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FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON Screening in Los Angeles October 29th

At Laemmle North Hollywood - 7-night theatrical run

Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Documentary

"This is the most important film I've ever worked on."
-actress/activist Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish)

A documentary by Jason Pollock
Narrated by Jenifer Lewis
Produced by Malcolm D. Lee

On January 11th, 2013, Kendrick Johnson was found dead in his high school gymnasium rolled up in a gym mat. The state of Georgia ruled his death as an accident, having died from positional asphyxia. When the family hired their own Forensic Pathologist, not only did he find KJ’s organs missing from his body during the autopsy, he determined the cause of death to be from non-accidental blunt force trauma. To this day, no one knows where KJ’s organs have gone.. So what really happened to KJ?

FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON is the feature documentary product of a 4-year undercover investigation into the facts of this case. From the creator of 'Stranger Fruit', this new documentary hopes to shed light on one of the most important American stories of our time.

Told through the eyes of KJ's family and close friends, Narrated by Hollywood legend, Jenifer Lewis, Directed by 'Stranger Fruit' creator, Jason Pollock, with an amazing team of Producers including Actor Hill Harper, and Space Jam 2 Director Malcolm D. Lee, FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON shares this truly historic, heartbreaking, and unbelievable story with the world for the first time.

“The case of Kendrick Johnson is one the most important cases in U.S. history,” says writer/director Jason Pollock. “KJ deserves justice, and hopefully our film will help his family get one step closer to that outcome.”

"This is the most important film I've ever worked on,” says actor and activist Jenifer Lewis. “What this family has gone through is unspeakable but we must speak it so the public knows the truth. Jason has done a brilliant job on this vital story of injustice.”

FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON is now available on digital and video on demand and will be heading to theaters nationwide this October. (Screening schedule below)

VOD Platforms: https://linktr.ee/findingkendrickjohnson

Second Life Introduces Virtual Screening Events With Film Threat

Monthly Event Line-up Includes Corona Zombies, Insert Coin and I Am Santa Claus

San Francisco and Los Angeles – Monday, October 25, 2021 – Second Life, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Linden Research, Inc. (“Linden Lab”), and Film Threat, the leading independent film news and review site, today announced that they have partnered to create a virtual Film Threat event space to host upcoming screenings and filmmaker panels inside Second Life. The space was first revealed back in July for backers of Chris Gore’s upcoming Attack of the Doc documentary as part of an exclusive sneak peek.

The first three such events have also been announced, with the comedy horror film Corona Zombies slated for October; the behind-the-scenes story of Midway Games documentary, Insert Coin, in November; and the I Am Santa Claus documentary following five professional Santa’s, scheduled for December. Each event, which will generally occur on the third Thursday of each month, will feature a screening of portions of the film and discussions with the filmmakers.

“We’re amazed at how Linden Lab was able to bring the spirit of Film Threat to life in this virtual space and thrilled that we’ll be able to conduct screenings and other special events in a whole new way,” said Chris Gore, founder of Film Threat. “It’s our hope to grow this venue and events to engage with Film Threat and indie film fans around the world.”

Film Threat inside Second Life features…

● A virtual event venue with spaces for screening, gatherings, food trucks, and more

● Panels with leading filmmakers, actors, Film Threat critics, and host Chris Gore

● Film Threat-branded exclusive collectible merchandise

● Collectible and exclusive film-specific virtual merchandise for each event.

"We're delighted to partner with Film Threat, one of the longest-running and most passionate sites covering indie films today,” said Brad Oberwager, chairman of Linden Lab. “In Second Life, film fans can now get together safely in a shared virtual space to celebrate their fandom, watch movies, and interact directly with creators. Along with our recent collaborations with the NFL Alumni Association and Zenescope, this partnership continues our work with entertainment brands to showcase the emotional power and exciting possibilities of immersive, social experiences in the metaverse."

Corona Zombies (2020, Full Moon Features) – Thursday, October 28, 11 AM to 2 PM PT

Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, Corona Zombies stars Cody Renee Cameron as Barbie, a woman who finds herself facing an outbreak of zombies infected by a coronavirus. Comprised largely of dubbed and repurposed film clips mixed together with real-world news footage, Corona Zombies is maniacal zombie exploitation at its best. Chris Gore will be joined by co-producer Bill Butler, and cast members Cody Renee Cameron, Alex Skuby, and Robin Sydney.

