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November 19, 2008 iW ROUND UP | Wednesday, November 19th
indieWIRE's snapshot of news and views from around the web on Wednesday.
10 Holiday Movies Court Oscar
Saving the Story (the Film Version)
Oscar ads going ... going ... gone
Whitaker/Sundance to Save Newark
Israeli Cinema's Golden Age? iW NEWS | "Drummer" Wins Reel Asian Audience Award
The 12th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival came to a close on Sunday, November 16, seeing the argest attendance in its history as well as many sold out shows. The fest announced awards in a number of categories, including the NOW Audience Award, which was given to Kenneth Bi's "The Drummer," which was the festival's opening night gala. Other awards included the NFB Best Documentary Award, which was given to Paul Wong's "Perfect Day," the Kim Orr Barristers Best Narrative Feature or Video Award, which was given to Liew Seng Tat's "Flower in the Pocket," and the Centennial College @ Wallace Studios Most Innovative Film Award, which went to Randall Lloyd Okita's "Machine With a Wishbone." [Peter Knegt]  [permalink] [ filed under Festivals, Honors ] November 18, 2008iW NEWS | Overture Deals With Cheadle's Crescendo
Overture Films has signed a two-year, first look deal with Crescendo Productions, the company headed by Don Cheadle, Lenore Zerman and Kay Liberman; Overture CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett jointly announced Monday. The arrangement gives Overture access to film product from Crescendo. Crescendo's past projects include 2007's documentary "Darfur Now," and are in development on a project based on the life of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. "There's no other company that we'd rather be in business with," said Cheadle in a statement. "All of us at Crescendo have a long and successful history with Chris and Danny that we are looking to build upon with this partnership." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Industry Moves ] iW NEWS | Balkan Funds Announces Awards
For the sixth consecutive year, the Balkan Fund of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival concluded its three-day Workshop with the participation of 11 pre-selected projects submitted by writers, directors and producers from the Balkan countries. An international jury consisting of Christina Kallas, Richard Kwietniowski, Milcho Manchevski, Simon Perry and Razvan Radulescu granted Balkan Fund Awards to four projects. They included Javor Gardev's "Zincograph," Sirri Sureyya Onder's "Number Zero," Natassa Segou's "White Thread, Black Thread," and Emre Yalgin's "Submission." This year's 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival is screening four previous Balkan Fund awarded films: "Small Crime" by Christos Georgiou (awarded in 2003), "Snow" by Aida Begic (awarded in 2004), "A Farewell to Hemingway" by Svetloslav Ovcharov (also awarded in 2004 and an International Premiere in Thessaloniki) and "The Tour" by Goran Markovic (participated in 2007). [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] November 17, 2008iW NEWS | "Nirvana" and "Julius" Among Top Lone Star Fest Winners
Igor Volshin's "Nirvana" won the grand jury prize for narrative feature at the 2008 Lone Star International Film Festival in Ft. Worth, TX, while Tom Quinn's "The New Year Parade" won a special jury prize. Eric Bricker's "Visual Acoustics - The Modernism of Julius Shulman" took best documentary, while "The Banishment" by Andrei Zvyaginstev won best foreign-language film. "My Mom Smokes Weed" by Clay Liford won best short. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Sony Classics Turns Up "Loud"
Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim's "It Might Get Loud" has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, the company confirmed Monday afternoon. SPC picked up the title from producer Thomas Tull, chariman and CEO of Legendary Pictures. The Little Film Company was the sales agent on the film. Guggenheim's ("An Inconvenient Truth") is a celebration of the electric guitar. It brings together musicians The Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White, examining a creative process of the three though their own words and music. "'It Might Get Loud' is a music lover's dream," SPC said in a statement. "The film covers three generations of guitar players (The Edge, Jimmy Page, Jack White) and our plan is to attract the three generations of fans when we open the film next summer. We are pleased to be in business with director Davis Guggenheim and producer Thomas Tull, whose obsession with the subject has brought so much to the high quality of the film." A theatrical release date was not disclosed. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] NYT | S.E.C. Accuses Mark Cuban of Insider Trading
The S.E.C. said Mr. Cuban sold the stock in the company, Mamma.com, based on nonpublic information about an impending stock offering. New York Times reports. [permalink] [ filed under Biz ] iW ROUND UP | Monday, November 17th
indieWIRE's snapshot of news and views from around the web on Halloween.
