazil.
New Regency’s upcoming films include Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply, Assassin’s Creed and A Cure For Wellness.
Legendary Entertainment has hired veteran branding, consumer products and licensing executive James Ngo to the newly created role of senior vice-president of franchise management. Ngo will set to work finding additional revenue-generating streams for such properties as Godzilla and Pacific Rim and will also manage the company’s brand collaborations on established IP such as Pokémon.The American...
- 9/22/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
From co-directors Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack comes the feature-length documentary, “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” which, as the synopsis states, tells the remarkable story of Maya Angelou – iconic writer, poet, actress and activist – whose life… Continue Reading →...
- 9/21/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Arc Entertainment has released the trailer for Sundance doc Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise. The film, presented by American Masters Pictures, will bow in theaters October 14. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words in her voice with rare and intimate archival photographs, home movies and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America's most defining civil rights moments…...
- 9/21/2016
- Deadline
“Oj: Made In America” and “Amanda Knox” are two of the titles leading this year’s International Documentary Association Screening Series, the organization announced Wednesday. The series will open with Otto Bell’s “The Eagle Huntress.” The lineup features a wide variety of documentaries, from Kim A. Snyder’s “Newtown,” which examines how the Connecticut community came together following the tragic Sandy Hook shooting, to Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules’ “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” which follows the legacy of one of the most prominent poets of our time. Also Read: Seen 'Oj: Made in America'?...
- 9/1/2016
- by Rasha Ali
- The Wrap
Indiewire can exclusively announce the first round of films from the Mill Valley Film Festival’s upcoming 39th edition, with a number of high-profile selections from Cannes (“I, Daniel Blake”), Sundance (“Manchester by the Sea”) and Berlin (“Things to Come”) leading the way. Mvff, which runs from October – 16 this year, will also host the premieres of several Bay Area filmmakers’ new works. See the full list below.
Read More: ‘Room’ Declared Audience Award Favorite at 38th Mill Valley Film Festival
“I, Daniel Blake” (Ken Loach)
“Loving” (Jeff Nichols)
“Paterson” and “Gimme Danger” (Jim Jarmusch)
“Neruda” (Pablo Larrain)
“Toni Erdmann” (Maren Ade)
“The Salesman” (Asghar Farhadi)
“The Handmaiden” (Park Chan-wook)
“Elle” (Paul Verhoeven)
“Like Crazy” (Paolo Virzi)
“Manchester by the Sea” (Kenneth Lonergan)
“Christine” (Antonio Campos)
“Maya Angelou and Still I Rise” (Bob Hercules, Rita Coburn Whack)
“Things to Come” (Mia Hansen Løve)
“Fire at Sea”(Giancarlo Rosi)
“Death in Sarajevo...
Read More: ‘Room’ Declared Audience Award Favorite at 38th Mill Valley Film Festival
“I, Daniel Blake” (Ken Loach)
“Loving” (Jeff Nichols)
“Paterson” and “Gimme Danger” (Jim Jarmusch)
“Neruda” (Pablo Larrain)
“Toni Erdmann” (Maren Ade)
“The Salesman” (Asghar Farhadi)
“The Handmaiden” (Park Chan-wook)
“Elle” (Paul Verhoeven)
“Like Crazy” (Paolo Virzi)
“Manchester by the Sea” (Kenneth Lonergan)
“Christine” (Antonio Campos)
“Maya Angelou and Still I Rise” (Bob Hercules, Rita Coburn Whack)
“Things to Come” (Mia Hansen Løve)
“Fire at Sea”(Giancarlo Rosi)
“Death in Sarajevo...
- 8/17/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Other winners include A Date For Mad Mary from Room producer Ed Guiney.
The 28th Galway Film Fleadh handed out its annual awards last night (July 10) and named Taika Waititi’s Hunt For The Wilderpeople as best international feature.
The ceremony took place after the Fleadh’s annual public interview, in which director Jim Sheridan (In the Name of the Father) regaled a packed Town Hall Theatre.