Insert Coin (2020, Ten Point Oh Films) – Thursday, November 18

Insert Coin is the behind-the-scenes oral history of Midway Way Games. Led by Eugene Jarvis and a ragtag group of friends, the company pioneered the concept of live-action gaming, kickstarting a new arcade boom and grossing billions of dollars in the process. Chris Gore will be joined by director Joshua Y Tsui

I Am Santa Claus (2014, Double Windsor Films) – Thursday, December 16

The I Am Santa Claus documentary follows five real-bearded professional Santa Clauses to find out what the rest of the year is like for a man who perpetually looks like Jolly Saint Nick. Chris Gore will be joined by director Tommy Avallone.

New Film Threat screenings and events are planned for the third Thursday of every month. For additional information, please visit https://second.life/filmthreat.

About Film Threat

Film Threat is a leading independent film site and podcast that features news, reviews, filmmaker interviews, festival coverage, DIY how-tos, special screening events, weekly watch parties, and more. Originally launched as a fanzine in 1985, by co-founders Chris Gore and Andre Seewood, Film Threat grew into a national publication following its acquisition by Larry Flynt Publications in 1991. The site first launched in 1996 and the magazine was shuttered in 1997. The site as it appears today was relaunched in 2017, again under the helm of Gore and with the mission to champion up-and-coming filmmakers, exactly 32 years after Film Threat’s debut. For more information, please visit filmthreat.com.

About Second Life

Second Life, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Linden Lab, is the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe. First launched in 2003, Second Life has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy. Founded in 1999, Linden Lab creates social platforms and licensed money services that empower people to create, share, and benefit from virtual experiences. For more about Linden Lab, its products, and career opportunities, visit its website.

10th Annual Key West Film Festival Announces Official Lineup

October 21, 2021, Key West, FL – The 10th Annual Key West Film Festival announces its official 2021 lineup including major falls films from Jane Campion, Sean Baker, Mike Mills, Pedro Almodovar and Paolo Sorrentino. More than 75 films will be shown during the 5-day festival, which runs November 17-21 and celebrates its 10th Anniversary.

RED ROCKET (Credit A24)

ROCKET (A24), whose director, Sean Baker, will be honored with the prestigious Golden Key Award for Excellence in Filmmaking, along with JOCKEY (Sony Pictures Classics), starring Clifton Collins Jr, which will also see its director, Clint Bentley, honored with the inaugural Golden Key for Breakthrough Florida Filmmaker.

BRIAN WILSON LONG ROAD PROMISED (Credit: Screen Media)

The star studded spotlight films will be joined by the previously announced RED Also as previously announced, BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD, will open the festival on November 17 at an outdoor screening under the stars at the Key West Amphitheater. The film will be preceded by the short film BLONDIE: VIVIR EN HABANA, about the celebrated artist’s recent concert in Cuba.

This year’s LGBTQ films, programmed with the assistance of Eugene Hernandez, Director of the New York Film Festival, and Brian Brooks of Cinetic Media, include GREAT FREEDOM, winner of the Jury Prize for Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival, the Cold War forbidden love story FIREBIRD, and BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY, chronicling the love triangle that resulted from Gloria Swanson’s attempts to adapt “Sunset Boulevard” into a musical and directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, which marks his fourth film to play at the festival (I am Divine, Tab Hunter Confidential, The Fabulous Alan Carr).

Documentaries take center stage at the festival this year, which each film featuring a live appearance or event. Award-winning director Penny Lane (Our Nixon, Nuts!, Hail Satan!) will appear with her newest film, LISTENING TO KENNY G ; multiple Gotham Award and Cinema Eye Award nominee Douglas Tirola comes to town with his Leonard Bernstein film, BERNSTEIN’S WALL; Danielle Kummer will cross the pond to appear with ALIEN ON STAGE, about a small town musical of the sci fi classic Alien, and KWFF will host a special wine tasting after the screening of BLIND AMBITION, which follows Zimbabwe’s first team to compete in the international wine tasting tournament.

International films include Academy Award-winner Paolo Sorrentino’s HAND OF GOD and FINAL SET, starring Kristin Scott Thomas.

International films include Academy Award-winner Paolo Sorrentino’s HAND OF GOD and FINAL SET, starring Kristin Scott Thomas.