Rona Leaving Rogue
Del Toro's "Pinocchio"
Voynar: "No on H8, Not Yes to Hate"
Obama Doc Stirring Sales November 16, 2008NYT & VAR | Killer Sells to GC Corporation
Killer Films partners Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler have sold 50% of the company to VC fund GC Corporation, according to the New York Times and Variety. Earlier tonight, the Times offered a news brief summarizing the pact and Variety's Mike Jones has also reported tonight that former ThinkFilm exec Randy Manis will become CEO of Killer Films and that company will increase its film production budgets to $40 - $50 million per film. GC is backed by Adi Cohen and partner Joseph Grinkorn, described by the Hollywood trade as "a major real estate and mortgage banking investor." "It's a big change," Vachon told Variety, while Koffler said it is, "a great opportunity for us to turn a corner." Also in the story, Cohen told Variety's Jones, "We want Killer to compete. He added, in the words of the article that, "he envisions the company becoming as big a player as Miramax or Fox Searchlight." New CEO Manis called Killer "an undervalued asset," telling Variety, "nothing will be too big for Killer." [permalink] [ filed under Biz ] November 15, 2008iW NEWS | Falco Mourns Loss of Co-founder, Gary Hill
Gary Hill, a founding partner of film pr firm Falco Ink, passed away last week after a battle with kidney disease. A twenty-five year veteran of the entertainment industry, Hill left Falco two years ago to co-found the Berkshire International Film Festival. Hill began his career as an assistant to Brian DePalma, working on "Scarface," "Blow Out" and "Dressed To Kill" and moved into PR in the 80s. In 1999, he left PR firm Clein + White with a group of partners to form Falco Ink. Hill retired from PR in 2005 to head to the Berkshires. "Serving on the BIFF board was a natural use of his love of film," Falco said in a statement. "Hill had a deep knowledge of film and genuine love of film: from Alfred Hitchcock to Robert Altman, Billy Wilder to Tim Burton." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under People ] November 14, 2008iW NEWS | "Secrets" Leads Israel Fest Winners
The Israel Film Festival closed its 23rd edition Thursday night after presenting events in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. In New York the fest announced that Avi Nesher's "The Secrets," which was the fest's Closing Night film, also won the Panavision Audience Choice Award. The award carried a $60,000 package including a full month's use of a 35mm Panavision camera package to shoot their next film in Israel. "The Secrets" will be released in New York by Montery Media on Thanksgiving Week. Audience Awards were also presented to Ran Tal's "Children of the Sun for Best Documentary and Lior Geller's "Roads" for Best Short. "I was very moved by the audience's reactions to the Israeli films we presented this year," stated Fest founder and Executive Director Meir Fenigstein at the awards' announcement. "With over 26 screenings totally sold out and lines stretching down Broadway, the energy and excitement I experienced from the public as well as the filmmakers at this year's festival truly highlight the terrific creative voices in Israeli filmmaking. It was a wonderful way to help celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] November 13, 2008iW NEWS | Amazon Launches VOD/DVD Deal with Cinetic; 20 Films Online Monthly
Dave McLaughlin's "On Broadway" and Rob Epstein's "The Times of Harvey Milk" are two of the titles debuting this month on Amazon Video on Demand in the wake of a new partnership with Cinetic Rights Management (CRM) that will bring independent films to audiences via Amazon and CreateSpace DVD on Demand. The deal between CRM and Amazon will place about twenty films on Amazon each month, one debuting exclusively each month. Others on tap for Amazon this month include Sweaty Robot's "Happy Birthday, Harris Malden," Curt Johnson's "Your Mommy Kills Animals," and Vern Oakley's "A Modern Affair." Additional November films have not yet been announced. "Audiences are no longer required to live in a specific city to see new and classic independent film," CRM's Matt Dentler said today, in a statement. "All they need now is an Internet connection." "On Broadway," profiled yesterday by indieWIRE, is November's CRM exclusive on Amazon. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Biz ] iW NEWS | Mickey Rourke to Receive Santa Barbara Accolade
"The Wrestler" star Mickey Rourke will be honored with the American Riviera Award at the 24th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, organizers unveiled Thursday. Fox Searchlight will release "Wrestler," directed by Darren Aronofsky December 17. "America is all about second chances," commented SBIFF executive director Roger Durling in a statement. "And so it's appropriate that the American Riviera Award that always goes to a U.S. actor should be given this year to Mickey Rourke - who has shown us with his performance in 'The Wrestler' to never underestimate a true artist and his power to reinvent himself." Past recipients include Tommy Lee Jones, Forrest Whitaker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place in tne picturesque California seaside community January 22 - February 1. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Likely Story Goes "American"
