A few months ago, Amazon MGM announced that they will be giving the thriller Pussy Island a global theatrical release on August 23rd – but, to the shock and surprise of no one, they also changed the title, dropping the Pussy and renaming the film Blink Twice. With the release date now exactly four months away, a trailer for Blink Twice has arrived online, and you can check it out in the embed above.
The feature directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz, who played Catwoman in The Batman, the film will follow Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King. When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties,...
The feature directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz, who played Catwoman in The Batman, the film will follow Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King. When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
"This is my life!!" Kino Lorber has revealed a new official trailer for the 4K restoration and re-release of a 1998 film titled Slam, from director Marc Levin and starring the talented actor / filmmaker / musician Saul Williams. This originally premiered back in 1998 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won a few prizes, later playing at Cannes, Deauville, Helsinki, Toronto, and New York Film Fests that same year. "Slam is a landmark film that defies easy categorization. This emotionally powerful and technically innovative film deserves to be seen on the big screen." Williams stars as a guy named Ray Joshua who copes with urban crime and despair by competing in poetry slams. This also stars Sonja Sohn, Marc Levin, Bonz Malone, and Beau Sia. Slam has been digitally restored from the 35mm interpositive, and a new 4K Dcp created in collaboration between Sundance Institute, the Academy Film Archive, the UCLA Film & Television Archive,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Africans with Mainframes (Kima Hibbert)
What if electronic music was invented in the 1920s by Black sharecroppers in the American South? That’s the premise of Kima Hibbert’s debut short, in which a reclusive blogger uncovers a major conspiracy surrounding the origins of electronic music.
Where to Stream: Le Cinéma Club
Bottoms (Emma Seligman)
It’s beginning to feel like South By Southwest is the Rachel Sennott Festival. After breaking out there three years ago with Shiva Baby (the movie premiered as a short in 2018 and would have again as a feature in 2020 if not for the pandemic), she made waves last year in Austin with sleeper horror hit Bodies Bodies Bodies. Now Sennott’s back with Bottoms, one of two...
Africans with Mainframes (Kima Hibbert)
What if electronic music was invented in the 1920s by Black sharecroppers in the American South? That’s the premise of Kima Hibbert’s debut short, in which a reclusive blogger uncovers a major conspiracy surrounding the origins of electronic music.
Where to Stream: Le Cinéma Club
Bottoms (Emma Seligman)
It’s beginning to feel like South By Southwest is the Rachel Sennott Festival. After breaking out there three years ago with Shiva Baby (the movie premiered as a short in 2018 and would have again as a feature in 2020 if not for the pandemic), she made waves last year in Austin with sleeper horror hit Bodies Bodies Bodies. Now Sennott’s back with Bottoms, one of two...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Amazon MGM has announced (via Deadline) that they will be giving the thriller Pussy Island a global theatrical release on August 23rd – but, to the shock and surprise of no one, they’re not actually going to be releasing the film under the title Pussy Island. The feature directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz (who played Catwoman in The Batman), the thriller is now going by the title Blink Twice. By giving the film a more public-friendly title, they’ve just saved some members of the public from having to protest the fact that a movie called Pussy Island is showing at their local theatre.
Written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the film will follow Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King. When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an...
Written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the film will follow Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King. When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an...
- 1/26/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Top award comes with a $96,500 prize.
Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s first feature, Banel & Adama, has won the $96,500 Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) Bright Horizons Award, it was announced at Forum Theatre at the closing night gala today (August 19).
Banel & Adama, which is in the Pulaar language and features a cast of non-professionals, was the only debut in competition in Cannes this year. Only first and second time directors are eligible for the Bright Horizons Award.
The director was born and raised in Paris but draws on her Senegalese ancestry to tell this story about Banel and Adama, who are passionately in love,...
Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s first feature, Banel & Adama, has won the $96,500 Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) Bright Horizons Award, it was announced at Forum Theatre at the closing night gala today (August 19).
Banel & Adama, which is in the Pulaar language and features a cast of non-professionals, was the only debut in competition in Cannes this year. Only first and second time directors are eligible for the Bright Horizons Award.
The director was born and raised in Paris but draws on her Senegalese ancestry to tell this story about Banel and Adama, who are passionately in love,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
On the final weekend of a bustling 18-day event, the in-person edition of this year’s Melbourne Film Festival has drawn to a close with an awards ceremony that saw a whopping $300,000 Aud in prize money handed out across six categories. The biggest individual award of $140,000 Aud was presented to the winner of the fest’s international Bright Horizons competition: “Banel & Adama,” an arresting debut feature by Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy.
It’s a notable coup for a small-scale rural love story that turned heads — but won no prizes — when it premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and is still seeking distribution in the U.S. and other major territories. Reviewing the film out of Cannes, Variety critic Jessica Kiang commended the “subtly seductive power” of a “striking debut [that] revolves with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of a curious, unknowable woman.”
Its win came...
It’s a notable coup for a small-scale rural love story that turned heads — but won no prizes — when it premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and is still seeking distribution in the U.S. and other major territories. Reviewing the film out of Cannes, Variety critic Jessica Kiang commended the “subtly seductive power” of a “striking debut [that] revolves with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of a curious, unknowable woman.”
Its win came...
- 8/19/2023
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
The scheduled Aug. 24 release of the Eric Bana-starring Australian thriller film “Force of Nature: The Dry 2” has been indefinitely postponed, due to the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike.
The strike is also forcing adjustments at the Melbourne International Film Festival, which starts in early August.
“It is with some regret, but a large amount of conviction that we have decided to postpone the release of ‘Force of Nature: The Dry 2’,” said Bana, who both stars and produces through his Pick Up Truck Pictures.
“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is based on the bestselling novel by Jane Harper with Bana reprising his character, Aaron Falk, as a follow-on to the 2021 hit. Robert Connolly returns to direct the movie. Production is by Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky of Made Up Stories, alongside Bana and Connolly through his Arenamedia.
“I’m incredibly proud of this much anticipated...
The strike is also forcing adjustments at the Melbourne International Film Festival, which starts in early August.
“It is with some regret, but a large amount of conviction that we have decided to postpone the release of ‘Force of Nature: The Dry 2’,” said Bana, who both stars and produces through his Pick Up Truck Pictures.
“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” is based on the bestselling novel by Jane Harper with Bana reprising his character, Aaron Falk, as a follow-on to the 2021 hit. Robert Connolly returns to direct the movie. Production is by Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky of Made Up Stories, alongside Bana and Connolly through his Arenamedia.
“I’m incredibly proud of this much anticipated...
- 7/20/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes titles and debut features make strong appearances throughout the programme.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
- 7/11/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Cannes titles and debut features make strong appearances throughout the programme.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
- 7/11/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
The Melbourne International Film Festival has unveiled the full lineup for its 2023 edition, with “Shayda,” by Iranian-Australian director Noora Niasari, set as the opening title.