KWFF 2021 will host additional outdoor events at the Lawn at The Perry Hotel, where a special sing-along edition of the 20th Anniversary of the 2001 film MOULIN ROUGE will be screened along with Eric Clapton’s latest concert film, ERIC CLAPTON: THE LADY IN THE BALCONY. The Perry will also screen a collection of boundary pushing short films prior to a Welcome Party for visiting filmmakers and VIPs on Thursday, November 18.

Florida gets its moment in the sun with an all-day Florida Focus on Sunday, November 21. A collection of award-winning shorts from Key West High School’s Conch 5 Studios – who recently sent NINE films to the National High School Student Film Awards – will be screened in the morning, followed by the 15thanniversary screening of Florida Filmmaking legend Billy Corben’s COCAINE COWBOYS. Corben will participate in a discussion following the screening. The award winning Miami-produced feature LUDI will also screen at the festival.

The festival shines on an Alumni spotlight on Nell Teare’s BOLIVAR. This is her first feature after having won numerous awards for her short films at the festival.

The shorts programs and Florida feature films were curated from over 1000 submissions, with entries from nearly all 50 states and dozens of countries.

Returning programs this year include the 7th annual Critics Panel, in which top film critics will join both in person and virtually Zoom to cover the seismic changes in the industry this year; the sixth annual Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design awarded to Paul Tazewell for his work in WEST SIDE STORY, making KWFF the only such festival to annual honor this art; Kibbitz with Critics series, in which the curating critic shares one of their favorite films from the last year over brunch. Aguilar will present the charming immigration story LIMBO; and the presentation of the prestigious Critics Prize, given each year to one film across the program as decided upon by participating critics. Past critics have included Kenneth Turan, Jen Yamato and Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times, Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post, Eric Kohn of Indiewire, Emily Yoshida of New York Magazine, David Fear of Rolling Stone, Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out New York and Amy Nicholson of KPCC-LA’s Film Week.

Founder and Chairman of Key West Film Festival Brooke Christian commented: "Commemorating 10 years of the Key West Film Festival is an exciting mile marker! Bringing the best in cinema to the Keys has been a great privilege. The founding principles of KWFF continue to shine brightly in 2021. Focusing on talent homegrown in Florida has been a hallmark throughout the festival’s history. From celebrating the art of Key West students to the accomplishments of a Bill Corben, to a breakthrough director like Clint Bentley, the state will leave a huge footprint on KWFF 2021. The 10th Anniversary will not only feature our best Florida lineup yet, but many of the year’s most acclaimed LGBTQ selections, documentaries, and feature films. It’s so exciting to head to November knowing the many gems that lay ahead for people to discover.”

ABOUT THE KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL

Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021.

A diverse, entertaining and artistically rigorous selection of films will be represented through a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to commune and exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in an historic and artistically vibrant tropical paradise.

Films that have been showcased in the last five years of the festival have amassed over SIXTY FIVE Academy Award nominations - five of which were for Best Picture - and 15 Oscar wins, including two for Best Picture (Spotlight and Shape of Water ).

For more information, visit our website: https://kwfilmfest.com
Twitter - @keywestfilmfest
Instagram - @keywestfilmfestival
Facebook - Key West Film Festival

#kwff #kwff2021 #tropiccinema

YOUNG PLATO ‘S World Premiere at DOC NYC 2021

Young Plato- Kevin With Students (Photo Credit: Soilsiu Films)

YOUNG PLATO (Section: International Competition)

WORLD PREMIERE
Directors: Neasa Ní Chianáín (School Life) and Declan McGrath
Producer: David Rane
Running Time: 1hour 42 Minutes
Language: English
Country: Ireland (Feature Documentary)

Filmmaker Neasa Ní Chianáín Headshot (Credit: Soilsiu Films).tiff

Filmmaker Declan McGrath (Photo Credit: Aisling Productions) .JPG

An inspiring documentary from the filmmakers of School Life, YOUNG PLATO charts the dream of maverick, Elvis-loving school headmaster Kevin McArevey who is determined to turn the fortunes of an inner-city community plagued by urban decay, sectarian aggression, poverty and drugs. The all-boys primary school in post-conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, Northern Ireland, becomes a hot house for questioning violence, as the headmaster sends his young wards home each day armed with the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers. The boys challenge their parents and neighbors to forsake the prejudice that has kept this low-level civil war on the boil for decades. YOUNG PLATO hums with the confidence of youth, a tribute to the power of the possible.

