‘STAR PEOPLE’ in Theaters July 25th and on VOD Nationwide July 25th

Poster- STAR PEOPLE (Blue Harbor Entertainment)

Director and writer: Adam Finberg
Starring: Kat Cunning, McCabe Slye, Connor Paolo, Eddie Martinez, Bradley Fisher, and Adriana Aluna Martinez
Genre: UFO, Sci-Fi, Thrller
Rating:
Producers: Adam Finberg and Josh Shader
Distributor: Blue Harbor

Director and writer Adam Finberg directorial debut "Star People" tells the story of thousands of people in Arizona who on March 13, 1997, were eyewitnesses to the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—now famously known as The Phoenix Lights. Among them was 10-year-old Claire, who felt as if the lights called to her. Years later, Claire (Kat Cunning), now a photographer, is still chasing that moment, hoping to capture the lights on camera and finally make sense of what she saw.

 

ABOUT BLUE HARBOR ENTERTAINMENT

Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor of independent films designed for the business needs of today’s filmmakers and provides a comprehensive and full-scale distribution and marketing solution covering theatrical releases, home entertainment, transactional and subscription digital streaming platforms, and television. Established in 2023 by industry veterans Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina and Seth Needle, and with a combined experience spanning hundreds of films over multiple decades, Blue Harbor was conceived as a much-needed alternative in today’s challenging U.S. distribution environment with a structure that empowers filmmakers. Notable releases include the cannabis horror/thriller  Trim Season, starring Bethlehem Million (Sick) and Jane Badler (V), director Olivia Kuan’s award-winning documentary The Herricanes  about The Houston Herricanes, a team that was part of the groundbreaking first women’s full tackle football league of the 1970s, and writer/director Zia Mohajerjasbi's award-winning film Know Your Place, a story about change and loss set amidst the landscape of a transforming Seattle as seen by a young Eritrean-American boy. Recent releases include the award-winning, untold story of Dr. Audrey Evans, Audrey's Children, starring Natalie Dormer, and the romantic comedy A Nice Indian Boy starring Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff, and Lilly, the powerful story of equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter starring Patricia Clarkson.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the Grammy Museum Celebrates Black Music Month with Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton

Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton Photo: Yevette Renee
Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton Photo: Yevette Renee

On Sunday, June 29th, the African American Film Critics Association, in partnership with the Grammy Museum, celebrated Black Music Month with a conversation with Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton and moderated by Nekesa Moody.

As he discussed starting out DJing as a 15-year-old and how his mom worked two jobs and bought his DJ equipment and how he DJd in college, what stood out to me was his love and devotion to his family, his mother, kids, and brother and his commitment to help those coming behind him in the music business. He is a true mentor.

A prolific producer and songwriter, “Big Tank” is known for many successful musical projects, including music composer for The Chi, BMF, The Game, My Wife and Kids, Boondocks, Greenleaf, and much more.

Brendan Devane’s ‘THE SOUND’ view new trailer: In theaters and on VOD nationwide tomorrow, June 27th

Director, writer, producer:  Brendan Devane
Cast: Marc Hills, Rachel Finninger, Nicholas Baroudi , Jocelyn Hudon, William Fichtner, Christina Kirkman, Jolene Kay, David Clennon, Hazel Findlay, Brette Harrington, Adrian Ballinger ,Alex Honnold
Genres: Thriller, Horror, Action
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Run time: 1 hour 44 minutes

‘THE SOUND’ opening the following theaters:
Los Angeles-Lumiere Music Hall), NewYork Metro/ New Jersey-Cineplex 12 Newark, Dallas-Angelika Dallas,  Denver -Bow Tie Movieland 7, Carbondale, Chicago-Roxy Cinema, Ottawa,  Boston Area -Scene One Gilford Cinemas, Minneapolis-St Michael Cinema, Detroit-Bel Air Cinema, Orlando-GQT Merritt Square, Atlanta-Fieldstone 6, Hiawassee, Saratoga Springs-Scene One Milton Mall and more.

Streaming on VOD platforms: Apple, Amazon, Fandango At Home and all major platforms.