The festival will run as a live event August 3-20, at venues around the city and its suburbs, and online Aug 18 – 27. The hybrid format was developed during the Covid pandemic and Miff found it useful as a tool to reach further away audiences and wider demographics than a strictly in-theater edition.
The ‘Bright Horizons’ competition section open to films by first- or second-time feature directors contains an 11-title mix of new and recently-debuted works.
As well as opening the festival, “Shayda” will play in competition. The competition’s other Australian-made title was announced as “The Rooster,” from actor turned writer-director Mark Leonard Winter.
International titles in competition include “Banel & Adama,” by Franco-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy, which played in competition in Cannes; “How to Have Sex,...
The festival will run as a live event August 3-20, at venues around the city and its suburbs, and online Aug 18 – 27. The hybrid format was developed during the Covid pandemic and Miff found it useful as a tool to reach further away audiences and wider demographics than a strictly in-theater edition.
The ‘Bright Horizons’ competition section open to films by first- or second-time feature directors contains an 11-title mix of new and recently-debuted works.
As well as opening the festival, “Shayda” will play in competition. The competition’s other Australian-made title was announced as “The Rooster,” from actor turned writer-director Mark Leonard Winter.
International titles in competition include “Banel & Adama,” by Franco-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy, which played in competition in Cannes; “How to Have Sex,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Luke Kirby in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Weekly Commentary: Commentary to be added.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Luke Kirby in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Weekly Commentary: Commentary to be added.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug.
- 6/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kino Lorber has acquired all U.S. rights to documentary Ever Deadly about avant-garde Inuk throat singer-songwriter, novelist, visual artist and activist Tanya Tagaq.
Tagaq and award-winning Canadian documentary filmmaker Chelsea McMullan co-directed the National Film Board of Canada documentary which world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022.
Hailing from Canada’s sparsely populated northernmost territory of Nunavut, Tagaq’s work is bound up with her intimate relationship with the Nuna – the Land – as a living, breathing organism.
She began to practise throat singing while at high school and went on to become a popular act on the Canadian folk festival scene, before breaking out internationally, working with Saul Williams, Kronos Quartet, Bjork, A Tribe Called Red, Buffy Sainte-Marie, F**ked Up.
The immersive Ever Deadly explores Tagaq’s life and work, interweaving live performances, personal reflections, stunning sequences filmed in Nunavut, and hand-drawn animation by Inuk artist Shuvinai Ashoona.
Tagaq and award-winning Canadian documentary filmmaker Chelsea McMullan co-directed the National Film Board of Canada documentary which world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022.
Hailing from Canada’s sparsely populated northernmost territory of Nunavut, Tagaq’s work is bound up with her intimate relationship with the Nuna – the Land – as a living, breathing organism.
She began to practise throat singing while at high school and went on to become a popular act on the Canadian folk festival scene, before breaking out internationally, working with Saul Williams, Kronos Quartet, Bjork, A Tribe Called Red, Buffy Sainte-Marie, F**ked Up.
The immersive Ever Deadly explores Tagaq’s life and work, interweaving live performances, personal reflections, stunning sequences filmed in Nunavut, and hand-drawn animation by Inuk artist Shuvinai Ashoona.
- 5/12/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
It’s no secret that Jesse Williams is a great actor, but it turns out he knows a thing or two when it comes to great spirits and music as well.
The actor was part of an intimate group of A-list guests at a recent party celebrating The Macallan’s James Bond 60th Anniversary Release. The Decade I edition was released on March 1 to select retailers in Los Angeles,...
It’s no secret that Jesse Williams is a great actor, but it turns out he knows a thing or two when it comes to great spirits and music as well.
The actor was part of an intimate group of A-list guests at a recent party celebrating The Macallan’s James Bond 60th Anniversary Release. The Decade I edition was released on March 1 to select retailers in Los Angeles,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Vic Mensa peels off some tasty licks while falling through the sky in the wild new video for “Strawberry Louis Vuitton.”
The tender, soulful tune features contributions from Thundercat as well as R&b artist Maeta. In the video, co-directed by Mensa and Danielle DeGrasse-Alston, Mensa goes skydiving with his guitar, strumming and singing the whole way down before finally landing cooly in a field where he’s got a female companion waiting for him.
In a statement, Mensa explained that “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” was largely inspired by the late designer Virgil Abloh.
The tender, soulful tune features contributions from Thundercat as well as R&b artist Maeta. In the video, co-directed by Mensa and Danielle DeGrasse-Alston, Mensa goes skydiving with his guitar, strumming and singing the whole way down before finally landing cooly in a field where he’s got a female companion waiting for him.
In a statement, Mensa explained that “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” was largely inspired by the late designer Virgil Abloh.
- 1/30/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
As Martin Scorsese once said, “Music and cinema fit together naturally. Because there’s a kind of intrinsic musicality to the way moving images work when they’re put together. It’s been said that cinema and music are very close as art forms, and I think that’s true.” Indeed, the right piece of music–whether it’s an original score or a carefully selected song–can do wonders for a sequence, and today we’re looking at the 25 films that best expressed this notion this year.
From seasoned composers to accomplished musicians, as well as a smattering of soundtracks, each musical example perfectly transported us to the world of the film. Check out our rundown of the top 25, which includes streams to each soundtrack in full.
25. Dark Glasses (Arnaud Rebotini)
24. Catch the Fair One (Nathan Halpern)
23. Barbarian (Anna Drubich)
22. Return to Seoul (Various)
21. Babylon (Justin Hurwitz)
20. Mad God...
From seasoned composers to accomplished musicians, as well as a smattering of soundtracks, each musical example perfectly transported us to the world of the film. Check out our rundown of the top 25, which includes streams to each soundtrack in full.
25. Dark Glasses (Arnaud Rebotini)
24. Catch the Fair One (Nathan Halpern)
23. Barbarian (Anna Drubich)
22. Return to Seoul (Various)
21. Babylon (Justin Hurwitz)
20. Mad God...
- 1/3/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Black Reel Awards has revealed its nominations for their 23rd Annual ceremony.
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, about the warrior women of the country of Dahomey, and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, about a superhero from the fictional African nation of Wakanda and a memorial to Chadwick Boseman, are tied at 14 nominations.
Two other films joined the ranks of double-digit nominations: MGM’s Till and A24’s The Inspection.
Independent studio A24 garnered 11 nominations across all categories. However, Amazon Studios landed a record three nominations in the Outstanding Independent Film category for Master, Nanny, and Emergency. Perennial powerhouse, Disney Studios nabbed the most nominations for a studio with 15.