Neasa Ní Chianáín (Director) is one of Ireland's most established documentary talents. She has directed nine documentaries (four feature length) and one TV series. Recent films include the award-winning ‘Frank Ned & Busy Lizzie,’ ‘Fairytale of Kathmandu,’ and 'The Stranger,' which screened at the 67th Locarno Film Festival.

Her last film, 'In Loco Parentis' (aka 'School Life'), has been a world-wide success, premiering in competition at both IDFA 2016 and Sundance 2017. 'School Life' won the Special Jury Prize in the Golden Gate Awards at the San Francisco Film Festival, and an Audience Award (Prix du Public) at Visions du Réel in Nyon. Neasa was also chosen to take part in the Sydney Film Festival's 'Europe! Voices of Women in Film,' which selected 10 of Europe's most promising women directors.

Neasa is currently in post-production on a new feature documentary, 'The Alexander Complex’ and has recently completed 'Young Plato' which will have its World Premiere at DOC NYC 2021.

Declan McGrath (Director) is a fllmmaker whose recent credits include the award-winning 'Lomax in Éirinn ' (TG4) and 'Mary McAleese & The Man Who Saved Europe '(RTE, BBC). He has written two books on the craft of filmmaking (Screencraft: Editing & Post Productions and Screencraft: Scriptwriting), both translated into five languages. He is also a regular contributor to the New York film journal, Cineaste.

His credits as a director include the acclaimed: 'Lomax in Éirinn,' which screened at festivals worldwide, 'My Struggle For Life,' 'Tír Eoghain: The Unbreakable Bond,' 'Mary McAleese & The Man Who Saved Europe' and 'Women Of The Oireachtas.' His most recent film 'Young Plato' will have its World Premiere at DOC NYC 2021.

His credits as a producer include: 'The Occupation,' which was nominated for the New York Festivals Film and TV Awards in 2018.

Declan also directed the TV series 'Seinn Liom' and 'Cad É An Scéal' (BBC) and has worked as an editor for over twenty-five years, cutting numerous award-winning dramas and documentaries.

DOC NYC Link to buy tickets:
https://www.docnyc.net/film/young-plato/

@DOCNYCfest #docnyc

PR CONTACT:
Emma Griffiths (EG-PR)
emma@eg-pr.com
www.eg-pr.com

SALES CONTACT:
Autlook Filmsales
Salma Abdalla
welcome@autlookfilms.com

Neasa is currently in post-production on a new feature documentary, 'The Alexander Complex’ and has recently completed 'Young Plato' which will have its World Premiere at DOC NYC 2021.

His credits as a producer include: 'The Occupation,' which was nominated for the New York Festivals Film and TV Awards in 2018.

Declan also directed the TV series 'Seinn Liom' and 'Cad É An Scéal' (BBC) and has worked as an editor for over twenty-five years, cutting numerous award-winning dramas and documentaries.

DOC NYC Link to buy tickets:
https://www.docnyc.net/film/young-plato/

@DOCNYCfest #docnyc

PR CONTACT:
Emma Griffiths (EG-PR)
emma@eg-pr.com
www.eg-pr.com

SALES CONTACT:
Autlook Filmsales
Salma Abdalla
welcome@autlookfilms.com

KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES GOLDEN KEY AWARDS FOR SEAN BAKER, KODI SMIT-MCPHEE AND CLINT BENTLEY

AWARDS CONTENDERS “RED ROCKET,” “THE POWER OF THE DOG,” AND “JOCKEY” TO SCREEN AT FESTIVAL

2021 FESTIVAL RUNS NOVEMBER 17TH -21st

New York, NY- October 15, 2021 — The Key West Film Festival announced today the recipient of its annual Golden Key Awards, including two new awards honoring Emerging Talent and Breakthrough Florida director.

This year’s Golden Key Award for Excellence in Filmmaking goes to Sean Baker, director of Red Rocket, opening nationwide in December via A24. Baker will attend in person and participate in a discussion with Carlos Aguilar, film critic for the Los Angeles Times, The Wrap and RogerEbert.com, following the film’s screening. Baker’s film Starlet was featured in the first edition of the Key West Film Festival in 2012.

The inaugural Golden Key for Emerging Talent, given to actors who will be destined to grace our screens for years to come, will be presented to Kodi Smit-McPhee for his breakout role in the Netflix release of Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, which will screen at the festival just as it begins its national theatrical release. Aguilar will host a pre-recorded discussion with Smit-McPhee following the screening, which will serve as the Closing Night film. Smit-McPhee stars alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst in the film.

