DAILY FILM FORUM

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "MULBERRY CHILD"

2012-01-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

MULBERRY CHILD will premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center’s Documentary Series –“Stranger Than Fiction” on January 21st, 2012 at 8PM, followed by screenings on January 24th at 8PM and January 26th at 8PM

MULBERRY CHILD is a powerful, deeply moving story of author Jian Ping’s (Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China) coming of age as the daughter of a senior government official and her family's struggle to survive China's Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976.

After living in America for 20 years, Jian Ping finds the courage to write the story of her childhood in Communist China. Her beloved father, a high ranking government official was arrested and falsely accused of treason, her mother was persecuted daily and her family was scorned and banished to live in a primitive mud hut, with no heat or running water in a cold remote area N.E. of China. The traumatic experiences of The Revolution had a lifelong impact on Jian making it difficult for her to express her feelings.

There is a disconnect between Jian and her free spirited American raised daughter, Lisa. Jian wants Lisa to read her story in order to understand her own heritage, but for years, Lisa has no interest in reading the manuscript.

Growing up as an all American girl with freedom and comfort, Lisa does not identify with her Chinese roots. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics Jian’s father falls gravely ill. Jian and Lisa travel to China to see him for the last time. After reconnecting with her Chinese family, Lisa decides to read her mother's book upon returning back to the states. Will this journey into the past forge a better understanding between mother and daughter?

MULBERRY CHILD teaches us the human capacity for courage and endurance, and how the events of the past can haunt our future.

Directed by award winning filmmaker Susan Morgan Cooper (An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story), and narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress Jacqueline Bisset - MULBERRY CHILD - traces Jian Ping's traumatic childhood during The Cultural Revolution in China [1966-1976] and examines the repercussions on Jian's American raised daughter living today in Chicago.“My mother wanted to show me China. China showed me my mother.”

For more info log onto: www.mulberrychildmovie.com

LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY "THE OUT-SIDER" FILMS

2012-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

The OUT-SIDER is the hilarious new comedy by the award-winning Producer/Director Jana (AJ) Mattioli who was most recently honored as, “Forty People Under 40 To Look Out For,” in the Advocate. Accomplished writer of The OUT-SIDER, Robert Borneman, gels very cohesively with Mattioli’s vision of comedic with a slice of in your face provacative type material. Shooting has recently wrapped and post- production has begun on this comedy gem. After speaking with Jana (AJ) Mattioli and her production team at Mattioli Productions, there is no doubt that The OUT-SIDER is going to make waves when released this summer. We spoke to Keith Collins, lead actor and Associate Producer, and he assures us that this comedy, “will make you laugh so hard that you will have to hold the tears in.” We are definitly looking forward to seeing this film when it’s complete.

So what is The OUT-SIDER film about? Well from what we saw during a hilarious day of filming, it is based on the discovery of the fundamental and primitive layers of sexuality that exist to all who want to and are willing to accept them; however astonishing or confusing.

The Cup, a coffee shop frequented by the local gay community, becomes the place where Suzie (Denise Finelli; Filthy Rich Filthy Uncle Phil and Plan Bee) finds herself facing her old college roommate, Alexa (newcomer Holly Meek). Recently coming to the realization that she is a lesbian, Suzie is hopeful that the shop’s atmosphere with the help of her flamboyantly gay brother Jamie (award winner Keith Collins; Stuck in the Middle, BIdentity Crisis) will help in breaking this possibly shocking news to her longtime friend.

Small-town raised Alexa has little exposure to such a community and is thus immediately seen as “the outsider.” Yet, despite her ignorance and naivety, Alexa reveals that there’s more to her than meets the eye.

Expectations are pleasantly shattered at the end of The OUT-SIDER. It’s a fantastic presentation of “being true to yourself as others rarely are.” With acclaimed Director Mattioli (An Affirmative Act, BIdentity Crisis), The OUT-SIDER continues to live up to the precedent of strongly conscientious, heartwarming and sincere filmmaking we have come to expect from Mattioli Productions.