Viola Davis landed her sixth Outstanding Actress nomination for her work in The Woman King, becoming the most recognized individual in the Actress category in Black Reel Award (Bolts) history. At the same time, director Elegance Bratton received...
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, about the warrior women of the country of Dahomey, and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, about a superhero from the fictional African nation of Wakanda and a memorial to Chadwick Boseman, are tied at 14 nominations.
Two other films joined the ranks of double-digit nominations: MGM’s Till and A24’s The Inspection.
Independent studio A24 garnered 11 nominations across all categories. However, Amazon Studios landed a record three nominations in the Outstanding Independent Film category for Master, Nanny, and Emergency. Perennial powerhouse, Disney Studios nabbed the most nominations for a studio with 15.
Viola Davis landed her sixth Outstanding Actress nomination for her work in The Woman King, becoming the most recognized individual in the Actress category in Black Reel Award (Bolts) history. At the same time, director Elegance Bratton received...
- 12/16/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In an uncertain world, cinema has chosen to look inwards. Perhaps there’s a dose of narcissism there. But so many of this year’s films have been propelled by natural, vulnerable impulses: to return home, to think back on youth, to reconsider art’s purpose. They’re present in James Gray’s autobiographical Armageddon Time, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s self-reflective Bardo, the dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, and Noah Baumbach’s adaptation of Don DeLillo’s White Noise. Even the biggest blockbusters, Top Gun: Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, seem weighted with self-reflection. My own favourite 15 films, all released in the UK over the past year, have each themselves proven that the medium still has the power to heal the soul.
15. Happening
Audrey Diwan’s Happening tore into cinemas this April on the back of an oracle’s cry. The film follows Anne (Anamaria Vartolomei), a student...
15. Happening
Audrey Diwan’s Happening tore into cinemas this April on the back of an oracle’s cry. The film follows Anne (Anamaria Vartolomei), a student...
- 12/5/2022
- by Clarisse Loughrey
- The Independent - Film
The revolutionary vision of “Neptune Frost” – a politically charged Afrofuturist musical odyssey where Neptune, an intersex runaway, becomes part of an insurgent collective – plays like a social justice dream. For its intrepid filmmakers, hip-hop artist Saul Williams and Rwandan playwright Anisia Uzeyman, the journey to bring their alternative world into reality took nearly a decade and required a band of like-minded artisans capable of translating the narrative’s activist roots into cinematic wonder. “Neptune Frost” isn’t merely a film. It’s an aesthetic statement of intent.
That declaration draws from more than your usual science fiction fare. The Arab spring, African Diaspora movements, centuries of music, and the present blossoming of the continent’s art all influence “Neptue Frost,” a film that fights against exploitation, colonialism, and anti-gay laws.
Following the death of their aunt, Neptune (Elvis “Bobo” Ngabo/Cheryl Isheja) flees from their Rwandan village, crossing bodies of...
That declaration draws from more than your usual science fiction fare. The Arab spring, African Diaspora movements, centuries of music, and the present blossoming of the continent’s art all influence “Neptue Frost,” a film that fights against exploitation, colonialism, and anti-gay laws.
Following the death of their aunt, Neptune (Elvis “Bobo” Ngabo/Cheryl Isheja) flees from their Rwandan village, crossing bodies of...
- 11/11/2022
- by Robert Daniels
- Indiewire
The married directing duo fought tooth and nail to bring their dazzling film Neptune Frost to the screen. They explain why all the hardship was worth it
How best to describe the multi-hyphenate talents that are Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman? Between them, the married pair have worked as actors, musicians, visual artists, poets – and are now co-directors of the Afrofuturist fantasia Neptune Frost. In a total dereliction of journalistic duty, I ask them to solve this riddle for me. How do you normally describe yourselves?
“Well, I recently bumped into a guy I know from a store in LA, walking in Paris,” says Williams. “And he said: ‘What are you doing here? Are you a designer?’ And I said: ‘I’m a poet.’”...
How best to describe the multi-hyphenate talents that are Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman? Between them, the married pair have worked as actors, musicians, visual artists, poets – and are now co-directors of the Afrofuturist fantasia Neptune Frost. In a total dereliction of journalistic duty, I ask them to solve this riddle for me. How do you normally describe yourselves?
“Well, I recently bumped into a guy I know from a store in LA, walking in Paris,” says Williams. “And he said: ‘What are you doing here? Are you a designer?’ And I said: ‘I’m a poet.’”...
- 11/2/2022
- by Catherine Bray
- The Guardian - Film News
Transgressive revolutionaries in a dazzlingly inventive drama from Anisia Uzeyman and musician Saul Williams, set in an alternate Burundi
Black Panther 2 is imminent, but in many ways the extraordinary Neptune Frost is the real Afrofuturist deal: a transgressive socialist Wakanda with an exoskeleton of punk geopolitics bolted on. As well as a denunciation of the western techno-centric order, it’s a musical lesson in conscious collaboration between the developed and developing world that Hollywood could learn from – instead of just piggybacking on African aesthetics. Filmed in Rwanda but set in Burundi, the story was developed by US musician Saul Williams – drawing on material from his recent albums – and his Rwandan wife Anisia Uzeyman; they share the directorial credit.
A near-future alt.Burundi gets its own Ziggy Stardust: Neptune (Elvis Ngabo), a gaunt outcast who likes wearing high heels and wanders the countryside in search of “fourth dimensional libations”. Shepherded...
Black Panther 2 is imminent, but in many ways the extraordinary Neptune Frost is the real Afrofuturist deal: a transgressive socialist Wakanda with an exoskeleton of punk geopolitics bolted on. As well as a denunciation of the western techno-centric order, it’s a musical lesson in conscious collaboration between the developed and developing world that Hollywood could learn from – instead of just piggybacking on African aesthetics. Filmed in Rwanda but set in Burundi, the story was developed by US musician Saul Williams – drawing on material from his recent albums – and his Rwandan wife Anisia Uzeyman; they share the directorial credit.
A near-future alt.Burundi gets its own Ziggy Stardust: Neptune (Elvis Ngabo), a gaunt outcast who likes wearing high heels and wanders the countryside in search of “fourth dimensional libations”. Shepherded...
- 10/31/2022
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
After two years of being forced online by the pandemic, the 11th edition of India’s Dharamshala Film Festival is back with a physical edition.
Highlights include the India premieres of Cannes jury prize winner and Pakistan’s Oscar entry, Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland,” and Gianfranco Rosi’s Pope Francis documentary “In Viaggio.”
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is best known internationally as the seat of the Dalai Lama, who has been based there since being exiled from Tibet in 1959. The festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam are filmmakers in their own right. Their chronicles of the Tibetan condition including 2005’s “Dreaming Lhasa,” 2010’s “The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom” and 2018’s “The Sweet Requiem” have received considerable festival play, including at Toronto and San Sebastian.