Rights to political thriller "The Amateur American" has been picked up by Likely Story, the group announced Thursday. Based on the novel by J. Saunders Elmore, Ross Katz will write the screenplay and direct. The film is a thriller about a young American expatriate in France who is drawn into a web of violent political intrigue, corruption and murder when he takes a job translating for a shadowy powerbroker. Stefanie Azpiazu, Likely Story's head of development, negotiated the film rights to Mr. Saunders debut novel with Nick Harris at RSWH Agency on behalf of Chris Parris-Lamb at The Gernert Company. "'The Amateur American' is this generation's 'Three Days Of The Condor' - a swift, smart, complex novel of a young man stumbling into a murky world of contemporary terrorism/counter-terrorism, where the mechanics of deception override the politics," commented Likely Story's Anthony Bregman in a statement. "Right around the time we read the novel we had the good fortune of seeing an early print of Ross Katz's 'Taking Chance,' a movie which blends politics and emotions so powerfully, we knew right away that Ross would be our guide from book to screen." Likely Story is a New York-based production company founded by Anthony Bregman in October 2006. Its credits include Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut, "Synecdoche, New York." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Production ] iW NEWS | "Miracle" to Close 2008 Bahamas Film Festival
Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna" will close the 2008 Bahamas International Film Festival, taking place December 4 - 11 on Paradise Island and Nassau. The film, recalls the true story of a regiment of African-American soldiers who managed to sneak their way well into enemy territory. As announced previously, writer/director Maria Govan's "Rain" will open the 5th annual event. BIFF plans to screen 80 films from 22 countries including 50 features of which several are world or international premieres, according to the festival. Most will be Bahamian debuts. Other highlights include Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden's Sundance fav "Sugar," Aaron Woodley's "Tennessee" starring Mariah Carey; Austin Chick's "August" starring Josh Hartnett, Adam Scott, and Robin Tunney; "Fling" directed by John Stewart Muler and starring Brandon Routh; short film "Holly" starring Ron Livingston by director Guy Moshe; "The Skeptic" with Tom Arnold and Zoe Saldana; and Baillie Walsh's "Flashbacks of a Fool" with Daniel Craig, Harry Eden and Eve Jihan Jeffers. "I am so pleased to be welcoming Spike Lee's wonderful film back to Nassau, Bahamas as 'Miracle of St. Anna' was shot on Rose Island," commented BIFF head Leslie Vanderpool in a statement. "What a perfect story book ending for the 2008 closing night film." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Line ups ] iW NEWS | Palm Strings To Honor Howard
The 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present filmmakerRon Howard with its Director's Lifetime Achievement Award, Festival organizers announced today. The award will be given with special focus on Howard's latest film, "Frost /Nixon," and as acknowledgement of his 50th anniversary in entertainment. "'Frost /Nixon' is yet another powerful film from one of the industry's true icons and can be included amongst the classics of Ron Howard's total body of work," said Festival chairman Harold Matzner in a statement. "We are honored to present Howard with this honor at this year's Festival." The Awards Gala will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, and will be hosted by Mary Hart. The Festival will be held January 6-19, 2009. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] iW NEWS | "Intimidad" To Screen at MoMA
Carnivalesque Films will present the New York premiere of David Redmon and Ashley Sabin"s "Intimidad" at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The film, a Mexican love story about family relationships and the meaning of "home," will screen Friday, November 14 at 6:00PM and Wednesday, November 19 at 8:00PM. The directors will be present at both screenings for a post film Q&A. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Events ] iW NEWS | Denver Fest Kicks Off Tonight With "Bloom"
The 2008 Starz Denver Film Festival has announced the schedule for the 11-day event, which will be held Nov. 13-23 and feature 215 films from nearly 30 countries. In addition to the films, the schedule also features red carpet events, receptions, panel discussions and award presentations. "We have spent the past year assembling a program of films, panels and special events that we believe offers something for everyone: something eye-opening, something moving, something provocative, something new," said Britta Erickson, SDFF director, in a statement. "And, we are delighted that over 150 filmmakers and industry professionals will join us in Denver for our 11-day cinematic celebration." The fest will open November 13th with a presentation of Rian Johnson's "The Brothers Bloom." Other announced films include closing night film Joel Hopkins' "Last Chance Harvey," Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire," Laurent Cantet's "The Class," Jake Mahaffy's "Wellness," Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," Daniel Junge's "They Killed Sister Dorothy," C. Karim Chrobog's "War Child," Don Hardy and Dana Nachman's "Witch Hunt," James Gray's "Two Lovers," Arnaud Desplechin's "A Christmas Tale," Lea Pool's "Mommy is at the Hairdressers," Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon's "Rumba" and Andrzej Jakimowski's "Tricks." For the full schedule and a list of other programming visit the festival's website. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | LongTale Has "Sensation of Sight"