The prize for best Irish feature was shared between Peter Foott’s The Young Offenders and Darren Thornton’s A Date For Mad Mary. The latter was co-produced by Ed Guiney, whose films include Oscar-winner Room, The Lobster and Frank.
The best Irish feature documentary was won by Frankie Fenton’s It’s Not Yet Dark, which centres on Simon Fitzmaurice, a talented young Irish film maker with motor neuron disease, as he embarks on making his first film through the use of his eyes and eye gaze technology.
It’s...
The 28th Galway Film Fleadh handed out its annual awards last night (July 10) and named Taika Waititi’s Hunt For The Wilderpeople as best international feature.
The ceremony took place after the Fleadh’s annual public interview, in which director Jim Sheridan (In the Name of the Father) regaled a packed Town Hall Theatre.
The prize for best Irish feature was shared between Peter Foott’s The Young Offenders and Darren Thornton’s A Date For Mad Mary. The latter was co-produced by Ed Guiney, whose films include Oscar-winner Room, The Lobster and Frank.
The best Irish feature documentary was won by Frankie Fenton’s It’s Not Yet Dark, which centres on Simon Fitzmaurice, a talented young Irish film maker with motor neuron disease, as he embarks on making his first film through the use of his eyes and eye gaze technology.
It’s...
- 7/11/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column.
– The Nantucket Film Festival announced its audience award winners over the weekend, including “Other People,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Life, Animated” and “Ticked.” Check out the full list of winners at the festival’s official site.
– The American Film Institute has also announced their audience award winners for AFI Docs 2016. This year’s Audience Award for Best Feature went to “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” directed by Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules. This year’s Audience Award for Best Short went to “Snails,” directed by Grzegorz Szczepaniak. With 93 films from 30 countries, the festival brought together filmmakers, industry, national policy and opinion leaders. Find out more information at the festival’s official website.
– PBS has announced that the PBS Online Film Festival will return for a fifth year on July 11-29 and will feature 25 short-form...
– The Nantucket Film Festival announced its audience award winners over the weekend, including “Other People,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Life, Animated” and “Ticked.” Check out the full list of winners at the festival’s official site.
– The American Film Institute has also announced their audience award winners for AFI Docs 2016. This year’s Audience Award for Best Feature went to “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” directed by Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules. This year’s Audience Award for Best Short went to “Snails,” directed by Grzegorz Szczepaniak. With 93 films from 30 countries, the festival brought together filmmakers, industry, national policy and opinion leaders. Find out more information at the festival’s official website.
– PBS has announced that the PBS Online Film Festival will return for a fifth year on July 11-29 and will feature 25 short-form...
- 6/29/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Plus: Straight Up buys Man’s Search for Meaning rights; and more…
Cinema Guild has acquired all Us rights to documentary The Wrong Light (pictured), directed by Josie Swantek Heitz and Dave Adams.
Produced by Shine Global, the non-profit production company behind War/ Dance, The Wrong Light centres on a charismatic activist who leads an anti-trafficking Ngo in Northern Thailand that provides shelter and education to young girls rescued from brothels.
Cinema Guild plans to give the film a Us theatrical release in the autumn.
• Straight Up Films has acquired the rights to Man’s Search For Meaning, the memoir by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl about life in the Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. At the time of Frank’s death in 1997, the book had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. Straight Up is talking to potential screenwriters to adapt the book into a narrative feature.
• The American...
Cinema Guild has acquired all Us rights to documentary The Wrong Light (pictured), directed by Josie Swantek Heitz and Dave Adams.
Produced by Shine Global, the non-profit production company behind War/ Dance, The Wrong Light centres on a charismatic activist who leads an anti-trafficking Ngo in Northern Thailand that provides shelter and education to young girls rescued from brothels.
Cinema Guild plans to give the film a Us theatrical release in the autumn.
• Straight Up Films has acquired the rights to Man’s Search For Meaning, the memoir by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl about life in the Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. At the time of Frank’s death in 1997, the book had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. Straight Up is talking to potential screenwriters to adapt the book into a narrative feature.
• The American...
