Category: Movie News

press releases, stories, photos and all about reel film biz.

A List of Films and Trailers for the Best of PAFF Retrospective Series Virtual Festival Feb. 15-28 Black History Month

41st and Central
500 Years Later Photo: PAFF
Agent of Change
Ancestral Voices- Esoteric African Knowledge
Bigman Wahala
Caged Birds
Coming-from-Insanity
Congo White King Red Rubber Black Death
Firestarter-The-Story-of-Bangarra
Love Jacked
Maya Angelou- And Still I Rise
Nassers Republic- The Making of Modern Egypt
October 1
Of Good Report
Rattlesnake
The Case of the Three Sided Dream
The Forgotten Kingdom
The Milkmaid
Viva -Riva

Invitation to special Q and A event hosted by Rainn Wilson: SALT IN MY SOUL on February 8

Salt In My Soul_Poster

Join us on Tuesday Feb 8th at 4:00 PM PT/ 7:00 PM ET for a very special free virtual Q&A moderated by Rainn Wilson (The Office)
all about the new documentary SALT IN MY SOUL.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 3, Mallory Smith turned to a secret diary to record her inner thoughts . Using that treasure trove of writing, and hours of audio and video, the film is a classic coming-of-age story with a twist, and a rare look into the mind of a young woman trying to live fully while dying.

This will be an exciting conversation about how SALT IN MY SOUL got made, what friends and family went through witnessing this journey, and how Mallory's private journals led to a best-selling book and acclaimed documentary film. We'll also hear from experts and leaders about how their expertise intersected with Mallory's story in vital ways and the future of phages as well as the need for more research and resources into compassionate use.

Featuring:
Will Battersby (Director)
Diane Shader Smith (Mallory's mom)
Micah Smith (Mallory's brother)
Maya Humes (Mallory's friend)
Gunnar Esiason (Cystic Fibrosis and rare disease patient leader)
Dr. Ben Chan(Scientific Director of Yale Phage Center)
Steffanie Strathdee, PhD (Co-Director of IPATH & author, The Perfect Predator)

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Tuesday, February 8, 2022

-7:00 PM- 8:00 PM ET
-4:00 PM- 5:00 PM PT

REGISTER TO ATTEND AT:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salt-in-my-soul-virtual-panel-hosted-by-rainn-wilson-tickets-259568896557?fbclid=IwAR2S23ZYtjcD0Itdjsy9bLz3vg1RRPU6U1jswvRdpdQ_R_stuiiKp4I9SUQ

SPONSORED BY: Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute
RENT THE FILM BEFOREHAND on digital platforms -

More info here: https://saltinmysouldoc.com/#watch

100% of the profits from the film are being donated to research into antimicrobial resistance (superbugs) and phage therapy.

Further information about the film also follows:

GIANT PICTURES PRESENTS
A 3 Arts Entertainment and Reno Productions film

Photo Dec 03_ 4 28 47 PM.jpg

SALT IN MY SOUL

A Feature Documentary Film by Will Battersby
Run time: 96 Minutes (USA- Feature Documentary)

SALT IN MY SOUL is currently available worldwide on all major VOD Platforms.

VOD Platforms in key territories:

US- Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft/Xbox, Vudu
Canada- Apple TV/ITunes, Microsoft/Xbox
UK- Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft/Xbox
Ireland- Apple TV/iTunes, Google Play

Cable Platforms:

US- InDemand TVOD (Comcast, Spectrum, Cox), DirectTV/AT&T and more

Based on the bestselling posthumously published memoir of the same name, SALT IN MY SOUL is a documentary and classic coming of age story about a young woman figuring out how to live while dying. Mallory Smith was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three. In her twenty five-year battle with the deadly disease, she carved out a life that most of us don’t come close to. Using Mallory’s posthumously published 2500-page secret diaries, hundreds of hours of newly discovered footage, and audio recordings, the film offers Mallory as the narrator of her own extraordinary chronicle.