Indian program highlights include Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s Venice and El Gouna title “Once Upon a...
Highlights include the India premieres of Cannes jury prize winner and Pakistan’s Oscar entry, Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland,” and Gianfranco Rosi’s Pope Francis documentary “In Viaggio.”
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is best known internationally as the seat of the Dalai Lama, who has been based there since being exiled from Tibet in 1959. The festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam are filmmakers in their own right. Their chronicles of the Tibetan condition including 2005’s “Dreaming Lhasa,” 2010’s “The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom” and 2018’s “The Sweet Requiem” have received considerable festival play, including at Toronto and San Sebastian.
Indian program highlights include Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s Venice and El Gouna title “Once Upon a...
- 10/26/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Santi White wants you to know the truth — the kind of truth that helps you make sense of the world, even when it’s clunky and difficult to understand. The “Nothing” artist, who recently sat down with Rolling Stone, frames her new podcast Noble Champions as a reimagined salon, a hallowed space for intimate conversations for today’s audience, and explores current issues with leading fellow artists, activists, and progressive thinkers.
The inspiration for the podcast’s title comes from a quote by Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, who wrote in...
The inspiration for the podcast’s title comes from a quote by Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, who wrote in...
- 10/25/2022
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Eighty films from 32 countries, including 21 feature narratives and 43 short films, will be be showcased at the 11th Dharamshala International Film Festival (Diff) in Dharamsala next month, as announced on Thursday.
The highlights include the India premieres of Cannes Jury Prize Winner and 2022 Oscar Nominee, Joyland by Saim Sadiq; Once Upon A Time in Calcutta by Aditya Vikram Sengupta; the Anurag Kashyap-presented debut feature by Parth Saurabh, Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar (On Either Sides of the Pond); 2022 Oscar Nominee, Writing with Fire by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Sen; and Fire in the Mountains (India 2021) by Ajitpal Singh.
The India premieres of these acclaimed international features will also take place at Diff 2022: Eternal Spring by Jason Loftus; In Viaggio by Gianfranco Rosi; Lullaby by Alauda Ruiz de AzAa; Mother Lode by Matteo Tortone; Navalny by Daniel Roher; Neptune Frost by Anisia Uzeyman, Saul Williams; They Carry Death by Helena GirAn...
The highlights include the India premieres of Cannes Jury Prize Winner and 2022 Oscar Nominee, Joyland by Saim Sadiq; Once Upon A Time in Calcutta by Aditya Vikram Sengupta; the Anurag Kashyap-presented debut feature by Parth Saurabh, Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar (On Either Sides of the Pond); 2022 Oscar Nominee, Writing with Fire by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Sen; and Fire in the Mountains (India 2021) by Ajitpal Singh.
The India premieres of these acclaimed international features will also take place at Diff 2022: Eternal Spring by Jason Loftus; In Viaggio by Gianfranco Rosi; Lullaby by Alauda Ruiz de AzAa; Mother Lode by Matteo Tortone; Navalny by Daniel Roher; Neptune Frost by Anisia Uzeyman, Saul Williams; They Carry Death by Helena GirAn...
- 10/20/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Slam and The Doom Generation have both been restored Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute Sundance Film Festival has announced its first films for its 2023 edition, which will run from January 19 to 29.
The festival's From the Collection screenigns of archive film will feature a 25th anniversary and digital restoration screening of Slam and the uncensored director's cut and restoration of The Doom Generation.
Slam won the Grand Jury prize in 1998. Directed by Marc Levin and written by Levin, Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, and Richard Stratton, the film sees a young man compete in poetry slams in the face of social injustice. Gregg Araki's The Doom Generation, meanwhile, recounts the tale of a trio who go on a crime spree and first debuted in Sundance's Premieres section in 1995. The film has been remastered in 4K for an uncensored director's cut.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming Festival, we...
The festival's From the Collection screenigns of archive film will feature a 25th anniversary and digital restoration screening of Slam and the uncensored director's cut and restoration of The Doom Generation.
Slam won the Grand Jury prize in 1998. Directed by Marc Levin and written by Levin, Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, and Richard Stratton, the film sees a young man compete in poetry slams in the face of social injustice. Gregg Araki's The Doom Generation, meanwhile, recounts the tale of a trio who go on a crime spree and first debuted in Sundance's Premieres section in 1995. The film has been remastered in 4K for an uncensored director's cut.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming Festival, we...
- 10/13/2022
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
While your future planning probably only extends to Thanksgiving, the Sundance Film Festival is already thinking ahead to January, the 2023 edition of their festival. Today, the nonprofit Sundance Institute announced today the first two films in the lineup for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and they are the 25th Anniversary and digital restoration screening of “Slam” and the uncensored director’s cut and restoration of “The Doom Generation.”
Directed by Marc Levin and written by Levin, Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, and Richard Stratton, “Slam” was first introduced to audiences at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered in the U.S.
Continue reading Sundance Film Festival Announces Restoration Of ‘Slam’ & Director’s Cut Of Gregg Araki’s ‘Doom Generation’ For 2023 Edition at The Playlist.
Directed by Marc Levin and written by Levin, Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, and Richard Stratton, “Slam” was first introduced to audiences at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered in the U.S.
Continue reading Sundance Film Festival Announces Restoration Of ‘Slam’ & Director’s Cut Of Gregg Araki’s ‘Doom Generation’ For 2023 Edition at The Playlist.
- 10/12/2022
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
The 2023 Sundance Film Festival will host special screenings of “Slam” and “The Doom Generation,” the Sundance Institute announced Wednesday.
The films, which premiered in 1998 and 1995 respectively, are the first titles announced for the upcoming festival. Both received their world premieres at Sundance — “Slam” premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section and won the Grand Jury Prize, while “The Doom Generation” premiered in the festival’s Premieres section. Both screenings will take place as part of the festival’s From the Collection section, which is dedicated to rescreening notable titles that previously played at Sundance. Each screening will be followed by a panel and discussions with the filmmakers, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming festival, we are taking a moment to honor our past in anticipation of what is to come,” Kim Yutani, Sundance’s director of programming,...
The films, which premiered in 1998 and 1995 respectively, are the first titles announced for the upcoming festival. Both received their world premieres at Sundance — “Slam” premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section and won the Grand Jury Prize, while “The Doom Generation” premiered in the festival’s Premieres section. Both screenings will take place as part of the festival’s From the Collection section, which is dedicated to rescreening notable titles that previously played at Sundance. Each screening will be followed by a panel and discussions with the filmmakers, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming festival, we are taking a moment to honor our past in anticipation of what is to come,” Kim Yutani, Sundance’s director of programming,...
