Unspool Hollywood

RANDY RHOADS Reflections of a Guitar Icon Video Available On Demand May 6th

A FILM BY ANDRE RELIS

A look into the life of legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads best known for his gut-wrenching guitar solo in Crazy Train with Ozzy Osbourne.

May 6, 2022, Available Video On Demand

Available on VOD beginning Friday, May 6th
ITUNES, AMAZON, INDEMAND, VUDU/FANDANGO NOW, VUBIQUITY, DISH, HOOPLA, MIRCOSOFT STORE/XBOX, GOOGLE PLAY, DIRECTV (coming soon to SVOD)

Director: Andre Relis
Narrator: Tracii Guns |
Featuring: Randy Rhoads, Dana Strum, Ron Sobol, Rudy Sarzo, and Eddie Van Halen
Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Documentary

ABOUT RANDY RHOADS
Randy Rhoads, the legendary guitarist known for his unmatchable guitar riffs, re-shaped rock’n’roll as the lead guitarist for Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne. After forming Quiet Riot with bandmates Kelly Garni, Drew Forsyth, and Kevin DuBrow in the 70s, the band quickly became one of the most popular acts in the Los Angeles club circuit. However, their music failed to land them a legitimate record deal. After playing with Quiet Riot for over 10 years, Randy received an opportunity to be the lead guitarist for former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne. Randy played with Ozzy for a few short years, recording legendary songs such as Crazy Train, which includes Randy’s groundbreaking guitar solo. After touring with Ozzy in the early 80s, Randy was tragically killed in a plane crash on March 19, 1982 at the young age of 25. His body died that day, but his soul and music live on forever.

RANDY RHOADS: Reflections of a Guitar Icon is directed by Andre Relis. Narrated by Tracii Guns. Written and edited by Michael Bruining. Produced by Relis and Jessica Bennett. Executive Produced by Relis and JD Beaufils. Cinematography by Rich Buhrman. Music by Sean Kelly. A VMI Worldwide production.

Interviews: Delores Rhoads, Kelle Rhoads, Laura 'DuBrow' Mandell, Rudy Sarzo, Drew Forsyth, Eddie Van Halen, Lori Hollen, Jodi Vigier, Kim McNair, Brian Reason, Peter M. Margolis, Frankie Banali, John Donais, Joel Hoekstra, Bruce Kulick, Doug Aldrich, Gary Moore, Dweezil Zappa, George Lynch, and Ozzy Osbourne.

AN ACT OF WORSHIP World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival 2022

Directors: Nausheen Dadabhoy
Producer: Sofian Khan, Kristi Jacobson, Heba Elorbany
Running Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Language: English, Arabic
Country: United States

PRESS SCREENING
Friday, June 10 at 9:30AM at Village East - Press/Industry Screening
PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 9 at 5:00PM at Village East - WORLD PREMIERE
Friday, June 10 at 6:00PM at Cinepolis - 2nd Public Screening
Sunday, June 12 at 8:15PM at Tribeca Film Center - 3rd Public Screening

Photo 5-(L-R) Aber in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures).

AN ACT OF WORSHIP is a polyphonic portrait of the last 30 years of Muslim life in America. Told through the lens of Muslims living in the United States, the film offers a counter-narrative of pivotal moments in U.S. history and explores the impact of anti-Muslim rhetoric and policy on young Muslims who came of age after 9/11. Due to their first-hand knowledge and intimate access to the Muslim community, the filmmaking team is able to take charge of the account, which has previously been shaped by outsiders.

ABER’s father was deported when she was 16. Now, she’s a community organizer leading a sanctuary city initiative in New York. KHADEGA is an 18-year-old Sudanese immigrant living in Michigan. While she feels compelled to advocate for her community, she struggles to overcome society's expectations of her and find her own way. AMEENA is a civil rights lawyer in California, but as a mother, she’s conflicted between caring for her three young children or sacrificing her time with them to fight for change.

(L-R) Aber and her mother in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures)

Weaving together observational footage of these three women with community home videos, and evocative recollections from individuals impacted by incidents of Islamophobia, AN ACT OF WORSHIP opens a window into the world of Muslim Americans through collective memory.