Following her realization at age nine that she would die young, Mallory secretly began to record her inner thoughts in her diary while throwing herself at life: friendships in elementary school, lovers and sports teams in high school, the little travel her disease would allow. She attended college and explored the wider world, one that was just beyond her grasp. She became a devoted environmentalist, seeing a startling and vivid metaphor for her declining health in the destruction of our world. Her father feverishly researched treatment options, desperate that the death sentence be commuted. Her mother obsessively helped her to live, cooking to maintain her weight and create community, raising money for research, and teaching her to prioritize relationships over all else. Mallory fought. And she wrote; about her fears, her loves, her pain, her depression, her hopes, and gave a voice to the many millions who struggle with invisible or visible illness. In Mallory’s final days, her father uncovered a long-forgotten treatment that is now changing the world of medicine. Heartbreakingly, it came too late to save his daughter.

Mallory was a young woman who lived with illness her whole life, who suffered immeasurably but who always found the will to live happy. Her story is a testament to enduring parental love and determination and the healing power of memoir as medicine, inspiring all of us to live life as fully as possible in the face of the challenges we all face.

Will Battersby (Filmmaker) has been producing documentaries and features for 15 years. His first documentary as producer, Trumbo, won the National Board of Review Freedom of Speech award. The film, about blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, was released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

SALT IN MY SOUL is Will’s second documentary as director. The first, The Canal, will be released by Showtime which is currently adapting it into a limited series. Will is producing alongside Patricia Arquette, who will also direct. The Canal is the first feature documentary about the environmental tragedy in the Love Canal neighborhood of Niagara Falls and the extraordinary group of working-class women who fought to save their families.

Will’s narrative feature credits include: SXSW favorite The Spine of Night, a hand-drawn animated fantasy film that RLJE released in October 2021, which stars Richard E. Grant, Lucy Lawless and Patton Oswalt; Stephen King’s A Good Marriage starring Joan Allen; They Remain starring Will Jackson Harper, and The Bleeding House, the first feature from Emmy Award-winning writer/director Philip Gelatt (Love, Death & Robots). Will served as Head of Development on Alex Gibney’s Oscar-nominated documentary Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, and Stephen Soderbergh’s Bubble.

Follow us at @SaltInMySoulDoc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://twitter.com/SaltInMySoulDoc
http://www.facebook.com/SaltInMySoulDoc
http://www.instagram.com/SaltInMySoulDoc

ABOUT THE BOOK

SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life, by Mallory Smith, is a powerful, intimate, and inspiring portrait of a brave young woman living with chronic illness. Mallory understood that patient voices need to be amplified in order to improve healthcare, that the i ntersection of human behavior and nature is critical to environmental sustainability, and that love and friendship give life meaning. As Mallory’s body deteriorated, she sharpened her mind, crystalized her thinking, and honed her writing skills. In her 2500 pages of private journal entries, she created poetry out of prosaic experiences. Beautifully written, provocative, and peppered with insights, SALT IN MY SOUL reminds us to follow Mallory's mantra and "Live Happy."

For more information about the book SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life please go to: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/607965/salt-in-my-soul-by-mallory-smith/

GIANT PICTURES

Giant Pictures is a leading digital distributor that is committed to empowering filmmakers to own their distribution. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, we work directly with rights owners to distribute movies and TV shows to VOD and streaming platforms in North America and worldwide. Our content partners range from first-time filmmakers to award-winning independent producers, as well as notable studios Alamo Drafthouse Films, Abramorama Selects, Participant, Tribeca Enterprises, Utopia Distribution, and XYZ Films. A division of Giant Interactive, the award-winning digital media and technology services company, we distribute across 45+ platforms, including AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Peacock.

Learn more at: www.giant.pictures

View New Trailer “WORST TO FIRST: The True Story of Z100 NYC”

Gunpowder and sky logo
WORST TO FIRST THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK New Key Art

Director, Writer and Producer: Mitchell Stuart
Producers: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell
Cast: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.
Genre: Feature Documentary
Rating: G
Runtime: 1 hour 4 minutes

Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit_ Gunpowder & Sky)
Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit_ Gunpowder & Sky)

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

Jon Bon Jovi from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky)

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music. Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.
WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music. Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

Dennis Hopper’s OUT OF THE BLUE: Review

When Life Comes At You Like A Big-Rig Truck

Discovery Logo
Out of the Blue key art

Original Release: April 1982
Director: Dennis Hopper
Writers: Leonard Yakir, Brenda Nielson, Dennie Hopper
Starring: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon , Raymond Burr
Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne
Genre: Drama
Country: Canada
Language: English

 

Dennis Hopper's 1980 film 'OUT OF THE BLUE' is as powerful now, as it was 40 years ago. Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne at Discovery Production, who restored the film and bringing it to a whole new generation of movie goers.

