Melissa Haizlip

American Library Association Film and Media Round Table announces 2022 Notable Films for Adults

By John Wildman 4 years ago

The American Library Association (ALA) Film and Media Round Table: Notable Films for Adults Committee has compiled its 2022 list of Notable Films, a list of 12 outstanding films released on video within the past two years and suitable for all libraries serving adults. Its purpose is to call attention to recent releases that make a significant contribution to the world of film. The list is compiled for use by librarians and the general adult populace.

Special appearance by Material Issue: Sound Unseen 2021 announces Minneapolis screening of OUT OF TIME: THE MATERIAL ISSUE STORY

By John Wildman 4 years ago

The Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival (October 27-29 in Austin, November 10-14 in Minneapolis) announced a special appearance by Material Issue members Ted Ansani and Mike Zelenko at the screening of Balin Schneider’s documentary OUT OF TIME: THE MATERIAL ISSUE STORY. Also announced were this year’s films slated for competition as well as the lineup of jurors for the film festival.

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Heartland Film signs on to the 5050×2020 gender parity pledge for its film festivals

By John Wildman 7 years ago

“A common myth is that women aren’t making films or they’re not submitting to festivals,” said Heartland Film Film Programming Coordinator Julia Ricci. “That is far from the truth. The talent is out there and they have something to say; it is important for film festivals to amplify these voices and provide equal opportunity across the board. Heartland’s track record of recognizing and honoring female filmmakers is growing stronger each year, and I’m thrilled that we are officially committing to this initiative.”

Greg Carey and Wade Jackson’s WAITING: THE VAN DUREN STORY Opens Sound Unseen previews 19th edition of Minneapolis-based music doc fest with some of this year’s film fest faves

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The Sound Unseen Film/Music/Art Festival (November 14-18) previewed this year’s 19th edition of the film festival today with an announcement of 7 initial selections. Led by the Midwest premiere of Greg Carey and Wade Jackson’s WAITING: THE VAN DUREN STORY, the list includes the return of a Sound Unseen favorite and a handful of films that will be screening for Minneapolis audiences for the first time after seeing much success on the film festival circuit.

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Melissa Haizlip and Samuel D. Pollard’s MR. SOUL opens The 2018 Heartland Film Festival Announces Film Lineup, with 18 films making World and U.S. Premieres, and $80,000 in prize money in the offing

By John Wildman 7 years ago

The Heartland International Film Festival today announced the official selections for the film festival’s 27th edition. Documentaries will be spotlighted to bookend one of the major (and potentially, most lucrative) stops for filmmakers on the regional film festival circuit, with Melissa Haizlip and Samuel D. Pollard’s award-winning MR. SOUL! chosen as the Opening Night Gala film, and Julie Getz’s feel good doc CARE TO LAUGH, will make its world premiere as the Closing Night Gala selection. Kendall Goldberg’s WHEN JEFF TRIED TO SAVE THE WORLD is set to be the Centerpiece Screening, and Elizabeth Chomko’s star-studded drama WHAT THEY HAD will be the Spotlight Screening. Television legend Hal Linden was also announced to receive the Heartland’s Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award.

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Naoko Ogigami’s CLOSE-KNIT leads awards as aGLIFF announces filmmaker awards as the fest wraps up its 31st edition

By John Wildman 7 years ago

On Saturday, September 8, the All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF) announced the competition award winners for the 31st edition of the film festival at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – South Lamar. Naoko Ogigami’s CLOSE-KNIT took home the award for Best Narrative Feature, and Melissa Haizlip’s MR. SOUL! was named Best Documentary Feature. Sunday evening, it was announced that Ondi Timoner’s MAPPLETHORPE’s was the Audience Award winner for Narrative Film, with Haizlip adding to her aGLIFF trophy collection by earning the Audience Award, as well.

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Jake Graf Honored at aGLIFF 2018’s Full Lineup includes the fest’s first Breakthrough Honoree, and a diverse schedule of films befitting the festival’s dedication (and title change) to the true definition of inclusiveness

By John Wildman 8 years ago

The All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF) announced the official selections for the film festival’s 31st edition. Screening exclusively at Alamo Drafthouse Lamar (1120 S. Lamar Blvd.) in Austin, Texas on September 6-9, aGLIFF will open with the previously announced CALL HER GANDA, directed by PJ RAVAL, with Ondi Timoner’s MAPPLETHORPE, starring Matt Smith, set to make its Texas Premiere as the Closing Night selection.