NAUSHEEN DADABHOY, is a director and cinematographer whose work spans fiction and documentary. She lensed an Oscar nominated film, an Emmy winning documentary, and films that have played at Sundance, TIFF, Locarno and on Al Jazeera, HBO and PBS. Her directorial debut THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET premiered at IDFA.

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2022
Link to buy tickets: https://tribecafilm.com/films/act-of-worship-2022 #Tribeca2022

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

END OF THE LINE Will be Released In U.S. On Digital and Cable On Demand Platforms June 14

POSTER-END OF THE LINE (Gravitas Ventures)

Director: Emmett Adler
Executive Producers: Emmett Adler, Ian Mayer
Co-Producer Mariah Wilson
Editor: Emmett Adler
Genre: Feature Documentary
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Running Time: 1 hour 5 Minutes

“END OF THE LINE” will be released On Digital and Cable On Demand platforms in the U.S. on June 14^.Available of VOD Platforms: Apple/iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

Andy Byford and Joe Lhota in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE (Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

Award-winning filmmaker Emmett Adler's feature documentary END OF THE LINE is a character-driven political drama about the New York City subway crisis and a long overdue reckoning on infrastructure.

Establishing the vital economic importance and grandeur of New York City’s historic subway system, the film dives into its dire modern-day troubles picking up in the late 2010s when flooding, overcrowding, power failures, and derailments have become commonplace. After a particularly bad spate of disasters in the summer of 2017, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaims a state of emergency and hires a new international wunderkind executive named Andy Byford to save the subways. Byford, an earnest Briton with an impressive resume, enters as a charismatic would-be hero.

Andrew Cuomo in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE(Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

As the political turmoil behind the subway’s decline comes into sharp focus, scenes in barbershops, bodegas, and bakeries show the frustration and devastation among business owners and residents who are caught in the middle.

Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic furthers this, and brings to light America’s need to shore up its infrastructure in cities across the country and the inequality struggles that are central to this debate. A heartfelt and scrupulous exploration, this film poses the question: what happens when the lifeline of a city goes flat?

This film is dedicated to the heroic New York City transit workers who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic.EMMETT ADLER is an Emmy-winning filmmaker who has taught art in Shenzhen, China, was once a chess champion in the state of Illinois and can juggle pins while walking on stilts. He has over a decade of experience as a freelance documentary and commercial film editor. In 2021, he made his directorial debut with the feature documentary END OF THE LINE which premiered to sold out audiences at DOC NYC film festival.

Antonio Reynoso in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE (Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES

Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America - over one billion homes worldwide. Recent releases include Queen Bees directed by Michael Lembeck, Our Friend directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson, and Jason Segel,Vanguard, directed by Stanley Tong and starring Jackie Chan, The Secret: Dare to Dream, directed by Andy Tennant and starring Katie Holmes; For more information, please visit www.gravitasventures.com, and follow @GravitasVOD on Twitter and @gravitasventures on Instagram.

ABOUT ANTHEM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem's portfolio includesAXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution companyGravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel;IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world's leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events;Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content;GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNET MOVIES, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest inPursuit Channel , one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. For more information, please visitanthemse.com .

W: www.endoftheline.doc
F: https://www.facebook.com/endoflinedoc
T: https://twitter.com/endoflinedoc
I: https://www.instagram.com/endoflinedoc/

It’s a Hit! The 30th Pan African Film and Arts Festival’s Opening Night Screening “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story”

Cast of "Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story" at 30th Pan African Film Festival Opening Night. Photo: Pan African Film Festival

The Stars shined bright last night as the Pan African Film and Arts Festival celebrated its 30^th Anniversary with an in-person screening of “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story”, directed by Denise Dowe and written by Ericka Nicole Malone. Last night at the Director Guild of America on April 19^th.

On the Red Carpet were the stars of the film GRAMMY® winning Ledisi as Mahalia Jackson, Columbus Short as Martin Luther King Jr., Janet Hubert, Vanessa A. Williams, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keith David, Corbin Bleu and Keith Robinson.