This raw and in-your-face film shows the struggles of Don Barnes (Dennie Hopper), a truck driver and alcoholic, who serves a five-years prison for driving under the influence and crashing his big rig truck into a school bus and taking the lives of children, his wife, Kathy (Sharon Farrell), a drug addict, and mother of his teenage daughter, Cebe (Linda Manz), who is obsessed with her dad, Elvis Pressley and the Sex Pistol and carries the burden and struggles of her parents on her shoulders and there is Charlie (Don Gordon) his best friend and Dr. Brean (Raymond Burr),
a psychologist who treats an out-of-control Cebe.

 

OUT OF THE BLUE- Dennis Hopper (Whiskey) (Photo Credit: Discovery Productions
OUT OF THE BLUE- Dennis Hopper (Whiskey) (Photo Credit: Discovery Productions

As Cebe said, "I don't wanna to hear about you, I wanna hear from you. A statement that gives insight to her belief in the importance of finding your voice. Something she struggled with and expressing herself through her love of Elvis Pressly and the Sex Pistols.

Set in the northwest of Canada with its beautiful surroundings, the rebelliousness of Cebe, who constantly runs away from home, making her way to Vancouver. During her time out on the streets, she lives out her dream of playing drums with a Punk rock band, steals a car and get arrested.

Struggling with her father's incarceration and her mother's drug addiction, has her growing up before her time and taking on the role of the parent.  A huge burden for any teenage to deal with.

OUT-OF-THE-BLUE-Dennis-Hopper-Jail-Phone-Photo-Credit: DiscoveryP roductions-
OUT-OF-THE-BLUE-Dennis-Hopper-Jail-Phone-Photo-Credit: DiscoveryP roductions-

Watching this gripping film, it becomes clear why 'OUT OF THE BLUE' did not get a U.S release in 1980. The film is full of graphic and intense subject, topics and lifestyle choices that many in society where not ready to see on the big screen at the time.

The title of the film comes from to Neil Young's 1979 album 'Rust Never Sleeps' and includes songs from it as well.

The steady trauma experienced by Don, Cebe and Kathy comes so fast and steady, it makes you wonder how a person survives and thrive in such an environment.

OUT OF THE BLUE is definitely a film worth seeing, just be sure to hold onto your seats.

Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne
Production Co: Discovery Production, Robson Street
Run time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Starring: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon, Raymond Burr
Director Dennis Hopper
Writers: Leonard Yakir, Brenda Nielson, Dennie Hopper
Cinematography: Marc Champion
Editor: Doris Dyck
Music: Tom Lavin

OUT OF THE BLUE Opening Next Week in Los Angeles at American Cinematheque January 6th and Atlanta at Plaza Theatre January 7th

POSTER - 4K Restoration -OUT OF THE BLUE (1)

Director: Dennis Hopper
Starring: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon, Raymond Burr
Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne

The 4K Restoration of Dennis Hopper's OUT OF THE BLUE, timed to its 40th Anniversary, will soon have a regional expansion: Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville and more.

Photo 1-OUT OF THE OUT OF THE BLUE-Dennis Hopper (Photo Credit_ Discovery Productions)
Photo 1-OUT OF THE OUT OF THE BLUE-Dennis Hopper (Photo Credit_ Discovery Productions)

Confirmed cities:

Los Angeles: American Cinematheque January 6th
Vancouver: The Polygon Gallery, January 6th, Special Event and VIFF Centre January 14th
Atlanta: Plaza Theatre January 7th
New Orleans: Broad Theatre January 14th
Rhinebeck, NY: Starr Cinema - Upstate Films January 21st
Nashville: Belcourt Theatre January 28th
Toronto: Revue January 28th
Winnipeg: Winnipeg Cinematheque February 1st
Chicago: Music Box Theatre February 4th
Seattle: Beacon Theatre February 11th

Photo 4- OUT OF THE BLUE- Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper (Punk)(Photo Credit_ Discovery Productions)

Official Selection: Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival.

