Purdie Distribution’s “Tokyo Cowboy” in Theaters on August 30th

(Los Angeles, CA) This charming dramedy centers on a Japanese corporate turnaround artist, Hideki (Arata Iura). Confident that he has the secret sauce to recharge any stagnant brand, he’s got a slick pitch deck (with a snapshot from his own childhood), and he’s engaged to Keiko (Ayako Fujitani), the corporate vice-president he reports to. His company is about to liquidate a money-hemorrhaging cattle ranch in Montana co-owned by Peg (Robin Weigert ), when he parachutes in for a quick fix. His Japanese beef consultant Wada (Jun Kunimura) goes hilariously native, and Hideki, a smart guy, immediately sees that his idea for a quick fix was mistaken. Now unsettled and off the grid in an alien culture, Hideki recalibrates his values and his life goals. Mexican ranch hand Javier (Goya Robles) helps Hideki see that there is more to live for than just the bottom line and rising sales figures. When Hideki fails to come home on time, Keiko is sent to bring him back.

Directed by filmmaker Marc Marriott making his feature directorial debut, and beautifully shot by cinematographer Oscar Ignacio Jimenez, this stunning film was produced by Brigham TaylorMarc Marriot and Jeri Rafter. This premiered last year at the 2023 Tallgrass Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Feature, and it also played at the Boston, San Luis Obispo, Sedona, St Louis International, Newport Beach, Zions Indie and Heartland Film Festivals, winning additional awards at all of them. The screenplay was written by Dave Boyle and Ayako Fujitani.

“The story of Tokyo Cowboy was born out of my own experience living as a foreigner in a foreign land.  Years ago, I had a profoundly impactful experience living in Japan.”Said Director Marc Marriott. “I went as one person, and I came home changed.  My time in Japan caused me to become quieter- to listen more.”

“…thus was born Hideki Sakai and his journey in Tokyo Cowboy. Displaced and disconnected in Japan, Hideki Sakai spends his time acquiring other people’s dreams. Like the characters in my favorite films such as Local Hero, I was charmed by Hideki’s journey and his growing attraction to a place he has come intending to change, even destroy.  Hideki’s bottom-line numbers-focused approach to life has left him empty- searching for more.”

“This is a story about finding untapped reservoirs of courage and empathy from your own culture, while also reaching out and connecting with others. Highlighting this character journey is the natural beauty of the Montana landscape: the stunning contrast to the rich neon beauty of Tokyo produces a unique visual palette.”

“The greatest dramatic stakes are when we risk something personal, and humor is most indelible when it’s derived from a shared human experience. This is what I wanted to feel in Tokyo Cowboy.  I hope audiences are surprisingly charmed by this gentle narrative about Hideki’s journey.  I hope that they can see some of themselves in Hideki’s desire to listen, slow down, and connect with the land and with the people around him.”

Tokyo Cowboy is produced through Salaryman Film.   Purdie Distribution will release Tokyo Cowboy in select US theaters as AMC Artisan Films on August 30th, 2024 with VOD to follow. For more info, visit the film's official site, www.tokyocowboyfilm.com  or visit www.PurdieDistribution.com.

ABOUT Purdie Distribution:
Purdie Distribution is an independently-owned film distribution company known for releasing independent films theatrically nationwide. Established in 2009, Purdie Distribution led the distribution of Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed and The Void, The Saratov Approach, Freetown, Once I Was A Beehive and is generally focused on films that elevate the human experience, focusing primarily on family, faith-based and funny films.

REAL TO REEL: A NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE 2024

Netflix FYSEE Logo

Streaming giant Netflix hosted an exceptional  evening of panels at FYSEE, their official  For Your Consideration events spaces. The panels showcased Netflix’s documentaries THE Greatest Night In Pop, Beckham, American Nightmare, Arnold, High On The Hog, Escaping Twin Flames, Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only, Life On Our Planet, Our Planet II, Sly And Wham!

Hallmar’s Family Practice Mysteries: Coming Home Premieres: Friday, May 17 at 9/8c on Hallmark Mystery; Hallmark Movies Now Subscribers Get Early Access Starting May 2

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Stars: Amanda Schull and Brendan Penny

Dr. Rachel Hunt (Schull) is a smart and intuitive small-town family doctor. Once a trauma surgeon in the US army, after losing her husband in combat, she retired her commission and is now settling into a quiet, new life back home with her widowed father (Gerard Plunkett, Travelers) and her teenaged twins, Chloe (Isla Crerar, The Stand) and Matthew (Jett Klyne, WandaVision).