Ayuko Babu, Executive Director of Pan African Film Festival and actor Danny Glover, both co-founders. Photo: Pan African Film Festival

In attendance was the film’s writer Ericka Nicole Malone, who is also an executive producer and director Denise Dowse, who also shined bright.

The night was hosted by actor, activist and Pan African Film and Arts Festival co-founder Danny Glover and Executive Director and co-founder Ayuko Babu.

Proud sponsors of tonight’s 30^th Pan African Film and Arts Festival are Stocker Street Creative, Glassdoor and FX Networks.

The 30^th Pan African Film and Arts Festival will take place through May 1, 2022, at the Cinemark Theatre and in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

Columbus Short starring as Martin Luther King Jr. in "Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story" Opening Night Pan African Film Festival. Photo: Pan African Film Festival

REMEMBER ME is a poignant look into the life and rise of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (Ledisi). Set in New Orleans, Louisiana, this provocative story explores the tumultuous relationship Mahalia shared with her mother’s sister “Aunt Duke” (Janet Hubert) legally named “Mahala” who was Mahalia’s namesake, after her mother Charity unexpectedly passes away. REMEMBER ME is a journey into Mahalia’s pursuit to go beyond the early childhood trauma she faced and detail how although her early childhood trauma shook her, it did not break her. Mahalia was not only an iconic gospel singer breaking racial and gender barriers she was also a Civil rights activist who understood the power of her position in the movement. REMEMBER ME explores Mahalia’s unbreakable relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Columbus Short) and her integral role in the Civil rights movement. REMEMBER ME brings Mahalia’s fight for freedom into the spotlight while highlighting Mahalia’s own personal search for love.

About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja'Net DuBois ("Good Times"), and Ayuko Babu (Executive Director), the Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America

Strike Back Studios Cinematic Racing Documentary “Rookie Season” on DVD Today & Streaming on Tubi on Friday, April 22nd

Strike Back Studios global TVOD/Digital release of the gripping cinematic racing documentary “Rookie Season” across all TVOD/Digital platforms across North America (USA & Canada), The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and more debuted on April 15th. Perfectly timed to the global racing season (following the film’s recent successful world premiere as the Best Documentary at the 2021 International Motor Film Awards in London, recent North American Premiere at the Mammoth Film Festival and incredible theatrical release across North America in February this is a movie that offers audiences a passenger seat inside the race car with unlimited views. Private screener links are absolutely available upon request for interview, review and what to watch coverage consideration.

The feature film debut from director Adrian Bonvento, “Rookie Season” gives audiences unprecedented access to the team throughout their 2019 season, be it through visceral in-car cameras, frank pit lane and engineering room discussions, or meaningful insight from the main characters. Adventure Entertainment released “Rookie Season” theatrically in over 100 cinemas across North America, Australia and New Zealand earlier this spring and Strike Back Studios global TVOD/Digital platform release on April 15th, 2022 across all TVOD/Digital platforms across North America (USA & Canada), The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and more ahead of today's DVD release and this Friday's streaming launch on Tubi.

In 2019 Adrian Bonvento undertook the daunting task of creating his debut feature length film as a team of one, telling an incredible underdog story. Businessman and amateur racer Frank DePew purchased the assets of Rebel Rock Racing in late 2018 with the goal of testing his skill in the professional racing ranks. He hired as his co-driver Robin Liddell, a decorated veteran with 29 career wins in IMSA’s top-level series and the 2015 Michelin Pilot Challenge champion in the Grand Sport (GS) class. Joe Hall also joined the team as crew chief. The road to success was anything but easy. The team finished dead last in a 49-car field at the 2019 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Slowly but surely, DePew, Liddell and the Rebel Rock crew built the program back up and punctuated the rebirth with a win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and a storybook victory at Road America.

Director Adrian Bonvento was there for it all. Bonvento was given unprecedented access to the team, and the open, honest narration from team members provides rare and intimate insights. Action sequences were filmed entirely independent of broadcast cameras. Bonvento’s unfettered access and creative cinematography makes for a fresh and powerful portrait of a team, in an attempt to discover what truly drives these individuals at their very core.