"Thumbs Up! Bitter, unforgettable. An unsung treasure." - Roger Ebert

“In many ways, it’s maybe my best film.” - Dennis Hopper

“If a masterpiece comes along, people ought to see it.” - Jack Nicholson

Shocking. Controversial. Unforgettable. - Dennis Hopper’s brilliant punk rock masterpiece of adolescent rebellion is ready for a new, long overdue close-up!

A kind of spiritual sequel (and cautionary counterpoint) to Hopper’s own Easy Rider, OUT OF THE BLUE chronicles the idealism of the sixties decline into the hazy nihilism of the 1980’s.

Don Barnes (Dennis Hopper) is a truck driver in prison for drunkenly smashing his rig into a school bus. Linda Manz (Days of Heaven) plays Cebe, his daughter, a teen rebel obsessed with Elvis and The Sex Pistols. Her mother (Sharon Farrell) waitresses, shoots up drugs and takes refuge in the arms of other men. Cebe runs away to Vancouver’s punk scene and ends up on probation under the care of psychiatrist Raymond Burr. After Don’s release, the family struggles to re-connect before the revelation of dark secrets leads to a harrowing conclusion.

 

ABOUT DENNIS HOPPER: Born in Dodge City, Kansas, May 17,1936: Actor-director Dennis Hopper’s “Out of the Blue” premiered at Cannes in 1980. His directorial debut, “Easy Rider “(1969, Cannes Award “Best First Work,” was a countercultural landmark whose success helped spark the New Hollywood era of seventies filmmaking). His follow-up “The Last Movie” (1971) won the CIDALC Critics Prize Award at the Venice Film Festival. He went on to direct “Out of the Blue,"(1980) - Official Cannes selection; “Colors," (1988) “Backtrack,” (1990) and “The Hot Spot,” (1990). His 200+ acting roles include “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Giant,” “Mad Dog Morgan,”
“Apocalypse Now,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Hoosiers” (Academy Award nomination, Best Supporting Actor).
Also a renowned photographer and artist, Hopper died in Los Angeles, May 29, 2010.

FILM PRESERVATION

Working from the original 35mm negative restored by Discovery in 2010, John Alan Simon and Elizabeth Karr’s Discovery Productions undertook the digital scan and mastering of Out of the Blue to premiere as an official selection at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, preserving Hopper’s landmark film to make it available to new audiences.The New 4K restoration was shown for the first time on the big screen theatrically at Metrograph in November, 2021 in New York.

Despite critical acclaim at its original Cannes premiere in 1980, OUT OF THE BLUE went unreleased because it was considered too bleak for U.S. audiences.
John Alan Simon, then a film critic/journalist, rescued the film from the shelf, secured distribution rights and took it on the road with Dennis Hopper back in 1982 to art house theaters across the U.S. including a 17-week record-breaking run at the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Boston and then NYC and Los Angeles theatrical releases.

“It’s incredibly important to us that OUT OF THE BLUE be preserved for future generations to experience its emotional impact and as the artistic achievement that helped re-establish Dennis Hopper as an important American director,” commented Elizabeth Karr on behalf of Discovery Productions.

"For me, this restoration project was pay-back for all I learned from Dennis Hopper when we originally took OUT OF THE BLUE on the road in 1982 after I rescued it from the shelf. He was an amazing artist and friend and OUT OF THE BLUE remains as unforgettable as he was and serves as an indelible tribute to the talents of Linda Manz,” John Alan Simon from Discovery Productions concluded.

Chloë Sevigny and Natasha Lyonne came onboard as presenters for Discovery Productions’ OUT OF THE BLUE 4K restoration and 40th Anniversary Theatrical Re-release.

