Featured prominently among the coverage from our media outlet, eight filmmakers in Raven Jackson (All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt), Savanah Leaf (Earth Mama), Sing J. Lee (The Accidental Getaway Driver), Laura Moss (birth/rebirth), A.V. Rockwell (A Thousand and One), D. Smith (Kokomo City), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe), and Erica Tremblay (Fancy Dance) have been selected for the 2024 Momentum Fellowship – the Sundance Institute’s incubator of sorts that helps mostly filmmakers who’ve previously delivered their feature debuts at the fest and are now gunning for the critical support for their next feature.…...
- 2/22/2024
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Dear Hollywood,
As the Thanksgiving holiday dawns, I urge you to include Latino films and performances on your winter watch list and give Hollywood Latinos and their projects a fair chance to be seen.
While Latinos are a growing and essential part of the cultural and social fabric of America, based on the dismal numbers from the recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Report on major Hollywood films released between 2007-2022, it’s clear that Hollywood — America’s narrative-creating and image-defining institution — is broadly failing to acknowledge or include the Latino community.
The Annenberg report notes slow progress over the years. In 2007, no Hispanic/Latino actor held a lead or co-lead role in major Hollywood films. In 2021 and 2022, there were marginal gains, with 10 films where Hispanic/Latino actors held lead or co-lead roles, out of a total of 109 and 118 leading roles, respectively. Among directors and producers of major Hollywood films, less than 5% were Hispanic or Latino,...
As the Thanksgiving holiday dawns, I urge you to include Latino films and performances on your winter watch list and give Hollywood Latinos and their projects a fair chance to be seen.
While Latinos are a growing and essential part of the cultural and social fabric of America, based on the dismal numbers from the recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Report on major Hollywood films released between 2007-2022, it’s clear that Hollywood — America’s narrative-creating and image-defining institution — is broadly failing to acknowledge or include the Latino community.
The Annenberg report notes slow progress over the years. In 2007, no Hispanic/Latino actor held a lead or co-lead role in major Hollywood films. In 2021 and 2022, there were marginal gains, with 10 films where Hispanic/Latino actors held lead or co-lead roles, out of a total of 109 and 118 leading roles, respectively. Among directors and producers of major Hollywood films, less than 5% were Hispanic or Latino,...
- 11/22/2023
- by Joaquin Castro
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kate del Castillo is set to lead the ViX comedy feature Es Por Tu Bien which just kicked off production in Mexico. The project is produced by 3Pas Studios.
The film’s logline reads as follows, “Horrified by the new girlfriends of their respective sons, three sisters-in-law – Clara (Consuelo Duval), a socialite, Matis (Mónica Huarte), a widowed professional, and Nena (del Castillo), a naive housewife – make an alliance to get rid of their undesirable daughters-in-law. It’s for their own good.”
Es Por Tu Bien also stars José Eduardo Derbez, Ana Sofía Gatica, Ana González Bello, Fernando Memije, Michael Ronda, Victor Huggo Martin.
“We’re very excited to have some of the biggest names in Mexican comedy, Consuelo, Monica, Jose Eduardo, to make this wonderful film with 3pas’ signature humor and heart. And audiences are going to be very surprised by iconic Kate del Castillo doing comedy,...
The film’s logline reads as follows, “Horrified by the new girlfriends of their respective sons, three sisters-in-law – Clara (Consuelo Duval), a socialite, Matis (Mónica Huarte), a widowed professional, and Nena (del Castillo), a naive housewife – make an alliance to get rid of their undesirable daughters-in-law. It’s for their own good.”
Es Por Tu Bien also stars José Eduardo Derbez, Ana Sofía Gatica, Ana González Bello, Fernando Memije, Michael Ronda, Victor Huggo Martin.
“We’re very excited to have some of the biggest names in Mexican comedy, Consuelo, Monica, Jose Eduardo, to make this wonderful film with 3pas’ signature humor and heart. And audiences are going to be very surprised by iconic Kate del Castillo doing comedy,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
To fully grasp the dire state of theatrical distribution of independent films, consider the words of John Sloss, founder and CEO of Cinetic Media, who recently told Variety:
“It’s imperative for all of us to get behind reigniting the theatrical experience because I don’t think the streamers are ever going to be behind the new voices and independent films. The only way to really get them out in the world is to put them in a theater where they can be reviewed and where they can sit long enough for word of mouth to really support them. That’s really the dangerous moment we are in, in terms of getting people back in the theaters.”
Suppose there’s a way out of the “dangerous moment” for independent cinema that Sloss describes. In that case, it will probably come about because of talented indie filmmakers like director Potsy Ponciroli and his experienced,...
“It’s imperative for all of us to get behind reigniting the theatrical experience because I don’t think the streamers are ever going to be behind the new voices and independent films. The only way to really get them out in the world is to put them in a theater where they can be reviewed and where they can sit long enough for word of mouth to really support them. That’s really the dangerous moment we are in, in terms of getting people back in the theaters.”
Suppose there’s a way out of the “dangerous moment” for independent cinema that Sloss describes. In that case, it will probably come about because of talented indie filmmakers like director Potsy Ponciroli and his experienced,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Steven Gaydos
- Variety Film + TV
The specialty market had a Shah Rukh Khan-nice weekend as Yash Raj Films’ Jawan pulled in an estimated $6.2 million in 813 theaters — a per-theater average $7.6k — taking the no. 4 spot at the North American box office. That’s a $7.56 million cume for the Bollywood action thriller including Thursday shows.
Srk plays a man facing down a villanous foe as he sets out to rectify the wrongs of society, driven by a personal vendetta, and a promise made years ago. Directed by Atlee Kumar, it also stars Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sunil Grover and Sanya Malhotra. The film by Red Chillies Entertainment is playing in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions, each with English subtitles, in all top U.S. markets, including some Imax screens.
Expansion: Notably, Bottoms from MGM, rounded out the top 10 (at no.
Srk plays a man facing down a villanous foe as he sets out to rectify the wrongs of society, driven by a personal vendetta, and a promise made years ago. Directed by Atlee Kumar, it also stars Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sunil Grover and Sanya Malhotra. The film by Red Chillies Entertainment is playing in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions, each with English subtitles, in all top U.S. markets, including some Imax screens.
Expansion: Notably, Bottoms from MGM, rounded out the top 10 (at no.
- 9/10/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” director Aitch Alberto became emotional talking about the the title characters’ first kiss, which makes for a tense scene in Aristotle’s (Max Pelayo) red pickup truck.
The film, based on the young adult Pen/Faulkner prize-winning novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, tells the eventual love story of two young boys. Aristotle, who goes by Ari, meets Dante (Reese Gonzales) one summer day at the pool. What starts as swimming lessons becomes a fast friendship, which eventually leads to more between the two young Mexican boys from El Paso, Texas.
The friendship faces its first obstacle when Dante and his parents, Sam and Soledad Quintana, move away to Chicago so Sam can take a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago. The Quintanas eventually return to El Paso, and in the period between the move and the joyful reunion between the boys,...