When favorite patient Ross Alexander (Greg Kean, #XMAS) suddenly dies shortly after Rachel gave him a clean bill of health, she cannot shake the feeling that there is more to it. Her attempt to involve the authorities is met with resistance by charming police detective Jack Quinn (Penny), who wants to help, but is not convinced that this is anything more than a death by natural causes. Rachel puts her background in military forensics to work and starts to investigate what could possibly have caused the beloved newspaper editor’s death. With support from community friends, new and old, Rachel persuades Quinn to keep digging. But when finding the search for a killer puts Rachel’s life in danger, she realizes that smalltown life will not be nearly as quiet as she had planned.

‘Oppenheimer’ Wins Seven Oscars, Including Best Picture and Director: Full 2024 Oscar Winners

Photo: Yevette Renee

The Oscars got off to a rocky start with the pro-Palestinian rally in the blocks from the Dolby Theatre in heart of Hollywood that caused the late start for the ceremony as A-listers rushed to get to their seats.

And ended with a fantastic performance by Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” that included appearances by Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, and the Barbie’s other Kens Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ncuti Gatwa. His hot pick suit, gloves gave you all the “Barbie” vibes.

Once it did get started, it brought plenty of entertainment and great acceptance speeches and domination by ‘Oppenheimer.’

After seven nominations, Christopher Nolan about “Oppenheimer and his win as best director, “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world.”

Da’vine Joy Randolph won best supporting actress for her role as a cafeteria manager dealing with the death of her son in “The Holdovers.” Da’Vine thanked voters for “seeing me,” adding, “for so long, I’ve always wanted to be different, and now, I realize, I just need to be myself.”

Jonathan Glazer, director of “The Zone of Interest,” a drama set in Auschwitz winner of the best international feature winner  “Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst,” Glazer said. “It shaped all of our past and present. Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people. Whether the victims of October 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanization — how do we resist?”Here’s the complete list of winner

Host Jimmy Kimmel called “the teamsters, the truck drivers, gaffers, grips” to join him on stage, thankin them for refusing the cross the picket lines as actors and writers held out for a better contract.

He said, “Come on, guys, take a bow,” Kimmel said. “Take a bow. You deserve it. Thank you for standing with us.” Best Picture

A hilarious moment was Kimmel reading a review from Donald Trumps about his hosting of the Oscars.

“Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars?,” Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social. “His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and can never be.”

Kimmel responded,  “Isn’t it past your jail time?”

The complete list of 2024 Oscar winners:

Best Picture

WINNER “Oppenheimer,” Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, producers

“American Fiction,” Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, producers

“Anatomy of a Fall,” Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, producers

“Barbie,” David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, producers

“The Holdovers,” Mark Johnson, producer

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, producers

“Maestro,” Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, producers

“Past Lives,” David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, producers

“Poor Things,” Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, producers

“The Zone of Interest,” James Wilson, producer

Best Director

Winner Christopher Nolan — “Oppenheimer”

 Justine Triet — “Anatomy of a Fall”

Martin Scorsese — “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Yorgos Lanthimos — “Poor Things”

Jonathan Glazer — “The Zone of Interest”

Actor in a Leading Role

WINNER Cillian Murphy — “Oppenheimer”

Bradley Cooper — “Maestro”

Colman Domingo — “Rustin”

Paul Giamatti — “The Holdovers”

Jeffrey Wright — “American Fiction”

Actress in a Leading Role

WINNER  Emma Stone — “Poor Things”

 Annette Bening — “Nyad”

Lily Gladstone — “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Sandra Hüller — “Anatomy of a Fall”

Carey Mulligan — “Maestro”

Actor in a Supporting Role

WINNER Robert Downey Jr. — “Oppenheimer”

 Sterling K. Brown — “American Fiction”

Robert De Niro – “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Ryan Gosling — “Barbie”

Mark Ruffalo — “Poor Things”

Actress in a Supporting Role

WINNER   Da’Vine Joy Randolph —          “The Holdovers”

 Emily Blunt — “Oppenheimer”

Danielle Brooks — “The Color Purple”

America Ferrera – “Barbie”

Jodie Foster — “Nyad”

Adapted Screenplay

WINNER “American Fiction,” written for the screen by Cord Jefferson

“Barbie,” written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach

“Oppenheimer,” written for the screen by Christopher Nolan

“Poor Things,” screenplay by Tony McNamara

“The Zone of Interest,” written by Jonathan Glazer

Original Screenplay

WINNER “Anatomy of a Fall,” screenplay by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari

“The Holdovers,” written by David Hemingson

“Maestro,” written by Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer

“May December,” screenplay by Samy Burch; story by Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik

“Past Lives,” written by Celine Song

Cinematography

WINNER “Oppenheimer” – Hoyte van Hoytema

 “El Conde” – Edward Lachman

"Killers of the Flower Moon” – Rodrigo Prieto

"Maestro” – Matthew Libatique

“Poor Things” – Robbie Ryan

Original Song

WINNER “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie,” music and lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

 “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot,” music and lyric by Diane Warren

“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie,” music and lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony,” music and lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson

“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon,” music and lyric by Scott George

Costume Design

WINNER “Poor Things” – Holly Waddington

“Barbie” – Jacqueline Durran

“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Jacqueline West

“Napoleon” – Janty Yates and Dave Crossman

“Oppenheimer” – Ellen Mirojnick

Sound

Winner “The Zone of Interest,” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

“The Creator,” Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic

“Maestro,” Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor

“Oppenheimer,” Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell

Original Score

WINNER “Oppenheimer” – Ludwig Göransson

“American Fiction” – Laura Karpman

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” John Williams

“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Robbie Robertson

“Poor Things” – Jerskin Fendrix

Live Action Short Film

WINNER “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” Wes Anderson and Steven Rales

“The After,” Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham

“Invincible,” Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron

“Knight of Fortune,” Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk

“Red, White and Blue,” Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane

Animated Short Film

WINNER “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko,” Dave Mullins and Brad Booker

“Letter to a Pig,” Tal Kantor and Amit R. Gicelter

“Ninety-Five Senses,” Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess

“Our Uniform,” Yegane Moghaddam

“Pachyderme,” Stéphanie Clément and Marc Rius

Documentary Feature Film

WINNER “20 Days in Mariupol,” Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp and John Battsek

“The Eternal Memory”

“Four Daughters,” Kaouther Ben Hania and Nadim Cheikhrouha

“To Kill a Tiger,” Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim

Documentary Short Film

WINNER “The Last Repair Shop,” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers

“The ABCs of Book Banning,” Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic

“The Barber of Little Rock,” John Hoffman and Christine Turner

“Island in Between,” S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien

“Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó,” Sean Wang and Sam Davis

International Feature Film

WINNER “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)

“Io Capitano” (Italy)

“Perfect Days” (Japan)

“Society of the Snow” (Spain)

“The Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany)

Animated Feature Film

WINNER “The Boy and the Heron,” Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki

“Elemental,” Peter Sohn and Denise Ream

“Nimona,” Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary

“Robot Dreams,” Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal

Makeup and Hairstyling

WINNER “Poor Things,” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston

“Golda,” Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue

“Maestro,” Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell

“Oppenheimer,” Luisa Abel

“Society of the Snow,” Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé

Production Design

WINNER “Poor Things,” production design: James Price and Shona Heath; set decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek

“Barbie,” production design: Sarah Greenwood; set decoration: Katie Spencer

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” production design: Jack Fisk; set decoration: Adam Willis

“Napoleon,” production design: Arthur Max; set decoration: Elli Griff

“Oppenheimer,” production design: Ruth De Jong; set decoration: Claire Kaufman

Film Editing

WINNER “Oppenheimer” – Jennifer Lame

“Anatomy of a Fall” – Laurent Sénéchal

“The Holdovers” – Kevin Tent

“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Thelma Schoonmaker

“Poor Things” – Yorgos Mavropsaridis

Visual Effects

WINNER “Godzilla Minus One,” Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima

“The Creator,” Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould

“Napoleon,” Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould

THE COLOR PURPLE 2023  Starring Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Opens in Theatres December 25th

Release date: December 25, 2023 
Director: Blitz Bazawule 
Writers: Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker, Marsha Norman 
Screenplay: Marcus Gardley 
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray 
Starring : Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Fantasia Barrino, Ciara 
Genre: Musical coming- of-age period drama 
Rating: PG-13 
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes 
Language: English 
Country: United States 

Opening exclusively in theaters in North America on December 25th and internationally beginning on January 18th 

ABOUT THE COLOR PURPLE 

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones, “The Color Purple” is a bold new take on the classic story of love and resilience, adapted from the beloved novel and the Broadway musical.  Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately learns to find extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.  