Another inaugural award- the Golden Key for Breakthrough Florida director, recognizing a Florida bred director whose films will be seen widely in the future – will be given to Clint Bentley. A Florida native, Bentley’s Jockey, starring Clifton Collins Jr, will be released by Sony Pictures Classics later this year. The award will be presented by former ESPN anchor Bob Ley following a screening of the film.

Filmmaker Sean Baker

Sean Baker is a writer, director, producer and editor who has made seven independent feature films over the course of the past two decades. His most recent film was the award-winning The Florida Project (2017) which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released by A24 in the U.S. Among the many accolades the film received -- including an Oscar nomination for Willem Dafoe for Best Supporting Actor -- Sean was named Best Director by the New York Film Critics Circle. His previous film Tangerine (2015) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won an Independent Spirit and two Gotham Awards. Starlet (2012) was the winner of the Robert Altman Independent Spirit Award and his previous two features, Take Out (2004) and Prince of Broadway (2008), were both nominated for the John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award.

Kodi Smit-McPhee

Kodi Smit-McPhee is an Australian actor known for his critically acclaimed roles as The Boy in The Road, Owen in Let Me In, Norman Babcock in ParaNorman, Alexander in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Nightcrawler in X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, and the lead role in the prehistoric film Alpha. Upcoming roles include Jane Campion's much anticipated The Power Of The Dog, for which he is already generating major Oscar buzz for Best Supporting Actor.

Michael Tuckman, Director of Programming of the Key West Film Festival, "We are elated to present these two new awards to Kodi and Clint, whose work will continue to astound, amaze and inspire audiences for decades to come. Kodi’s performance in “Power” is one that immediately places him among the finest actors of his generation. Clint’s steady and intimate portrait of an aging jockey shows the work of director years beyond his directorial debut. Sean continues his mastery of telling the story of American lives, literally on the other side of the tracks, in Red Rocket as he has been doing since his award-winning “Take Out” first graced the screens.”

Visit kwfilmfest.com for full program information – which will be announced on October 19, along with a schedule of events and travel and lodging details.

ABOUT THE KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL

Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021.

For more information, visit our website: https://kwfilmfest.com

Twitter - @keywestfilmfest
Instagram - @keywestfilmfestival
Facebook - Key West Film Festival

#kwff #kwff2021 #tropiccinema

OUR AMERICAN FAMILY Screening At Philadelphia Film Festival

Directed & Produced by Hallee Adelman & Sean King O’Grady

WINNER! AUDIENCE AWARD- BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY -WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL 2021

PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL 2021

Official Screening details:

PREMIERE: Saturday, October 23 at 5:00pm w/ Q & A with filmmakers and subjects

Location: Philadelphia Film Center
1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Second Screening: Saturday, October 30 at 9:15pm
Location: Drive-In at the Philadelphia Naval Yard

About

A World of HA Productions Film in association with Atlas Industries and The Intellectual Property Corporation Presents Our American Family

OUR AMERICAN FAMILY
Directed & Produced by Hallee Adelman & Sean King O’Grady

Addiction is an all-encompassing force, in not only the lives of the afflicted, but also those around them. OUR AMERICAN FAMILY provides an honest, unfiltered look at a close-knit Philadelphia family dealing with generational substance abuse. Captured at a pivotal “nothing to lose” moment, for over the course of a year, five family members tired of life with addiction on center stage, each struggle to transcend their crippling histories.

What will it take to shift this entrenched, wrenching pattern in their lives? Will they be able to make significant shifts to help their next generation? The members of Our American Family invite us into their lives to find hope and to explore what’s possible. Though they often falter, their familial loyalty is powerful, demonstrating how through love and dedication people can rise out of the deepest depths. For a touching, eye-opening look into one of America's most pressing crises, look no further.

Feature Length Documentary (USA)
Runtime: 1 hour 27 minutes

FILM WEBSITE:

Home

Instagram: @ OurAmericanFamilyFilm
Facebook: @ OurAmericanFamilyFilm
Twitter: @OurAmerFamFilm

PR CONTACT:
EMMA GRIFFITHS, EG PR
E: EMMA@EG-PR.COM

SALES CONTACT:
SUBMARINE/ BEN SCHWARTZ
SCHWARTZ@SUBMARINE.COM

James Bond’s Daniel Craig Receives 2,704th Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Daniel Craig Walk of Fame Star. Photo Credit: Yevette Renee

Daniel Craig was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with the 2,704th star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in th Motion Picture category on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. The star is located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard

Nicole Mihalka, Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was the day's emcee and helping her to celebrate Craig was film producers Barbara Broccoli, p.g.a, Michael Gl. Wilson and Academy Award winner, actor Rami Malekm, who won for his role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018.