Completing the cast is Joshua Cruz (Big Gay Musical) as Adrien, the sexy straight waiter of The Cup and Steve Wolf (Curiosity Killed The Cat) as Chase, the slimy Casanova wannabe. Robert and Joyce Borneman, Greg Jackson, and Steve Wolf act as the Executive Producers on this project. This film is made in association with Dreamcatcher Entertainment. The OUT-SIDER one rollercoaster ride of a comedy look for it out summer of 2012. For more information, www.ShesTheOutSider.com

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "THE OUT-SIDER"

2012-01-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Chase, a recurring character in a series of coffee shop escapades sets the stage for the revelation of Suzie’s’ sexuality. We learn that Suzie isn’t the only one with something to reveal.

Suzie meets an old college friend Alexa at a coffee shop, which is the hot spot for the local gay community. Alexa comes from the Midwest where there is no “gay community”, at least none that she is aware of. Suzie has given up on men since college where she was roommates with Alexa, so she isn’t exactly sure of how to break the news that she now dates women to her longtime friend. Suzie is hoping the gay environment at “The Cup” and the fact that her gay brother Jamie works there will give her the confidence to tell Alexa.

The daily drama of the coffee shop brings some hysterical moments to the screen as waiters Jamie and Adrien interact. Adrien is eye candy for the ladies and for the men as it turns out, but there really aren’t any takers, or at least none that Adrien is interested in.

Suzie and Alexa engage in an unintended educational dialogue as Suzie hopes to reveal her sexuality. Alexa keeps Suzie from getting to the point because she steers the conversation from naivety about the gay community. In the epicenter for the gay community, clearly Alexa is an outsider. As Alexa becomes educated, we may learn more than we want to.

THE OUT-SIDER written by Robert Borneman, Directed By Jana Mattioli, Starring Joshua Cruz,Denise Finelli, Keith Collins, Holly Meek and Steven Wolf. Produced By, Mattioli Productions in association with Dreamcatcher Entertainment with Executive Producers Robert Borneman, Joyce Borneman and Greg Jackson. For more info on THE OUT-SIDER log onto; www.ShesTheOutSider.com

WELCOME 2012!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT THE DAILY FILM FORUM

NEW YEARS EVE - Celebrities Caught in The Act

2011-12-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

VEGAS – Kim Kardashian will be hosting at TAO while Kourtney will be at Chateau Nightclub…Chris Brown at Pure…Bruno Mars at the Bank…LMFAO will be party rockin at Haze Nightclub…

New York City the Mecca of New Years Eve- Lady Gaga the official “Ball Dropper” is also performing in Times Square on Dick Clarks New Year’s Rockin Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest with other performances by Justin Bieber & Pitbull…DWTS Karina Smirnoff at Bowlmor Lanes…Drake on NBC’s New Years Eve hosted by Carson Daly…Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Marc Miller on MTV’s New Years Bash…Actor Keith Collins’ annual private NYE at Cucina Di Pesce with Former American Idol Brenna Gethers & Music by DJ Jimmy Prada…Boardwalk Empire’s Michael Pitt at the Carlton Hotel…Black Eyed Peas Fergie will be at 1OAK…

Miami EC Twins at SET…Busta Rymes at LIV…Rony Seikaly at Wall at the W Hotel…Victor Calderone at Pangea…Real Housewives of New Jersey Melissa & Joe Gorga at Catalina Beach Club…Rick Ross at Cameo…Deadmau5 New Years Day at Fontainebleau Poolside…Bob Sinclair at Amnesia…

Alice Eve inks on for Star Trek 2

2011-12-05T00:09:00.000-08:00

Star Trek 2 is starting to round up. Alice Eve has just signed on to the sequel. With jj Abrams set to direct and a possibility that Benicio Del Toro will play the villain.We keep looking forward to hearing more.

2012 Grammy Nominees

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

2012 Grammy Nominees announced. Find out all the nominees by logging onto;

http://www.grammy.com/nominees

2012 Sundance Film Festival Selections

2011-11-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

Beasts of the Southern Wild / U.S.A. (Director: Benh Zeitlin, Screenwriters: Benh Zeitlin, Lucy Alibar) — Waters gonna rise up, wild animals gonna rerun from the grave, and everything south of the levee is goin’ under, in this tale of a six year old named Hushpuppy, who lives with her daddy at the edge of the world. Cast: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry.

The Comedy / U.S.A. (Director: Rick Alverson, Screenwriters: Rick Alverson, Robert Donne, Colm O'Leary) — Indifferent even to the prospects of inheriting his father's estate, Swanson whiles away his days with a group of aging Brooklyn hipsters, engaging in small acts of recreational cruelty and pacified boredom. Cast: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Kate Lyn Sheil, Alexia Rassmusen, Gregg Turkington.

