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'Jesus Camp' Filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady Go DIY With 'Detropia'

Jay A. Fernandez — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:55:51 GMT

Documentary filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, whose “Jesus Camp” was nominated for an Oscar in 2006, are taking the courageous step of distributing their latest film, “Detropia,” on their own. The film, a four-year look at Detroit’s recessionary struggles, had its premiere in competition at the Sundance Film Festival this year, and when the distribution offers that came in were uninspired, Ewing and Grady decided to try the self-distribution path. Whenever someone in the know talks about DIY distribution, they always focus on how prohibitive the time commitment is. The hard costs of prints and transportation are one thing, but not having an infrastructure to handle all of the logistical elements of distribution is the real hurdle. This is one roadblock that nonfiction filmmakers can typically handle that narrative filmmakers can’t since the demands and schedules of a documentary shoot are much less compressed. Ewing and Grady...

Watch: 'Helvetica' Filmmaker Is Back with Olympic Photo Project

Bryce J. Renninger — Wed, 30 May 2012 20:57:56 GMT

When the World's Fair, the World Cup or the Olympics come to town, neighborhoods are cleaned up and ostentatious architecture rises up as the world's eyes fall on the chosen city. Photographers Gary Hustwit and Jon Pack have just launched their new project, a photographic examination of what the Olympics leave behind when they leave a city. Just hours after launching the project on Kickstarter, the photogs have already raised $3,000 for what looks like an awesome book. Last year, Hustwit, who was doing crowdfunding before it was cool for his films "Helvetica" and "Objectified" launched his first Kickstarter campaign for his film "Urbanized," about urban design. The campaign ended up raising over $100,000. Watch the pair's Kickstarter video below, where they show off some of the work they've shot and talk about the project:

Decide Who Talks to the Sundance Institute: Vote for Indiewire's Project of the Month!

Indiewire — Wed, 30 May 2012 20:36:29 GMT

May is just about over, and it's time to choose one of our Projects of the Week to be named May's Project of the Month. The project that receives the most votes for Project of the Month will receive a consultation from the Sundance Institute! Voting will be open until Monday June 4 at 5 PM. Go to the bottom of the page to vote for May's Project of the Month! The links to more information about each project are below. Good luck to all of the filmmakers! "Remember O Goddess" Our hero was abandoned in the tallest apartment in Seoul, one of the largest cities in the world, finding himself unable to remember his identity and basic life skills. When he overcomes his fear of the outer world and finally pucks up to courage to go out, he discovers greater hope to find someone who remembers him than to restore his own memory. The film follows his quest to reconnect with a lost love. "Growing Cities" ...

Roadside Attractions Buys Sundance Health Care Doc 'Escape Fire;' Will Release During the Fall Presidential Campaigns

Jay A. Fernandez — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:25:25 GMT

Roadside Attractions has acquired all U.S. rights to Matthew Heineman and Susan Froemke’s Sundance documentary “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare.” The indie distributor will release the film theatrically October 5, just as the presidential election hits its final stretch. “Fire,” which had its world premiere in competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, explores the U.S. healthcare system, the people who work in it, the people affected by it and those in government trying to reform it. The subject, as well as a critical Supreme Court decision on President Obama’s Affordable Care Act due over the summer, will likely play a major part in the fall campaigns. “Before I saw ‘Escape Fire,’ I thought the problems surrounding healthcare were unsolvable, but the film shows that we have the power to fix this,” said Roadside Attractions co-president Howard Cohen. “The upcoming Supreme Court...

A Look Behind James Franco's Latest Passion Project: REBEL

Devin Lee Fuller — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:15:45 GMT

Multi-hyphenate extroardinaire James Franco's latest venture is an art-film crossover exhibition titled REBEL, which will be running at Los Angeles' Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibition, inspired by the 1955 film Rebel without a Cause, features collaborations with artists including Paul and Damon McCarthy, Aaron Young, Harmony Korine, Ed Ruscha, Terry Richardson and Douglas Gordon. In advance of the show, NOWNESS.com offers a two-part "exposé" by Matt Black that goes behind the scenes of the exhibition. You can check out both parts right here on Indiewire. Part One: Inside Rebel: Part One from Matt Black on Nowness.com. Part Two: Inside Rebel: Part Two from Matt Black on Nowness.com.