- 6/27/2016
- ScreenDaily
From co-directors Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack comes the feature-length documentary, “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” which, as the synopsis states, tells the remarkable story of Maya Angelou – iconic writer, poet, actress and activist – whose life… Continue Reading →...
- 6/17/2016
- by Tambay Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The 2016 Illuminate Film Festival, which will take place June 1 – 5, 2016 in Sedona, Arizona has announced the official line up of films for the 3rd annual event. The only film festival of its kind, the Illuminate Film Festival offers a collection of over 20 feature length and short films from around the world, exploring the year’s best in conscious cinema, as well as eye opening and thought provoking panels and conversations that will expand minds and inspire dialogue.
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
More information Here
"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
More information Here
"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
More information Here
"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
More information Here
"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
More information Here
Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
More information Here
"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
More information Here
"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
More information Here
"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
More information Here
"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
More information Here
Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
- 4/18/2016
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Her unmistakably raspy tones narrate this story of her trajectory from a brutal childhood in the south to a leading figure of black American self-empowerment
In the opening moments of Maya Angelou And Still I Rise, Hillary Clinton says it would be sad if the poet, thinker, and performer were only to be remembered for one thing, alluding to her classic work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. But this documentary – put together by Bob Hercules and first-time film-maker Rita Coburn Whack, shows the varied, creative and often brutal back story that created one of America’s finest writers.
Starting with her upbringing in Stamps, Arkansas, the directors use Angelou’s unmistakably raspy narration to weave a story of abuse and neglect. Her mother leaves home, and a seven-year-old Angelou is raped by her mother’s new boyfriend when they are reunited in St Louis. After she tells people about the rape,...
In the opening moments of Maya Angelou And Still I Rise, Hillary Clinton says it would be sad if the poet, thinker, and performer were only to be remembered for one thing, alluding to her classic work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. But this documentary – put together by Bob Hercules and first-time film-maker Rita Coburn Whack, shows the varied, creative and often brutal back story that created one of America’s finest writers.
Starting with her upbringing in Stamps, Arkansas, the directors use Angelou’s unmistakably raspy narration to weave a story of abuse and neglect. Her mother leaves home, and a seven-year-old Angelou is raped by her mother’s new boyfriend when they are reunited in St Louis. After she tells people about the rape,...
- 1/27/2016
- by Lanre Bakare
- The Guardian - Film News
It would seem easy to fund a documentary about Pulitzer Prize winner and activist Maya Angelou, given her devout and deep-pocketed fans like Oprah Winfrey. Yet filmmakers Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules had an ethical dilemma, they told TheWrap at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, that forbade them from approaching Oprah — a longtime flag-bearer for Angelou’s writing and messages of social justice. While the doc was crowdfunded, the special will air as part of PBS’ “American Masters” series, which must abide by the rules of public television. Also Read: ‘Morris From America’ Star Markees Christmas on Co-Star Craig Robinson: He.
- 1/23/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Wnet Launches First Theatrical Imprint, Will Release Docs on Maya Angelou, Sammy Davis, Jr., More...
Today at the Sundance Film Festival, Wnet, parent company of New York's public television stations Thirteen and WLIW21 and operator of Njtv, announced the launch of its first theatrical imprint, American Masters Pictures, for documentaries co-produced by the American Masters series, executive produced by Michael Kantor. The first three films under the banner have their world premieres at Sundance: Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack's "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise" (January 26), Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You" (Day One), and Louis Black and Karen Bernstein's "Richard Linklater – Dream is...
- 1/23/2016
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Sundance Film Festival brings the most original storytellers together with the most adventurous audiences for its annual program of dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gained critical recognition, received commercial distribution, and reached worldwide audiences eager for fresh perspectives and new voices. Year after year, the Festival pursues new ways to introduce more people to the most original and authentic storytelling.
Love & Friendship
Directed and written by Whit Stillman
Ireland/France/Netherlands, 2016
The Last Days of Disco, Metropolitan, and Barcelona were amongst the best of 90s independent cinema, if one had the stomach for incessant dissections of ego, academia, and capitalism. With more talking than action, director/writer Whit Stillman brought us complex comedies of manners that had to be intently listened to in order to distill satisfaction. Selfish and...