The End of Love / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Mark Webber) — A young father unravels following the loss of the mother of his child. Cast: Mark Webber, Shannyn Sossamon, Michael Cera, Jason Ritter, Amanda Seyfried, Frankie Shaw.

Filly Brown / U.S.A. (Directors: Youssef Delara, Michael D. Olmos, Screenwriter: Youssef Delara) — A Hip Hop-driven drama about a Mexican girl who rises to fame and consciousness as she copes with the incarceration of her mother through music. Cast: Lou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jenni Rivera, Edward James Olmos.

The First Time / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jonathan Kasdan) — Two high schoolers meet at a party. Over the course of a weekend, things turn magical, romantic, complicated and funny, as they discover what it's like to fall in love for the first time. Cast: Brittany Robertson, Dylan O'Brien, Craig Roberts, James Frecheville, Victoria Justice.

For Ellen / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: So Yong Kim) — A struggling musician takes an overnight long-distance drive in order to fight his estranged wife for custody of their young daughter. Cast: Paul Dano, Jon Heder, Jena Malone, Margarita Levieva, Shay Mandigo.

Hello I Must Be Going / U.S.A. (Director: Todd Louiso, Screenwriter: Sarah Koskoff) — Divorced, childless, demoralized and condemned to move back in with her parents at the age of 35, Amy Minsky's prospects look bleak – until the unexpected attention of a teenage boy changes everything. Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Blythe Danner, Christopher Abbott, John Rubinstein, Julie White. DAY ONE FILM

Keep the Lights On / U.S.A. (Director: Ira Sachs, Screenwriters: Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias) —An autobiographically inspired story of a passionate long-term relationship between two men driven by addiction and secrets but bound by love and hopefulness. Cast: Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, Julianne Nicholson, Souleymane Sy Savane, Paprika Steen.

LUV / U.S.A. (Director: Sheldon Candis, Screenwriters: Sheldon Candis, Justin Wilson) — An orphaned 11-year-old boy is forced to face the unpleasant truth about his beloved uncle during one harrowing day in the streets of Baltimore. Cast: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton.

Middle Of Nowhere / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ava DuVernay) — When her husband is incarcerated, an African-American woman struggles to maintain her marriage and her identity. Cast: Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Touissant, Edwina Findley.

Nobody Walks / U.S.A. (Director: Ry Russo-Young, Screenwriters: Lena Dunham, Ry Russo-Young) — Martine, a young artist from New York, is invited into the home of a hip, liberal LA family for a week. Her presence unravels the family’s carefully maintained status quo, and a mess of sexual and emotional entanglements ensues. Cast: John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie DeWitt, India Ennenga, Justin Kirk.

Safety Not Guaranteed / U.S.A. (Director: Colin Trevorrow, Screenwriter: Derek Connolly) — A trio of magazine employees investigate a classified ad seeking a partner for time travel. One employee develops feelings for the paranoid but compelling loner and seeks to discover what he’s really up to. Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karen Soni.

Save the Date / U.S.A. (Director: Michael Mohan, Screenwriters: Jeffrey Brown, Egan Reich, Michael Mohan) — As her sister Beth prepares to get married, Sarah finds herself caught up in an intense post-breakup rebound. The two fumble through the redefined emotional landscape of modern day relationships, forced to relearn how to love and be loved. Cast: Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, Geoffrey Arend, Mark Webber.

Simon Killer / France, U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Antonio Campos) — A recent college graduate goes to Paris after breaking up with his girlfriend of 5 years. Once there, he falls in love with a young prostitute and their fateful journey begins. Cast: Brady Corbet, Mati Diop, Constance Rousseau, Michael Abiteboul, Solo.

Smashed / U.S.A. (Director: James Ponsoldt, Screenwriters: Susan Burke, James Ponsoldt) — Kate and Charlie are a young married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of music, laughter and... drinking. When Kate decides to get sober, her new lifestyle brings troubling issues to the surface and calls into question her relationship with Charlie. Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally.

The Surrogate / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ben Lewin) — Mark O'Brien, a 36-year-old poet and journalist with an iron lung, decides he no longer wishes to be a virgin. With the help of his therapist and the guidance of his priest, he contacts a professional sex surrogate to take him on a journey to manhood. Cast: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy.

