John Wildman

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: The Texas Theatre and Women Texas Film Festival co-present Directed By: Women Behind the Camera

By John Wildman 7 years ago

WTxFF Founder and Artistic Director Justina Walford added, “We could not be more thrilled to be a part of this wonderful series. Not only does the roster of films and filmmakers include directors we have long admired and films we are fans of, but we are also very excited (in particular) to help shine a light on the horror/thriller selections – and encourage people to come to the theater for an evening of scares courtesy of women behind the camera.”

Ben Masters’ THE RIVER AND THE WALL: The Dallas-based EarthxFilms 2019 announces the slate of films set to inspire and illuminate audiences about our world next month

By John Wildman 7 years ago

EarthxFilm Artistic Director David Holbrooke, said, “This year’s EarthxFilm slate clearly shows the urgency of the many crucial battles going on all over the world on the environmental landscape. However, these documentaries aren’t simply earnest attempts to advocate for a just cause but are serious, well-crafted stories that bear witness to what is happening out there on the front lines. Audiences will be motivated and inspired by the real life heroes in these movies and will come out of the theaters ready to make their own impact.”

50th Anniversary screening BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival mixes classics with great docs, local talent, and (of course) SURF NIGHT and wine country for their 25th

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The 25th Annual San Luis Obispo Film Festival (March 12-17) has revealed its full slate of films which will begin with the previously announced special Opening Night performance by Katharine Ross followed by a 50th Anniversary screening of the classic BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID. Along with the films competing in the George Sidney Independent Films Competition, SLO is bringing back several festival favorites from years past for encore presentations. The line-up includes 147 films (23 narrative features, 38 documentary features, and 86 short films) representing 25 countries.

SHORTS AND TO THE POINT: Will Stewart’s ALL WE ARE delivers a compelling story of the yearning heart; Review from Oxford Film Festival

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The beauty of Stewart’s directorial debut is the answer is “all the above” and even “all the below.” The longtime casting director doesn’t simply excel in mining multi-layered performances from John Lacy and Matthew Risch, who deliver fine performances as the two men, he also packs a visual punch with his frame composition utilizing the simplicity of the setting to allow the two characters to fill the frame with their longing for connection.

John Stimpson’s GHOST LIGHT Opened 2019 Oxford Film Festival: Community Night, NEGRO TERROR, Roger Bart

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The 2019 Oxford Film Festival began with a Community Night screening of locally made films and then a special concert by documentary subjects Negro Terror to kick things off on Wednesday, February 6. The next night, John Stimpson’s GHOST LIGHT officially opened the fest with a screening (and special presentation of the Lisa Blount Memorial Acting Award to Roger Bart, one of the film’s stars) at the wonderful Gertrude Ford Performing Arts Center. Opening Night.

Jordan Noel’s THIS WORLD ALONE leads the Oxford Film Festival Filmmaker Awards winners

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The 2019 Oxford Film Festival celebrated the best of the fest with a typically entertaining awards ceremony, emceed by Crooked Marquee’s Eric D. Snider, at the Powerhouse (413 S. 14th Street) on Saturday, February 9, highlighted by the announcement of Hoka awards for Jordan Noel’s THIS WORLD ALONE for Best Narrative Feature, and Suzannah Herbert and Lauren Belfer’s WRESTLE for Best Documentary Feature.