Aaron J. Wiederspahn's "The Sensation of Sight" has been acquired by LongTale International. LongTale has taken the exclusive international distribution rights to the film, which stars David Strathairn andJane Adams. "This is a new American classic starring a great American actor," says Omar Kaczmarczyk, Managing Director of LongTale, in a statement. The film won Best Feature Film in the New Hampshire Film Festival and has screened at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Denver Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, and the Cinequest Film Festival. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] November 12, 2008iW NEWS | "Spanish Cinema Now" Set For Next Month
The Film Society of Lincoln Center will present Spanish Cinema Now in New York City for its 17th year at the Walter Reade Theater, December 5-24. The annual showcase of new filmmaking from Spain will present festival prizewinners "Before the Fall," "Chef's Special," "Pretexts," Spain's best foreign language film Oscar-nominee "Blind Sunflowers," and 16 other new features, many in their North American, U.S., or New York premieres, along with a special program of short films. A sidebar offers a glimpse at the experimental films that emerged in Spain during cinema's early rise, while several recent classics including Pedro Almodovar's "Talk To Her" fill out the series's spotlight look at celebrated actor Javier Camara, who will attend several screenings. "Contemporary Spanish directors have led the way in exploring new approaches to traditional film genres," says Richard Pena, program director at the Film Society, in a statement, "and this year's selections for Spanish Cinema Now powerfully illustrate this tendency." For the full program, visit this website. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Events, World Cinema ] iW NEWS | Swinton To Lead Berlinale Jury
Actress Tilda Swinton will be President of the International Jury at the Berlinale 2009. "I'm pleased that the wonderful Tilda Swinton will be our Jury President in 2009," said Dieter Kosslick, director of the Berlinale, in a statement. "Her commanding screen presence has made an indelible impression in contemporary, innovative filmmaking." Swinton's film career also has close ties with the Berlinale. Her debut, Derek Jarman's "Caravaggio," received a Silver Bear in the Competition of the Berlin International Film Festival. Since, she has graced the screen in 14 Berlinale films. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | "Amal" Big Winner At MIAAC Film Festival
The 8th Annual Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film FestivalSooni Taraporevala's "Little Zizou." The night concluded with an awards ceremony, with winners including Richie Mehta's "Amal," which won the Indira Mahindra Award for Best Film, an award that carries a $5,000 prize. Other winners included Sooni Taraporevala ("Little Zizou") and Ashish Avikunthak ("Shadows Formless"), who shared the best director award, Taraporevala also won for best screenplay while "Formless" actress Mandira Banerjee won the best actress award. Sachin Khedekar won the best actor award for "The Forgotten Hero," Nishtha Jain's "Lakshmi" won the Analog Digital Award for best documentary, and Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK's "Noise" won for best short film. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals, Honors ] iW NEWS | "27 Club," "Americana" Lead Ojai Winners
The 2008 Ojai FIlm Festival announced the winners of its competition, with Nicholas Bruckman's "La Americana" winning for best documentary feature and Erica Dunton's "The 27 Club" taking best narrative feature. Other winners included Christina Voros' "The Ladies" for best documentary short, Jelmar Hufen's "Voor een paar knikkers meer" ("For a few marbles or more") for best narrative short, Nina Chernik's "Maine Story" for best student film, Bill Plympton's "Idiots and Angels" for best animated film, and Ava Karvonen's "Seeds of Change: The ECO Story" for the festival theme award. The festival ran November 6-9 in Ojai, California. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals, Honors ] November 11, 2008iW BOT UPDATE | "Pajamas," "InSearchOf" Lead Chart
Box Office coverage presented by Rentrak Theatrical Mark Herman's "The Boy In The Striped Pajamas" led this past weekend's iW BOT box office chart, which was published this afternoon. The Miramax release grossed $253,085 from 17 screens for an average of $14,887. Just behind was Zeke Zelker's "InSearchOf," released through Independent Dream Machine, which grossed $12,608 from a sole screen in Allentown. The film overcome a note slapped on their poster, without their promotion that stated the film was for "mature audiences only" and that "no one under 18 permitted." "This is basically telling people that they are about to see porn, which is furthest from the truth," Zelker told indieWIRE. Rounding out the iW BOT top five were Anchor Bay's "The Alphabet Killer," Peace Arch Entertainment's "JCVD" and Maya Releasing's "August Evening," each finding averages in the $9-11,000 range. indieWIRE's regular Monday box office column will return next week. [Peter Knegt][permalink] [ filed under Box Office ] iW NEWS | Cast Announced For New Solondz Film
