2017 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: COMPETITION AND NEXT LINEUP

Sundance Institute convenes a full slate of provocative and agenda-setting independent films at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival,  the 66 films selected for U.S. Competition, World Competition and NEXT, as well as a slate of environmentally focused programming under the Festival’s New Climate program. The Festival hosts screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City and at Sundance Mountain Resort January 19-29. The Festival celebrates creativity … Continue reading 2017 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: COMPETITION AND NEXT LINEUP

2016 Sundance Film Review: “Sonita”

 By: Alystar McKenneh-O’Neill “Sonita” is the most important documentary of the 21st century. It is extremely well thought out, well shot, and enormous respect goes to Director Rokhsareh Ghaem Magham, who was forced to combine the subject of selling women and forced marriage, into her original subject matter of a woman rapper in Iran, to make an even more intriguing and important documentary than I think she … Continue reading 2016 Sundance Film Review: “Sonita”

2016 Slamdance Film Review: “How To Plan An Orgy In A Small Town”

By: Alystar McKenneh-O’Neill The movie could have gone so many other directions, when it took a left turn into the most delightful story. After her mother’s death, Cassie (Jewel Staite) heads to the small town she escaped from after high school, where she expects and finds the old gang just as catty as she left them. But then the story takes a turn south and … Continue reading 2016 Slamdance Film Review: “How To Plan An Orgy In A Small Town”

Sundance Film Festival 2016 Has Now Started!

  The 2016 Sundance Film Festival has officially started.  With an array of unique and cutting-edge voices tackling such controversial issues as gun control, abortion and the state of politics today; it is no wonder that this year’s 2016 Sundance Film Festival will be one that is truly unique.  For 11 days the 2016 Sundance Film Festival will take those attending on a grand journey … Continue reading Sundance Film Festival 2016 Has Now Started!

A Review Of “Landfill Harmonic” Out Of Ugliness Comes Beauty

By: Monteque Pope-Le Beau Another man’s garbage is indeed another man’s treasure in the film “Landfill Harmonic” it showcases that from garbage can come wondrous beauty. In a place where is beyond apparent poverty and living conditions are substandard, but the norm come see the breathtaking inspiration and creation of the Recycled Orchestra. “Landfill Harmonic” which premiered at the 2015 AFI Film Festival in Official … Continue reading A Review Of “Landfill Harmonic” Out Of Ugliness Comes Beauty

A Review of “The Key” A Deviously Erotic Story Of The Manipulation Of A Marriage

By: Austin Winter-Chase   THE KEY is an ambitious film, both technically and emotionally, and exactly the kind of film I have always wanted to make. Technology now provides me (and all filmmakers) with the tools to finally fulfill my vision, and I’m so looking forward to what the future holds for us all. Jefery Levy, Director   Jefery Levy’’s 2014 film “The Key” is … Continue reading A Review of “The Key” A Deviously Erotic Story Of The Manipulation Of A Marriage

World Premiere of THE BIG SHORT To Close AFI FEST 2015

  AFI FEST 2015 presented by Audi is bringing another world premiere to this year’s festival…and it’s a “big” one. The Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises film THE BIG SHORT will be the Closing Night film of AFI FEST on Thursday, November 12 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Directed by Adam McKay with a screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay, the film stars Academy Award® … Continue reading World Premiere of THE BIG SHORT To Close AFI FEST 2015

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR CREATORS OF TV AND ONLINE SERIES; 10 PROJECTS SELECTED FOR 2015 EPISODIC STORY LAB

      Sundance Institute announced the 10 projects selected from more than 2,500 submissions for its second Episodic Story Lab, representing some of the most promising new writers creating TV and online series. The Lab supports first-time show creators and is one of 24 residency Labs the Institute hosts each year for independent artists in theatre, film, new media and episodic content. Under the … Continue reading SUNDANCE INSTITUTE CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR CREATORS OF TV AND ONLINE SERIES; 10 PROJECTS SELECTED FOR 2015 EPISODIC STORY LAB

Slamdance 2015 Writing Competition Announces Winners

Shane Andries’ The Delegation wins Grand Prize (LOS ANGELES, CA—October 8, 2015) The Delegation written by Shane Andries has won the 2015 Slamdance Writing Competition Grand Prize. Andries was awarded $7,000 in cash prizes for his feature script at the annual awards ceremony hosted by the Writers Guild of America, West last night on October 7, 2015.The Delegation tells the story of a rookie congressional staffer … Continue reading Slamdance 2015 Writing Competition Announces Winners

A Review of “SUMMER” A Beautifully Told Dutch Gay Teen Love Story

By: Austin Winter- Chase Life is hard at any age, but especially when you are a teenager and you’re still trying to figure out who you are and your place in your work in this world.  For sixteen year old Anne  life is a bit more complicated.  She is a beautiful young girl who feels out of place.  Not really knowing how to fit in, … Continue reading A Review of “SUMMER” A Beautifully Told Dutch Gay Teen Love Story

LA Documentary “East LA Interchange” in 2 LA Film Festivals

  By:  Austin Winter-Chase “I came back because I am who I am because of the community I grew up in.” –will.i.am, The Black Eyed Peas Besty Kalin’s award winning documentary and Audience Award Winner for Best Documentary “East LA Interchange” to screen at the New Urbanism Film Festival and the Highland Park Independent Film Festival. In a country where freedom and equality goes hand … Continue reading LA Documentary “East LA Interchange” in 2 LA Film Festivals