Look at the Poster for Andre Techine's Latest, 'Unforgivable'

Devin Lee Fuller — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:09:43 GMT

Andre Téchiné's upcoming film "Unforgivable" will hit theaters on June 29, but Indiewire has an exclusive look at the poster for the film. The film screened at last year's Cannes Film Festival and was picked up by Strand Releasing last November. Téchiné's film follows a writer (Andre Dussolier) and his relationship with a much younger real estate agent (Carole Bouquet). The film travels through time from their initial meeting to when they are married a short while later. The couple rents a home on an island near Venice and interacts with family, friends, ex-lovers and old acquaintances. Despite the idyllic setting, rough waters are ahead for the couple and the people surrounding them. Take a look at the poster below:

Meth Dealers, Cable News Dramas and the Return of 'Dallas': A Summer TV Preview

Alison Willmore — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:21:19 GMT

The 2011-2012 television season is technically over, but not even the big networks go quiet for the summer these days, stacking their schedules with reality shows and new (if frequently flimsier) scripted series. And summer is really cable's time to shine -- while "Game of Thrones," "Mad Men" and "Girls" wrap up their seasons in the next few weeks (on June 3rd, 10th and 17th, respectively), new and familiar shows and documentary broadcast premieres fill the next few months, including the return of two of the best shows on air, "Breaking Bad" and "Louie." Here's a look at the highlights from the next three months on the small screen: "Rev." Sunday, June 3 on Hulu (U.S. Series Premiere) U.K. TV stalwart and "Pirates of the Caribbean" villain Tom Hollander plays the Reverend Adam Smallbone in this BBC 2 sitcom about an Anglican priest who's moved from a small rural parish to chaotic...

Edinburgh Film Festival Sets Lineup; Will Premiere Richard Ledes' 'Fred' and Alexandre O. Phillipe's 'The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus'

Devin Lee Fuller — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:18:29 GMT

The 66th Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced the 121 features that will screen on this year's program. The 19 world premieres include films such as Richard Ledes' "Fred," Nathan Silver's "Exit Elena" and Benjamin Pascoe's "Leave It on the Track." Other films set to screen include Bobcat Goldthwait's "God Bless America," Yang Jung-Ho's "Mirage," Luis Prieto's "Pusher" and Alexandre O. Philippe's "The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus." “Our programme reflects the exceptionally vibrant state of current cinema," said EIFF Artistic Director Chris Fujiwara. "Our audiences will be able to explore a wide range of outstanding films from around the world, including work by established masters and films from new and emerging talents." Special events include a 50th anniversary screening of "Lawrence of Arabia," and a...

Before 'Kingdom' Came: A History of Wes Anderson at the Box Office

Peter Knegt — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:13:27 GMT

This past weekend, Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" defied all expectations to post a stunning $522,966 gross over the three-day frame to shatter the record for the highest per-theater-average of any live-action or independent film ever: $130,749. That number tops the $126,316 "Dreamgirls" averaged back in 2006, which had previously held the record and had been aided by extra-pricey tickets ($25) for its special "roadshow engagements" prior to wide release. The tickets for "Moonrise" were the same price as any other film in release, making its new record all the more impressive. The only films that posted higher averages than "Kingdom" are eight Disney animated films (led by "The Lion King," which holds the overall record), each of which screened in massive theaters (or even Radio City Music Hall) with high ticket prices. So essentially, "Moonrise Kingdom" has the highest average ever for a...

Magnolia Snaps Rights To Vinterberg's 'The Hunt'

Peter Knegt — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:49:52 GMT

Thomas Vinterberg’s Cannes Competition title "The Hunt" has been picked up for US distribution through TrustNordisk by Magnolia Pictures. "We're very happy to continue business with TrustNordisk, and especially with such an exceptional film as 'The Hunt'," Eamonn Bowles, President of Magnolia Pictures said. "Thomas Vinterberg demonstrates his directorial mastery in his finest work since 'The Celebration' and Mads Mikkelsen's performance more than validates his Best Actor Award at Cannes." Written by Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, the film tells the story of a man (Mads Mikkelsen) who fights against a lie that threatens to destroy his life. Mikkelsen won best actor this past weekend at the festival for his performance, while the film also won the Ecumenical Jury Award. “We are so thrilled to have Magnolia on board with 'The Hunt,'" Head of Sales from TrustNordisk, Susan Wendt, said....