Director, writer, producer Brendan Devane’s new horror film tells the harrowing tale of climbers determined to conquer the Forbidden Wall. Leading the trekkers is Sean (Marc Hills), who is attempting to complete the climb his grandfather never did.

ABOUT BLUE HARBOR ENTERTAINMENT

Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor of independent films designed for the business needs of today’s filmmakers and provides a comprehensive and full-scale distribution and marketing solution covering theatrical releases, home entertainment, transactional and subscription digital streaming platforms, and television. Established in 2023 by industry veterans Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina and Seth Needle, and with a combined experience spanning hundreds of films over multiple decades, Blue Harbor was conceived as a much-needed alternative in today’s challenging U.S. distribution environment with a structure that empowers filmmakers. Recent releases include the award-winning untold story of Dr. Audrey Evans,  Audrey's Children, starring Natalie Dormer, romantic comedy A Nice Indian Boy, starring Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff, which has become this year's highest-grossing English-language film in limited release, and Lilly, the powerful story of equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter starring Patricia Clarkson. Other notable releases include the cannabis horror/thriller Trim Season, starring Bethlehem Million (Sick) and Jane Badler (V), director Olivia Kuan’s award-winning documentary The Herricanes  about The Houston Herricanes, a team that was part of the groundbreaking first women’s full tackle football league of the 1970s, and writer/director Zia Mohajerjasbi's award-winning film Know Your Place, a story about change and loss set amidst the landscape of a transforming Seattle as seen by a young Eritrean-American boy.

Distributor: Blue Harbor Entertainment
Executive Producer: James Devane
Director Of Photography:  Ryan Galvan
Editor: Alex Russek
Score by: James Iha

SUPERMAN in Theaters July 11th

Director and writer: James Gunn
Based on DC Characters
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced
Genre: Superhero, action
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

DC Studio’s first feature film, ‘SUPERMAN’, is director James Gunn’s theatrical debut. It tells the story of Superman/Clark Kent (David Corenswet), and his inner struggles as he tries to come to terms with where he is from, Kryptonian and his human family in Kansas. Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan,  Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), the CEO of LuthorCorp and Superman’s number one enemy,  Michael Holt / Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Rex Mason / Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan ), Guy Gardner / Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion),  Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced),  Jonathan (Pruitt Taylor Vince)and Martha Kent (Neva Howell), Clark's adoptive human parents, Perry White (Wendell Pierce), the editor-in-chief of the Daily Plane.

Producers: Peter Safran, James Gunn
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production companies: DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment, The Safran Company
Cinematographer: Henry Braham
Editor: William Hoy, Craig Alpert
Music: John Murphy, David Fleming

‘ROOFMAN’ in Theaters Only October 10, 2025

Director: Derek Cianfrance
Writers: Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn
Starring: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, Peter Dinklage
Genre: Crime, comedy, drama
Rating:
Country: United States
Language: English

Director Derek Cianfrance’s new film ‘ROOFMAN’ tells the incredible story of  Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former United States Army Reserve officer, who was given the name Roofman after becoming infamous for burglarizing McDonald’s by entering through the roof and avoiding capture by hiding inside the walls of a Toys "R" Us.

Rounding out the cast are Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a single mother and Jeffrey’s love interest; Ron Smith(Ben Mendelsohn), a Pastor; Toys-R-Us general manager (Peter Dinklage); Jeff’s friend (Juno Temple); Jeff's friend (LaKeith Stanfield); Dwayne, a McDonald's manager (Tony Revolori); Jeff's lawyer (Dan Marks), Kami (Kathryn Stamas)

Paramount Pictures Presents, In Association with Miramax / FilmNation Entertainment / Von Waaden Entertainment,  A High Frequency / Hunting Lane / 51 Entertainment/Limelight Production, A film by Derek Cianfrance
Distributor: Miramax -Paramount Pictures
Production companies: FilmNation Entertainment, Limelight, Aperture Media Partners, High Frequency Entertainment, Hunting Lane Films, 51 Entertainment
Producers: Dylan Sellers, Chris Parker, Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor
Cinematographer: Andrij Parekh
Editor: Jim Helton

‘HEADS OF STATE’ Streaming Globally on Prime Video July 2nd

Director: Ilya Naishuller
Screenplay: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Harrison Query
Story: Harrison Query
Starring: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino
Genre: Action, comedy
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English

‘Heads of State’ directed by Ilya Naishuller follows Will Derringer (John Cena), the President of the United States  and Sam Clarke (Idris Elba), the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and a former SAS-trained commando set aside their difference and join together after being in the crosshairs of foreign actors out to get them. Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), a senior MI6 agent that has the difficult job of  ensuring  the  safety of  Clarke and Derringer.

