Film Festival News

Reporting on film festivals

Sally Aitken’s Playing with Sharks leads awards at EarthxFilm 2021; with $26K in cash prizes going to filmmakers and environmental organizations

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Michael Cain, Co-Founder and President of EarthxFilm, said, “It was exciting to return to drive-ins, outdoor cinema and socially-distanced theaters, and have our filmmakers come back to Dallas, walk our green carpet, and hear the reaction to their films from live audiences once again. A special moment shared by all was learning of the 2020 EarthxFilm Best Documentary Winner My Octopus Teacher winning the Oscar during our final Q and A. One thing that never changes – pandemic or not – is our commitment to the filmmakers, the causes they explore and the organizations whose work they introduce us to through their films.”

CLAIFF Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas new leadership, new look: Austin’s Cine Las Americas announces hybrid plans for 23rd edition

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Cine Las Americas Lead Programmer Ernie Quiroz, said, “We are so thrilled to build on the success of last year’s Virtual Showcase to launch a hybrid edition of the 23rd Cine Las Americas International Film Festival. CLA is committed more than ever to supporting Latinx and Indigenous voices in film. We’re excited at both the prospect of returning to in-person screenings, in a safe and responsible manner but also at the idea of expanding our reach beyond the Austin city boundaries through virtual events. Both have their place and both help fulfill our mission in supporting Latinx and Indigenous filmmakers.”

Tarabu Betserai Kirkland’s 100 Years from Mississippi Opens 2021 Harlem International Film Festival announces triple feature kicking off film lineup for May

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Harlem International Film Festival’s Program Director, Nasri Zacharia, said. “We are thrilled to return to the theater, have a red carpet welcome for our filmmakers, live audiences and Q&As, and experience the magic of film festival discovery in the company of one another the way we did prior to the pandemic. At the same time, we will also utilize the virtual presentations to not just introduce our audiences throughout the state of New York to films from around the world, but also to interact and connect with filmmakers from all over the globe. 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.”

NIFF Festival Producer Shannon Franklin on MovieMaker ‘Coolest’ List and Naples International Film Festival 2021 Call for Entries

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“In 2020, NIFF faced the same challenges that all film festivals faced,” said Festival Producer Shannon Franklin. “However, we enjoy the great benefit of being a part of Artis—Naples. NIFF is unique in that we not only champion independent film and artists, we emphasize their placement next to – and as part of –the visual and performing arts that Artis—Naples celebrates throughout the year.”

SEEfest Celebrates Dubravka Ugrešić, Marija Škaričić and Jasna Djuričić: South East European Film Festival Los Angeles 2021 rolls out with premieres and international honorees

By John Wildman 5 years ago

SEEfest Executive Director Vera Mijojlić, said, “This is another exciting year programming-wise with several films from South East Europe set to make their debut here in the States with our virtual film festival presentation. We are especially excited to host a conversation with our wonderful Legacy Award honoree Dubravka Ugrešić on April 17 and the opportunity to celebrate the great work by Marija Škaričić and Jasna Djuričić, who star in four of our highly anticipated selections, Mare, Breasts, Quo Vadis, Aida?, and My Morning Laughter with the inaugural Legacy Acting Award, celebrating the work of two women who shine in such a prominent way in this year’s film festival.”

Melanie Addington on the move: Executive Director leaves Oxford FF for Tallgrass FF

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Oxford Film Festival Chairman of the Board Steven Case, said, “The Oxford Film Festival, and now, OxFilm reflect the joy of making films, watching films and immersing ourselves in the world of cinema that comes directly from Melanie. While we are thrilled for her and this new position at the Tallgrass Film Festival, we are also bolstered by the knowledge that she will be leaving us in prime position to keep growing and being the cultural and artistic force in this state that few could have imagined before she took the helm.”

Lissette Feliciano’s Women is Losers Leads award for Oxford Film Festival 2021

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Oxford Film Festival Executive Director Melanie Addington said, “Of course, we still have the virtual presentation of our films to look forward to, beginning on Thursday. However, as one of the first film festivals to offer in-person screenings and events since the pandemic began, this year’s edition will always retain a special place for both our film fans and especially for our attending filmmakers, as well as these award winners. Gathering under the big tents, the Conference Center and the Malco Commons to enjoy, be entertained, and celebrate a wonderful group of films and share in that enjoyment with others – even if were still socially distanced and wearing our masks, was truly special for everyone.”

Sally Aitken’s Playing with Sharks Opens Dallas’ EarthxFilm 2021 for the environmental fest’s 5th outing

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“Over the course of the past year, EarthxFilm has worked to adapt and innovate the way we present environmental stories and messages to the world,” said Michael Cain, Co-Founder and President of EarthxFilm. “With over 12 million views since EarthxTV’s launch in September, we have seen great success with our online presentations, and we are excited to safely share these inspiring films with audiences in a public space once again.”

Xuan Liu’s BLOOM leads San Luis Obispo Intl Film Festival 2021 awards; SLO FF Growth as arts activist event and organization

By John Wildman 5 years ago

San Luis Obispo International Film Festival Director Skye McLennan, said, “We were thrilled to welcome back so many from our film festival family and have the opportunity to see several at the drive-in and in-person, just as it was exciting to once again introduce people from all over the state of California to see our films and get a taste of what makes SLO Film Fest so special. We look forward to some of them making the trip to join us in beautiful San Luis Obispo next year.”

Courtney Haile Short Films, Big Stories: A Program of Diverse Voices at San Luis Obispo International Film Fest puts inclusion and racial equity front and center

By John Wildman 5 years ago

San Luis Obispo Film Festival Director Skye McLennan said, “The intent of this program is to continue to be a platform for diverse voices in our community of San Luis Obispo. The murder of George Floyd last year and the increase in the Black Lives Matter protests that followed only amplified the need for more diversity within the arts and how crucially important representation can be. We designed this program to be free and accessible to all and an opportunity for all audiences to fall in love with film festivals and power of the cinema. This collection of films and panels aims to inspire, stimulate and engage our community and others to participate in creating change. Through the grant received by the City of SLO we are able to pay the filmmakers, programmers and panelists and this is something we hope to continue to expand and grow and be able to offer more opportunities in the future.”