Love & Friendship
Directed and written by Whit Stillman
Ireland/France/Netherlands, 2016
The Last Days of Disco, Metropolitan, and Barcelona were amongst the best of 90s independent cinema, if one had the stomach for incessant dissections of ego, academia, and capitalism. With more talking than action, director/writer Whit Stillman brought us complex comedies of manners that had to be intently listened to in order to distill satisfaction. Selfish and...
- 1/14/2016
- by Lane Scarberry
- SoundOnSight
Sundance 2016 is fast approaching. Last week we posted the movie lineup of Midnight and Competition film selections. We now have the complete lineup for the premieres in both the feature film and documentary categories. We also have their selections for the Spotlight and Kid films. I've also included a list of special events.
There are a lot of great films on this list that I'm excited about seeing because of the incredible talent involved. Viggo Mortensen and Frank Langella star in Captain Fantastic; Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams star in Certain Women; Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates and Danny Glover star in Complete Unknown; Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez star in The Fundamentals of Caring; John Krasinski directed a film called The Hollars which he stars in with Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, and Charlie Day; Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi has made a new...
There are a lot of great films on this list that I'm excited about seeing because of the incredible talent involved. Viggo Mortensen and Frank Langella star in Captain Fantastic; Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams star in Certain Women; Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates and Danny Glover star in Complete Unknown; Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez star in The Fundamentals of Caring; John Krasinski directed a film called The Hollars which he stars in with Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, and Charlie Day; Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi has made a new...
- 12/13/2015
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
From co-directors Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack comes the feature-length documentary, "Maya Angelou And Still I Rise," which, as the synopsis states, will tell "the remarkable story of Maya Angelou - iconic writer, poet, actress and activist whose life has intersected some of the most profound moments in recent American history." The film is set to make its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival next month as part of the Documentary Premieres. Previously titled "Maya Angelou: The People’s Poet," the film was one of 50 documentary features selected for the Ifp's esteemed Project Forum at Independent Film Week...
- 12/8/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Kate Plays ChristineThe lineup for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, taking place between January 21 -31, has been announced.U.S. Dramatic COMPETITIONAs You Are (Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, USA): As You Are is the telling and retelling of a relationship between three teenagers as it traces the course of their friendship through a construction of disparate memories prompted by a police investigation. Cast: Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, John Scurti, Scott Cohen, Mary Stuart Masterson. World Premiere The Birth of a Nation (Nate Parker, USA): Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr. World PremiereChristine (Antonio Campos,...
- 12/7/2015
- by Notebook
- MUBI
Top brass at the Park City festival have rounded out the feature line-up with a dazzling selection on paper that includes new work from Asif Kapadia and other returning alumni such as Todd Solondz, Taika Waititi and Joshua Marston.Scroll Down For Full List
Road movie The Fundamentals Of Caring by Rob Burnett starring Paul Rudd will close the festival, while Maggie Greenwald’s Sophie And The Rising Sun is the Salt Lake City Gala Film. Heid Ewing and Rachel Grady’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a Day One Film.
The Premieres line-up introduces Indignation, the feature directorial debut from former Focus Features CEO and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screenwriter James Schamus, and the latest world premieres from John Carney, Kenneth Lonergan, Ira Sachs and Diego Luna.
The Documentary Premieres section encompass latest films from Werner Herzog, Spike Lee, Liz Garbus and Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
The Spotlight...
Road movie The Fundamentals Of Caring by Rob Burnett starring Paul Rudd will close the festival, while Maggie Greenwald’s Sophie And The Rising Sun is the Salt Lake City Gala Film. Heid Ewing and Rachel Grady’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a Day One Film.
The Premieres line-up introduces Indignation, the feature directorial debut from former Focus Features CEO and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screenwriter James Schamus, and the latest world premieres from John Carney, Kenneth Lonergan, Ira Sachs and Diego Luna.
The Documentary Premieres section encompass latest films from Werner Herzog, Spike Lee, Liz Garbus and Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
The Spotlight...
