Reviews and Events

THERAPY DOGS: New Trailer World Premiere at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival January 27, 2022 – February 6, 2022

TD_poster credits laurel sub

A Film by: Ethan Eng

Two best friends set out to create the ultimate senior video for their graduating class of 2019.

Ethan and his best friend Justin are students trying to make sense of their high school existence. In what will be the last chapter of their teenage lives and the beginning of adulthood beyond, they decide to make the ultimate senior video in their search for answers. Exploring teenage suburbia in a no-brakes adventure, questions arise whether there’s more to their lives than simply growing up.

A headstrong and experimental feature, THERAPY DOGS is more than a coming-of-age film, it’s a time capsule for the rebellious. For the ones that pushed the boundaries when deciding to leave their childhood behind.

THERAPY DOGS is executive produced by Matthew Miller and Matt Johnson, who took Slamdance by storm in 2013 with their debut feature “The Dirties”, and Sundance in 2016 with “Operation Avalanche”.

THERAPY DOGS will be having its World Premiere in competition, in the Narrative Features section at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival.

To purchase a festival pass, please visit https://slamdance.com/2022- passes/

VIEW TRAILER BELOW!

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY Screening in U.S. Theaters and Available on VOD Friday, February 11, 2022

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY key art poster

Directed by: Robert Rippberger
Written by: Robert Rippberger and Spencer Moleda
Starring: Booboo Stewart and Scarlett Sperduto
Run time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Horror/Thriller

After Max and Avery meet on a social media app for a first date, their evening takes a perilous turn when they end up at a local haunted house, the home of ‘Rotcreep’, a sinister creature that rots your body and soul with one touch. As the night turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, Max and Avery begin to realize the trauma they share may either save them or erupt into an unforgettable nightmare.

Written and directed by Robert Rippberger, THOSE WHO WALK AWAY is loosely inspired by the Ursula Le Guin short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”. Filmed in a series of long continuous takes, Rippberger perfectly captures the eerie and bloodcurdling moral predicament of living high while others suffer.

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY: Photo First Date
THOSE WHO WALK AWAY: Photo First Date

Rippberger’s films have premiered at SXSW and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, winning Best of Fest. They’ve screened at Parliament to Britain’s House of Lords, to senior members of the United Nations, and have been championed by Angelina Jolie.

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY will be releasing in U.S. theaters and Available on VOD beginning Friday, February 11, 2022.

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY Photo: Bedroom
THOSE WHO WALK AWAY Photo: Bedroom

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vmiworldwide/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/vmiworld

THOSE WHO WALK AWAY is directed by Robert Rippberger. Written by Rippberger and Spencer Moleda. Produced by KT Kent and Rippberger. Co-produced by Sandeep Sekhar. Executive Produced by Jeremy Walton, David Lyons, Todd Lundbohm, Mark Andrews, Eric Eppinger, Ge Gru, Stephanie Denton, Jay Burnley, Chelsea Tieu, Gaurav Bhatnagar, and Jarnell Stokes. Cinematography by Diego Cordero. Edited by Gabriel Cullen. Music by Dmitrii Miachin. Financing provided by 828 Media Capital. An SIE Films, Argentic Production. In Association with Sandeep Sekhar Films and Slated.

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SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life: Review

Salt In My Soul_Poster

Director: Will Battersby
Run time: 1 hour 36 Minutes
Genre: Feature Documentary
Country: USA

The Power in Telling Your Own Story and Finding the Balance of Living in the Moment and Preparing for a Future

Will Battersby brings Mallory Smith's challenges and triumphs to the screen in 'SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life', a documentary based on her book with the same name.

Faced with her own possible death because of cystic fibrosis, Mallory captures her thoughts, feelings and emotions in writing, audio and video recordings that are woven together to tell her remarkable and inspiring story with the love and support of her mother Diane, her father Mark, her friends and doctors. A remarkable support system.