Cinematic and enthralling, “Rookie Season” forgoes traditional interviews and straps the viewer firmly into the driver’s seat, as it follows the highs and lows of Rebel Rock Racing during their inaugural IMSA season. A deeply moving and introspective account of what it takes to compete, this is a story of struggle and strife; of victories along the way; of defeat. It is a universal underdog tale that attempts to uncover the truth and the meaning behind the pursuit of one’s dream.

We greatly appreciate your coverage consideration for interview, review and what's streaming/what to watch film coverage, for Strike Back Studios cinematic racing documentary “Rookie Season” global release on DVD today, and streaming launch on Tubi this coming Friday. “Rookie Season” is currently available on all TVOD/Digital platforms across North America (USA & Canada), The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and more. Private screener links available for interview, review and what to see coverage available upon request. Many thanks for your support of independent film as always!

About Adrian Bonvento:

A creator and competitor at his core, Adrian Bonvento aims to convey his lifelong passion for sport in each of his films. With a distinct filmmaking style, he produces enthralling scenes that captivate the viewer through both action and art. As a documentary filmmaker, Adrian consistently strives to push the limits of what can be accomplished under pressure, without the comfort of multiple takes. In his career to date, Adrian has produced videos for Ferrari, Audi, Porsche, Chevrolet, and many private clients at events around the world. His production company, Bonvento Creative LLC, specializes in action sport filmmaking, and always strives to bring a fresh and powerful perspective to each step of the filmmaking process. Additional work in Adrian’s portfolio can be found at: www.AdrianBonvento.com

Adventure Entertainment Extraordinary Journey Documentary “The Race to Alaska” in Theatres Nationwide

Adventure Entertainment continues to acquire extraordinary stories with its latest adventure documentary “The Race to Alaska” from Untethered Productions. “The Race to Alaska” is a visceral film , embodying the triumph over adversity of a real-life Amazing Race test of endurance – picture the Iditarod on a boat, no motors, no support and 750 miles of tumultuous waters. The feature film debut from director Zach Carver (TV series “Textual Intercourse”) “The Race to Alaska” recently completed a whirlwind 20 Film Festival run where it won countless awards and captivated audiences around the globe. Adventure Entertainment will release “The Race To Alaska” theatrically in cinema’s in over 40 markets North America on May 20th, beginning with a special preview on the evening of May 19th at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles with the filmmakers in attendance for a Q&A.

“The Race to Alaska” spans 750 miles. Icy water. No motors. No support. Described as “the Iditarod on a boat with a chance of drowning or being eaten by a Grizzly bear,” this epic endurance race attracts the intrepid and unhinged who find their edge along a coastline that is as punishing as it is beautiful. Directed by Zach Carver, produced by Carver, Ian Morland (“Dear White People”) and Liv von Oelreich (“The Girl in the Spider’s Web”), with an original score by Spencer Worth-Davis and edited by Greg King (“Lessons”).

“The Race to Alaska” is a sometimes nail-biting and sometimes humorous account of people with larger-than-life personalities testing themselves, and pulling through, time and again. It showcases camaraderie and competition, immersing the audience in the racers’ emotions and experiences - hardship, danger, success, frustration, and elation. From the quirky to the sublime, from Olympic athletes to high schoolers, the characters in this film show that there’s no one way to do the hardest thing you’ve ever done.

The film leap frogs from racer to racer, boat to boat, as they journey up the Inside Passage to Alaska. The landscape in this part of the world is freshly carved by glaciers, and burnished by salt and wind. Coastal mountains meet deep, icy water laden with fierce currents. Boats break, teams drop out, racers fix broken masts and pedal drives on the fly.

“The Race to Alaska” mixes raw racer-shot footage with vast aerials and in depth interviews to tell the story of the race's improbable inception, and the journey of the men and women who have answered the call to action. These everyday heroes challenge themselves to find their edge on an exhilarating, engineless charge through the Pacific Northwest, traversing one of the most complex and beautiful racecourses on Earth.