New production and finance shingle Werc Werk Works has announced the cast for director Todd Solondz's latest film - the yet to be titled, part-sequel/part-variation of his 1998 film "Happiness." The cast includes Allison Janney, Ciaran Hinds, Charlotte Rampling, Shirley Henderson, Michael Lerner, Michael Kenneth Williams, Paul Reubens, Paris Hilton and Chris Marquette. Werc Werk Works is fully financing and producing the film, for which shooting is now under way in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Werc Works describes the film: "The characters in this [film] struggle to find a place for themselves in an unpredictable and volatile world. The past haunts the present and imperils the future: ghosts circle and loom, trouble and console. The question of forgiveness, and its limits, threads throughout a series of intersecting love stories, offering clarity and, possibly, alternatives to the comforts of forgetting." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Production ] iW NEWS | Arthouse Takes "Chuck"
Arthouse Films announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights to the feature documentary "Chuck Close," directed by the late Marion Cajori. The doc examines the working process of acclaimed American painter Chuck Close, and solidifies his place in Contemporary Art as the re-inventor of the portrait. The deal was negotiated by David Koh and Lilly Bright on behalf of Arthouse Films & Curiously Bright Entertainment along with Isabel Jay and George Griffin on behalf of The Art Kaleidoscope Foundation and the Estate of Marion Cajori. Arthouse Films plans a theatrical release in early 2009, followed by a DVD release on the Arthouse Films label. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | United States Artists Announces Fellows
United States Artists (USA), the national artists' advocacy organization, announced the recipients of fifty USA Fellowships for 2008 totaling $2.5 million. This marks the third consecutive year of the USA Fellows program, which provides direct support for artists by annually awarding fifty unrestricted grants of $50,000 to artists of all disciplines from across the country. The USA Fellows for 2008 hail from 21 states and range in age from 31 to 82; they were chosen by panels of experts in each field in recognition of the caliber and impact of their work. They include five in Architecture and Design; four in Crafts and Traditional Arts; five in Dance; nine in Literature (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry); six in Media (film and video); six in Music; five in Theater Arts; and 10 in Visual Arts. The artists were honored last night at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago. To view a complete list of recipients, visit this website. [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] iW NEWS | here!, Regent Like "Patrik"
Swedish director Ella Lemhagen's "Patrik, Age 1.5," which made its U.S. premiere at last week's AFI Fest, has been acquired by here! Films and Regent Releasing. here! Films acquired the North American rights to the film from Svensk Filmindustri, and its sister company Regent Releasing will distribute the film in select U.S. cities during the summer of 2009. "'Patrick, Age 1.5' was delightful discovery for Regent as we continue our commitment to showcase the best in gay cinema," said Mark Reinhart, West Coast General Manager and Executive Vice President Distribution and Acquisitions in a statement. "Ella does an amazing job portraying the sentiments and trials of these two loving men trying to build a new home and family together." The acquisition deal for "Patrik, Age 1.5" was negotiated by Quinn Coleman, Vice President of Acquisitions for Regent and Ann-Kristin Westerberg, Senior Vice President, International, for AB Svensk Filmindustri. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW ROUND UP | Tuesday, November 11th
indieWIRE's snapshot of news and views from around the web on Tuesday.
TWC Takes Osage
Happy Ending for "Australia?"
Future Content
Farewell Pioneer
"Raisinet recession?"
Generation O? November 10, 2008iW NEWS | First Independent Goes "Gigantic" in the U.S.
U.S. rights to Matt Aselton's "Gignatic" have been picked up by First Independent Pictures. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and screened at this year's American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, CA. First Independent plans a Spring '09 release. The film is described as an "offbeat comedy revolving around Brian (Paul Dano), a mattress store worker who wants to adopt a Chinese baby. Brian meets Happy (Zooey Deschanel), a hot, potty-mouthed girl who he falls head over heels for. Together, they negotiate their increasing intimacy, and the appearances of their many eccentric relatives, as Brian awaits the call from the adoption agency..." Executive Producers are Scott Ferguson, Jeff Preiss, Jerry Soloman and John Wells and Charles Pugliese co-produced. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | 16 Animated Titles Make Oscar Short List
Fourteen features have been submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 81st Academy Awards. The films include: "Bolt," "Delgo," "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!," "Dragon Hunters," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Igor," "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," "$9.99," "The Sky Crawlers," "Sword of the Stranger," "The Tale of Despereaux," "WALL-E" and "Waltz with Bashir." Bolt," "Delgo," "Dragon Hunters," "$9.99," "The Sky Crawlers," "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Waltz with Bashir" have not yet had their required Los Angeles qualifying run. Under the rules for this category, a maximum of 3 films can be nominated in a year in which the field of eligible entries numbers at least 8 but fewer than 16. The 81st Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ] iW NEWS | Cinema Libre Takes Slew of Beineix Rights for U.S.