The film, based on the young adult Pen/Faulkner prize-winning novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, tells the eventual love story of two young boys. Aristotle, who goes by Ari, meets Dante (Reese Gonzales) one summer day at the pool. What starts as swimming lessons becomes a fast friendship, which eventually leads to more between the two young Mexican boys from El Paso, Texas.
The friendship faces its first obstacle when Dante and his parents, Sam and Soledad Quintana, move away to Chicago so Sam can take a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago. The Quintanas eventually return to El Paso, and in the period between the move and the joyful reunion between the boys,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe director Aitch Alberto talks to CineMovie about her adaptation of the NY Times best-selling YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The filmmaker reveals Blue Beetle's Xolo Maridueña was up for the role of Aristotle years back, but she continued her search for the perfect Mexican-American teens for this coming-of-age story that stays away from "queer and Latininad" tropes.
- 9/9/2023
- by luperhaas@cinemovie.tv (Lupe R Haas)
- CineMovie
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” director Aitch Alberto considers her film adaptation timely yet “long overdue” for several reasons.
Aitch, who hails from Cuba and identifies as transgender, penned the screen adaptation of the novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz after spending four days in El Paso with the author, who gave her his blessing to adapt the story. She spoke with TheWrap about intentional directorial choices for specific scenes, her take on the relationship between Aristotle (Max Pelayo) and his father Jaime (Eugenio Derbez) and the broader implications of the film in a growing canon of LGBTQ+ and Latin American stories released during a tense political time.
How is this film uniquely Mexican-American?
Alberto: This film is uniquely Latino. I’m not Mexican American. I’m Cuban, so I really tried to focus on the similarities that we have as a culture because there are also a lot of differences.
Aitch, who hails from Cuba and identifies as transgender, penned the screen adaptation of the novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz after spending four days in El Paso with the author, who gave her his blessing to adapt the story. She spoke with TheWrap about intentional directorial choices for specific scenes, her take on the relationship between Aristotle (Max Pelayo) and his father Jaime (Eugenio Derbez) and the broader implications of the film in a growing canon of LGBTQ+ and Latin American stories released during a tense political time.
How is this film uniquely Mexican-American?
Alberto: This film is uniquely Latino. I’m not Mexican American. I’m Cuban, so I really tried to focus on the similarities that we have as a culture because there are also a lot of differences.
- 9/8/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Jawan, a Hindi action thriller with Bollywood royalty Shah Rukh Khan set opening day records in India that are echoing Stateside. The Yash Raj Films release grossed more than $1.36 million on Thursday at 764 locations, meaning it was the no. 2 movie across North America behind wide release The Eoqualizer 3 with Denzel Washington. It edges up to 827 screens today.
The film directed by Atlee Kumar — about a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs of society and keep a promise made years ago — had some Imax screens too, including NYC’s AMC Empire in Times Square.
Shah Rukh Khan has now broken his own record in India. He also starred in Pathaan, released in January, which topped the local box office for a Hindi-language film.
Indian fare, long a staple of the U.S. theaters, has been even more crucial since Covid given the reliability of audiences that stream...
The film directed by Atlee Kumar — about a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs of society and keep a promise made years ago — had some Imax screens too, including NYC’s AMC Empire in Times Square.
Shah Rukh Khan has now broken his own record in India. He also starred in Pathaan, released in January, which topped the local box office for a Hindi-language film.
Indian fare, long a staple of the U.S. theaters, has been even more crucial since Covid given the reliability of audiences that stream...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
As someone who grew up in Texas back in the late 1980s, when “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” takes place, I can assure you: The last thing any closeted Southern teen wants is to stand out. That must make it a special kind of torture to be named after thinkers one’s peers aren’t likely to read until college. Then again, it’s also a rather wonderful bonding opportunity for two boys who don’t fit in until they find one another — though it’ll take some figuring out to untangle what both of them want in a movie I dearly wish had existed several decades earlier.
Now’s as good a time as any for the world to discover Aristotle and Dante — not the Greek philosopher and the “Divine Comedy” author, but the title characters of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved YA novel. Imagine...
Now’s as good a time as any for the world to discover Aristotle and Dante — not the Greek philosopher and the “Divine Comedy” author, but the title characters of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved YA novel. Imagine...
- 7/25/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The Grand Jury winners of the 41st Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, presented by Genesis Motor and Warner Bros. Discovery, have been announced, with “Something You Said Last Night” and “Anhell69” winning the top awards for North American Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature. Select award winners will be available on the Outfest Los Angeles’ virtual platform through Sunday, after which Audience Award winners will be announced.
The Paul D. Lerner and Stephen Reis Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature, now in Year 2 thanks to a generous donation from Lerner and Reis to the Outfest Empathy Fund, will see the awarded filmmaker, “Anhell69,” director Theo Montoya, receive a $5,000 prize.
The festival opened with Aitch Alberto’s “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and closed with Sav Rodger’s “Chasing Chasing Amy.” For the first time in Outfest’s LGBTQ+ Summer Film Festival history, both the opening...
The Paul D. Lerner and Stephen Reis Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature, now in Year 2 thanks to a generous donation from Lerner and Reis to the Outfest Empathy Fund, will see the awarded filmmaker, “Anhell69,” director Theo Montoya, receive a $5,000 prize.
The festival opened with Aitch Alberto’s “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and closed with Sav Rodger’s “Chasing Chasing Amy.” For the first time in Outfest’s LGBTQ+ Summer Film Festival history, both the opening...
- 7/24/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have scotched plans to pick up a prestigious honor at Outfest, the Los Angeles Lgbtqia+ film festival, and it’s all down to the actors strike.
The Hollywood couple were to have accepted the James Schamus Ally Award at Outfest’s closing night on Sunday but cancelled because of the SAG-AFTRA walkout. The award, named for the co-founder and former CEO of Focus Features, recognizes McCarthy and Falcone’s support and advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said in a statement. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
The festival wraps with a gala event at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, featuring a screening of Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary that...
The Hollywood couple were to have accepted the James Schamus Ally Award at Outfest’s closing night on Sunday but cancelled because of the SAG-AFTRA walkout. The award, named for the co-founder and former CEO of Focus Features, recognizes McCarthy and Falcone’s support and advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said in a statement. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
The festival wraps with a gala event at the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, featuring a screening of Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary that...
- 7/21/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone will not be attending the closing night of this year’s Outfest LA, where they were set to receive the James Schamus Ally Award.
The couple was expected to be on hand for the July 23 event at The Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, but their rep tells Variety that will not make an appearance due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest executive director Damien S. Navarro said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
Outfest kicked off July 13 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Amandla Stenberg, who received the Platinum Maverick Award from the LGBTQ film festival, skipped the festivities in support of the actors walkout. Jacqueline Castel, director of Stenberg’s new indie,...
The couple was expected to be on hand for the July 23 event at The Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, but their rep tells Variety that will not make an appearance due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
“We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest executive director Damien S. Navarro said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.”