One of the things that really stands out for me is, Mallory's ability to take a difficult and brutally honest conversation, for anyone of any age, that she had with her father at the age of 9 years old and used it to find her voice and to use her own word start documenting her thoughts and feelings.

She had the challenge of trying to live life to the fullest while at the same time, fighting for her life. Helping to achieve that balance are her parents Diane and Mark. Diane, a determined, outgoing, people person, who oversees appoints and direct interactions with the public including fundraising for Mallory's Garden. You cannot be shy and raise funds at the same time.

And there is her father Mark, who is in charge of all research. He is dedicated to researching all things cystic fibrosis and committed to staying on top of the latest treatments and developments with cystic fibrosis. An important component that he can accomplish mostly on his own, without the constant and direct face-to-face interactions.

It appears Mallory had the best of both her parents and together are instrumental in helping her to achieve the balance she sought in her life. Being happy with what you have and at the same time, thriving for more, working toward dreams and goals.

Having actual video footage of Mallory's hospitalizations and treatment and having narrate her story, brings you in, in an impactful and meaningful way. The opportunity for Will Battersby to use her actual days and weeks spent in the hospital is powerful, sharing her struggles. The footage of the challenges she faces, especially during her hospitalizations, really adds to the movie experience.

Learning early of the importance of being good stewards of our bodies and the earth and out environment. And how they are
both connected. As seen in the benefits of the Hawaiian salt water. As well as the great benefit of that sports played in helping to extend her life.

I must say, Mallory was very fortunate to have her mom Diane, her dad Mark and brother Micah by her side and the same can be said for them.

SALT IN MY SOUL is a good film that is sure to enlighten and inspire its viewers. A valuable lesson in finding your voice, passion and purpose in life.

Distributor: Giant Pictures
Production Co: GIANT PICTURES PRESENTS A 3 Arts Entertainment and Reno Productions film
Director: Will Battersby

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 intersection 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

THE ABANDON World Premiere at the 2022 Mammoth Film Festival February 3, 2022 – February 6, 2022

ABANDON poster

A Film by: Jason Satterlund
Writer: Dwain Worrell
Starring: Jonathan Rosenthal, Tamara Perry
Runtime: 1 hour 36 Minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Drama/Thriller

U.S. soldier, Miles Willis, is shot and wounded during an intense firefight in Iraq. As he tries to radio for help, a sudden blinding light surrounds him, and he awakens to find himself trapped in a strange, colorless cube with nothing inside but his own combat gear. As time passes, the cube begins to change: fluctuating extreme temperatures, random shifts of gravity, and strange writing appearing on the walls. His only communication is with one person -- a mystery woman who calls him on his satellite phone, claiming to be trapped in a similar space. As the clock ticks, the two of them must figure out who has them, why they were taken, and how to escape.

Abandon all hope
Abandon all hope

THE ABANDON will have its World Premiere, in competition, at the 2022 Mammoth Film Festival.

To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.mammothfilmfestival.org/

Vitruvian Man
Vitruvian Man

Website: https://www.jasonsatterlund.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theabandonmovie/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theabandonmovie

Light

Director: Jason Satterlund
Writer: Dwain Worrell
Producers: Victoria Hadeler and Regis Terencio
Executive Producers: Jonathan Rosenthal and Jordan Foley
Editor: Director: Jason Satterlund
Writer: Dwain Worrell
Producers: Victoria Hadeler and Regis Terencio
Executive Producers: Jonathan Rosenthal and Jordan Foley
Editor: Jason Satterlund
Cinematographer: Ray Huang
Music: Geoff Koch
Production Co.: A Mill House Motion Pictures
Cinematography by Ray Huang
Music: Geoff Koch
Production Co.: A Mill House Motion Pictures

GUNPOWDER & SKY Presents a Penguardia Productions, Elvis Duran Group, Workhouse Media and HQ Creative Production ‘WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK ‘

Title Card from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky).
Title Card from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky).

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

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

Z100 Hit List from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)
Z100 Hit List from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and 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.

Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky
Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky

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.

Taylor Dayne from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)
Taylor Dayne from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)

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.

“Along Came Wanda” Buffalo 8 wide release timed for February 14th, 2021 across North America on all TVOD and Digital platforms of the Three Women in a Box production

Along Came Wanda Movie Poster

“Along Came Wanda” written & directed by San Francisco native prolific writer, producer and now director Jan Miller Corran
(her last film “Snapshots," won countless awards – 35 awards, and received incredible to response from audiences & critics d
uring both its theatrical release and TVOD/Digital release).
“Along Came Wanda,” Jan’s directorial debut shot in Los Angeles has already begun garnering festival laurels and awards and was made during Covid-19 adhering closely to all guild/industry guidelines.

AlongCameWanda_3.3.20-143

Along Came Wanda” is an artful journey of self-discovery as love blooms from friendship. A stylist cinematic sibling in many ways to “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Imagine Me & You” this moving Lesbian love story is honest and genuine without needing to sell on sex, instead offering a beautiful, meaningful film for global audiences. “Along Came Wanda” emphasizes the true meaning of life and it’s often overwhelming lessons we must all know and learn. Through her journey, our central character displays resilience, humor (in moments artfully breaking the fourth wall to invite audiences into her dilemma’s) and strength as she moves through doubt, fear, loss, and uncertainty.

“Along Came Wanda” stars Constance Brenneman (“Alias,” “Batgirl Rises”), Cathy DeBuono (“And Then Came Lola,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Max Adler (“Glee,” “Love and Honor”), Isabella Hofmann (“Burlesque,” “The Flash”), Monica Young (“Modern Family,” Community”), Rich Ceraulo Ko (“Tenet,” “The Walking Dead”), Roberta Hanlen (“NCIS,” “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid”), Hank Matusek (“How ‘Bout a Cuppa Tea”), Carly Frintner (Operation Gratitude”), and Adam Huss (“Power,” “The Bold & The Beautiful”).

best AlongCameWanda-119

“Along Came Wanda” Synopsis
For many months, delivery person Wanda has been dropping off packages to Mary Beth Higgins during which they have developed a close friendship. With Mary Beth's divorce almost final, Wanda suggests a road trip in her RV which doubles as a Soup food truck. Hesitant at first, Mary Beth gives in and the journey begins. Along the way, Wanda takes Mary Beth to two notable destinations- one a spiritual retreat and the other a camping adventure complete with the famous psychic Davina Moonbeam. Throughout, both women are learning about life and each other. By the end of this journey, unexpected love for each other has arrived for both of them.

VIEW TRAILER BELOW!

STATEMENT FROM PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL ON THE DEATH OF SIR SIDNEY POITIER

Ayuko Babu and Sir Sidney Poitier at the 2002 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Ayuko Babu and Sir Sidney Poitier at the 2002 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Ayuko Babu and Sir Sidney Poitier at the 2002 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES — Ayuko Babu, co-founder and executive director of the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), released the following statement about the death of the trailblazing actor, director, and activist Sir Sidney Poitier.

"Mr. Poitier was a loud voice letting the world know who we are when Jim Crow tried to muzzle us. He portrayed his people with dignity and integrity, setting a standard of consciousness in Hollywood that elevated the roles available to Black actors. His iconic films such as “Lilies of the Field,” "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," “To Sir, With Love,” and “In the Heat of the Night” opened the door for today's Black actors to demand roles that portray the Black experience with pride, and for that, we will always love him and be grateful. His life and work will continue to be an inspiration throughout generations. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. We all share in this tremendous loss.”

 

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.

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.