About Adventure Entertainment:
Sydney-based, and operating in 28 countries on 5 continents, Adventure Entertainment is making literal and metaphorical waves in the adventure film world with over 10 film touring platforms, and dozens of feature films in recent distribution. Specializing in producing live, eventized, theatrical film screenings, AE is leading the way in innovative, community-based marketing and generating pre, and post-show buzz in the entertainment industry. In addition to "Rookie Season", other 2021/22 titles include National Geographic's" Torn", Red Bull Media House's " La Liste: Everything or Nothing", and "Buried", from Oscar-winning producers Evan Hayes and Michael Sugar. See more at adventureentertainment.com

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival Announces Competition Selections

International Black Film Festival to Feature 55 World Premiere Titles

Ledisi and Columbus Short as Mahalia Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Remember Me.

Today, the 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) announced its film nominations in its prestigious juried competition. Forty-four films are included in six competitions this year.

“This year’s film roster reflects the times we are in,” said PAFF General Manager Asantewe Olatunji. “Many focus on social justice issues such as gender equality, police and community relations, and the changing lifestyle norms. Of course, several of the PAFF 2022 films focus on our well-known and sometimes obscure sheroes and heroes whose stories told by their own people give a new perspective of history and view of our world.”

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in America taking place April 19 - May 1, 2022. This year the Festival will make its return to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills for in-person screenings, featuring over 200 films from 55 countries, in 18 languages, including 58 World and 32 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 46% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers, and 80% are directed by filmmakers of African descent. Many titles will also be available virtually for in-home screenings via the Festival’s streaming platform Eventive to audiences worldwide. The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will once again host its renowned Artfest, featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora.

Check out PAFF’’s competing films by clicking the names of the titles below.

*Denotes films available for viewing through PAFF press screenings for credentialed media.

Best First Feature Narrative

A Brother’s Whisper* (US)
Bantú Mama (Dominican Republic)
Get Out Alive* (US)
Juwaa* (Belgium)
Queen of Glory* (US)
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (US)

Best First Feature Documentary

Africa and I* (South Africa)
Conversations: The Black Radical Tradition* (US)
Fanon (Algeria)
Subjects of Desire (Canada)
Broken Chains (Singapore)
The Rumba Kings (Peru)

Best Feature Narrative

Ayinla (Nigeria)
Hairareb (Namibia)
Lingui, the Sacred Bonds (Chad)
Parsley (Dominican Republic)
Tug of War (Zanzibar)

Best Feature Documentary

African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey* (US/Jamaica)
Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away* (US)
Grandpa Was an Emperor (US/Ethiopia)
Race Today (UK)
Why Is We Americans? (US)

Best Short Documentary

Cuba In Africa (US/Cuba)
David Dinkins: A Gorgeous Mosaic (US)
For Love and Legacy (US)
I Am More Than My Hair (US)
Jumping Into Fire (US)
Miss Panama (US/Panama)
There’s Your Ready Girl (US)

Best Short Narrative

Alone Together (US)
Astel (Senegal)
Break-up In Love (US)
Cracked (US)
Cupids (P&G Short) (US)
Famadihana - Reunion
Here (US)
Leaving Isiolo (Kenya)
Lock Off (UK)
Mass Avenue (US)
Pink & Blue (US)
Sins of the Father (US)
Slow Pulse (US)
Sungara (Kenya)
The Last Days (UK)

*Denotes films available for viewing through PAFF press screenings for credentialed media.

PAFF30 ASSETS
https://www.paff.org/pressroom/

MEDIA CONTACT
press@paff.org

Festival Sponsors and Partners

PAFF is sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell through the Department of Arts and Culture, LA Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, LA Councilmember Curren Price, LA Councilmember Herb Wesson, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund with the California Community Foundation, and the LA County COVID-19 Arts Relief Fund administered by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival's sponsors include Major Festival Sponsors: Stocker Street Creative, FX Networks, and Glassdoor.

About the Pan African Film Festival

Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja'Net DuBois ("Good Times"), and Ayuko Babu (Executive Director), the Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America.

IMAGES OF A NORDIC DRAMA will have its International Premiere at HOT DOCS 2022

HOT DOCS 2022 IMAGES OF A NORDIC DRAMA
(Section: Artscapes) INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

Director: Nils Gaup
Producer: Linn Henriksen
Running Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Language: English, German, Norwegian
Country: Norway, Germany (Feature Documentary)

IOAND (Photo Credit_ Paranord Film)

HOT DOCS 2022 FESTIVAL SCREENINGS: PUBLIC SCREENINGS:

Saturday, April 30 at 11:30am
Location: Varsity 8 (55 Bloor Street West)
Thursday, May 5 at 8:45pm
Location: Varsity 8 (55 Bloor Street West)
*Also available for online festival access.