“The Color Purple” stars Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo (“Euphoria,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Tony Award nominee Corey Hawkins (“Six Degrees of Separation,” “In the Heights”), Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Grammy nominee Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”), Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “Ray”), and Grammy-winning artist Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut.  

“The Color Purple” is directed by Blitz Bazawule, a multi-media artist who was a co-director on Beyonce’s Black is King and made his feature debut with the critically acclaimed Afrofuturistic The Burial of Kojo. The screenplay is by acclaimed playwright Marcus Gardley, who won a WGA Award for “Maid.”  His script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. 

Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are a roster of acclaimed artisans, including Oscar-nominated director of photography Dan Laustsen (“The Shape of Water”), Oscar-winning production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Shape of Water”), editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “Meet the Parents”), costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Glory,” “One Night in Miami…”) and choreographer Fatima Robinson (“Dreamgirls”).  The music is by Oscar nominee Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book,” documentary short “A Concerto Is a Conversation”).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Domain Entertainment, An Amblin Entertainment Production, An OW Films Production, An SGS Pictures Production/A QJP Production, “The Color Purple.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning 18 January 2024.  

#TheColorPurple 

Release Date: December 25, 2023
Distributor Worldwide: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Harpo Films, Amblin Entertainment, Scott Sanders Productions, Quincy Jones Productions
Director: Blitz Bazawule
Writers: Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker, Marsha Norman
Screenplay: Marcus Gardley
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Fantasia Barrino
Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones
Executive Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Editor: Jon Poll
Composer: Kris Bowers
Re-Recording Mixer: Paul Massey
Songwriters: Denisia “Blu” Andrews, Brittany “Chi” Coney
Costume Designers: Hooch Aller. Ager Dyer. Christina Battaglia.
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
 
 

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION (AAFCA) SETS DECEMBER 3RD FOR  THE 5TH ANNUAL AAFCA TV HONORS

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN TELEVISION AND STREAMING 

AAFCA WILL CELEBRATE ITS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED WINNERS AT A PRIVATE LUNCHEON AT THE HOTEL CASA DEL MAR IN SANTA MONICA QUINTA BRUNSON, NIECY NASH-BETTS, “P-VALLEY,” JESSICA WILLIAMS, “TED LASSO,” JENNIFER HUDSON,  MARLA GIBBS AND DEBBIE ALLEN AMONG THOSE TO BE CELEBRATED

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2023 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) today announced a new date to celebrate its previously announced AAFCA TV Honors winners. The private, invitation-only event was previously scheduled for August 27th but was postponed due to the strike and will now be held on December 3rd at the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California.

Presented by the African American Film Critics Association the AAFCA TV Honors recognize outstanding achievements in Broadcast Television and Streaming with a special emphasis on entertainment representing the Black diaspora.  Previously announced winners include Quinta Brunson, the cast of “P-Valley,” Jessica WilliamsDebbie AllenNiecy Nash-Betts, “The 1619 Project” and many more. Special honorees include Jennifer Hudson, who will receive the We See You Award, Delroy Lindo, who will receive the Legacy Award, and five-time Emmy® nominee Marla Gibbs who will receive the Legend Award.  The Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso'' will receive the Inclusion Award, and CBS’ “S.W.A.T.,'' produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with CBS Studios, will receive the Impact Award.

"We are happy that our industry can take a collective sigh of relief and get back to work, " stated AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. “We love a good party here at AAFCA and we’re going to pull out all the stops to celebrate our winners and honorees.  With the industry in flux for so many months, we’re really looking forward to finally getting to recognize and celebrate these incredible talents.”

A full list of previously announced  winners follows:

2023 AAFCA TV HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS:

  • BEST TV COMEDY - "Abbott Elementary" (ABC)

  • BEST TV DRAMA - "P-Valley" (Starz)

  • BEST NEW SHOW - "Mo" (Netflix) 

  • BEST DOCUMENTARY - "The 1619 Project" (Onyx Collective/Hulu) 

  • BEST LIMITED SERIES - "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" (Peacock)

  • BEST TV MOVIE - “Shooting Stars” (Peacock)  

  • BREAKOUT STAR - Jessica Williams - “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

  • BEST ENSEMBLE - "P-Valley" (Starz) 

  • BEST TV WRITING - Quinta Brunson - “Abbott Elementary” (ABC) 

  • BEST TV DIRECTING - Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan, Jordan E. Cooper - "The Ms. Pat Show" (BET+) 

  • BEST TV ACTING (Female) - Niecy Nash-Betts - “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” (Netflix)  

  • BEST TV ACTING (Male) - J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan - "P-Valley" (Starz) 

ABOUT AAFCA
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premier body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment highlighting the Black experience in the US and throughout the rest of the African Diaspora. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com.