Independent production/distribution company Cinema Libre Studios has finalized a pact with French auteur Jean Jacques Beineix for U.S. rights for eight of his films including docs and shorts. The company's acquisition includes all US rights to the following titles, as well as the Director’s Cut of “Betty Blue’,” "Mortal Transfer" (Comedy/Thriller, 2001), "Locked-In Syndrome" (Documentary, 1997), "Otaku" (Documentary, 1994), "IP5: The Island of Pachyderms" (Drama,1992), "Roselyne and the Lions" (Drama, 1989), "Betty Blue" (Drama, 1986), "The Moon in the Gutter" (Drama, 1983), "The Dog of Mr. Michel" (Drama, short, 1977 also known as 'Le Chien de Monsieur Michel’). The company has recently produced "The End of Poverty?" which premiered this year during the Cannes Film Festival and has been selected to fourteen international festivals with a March 2009 theatrical release planned. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | "Titov Veles" and "Rain" to Bookend NY's Macedonian Film Fest
Teona Strugar Mitevska's "I Am From Titov Veles" will open the Macedonian Film Festival, taking place November 20 - 23 in New York. The film is Macedonia's entry for Best Foreign Language Oscar consideration. Closing the event is Milcho Manchevski's 1995 film, "Before the Rain." Nominated for an Oscar in 1995, the film is considered a "standard-bearer for Macedonian filmmaking. The fest will also screen his 2001 feature, "Dust." Also on tap are Sergej Stanojkovski's "Kontakt," Ivo Trajkov's "The Great Water," Darko Mitrevski's "Bal-Can-Can," Stole Popov's "Happy New Year 1949," Kiril Cenevski's "Black Seed," Igor Ivanov's "Upside Down," and Svetozar Ristovski's "Mirage." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Line ups ] iW NEWS | "Gospel" and "Bart" Among Ft. Lauderdale Winners
Director/actor Giancarlo Esposito's "Gospel Hill" took Best Film of the Fest at the 23rd Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The nearly month-long event began October 15 and concludes tomorrow (Tuesday), November 11. The fest's "International Film Guide Award to the Emerging American or Canadian Filmmaker" award went to Brian Hecker's prom night comedy, "Bart Got a Room," while Mark Feinberg's "Play the Game" won the audience prize for best indie feature. In other jury nods, Best American Indie went to "Lifelines" by Rob Margulies and Steve Blair's "I Do & I Don't" received best comedy. Best Director went to Mark Mahon for "Strength and Honour" and Chris Mason took Best First-Time Director for "The New Twenty." For more information and a full list of FLIFF winners, visit the festival's website. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] November 8, 2008iW NEWS | Magnolia Gets Fontaine's "Monaco"
Yesterday at the American Film Market, Magnolia Pictures closed a deal giving Magnolia U.S. rights to Anne Fontaine's "The Girl From Monaco." Described as a "delightfully wicked satire" by the Toronto International Film Festival, the French film stars Fabrice Luchini, Roschdy Zem, and Louise Bourgoin. Written by Fontaine and Benoit Graffin, "Monaco" was produced by Bruno Pesery and Philippe Carcassonne. Magnolia's Tom Quinn and Dori Begley brokered the deal with Yoann Ubermulhin from Pyramide International, which has also sold the film in numerous other territories, including Benelux (Films de l'Elysee), Switzerland (Pathe), Germany/Austria (MFA+), Poland (Hagi), CIS/Baltic States (Luxor), Romania (Prorom), Canada (Seville Pictures), India (Alliance Lumiere), and Brazil (Imovision). "'The Girl From Monaco' is an extremely funny crowd pleaser from the superb Anne Fontaine," said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles, in a statement. "It also will be the notable introduction to American audiences of Louise Bourgoin, whose unbelievably allure make her a can't-miss star." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] November 7, 2008iW NEWS | Wolff & Ross Launch Rich Releasing
TLA executives Rich Wolff and Richard Ross have joined forces to launch Rich Releasing, a new North American distribution company that will kick-off early next spring. While its launch slate has yet to be announced, the company plans to release art house, documentary, international, gay and lesbian, erotica, and horror films. Wolff will head the company and Ross will serve as head of sales for Rich Releasing. Joining them at the new company will be TLA's Alex Jackson as Executive Director of Sales. "Rich Releasing understands that the marketplace is evolving faster than at any period in home entertainment history," Richard Wolff said in a statement, noting that the company will embrace various distribution platforms, including DVD, VOD, broadcast, mobile, IPTV, Internet placement, and theatrical. Rich will also pursue royalty deals, revenue deals, service deals, and flat deals, along with hybrid pacts. "We're re-entering an industry we know and love but under the toughest market conditions we can remember...we relish the challenge," Ross added in a statement. The company is also planning to serve as a producer's rep for both domestic and international projects. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Biz ] iW NEWS | "Sunshine," "Harvey" Set For Lone Star Fest