The 2015 L A Film Festival Review: “In Football We Trust”

  By; Vernon Nickerson For the love of the game or for the power and fame? This is one question directors Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn address by telling the stories of 4 Polynesian football players struggling to overcome gang violence and poverty in a world where a contract to play football in the NFL is the only endgame in town as depicted in the documentary … Continue reading The 2015 L A Film Festival Review: “In Football We Trust”

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES FILM AND MUSIC LINEUP FOR SUNDANCE NEXT FEST, AUG. 7-9

3-Day Summer Festival Celebrates Renegade Spirit of Independent Artists at The Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles Mistress America + Sky Ferreira   >>   Finders Keepers   >>   Entertainment + Sharon Van Etten   >>   Cronies    >>  Turbo Kid + Neon Indian vs. Toro Y Moi ’80s-inspired DJ battle Aug. 2 Kick Off Event with Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Cop Car Los Angeles Premiere Tickets on … Continue reading SUNDANCE INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES FILM AND MUSIC LINEUP FOR SUNDANCE NEXT FEST, AUG. 7-9

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE SELECTS EIGHT PROJECTS FOR 2015 DOCUMENTARY EDIT AND STORY LABS

Sundance Institute today announced the eight projects selected for its annual Documentary Edit and Story Labs, taking place in two sessions at the Sundance Resort in Utah from June 19-27 and July 3-11. The Labs are among the highlights of the Institute’s year-round work with documentary feature filmmakers and are part of the 24 residential labs the Institute hosts each year to discover and foster … Continue reading SUNDANCE INSTITUTE SELECTS EIGHT PROJECTS FOR 2015 DOCUMENTARY EDIT AND STORY LABS

Guillaume Campanacci’s “Devils In Disguise” Will Screen At The Chinese Theaters At 5 p.m. On Friday, June 5th

  By:  Austin Winter-Chase Guillaume Campanacci’s “Devils In Disguise” is an intoxicating psychological mind bending thriller. Dripping with sensual sexuality and intrigued. Guillaume Campanacci takes one on a journey into the dark recesses of human psyche. Not since Alfred Hitchcock has a filmmaker skillfully turned filmmaking into an psychological art form. With masterful storytelling and simplistic, but beautiful cinematography Guillaume Campanacci shows his true strength … Continue reading Guillaume Campanacci’s “Devils In Disguise” Will Screen At The Chinese Theaters At 5 p.m. On Friday, June 5th

Dances With Films: Opening Night & Green Carpet

By Ellexia Nguyen Dances With Films unrolled with a steady stream of talented filmmakers and cast members making their way down the green carpet at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. Executive Producer/Actress Magen Mattox with Guillaume Campanacci (director, producer, actor) of the feature film “Devils in Disguise” are among the attendees. Their story focuses on two roommates Leila (played by Magen Mattox) and Sandy (played by … Continue reading Dances With Films: Opening Night & Green Carpet

ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU TO RECEIVE SUNDANCE INSTITUTE VANGUARD LEADERSHIP AWARD

  Sundance Institute  announced it will present its Vanguard Awards to Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu and filmmaker Marielle Heller (The Diary of a Teenage Girl) at the fifth Sundance Institute Celebration benefit hosted by Acura in Los Angeles, bringing the creative community together to highlight a great visionary in independent film and an emerging artist with unique talent and creative independence. Iñárritu will … Continue reading ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU TO RECEIVE SUNDANCE INSTITUTE VANGUARD LEADERSHIP AWARD

A Rising Talent! From “Leaves Of A Tree” Introducing A Bright Light And Talented Young Actress Sarah Sebastiana.

By: Adrienne Vaught Edited By : Colleen Page In this deeply philosophical film that deals with such weighty issues as mortality, self service, selflessness and filmed on 2 continents this young actress holds her own among seasoned and skilled talent such as Eric Roberts, Sean Young and Federico Castelluccio. Sarah Sebastiana crafts a style all her own. A quiet yet powerful presence that imparts a … Continue reading A Rising Talent! From “Leaves Of A Tree” Introducing A Bright Light And Talented Young Actress Sarah Sebastiana.

A Tale Of Life’s Journey In The Twilight Years: A Review of “I’ll See you I My Dreams”

  By Lacy Darryl Phillips As one gets older, one tends to say that their life is over. We  forget how to live a full and meaningful life as we age with time. In the wonderfully done film “I’ll See You In My Dreams” it shows that life actually gets better as you get older. There are ups and downs with loss and mistakes, but there … Continue reading A Tale Of Life’s Journey In The Twilight Years: A Review of “I’ll See you I My Dreams”

LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LA PREMIERE OF RICK FAMUYIWA’S DOPE AND MASTER CLASS WITH PETE DOCTER FOLLOWED BY SCREENING OF INSIDE OUT

    GALA SCREENING OF TODD STRAUSS-SCHULSON’S THE FINAL GIRLS ALSO ANNOUNCED The Los Angeles Film Festival, produced by Film Independent with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced two special Pre-Festival Screenings: Rick Famuyiwa’s Dope will have its LA Premiere on Monday, June 8 and Inside Out will screen on Tuesday, June 9 preceded by a Master Class … Continue reading LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LA PREMIERE OF RICK FAMUYIWA’S DOPE AND MASTER CLASS WITH PETE DOCTER FOLLOWED BY SCREENING OF INSIDE OUT