Outfest kicked off July 13 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Amandla Stenberg, who received the Platinum Maverick Award from the LGBTQ film festival, skipped the festivities in support of the actors walkout. Jacqueline Castel, director of Stenberg’s new indie,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with more quotes on actors strike and AI from original 7/14 story: The 41st edition of Outfest is underway in Los Angeles after an opening-night event dominated by talk of the actors strike.
“Let’s also acknowledge the elephant in the room,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said as he welcomed the festival crowd at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. “We are living in uncertain times where the very foundation of our industry is being shaken. Actors, writers and creators are facing immense challenges… I want to extend an even deeper and unwavering commitment to every artist and creator in our community who is grappling with the same fears and uncertainties.”
The Lgbtqia+ festival, which runs from July 13-23, kicked off with the narrative feature Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a drama about two high school boys in Texas and their friendship that develops into a romance.
“Let’s also acknowledge the elephant in the room,” Outfest Executive Director Damien Navarro said as he welcomed the festival crowd at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. “We are living in uncertain times where the very foundation of our industry is being shaken. Actors, writers and creators are facing immense challenges… I want to extend an even deeper and unwavering commitment to every artist and creator in our community who is grappling with the same fears and uncertainties.”
The Lgbtqia+ festival, which runs from July 13-23, kicked off with the narrative feature Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a drama about two high school boys in Texas and their friendship that develops into a romance.
- 7/14/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The SAG-AFTRA strike didn’t officially start until just after midnight on Friday, but Amandla Stenberg skipped the opening night of Outfest L.A. on Thursday in support of the movement.
The star of the upcoming “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” was expected to be on hand to receive the Platinum Maverick Award from the LGBTQ film festival, but Jacqueline Castel, director of the actor’s new indie, “The Animal,” accepted it on her behalf.
“Amandla is deeply honored and would love to be here to celebrate with you, but she cannot be here today due to her support of the actors strike,” Castel said.
Earlier in the evening, SAG-AFTRA tweeted its support of Outfest going ahead with its plans for opening night. “Reminder: the #SAGAFTRAstrike starts at 12:01 a.m. on July 14,” the tweet read. “#SAGAFTRAmembers can support #OutfestLA tonight. We’ll support each other on the #SAGAFTRAstrike picket lines tomorrow.
The star of the upcoming “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” was expected to be on hand to receive the Platinum Maverick Award from the LGBTQ film festival, but Jacqueline Castel, director of the actor’s new indie, “The Animal,” accepted it on her behalf.
“Amandla is deeply honored and would love to be here to celebrate with you, but she cannot be here today due to her support of the actors strike,” Castel said.
Earlier in the evening, SAG-AFTRA tweeted its support of Outfest going ahead with its plans for opening night. “Reminder: the #SAGAFTRAstrike starts at 12:01 a.m. on July 14,” the tweet read. “#SAGAFTRAmembers can support #OutfestLA tonight. We’ll support each other on the #SAGAFTRAstrike picket lines tomorrow.
- 7/14/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be launching 10 new scientific and technical investigations in 2023. The investigations will be completed by an Academy committee ahead of the upcoming Scientific and Technical Awards on Feb. 23, 2024.
Investigations currently underway cover the following areas: onboard remote driving apparatus; reusable cable-cutting devices for motion picture squibs; post-process depth of field software; mathematically lossless encoding of motion picture camera raw files; motor-stabilized motion picture camera support systems for hand/body-supported operation; interactive renderers that provide a representative approximation of final offline renders during post-production; volumetric surface reconstruction; pattern-based 3D clothing creation software; layerable hierarchical 3D scene description frameworks; and digital image processing film restoration software utilized for theatrical re-release and archival preservation.
Individuals and companies with devices or claims of innovation that fall under the umbrella of any of these categories are welcomed by the Academy to submit their achievements for review. The...
Investigations currently underway cover the following areas: onboard remote driving apparatus; reusable cable-cutting devices for motion picture squibs; post-process depth of field software; mathematically lossless encoding of motion picture camera raw files; motor-stabilized motion picture camera support systems for hand/body-supported operation; interactive renderers that provide a representative approximation of final offline renders during post-production; volumetric surface reconstruction; pattern-based 3D clothing creation software; layerable hierarchical 3D scene description frameworks; and digital image processing film restoration software utilized for theatrical re-release and archival preservation.
Individuals and companies with devices or claims of innovation that fall under the umbrella of any of these categories are welcomed by the Academy to submit their achievements for review. The...
- 7/13/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Charna Flam, Sophia Scorziello and McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Today, Outfest announced the centerpiece events and special awardees that will headline the 41st Outfest Los Angeles Summer Festival presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America, taking place July 13 – 23 in venues around Los Angeles.
Outfest will honor actor, producer and musician Amandla Stenberg with its Platinum Maverick Award, to be presented at the festival’s opening night celebration on July 13th at the Orpheum Theatre. The award recognizes Stenberg’s artistry in film and music, and her unapologetic use of her platform for fierce advocacy and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. Stenberg will also appear alongside actor Bobbi Salvör Menuez and director Jacqueline Castel at the Redcat in downtown Los Angeles at Outfest’s July 15th Platinum Centerpiece screening of My Animal, the trio’s queer horror romance that world premiered earlier this year at Sundance.
Following the My Animal screening on July 15th will be the Platinum...
Outfest will honor actor, producer and musician Amandla Stenberg with its Platinum Maverick Award, to be presented at the festival’s opening night celebration on July 13th at the Orpheum Theatre. The award recognizes Stenberg’s artistry in film and music, and her unapologetic use of her platform for fierce advocacy and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. Stenberg will also appear alongside actor Bobbi Salvör Menuez and director Jacqueline Castel at the Redcat in downtown Los Angeles at Outfest’s July 15th Platinum Centerpiece screening of My Animal, the trio’s queer horror romance that world premiered earlier this year at Sundance.
Following the My Animal screening on July 15th will be the Platinum...
- 6/15/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 7 winner Violet Chachki will honored with the Cultural Icon Award at Tom of Finland Foundation’s 30th annual Tom’s Bar fundraiser. Dita Von Teese will present the award.
“Mean Girls” movie musical and “Looking” star Daniel Franzese emcees.
The all-day festivities take place June 18 at The Avalon & Bardot Hollywood in Los Angeles. The theme for this year’s bash is “All roads lead to Tom.” “Tom’s Bar is a place where all corners of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies converge for a big party under one roof,” ToFF creative director Richard Villani said in a statement. “Leathermen, pups, kinksters and fetishists of all stripes are welcome to dance and party all day long.”
The 2022 honoree was musician Orville Peck. See more Pride event news below.
Outfest Announces Opening and Closing Night Films
The opening night film for this year’s Outfest will be...
“Mean Girls” movie musical and “Looking” star Daniel Franzese emcees.