- 12/7/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Top brass at the Park City festival have rounded out the feature line-up with a dazzling selection on paper that includes new work from Asif Kapadia and other returning alumni such as Todd Solondz, Taika Waititi and Joshua Marston.Scroll Down For Full List
Road movie The Fundamentals Of Caring by Rob Burnett starring Paul Rudd will close the festival, while Maggie Greenwald’s Sophie And The Rising Sun is the Salt Lake City Gala Film. Heid Ewing and Rachel Grady’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a Day One Film.
The Premieres line-up introduces Indignation, the feature directorial debut from former Focus Features CEO and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screenwriter James Schamus, and the latest world premieres from John Carney, Kenneth Lonergan, Ira Sachs and Diego Luna.
The Documentary Premieres section encompass latest films from Werner Herzog, Spike Lee, Liz Garbus and Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
The Spotlight...
Road movie The Fundamentals Of Caring by Rob Burnett starring Paul Rudd will close the festival, while Maggie Greenwald’s Sophie And The Rising Sun is the Salt Lake City Gala Film. Heid Ewing and Rachel Grady’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a Day One Film.
The Premieres line-up introduces Indignation, the feature directorial debut from former Focus Features CEO and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screenwriter James Schamus, and the latest world premieres from John Carney, Kenneth Lonergan, Ira Sachs and Diego Luna.
The Documentary Premieres section encompass latest films from Werner Herzog, Spike Lee, Liz Garbus and Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
The Spotlight...
- 12/7/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
It’s been a couple months since the last edition of What’s Up Doc? placed Michael Moore’s surprise world premiere of Where To Invade Next at the top of this list and in the meantime much shuffling has taken place and much time has been spent on various new endeavors (namely my Buffalo-based film series, Cultivate Cinema Circle). Finally taking its rightful place at the top, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hagedus’ Unlocking the Cage is in the midst of being scored by composer James Lavino, according to Lavino’s own personal site. Though the project has been taking shape at its own leisurely pace, I’d expect to see the film making its festival debut in early 2016.
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
- 11/5/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
On the heels of the 39th edition of the Toronto Int. Film Festival (Sept 4-14), Ifp’s Independent Film Week is where a plethora of fiction, non-fiction and new this year, web-based series from the likes of Desiree Akhavan and Calvin Reeder find future coin. Sectioned off as projects at the very beginning of financing to those that are nearing completion, there happens to be tons of Sundance alumni in the names below. Among those that caught our attention we have Medicine for Melancholy‘s Barry Jenkins’ sophomore feature, produced by Bad Milo!‘s Adele Romanski, Moonlight is about “two Miami boys navigate the temptations of the drug trade and their burgeoning sexuality in this triptych drama about black queer youth”. Concussion‘s Stacie Passon digs into the thriller genre with Strange Things Started Happening. Produced by vet Mary Jane Skalski (Mysterious Skin), this is about “a woman who has...
- 7/24/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
You'd think that there would have already been a documentary about the amazing life and career of Maya Angelou. But surprisingly there hasn’t been one.That is until now...Chicago based filmmaker Bob Hercules - who previously directed documentaries about the controversial Catholic priest and community activist Father Michael Pfleger (Radical Disciple), the Bill T Jones documentary, A Good Man, and Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor - through his production company Media Process Group, is now well into making the first feature length film documentary about Dr. Angelou, to be called Maya Angelou: The People’s Poet.In addition, the film has just received two major...
- 4/30/2014
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Before "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing With the Stars" and other shows attracted large audiences to dance, there was Robert Joffrey.
He brought dance to everyone, using his company, the Joffrey Ballet, as ambassadors of dance, traveling the country, putting on shows.
The dramatic tale of the dance company is beautifully told in "Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance" on PBS' "American Masters" Friday, Dec. 28 (check local listings).
It's not an overstatement to say that Robert Joffrey revolutionized dance in America.
"I always thought it was important to represent the country, to use American music," Joffrey says in the film.
He went beyond traditional ballet, which many found effete and difficult to embrace. He set dance to contemporary music, but used basic ballet moves, melded with modern dance. His choreography was modern, but not so abstract that it shut out audiences for being too avant-garde.