IOAND (Photo Credit_ Paranord Film)

A persistent art collector (Haakon Mehren) faces unexpected resistance while championing the work of an unknown Norwegian artist after finding a cache of paintings in a barn. Despite success abroad, the undiscovered work of Aksel Waldemar Johannessen, an admired contemporary of Edvard Munch, takes nearly three decades to launch. The painter's oil depictions of prostitutes and drunks living in miserable poverty offend the bourgeois aesthetics of Norway's art establishment and challenge the canon to the point of sabotaging his rediscovery. Will rejection by the curatorial staff at the National Museum and gatekeepers of the Munch Museum diminish Johannessen's work? An invaluable insight into art world politics, cultural institutions' ties to big business and the power of exposure, IMAGES OF A NORDIC DRAMA shows Johannessen's pieces repetitively throughout the film, to the point of familiarity, to demonstrate how contact with works of art cultivate appreciation and memorability, and how essential access is to making or breaking an audience for an artist's oeuvre.

NILS GAUP was born in Kautokeino, Northern-Norway in 1955. Gaup is an award-winning screenwriter and director with over 30 years of experience from filmmaking. His first feature film PATHFINDER (1987) was nominated for an Academy Award.

Since then, he has made numerous feature films, with IMAGES OF A NORDIC DRAMA, being his first documentary.

HOT DOCS 2022 Link to buy tickets: https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/hot-docs-festival/films/2022/images-of-a-nordic-drama

@hotdocs #HotDocs22

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD AND RACHAEL LEIGH COOK GET INTO “SPIRIT HALLOWEEN”

The Strike Back Studios, Hideout Pictures and Particular Crowd production, described as the ultimate family/kids adventure film, is eyeing an October 2022 release.

(Los Angeles, CA—April 11, 2022) Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures continue their busy production schedule in 2022 having wrapped principal photography of “Spirit Halloween.” When a new Spirit Halloween store appears in a deserted strip mall, three middle school friends who think they’ve outgrown trick or treating make a dare to spend the night locked inside the store Halloween night. But they soon find out that the store is haunted by an angry evil spirit who has possessed the creepy animatronic characters. The kids embark on a thrilling and spooky adventure in order to survive the night and avoid becoming possessed themselves.

After a nationwide search the production found a group young up & coming actors to round out the cast including Donavan Colan (“Zoe,” “Getaway”), Dylan Martin Frankel (“Raven’s Home,” “Life & Beth”), Jaiden Smith (“Blue Bloods,” “The Mothership”), and Marissa Reyes (“Raven’s Home”).The film also offers audiences a cast filled with beloved veteran actors including Rachael Leigh Cook (“He’s All That,” “Love, Guaranteed”), Christopher Lloyd (“The Tender Bar”, “Back to the Future Trilogy,”) and Marla Gibbs (“El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, “227”).

“One of the reasons I immediately connected with the script is it is very much inspired by some of my favorite kid adventure films growing up from “The Goonies,” “Gremlins,” “Monster Squad” and so many great films made by Amblin Entertainment” said Noor Ahmed president of Strike Back Studios. Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures also recently wrapped production on “Asleep In My Palm” starring Tim Blake Nelson in February, which also saw in February the release of Hideout Pictures production of “Ted K” by Neon. Hideout Pictures is best known for their critically acclaimed western “Old Henry” released in October of 2021.

The production is a collaboration between Hideout Pictures & Particular Crowd in association with Film Mode Entertainment. The feature film is directed by David Poag and written by Billie Bates. Produced by Noor Ahmed and Shannon Houchins, with Tomás’ Yanelevich, Peter Bevan, Mariana Sanjurjo and Clay Epstein executive producing. The production also formed a promotional partnership for the film with Spirit Halloween, with has over 1,425 locations across North America

Rachael Leigh Cook is represented by A3 Artists Agency and Fuller Law; Christopher Lloyd is represented by The Gersh Agency and Andrew Freeman Personal Manager; Marla Gibbs is represented by Momentum Talent & Literary Agency; Donavan Colan is represented by Carson-Adler Agency and Sky Talent Group; Dylan Martin Frankel is represented by CESD Talent Agency, Connecting Talent Company and Innovative Artists; Jaiden Smith is represented by CESD Talent Agency; Marissa Reyes is represented by Stewart Talent and The Michael Abrams Group; Shannon Houchins by Verve Talent and Literary Agency.