The all-day festivities take place June 18 at The Avalon & Bardot Hollywood in Los Angeles. The theme for this year’s bash is “All roads lead to Tom.” “Tom’s Bar is a place where all corners of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies converge for a big party under one roof,” ToFF creative director Richard Villani said in a statement. “Leathermen, pups, kinksters and fetishists of all stripes are welcome to dance and party all day long.”
The 2022 honoree was musician Orville Peck. See more Pride event news below.
Outfest Announces Opening and Closing Night Films
The opening night film for this year’s Outfest will be...
- 6/6/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe to open, Chasing Chasing Amy to close Los Angeles fest.
For the first time features by trans filmmakers will bookend Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (July 13-23), with opener Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe and closing selection Chasing Chasing Amy.
Both Aitch Alberto and Sav Rodgers are alumni of Outfest’s artist development programmes. Alberto took part in the Outfest Screenwriting Lab in 2007 and has returned to mentor young filmmakers in Outfest’s programmes.
Rodgers is an alum of both OutSet – Outfest’s filmmaking lab and...
For the first time features by trans filmmakers will bookend Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (July 13-23), with opener Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe and closing selection Chasing Chasing Amy.
Both Aitch Alberto and Sav Rodgers are alumni of Outfest’s artist development programmes. Alberto took part in the Outfest Screenwriting Lab in 2007 and has returned to mentor young filmmakers in Outfest’s programmes.
Rodgers is an alum of both OutSet – Outfest’s filmmaking lab and...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Outfest has lined up its opening and closing night films.
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
- 6/6/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 41st annual Outfest, Los Angeles’ premier LGBTQ+ film festival, is making history with its 2023 lineup.
The festival (July 13-23) will for the first time open and close with films created by trans artists: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” (directed by Aitch Alberto) will kick off the festivities on July 13, with the 11-day event closing with “Chasing Chasing Amy” (directed by Sav Rodgers). The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre. More films in the lineup will be announced soon.
These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers, both of whom are alumni of Outfest’s Artist Development programs.
“Aristotle and Dante,” based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved young adult novel, centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American boys in 1987 El Paso. Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales star along with Eugenio Derbez,...
The festival (July 13-23) will for the first time open and close with films created by trans artists: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” (directed by Aitch Alberto) will kick off the festivities on July 13, with the 11-day event closing with “Chasing Chasing Amy” (directed by Sav Rodgers). The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre. More films in the lineup will be announced soon.
These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers, both of whom are alumni of Outfest’s Artist Development programs.
“Aristotle and Dante,” based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s beloved young adult novel, centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American boys in 1987 El Paso. Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales star along with Eugenio Derbez,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Today, Outfest announced the Opening and Closing Night gala film selections for the 41st edition of the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place from July 13 – 23 in Los Angeles, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America. The festival will open with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and the 11-day event will close with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre.
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Frameline’s 2023 festival lineup includes Pixar’s new film Elemental, the Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott-starring Bottoms, a screening of Chasing Amy and its new reflective doc, Chasing Chasing Amy, and the Billy Porter and Luke Evans-led Our Son.
The 47th edition of the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival runs June 14-24 and will feature 90 screenings of features and shorts across 11 days before offering a virtual encore between June 24 and July 2. That includes 12 world, 16 North American and nine U.S. premieres, with the opening night film Fairyland, Andrew Durham’s adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s memoir, set to feature an in-person appearance from producer Sofia Coppola.
“There is nothing like seeing a great film at the cinema — sharing an experience in the same moment as friends and strangers alike,” James Woolley, executive director of Frameline, said in a statement. “Despite the challenges that have reshaped moviegoing, we...
The 47th edition of the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival runs June 14-24 and will feature 90 screenings of features and shorts across 11 days before offering a virtual encore between June 24 and July 2. That includes 12 world, 16 North American and nine U.S. premieres, with the opening night film Fairyland, Andrew Durham’s adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s memoir, set to feature an in-person appearance from producer Sofia Coppola.
“There is nothing like seeing a great film at the cinema — sharing an experience in the same moment as friends and strangers alike,” James Woolley, executive director of Frameline, said in a statement. “Despite the challenges that have reshaped moviegoing, we...
- 5/22/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York’s NewFest has announced the full lineup for their third annual NewFest Pride Summer Film Series. The event kicks off LGBTQ+ Pride Month from June 1-5 in New York, and will feature a mix of exclusive in-person premieres/panels, virtual screenings, and social events. The announcement came today from NewFest’s Executive Director David Hatkoff and Director of Programming Nick McCarthy.
“The LGBTQ+ community is once again under attack, making it all the more essential that NewFest continue to loudly and proudly amplify queer voices,” said NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff. “We can’t wait to kick off Pride month by bringing the community together for bold new films, necessary conversations, and celebratory social gatherings. Think you can silence us? Ha. Think again.”
“From family dramas to documentaries to absurdist comedies, this year’s line-up includes an expanse of highly anticipated films that capture the varied ways our...
“The LGBTQ+ community is once again under attack, making it all the more essential that NewFest continue to loudly and proudly amplify queer voices,” said NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff. “We can’t wait to kick off Pride month by bringing the community together for bold new films, necessary conversations, and celebratory social gatherings. Think you can silence us? Ha. Think again.”
“From family dramas to documentaries to absurdist comedies, this year’s line-up includes an expanse of highly anticipated films that capture the varied ways our...
- 5/9/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired North American rights to “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” a queer coming-of-age story about two teens who form a special bond after a chance meeting one summer. The sale comes a few months after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance Institute, which hosts the annual film festival in Park City, Utah, has announced the six people who were selected for its Trans Possibilities Intensive.
The fellows for 2023 are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John and Tee Park Jaehyung. The second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive, which is a three-day event to aid project and professional development for transgender storytellers of color, is taking place from March 27-29.
Moi Santos, who founded the program, is leading the initiative with guidance from creative advisers and Sundance Institute’s Equity, Impact and Belonging Program. This year’s creative advisers include Sydney Freeland (“Drunktown’s Finest”), Aitch Alberto (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”), Félix Endara (“Unseen”) and Chase Joynt (“Framing Agnes”).
Sundance describes the Intensive as an “ancillary environment for participating artists to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and...
The fellows for 2023 are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John and Tee Park Jaehyung. The second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive, which is a three-day event to aid project and professional development for transgender storytellers of color, is taking place from March 27-29.
Moi Santos, who founded the program, is leading the initiative with guidance from creative advisers and Sundance Institute’s Equity, Impact and Belonging Program. This year’s creative advisers include Sydney Freeland (“Drunktown’s Finest”), Aitch Alberto (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”), Félix Endara (“Unseen”) and Chase Joynt (“Framing Agnes”).
Sundance describes the Intensive as an “ancillary environment for participating artists to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and...