"Out Of The Blue" - what a great movie! Linda Manz in that movie, mama mia!” - Natasha Lyonne on NPR interview with Terry Gross

“I love actress Linda Manz! As Cebe in “Out of the Blue”, arguably one of the best teen characters ever portrayed on film.” - Chloë Sevigny (from her Instagram)

SOCIAL MEDIA/ WEB:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutOfTheBlueDennisHopper/
Twitter: @HopperMovieOOTB https://twitter.com/HopperMovieOOTB
IG: outofthebluefilm https://www.instagram.com/outofthebluefilm/
Web: www.outofthebluedennishopper.com

ABOUT DISCOVERY PRODUCTIONS

John Alan Simon and Elizabeth Karr are the nucleus of Discovery Productions, an indie writing/directing/producing team. Discovery’s
development slate includes prestigious literary works from authors Philip K. Dick, Jim Thompson, Lucius Shepard and Ian Watson.

The distribution arm of Discovery Productions has released independent films, including RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH, the adaptation of
the sci-fi novel by Philip K. Dick, directed and adapted by John Alan Simon and Dennis Hopper’s OUT OF THE BLUE, currently embarking on
its 4K digital restoration and 40th Anniversary

Hollywood Award Shows, Film Festivals and Events Cancelled and Postponed Due to the Increased Omicron Variant-COVID-19 Infections

20210407_195000

A Christmas Carol at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre: Canceled|

AFI Awards: Postponed, future date TBD

BAFTA Tea Party: Canceled

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: Canceled

Critics Choice Awards: Postponed, future date TBD

Dune Home Entertainment Release Party in L.A.: Canceled

Fox’s New Year’s Eve Toast & Roast 2022": Canceled

Governors Awards Ceremony: Postponed, future date TBD

HCA Film Awards Ceremony: Postponed until February 28th

Hulu’s How I Met Your Father L.A. Premiere: Canceled

Jagged Little Pill: Closed permanently

Is There Still Sex in the City?: Canceled

National Board of Review Gala in New York City: Postponed, future date TBD

New York Film Critics Circle Awards Ceremony: Postponed, future date TBD

Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards Gala: Canceled

Pan Afrcan Film and Arts Festival: February 8-21, 2022

Rotterdam Film Festival: Online only
Status: Shifting from in-person to online

Slamdance Film Festival: Online only January 27th - February 6th

The Book of Boba Fett Special Screening at L.A.’s El Capitan Theatre: Canceled

 

Dennis Hopper’s OUT OF THE BLUE Regional Expansion

Discovery Logo
Out of the Blue key art

Director: Dennis Hopper
Starring:  Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon, Raymond Burr

Dennis Hopper's OUT OF THE BLUE Regional Expansion including: Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans and more.

Los Angeles: American Cinematheque - January 6th
Atlanta: Plaza Theatre - January 7th
New Orleans: Broad Theatre - January 7th
Toronto: Revue - January 28th
Chicago: Music Box - Late January, date TBD
Nashville: Belcourt Theatre - Late January, date TBD
Winnipeg: Winnipeg Cinematheque - February 1st
Seattle: Beacon Theatre - February 11th

OUT OF THE BLUE-Dennis Hopper (Jail Phone) (Photo Credit-Discovery Productions)
OUT OF THE BLUE-Dennis Hopper (Jail Phone) (Photo Credit-Discovery Productions)

Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne

Official Selection: Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival.

"Thumbs Up! Bitter, unforgettable. An unsung treasure." -   Roger Ebert

“In many ways, it’s maybe my best film.” - Dennis Hopper

“If a masterpiece comes along, people ought to see it.” -
Jack Nicholson

OUT OF THE BLUE- Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper (Punk) Photo Credit: Discovery Productions
OUT OF THE BLUE- Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper (Punk) Photo Credit: Discovery Productions

Shocking. Controversial. Unforgettable. - Dennis Hopper’s brilliant punk rock masterpiece of adolescent rebellion is ready for a new, long overdue close-up!

A kind of spiritual sequel (and cautionary counterpoint) to Hopper’s own Easy Rider, OUT OF THE BLUE chronicles the idealism of the sixties decline into the hazy nihilism of the 1980’s.

Don Barnes (Dennis Hopper) is a truck driver in prison for drunkenly smashing his rig into a school bus. Linda Manz (Days of Heaven) plays Cebe, his daughter, a teen rebel obsessed with Elvis and The Sex Pistols. Her mother (Sharon Farrell) waitresses, shoots up drugs and takes refuge in the arms of other men. Cebe runs away to Vancouver’s punk scene and ends up on probation under the care of psychiatrist Raymond Burr. After Don’s release, the family struggles to re-connect before the revelation of dark secrets leads to a harrowing conclusion.