Project of the Day: Let's Get Chemical in '94 Elements'

Indiewire — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Here's your daily dose of an indie film in progress; at the end of the week, you'll have the chance to vote for your favorite. In the meantime: Is this a movie you’d want to see? Tell us in the comments. "94 Elements" Tweetable Logline: Award-winning and upcoming filmmakers each take one element, from hydrogen to plutonium, for a human story around its use. Elevator Pitch: There are 94 naturally occurring elements, from Hydrogen to Plutonium. Together, they make up everything in the world. Affecting our lives in countless ways, their stories are the stories of our personal lives, our economies and our natural resources. "94 Elements" is a cross-media filmmaking project. Award-winning and upcoming filmmakers each take one element for a human story around its use. The project has already produced films with Sundance-winner Nino Kirtadze and BAFTA-winner Marc Isaacs, and any filmmaker can now win $8000 commissions to...

A Mid-Year Look Back at 16 Talent Breakouts From 2012

Nigel M Smith — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:37:21 GMT

With the mid-year mark looming, this seems like a good time to revisit the most buzzed-about up-and-comers Indiewire profiled during the first half of 2012. We spoke with the 16 breakout sensations below, all of whom you are likely to hear a lot more about in years to come. So now's the time to get ahead on what they've done, where they're going and why we chose them -- so you're ahead of the conversation later. You're welcome. [Click on name to access full interview.] Aneurin Barnard Profession: Actor Breakout Film: "Citadel" Why We Profiled Him: If there were an acting award for versatility at this year's SXSW Film Festival, Welsh performer Aneurin Barnard would be the one to beat. In the Narrative Spotlight selection "Hunky Dory," he sings and acts opposite Minnie Driver as a hunky high-school student with a voice to melt hearts. And in the Midnighters film "Citadel," Barnard plays a young father suffering from...

Sony Classics Dates Michael Haneke's Cannes Winner 'Amour' for December 19

Jay A. Fernandez — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:49:36 GMT

Michael Haneke’s Palme d’Or-winning drama “Amour” will open in theaters in New York and Los Angeles December 19. Distributor Sony Pictures Classics, which acquired the film mid-April before its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, is queuing up a late-year awards run. The December 19 date puts the specialty film in competition with Sony’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” the hunt-for-Osama-bin-Laden picture directed by Kathryn Bigelow. And in the week afterward, more than a half-dozen high-profile films will hit theaters, including Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” Judd Apatow’s “This Is Forty” and Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby.” But true specialty releases are few during that window, which should give “Amour” time and space to pull in older audiences through into the new year. "'Amour' is one of those masterworks that deserves awards...

FIRST PERSON | Clint Eastwood Explains Why He Usually Goes for the First or Second Take

Clint Eastwood — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:04:43 GMT

In the new book "Film Craft: Directing," Screen International editor Mike Goodridge (who was just named CEO of Protagonist Pictures) compiled interviews with 16 of the world's biggest directors, including Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth"), Pedro Almodovar ("Talk to Her") and Paul Greengrass ("Bourne Supremacy"), in which they talk about their approach to their craft. "FilmCraft: Directing," published by Focal Press, is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Below is an excerpt from the book: the main text of Goodridge's edited interview with Clint Eastwood, in which Eastwood shares his early experiences gaining perspectives on directing as an actor on "Rawhide" to agreeing to direct "J. Edgar." He explains what makes a good actor and why he usually ends up using the first or second take of a shot. ---------------------- Over the years when I was an actor, I became...

Gavin Polone and Jeff Nathanson Sell Sports Dramedy to HBO

Alison Willmore — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:32:08 GMT

Jeff Nathanson, writer of "Catch Me If You Can" and "Tower Heist" and director of 2004's "The Last Shot," is teaming up with outspoken producer Gavin Polone ("Zombieland," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" "Panic Room," "Gilmore Girls") on a one-hour scripted sports series the pair have sold to HBO. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the untitled dramedy will "offer viewers an unflinching behind-the-scenes look at a professional basketball team" and will "feature the money, sex, power and temptation that often accompany the world of pro sports, both for its millionaire players and billionaire owners." And these are certainly all things people like on their premium television, along with vampires (though the vampires-playing-sports niche has so far been left to the big screen). Nathanson will write, executive produce and direct the project, while Polone (who recently made his...