- 3/27/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute announces today six fellows selected for the second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive. Hosted by the Intensive’s founder Moi Santos, the three-part event will take place from March 27-29 and feature mentorship from four creative advisors and Sundance’s Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program. The six fellows for 2023 are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John and Tee Park Jaehyung. They will receive guidance from creative advisors Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe), Félix Endara (Unseen) and Chase Joynt (Framing Agnes). Originally founded in […]
The post Sundance Institute Announces Six Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellows first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Sundance Institute Announces Six Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellows first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/27/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The Sundance Institute announces today six fellows selected for the second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive. Hosted by the Intensive’s founder Moi Santos, the three-part event will take place from March 27-29 and feature mentorship from four creative advisors and Sundance’s Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program. The six fellows for 2023 are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John and Tee Park Jaehyung. They will receive guidance from creative advisors Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe), Félix Endara (Unseen) and Chase Joynt (Framing Agnes). Originally founded in […]
The post Sundance Institute Announces Six Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellows first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Sundance Institute Announces Six Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellows first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/27/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Sessions to run from March 27-29.
Six transgender storytellers of colour have been selected for the second edition of Sundance Institute’s Trans Possibilities Intensive programme which runs March 27-29.
The 2023 Fellows are: Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John, and Tee Park Jaehyung.
Moi Santos will lead the sessions and is founder of the Trans Possibilities Intensive. Leadership includes creative advisors including Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe), Félix Endara (Inseen) and Chase Joynt (Framing Agnes), as well as Sundance Institute’s Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program.
Six transgender storytellers of colour have been selected for the second edition of Sundance Institute’s Trans Possibilities Intensive programme which runs March 27-29.
The 2023 Fellows are: Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John, and Tee Park Jaehyung.
Moi Santos will lead the sessions and is founder of the Trans Possibilities Intensive. Leadership includes creative advisors including Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe), Félix Endara (Inseen) and Chase Joynt (Framing Agnes), as well as Sundance Institute’s Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program.
- 3/27/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Sundance Institute has named the six transgender storytellers of color set for the second edition of their project and professional development program, the Trans Possibilities Intensive. 2023’s cohort will include Seyi Adebanjo (Afromystic), Rajvi Desai (Mother Wit), Malik Ever (GutBucket), Nick Janaye (Dead Ringer), Jamie John (2Spirit Water Carrier) and Tee Park Jaehyung (Destiny in Sedona).
First introduced in 2021, the Trans Possibilities Intensive builds on Sundance’s proud history of supporting trans artists across artist programs and Festival programming, providing an ancillary environment for creatives to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and challenge the obstacles that continue to exclude transgender artists. 2023 Fellows were selected through a nominations-based application and will benefit from project-based granting, mentorship and other custom, year-round creative and professional development opportunities.
The program, designed by and for trans people, couldn’t be more necessary at a time when attacks on trans rights are so prevalent stateside,...
First introduced in 2021, the Trans Possibilities Intensive builds on Sundance’s proud history of supporting trans artists across artist programs and Festival programming, providing an ancillary environment for creatives to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and challenge the obstacles that continue to exclude transgender artists. 2023 Fellows were selected through a nominations-based application and will benefit from project-based granting, mentorship and other custom, year-round creative and professional development opportunities.
The program, designed by and for trans people, couldn’t be more necessary at a time when attacks on trans rights are so prevalent stateside,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beasts” (Spain), Lilo and Camilo Vilaplana’s “Plantadas” (U.S.), Hansel Porras Garcia’s “Febrero”, Chandler Levack’s “I Like Movies” (Canada) and Pavel Giroud’s “The Padilla Affair” were among the winners at the 40th edition of Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival, which ran March 3-12.
“The Beasts,” won the festival’s top awards, including the top jury prize, the $25,000 Knight Marimbas trophy and the Rene Rodriguez Critics nod. In addition to the two awards, “The Beasts” composer, Oliver Arson was recognized for his soundtrack and awarded the Alacran Music in Film Award, he was selected by Art of Light (Composer) Award honoree Nicholas Britell.
“Febrero” and “Plantadas” both were awarded $45,000 for the Knight Made in Mia Film Award after the two made their world premieres.
In addition “Plantadas” received the Audience Feature Film Award, while Aitch Alberto’s “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe...
“The Beasts,” won the festival’s top awards, including the top jury prize, the $25,000 Knight Marimbas trophy and the Rene Rodriguez Critics nod. In addition to the two awards, “The Beasts” composer, Oliver Arson was recognized for his soundtrack and awarded the Alacran Music in Film Award, he was selected by Art of Light (Composer) Award honoree Nicholas Britell.
“Febrero” and “Plantadas” both were awarded $45,000 for the Knight Made in Mia Film Award after the two made their world premieres.
In addition “Plantadas” received the Audience Feature Film Award, while Aitch Alberto’s “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe...
- 3/17/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: 2022 finalists for the Latinx List, showcasing top works by up-and-coming Latinx screenwriters, have been unveiled by The Latin Tracking Board, Nalip, the Untitled Latinx Project, and The Black List.
The batch of selected scripts consists of five original pilots and six original features. Among the finalists are Daniel F. Pérez (2096) and Makana Lani (Contingent), who have received WGA-minimum script deals from Netflix, through the Latinx List’s partnership with the streamer announced last summer.
“By providing this opportunity, the Latinx List is kicking the door wide open for emerging writers, and I’m humbled to be selected among such talented creatives,” said Lani. “As a queer, underrepresented writer, I’m thrilled to be writing a script for Netflix–a company that’s truly following through on their mission of championing diverse voices.”
“I’m thrilled that 2096 is part of this year’s Latinx List, and so excited to develop with Netflix!
The batch of selected scripts consists of five original pilots and six original features. Among the finalists are Daniel F. Pérez (2096) and Makana Lani (Contingent), who have received WGA-minimum script deals from Netflix, through the Latinx List’s partnership with the streamer announced last summer.
“By providing this opportunity, the Latinx List is kicking the door wide open for emerging writers, and I’m humbled to be selected among such talented creatives,” said Lani. “As a queer, underrepresented writer, I’m thrilled to be writing a script for Netflix–a company that’s truly following through on their mission of championing diverse voices.”
“I’m thrilled that 2096 is part of this year’s Latinx List, and so excited to develop with Netflix!
- 2/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field star in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.
The world premiere of 80 for Brady starring Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin will open the 34th Annual Palm Springs International Festival on Friday, January 6, 2023, and The Lost King from director Stephen Frears will close the festival on Sunday, January 15th. In between, Psiff will screen 132 films including the world premiere of the documentary Shot in the Arm.
“We are beyond excited to welcome back our beloved audience and filmmakers in Palm Springs. We’re especially thrilled to be joined by all four leads of 80 For Brady. The film is brimming with joy and heart, and it’s a perfect film to kick off our 34th edition,” said Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez. “Our programmers have dedicated almost a year to scouting the world for the films that make up this edition.
The world premiere of 80 for Brady starring Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin will open the 34th Annual Palm Springs International Festival on Friday, January 6, 2023, and The Lost King from director Stephen Frears will close the festival on Sunday, January 15th. In between, Psiff will screen 132 films including the world premiere of the documentary Shot in the Arm.