- 10/12/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Before the full slate is announced for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the Park City, Utah event has already teed up two movies: the 25th Anniversary and digital restoration screening of Marc Levin’s Slam and the uncensored director’s cut and restoration of Gregg Araki’s The Doom Generation.
Both titles are showing in the fest’s From the Collection section.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming Festival, we are taking a moment to honor our past in anticipation of what is to come,” said Kim Yutani, Director of Programming. “Sundance has always been a place for discovery, inspired conversations, and critical reflection, all thanks to the independent storytellers we are so fortunate to encounter each year. These screenings are our opportunity to present newly restored films From the Collection, reemphasize our commitment to artists throughout their careers, and find new ways to recontextualize the work that...
Both titles are showing in the fest’s From the Collection section.
“Before we announce the full slate for the upcoming Festival, we are taking a moment to honor our past in anticipation of what is to come,” said Kim Yutani, Director of Programming. “Sundance has always been a place for discovery, inspired conversations, and critical reflection, all thanks to the independent storytellers we are so fortunate to encounter each year. These screenings are our opportunity to present newly restored films From the Collection, reemphasize our commitment to artists throughout their careers, and find new ways to recontextualize the work that...
- 10/12/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Just before passes go on sale, the Sundance Film Festival has dropped the first two titles for the upcoming 2023 edition and we have a proper, refurbished version of Gregg Araki‘s seminal debut film to look forward to. The 25th Anniversary and digital restoration screening of Marc Levin‘s Slam and the uncensored director’s cut and restoration of The Doom Generation. The screenings will each be followed by conversations with the filmmakers and special guests to be announced at a later date.
Slam / U.S.A. (Director: Marc Levin, Screenwriters: Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, Bonz Malone, Marc Levin, Richard Stratton, Producers: Henri M.…...
Slam / U.S.A. (Director: Marc Levin, Screenwriters: Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, Bonz Malone, Marc Levin, Richard Stratton, Producers: Henri M.…...
- 10/12/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
In-person festival runs January 19-29 with online component.
Sundance has announced the first two films in the 2023 festival’s From The Collection section – the 25th anniversary digital restoration of Slam and the uncensored director’s cut and restoration of The Doom Generation.
Marc Levin directed Slam, which premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 1998 festival and won the grand jury prize. The film exposes the structural inequity of the criminal justice system through the story of a young Black performance poet imprisoned for a petty crime who finds salvation in his rhymes. Bonz Malone, Beau Sia, Sonja Sohn, and Saul Williams star.
Sundance has announced the first two films in the 2023 festival’s From The Collection section – the 25th anniversary digital restoration of Slam and the uncensored director’s cut and restoration of The Doom Generation.
Marc Levin directed Slam, which premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 1998 festival and won the grand jury prize. The film exposes the structural inequity of the criminal justice system through the story of a young Black performance poet imprisoned for a petty crime who finds salvation in his rhymes. Bonz Malone, Beau Sia, Sonja Sohn, and Saul Williams star.
- 10/12/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Filmmaker is hosting four conversations next week at The Gotham’s Gotham Week Conference, all with filmmakers who have recent films we love and have covered extensively at Filmmaker. And, these talks are free to public. Three are in person at Brooklyn Navy Yards, and the fourth is on Zoom. RSVP by clicking on the links below. On Monday at 10:30 Am, I’ll be speaking with Dedza founder Kate Gondwe, one of our 25 New Faces last year, about the distribution of Saul Williams’s and Anisia Uzeyman’s Neptune Frost, and particularly about the specialized techniques used to broaden the reach of this […]
The post Filmmaker Hosts Conversations During Gotham Week Conference first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Filmmaker Hosts Conversations During Gotham Week Conference first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/16/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Breaking (Abi Damaris Corbin)
Following on the heels of his impressive turn in Steve McQueen’s Red, White and Blue, John Boyega does noble work in Breaking, directed by Abi Damaris Corbin. Boyega stars as Brian Brown-Easley, the 33-year-old Marine veteran who held a bank hostage in order to get a disability check from the Department of Veterans Affairs he was owed. The amount was eight-hundred and ninety-two dollars. – Dan M. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Destello Bravío (Ainhoa Rodríguez)
In the arid, lunar landscape of Ainhoa Rodríguez’s Destello Bravío, a whole village waits for things to fall apart. We’re in the rural outskirts of Spain’s Extremadura region, a few miles from the border with Portugal, but the...
Breaking (Abi Damaris Corbin)
Following on the heels of his impressive turn in Steve McQueen’s Red, White and Blue, John Boyega does noble work in Breaking, directed by Abi Damaris Corbin. Boyega stars as Brian Brown-Easley, the 33-year-old Marine veteran who held a bank hostage in order to get a disability check from the Department of Veterans Affairs he was owed. The amount was eight-hundred and ninety-two dollars. – Dan M. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Destello Bravío (Ainhoa Rodríguez)
In the arid, lunar landscape of Ainhoa Rodríguez’s Destello Bravío, a whole village waits for things to fall apart. We’re in the rural outskirts of Spain’s Extremadura region, a few miles from the border with Portugal, but the...
- 9/16/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Charles Officer’s flashy feature reflects on violence handed down the generations but has too much faith in fatigued beats from the gangster-film locker
Canadian-Jamaican director Charles Officer’s second feature looks flashy, sounds cool and – Ghost Dog-style – likes to fling out shurikens of eastern philosophy every which way. But this tale of freelance underworld fixer Akilla Brown, played with careworn wisdom by Saul Williams, doesn’t live up to its sharp tailoring and has too much faith in fatigued beats from the gangster-film locker.
Journeyman Akilla is about to retire from the illegal cannabis-distribution business in Toronto, rendered redundant by legalisation. But he finds himself on the end of a double-barrel shotgun when a depot belonging to “the Greek”, his boss, is raided by rival hoodlums. Thanks to his sang-froid, the heist runs off the rails, and Akilla steps in to stop his crew from torturing young soldier Sheppard (Thamela Mpumlwana) who,...
Canadian-Jamaican director Charles Officer’s second feature looks flashy, sounds cool and – Ghost Dog-style – likes to fling out shurikens of eastern philosophy every which way. But this tale of freelance underworld fixer Akilla Brown, played with careworn wisdom by Saul Williams, doesn’t live up to its sharp tailoring and has too much faith in fatigued beats from the gangster-film locker.
Journeyman Akilla is about to retire from the illegal cannabis-distribution business in Toronto, rendered redundant by legalisation. But he finds himself on the end of a double-barrel shotgun when a depot belonging to “the Greek”, his boss, is raided by rival hoodlums. Thanks to his sang-froid, the heist runs off the rails, and Akilla steps in to stop his crew from torturing young soldier Sheppard (Thamela Mpumlwana) who,...