Dancers quoted Joffrey as saying,...
He brought dance to everyone, using his company, the Joffrey Ballet, as ambassadors of dance, traveling the country, putting on shows.
The dramatic tale of the dance company is beautifully told in "Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance" on PBS' "American Masters" Friday, Dec. 28 (check local listings).
It's not an overstatement to say that Robert Joffrey revolutionized dance in America.
"I always thought it was important to represent the country, to use American music," Joffrey says in the film.
He went beyond traditional ballet, which many found effete and difficult to embrace. He set dance to contemporary music, but used basic ballet moves, melded with modern dance. His choreography was modern, but not so abstract that it shut out audiences for being too avant-garde.
Dancers quoted Joffrey as saying,...
- 12/28/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Word has been going around about this powerful new documentary, Perseverance: The Story Of Dr. Billy Taylor, after it made its world premiere last month in Ann Arbor, Michigan and will make its Chicago premiere next month, before moving on around the country. Directed by Daniel Chace and Bob Hercules, the film chronicles the highs and lows, the tragic life and ultimate triumph of BIlly Taylor, a true legend in college football. Considered the greatest running back ever for the University of Michigan, Taylor went on to play pro ball for both the American and Canadian football leagues. That is until two tragedies turned Taylor's life upside down which led to...
- 12/7/2012
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
For the past six months, my company, Hybrid Cinema, has been working on the release of Bob Hercules's new documentary film Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, about the history of the Joffrey ballet. This is a capsule post to explain the highlights of launching a documentary into the marketplace when working with a modest budget. Future posts will go more in depth on certain aspects of this release.
- 3/8/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
For the past four months, my company Hybrid Cinema has been working on the release of the new film Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance directed by Bob Hercules about the history of the Joffrey ballet. I will be writing a number of posts outlining the unique path that I and my partner on this release, Sheri Candler have taken to release this documentary about the history of the groundbreaking dance company The Joffrey Ballet.
- 1/27/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
For the past four months, my company Hybrid Cinema has been working on the release of Bob Hercules’s new film Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, about the history of the Joffrey ballet. I will be writing a number of posts outlining the unique path that I and my partner on this release, Sheri Candler, have taken to release this documentary about the history of the groundbreaking dance company, The Joffrey Ballet.
In my book Think Outside the Box Office and in subsequent blog posts, I have written about the advantages and challenges of launching a film after its world premiere festival screening. Many filmmakers have complained that they can never recapture the exposure they gain with their first festival. As a result there have been a number of attempts to launch a film in some fashion out of a premiere festival. Orly Ravid writes in Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul about BassAckwards,...
In my book Think Outside the Box Office and in subsequent blog posts, I have written about the advantages and challenges of launching a film after its world premiere festival screening. Many filmmakers have complained that they can never recapture the exposure they gain with their first festival. As a result there have been a number of attempts to launch a film in some fashion out of a premiere festival. Orly Ravid writes in Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul about BassAckwards,...
- 1/18/2012
- by Jon Reiss
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
A Good Man
Directed by: Bob Hercules, Gordon Quinn
Cast: Bill T. Jones
Running Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Rating: Nr
Release Date: September 23, 2011 (Chicago)
Plot: A documentary that dives into the process of revered choreographer Bill T. Jones as he tries to make a piece that will forever change the way people think about Abraham Lincoln.
Who’S It For? Those who are particularly interested in dance-theater will likely enjoy the chance to dive deep into one of the style’s most popular minds. Even those with little experience or knowledge of dance-theater will at least be able to get something out of this unique character study.
Overall
Featuring remarkable footage of his earlier performances and the free-reign to let the man constantly speak for himself, A Good Man creates a very thorough picture of Bill T. Jones, the creator. Bill T. Jones the man, not as much.
A Good Man...
Directed by: Bob Hercules, Gordon Quinn
Cast: Bill T. Jones
Running Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Rating: Nr
Release Date: September 23, 2011 (Chicago)
Plot: A documentary that dives into the process of revered choreographer Bill T. Jones as he tries to make a piece that will forever change the way people think about Abraham Lincoln.