“We are beyond excited to welcome back our beloved audience and filmmakers in Palm Springs. We’re especially thrilled to be joined by all four leads of 80 For Brady. The film is brimming with joy and heart, and it’s a perfect film to kick off our 34th edition,” said Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez. “Our programmers have dedicated almost a year to scouting the world for the films that make up this edition.
- 12/6/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Coming-of-age story based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel.
Blue Fox Entertainment has launched AFM sales talks on TIFF selection Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The coming-of-age film is written and directed by Aitch Alberto and features breakout performances from young leads Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales alongside Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcon, and Kevin Alejandro.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, the film centres on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
Blue Fox Entertainment has launched AFM sales talks on TIFF selection Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The coming-of-age film is written and directed by Aitch Alberto and features breakout performances from young leads Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales alongside Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcon, and Kevin Alejandro.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, the film centres on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
- 11/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
This year’s fall festival circuit has been everything, everywhere, all at once, it seems.
The 2022 Film Independent Forum announced that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” writer/directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels, will kick off the conference with a keynote.
Opening night on October 24 will also include a screening of A24’s “The Inspection,” followed by a Q&a with director Elegance Bratton, Gamechanger’s CEO/producer Effie T. Brown, and producer Chester Algernal Gordon.
The Film Independent Forum event starts October 24 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles. The conference will continue with virtual sessions and panels to be enjoyed by global audiences October 25 through 27. The full program will take place over the course of four days, October 24 through 27.
The Film Independent Forum hosts independent filmmakers and content creators, with the 2022 lineup returning in a hybrid format of both in-person and virtual events.
The 2022 Film Independent Forum announced that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” writer/directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels, will kick off the conference with a keynote.
Opening night on October 24 will also include a screening of A24’s “The Inspection,” followed by a Q&a with director Elegance Bratton, Gamechanger’s CEO/producer Effie T. Brown, and producer Chester Algernal Gordon.
The Film Independent Forum event starts October 24 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles. The conference will continue with virtual sessions and panels to be enjoyed by global audiences October 25 through 27. The full program will take place over the course of four days, October 24 through 27.
The Film Independent Forum hosts independent filmmakers and content creators, with the 2022 lineup returning in a hybrid format of both in-person and virtual events.
- 9/27/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Movies, at least the ones Hollywood has produced for over a century, frequently leave a lot of people out of the frame.
But with the industry under pressure to tell more diverse stories, several of the movies that are premiering and screening at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival are highlighting protagonists who are Black, queer, indigenous or members of other underrepresented groups. In the process, many of these films deal with pieces of forgotten history (“The Woman King” with its true story of a all-female warrior unit protecting a West African kingdom), a fading past and a rapidly changing present.
Often, these films are deeply personal efforts. Take “The Inspection,” one of the festival’s opening night films and the story of a gay man who enlists in the army during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era. Director Elegance Bratton drew on his own service to...
But with the industry under pressure to tell more diverse stories, several of the movies that are premiering and screening at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival are highlighting protagonists who are Black, queer, indigenous or members of other underrepresented groups. In the process, many of these films deal with pieces of forgotten history (“The Woman King” with its true story of a all-female warrior unit protecting a West African kingdom), a fading past and a rapidly changing present.
Often, these films are deeply personal efforts. Take “The Inspection,” one of the festival’s opening night films and the story of a gay man who enlists in the army during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era. Director Elegance Bratton drew on his own service to...
- 9/11/2022
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, written and directed by Aitch Alberto, is a film about two queer Mexican boys who discover deep secrets within themselves over the course of a school year. The movie is an adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel of the same name.
Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) opens the film by introducing the audience to his family and life as a high school student. He’s not interested in being one of the cool kids and wants something more than a provincial life in 1985 New Mexico. A chance encounter with Dante (Reese Gonzales), a young man Ari meets at the local pool, leads to an intense connection between the two of them. Aristotle’s father, Jamie (Eugenio Derbez), mopes about the house in a melancholic mood, which is why he’s closer to his mother, Liliana (Veronica Falcon). She takes...
Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) opens the film by introducing the audience to his family and life as a high school student. He’s not interested in being one of the cool kids and wants something more than a provincial life in 1985 New Mexico. A chance encounter with Dante (Reese Gonzales), a young man Ari meets at the local pool, leads to an intense connection between the two of them. Aristotle’s father, Jamie (Eugenio Derbez), mopes about the house in a melancholic mood, which is why he’s closer to his mother, Liliana (Veronica Falcon). She takes...
- 9/10/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
It takes Aristotle (Max Pelayo) almost the entirety of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe to express how he really feels. For most of the 90-plus-minute run time, he hems and haws, as terrified of being seen as he is of going ignored. When he finally reveals himself, it comes as a hard-won moment of catharsis, a cool rain piercing through after days of unsettling heat.
It also makes for an odd sort of irony. Because while Aristotle might prefer to keep himself bottled up, Aristotle and Dante, from its opening moments, is a film so anxious to be understood that it can’t seem to stop getting in its own way. It tells when it could show, shouts when it could whisper, underlines its own themes in blunt lines of dialogue — and in its rush to explain itself, Aristotle...
It takes Aristotle (Max Pelayo) almost the entirety of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe to express how he really feels. For most of the 90-plus-minute run time, he hems and haws, as terrified of being seen as he is of going ignored. When he finally reveals himself, it comes as a hard-won moment of catharsis, a cool rain piercing through after days of unsettling heat.
It also makes for an odd sort of irony. Because while Aristotle might prefer to keep himself bottled up, Aristotle and Dante, from its opening moments, is a film so anxious to be understood that it can’t seem to stop getting in its own way. It tells when it could show, shouts when it could whisper, underlines its own themes in blunt lines of dialogue — and in its rush to explain itself, Aristotle...
- 9/10/2022
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don’t forget to pack your wallet.
Hollywood is hitting the Toronto International Film Festival this week hoping to land the next buzzy breakout. After two years of virtual or reduced capacity gatherings as a Covid-era concession, the film business is back in force, and that means deals, deals and more deals.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest movies on offer — the kinds of splashy projects that could result in the next massive sale.
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Director: Aitch Alberto
Cast: Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro
Sales agent: UTA
Buzz factor: This touching story of two teenage boys in 1987 El Paso whose friendship both deepens and is challenged in surprising ways will leave audiences reaching for the tissues. It also marks the feature debut of Alberto, an exciting new filmmaking talent, who deftly adapts Benjamin Alire Sáenz...
Hollywood is hitting the Toronto International Film Festival this week hoping to land the next buzzy breakout. After two years of virtual or reduced capacity gatherings as a Covid-era concession, the film business is back in force, and that means deals, deals and more deals.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest movies on offer — the kinds of splashy projects that could result in the next massive sale.
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Director: Aitch Alberto
Cast: Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro
Sales agent: UTA
Buzz factor: This touching story of two teenage boys in 1987 El Paso whose friendship both deepens and is challenged in surprising ways will leave audiences reaching for the tissues. It also marks the feature debut of Alberto, an exciting new filmmaking talent, who deftly adapts Benjamin Alire Sáenz...