- 8/23/2022
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
Cinematography retrospectives are the way to go—more than a thorough display of talent, it exposes the vast expanse a Dp will travel, like an education in form and business all the same. Accordingly I’m happy to see the Criterion Channel give a 25-film tribute to James Wong Howe, whose career spanned silent cinema to the ’70s, populated with work by Howard Hawks, Michael Curtz, Samuel Fuller, Alexander Mackendrick, Sydney Pollack, John Frankenheimer, and Raoul Walsh.
Further retrospectives are granted to Romy Schneider (recent repertory sensation La piscine among them), Carlos Saura (finally a chance to see Peppermint frappe!), the British New Wave, and groundbreaking distributor Cinema 5, who brought to U.S. shores everything from The Man Who Fell to Earth and Putney Swope to Pumping Iron and Scenes from a Marriage.
September also yields streaming premieres for the recently restored Bronco Bullfrog, Ang Lee’s Pushing Hands,...
Further retrospectives are granted to Romy Schneider (recent repertory sensation La piscine among them), Carlos Saura (finally a chance to see Peppermint frappe!), the British New Wave, and groundbreaking distributor Cinema 5, who brought to U.S. shores everything from The Man Who Fell to Earth and Putney Swope to Pumping Iron and Scenes from a Marriage.
September also yields streaming premieres for the recently restored Bronco Bullfrog, Ang Lee’s Pushing Hands,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Prizes handed out at 70th anniversary edition of the Australian festival.
Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost, directed by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, won the inaugural 96,500 Bright Horizons Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) on Saturday (August 20).
Jub Clerc’s direction in her ovation-inducing coming-of-age debut drama Sweet As took home the 48,000 Innovation Award, open only to Australians.
US-Rwanda co-production Neptune Frost premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight in 2021 and went on to screen at TIFF, Sundance and the New York Film Festival. Kino Lorber has international rights.
The jury, led by Australian actor/director Shareena Clanton, said the feature...
Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost, directed by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, won the inaugural 96,500 Bright Horizons Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) on Saturday (August 20).
Jub Clerc’s direction in her ovation-inducing coming-of-age debut drama Sweet As took home the 48,000 Innovation Award, open only to Australians.
US-Rwanda co-production Neptune Frost premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight in 2021 and went on to screen at TIFF, Sundance and the New York Film Festival. Kino Lorber has international rights.
The jury, led by Australian actor/director Shareena Clanton, said the feature...
- 8/22/2022
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
After 18 days of in-person screenings, over 370 movies and the allocation of a new prize fund totaling 210,000 Aud the Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has to be one of the lengthiest, liveliest and now most lucrative film festivals in the world. The winning films were announced at Saturday evening’s closing gala, with Afrofuturist sci-fi musical “Neptune Frost,” a U.S.-Rwandan co-production directed by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, taking the Bright Horizons top prize of 140,000 Aud. Jub Clerc, the Indigenous Australian director of coming-of-age road movie “Sweet As,” scooped the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award of 70,000 Aud.
This is the first year of the Bright Horizons competition. After being selected from an exceptionally strong 11-film lineup, which included festival favourites like Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Laura Wandel’s “Playground” and Natalia López Gallardo’s “Robe of Gems,” Williams and Uzeyman were clearly moved while accepting the award via Zoom.
“It...
This is the first year of the Bright Horizons competition. After being selected from an exceptionally strong 11-film lineup, which included festival favourites like Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Laura Wandel’s “Playground” and Natalia López Gallardo’s “Robe of Gems,” Williams and Uzeyman were clearly moved while accepting the award via Zoom.
“It...
- 8/20/2022
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Over the last decade, fans have witnessed Florida rapper Denzel Curry grow up, from his early days as a member of SpaceGhostPurrp’s loud and boisterous Raider Klan to his most recent solo LP, Melt My Eyez See Your Future. The new album incorporates dizzying jazz elements, with features from features from Robert Glasper, Karriem Riggins, Saul Williams, and Thundercat — making it a striking departure from albums like 2018’s Ta13oo and 2019’s Zuu.
“The greatest lesson I learned recently was: ‘It doesn’t matter what I make, as long as it’s good,...
“The greatest lesson I learned recently was: ‘It doesn’t matter what I make, as long as it’s good,...
- 8/5/2022
- by Delisa Shannon
- Rollingstone.com
The Afrofuturist musical is exec produced by Lin-Mauel Miranda.
UK distributor Anti-Worlds has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman’s Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost from Kino Lorber. The film premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight in 2021 and was nominated for the Queer Palm award.
Set in a Rwandan village made of computer parts, the sci-fi musical follows an intersex African hacker and a coltan miner who, along with their love child, trigger a revolution against the authoritarian regime. The cast is made up of newcomers Elvis Ngabo, Cheryl Isheja and Kaya Free.
The film will be...
UK distributor Anti-Worlds has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman’s Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost from Kino Lorber. The film premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight in 2021 and was nominated for the Queer Palm award.
Set in a Rwandan village made of computer parts, the sci-fi musical follows an intersex African hacker and a coltan miner who, along with their love child, trigger a revolution against the authoritarian regime. The cast is made up of newcomers Elvis Ngabo, Cheryl Isheja and Kaya Free.
The film will be...
- 8/3/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
New Release Wall
David Cronenberg plays the hits in “Crimes of the Future” (Neon), but there’s no other filmmaker today with hits like his. Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux are a pair of surgery-based performance artists whose interests intersect with a sect of plastic-eaters, while bureaucrats Kristen Stewart (giving the screen’s most divisive performance since Jared Leto in “House of Gucci”) and Don McKellar look on in fannish amazement. If you enjoy the auteur’s brand of surgical implements that look like insect exoskeletons and furniture that looks like tumors, this is your kind of movie.
Also available:
“Charm City Kings” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment): Denied a proper release during the pandemic lockdown, this saga of a young Baltimorean getting involved in the city’s motorbike culture is a powerful drama not to be missed.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Marvel Studios): Audiences differed...
David Cronenberg plays the hits in “Crimes of the Future” (Neon), but there’s no other filmmaker today with hits like his. Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux are a pair of surgery-based performance artists whose interests intersect with a sect of plastic-eaters, while bureaucrats Kristen Stewart (giving the screen’s most divisive performance since Jared Leto in “House of Gucci”) and Don McKellar look on in fannish amazement. If you enjoy the auteur’s brand of surgical implements that look like insect exoskeletons and furniture that looks like tumors, this is your kind of movie.
Also available:
“Charm City Kings” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment): Denied a proper release during the pandemic lockdown, this saga of a young Baltimorean getting involved in the city’s motorbike culture is a powerful drama not to be missed.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Marvel Studios): Audiences differed...
- 8/2/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Fall season buzz is alive with celebrations of movie magic, from Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical “The Fabelmans” to “Empire of Light,” Sam Mendes’ romantic ode to old cinemas. But the most trenchant statement about the state of movies is here already.