ABOUT DENNIS HOPPER: Born in Dodge City, Kansas, May 17,1936: Actor-director Dennis Hopper’s “Out of the Blue” premiered at Cannes in 1980. His directorial debut, “Easy Rider “(1969, Cannes Award “Best First Work,” was a countercultural landmark whose success helped spark the New Hollywood era of seventies filmmaking). His follow-up “The Last Movie” (1971) won the CIDALC Critics Prize Award at the Venice Film Festival. He went on to direct “Out of the Blue,"(1980) - Official Cannes selection; “Colors," (1988) “Backtrack,” (1990) and “The Hot Spot,” (1990). His 200+ acting roles include “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Giant,” “Mad Dog Morgan,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Hoosiers” (Academy Award nomination, Best Supporting Actor). Also a renowned photographer and artist, Hopper died in Los Angeles, May 29, 2010.

OUT OF THE BLUE- Linda Manz Photo Credit: Discovery Productions
OUT OF THE BLUE- Linda Manz Photo Credit: Discovery Productions

FILM PRESERVATION

Working from the original 35mm negative restored by Discovery in 2010, John Alan Simon and Elizabeth Karr’s Discovery Productions undertook the digital scan and mastering of Out of the Blue to premiere as an official selection at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, preserving Hopper’s landmark film to make it available to new audiences.The New 4K restoration was shown for the first time on the big screen theatrically at Metrograph in November, 2021 in New York.

Despite critical acclaim at its original Cannes premiere in 1980, OUT OF THE BLUE went unreleased because it was considered too bleak for U.S. audiences.

John Alan Simon, then a film critic/journalist, rescued the film from the shelf, secured distribution rights and took it on the road with Dennis Hopper back in 1982 to art house theaters across the U.S. including a 17-week record-breaking run at the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Boston and then NYC and Los Angeles theatrical releases.

“It’s incredibly important to us that OUT OF THE BLUE be preserved for future generations to experience its emotional impact and as the artistic achievement that helped re-establish Dennis Hopper as an important American director,” commented Elizabeth Karr on behalf of Discovery Productions.

"For me, this restoration project was pay-back for all I learned from Dennis Hopper when we originally took OUT OF THE BLUE on the road in 1982 after I rescued it from the shelf. He was an amazing artist and friend and OUT OF THE BLUE remains as unforgettable as he was and serves as an indelible tribute to the talents of Linda Manz,” John Alan Simon from Discovery Productions concluded.

Chloë Sevigny and Natasha Lyonne came onboard as presenters for Discovery Productions’ OUT OF THE BLUE 4K restoration and 40th Anniversary Theatrical Re-release.

"Out Of The Blue" - what a great movie! Linda Manz in that movie, mama mia!” - Natasha Lyonne on NPR interview with Terry Gross

“I love actress Linda Manz! As Cebe in “Out of the Blue”, arguably one of the best teen characters ever portrayed on film.” - Chloë Sevigny (from her Instagram)

OUT OF THE BLUE- NEW 4K Restoration/ 40th Anniversary Trailer

OUT OF THE BLUE- Dennis Hopper (Whiskey) (Photo Credit: Discovery Productions
OUT OF THE BLUE- Dennis Hopper (Whiskey) (Photo Credit: Discovery Productions

SOCIAL MEDIA and Website:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutOfTheBlueDennisHopper/

Twitter: @HopperMovieOOTB https://twitter.com/HopperMovieOOTB

IG: outofthebluefilm https://www.instagram.com/outofthebluefilm/

Web: www.outofthebluedennishopper.com

ABOUT DISCOVERY PRODUCTIONS

John Alan Simon and Elizabeth Karr are the nucleus of Discovery Productions, an indie writing/directing/producing team. Discovery’s development slate includes prestigious literary works from authors Philip K. Dick, Jim Thompson, Lucius Shepard and Ian Watson. The distribution arm of Discovery Productions has released independent films, including RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH, the adaptation of the sci-fi novel by Philip K. Dick, directed and adapted by John Alan Simon and Dennis Hopper’s OUT OF THE BLUE, currently embarking on its 4K digital restoration and 40th Anniversary re-release.