U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
The world premieres of 16 American documentary films.

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry / U.S.A., China (Director: Alison Klayman) — Renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has garnered international attention as much for his ambitious artwork as his political provocations and increasingly public clashes with the Chinese government.

The Atomic States of America / U.S.A. (Directors: Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce) — In 2010, the United States announced construction of the first new nuclear power plant in more than 32 years. A year later, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Fukushima Power Plant in Japan sparking a fierce debate in the U.S. over the safety and viability of nuclear power.

Chasing Ice / U.S.A. (Director: Jeff Orlowski) — Science, spectacle and human passion mix in this stunningly cinematic portrait as National Geographic photographer James Balog captures time-lapse photography of glaciers over several years providing tangible visual evidence of climate change.

DETROPIA /U.S.A. (Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady) — The woes of Detroit are emblematic of the collapse of the U.S. manufacturing base. This is the dramatic story of a city and its people who refuse to leave the building, even as the flames are rising.

ESCAPE FIRE: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare / U.S.A. (Directors: Matthew Heineman, Susan Froemke) — What can be done to save our broken medical system? Powerful forces are trying to maintain the status quo in a profit-driven medical industry, but a movement to bring innovative methods of prevention and healing is finally gaining ground – potentially saving the health of a nation.

Finding North /U.S.A. (Directors: Lori Silverbush, Kristi Jacobson) — A crisis of hunger looms in America and is not limited to the poverty stricken and uneducated. Can a return to policies of the 1970s save our future?

The House I Live In / U.S.A. (Director: Eugene Jarecki) — For over 40 years, the War on Drugs has accounted for 45 million arrests, made America the world's largest jailer and damaged poor communities at home and abroad. Yet, drugs are cheaper, purer and more available today than ever. Where did we go wrong and what is the path toward healing?

How to Survive a Plague / U.S.A. (Director: David France) — The untold story of the intensive efforts that turned AIDS into a manageable condition – and the improbable group of (mostly HIV-positive) young men and women whose amazing resilience broke through a time of rampant death and political indifference.

The Invisible War / U.S.A. (Director: Kirby Dick) — An investigative and powerfully emotional examination of the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the U.S. military, the institutions that cover up its existence and the profound personal and social consequences that arise from it.

Marina Abramović The Artist is Present / U.S.A. (Director: Matthew Akers) — Marina Abramović prepares for a major retrospective of her work at The Museum of Modern Art in New York hoping to finally silence four decades of skeptics who proclaim: 'But why is this art?'

ME at the ZOO / U.S.A. (Directors: Chris Moukarbel, Valerie Veatch) — With 270 million hits to date, Chris Crocker, an uncanny young video blogger from small town Tennessee, is considered the Internet's first rebel folk hero and at the same time one of its most controversial personalities.

The Other Dream Team / Lithuania, U.S.A. (Director: Marius Markevicius) — The 1992 Lithuanian National Basketball Team went from the clutches of Communism to the Summer Olympics in Barcelona – a testament to the powerful role of sports as a catalyst for cultural identity.

The Queen of Versailles / U.S.A. (Director: Lauren Greenfield) — Jackie and David were triumphantly constructing the biggest house in America – a sprawling, 90,000-square-foot palace inspired by Versailles – when their timeshare empire collapses and their house is foreclosed. Their rags-to-riches-to-rags story reveals the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. DAY ONE FILM

Slavery By Another Name / U.S.A. (Director: Sam Pollard) — As slavery came to an end with Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, a new system of involuntary servitude took its place with shocking force, brutalizing, terrorizing and ultimately circumscribing the lives of hundreds of thousands of African Americans well into the 20th century.

Love Free or Die: How the Bishop of New Hampshire is Changing the World / U.S.A. (Director: Macky Alston) — One man whose two defining passions are in conflict: An openly gay bishop refuses to leave the Church or the man he loves.

We're Not Broke / U.S.A. (Directors: Karin Hayes, Victoria Bruce) — As American lawmakers slash budgets and lay off employees, leaving many people scrambling to survive, multibillion-dollar corporations are concealing colossal profits overseas to avoid paying U.S. income tax. Fed-up Americans are taking their frustration to the streets.

WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION
Fourteen films from emerging filmmaking talents offer fresh perspectives and inventive styles.

