John Wildman

Chusy Jardine’s IT ALL BEGINS WITH A SONG, Benjamin Kasulke’s BANANA SPLIT: The 2020 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival rolls with 2 hot Sundance titles

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“We have set ourselves up for a very musical start, which will lead into a number of special film events that set us apart from a lot of other film festivals: joining our love of food, wine and great cinema into one combined evening” said San Luis Obispo Film Festival Director Wendy Eidson. “When you then add on two very popular films to come out of Sundance this year, 64 George Sidney Independent Film selections, and our growing Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase, we will be rolling out one our most impressive lineups of films and events yet.”

Next Wednesday is the DEADLINE for the Cucalorus Film Foundation Filmmaking Grants for North Carolina

By John Wildman 6 years ago

The program will fund projects by emerging and established artists producing singular and original new works. Additionally, projects should exhibit meaningful community impact and generate substantial economic activity in North Carolina. Projects at various stages of production (existing and new projects) are eligible to apply. The program supports narrative, doc and experimental films. Funding is prioritized for female filmmakers and African American and Latinx artists.

SHORTS AND TO THE POINT: Alexandre Dostie’s I’LL END UP IN JAIL gives us a woman discovering her inner badass

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Writing this film, my dream was to build that character from hopeless mom to kickass take-no-prisoner woman. The model was based on my mother with hints of Geena Davis’s ‘Thelma’ from THELMA AND LOUISE. It felt right on paper, but you never know how it will translate to screen. Maureen really came alive with Martine Francke’s performance. She is Maureen. She is a genuine badass.

Festival Producer Erin Nicole Parisi Anncs Dallas’ Best of Fests returns February 27-March 1 for a sequel event celebrating the film festivals of Dallas, Fort Worth, and North Texas

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Best of Fests Festival Producer Erin Nicole Parisi said, “It was remarkable that this special film event was accomplished last year and the fact that we have been able to bring everyone together once again speaks to something truly wonderful and unique about the film festival and film loving community in Dallas, Fort Worth and North Texas. These films represent the wide range of styles, interests, storytelling, and entertainment that the amazing array of film festivals throughout this area bring to audiences all year long.”

Frameline’s new Executive Director James Woolley Announces Seven Filmmakers Receiving Completion Fund Grants

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“This year’s grantees are a perfect mix of the challenges and joys LGBTQ+ people face today,” says Frameline’s Director of Programming, Paul Struthers. “From transgender representation in film and TV in DISCLOSURE: TRANS LIVES ON SCREEN, to the struggles of immigrants in the United States today in LA LEYENDA NEGRA, to fun times in Australia’s first lesbian coming-of-age rom com in ELLIE & ABBIE (& ELLIE’S DEAD AUNT).”

Wendy Guerrero, President of Programming at Bentonville Film Festival Foundation Announces 8 Female Filmmakers to be part of “See It, Be It Filmmaker Fellowship”

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“The See It, Be It Filmmaker Fellowship was born from the belief that major change will occur only when passion has the opportunity to align with both platform and purpose,” said Wendy Guerrero, President of Programming for the Bentonville Film Festival.“With this fellowship, we aim to further opportunities for storytellers to achieve success by opening ports of access historically closed to women, people with disabilities, people of color and the LGBTQ+ communities. This cohort of filmmakers has been selected because of their distinct voices and because they are ready to take the next steps in shaping their own narratives.”

Lee Isaac Chung MINARI and Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine for Boys State’ BOYS STATE lead the way at The 2020 Sundance Film Festival Awards

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“At Sundance, we believe art can break through noise and polarization. In volatile times like these, democracy and storytelling aren’t separate – they’re inextricably linked,” said Keri Putnam, Sundance Institute’s Executive Director. “Congratulations to each and every one of tonight’s winners, and to all the extraordinary artists who joined us at the Festival.