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CELEBRATING ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY, AMERICA’S LARGEST BLACK FILM FESTIVAL, THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, ANNOUNCES DANNY GLOVER AS CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR

PAFF 30th Logo

Global celebration of Pan African cultures in Los Angeles returns with hybrid festival of in-person and online screenings

Danny Glover

LOS ANGELES — Actor Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon) will be the Pan African Film Festival’s (PAFF) 2022 celebrity ambassador. The 30th annual festival will be held in-person and online February 8-21, 2022, in Los Angeles. Glover is a co-founder of the PAFF along with the late actress Ja’Net Dubois (“Good Times”) and Pan African affairs expert Ayuko Babu. In January, he is scheduled to receive the 2022 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his contributions to filmmaking and the world.

“The role of the PAFF Celebrity Ambassador is to broaden public awareness of the festival as well as its mission,” said PAFF co-founder and executive director Ayuko Babu. “Since 1992, Danny has made the Pan African Film Festival and supporting Black filmmakers a priority, and so it naturally made sense for him to be the festival’s celebrity ambassador as we celebrate 30 years of Black storytelling through film and art.”

The PAFF is a twelve-day event that exists to evolve the emerging Black storyteller. Each year the PAFF showcases the broad spectrum of creative works and films by visionaries who highlight the diverse stories of Black America, Africa, and the global Black Diaspora.

“I am thrilled to be the celebrity ambassador for the 30th annual Pan African Film Festival, which has had a profound impact on Black filmmaking and Black filmmakers since 1992,” said Danny Glover. “The Pan African Film Festival is a cultural icon that has grown over the past 30 years into the largest Black film festival in the U.S., and I’m proud of any role I played in making that happen.”

The 30th annual PAFF will feature 150 new high-quality Black films from the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the South Pacific, Canada, and increasingly, Asia. In addition, the PAFF will present over 100 fine artists and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and six continents in a showcase of Pan African cultures.

An Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, the 30th Annual PAFF will take place in-person in Los Angeles and online worldwide February 8-22, 2022.

About Danny Glover

Danny Glover first caught the attention of movie audiences in The Color Purple and went on to star opposite Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon series. He has also appeared in To Sleep with Anger, The Royal Tenenbaums, Dreamgirls, Beyond the Lights and Sorry to Bother You. A lifelong community activist, his efforts for worldwide justice have inspired others to follow his leadership. He has been a particularly strong advocate for economic justice and access to health care and education in the United States and Africa. He has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program and is currently a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He is a co-founder of the Pan African Film Festival, America’s largest Black film festival.

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 the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. It is also one of America’s largest Black History Month events.

The 30th annual festival runs February 8-22, 2022.

Find the Pan African Film Festival on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paffnow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paffnow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paffnow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThePanAfricanFilmFestival

The PAFF is generously supported by the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Arts and Culture, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Los Angeles Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas.

For more information, please contact press@paff.org.

LABYRINTH OF CINEMA an End of Year and Best of 2021 Consideration

Cresendo House Logo
Labyrinth of Cinema Poster

Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi (House)
Writers: Nobuhiko Obayashi, Tadashi Naito, Kazuya Konaka
Cast: Takuro Atsuki, Takahito Hosoyamada, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Rei Yoshida, Riko Narumi, Hirona Yamazaki, Takako Tokiwa
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, War
Country: Japanese
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Runtime: 2 hours 59 minutes

Maverick filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi's LABYRINTH OF CINEMA continues to expand regionally in the US:

Full list of regional dates: https://crescendo.house/pages/ labyrinth-of-cinema including:
San Francisco- November 4
Seattle- November 5
Dallas- November 7
Portland- November 7
New Orleans- November 19
Cleveland- December 12
Houston- December 31

Labyrinth of Cinema Still

The final film by Nobuhiko Obayashi finds the late director returning to the subject of Japan’s history of warfare following the completion of his “War Trilogy,” which ended with Hanagatami. On the last night of its existence, a small movie theater in Onomichi—the seaside town of Obayashi’s youth where he shot nearly a dozen films—screens an all-night marathon of Japanese war films. When lightning strikes the theater, three young men are transported into the world onscreen where they experience the violent battles of several wars leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima. A breathless cinematic journey through Japan’s past, Labyrinth of Cinema finds Obayashi using every trick in his book to create an awe-inspiring, visually resplendent anti-war epic that urges us to consider cinema as a means to change history. The culmination of an exceptional 60-year career worth celebrating.

