Film Festival News

Reporting on film festivals

Sam Pollard’s MLK/FBI: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2020 overflows with top-flight programming as it adds films, talks, and panels

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Regarding the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival’s panels and conversations, HSDFF Artistic Director, Jen Gerber, said, “None of us need to be reminded that 2020 has been a doozy. We know people are struggling and feeling isolated, therefore programs that focus on mental health are in demand more than ever before! Building off the healing waters and spa characteristics of Hot Springs, we have designed a series of virtual and in-person activities to safely allow people to gather and enjoy low-impact activities in downtown Hot Springs, such as bike rides, inspiration hikes and yoga in the park.

David Darg and Price James’ YOU CANNOT KILL DAVID ARQUETTE: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival teams with Arkansas Cinema Society to bring David Arquette to town – virtually

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“ACS is doing incredible work as they tirelessly invest in independent filmmakers by closing the gap between the film industry and the storytellers of this region, says Artistic Director Jen Gerber. “This screening is a perfect marriage of both organizations’ missions as we each aim to serve independent filmmakers while showcasing some of the best films of the year!”

Lauren Fash’s THROUGH THE GLASS DARKLY part of Out on Film, HBO Max preview, local thriller and FAME in lead up to fest

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Out on Film Festival Director, Jim Farmer, said, “If there is one thing that we always keep in the forefront of our minds at Out on Film, it is the idea that a film festival should be a “festival.” There should be fun, excitement, and events that celebrate film and our love of it. These three new additions underline that in very different ways.

Steven T. Case, Robbie Fisher, Donald R. Cole and Kristina Carlson: Oxford Film Festival spites pandemic and gets bigger, announcing new board members, staff, and promotions

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Regarding the state of the organization, Case, said, “The Oxford Film Festival has grown to not just be a cultural and social focal point and driving force for this community and state, but has truly become a vital and invaluable presence in Oxford and Mississippi for film fans to connect and communicate and find common ground through their shared love of movies. I think we all feel like we’re just getting started with what the organization can accomplish and achieve.”

Mary Wharton’s JIMMY CARTER, ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT Opens Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival lineup of top doc titles for next month’s fest

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“We are thrilled to present some of the strongest titles of 2020 to the Hot Springs audience. I am especially pleased to present a program where filmmakers of color represent 47% of our feature films and over 50% of the total films presented are directed by women. We are also proud to showcase several regional titles, elevating local directors and the idiosyncratic culture of the South. The films in our 2020 program will inspire viewers, challenge perceptions, and illuminate the urgent realities of this turbulent year,” says Fairbanks.

Denise Ho, Jia Zhangke: CineCina teams with Kino Lorber for real Chinese heroines and virtual double features

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Yan, said, “Watching both of these films that focus on two amazing women from China and Hong Kong who have demonstrated what it means to be a leader, to be brave, to be heroic, stands in sharp contrast to the version of MULAN that Disney has delivered to film audiences. The fact that both films are the work of wonderful women filmmakers underlines why we suggest watching these films as an alternative for those seeking their Chinese heroine “fix” this week.”

Chris Hansen’s SEVEN SHORT FILMS ABOUT (OUR) MARRIAGE Opens Deep in the Heart Film Festival 2020; film lineup and some twists on the virtual approach

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Deep in the Heart FF co-founders and directors Samuel Thomas and Louis Hunter, said, “In our 4th year, it was important to everyone involved with the film festival that we not take a step back due to the pandemic, but instead to continue growing as a film festival in every way we could, innovating, expanding our footprint in the city, and forging that connection between our filmmakers and audiences. Most importantly, this year is not just about maintaining the sense of fun and love of cinema that our fest is already known for here in Waco, but doubling down on that inspiration and looking beyond to try things we hadn’t even envisioned prior to this year.”

2020 Louisiana Film Prize announces 20 finalists vying for $25,000 Grand Prize in October

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“The Louisiana Film Prize and the winning cash prize has become an ever-growing international draw for burgeoning indie filmmakers around the world. Not even a global pandemic could slow down the enthusiasm and participation for this year’s Film Prize,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation. “This year will be special because people from around the world will be experience this one-of-a-kind event.”