Screenplay From Late 'Hangin' With the Homeboys' Filmmaker Joseph B. Vasquez Goes Into Production

Jay A. Fernandez — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:28:45 GMT

Despite having passed away far too young in 1995, promising writer-director Joseph B. Vasquez is getting another film before cameras. The late filmmaker’s screenplay, “The House That Jack Built,” has just begun production in New York under the direction of Henry Barrial, whose “Some Body” played in the Sundance competition in 2001. In 1991, Vasquez's debut film “Hangin’ With the Homeboys” played at the Sundance Film Festival in competition with Richard Linklater’s “Slacker,” Hal Hartley’s “Trust” and Todd Haynes’ grand jury prize-winning “Poison.” Vasquez shared the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award with Hartley and was considered a talent to watch until mental illness derailed his career and AIDS took his life. He only made one more film, the 1995 romance “Manhattan Merengue.” “The House That Jack Built” stars E.J. Bonilla (“Guiding...

Cinedigm's Chris McGurk to Give LAFF's Keynote Address

Austin Dale — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:51:37 GMT

The Los Angeles Film Festival today announced that Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cinedigm Entertainment Group, will be the Keynote Speaker for the 2012 Festival. McGurk is a film industry leader who came to Cinedigm with 25 years of experience with MGM, Overture Films, Anchor Bay, Universal, Disney, Pepsico and Price Waterhouse. LAFF's Keynote Speech, which takes place June 16, is an annual state-of-indie-film address that kicks off the festival's many panels and conversations. It will be followed by a live "WTF" podcast with Marc Maron and more of the festival's popular Coffee Talks, set to include Lawrence Kasdan, Catherine Hardwicke, and Melanie Lynskey, among others. There are also panels with Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister and the crew of "When You Find Me," a new short from Ron and Bryce Dallas Howard. LAFF's full festival event details are reprinted below: FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES CINEDIGM’S...

Congrats to "Impulse Control," IW's Project of the Week

Indiewire — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:51:25 GMT

Thanks to your votes, the indie thriller "Impulse Control" won this weekend’s Project of the Week contest! Congratulations to “Impulse Control" director Matthew Breault. The filmmaker will receive a digital distribution consultation from SnagFilms and the film is now officially a candidate for Project of the Month. That winner will be awarded with a consultation from the Sundance Institute. Here's what the project is about: Dean lost his job, his house, and now is about to lose his wife to a deadly disease--deadly not just for her but for everyone around her. She has a type of cancer that makes her unable to control her anger and violent impulses! She's not alone. It's an epidemic that has struck the world. Now it's up to Dean to pull his family together and find a cure for his wife through a regiment of psychological tests, strict dietary restrictions, forced meditation, intense physical activity and excruciating...

'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Director Benh Zeitlin On Wandering to New Orleans to Make His 'Die Hard' Art Film

Bryce J. Renninger — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:10:09 GMT

Over a cup of gumbo before the Sundance party for "Beasts of the Southern Wild," a ravenous Benh Zeitlin apologized for eating while we chatted. He had just come from Salt Lake City, where he stayed after a screening of his film to watch a NFL playoff game. "Beasts of the Southern Wild," at that point, was just another film in the Sundance U.S. Dramatic Competition lineup. Wait... who am I kidding? At the film's world premiere screening, I felt goosebumps as the credits went up and the crowd burst into applause. A few days later, writing her wrap-up of the festival, Manohla Dargis wrote in the New York Times that "Beasts" was one of the best films to play at the festival in two decades. "Beasts" follows a young girl, Hushpuppy, as she innocently encounters the grown-up world of the isolated impoverished community where she lives with her father. As we watch her grow up and learn from her environment, a storm hits the Bathtub...

Everything You'd Ever Want to Know About the 2012 Cannes Film Festival

Nigel M Smith — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:39:17 GMT

The 2012 Cannes Film Festival ended Sunday with Michael Haneke winning his second Palme d'Or for his acclaimed drama "Amour." Indiewire was on the scene for the 65th edition to report on the latest acquisitions, review the anticipated titles, and interview many of the artists. Below find all of Indiewire's coverage. AWARDS Michael Haneke's 'Amour' Wins Palme D'Or at 2012 Cannes Film Festival Michael Haneke has won his second Palme d'Or in just four years as his new film "Amour" led the winners of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. 'Despues de Lucia' Leads Cannes' Un Certain Regard Winners Michel Franco's "Despues de Lucia" led the winners of the Un Certain Regard section of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, taking its top prize. Gael Garcia Bernal's 'No' and 'El taaib' Are Among Directors' Fortnight Films Honorees Though the Cannes Film Festival does not...