About Hideout Pictures
Hideout Pictures is based out of Nashville, TN where their parent company Average Joes Entertainment, a country music lablel was established over a decade ago. Hideout Pictures produced the critically acclaimed and box office hit western “Old Henry” that premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 and was then released October 1, 2021. “Old Henry” stars Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Trace Adkins, and Stephen Dorff. Hidedout also produced “Ted K.” that premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and was released by Neon in March 14, 2022. “Ted K” stars Sharlto Copley in an exploration of Ted Kaczynksi's life in in the years leading up to his arrest as The Unabomber. Hideout is in production of the 3^rd season of docu-series Music’s Greatest Mysteries for AXS TV. In 2019 Hideout Pictures produced Kevin Smith’s last project, “The Jay & Silent Bob Reboot.” Also, that year Hideout produced the sci-fi thriller “3022” staring Kate Walsh and Omar Epps that was released by Saban Films. Hideout’s first production was the series “Still the King” for CMT that starred Billy Ray Cyrus. Hideout has the documentary in post-production currently.

Strike Back Studios recently released the critically acclaimed feature documentary “The United States of Insanity” that screened on over 600 screens nationwide on October 26, 2021, with a limited theatrical run November 12^th before a Video On Demand and DVD release before Christmas and a release of “I, Challenger” across all TVOD/Digital platforms on January 11^th, 2022. Strike Back Studios will next release cinematic racing documentary “Rookie Season” across all TVOD/Digital platforms on April 15^th, 2022 after a limited theatrical run in March. Strike Back Studios in partnership with Hideout Picture’s has been steadily creating/releasing incredible independent film success stories. Strike Back Studios formed a unique partnership in 2020 with regards to the financing and distribution of projects. The goal is to work with producers from the earliest stages of development and production on up. They are embracing the true tenants of film collaboration and are bringing them to global audiences. Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures is focused on addressing the growing concerns from producers regarding the distribution of independent features. The companies work with producers early in the production process to develop unique and innovate marketing and promotional strategies for their release. This will save producers from having to rely on taking their project to a film festival with the hope of a major sale to make them financially whole. Strike Back Studios still wants to screen projects at film festival but make the screening part of the distribution release strategy vs sales strategy. Current Strike Back Studios titles available for global audiences can be found at strikebackstudios.com.

About Particular Crowd
Particular Crowd is the original film label of WarnerMedia Latin America, a division of WarnerMedia. The label has already produced more than 100 films aimed at a universal audience, not only across the diversity of Latin America, but around the globe. The films are produced in English, Spanish or Portuguese and cover the popular genres of comedy, romantic comedy, horror, thriller, teen, and family films. It is an initiative focused on films with contained budgets, which puts the consumer first by making its content available on a multi-platform basis, including HBO Max, Linear TV (TNT, SPACE, HBO), cinemas, festivals and digital spaces. Based in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, Particular Crowd has film development, production and co-financing agreements and has already partnered with several leading production companies to generate content. In addition, it seeks to discover new talents and provide access and opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.

web: www.particularcrowd.com.
Ig: @ParticularCrowd

About Film Mode Entertainment
Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as Executive Producer, with the aim of helping producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure for their films. Film Mode’s recent titles include Mayim Bialik’s feature directorial debut, AS THEY MADE US, starring two-time Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award-winner Candice Bergen, Simon Helberg and Dianna Agron, CHICK FIGHT starring Malin Ackerman and Bella Thorne, CRYPTO starring Kurt Russell, Luke Hemsworth and Alexis Bledel, STAGE MOTHER starring Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver, Lucy Liu and Adrian Grenier. Previous releases include SUGAR MOUNTAIN starring Jason Momoa, and THE GOOD NEIGHBOR starring Academy Award-nominee James Caan. Film Mode accelerated their growth and expanded their capabilities by entering into a partnership with SCREEN MEDIA, representing their catalogue of more than 600 titles, including WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE starring Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance, and MONSTER, starring Charlize Theron who won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress for the film. The company also has its own distribution arm, as well as a documentary label, DocMode. Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills, CA. For more information, visit www.filmmodeentertainment.com

About Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween (SpiritHalloween.com) is the largest Halloween retailer in the country, with over 1,425 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. Celebrating more than 37 years of business, Spirit is the premier destination for all things Halloween, offering one-stop shopping for everything from costumes to décor and party goods to accessories. In addition to being a fun and interactive event for shoppers, Spirit stores offer complete selections of costumes and accessories for infants/toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, and adults, along with exclusive décor you won't find anywhere else. For more information, please visit: SpiritHalloween.com

Strike Back Studios New Release Racing Documentary “Rookie Season”

Strike Back Studios will have a global TVOD/Digital release on April 15^th, 2022 of the gripping cinematic racing documentary “Rookie Season”

On all TVOD/Digital platforms across North America (USA & Canada), The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Perfectly timed to the global racing season (following the film’s recent successful world premiere as the Best Documentary at the 2021 International Motor Film Awards in London, recent North American Premiere at the Mammoth Film Festival and incredible theatrical release across North America in February

The feature film debut from director Adrian Bonvento, “Rookie Season” gives audiences unprecedented access to the team throughout their 2019 season, be it through visceral in-car cameras, frank pit lane and engineering room discussions, or meaningful insight from the main characters. Adventure Entertainment released Rookie Season theatrically in over 100 cinemas across North America, Australia and New Zealand just last month and Strike Back Studios will launch a global TVOD/Digital platform release to follow on April 15^th, 2022 across all TVOD/Digital platforms across North America (USA & Canada), The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and more.

In 2019 Adrian Bonvento undertook the daunting task of creating his debut feature length film as a team of one, telling an incredible underdog story. Businessman and amateur racer Frank DePew purchased the assets of Rebel Rock Racing in late 2018 with the goal of testing his skill in the professional racing ranks. He hired as his co-driver Robin Liddell, a decorated veteran with 29 career wins in IMSA’stop-level series and the 2015 Michelin Pilot Challenge champion in the Grand Sport (GS) class. Joe Hall also joined the team as crew chief. The road to success was anything but easy. The team finished dead lst in a 49-car field at the 2019 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Slowly but surely,DePew, Liddelland the Rebel Rock crew built the program back up and punctuated the rebirth with a win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and a storybook victory at Road America.

Director Adrian Bonvento was there for it all.Bonventov was given unprecedented access to the team, and the open, honest narration from team members provides rare and intimate insights. Action sequences were filmed entirely independent of broadcast cameras. Bonvento’s unfettered access and creative cinematography makes for a fresh and powerful portrait of a team, in an attempt to discover what truly drives these individuals at their very core.

Cinematic and enthralling,“Rookie Season”forgoes traditional interviews and straps the viewer firmly into the driver’s seat, as it follows the highs and lows of Rebel Rock Racing during their inaugural IMSA season. A deeply moving and introspective account of what it takes to compete, this is a story of struggle and strife; of victories along the way; of defeat. It is a universal underdog tale that attempts to uncover the truth and the meaning behind the pursuit of one’s dream.

About Adrian Bonvento:
A creator and competitor at his core, Adrian Bonvento aims to convey his lifelong passion for sport in each of his films. With a distinct filmmaking style, he produces enthralling scenes that captivate the viewer through both action and art. As a documentary filmmaker, Adrian consistently strives to push the limits of what can be accomplished under pressure, without the comfort of multiple takes. In his career to date, Adrian has produced videos for Ferrari, Audi, Porsche, Chevrolet, and many private clients at events around the world. His production company, Bonvento Creative LLC, specializes in action sport filmmaking, and always strives to bring a fresh and powerful perspective to each step of the filmmaking process. Additional work in Adrian’s portfolio can be found at: www.AdrianBonvento.com