- 9/9/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin, Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Most independent producer/financiers would be glad to have one hot title up for sale in Toronto. Limelight arrives this week with three: the Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin-led comedy-drama “Moving On,” plus a pair of distinctive coming-of-age dramas, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and “Wildflower.”
Now Limelight is developing the script for a comedy tentatively titled “Coachella,” written by Andy Siara (“Palm Springs”) and Joey Siara. The feature centers on teens who tell their parents they’re going on a church trip, but sneak off to the famed desert music festival instead. The Siara brothers are loosely drawing on their experiences playing the fest with their indie rock band, The Henry Clay People.
By any measure, Limelight partners Dylan Sellers, Chris Parker and Alex Dong are on a roll. Their comedy “Palm Springs” sold to Neon and Hulu for around 22 million in 2020, a record-breaking Sundance deal at the time.
Now Limelight is developing the script for a comedy tentatively titled “Coachella,” written by Andy Siara (“Palm Springs”) and Joey Siara. The feature centers on teens who tell their parents they’re going on a church trip, but sneak off to the famed desert music festival instead. The Siara brothers are loosely drawing on their experiences playing the fest with their indie rock band, The Henry Clay People.
By any measure, Limelight partners Dylan Sellers, Chris Parker and Alex Dong are on a roll. Their comedy “Palm Springs” sold to Neon and Hulu for around 22 million in 2020, a record-breaking Sundance deal at the time.
- 9/9/2022
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
As they say here north of the border: Time to drop the puck on the 2022 Toronto Film Festival.
The weather is beautiful, and they’ve cordoned off King Street from the Lightbox to Roy Thomson Hall. People are getting their bearings, most not wearing masks in the open air. This is a sight better than last year, when the cable cars were not rerouted from King Street because so few came for the festivities. Not surprisingly, not a single major deal happened on the ground as the festivals and specialty theatrical business were still feeling the fallout from Covid.
Toronto Film Festival: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Will this year be any better? Some believe it certainly can’t get worse. Buyers and sellers expect the pace to be on the slow side, with some possible exceptions. I hear that the hot title is one that isn’t officially on the for-sale lists,...
The weather is beautiful, and they’ve cordoned off King Street from the Lightbox to Roy Thomson Hall. People are getting their bearings, most not wearing masks in the open air. This is a sight better than last year, when the cable cars were not rerouted from King Street because so few came for the festivities. Not surprisingly, not a single major deal happened on the ground as the festivals and specialty theatrical business were still feeling the fallout from Covid.
Toronto Film Festival: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Will this year be any better? Some believe it certainly can’t get worse. Buyers and sellers expect the pace to be on the slow side, with some possible exceptions. I hear that the hot title is one that isn’t officially on the for-sale lists,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The Toronto International Film Festival isn’t as well-known for dealmaking as Sundance, and the clamor around Oscar-friendly titles tends to dominate, but buyers attending the festival always have a lot of possibilities to dig through. Many of the roughly 200 feature films screening the the biggest fall festival arrive without distribution.
In the past, TIFF has yielded plenty of big deals, including some that impact awards season, such as Neon’s 6 million 2017 pickup of “I, Tonya” that resulted in a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Allison Janney and Sony Pictures Classics’ 2014 acquisition of “Still Alice” that ultimately landed Julianne Moore her first statuette for Best Actress. Even during the pandemic, the sales continued: In 2020, Netflix picked up Halle Berry’s directorial debut “Bruised” for a reported 20 million after it premiered at a drive-in.
Still, buyers aren’t exactly bullish on acquisitions these days, as arthouse box office continues to struggle on every level,...
In the past, TIFF has yielded plenty of big deals, including some that impact awards season, such as Neon’s 6 million 2017 pickup of “I, Tonya” that resulted in a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Allison Janney and Sony Pictures Classics’ 2014 acquisition of “Still Alice” that ultimately landed Julianne Moore her first statuette for Best Actress. Even during the pandemic, the sales continued: In 2020, Netflix picked up Halle Berry’s directorial debut “Bruised” for a reported 20 million after it premiered at a drive-in.
Still, buyers aren’t exactly bullish on acquisitions these days, as arthouse box office continues to struggle on every level,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
With few big sales titles available at TIFF this year — a Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin two-hander and Lin-Manuel Miranda-produced YA feature excepted — business coming out of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival looks muted at best.
The vast majority of TIFF films already have domestic distribution in place — with studios and indie players like Neon and A24 looking to use the North America festival as an awards season springboard. What’s left is a smattering of sales titles, Cannes holdovers and a handful of out-of-festival buyers’ screenings to stir up interest.
Focus Features’ production and acquisitions head Kiska Higgs is optimistic that the sluggish indie theatrical market will eventually bounce back from its Covid slump and pull people away from streaming services — “I can’t imagine a world in which I want to be on my couch for any second longer than...
With few big sales titles available at TIFF this year — a Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin two-hander and Lin-Manuel Miranda-produced YA feature excepted — business coming out of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival looks muted at best.
The vast majority of TIFF films already have domestic distribution in place — with studios and indie players like Neon and A24 looking to use the North America festival as an awards season springboard. What’s left is a smattering of sales titles, Cannes holdovers and a handful of out-of-festival buyers’ screenings to stir up interest.
Focus Features’ production and acquisitions head Kiska Higgs is optimistic that the sluggish indie theatrical market will eventually bounce back from its Covid slump and pull people away from streaming services — “I can’t imagine a world in which I want to be on my couch for any second longer than...
- 9/7/2022
- by Mia Galuppo and Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Bobby Soto (Narcos: Mexico), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Narcos: Mexico), Veronica Falcón (Ozark), Sarayu Blue (I Feel Bad) and Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades franchise) are among the newest additions to Prime Video’s Michael Peña starrer A Million Miles Away, which has entered production in Mexico City. Others rounding out the ensemble of the Alejandra Márquez Abella-helmed film include Jordan Dean (Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace), Ashley Ciarra (Chupa), Michelle Krusiec (Hollywood), Emma Fassler (Recovery Road), Michael Adler (Super Pumped), Carlos S. Sanchez (Chicago Fire) and Isaac Arellanes (Ghostwriter).
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
- 8/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The WhaleWAVELENGTHS - FEATURESConcrete Valley (Antoine Bourges)De Humani Corporis Fabrica (Véréna Paravel, Lucien Castaing-Taylor)Dry Ground BurningHorse Opera (Moyra Davey)Pacifiction (Albert Serra)Queens of the Qing Dynasty (Ashley McKenzie)Unrest (Cyril Schäublin)Will-o’-the-Wisp (João Pedro Rodrigues)Wavelenghths - SHORTSAfter Work (Céline Condorelli, Ben Rivers)Bigger on the Inside (Angelo Madsen Minax)Eventide (Sharon Lockhart)F1ghting Looks Different 2 Me Now (Fox Maxy)Fata Morgana (Tacita Dean)Hors-titre (Wiame Haddad)I Thought the World of You (Kurt Walker)Moonrise (Vincent Grenier)The Newest Olds (Pablo Mazzolo)Puerta a Puerta (Jessica Sarah Rinland, Luis Arnías )The Time That Separates Us (Parastoo Anoushahpour)What Rules the Invisible (Tiffany Sia)Gala PRESENTATIONSAlice, Darling (Mary Nighy)Black Ice (Hubert Davis)The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Peter Farrelly)Butcher’s Crossing (Gabe Polsky)The Hummingbird (Francesca Archibugi)Hunt (Jung-jae Lee)A Jazzman’s Blues (Tyler Perry)Kacchey Limbu (Shubham Yogi)Moving On (Paul Weitz)Paris Memories...