Lost Women of Highway 20,’ narrated by Octavia Spencer, premieres Sunday, Nov. 5, at 9/8c on the ID Network 

It took the disappearance of 13-year-old Rachanda Pickle, from her home in Santiam Playground, Ore., in 1990, to bring to light the all of the missing women and girls, who were raped, murdered, or vanished without a trace on a stretch of United States Highway 20, starting in the late 70s to the early 90s 

As people began looking into the disappearance of Rachanda, they became aware of Melissa Sanders and Kay Turner, to just name a few of the missing women and girls, and who could be responsible for the senseless acts of violence. 

In 2018, The Oregonian spotlighted the victims of Highway 20 and the abject failure of the criminal justice system to do anything about the violence against women and girls. 

This three-part docuseries, Lost Women of Highway 20, is premiering on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 9/8c on ID (Investigation Discovery). 

ABOUT OCTAVIA SPENCER 
Octavia Lenora Spencer an American actress and producer. She is the recipient of an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award, and is the first black actress to receive two consecutive Oscar nominations  

Spencer made her film debut in the 1996 drama A Time to Kill. Her breakthrough came in 2011 with the 1960s America in the drama film The Help, for which she won several awards including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. For her performance in Ryan Coogler's biopic Fruitvale Station in 2013, she won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress.  

As an author, Spencer created the children's book series Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective. She has published two books in the series, titled The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit in 2013 and The Sweetest Heist in History in 2015.  

ABOUT ID 
Investigation Discovery (ID) was established in 1996 and is an American multinational pay television network dedicated to true crime documentaries that is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Approximately 86 million American households get Investigation Discovery. 

“Your Lucky Day” Original Soundtrack Available on all streaming platforms November 10th Timed to Day & Date Release 

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(Los Angeles, CA) The original soundtrack by composer Matt Hutchinson for the feature film Your Lucky Day will be released timed to the film’s day & date theatrical – in theaters on Friday, November 10th, 2023.The film directed by Daniel Brown and starring the late Angus Cloud (HBO’s Euphoria) in one of his final extraordinary performances. Composed by Matt Hutchinson (Tuscaloosa, starring Natalia Dyer), this richly nuanced soundtrack will be released digitally everywhere on November 10th, 2023, timed to the film’s release.  

Your Lucky Day is Daniel Brown’s epic feature film directorial debut and tells the story of a street level drug dealer named Sterling (Cloud ) who witnesses a wealthy older man win a $156 million USD lottery on Christmas Eve. With his eye set on achieving the “American Dream” and looking to take the jackpot for himself, Sterling holds the entire mini-mart hostage with a half-baked plan to steal the ticket and split up the prize pool. Adding to the film's quick plot turns and relentless pace is the dark and emotionally charged original score. Hutchinson, who channels the energy of this pressure-cooker situation in which every character is forced to examine their justifications for their actions, has delivered a soundtrack that seamlessly enhances the movie's narrative. 

“I’m always very inspired by the visuals I am working with,” stated Hutchinson. “I look at the color, tone, and pacing. I listen to the sonic qualities of the actors' voices - the sound design too. All of these things inspire me as I begin to conceptualize and create the score. My goal is for the music to become such an integral part of the experience that the audience isn’t aware it’s there anymore. Then again, there are occasionally moments where the music takes center stage and speaks more boldly to the narrative. It’s really just storytelling. I just want to help the director realize the story in the best way possible, and Dan made that easy for me by creating such a well-crafted and compelling film.” 

“I have lots of thoughts on music but it’s also like speaking a foreign language for me, all hand gestures and pointing, I need a translator,” added Brown. “I met Matt working on a video game trailer nearly 20 years ago, and we struck up a relationship and discovered a kinship that would remain. Commercial work followed but more importantly it was the side projects we did together that seemed to really pop for both of us. The minute I wrapped production on the shoot my next call was to Matt to see if he’d be able to work on the music -- I wanted to SCORE the film, underline emotion, and enhance the thrills while also looking for places to experiment and surprise the audience sonically. As always with Matt he delivered in spades.”  

