Film Festival News

Reporting on film festivals

Harlem International Film Festival opens with 3 world premieres and screens at three sites in the city

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Harlem International Film Festival’s Program Director, Nasri Zacharia, said. “We are excited to once again have screenings at the New York Public Library and Columbia University, which both hold wonderful memories for this film festival. At the same time, we look forward to sharing so many wonderful films virtually to introduce our audiences throughout the state of New York to films from around the world. And, of course, we’ll continue our efforts to truly showcase the filmmakers and the setting of our beloved home neighborhoods of Harlem, Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, which we call the HUB.”

Alex Liu’s A SEXPLANATION picked for release by Passion River and FUSE TV gets some sexy time too

By John Wildman 4 years ago

We are thrilled to be able to represent A Sexplanation — a truly important and relevant film that also is truly entertaining,” said Josh Levin, head of Sales and Acquisitions for Passion River Films. “This is the education everyone needs and so few get. In this time of cultural and political division — and its effect on what can be taught in schools — this film is vitally needed… and hella funny.”

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) 2022 announces Closing Gala events and Anurag Kashyap Master Class

By John Wildman 4 years ago

IFFLA Executive Director Christina Marouda, said, “This year’s Closing celebration will be focused on the future of our filmmakers. Emphasizing a commitment to the next generation of filmmakers and the films and television projects they create is essential to what we do – and have always done at this film festival. Ending this year’s edition of IFFLA with a flourish of readings, previews, and performances is exciting and beyond appropriate for where our heart is this year. And to be able to add a master class from a beloved alum, Anurag Kashyap, whose filmmaking journey has been in many ways parallel to IFFLA’s growth could not be more fitting for this year’s landmark celebration.”

Dale Dickey and Michael Showalter honored at San Luis Obispo Intl FF 2022 with King Vidor and Spotlight Awards

By John Wildman 4 years ago

San Luis Obispo Film Festival Director Skye McLennan said, “We have been thrilled to return to the SLO Film Fest we have all known and loved for so long and bring back traditions, beloved favorites within our programming and events that this film festival is known for. The King Vidor Award, the Spotlight Award, Surf Nite, moderated talks with Ben Mankiewicz, Jenelle Riley, and more are the things lovers of cinema on the Central Coast have sorely missed. I can speak for everyone here when I say we are counting each day until SLO Film Fest opens next week!”

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles celebrates 20 years with premiere-rich film lineup, a look back, and new filmmaker development plans

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Regarding the inspiration for this year’s edition of IFFLA, Co-Director of Programming Thouly Dosios, said, “This year’s festival is about reclaiming the powerful act of physically gathering together in a dark room, and processing a flickering dream as a communal experience. At the same time, it is about mindful evolution; our post-pandemic world forces us to reassess how we connect with each other and share our stories. The limitations we’ve had to deal with have empowered us to forge ahead with an expanded mind and a wilder imagination.”

AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women showcases the Class of 2022

By John Wildman 4 years ago

The American Film Institute (AFI) is hosting its annual AFI DWW (Directing Workshop for Women) showcase in person today at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles. The event provides an opportunity for the 2022 program’s participants to present their completed films to an audience of agency and studio representatives, as well as working artists from throughout the creative community.

Anna Baumgarten’s Disfluency: Oxford Film Festival 2022 announces award winners with THE FIRST STEP, and THE FEARLESS 11 taking top prizes

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Anna Baumgarten’s Disfluency was named Best Narrative Feature, which included a $15,000 camera rental package from Panavision, and Brandon Kramer’s The First Step won Best Documentary Feature. The Best Documentary Feature prize also included a $15,000 camera rental package from Panavision. Ashley E. Gibson’s The Fearless 11 won Best Mississippi Feature. Her prize came with a one-year membership and free equipment rentals from OxFilm Society. Later, it was announced that Alysia Nahmias’ Krimes was the Barton Segal Audience Award winner.

Chimaera Project announces Call for Entries for TO.GET.HER film finishing funds program

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Founders of The Chimaera Project, Shana Betz, Cheryl Bookout, and America Young, said, “Getting finishing funds to complete a film project can sometimes seem like that final unsurmountable hill to climb to achieve a filmmaker’s dream. TO.GET.HER is a program we are extremely proud of as it offers real assistance to artists to finish their projects, move forward in their careers, and bottom line – make films.”