4 Suns / Czech Republic (Director and screenwriter: Bohdan Sláma) — Immature Fogi attempts to straighten up and accept his responsibilities as a new husband and father, as well as role model to his troubled son from a previous relationship, but finds himself unable to change his nature, leaving him to watch haplessly as his family begins to crumble. Cast: Jaroslav Plesl, Aňa Geislerová, Karel Roden, Jiří Mádl, Klára Melíšková. World Premiere

About the Pink Sky / Japan (Director and screenwriter: Keiichi Kobayashi) — A high school girl finds a wallet full of money and tracks down its owner, leading to unexpected consequences for the girl and her friends. Cast: Ai Ikeda, Ena Koshino, Reiko Fujiwara, Tsubasa Takayama, Hakusyu Togetsuan. International Premiere

Can / Turkey (Director and screenwriter: Rasit Celikezer) — A young married couple live happily in Istanbul, but their decision to illegally procure a child threatens their future together. Cast: Selen Ucer, Serdar Orcin, Berkan Demirbag, Erkan Avci. World Premiere

Father's Chair (A Cadeira do Pai) / Brazil (Director: Luciano Moura, Screenwriters: Elena Soarez, Luciano Moura) — Following the trail of his runaway teen son, Theo confronts his own identity as a son, a father and a man along the way. Cast: Wagner Moura, Lima Duarte, Mariana Lima. World Premiere

L / Greece (Director: Babis Makridis, Screenwriters: Efthymis Filippou, Babis Makridis) — A man who lives in his car gets caught up in the undeclared war between motorcycle riders and car drivers. Cast: Aris Servetalis, Makis Papadimitriou, Lefteris Mathaios, Nota Tserniafski, Stavros Raptis. World Premiere

The Last Elvis (El Ultimo Elvis) / Argentina (Director: Armando Bo, Screenwriters: Nicolás Giacobone and Armando Bo) — A Buenos Aires Elvis impersonator who believes that he is the reincarnation of the King struggles to shake free from reality and live his musical dream. Cast: John McInerny, Griselda Siciliani, Margarita Lopez. World Premiere

Madrid, 1987 / Spain (Director and screenwriter: David Trueba) — The balance of power and desire constantly shifts during the meeting of an older journalist and a young student, of two generations completely foreign to one another. Cast: José Sacristán, María Valverde, Ramon Fontserè. International Premiere

My Brother the Devil / United Kingdom (Director and screenwriter: Sally El Hosaini) — A pair of British Arab brothers trying to get by in gangland London learn the extraordinary courage it takes to be yourself. Cast: James Floyd, Saïd Taghmaoui, Fady Elsayed. World Premiere

Teddy Bear / Denmark (Director: Mads Matthiesen, Screenwriters: Mads Matthiesen, Martin Pieter Zandvliet) — Dennis, a painfully shy 38-year-old bodybuilder who lives with his mother, sets off to Thailand in search of love. Cast: Kim Kold, Elsebeth Steentoft, Lamaiporn Sangmanee Hougaard, David Winters, Allan Mogensen. World Premiere

Valley of Saints / India, U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Musa Syeed) — Gulzar plans to run away from the war and poverty surrounding his village in Kashmir with his best friend, but a beautiful young woman researching the dying lake leads him to contemplate a different future Cast: Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Mohammed Afzal Sofi, Neelofar Hamid. World Premiere

Violeta Went to Heaven (Violeta se Fue a Los Cielos) / Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Spain (Director: Andrés Wood, Screenwriters: Eliseo Altunaga, Rodrigo Bazaes, Guillermo Calderón, Andrés Wood) — A portrait of famed Chilean singer and folklorist Violeta Parra filled with her musical work, her memories, her loves and her hopes. Cast: Francisca Gavilán, Thomas Durand, Luis Machín, Gabriela Aguilera, Roberto Farías. International Premiere

Wish You Were Here / Australia (Director: Kieran Darcy-Smith, Screenwriters: Felicity Price, Kieran Darcy-Smith) — Four friends embark on a carefree holiday, but only three return home. Who knows what happened on that fateful night? Cast: Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer, Felicity Price, Antony Starr. World Premiere. DAY ONE FILM