30TH PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL POSTPONED TO APRIL 19

Festival receives praise from Supervisor Holly Mitchell for ‘leading by example’

PAFF is L.A.’s largest Black History Month event and nation’s largest Black film festival

PAFF 30th Logo

LOS ANGELES — Due to the current rise of COVID cases in Los Angeles County, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) has announced that the festival will not take place February 8-21 as anticipated. The nation’s largest and most prestigious Black film festival is exploring options to reschedule its 30th annual celebration for later in the year April 19 through May 1 in Los Angeles at its flagship venues the Directors Guild of America, Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

In addition, over the course of the coming weeks, the PAFF will explore other ways to engage the community including hosting a virtual PAFF online experience to celebrate Black History Month. The PAFF remains committed to doing its part to help protect its staff, exhibitors, attendees, and filmmakers.

“The decision to postpone this year’s PAFF did not come easy because we were looking forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary in-person with our community,” said Ayuko Babu, PAFF Executive Director. “But we could not in good conscious put the PAFF community in harm’s way. Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our staff, artists, audience, and filmmakers who travel to Los Angeles from around the world, and for whom without them, there is no PAFF. We remain committed to the city of Los Angeles, where we’ve hosted the Pan African Film and Arts Festival for 30 years and will do so again when it is safe.”

PAFF 2022 Celebrity Ambassador and festival co-founder actor Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon) said, “It’s been over 30 years since we first traveled to FESPACO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and were inspired to replicate their celebration and promotion of Black films and Black filmmakers here in America. We want to celebrate 30 years of connecting the Pan African Film Festival audience with the broader African diaspora through film and art and have made the decision to postpone the festival until it’s safe to do that in-person.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell added, “I commend the Pan African Film and Arts Festival for leading by example in protecting our community. The cultural significance, artistic contributions, and fellowship that PAFF offers can never be stopped. I look forward to PAFF safely commemorating 30 Years in the Second Supervisorial District.”

"For 30 years, the Pan African Film Festival rolled out the red carpet to center our stories and filmmakers. And now, during the surge of the latest variant, I applaud their decision to center the community's health and well-being by postponing the film festival to a later date," said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. "I'm looking forward to celebrating their 30-year milestone when it is safer for everyone."

The 30th annual PAFF will feature over 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.

The PAFF is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films.

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.

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.

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

IMPERFECT Premiering at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival January 27, – February 6, 2022

IMPERFECT key art

A Film by: Regan Linton & Brian Malone
Directors: Regan Linton Brian Malone
Featuring: Regan Linton, Megan McGuire, Erin Schneider, Leonard Barrett Jr., Laurice Quinn, Lucy Roucis, Phillip Lomeo, Adam Johnson,
and Sam Barrasso
Runtime: 1 hour 17 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Documentary

A professional company of actors with disabilities defies expectations by taking center stage in Chicago the musical.

IMPERFECT is a story of artists…who live and perform with the uniqueness of disability, and therefore have historically been denied their place in the spotlight. The documentary chronicles a unique company of actors who have all nature of disabilities – from spinal cord injury to Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy to autism – as they attempt an unprecedented version of Kander, Ebb, and Fosse’s beloved musical "Chicago".

Chicago Cast 2019
Chicago Cast 2019

Capturing the raw, honest stories of the actors inside the production process and outside the theatre in their everyday lives, IMPERFECT reveals a rare behind-the-scenes look at talented artists who push to succeed as professional performers, no matter the obstacles.

IMPERFECT crushes stale notions of disability and affirms the human condition…in all its uniqueness.

IMPERFECT: Leonard
IMPERFECT: Leonard

IMPERFECT will be screening in competition, in the Documentary Features section at the 2022 Virtual Slamdance Film Festival. To purchase a festival pass, please visit https://slamdance.com/2022-passes/

Website: www.imperfectfilm.com

Production Company: A Fast Forwcard Films production
Directors: Regan Linton Brian Malone
Producers: Regan Linton, Brian Malone, and Davis Coombe
Executive Producer: Mike Fordyce
Featuring: Regan Linton, Megan McGuire, Erin Schneider, Leonard Barrett Jr., Laurice Quinn, Lucy Roucis, Phillip Lomeo, Adam Johnson,
and Sam Barrasso
Cinematography and Editing: Brian Malone