Born in Hiroshima in 1938, Nobuhiko Obayashi was a director, screenwriter and editor of films and television advertisements. He began his filmmaking career as a pioneer of Japanese experimental films before transitioning to directing more mainstream media, and his resulting filmography as a director spanned almost 60 years.

He was notable for his distinct surreal filmmaking style, as well as the anti-war themes commonly embedded in his films. He died on 10 April 2020 at the age of 82, from lung cancer in Tokyo.

Filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi
Filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi

“Forget a swan song: Nobuhiko Obayashi’s final film is a shriek, a tirade, a lecture and a rollicking action-adventure stuffed into a three-hour pop-art package.”

—The New York Times

ABOUT CRESCENDO HOUSE

Crescendo House is a new boutique distribution company that aims to reinvigorate the American film landscape with a new model for distribution. Our goal is to expand the mainstream visibility of international or otherwise underrepresented films in order to provide viewers with an array of choices that more accurately reflects the diverse world we inhabit.

For more information: https://crescendo.house/

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RIVER’S END California’s Latest Water War: Review

RIVERS END key art

Director: Jacob Morrison
Narrator: DeLanna Studi
Name of Leads:
Genre: Feature Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour 21 minutes
Rating
Country: U.S.
Language: English

                 Water, Essential to Life

Director Jacob Morrison's extraordinary documentary 'RIVER'S END California’s Latest Water War' is a journey through the harsh politics of water in the Golden State and the impact it is having on its natural water sources in Northern California's San Francisco Bay estuary.

River's End - Delta Sunset (Photo Credit: Giant Pictures)
River's End - Delta Sunset (Photo Credit: Giant Pictures)

California is the fifth largest economy in the world and if the state's elected officials and the people that live there, can find a solution to balance its water usage and conservation, it would be invaluable as a model to other nations to help solve their own water crisis taking place around the world.

River's End provides its viewers an opportunity to think about their own states and countries natural water resources, a resource that every one must consume for survival. A person can choose to not consume, soda, candy, meat, alcohol, and other things, but water is not one of them. And it matters who controls the water and decides who and how it is consumes, matters greatly.

River's End Tunnels Protest (Photo Credit Giant Pictures)
River's End Tunnels Protest (Photo Credit Giant Pictures)

Will it be for the benefit of large agriculture corporations, small businesses and residents, Or just those who can afford to lobby and petition or government?

When you see and hear about the decisions made during droughts, the restrictions placed on small businesses, individuals and families on their water usage, compared to large agriculture corporations is eye-opening. Especially, considering their profits are made from overseas sales. Only to benefit their bottom-line, not for the public good.

River's End - Central Valley - Pistachio Capitol (Photo Credit Giant Pictures)
River's End - Central Valley - Pistachio Capitol (Photo Credit Giant Pictures)

Further complicating matters is the proposed multi-billion dollar tunnel system, a large water-infrastructure project that would stand to benefit the large, private agriculture corporations at the detriment of the surrounding communities and habitat. The importance of having conservation to balance the various needs are crucial. Without it, our natural resource will continue to dwindle. People need to be knowledgeable and have a seat at the table, while, is distributed.

Jacob Morrison, "If we can solve California’s water problems, we can solve the world’s. Learn where your water comes from—it’s a public resource and it belongs to you."

River's End Filmmaker Jacob Morrison
River's End Filmmaker Jacob Morrison

River's End is a great film that provides much needed knowledge on the history of California, its water and many controversies throughout the State of California.

Website: https://www.riversendfilm.com/

Distributor: GIANT PICTURES
Production Co: A Jacob Morrison Production, Thin Ice Entertainment LLC
Run time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Director, Writer and Editor: Jacob Morrison
Narrator: DeLanna Studi
Producers: Jacob Morrison, Kurt S. Kittleson, Sam Furie
Cinematography: Benjamin Fischinger
Original Music: Jonny Bell
Animator: Sherif Higazy