Silverdocs Announces Complete Lineup with World Premieres of 'Farm,' 'Plimpton!' and 'Dreams'

Bryce J. Renninger — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:05:14 GMT

Silverdocs, the U.S. documentary festival held just outside of the nation's capital in Silver Spring, Maryland, has announced its complete lineup. Screening in the U.S. Competition are world premieres "Betting the Farm" (Jason Mann and Cecily Pingree) about organic milk in Maine, "Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself" (Tom Bean and Luke Poling), about the legendary writer, and "Sweet Dreams" (Rob and Lisa Fruchtman), about a women's drumming group in Rwanda. Also included in the U.S. lineup are Teddy Award-winner "Call Me Kuchu" and Sundance jury winner "The House I Live In." IDFA winner "Planet of Snail" is among the festival's World Feature slate. David France's film about AIDS activist groups ACT UP and TAG, "How to Survive a Plague," is the festival's Centerpiece Screening. The festival will hold a special outdoor screening of Joe Berlinger's...

Protagonist Appoints Mike Goodridge CEO

Peter Knegt — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:23:18 GMT

Protagonist Pictures has appointed Mike Goodridge to its CEO position, it was announced today. Goodridge will leave his editorship position at Screen International, where has worked in various capacities since 1994. He is expected to begin work at Protagonist in early August. "I am very excited to be taking over the reins at Protagonist, which has grown into such an identifiable brand so quickly in the marketplace," Goodridge said in a statement. "I can't wait to take on this new chapter in my career and work with the brilliant team at the company to build on what Ben Roberts has achieved in the first four years." The announcement comes after several weeks of speculation following outgoing CEO Ben Roberts’ appointment as Head of the Film Fund at the BFI in April. “We are delighted to have recruited someone with Mike’s experience and standing within the industry," Nigel Williams,...

Lifetime Developing 'Silence of the Lambs' Series 'Clarice'

Alison Willmore — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:01:07 GMT

It looks like "Hannibal" will have some company. Bryan Fuller, the creator of "Dead Like Me" and "Pushing Daisies," received a 13-episode order from NBC for his drama about the early days of Hannibal Lecter, one that will feature the not-yet-incarcerated psychiatrist/serial killer helping FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) solve crimes. Now, according to TV Guide, Lifetime is developing "Clarice," a drama that will follow a young Clarice Sterling fresh out of the FBI academy. As TV Guide notes, both "Hannibal" and "Clarice" are set in a pre-"The Silence of the Lambs" era before the characters have met: "As originally envisioned by [author Thomas] Harris, Clarice grew up in West Virginia until she was 10, when her father, a police officer, was shot and killed. She moves to her uncle's farm in Montana, but later runs away and winds up in an orphanage. After college, she applies to the FBI...

Why 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' Tops This Week's 5 DVD/Blu-ray Picks

Nigel M Smith — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:55:49 GMT

This week on DVD/Blu-ray: A mother/son drama you should avoid at all costs from watching with your mother; Ralph Fiennes' stellar directorial debut; a touching documentary on the life of Harry Belafonte; a revealing look at legendary designer Halston; and two Ingmar Bergman classics restored by The Criterion Collection. #1. "We Need To Talk About Kevin" The incomparable Tilda Swinton gives one of her most memorable leading turns in "We Need to Talk About Kevin," Lynne's Ramsay anticipated follow-up to "Movern Callar," which came out a decade ago. Luckily Ramsay's lost none of her edge, and she has her perfect collaborator in Swinton. Based on Lionel Shriver's 2003 award-winning novel, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" stars Swinton as a free-spirited and career orientated woman who gives birth to a boy she never warms to. The film is told in flashbacks, leading up to a horrifying incidient of which her son,...

Project of the Day: Amnesiac Seeks the Truth in 'Day of Youth'

Indiewire — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Here's your daily dose of an indie film in progress; at the end of the week, you'll have the chance to vote for your favorite. In the meantime: Is this a movie you’d want to see? Tell us in the comments. "Day of Youth" Tweetable Logline: Rhee has three years of amnesia, but her life hasn't changed a bit... except that all of her exes want her back in their lives. Elevator Pitch: "Day of Youth" is an off-color romantic comedy about trying to get on to the next chapter in your life. We've all felt like we're stuck, but what happens when life proves just how stuck you are? Rhee wakes up from a bike accident to find she's forgotten the last three years--but she's still living at home, still in a dead-end job, and still tangled up with her same lousy exes. Hilarity ensues as Rhee tries to get her life back on track... and figure out which of her exes is telling the truth about the last few years. ...