Daniel Craig has starred in five James Bond films; Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and the new release, No Time To Die that is now in theaters.

WILL PACKER TO PRODUCE THE 94TH OSCARS®

THE OSCARS SET TO AIR LIVE, MARCH 27, 2022, ON ABC

Emmy®-nominated producer Will Packer will produce the 94th Oscars®, Academy President David Rubin announced today. It will be his first involvement with the Oscars, which will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres. He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead!” said Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.

“The power, the beauty, the romance of the imagery in movies has always attracted me. I’m fully embracing the challenge of bringing an ode to one of the most iconic mediums in the world to life. What an honor!” said Packer.

“There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema,” said Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. “Will is a world-class hitmaker and the ideal producer to capture the prestige of The Oscars and deliver a powerful and moving event.”

Packer has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies, including such films as “The Photograph,” “Little,” “What Men Want,” “Night School,” “Breaking In,” “Girls Trip,” “Ride Along 2,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “No Good Deed,” “Think Like a Man Too,” “Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man,” “Takers,” “Obsessed” and “Stomp the Yard.” His television credits include “That Girl Lay Lay,” “Blackballed,” “Ambitions,” “Bigger,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Uncle Buck” and the remake of “Roots,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. He is the founder and CEO of film production company Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, a television, digital and branded content company.

Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, will serve as co-producer alongside Packer. Cowan manages and oversees all the operational activities of both companies, advises on marketing, communications and business strategies, and provides support on the development and production of the company’s films, television and digital programming.

The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

###

ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SIXTH ANNUAL “GOLDEN KEY FOR COSTUME DESIGN” HONORING EMMY AND TONY AWARD-WINNING COSTUME DESIGNER PAUL TAZEWELL

2021 FESTIVAL RUNS NOVEMBER 17TH -21ST

New York, NY- October 5, 2021 — The Key West Film Festival announced today the recipient of its sixth annual Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design, honoring Emmy and Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell.

Tazewell's most recent work includes the upcoming Steven Spielberg film West Side Story as well as Hamilton and Harriet.

As part of the honor, Tazewell will also participate in a discussion of his work, to be moderated by Dr. Deborah Nadoolman Landis.

Paul Tazewell has been designing costumes for Broadway, Regional Theater, Film and Television, Dance, and Opera Productions for close to thirty years. He began his Broadway career with the groundbreaking musical, ‘Bring in Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, directed by George C. Wolfe. Paul is best known for his work with both of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Original Broadway productions of Hamilton, for which he received the Tony Award and In the Heights, both directed by Thomas Kail. Other Broadway credits include Ain’t Too Proud; The Color Purple; Memphis; Caroline, or Change; and Elaine Stritch at Liberty.

Paul’s feature film credits include; Harriet directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring Cynthia Erivo, Hamiltondirected by Thomas Kail and the anxiously anticipated West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg. TV credits include the HBO Original Film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, starring Oprah Winfrey and Lackawanna Blues, both directed by George C. Wolfe. Paul also designed costumes for The Wiz! Live, for which he received an Emmy Award and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert featuring John Legend.

In the United States and across the globe, Paul has designed for such renowned companies as The Metropolitan Opera, The Bolshoi Ballet, The English National Opera, Theatre du Chatelet, The Public Theater, National Theatre UK, The Kennedy Center, The Guthrie Theater, Arena Stage, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, The Chicago Lyric Opera and many more.

Dr. Landis, a former Costume Design Governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and an Academy Award®-nominee, presented the first annual Golden Key for costume design in 2016 to Mary Zophres, who went on to receive an Oscar® nomination for her work in La La Land, and to the last four year’s honorees: Mark Bridges, who won
the 2018 Oscar® for Best Costume Design for The Phantom Thread; and Alexandra Byrne, who’s work in Mary Queen of Scots was recognized by an Academy Award nomination; Arianne Phillips, nominate for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; and Francine Jamison-Tanchuck for her artistry in Regina King’s One Night in Miami.