The Lone Star International Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas has announced programming of its 2008 festival. Christine Jeffs' "Sunshine Cleaning" will open the fest on Wednesdday, November 12, 2008, while Joel Hopkins' "Last Chance Harvey" will screen Saturday, November 15 as the Closing Night Gala for the second edition of the festival. Jaffar Mahmood's "Shades of Ray" and Nikita Mikhalkov's "12" will screen as Centerpieces, and the fest announced a new Russian Films Spotlight curated by Visiting Artistic Director Kirill Razlogov of the American Film Festival in Moscow. Films screening in the program include "The Banishment," "Live to Remember" and "Mona Lisa on Asphalt." They join "12" and "Nirvana" for a total of five Russian films in the fest. "In our second year, the Lone Star Film Festival has both broadened its outreach by forging what is truly a unique and exciting relationship with the American Film Festival of Moscow, and also put together a great selection of quality films for Fort Worth film enthusiasts," said LSIFF director Dennis Bishop in a statement. "This will be the first opportunity for the people of Fort Worth to see these films and frankly, it may be the only opportunity for them to see some of them play on the big screen." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Latest Goldwyn Deal: "Free Style" from Rigel
In its third deal of the week, Samuel Goldwyn Films is planning at least a 500 screen theatrical release in February '09 for William Dear's "Free Style" from Rigel Entertainment. Ahead of the movie's American Film Market premiere tomorrow, Goldwyn and Fox Home Entertainment scored U.S. theatrical and home video rights to the film. Described as "an uplifting story about a young man and his determination to win a coveted spot on the Grand National motocross racing team," the movie stars Corbin Bleu, Penelope Ann Miller, Madison Pettis and Sandra Echeverria. It was written by Jeffrey Nicholson and Joshua Leibner, produced in assocation with Up North Entertainment and Canal Street Films and features music from Nickelback, The Jonas Brothers and "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu." Fox has secured Latin American rights, launching it in Mexico this Christmas. Yesterday, Goldwyn confirmed deals for Tim Disney's "American Violet" and Michael Keaton's "The Merry Gentleman." The company is currently releasing Isabel Coixet's "Elegy" and Alex Kendrick's "Fireproof." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW ROUND UP | Friday, November 7th
indieWIRE's snapshot of news and views from around the web.
Roadside Goes "Solo"
Spielberg and "Old Boy"?
Considering Robert Frank
Absurdity of Political, Oscar Link
Remembering New Line
IFC, Celluloid Pact November 6, 2008iW NEWS | Strand Takes Trapero's "Lion's Den"
Strand Releasing has announced another deal today, this one for U.S. rights to Pablo Trapero's Brazilian, Argentine and Korean co-production, "Lion's Den," the Argentinean entry for foreign language consideration at the Academy Awards. A Cannes Film Festival debut, the drama is described as the story of "a young, beautiful college student who is imprisoned after being convicted for a murder [who] discovers that she is pregnant while incarcerated." It was produced by Matanza Cine, Cineclick Asia (Fantom), Patagonik, and co-produced by Videofilms with the support of INCAA-Programma Ibermedia. It was executive produced by Martina Gusman, associate produced by Juan Pablo Galli, Alejandro Cacetta and Juan Vera. Producers are Trapero and Youngjoo Suh and co-producer Waltes Salles. Strand's Jon Gerrans made the deal with Youngjoo Suh from Fine Cut. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, World Cinema ] iW NEWS | Magnolia Gets "Food, Inc"
Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms. Magnolia Pictures has acquired all U.S. rights to "Food, Inc," which debuted earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and is on tap for the Berlin International Film Festival in February. Producer-director Robert Kenner and investigative authors Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan's doc, from Participant Media and River Road Entertainment, exposes the U.S. food industry. The film was produced by Kenner and Elise Pearlstein, with Schlosser, Richard Pearce and Melissa Robledo serving as co-producers. Executive producers are Bill Pohlad, Robin Schorr, Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann. Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment, repping Participant and River Road, made the deal with Tom Quinn from Magnolia Pictures. Fortissimo Films is handling international sales. The film is set for a release in the first half of 2009. "Food, Inc. is a thought-provoking, beautifully crafted doc that not only addresses an issue of fundamental importance to many Americans, but tells them what they can do an individual to make a difference. It's an enthralling, empowering take on the subject," said Magnolia's Eamonn Bowles, in a statement. "There's nothing more elemental than what you eat and we think there's potentially a large audience for the film." [Eugene Hernandez][permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Documentary ] iW NEWS | Goldwyn Makes "Violet" Deal
Samuel Goldwyn Films has announced a deal for U.S. rights to Tim Disney's "American Violet," which debuted earlier this year at the Telluride Film Festival. The film, starring Alfre Woodard, Michael O'Keefe, Charles Dutton , Will Patton , Timothy Blake Nelson, Xzibit , and newcomer Nicole Beharie, is based on the story of a single mom battling the criminal justice system in a small Texas town. The film, from Uncommon Productions, was written and produced by Bill Haney and executive produced by Peter Newman, with co-executive producers Jennifer Eplett, Sean Reilly and Tom R. Camp. A March theatrical release is on tap with international sales on track for this year's American Film Market. "We were completely taken by 'American Violet' and astounded by the power of this woman's true story," said Goldwyn's Meyer Gottlieb, in a statement. "Credit to Bill and Tim for doing such a remarkable job assembling this talented cast and bringing this incredibly compelling story to the screen." Goldwyn's Peter Goldwyn negotiated the deal with Peter Newman and MJ Peckos for Uncommon Productions. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | Strand Likes "Nancy"