- 8/4/2022
- MUBI
The Toronto International Film Festival announced its second big wave of programming for the 47th edition, a 54 feature title lineup across its Discovery, Midnight Madness and Wavelengths sections.
Twenty-six countries are represented in the three programs with the Discovery opening night film being Elegance Bratton’s The Inspection starring Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine and Raul Castillo about the filmmaker’s life and time as a Marine Corp vet. Also booked in Discovery is the acquisition title Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe from Aitch Alberto starring Eva Longoria, Eugenio Derbez and Isabella Gomez.
Meanwhile, we hear that Golda, Bleecker Street’s movie with Helen Mirren as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Nattiv directing, is delayed this year.
“TIFF’s Discovery programme is a showcase of cinema and talent from around the world — a place to unearth work that is bold, distinctive, and, above all,...
Twenty-six countries are represented in the three programs with the Discovery opening night film being Elegance Bratton’s The Inspection starring Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine and Raul Castillo about the filmmaker’s life and time as a Marine Corp vet. Also booked in Discovery is the acquisition title Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe from Aitch Alberto starring Eva Longoria, Eugenio Derbez and Isabella Gomez.
Meanwhile, we hear that Golda, Bleecker Street’s movie with Helen Mirren as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Nattiv directing, is delayed this year.
“TIFF’s Discovery programme is a showcase of cinema and talent from around the world — a place to unearth work that is bold, distinctive, and, above all,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
New work from Benjamin Millepied, Kim Hongsun, Tim Story populate latest selections.
The Toronto International FiLm Festival has unveiled its Discovery, Midnight Madness and Wavelengths strands.
Midnight Madness returns to its 10-film format and will screen at new venue the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The section opens with Eric Appel’s US biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story featuring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role.
The section presents Finecut’s Project Wolf Hunting (South Korea) by Kim Hongsun, whose genre oeuvre includes Metamorphosis and The Chase. Finland has been stepping up its festival presence of late and Jalmari Helander will premiere...
The Toronto International FiLm Festival has unveiled its Discovery, Midnight Madness and Wavelengths strands.
Midnight Madness returns to its 10-film format and will screen at new venue the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The section opens with Eric Appel’s US biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story featuring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role.
The section presents Finecut’s Project Wolf Hunting (South Korea) by Kim Hongsun, whose genre oeuvre includes Metamorphosis and The Chase. Finland has been stepping up its festival presence of late and Jalmari Helander will premiere...
- 8/4/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Gina Reyes has joined UTA as an Agent in the Television Literary division. She will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Partners & Co-Heads of TV Literary, Dan Erlij, and Allan Haldeman.
Prior to joining UTA, Reyes served as a Television Literary agent at Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Throughout her tenure, she worked with clients such as Aitch Alberto, Tanuj Chopra (Delhi Crime), Marvin Lemus (Gentefied), Eif Rivera, Rebecca Rodriguez and Santa Sierra, among others.
“Throughout her career, Gina has worked to uplift and champion unique and important storytellers,“ jointly said Erlij and Haldeman in a statement to Deadline. “She has helped identify and amplify the next generation of...
Prior to joining UTA, Reyes served as a Television Literary agent at Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Throughout her tenure, she worked with clients such as Aitch Alberto, Tanuj Chopra (Delhi Crime), Marvin Lemus (Gentefied), Eif Rivera, Rebecca Rodriguez and Santa Sierra, among others.
“Throughout her career, Gina has worked to uplift and champion unique and important storytellers,“ jointly said Erlij and Haldeman in a statement to Deadline. “She has helped identify and amplify the next generation of...
- 5/20/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Olivia Mascheroni has joined Verve Ventures. She will be part of a growing independent sales and financing team that is led by Amy Beecroft and Ross Putman.
Mascheroni most recently served as director of Ddvelopment at Madre Venturers, a venture capital firm, and served as executive of new media at The Blacklist prior to that. She has also held positions at both Blumhouse and CAA, where she worked in both the Television and Motion Picture Literary Departments.
“Coming over feels like coming home,” says Mascheroni. “I know so many of the people who work here and admire what they do. And there’s such a great creative approach to things that offers a lot to filmmakers and allows us to make great independent projects.”
Verve’s talent team has quadrupled in size since last year and the film team says it expects to continue expanding.
“Olivia is joining us because...
Mascheroni most recently served as director of Ddvelopment at Madre Venturers, a venture capital firm, and served as executive of new media at The Blacklist prior to that. She has also held positions at both Blumhouse and CAA, where she worked in both the Television and Motion Picture Literary Departments.
“Coming over feels like coming home,” says Mascheroni. “I know so many of the people who work here and admire what they do. And there’s such a great creative approach to things that offers a lot to filmmakers and allows us to make great independent projects.”
Verve’s talent team has quadrupled in size since last year and the film team says it expects to continue expanding.
“Olivia is joining us because...
- 2/11/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Variety will honor Academy Award-winning actor Javier Bardem at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 7 as part of their annual “10 Directors to Watch” and Creative Impact Awards brunch at the Parker Palm Springs.
Bardem will be celebrated for his recent film, Amazon Studios’ “Being the Ricardos,” as well his entire body of work, which includes “No Country for Old Men,” “Dune,” “Skyfall,” “Biutiful” and “The Good Boss.”
“It’s been 30 years since Bardem emerged as a major international star in Bigas Luna’s ‘Jamón Jamón,'” said Variety’s executive vice president of content Steven Gaydos. “In that time, he’s garnered acting honors around the world, including the European Film Award, the Cannes Festival best actor award and three Oscar nominations, including a win for his powerful role in the Coen Brothers’ best picture winner, ‘No Country for Old Men.’ Along the way, Bardem has worked...
Bardem will be celebrated for his recent film, Amazon Studios’ “Being the Ricardos,” as well his entire body of work, which includes “No Country for Old Men,” “Dune,” “Skyfall,” “Biutiful” and “The Good Boss.”
“It’s been 30 years since Bardem emerged as a major international star in Bigas Luna’s ‘Jamón Jamón,'” said Variety’s executive vice president of content Steven Gaydos. “In that time, he’s garnered acting honors around the world, including the European Film Award, the Cannes Festival best actor award and three Oscar nominations, including a win for his powerful role in the Coen Brothers’ best picture winner, ‘No Country for Old Men.’ Along the way, Bardem has worked...
- 12/15/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
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