Michael Tuckman, Director of Programming of the Key West Film Festival, commented I am thinking something along the lines of this for that quote "We are beyond thrilled to shine a spotlight on Paul's fabulous work in the upcoming West Side Story. Now in our 6th year of being the only festival in the country to annually recognize the art and craft of Costume Design, we've broken new ground once again with Paul, whose creations have not only brought to life the characters in major Hollywood films like Harriet and Hamilton, but is someone whose work can be treasured at the highest levels of film, television, theater and opera. He's a triple threat plus one, and we can't wait to be further enthralled during his conversation with Deborah Landis, who has supported this award since Day One."

Visit kwfilmfest.com for full program information – which will be announced on October 19, along with a schedule of events and travel and lodging details.

West Side Story (Photo Credit_ Niko Tavernise, 20th Century Studios)

ABOUT THE KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL

Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021.

For more information, visit our website: https://kwfilmfest.com

Twitter - @keywestfilmfest
Instagram - @keywestfilmfestival
Facebook - Key West Film Festival

#kwff #kwff2021 #tropiccinema

‘CIVIL WAR, An Urgent Reflection on America’s Collective Memory’ Premieres on MSNBC on Sunday, October 24 at 10:00pm ET

Directer: Rachel Boynton
Executive Producers by Henry Louis Gates Jr. & Sam Pollard
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Country: USA:

“In this time of reckoning in the country, Rachel Boynton’s journey into the heart of Civil War memory reveals just how contested, and personal, the meaning of this defining event in our history remains.” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

“[A] remarkable documentary… Delicately artful… There is
no shortage of provocative inquiry, or empathy, or understanding.”
– John Anderson, The Wall Street Journal

Union and Confederate veterans shaking hands at reunion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg as seen in Civil War (or, Who Do We Think We Are) , directed by Rachel Boyton. Image courtesy of the U.S. Library of Congress.

CIVIL WAR (OR, WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE), a timely and probing look at how Americans tell the story of their Civil War and its legacy of slavery and racism, will premiere on MSNBC on Sunday, October 24 at 10:00pm ET. Directed by three-time Emmy nominee Rachel Boynton (Big Men, Our Brand is Crisis), the film includes Henry Louis Gates Jr., Sam Pollard and Brad Pitt among its executive producers.

CIVIL WAR (OR, WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE) travels across the United States—particularly to its classrooms—to explore the different ways the Civil War has been taught and interpreted, commemorated and celebrated. Filmed from the last year of Obama’s presidency through the present, it interweaves insightful scenes and candid interviews filmed North and South, painting a uniquely crafted, multi-faceted portrait of our national narrative. With subtlety and determination, CIVIL WAR portrays a nation in denial, haunted by an embittered past and the stories it refuses to tell.

CIVIL WAR (OR, WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE) was written and directed by Rachel Boynton and produced by Rachel Boynton and Erika Dilday. It was shot by Nelson Walker and edited by Steven Golliday, Mark Juergens and Rachel Boynton. Executive producers are Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremey Kleiner, Steven Shainberg, Sam Pollard, Robert S. Kravis, and Rick Rosenthall. Music is by Nathan Larson.

An unidentified African American soldier in a Union uniform with wife and two daughters as seen in Civil War (or, Who Do We Think We Are) , directed by Rachel Boyton. Image courtesy of the U.S. Library of Cong

A confederate statue in front of the old courthouse building in Lexington, MS as seen in Civil War (or, Who Do We Think We Are) , directed by Rachel Boyton. Photo credit: Nelson Walker III

Rachel Boyton, director of Civil War (or, Who Do We Think We Are). Photo credit: Justine Cooper

About the Director Rachel Boynton

This is Rachel Boynton’s third film in a series examining the systems that control how Americans live and relate to the rest of the world. She consistently probes and questions the beliefs and stories that bind America as a nation. Her first feature documentary, Our Brand is Crisis, explored democracy and democratic ideals: it followed a group of American political consultants as they traveled to South America to help Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada become President of Bolivia. It was the winner of the International Documentary Association's Best Feature Documentary Award and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Rachel’s second film, Big Men, explored international capitalism and its principles: it focused on Americans operating in the oil industry in West Africa. Big Men was released theatrically in the US in 2014 and aired on the PBS series POV. The film was nominated for three News and Documentary Emmy Awards including Best Documentary. Civil War is Rachel's first film to be shot exclusively in the United States.