It comes from Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” which confirms the filmmaker’s ability to generate suspense and awe from some seriously unpredictable places — but this Western sci-fi showdown also doubles as a meditation on the way film history marginalizes key figures and more crucially, assesses how the industry continues to alienate key voices. And, intentional or not, it’s also a window into the need to diversify arthouse audiences.
I won’t get into “Nope” spoilers, but it’s a brilliant conceit for Peele to envision the Hollywood horse-wranglers who are at the center of the movie as grandchildren of the Black jockey who sat astride the horse in...
It comes from Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” which confirms the filmmaker’s ability to generate suspense and awe from some seriously unpredictable places — but this Western sci-fi showdown also doubles as a meditation on the way film history marginalizes key figures and more crucially, assesses how the industry continues to alienate key voices. And, intentional or not, it’s also a window into the need to diversify arthouse audiences.
I won’t get into “Nope” spoilers, but it’s a brilliant conceit for Peele to envision the Hollywood horse-wranglers who are at the center of the movie as grandchildren of the Black jockey who sat astride the horse in...
- 7/30/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Neptune Frost, the celebrated science-fiction film from musician, poet, actor and artist Saul Williams (Slam) and filmmaker, actor and Dp Anisia Uzeyman (Tey), is a fever dream of revolution and an attempt to change today’s cultural algorithm, set in an otherworldly e-waste camp made of recycled computer parts with Williams’ original music as a soundtrack — offering much more than white noise. Executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Stephen Hendel (Finding Fela), The Hollywood Reporter’s review described Neptune Frost as “an unapologetically queer film…utilizing everything the medium of film has to offer — visually, sonically, emotionally.”
The film, which premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and also screened TIFF, NYFF and BFI London in 2021 and Sundance in 2022 before being rolled out in select theaters across the country earlier this summer, was released to home platforms Tuesday. In celebration of a larger audience, Williams...
Neptune Frost, the celebrated science-fiction film from musician, poet, actor and artist Saul Williams (Slam) and filmmaker, actor and Dp Anisia Uzeyman (Tey), is a fever dream of revolution and an attempt to change today’s cultural algorithm, set in an otherworldly e-waste camp made of recycled computer parts with Williams’ original music as a soundtrack — offering much more than white noise. Executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Stephen Hendel (Finding Fela), The Hollywood Reporter’s review described Neptune Frost as “an unapologetically queer film…utilizing everything the medium of film has to offer — visually, sonically, emotionally.”
The film, which premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and also screened TIFF, NYFF and BFI London in 2021 and Sundance in 2022 before being rolled out in select theaters across the country earlier this summer, was released to home platforms Tuesday. In celebration of a larger audience, Williams...
- 7/27/2022
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A total of 11 titles to compete at 70th anniversary edition of festival.
The 70th Melbourne International Film Festival (August 4-28) has unveiled the 11 titles set to compete in its first ever international competition.
The Miff Bright Horizons competition has a focus on first and second features, and a prize of A140,000 – the biggest film prize in Australia.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Miff artistic director Al Cossar’s line-up includes several debut features from female directors including Aftersun from UK director Charlotte Wells and magical realist eco drama The Cow Who Sang A Song Into The Future from Chilean filmmaker Francisca Alegría.
The 70th Melbourne International Film Festival (August 4-28) has unveiled the 11 titles set to compete in its first ever international competition.
The Miff Bright Horizons competition has a focus on first and second features, and a prize of A140,000 – the biggest film prize in Australia.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Miff artistic director Al Cossar’s line-up includes several debut features from female directors including Aftersun from UK director Charlotte Wells and magical realist eco drama The Cow Who Sang A Song Into The Future from Chilean filmmaker Francisca Alegría.
- 7/12/2022
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
For its 70th edition, the Melbourne International Film Festival has announced its most ambitious ever program. After multiple Covid-19 lockdowns, it will be the festival’s first in-cinema Melbourne schedule since 2019, and run Aug. 4-21, 2022.
The 2022 line up will showcase 257 feature films, 177 Australian premiers, 18 world premieres including opening night film “Of an Age,” from Macedonian born, Melbourne-based writer-director, Goran Stolevski (“Won’t Be Alone”), as well as a record 61 titles fresh from Cannes.
“This is our first full-scale in-cinema return,” Miff artistic director, Al Cossar told Variety. The festival is expanding its footprint with a concurrent regional program and an online streaming platform through Miff Play, which will digitally screen 105 shorts and features that will be available Australia wide from 11- 28 August.
“This is a wonderful way to keep outreaching and meeting audiences where they are and is an opportunity for us to expand nationally,” said Cossar.
Also new to...
The 2022 line up will showcase 257 feature films, 177 Australian premiers, 18 world premieres including opening night film “Of an Age,” from Macedonian born, Melbourne-based writer-director, Goran Stolevski (“Won’t Be Alone”), as well as a record 61 titles fresh from Cannes.
“This is our first full-scale in-cinema return,” Miff artistic director, Al Cossar told Variety. The festival is expanding its footprint with a concurrent regional program and an online streaming platform through Miff Play, which will digitally screen 105 shorts and features that will be available Australia wide from 11- 28 August.
“This is a wonderful way to keep outreaching and meeting audiences where they are and is an opportunity for us to expand nationally,” said Cossar.
Also new to...
- 7/12/2022
- by Katherine Tulich
- Variety Film + TV
I’m very happy to be welcoming to Filmmaker‘s staff this week Natalia Keogan, who is our full-time Web Editor. Readers will be familiar with Natalia’s byline, as she’s written for the website and print magazine since 2019. Among her recent pieces for us are interviews with Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman about their Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost, Leslie Harris about her seminal independent Just Another Girl on the Irt, and Jane Schoenbrun and Alex G about We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. A graduate of New York’s Craig Newmark School of Journalism, Natalia’s work has also been published at […]
The post Welcoming Natalia Keogan as Filmmaker‘s new Web Editor first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Welcoming Natalia Keogan as Filmmaker‘s new Web Editor first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/8/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
I’m very happy to be welcoming to Filmmaker‘s staff this week Natalia Keogan, who is our full-time Web Editor. Readers will be familiar with Natalia’s byline, as she’s written for the website and print magazine since 2019. Among her recent pieces for us are interviews with Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman about their Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost, Leslie Harris about her seminal independent Just Another Girl on the Irt, and Jane Schoenbrun and Alex G about We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. A graduate of New York’s Craig Newmark School of Journalism, Natalia’s work has also been published at […]
The post Welcoming Natalia Keogan as Filmmaker‘s new Web Editor first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Welcoming Natalia Keogan as Filmmaker‘s new Web Editor first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/8/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat and Kyle MacLachlan are among the latest round of casting additions to MGM and Zoë Kravitz’s “Pussy Island.”