Production companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Safran Company, Big Indie Pictures
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios (via Prime Video)
Producers: Peter Safran, John Rickard
Cinematographer: Ben Davis
Editor: Tom Harrison-Read
Music: Steven Price

Magnolia Pictures’ 40 Acres in Theaters July 2, 2025

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Director: R.T. Thorne
Writers: R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor
Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O'Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas
Run time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Genre: Post-apocalyptic thriller
Country: Canada
Language: English

Hailey Freeman, a former soldier (Danielle Deadwyler), her life partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes), and their children fled the devastation of their communities, while teaching their children to fight and to survive. The safety they created for their family is all on the line when their oldest child, Emanuel Freeman (Kataem O’Connor), meets a young woman named Dawn (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) beyond the boundaries of safety for them all. Danis Freeman (Jaeda LeBlanc) and Raine (Leenah Robinson)

Distributor: Mongrel Media
Production company: Hungry Eyes Film & Television
Producer: Jennifer Holness
Cinematographer: Jeremy Benning
Editors: Dev Singh. Sandy Pereira
Music: Todor Kobakov

ELIO Review: When being understood matters most

ELIO

Release date: Friday, June 20, 2025

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
Story by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina, Julia Cho
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil
Genre: Animation, science fiction, adventure
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English

ELIO, from directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, a film for the entire family that reminds us that what we often search for is right where we are.
Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt), a conspiracy theorist; Tegmen (Matthias Schweighöfer) an alien ambassador; Helix (Brandon Moon), an alien ambassador; Auva Naomi Watanabe as, an alien ambassador; Turais (Ana de la Reguera), an alien ambassador; Mira (Anissa Borrego) an alien ambassador; Diplo Ship (Shelby Young); Universal Users Manual (Bob Peterson); Museum Exhibit Narrator (Kate Mulgrew); Colonel Markwell (Tamara Tonie) and  a collection of old Carl Saga’s recordings were also used.

Being a single parent is difficult, being a single guardian to your orphaned nephew brings a whole new level of parenting. And trying to figure it all out while having to grieve the loss of a sibling and sister-in-law. But Olga gets it done. You can  not help but cheer them on.

Something that really stood out to me was when Olga said,
“I may not always understand you, but I will always love you”.

And that is what family and friendships are all about. You can love a person, even if you both see things differently.

ELIO is an enjoyable film that warms the heart and is a friendly reminder that family is what you are born into and the ones you make on your life journey.

Production company: Pixar Animation Studios
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Producer: Mary Alice Drumm
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
Story by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina, Julia Cho
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil
Cinematographer: Derek Williams, Jordan Rempel
Editors: Anna Wolitzky, Steve Bloom
Music: Rob Simonsen

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and American Cinematheque Celebrate Mara Brock Akil on Juneteenth

mara brock akil

On Thursday, Juneteenth, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and American Cinematheque paid  special tribute to celebrated Mara Brock Akil,

The sit-down discussion took place at American Cinematheque’s AERO Theater in Santa Monica, before a packed and engaged audience.     Her film career includes With Honors, Sparkle, The Start Up, Stamped from the Beginning.

Mara’s television career includes: The Sinbad Show, Keep the Faith", South Central, Dave's World, Moesha, The Jamie Foxx Show, Girlfriends, The Game", Leading Women, Cougar Town, Being Mary Jane, Reed Between the Lines         Love Is Yes, "The Vineyard"

And her latest television project on Netflix series Forever that she is executive producing. Mara has won a host of awards NAACP Image Awards, National Association of Television Program Executives, Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award, NAMIC Vision, and SHINE Awards.