Who’S It For? Those who are particularly interested in dance-theater will likely enjoy the chance to dive deep into one of the style’s most popular minds. Even those with little experience or knowledge of dance-theater will at least be able to get something out of this unique character study.
Overall
Featuring remarkable footage of his earlier performances and the free-reign to let the man constantly speak for himself, A Good Man creates a very thorough picture of Bill T. Jones, the creator. Bill T. Jones the man, not as much.
A Good Man...
- 9/27/2011
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: Los Angeles has Hollywood. Durham, N.C. has Realitywood.
Every spring, Durham plays host to the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, a four-day binge of the industries top documentary filmmakers who bring anticipated titles to a reality-craving audience.
This year’s lineup boasts the world premieres of Nancy Buirski’s “The Loving Story” and “A Good Man,” by Bob Hercules and Gordon Quinn. Full Frame also will host the U.S. premiere of “Guilty Pleasures,” the festival’s opening night film about romance novels and the folks who’ve grown obsessed by their flowery prose.
I, myself, am more excited about a few festival favorites that played Sundance or SXSW that I’ve yet to catch up with, from “Page One: Inside the New York Times” to “Buck” and “Being Elmo.” In addition, award-winning documentary filmmakers Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern are receiving this year’s Career Award,...
Hollywoodnews.com: Los Angeles has Hollywood. Durham, N.C. has Realitywood.
Every spring, Durham plays host to the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, a four-day binge of the industries top documentary filmmakers who bring anticipated titles to a reality-craving audience.
This year’s lineup boasts the world premieres of Nancy Buirski’s “The Loving Story” and “A Good Man,” by Bob Hercules and Gordon Quinn. Full Frame also will host the U.S. premiere of “Guilty Pleasures,” the festival’s opening night film about romance novels and the folks who’ve grown obsessed by their flowery prose.
I, myself, am more excited about a few festival favorites that played Sundance or SXSW that I’ve yet to catch up with, from “Page One: Inside the New York Times” to “Buck” and “Being Elmo.” In addition, award-winning documentary filmmakers Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern are receiving this year’s Career Award,...
- 4/14/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Lynn Shelton's We Go Way Back took the grand jury award for best narrative feature at the Slamdance Film Festival's Sparky Awards Ceremony at the club Suede in Park City. The prize included a Panavision Camera Rental Package valued at $60,000. Also at the ceremony, held Friday and overseen by festival director Peter Baxter, special jury recognition was awarded to Todd Rohal's The Guatemalan Handshake. The grand jury award for best documentary feature went to Philippe Diaz's Empire in Africa, with Bob Hercules and Cheri Pugh's Forgiving Dr. Mengele receiving special jury recognition.
- 1/30/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lynn Shelton's We Go Way Back took the grand jury award for best narrative feature at the Slamdance Film Festival's Sparky Awards Ceremony at the club Suede in Park City. The prize included a Panavision Camera Rental Package valued at $60,000. Also at the ceremony, held Friday and overseen by festival director Peter Baxter, special jury recognition was awarded to Todd Rohal's The Guatemalan Handshake. The grand jury award for best documentary feature went to Philippe Diaz's Empire in Africa, with Bob Hercules and Cheri Pugh's Forgiving Dr. Mengele receiving special jury recognition.
- 1/29/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First Run Features has acquired all North American rights to two politically charged documentaries, Forgiving Dr. Mengele and Aristide and the Endless Revolution. Bob Hercules and Cheri Pugh's Mengele follows twin sisters who survived genetic experiments at the hands of notorious Nazi doctor Josef Mengele in their quest to reconcile with perpetrators of similar crimes. Nicolas Rossier's Aristide features an extensive interview with the exiled Haitian president, along with commentary from his supporters and critics. First Run plans a spring theatrical release for Mengele and a DVD release in fall 2006. Aristide opens Thursday in New York, with tentative plans for releases in other cities before an anticipated summer home video bow.
- 11/15/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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