Geena Davis (“Thelma & Louise”), Adria Arjona (“Morbius”), Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra (“God’s Time”), Levon Hawke (“The Crowded Room”), Trew Mullen (“Sunny Family Cult”), Saul Williams (“Akilla’s Escape”) and newcomer Cris Costa will round out the cast.
Previously, TheWrap reported that Simon Rex, hot off the success of A24’s “Red Rocket,” had signed on to star along with Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum.
Also Read:
Simon Rex Joins Zoë Kravitz’s ‘Pussy Island’ With Channing Tatum at MGM
With a script penned by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the film follows a Los Angeles cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) as she makes her way into tech tycoon Slater King’s (Tatum) inner circle and private island fortress, where she finds that something sinister lurks beneath the luster.
Geena Davis (“Thelma & Louise”), Adria Arjona (“Morbius”), Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra (“God’s Time”), Levon Hawke (“The Crowded Room”), Trew Mullen (“Sunny Family Cult”), Saul Williams (“Akilla’s Escape”) and newcomer Cris Costa will round out the cast.
Previously, TheWrap reported that Simon Rex, hot off the success of A24’s “Red Rocket,” had signed on to star along with Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum.
Also Read:
Simon Rex Joins Zoë Kravitz’s ‘Pussy Island’ With Channing Tatum at MGM
With a script penned by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the film follows a Los Angeles cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) as she makes her way into tech tycoon Slater King’s (Tatum) inner circle and private island fortress, where she finds that something sinister lurks beneath the luster.
- 7/6/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Zoë Kravitz has rounded out the cast for her directorial debut Pussy Island, with Christian Slater (Dr. Death), Alia Shawkat (Search Party) and Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise) signing on for roles, along with Adria Arjona (Morbius), Haley Joel Osment (Goliath), Liz Caribel Sierra (God’s Time), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Trew Mullen (Sunny Family Cult), Saul Williams (Akilla’s Escape), Cris Costa and Kyle MacLachlan (Blue Velvet).
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.
The MGM genre pic written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime.
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.
The MGM genre pic written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime.
- 7/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the first songs we hear in Neptune Frost, Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman’s perceptive and unusual take on a musical, is a work song. It’s during an early scene set among a group of miners who are busy harvesting the raw materials that will make the technologies of other people from other countries possible. Soon, one of those miners dies — rather, he is killed using the butt of an overseer’s gun. That’s when the mourning starts, particularly from the dead man’s brother Matalusa...
- 6/15/2022
- by K. Austin Collins
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome to another episode of the Scene 2 Seen Podcast! It’s your host Valerie Complex and I am back with another exciting episode.
This week, I talk to Neptune Frost co-directors American poet, musician, and actor Saul Williams, and actress, playwright Anisia Uzeyman. Frost had its world premiere last summer in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, before screening at Toronto and NYFF during fall of last year.
The film takes place amid the hilltops of Burundi, where a collective of computer hackers emerges from a mining community, the result of a romance between a miner and an intersex runaway. Set between states of being—past and present, dream and waking life, colonized and free, male and female, memory and prescience—Neptune Frost is a call to reclaim technology for progressive political ends. The film offers an amalgamation of many of the themes, ideas and songs...
This week, I talk to Neptune Frost co-directors American poet, musician, and actor Saul Williams, and actress, playwright Anisia Uzeyman. Frost had its world premiere last summer in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, before screening at Toronto and NYFF during fall of last year.
The film takes place amid the hilltops of Burundi, where a collective of computer hackers emerges from a mining community, the result of a romance between a miner and an intersex runaway. Set between states of being—past and present, dream and waking life, colonized and free, male and female, memory and prescience—Neptune Frost is a call to reclaim technology for progressive political ends. The film offers an amalgamation of many of the themes, ideas and songs...
- 6/14/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
This review of “Neptune Frost” was first published on Jun 2, 2022, before it opened in New York City.
Behold one of the most extraordinarily original cinema experiences of the year: Pulsing with a revolutionary heart, “Neptune Frost,” from co-directors Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman (credited on screen as Swan), indicts the advent of technological advancements that thrive on ignoring the people whose suffering and displacement make those advancements possible.
Grounded on ancestral wisdom while innovative in its imagery, this Afrofuturistic musical flips off neocolonialism, manifested as labor exploitation and the extraction of resources to supply the world with digital communication; miners of coltan, a metal used in the creation of modern technology, are expendable for the capitalist powers of the world.
In this temporally undefined future, Burundi, an East African nation, exists under the rule of the Authority, a tyrannical government that suppresses student protests and manipulates the media to maintain...
Behold one of the most extraordinarily original cinema experiences of the year: Pulsing with a revolutionary heart, “Neptune Frost,” from co-directors Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman (credited on screen as Swan), indicts the advent of technological advancements that thrive on ignoring the people whose suffering and displacement make those advancements possible.
Grounded on ancestral wisdom while innovative in its imagery, this Afrofuturistic musical flips off neocolonialism, manifested as labor exploitation and the extraction of resources to supply the world with digital communication; miners of coltan, a metal used in the creation of modern technology, are expendable for the capitalist powers of the world.
In this temporally undefined future, Burundi, an East African nation, exists under the rule of the Authority, a tyrannical government that suppresses student protests and manipulates the media to maintain...
- 6/9/2022
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Indie distributors, grabbing a frame between Top Gun: Maverick and Jurassic World Dominion, are out with a handful of decently wide releases for the specialty space including Neon’s Cannes title Crimes of the Future (127 screes), IFC Midnight thriller Watcher (764) and Roadside Attractions’ WWI period piece Benediction (87). Sony Pictures Classics launches Phantom of the Open in four theaters in NY and LA.
Netflix is taking Hustle to 275 screens as the industry looks for signs that big streamers are warming to theatrical.
Yash Raj Films opens historical Bollywood epic Prithviraj in over 400 theaters as the steady flow of Indian fare remains a bulwark for U.S. cinemas.
The David Cronenberg written and directed dystopian sci-fi body-parts drama Crimes of the Future with Léa Seydoux, Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart debuts fresh off a six-minute standing ovation in Cannes, As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, bodies undergoes transformations and mutation.
Netflix is taking Hustle to 275 screens as the industry looks for signs that big streamers are warming to theatrical.
Yash Raj Films opens historical Bollywood epic Prithviraj in over 400 theaters as the steady flow of Indian fare remains a bulwark for U.S. cinemas.
The David Cronenberg written and directed dystopian sci-fi body-parts drama Crimes of the Future with Léa Seydoux, Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart debuts fresh off a six-minute standing ovation in Cannes, As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, bodies undergoes transformations and mutation.
- 6/3/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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