The Your Lucky Day original soundtrack is available on all digital platforms beginning November 10th. For more information and interviews with Hutchinson contact Cinematic Red PR 

American Fiction: Review 

No Matter What Challenges and Stereotypes You Face in Life, You Are Not Immune from the Challenges Within Your Own Family 

Release dates: December 15, 2023 (United States)
Director:  Cord Jefferson
Screenplay:Cord Jefferson
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Genre: Comedy, drama
Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English 

Director and writer Cord Jefferson theatrical directorial debut ‘American Fiction’, based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, tells the challenges of writer and academic Thelonious "Monk" Ellison   Jeffrey Wright) as he tries to comes to terms with the success and fame of writers/authors, especially  Sinatra Golden (Issa Rae) whose books are full of all the stereotypes about African American while at the same time trying to cope with family dynamic with his sister  Lisa Ellison (Tracee Ellis Ross), brother Clifford "Cliff" Ellison (Sterling K. Brown), his mother Agnes Ellison Leslie Uggams and affairs of the heart with Coraline (Erika Alexander). 

American Fiction takes you through the up and downs of family life. You can share in the tough times of loss and the good times of celebration. It shows that being educated with financial means does not shield you from life’s trials and tribulations. 

We are reminded of the importance of being seen and having our humanity acknowledged during a conversation between Monk and Cliff. 

Monk said, “what if he rejected you? Referring to their father. Cliff, “at least he would have rejected the real me.” 

Cord’s script finds a visually interesting way of bringing Monk’s characters Willey the Wonker (Keith David) along with his son, to life as he drafts his book full of African American stereotypes. It is like a live play within the film. This style used through-out brought added dimension to the film 

The beautiful setting of his home state of Massachusetts, his family home and beach house shows without words  the upper middle-class lifestyle that Monk and his family enjoyed. 

As Monk struggles to understand the value in Sinatra Golden’s successful book He has a conversation with Sinatra and refers to the potential of a writer when Sinatra said, “potential is what they see when they think a person is not good enough.”  

There is so much truth in her statement. It makes you think about the stereotype people hold that lets you know they do not think highly of the people they demean. how non-minorities think of people of color 

 About Jefferey Cord

Jefferey Cord’s T.V. credits include Succession, The Good Place, Master of None, and his 2020 Emmy winning episode This Extraordinary Being. He began his writing career with publications The Ringer, GQ, the New Yorker, and later serving as the editor of Gawker .

Production companies: Orion Pictures, MRC Film, T-Street Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Distributors: Amazon MGM Studios
Release dates: December 15, 2023 (United States)
Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Director:  Cord Jefferson
Screenplay:Cord Jefferson
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Cinematographer: Cristina Dunlap
Editor: Hilda Rasula
Music: Laura Karpman 

Watch the First Official trailer from writer and director Cord Jefferson’s Theatrical Directorial Debut American Fiction Premiering in the United States December 15th 

Release dates: December 15, 2023 United States
Director:  Cord Jefferson
Screenplay:Cord Jefferson
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Genre: Comedy, drama
Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English 

Writer and director Cord Jefferson's theatrical directorial debut American Fiction debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 8th and makes its limited theatrical release in the United States on December 15, 2023.

Cord Jefferson's romantic comedy film American Fiction shares the story of Monk, a writer , who becomes fed up with Black Americans being stereotyped in entertainment,as he goes on a quest to prove his point and writes a book full of all those kinds of  exploitation and the results it has on his life.Starring  in American Fiction is Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown.

About Cord Jefferson

Cord’s T.V. credits include Succession, The Good Place, Master of None, and his 2020  Emmy winning episode This Extraordinary Being. He began his writing career with publications The Ringer, GQ, the New Yorker, and later serving as the editor of Gawker 

Release dates: December 15, 2023 (United States)
Production companies: Orion Pictures, MRC Film, T-Street Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment

Distributors: Amazon MGM Studios
Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English 
Director:  Cord Jefferson
Screenplay:Cord Jefferson
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Cinematographer: Cristina Dunlap
Editor: Hilda Rasula
Music: Laura Karpman
Production companies: Orion Pictures, MRC Film, T-Street Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Distributors: Amazon MGM Studios
Release dates: December 15, 2023 United States
Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Director:  Cord Jefferson
Screenplay:Cord Jefferson
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,  Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Cinematographer: Cristina Dunlap
Editor: Hilda Rasula
Music: Laura Karpman