WRONG / France (Director and screenwriter: Quentin Dupieux) — Dolph searches for his lost dog, but through encounters with a nympho pizza-delivery girl, a jogging neighbor seeking the absolute, and a mysterious righter of wrongs, he may eventually lose his mind... and his identity. Cast: Jack Plotnick, Eric Judor, Alexis Dziena, Steve Little, William Fichtner. World Premiere

Young & Wild / Chile (Director: Marialy Rivas, Screenwriters: Marialy Rivas, Camila Gutiérrez, Pedro Peirano) — 17-year-old Daniela, raised in the bosom of a strict Evangelical family and recently unmasked as a fornicator by her shocked parents, struggles to find her own path to spiritual harmony. Cast: Alicia Rodríguez, Aline Kuppenheim, María Gracia Omegna, Felipe Pinto. World Premiere

WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Twelve documentaries by some of the most courageous and extraordinary filmmakers working today.

½ REVOLUTION / Denmark (Directors: Omar Shargawi, Karim El Hakim) — In January 2011, two filmmakers captured the reality of the Egyptian revolution as it occurred out of view from the world's media in the alleyways and streets away from the square – and in the process were arrested by the secret police. North American Premiere

5 Broken Cameras / Palestine, Israel, France (Directors: Emad Burnat, Guy Davidi) — A Palestinian journalist chronicles his village’s resistance to a separation barrier being erected on their land and in the process captures his young son’s lens on the world. International Premiere

THE AMBASSADOR / Denmark (Director: Mads Brügger) — What happens when a very white European man buys his way into being a diplomat in one of Central Africa's most failed nations? Welcome to the bizarre and hidden world of African diplomacy, where gin and tonics flow and diamond hustlers and corrupt politicians run free. North American Premiere

BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!* / Sweden (Director: Fredrik Gertten) — The behind-the-scenes story of a full-scale attack on freedom of speech. When Dole set its sights on the WG Film production Bananas!* in May 2009, confusion was the method, aggression was the tactic and media control was the story. North American Premiere

China Heavyweight / Canada, China (Director: Yung Chang) — In central China, where a coach recruits poor rural teenagers and turns them into Western-style boxing champions, the top students face dramatic choices as they graduate – should they fight for the collective good or for themselves? A metaphor for the choices everyone in the New China faces now. World Premiere

Gypsy Davy / Israel, U.S.A., Spain (Director: Rachel Leah Jones) — How does a white boy with Alabama roots become a Flamenco guitarist in Andalusian boots? A tale of self-invention and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of the cost to others. International Premiere

The Imposter / United Kingdom (Director: Bart Layton) — In 1994 a 13-year-old boy disappears from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later he is found alive thousands of miles away in Spain with a shocking story of kidnap and torture. But all is not what it seems in this tale that is truly stranger than fiction. World Premiere

Indie Game: The Movie / Canada (Directors: Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky) — Follow the dramatic journeys of indie game developers as they create games and release those works, and themselves, to the world. World Premiere

The Law in These Parts / Israel (Director: Ra'anan Alexandrowicz) — Israel's 43-year military legal system in the Occupied Palestinian Territories unfolds through provocative interviews with the system’s architects and historical footage showing the enactment of these laws upon the Palestinian population. International Premiere

Payback / Canada (Director: Jennifer Baichwal) — Based on Margaret Atwood’s best-selling book, Payback explores how debt is a central organizing principle in our lives – influencing relationships, societies, governing structures and the very fate of this planet. World Premiere

Putin's Kiss / Denmark (Director: Lise Birk Pedersen) — 19-year-old Marsha is a model spokesperson in a strongly nationalistic Russian youth movement that aims to protect the country from its enemies. When she starts recognizing the organization’s flaws, she must take a stand for or against it. North American Premiere

Searching for Sugar Man / Denmark, United Kingdom (Director: Malik Bendjelloul) — Rodriguez was the greatest ‘70s US rock icon who never was. Hailed as the greatest recording artist of his generation he disappeared into oblivion – rising again from the ashes in a completely different context many miles away. World Premiere. DAY ONE FILM

Patrice O'Neal Passes

2011-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Comedian and VH1 funny man Patrice O'Neal has recently passed. Known for many of Comedy Central's Roasts & a stand out on numerous VH1 shows. O'Neal was 41.

Its The Situation vs Abercrombie?

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

We hear that Jersey Shore abdominal star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is crunching his way to a lawsuit on Abercrombie & Fitch. The reality star alleges that by emblazoning T-shirts with such slogans as "Gtl” the clothing giant violated his trademarks on "The Situation" and "Gtl," aka his regimen of gym, tan and laundry.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Daily Film Forum.