The U.S. rights to Johan Renck's "Downloading Nancy have been acquired by Strand Releasing. The Sundance Film Festival alum, starring Maria Bello and Jason Patric, follows a housewife who searches the internet for a partner to fulfill her sexual fantasies. "We've been pursuing 'Nancy' since Sundance where we were captivated by it's bold, but honest approach to a very controversial subject," said Strand's Jon Gerrans in a statement. "In this age of Facebook and Myspace, the film has specific relevance. We're thrilled to be able to work on this project." The deal was negotiated between Gerrans and Traction Media's Doug Stone and Maren Olson. The film is set for an early 2009 release. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | Keaton's "Gentleman" Heads To Lightning
Michael Keaton's "The Merry Gentleman" has found a home with Lightning Entertainment, which acquired the international distribution rights to the film. Starring Keaton and Kelly Macdonald, the film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. It follows Kate (Mcdonald), who runs away to Chicago to find anonymity after her marriage implodes. The film will join Lightning's American Film Market slate. The Samuel Goldwyn Company is releasing "Merry Gentleman" theatrically in the U.S. in March 2009. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ] iW NEWS | Bahamas To Fete Faris
The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) announced today that Anna Faris will be honored with BIFF's special Rising Star Tribute. The announcement was made by BIFF Founder & Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool. "Anna Faris represents everything that is good about Hollywood's present and future," said Vanderpool in a statement. :Through the diverse roles she has taken on early in her career, she has displayed tremendous creativity and a marvelous gift for acting." Faris will be on hand for the special Chopard Award tribute presentation on Monday, December 8th at Aura Nightclub at the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] IW NEWS | Flaherty NYC Launches New Program
The Flaherty follows up the October launch of its new monthly screening series, Flaherty NYC, with another program on Monday November 10, 7:30pm, at Anthology Film Archives. The program will feature short works from German-Japanese filmmaker Sylvia Schedelbauer, and Canadian-Japanese filmmaker Alison Kobayashi, including Schedelbauer's "Remote Intimacy" and "Memories," and Kobayashi's "Dan Carter" and "From Alex To Alex." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Events ] iW NEWS | "Mulligans," "World Mine" To Bookend Image+Nation
image+nation, Canada's oldest and largest LGBT film festival, will celebrate its 21st edition in Montreal from November 20 to 30, 2008. The festival announced that Chip Hale's "Mulligans" will kick of the festivities at Montreal's Centre Imperial on the 20th, while Chris Mason Johnson's "The New Twenty" will officially close the fest after the jury announces the winners on the 29th. A night later, a special screening of festival favorite "Were The World Mine," directed by Tom Gustafson, will cap things off. Other films include Christina Clausen's "The Universe of Keith Haring," Barbara Leibovitz's "Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens," Steven Sebring's "Patti Smith: Dream of Life," Tanaz Eshaghian's "Be Like Others," Yen Tan's "Ciao," Santiago Otheguy's "La Leon," and Darren Ashton's "Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance." Canadian filmmaker Bruce LaBruce" will offer both the Montreal premiere of Otto; Or, Up With Dead People!," as well as a Master Class. For further information, visit the festival's website. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals, Queer Cinema ] iW ROUND UP | Thursday, November 6th
indieWIRE's snapshot of news and views from around the web on Thursday.
BritDoc Shift
RIP: Pioneer Theater
"Milk" It
Landslide of hope
"This is our moment"
"In Our Life" November 5, 2008iW NEWS | Academy Announces Fellowship Winners
Six new screenwriters have been selected as winners in the 23rd Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Each writer or writing team will receive a prestigious $30,000 prize, the first installment of which will be distributed at a gala dinner in Beverly Hills on November 13, featuring a keynote address by screenwriter Scott Frank. This year's winner's are Jeremy Bandow for "Hive," Ken Kristensen and Colin Marshall for "Out of Breath," Jason Micallef for "Butter," Eric Nazarian for "Giants," and Lee Patterson for "Snatched." The winners were selected from 5,224 scripts submitted for this year's competition. The competition is open to any individual who has not sold or optioned a screenplay or teleplay for more than $5,000, or received a fellowship or prize that includes a "first look" clause, an option, or any other quid pro quo involving the writer's work. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] iW NEWS | "Reef" For Lightning
Andrew Traucki's "The Reef" has been acquired by Santa Monica-based sales and distribution company Lightning Entertainment. Lightning has all distribution rights outside Australia and New Zealand. The film, inspired by true events of survival on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, is scheduled to begin principal photography in March 2009. The deal was negotiated by Rich Goldberg and Richard Guardian for Lightning with the director and producer. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ]
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