Baby Boy For Niki Taylor

2011-11-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Supermodel Niki Taylor welcomed in a new baby boy. Taylor, and her former Nascar driver Husband Burney Lamar, welcomed the new addition in New York City.

Former NY Yankee Billy Sample's "Reunion 108"

2011-11-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Actor Keith Collins, recent winner of the Best Actor Award at the Downbeach Film Festival Atlantic City Cinefest, with Cucina Di Pesce’s, Nick Alija and former Major Leaguer, Billy Sample, taking a break from discussing the latter's award winning (Hoboken Film Festival), satirical, baseball screenplay, Reunion 108, due for production in January 2012...

Mega Talent Signed On For The Grammy Nominations Concert Live

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Usher, The Band Perry and singing sensation Rihanna are all on for "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live," also other big name talent signed on are Lady Gaga, Lupe Fiasco and Sugarland . The Event is hosted by LL Cool J. The show is set to air on CBS live from L.A.'s Nokia Theatre on Nov. 30 2011.

Connie Britton Now A Mom

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

After enduring a three-year-long adoption process actress Connie Britton has just become a new mom. The American Horror Story star adopted a 9-month-old boy from Ethiopia, named Yoby.

Sexiest Man Alive – Bradley Cooper

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bradley Cooper, the Hangover star has been recently named People’s 2011 Sexiest man alive.

South Park Renewed for three more seasons

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

South Park is staying. Comedy central has renewed the show for three more seasons. Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s hilarious show will continue through 2016.

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "LIFE AT THE RESORT"

2011-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Creative Actors Alliance in association with Z-Ville Productions is proud to announce the World Premier of their Feature Film “Life At The Resort”. The film will screen as part of the New York International Film Festival on November 21st at 10pm.

Life at the Resort was co-directed by first-time directing team Jeff Sable and Zander Villayne and produced by the Creative Actors Alliance in association with Z-Ville Productions.

This funny, romantic comedy was written by Deon C. van Rooyen and David Higlen and stars: Vail Bloom (The Young and the Restless), Adrian R’Mante (The Suite Life of Zach and Cody), Louis Mandylor (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Marc Singer (The Beastmaster).

Life at the Resort: Where rumors are spread and secrets are said.

There is more than hospitality happening at this famous Five Star Resort. In just one day the problems and plots of guests and staff unfold.
From the failing romances to shocking rumors and revelations within the hotel staff, the colorful cast of characters play out their love triangles and intrigues while patrons dine, plots thicken, mistresses’ fume, fortunes fail and blackmail schemes go bust. The roller coaster of surprises at this resort gives us an entertaining emotional ride filled with laughter, tears and love.

About the Company:
This is the first feature film produced by the Creative Actors Alliance, a production company comprised of actors creating their own professional projects to showcase the talents of its members. In addition to producing content, they host events, acting classes and continue to help others achieve their creative goals.
For Life at the Resort, the producers decided to collaborate with former Board Member Zander Villayne and Z-Ville Productions, a full service film and music production company designed for the independent filmmaker.

SCREENING INFORMATION
Monday, November 21, 2011 at 10pm Quad Cinema 34 West, 13th Street New York, NY 10011
Tickets are $12 in advance on www.ticketweb.com or guests can purchase tickets for $15 at the door (if the screening is not sold out). All screenings are open to the general public with tickets. For more information about the film please logo onto www.LifeAtTheResortMovie.com

Ricky Gervais To Host Golden Globes

2011-11-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

He is back! Ricky Gervais will host the 2012 Golden Globes in January according to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who just tweeted the news. This will mark Gervais third year as host.

Shakira Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

2011-11-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

Grammy Award Winning recording artist Shakira was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Shakira won an Alma award was nominated for a Golden Globe for best original song for “Love in the time of Cholera”.

Joe Frazier Passes

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Legendary Boxer “Smokin” Joe Frazier has recently passed. Frazier with career highlights and a legacy of boxing winning the Heavyweight boxing gold medal, 1964 Olympics., only man to defeat Muhammad Ali, world heavyweight boxing champion 1970-73 his only losses were to George Foreman & Muhamad Ali. Frazier was 67.

"Heavy D" Passes

2011-11-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Rapper Dwight Arrington Myers, known as the legendary Heavy D has recently passed. Dwight Arrington Myers "Heavy D" was 44.

2011 Downbeach Film Festival Presents Atlantic City Cinefest Award Winners

2011-10-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

2011 AWARD WINNERS

Best Drama, Short 15 minutes or less:
The Secret Friend

Best Drama, Short 15 minutes or more:
Stuffed

Best Comedy, Short 15 minutes or less:
BIdentity Crisis 1st

Best Comedy, Short 15 minutes or more:
Never Has Beenz

Best Drama, Feature:
Johnny's Gone

Best Comedy, Feature:
Stuck in the Middle

Best Animation:
Bike's Eyes

Best Actor, Short:
Keith Collins: BIdentity Crisis

Best Actress, Short:
Karen Landry, After the Denim

Best Actor, Comedy Feature:
Stephen Fontana, Stuck in the Middle

Best Actor, Drama Feature:
Rick Borgia, Twists of Fate

Best Actress, Comedy Feature:
Penelope Lagos, Stuck in the Middle

Best Actress, Drama Feature:
LaDon Drummond, Johnny's Gone

Best Director, Short:
Benjamin Busch, Bright

Best Director, Feature:
Jack Skyyler, Joel Brook, Hitting the Wall
Giorgio Serafini, Johnny's Gone

Best Ultra-Short:
Oh Sister

Best Director, Ultra Short:
Ryan Lelache, Memorial

Best Documentary, Short:
Fallen Blue Heroes

Best Documentary, Feature:
Deconstructing Dad

Best Writer, Short:
David Rutter, Mea Culpa

Best Writer, Comedy Feature:
Mark Poisella, Kirk Cunningham, Dynamite Swine

Best Writer, Drama Feature:
Giorgio Serafini, LaDon Drummond, Johnny's Gone

Best Director, Documentary:
Scott Rosenfelt

Best of Fest, Feature:
The Fifth Door

Best of Fest, Short:
Bright

Best of Fest, Documentary:
Fallen Blue Heroes

Best Student Film:
Memorial

Best New Jersey-based Short:
Camp 139

Best New Jersey-based Feature:
The Fifth Door

Best New Jersey-based Documentary:
Fallen Blue Heroes

New Director Award:
Jack Skyyler, Joel Brook

BIDENTITY CRISIS BRINGS HOME THE GOLD

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Downbeach Film Festival presented Atlantic City Cinefest from October 14 to October 16, 2011. Continuing the tradition for the fourth year, this year Resorts Casino Hotel hosted the screening of the thirty plus shorts, features, and documentaries. This years Lifesaver Award was presented to success Scott Rosenfelt, who is most know for his production on hits such as Home Alone and Mystic Pizza. This festival has acclaimed itself on celebrating the art of film and giving independents a place to exhibit their work. Standing alongside such names in industry, Mattioli Productions in association with Dreamcatcher Entertainment is proud to announce it's nominations and winnings in the 2011 year for the short comedy, BIdentity Crisis.

With its tag line, "sexuality is like a light switch," BIdentity Crisis follows Phillip (Edvin Ortega) in his struggle to defend his bi-sexuality. His girlfriend, Helen (Elissa Goldstein), is not thoroughly convinced that his light-switch is "on" women as he claims, demonstrated through Phillip's flirtation with the flamboyant waiter, Jaime (Keith Collins). Outstanding other recent work including The Great Fight and Curiosity Killed The Cat, this particular performance earned Goldstein a nomination for Best Actress at the festival. Collin's performance, according to Time Square Gossip, is recognized as "unforgettable, laugh out load and outrageously funny." Holding previous nominations&wins for other films such as A Fight for Survival, he can add this years Downbeach win to his collection for Best Actor.

Nominated for Best Director, Jana Mattioli hopes that this will bring a light heart after her recent dramatic feature release of An Affirmative Act. From the courtroom drama of a married lesbian couples' arrest for fraudulent activity to adopt a child, BiDentity Crisis shifts to take the heat off and lightens the mood as it tells a story of coming out of the closet…"sort of."

Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas Marries Stephen Stagliano

2011-10-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Former Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas is officially off the market. Pappas tied the knot with Stephen Stagliano on Saturday in Georgia. The happy couple met in 2009 at The Bachelorette:The Men Tell All special.