No sleep ’til film fest: A creative challenge for aspiring filmmakers
The AGBO production company, backed by Joe and Anthony Russo, has announced the return of the fourth consecutive “No Sleep ‘Til Film Fest”. This two-day festival is a unique challenge for filmmakers to create short films of three minutes or less, offering a chance to win prizes and receive ongoing mentorship from the independent studio.
A platform for emerging talent
The top three winners of the festival will receive a filmmaking prize package that includes essential resources and top-notch equipment for future projects. Additionally, they will join the AGBO Storytellers Collective, an alumni network of winners from other AGBO-sponsored festivals and fellowship programs. This network includes prestigious events such as the Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum and the Slamdance Film Festival Fellowship, where the Russos themselves got their start in 1997.
Over the past three years, the festival has received over 2000 submissions from more than 60 countries. The 2023 winners included “Time of Your Life” directed by Darren Hinchy (Canada), “Just a Sec!” directed by Tanya Lialina and Teodor Klimov (Georgia), and “02:00 Minutes” directed by Grace McLeod (US).
The Russo brothers and the company’s executive board will serve as the virtual festival’s panelists. Submissions will be open from Sept. 27-29 and are due by 5 p.m. PT. Winners will be announced on Nov. 6.
Student Academy Awards ceremony moves to London
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the annual Student Academy Awards presentation ceremony will be hosted in London this year. Traditionally held at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, the event will take place at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on Monday, Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m. BST.
This move is part of the Academy’s broader campaign, which has received more than $160 million in support, including contributions from long-standing partner Rolex. The winners of the 51st Student Academy Awards competition will be announced in September. In partnership with the BFI London Film Festival, the winners will have access to panels, networking opportunities, and Academy members to support their career advancement.
“As a leader in our international film community, and as our organization becomes more global in focus, the Academy is thrilled to bring the Student Academy Awards to London this year,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at Rolex for their support of this vital program and for sharing our commitment to discovering and fostering emerging filmmakers. We are also very thankful to the BFI London Film Festival for its partnership.”
Tickets for the ceremony will be available in September.
Celebrating Latino contributions to cinema
Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro has released his third annual list of Latino film nominations for consideration by the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. This initiative aims to ensure that Latino Americans’ contributions to the nation’s cinematic industry are appropriately celebrated and included in the National Film Registry.
“Given the film industry’s continued lack of representation of Latinos, we must continue to make strong efforts to ensure that Latino Americans’ contributions to our nation’s cinematic industry are appropriately celebrated and included in the National Film Registry,” Castro wrote in his nomination letter. “Movies remain a crucial form of storytelling that is easily accessible to the public. The media and entertainment industry is the narrative-creating and image-defining institution in America. We look forward to continuing to work together to expand diversity and Latino representation in the National Film Preservation Board and across the Library of Congress.”
Congressman Castro composed his list from hundreds of film suggestions submitted on social media and through his website. Here are some of the nominations:
- Blood in Blood Out (1993)
- Frida (2002)
- Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
- Mi Familia (1995)
- Y Tu Mamá Tambiên (2001)
- Under the Same Moon (2007)
- American Me (1992)
- Tortilla Soup (2001)
- The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)
- Cesar Chavez (2014)
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
- Mi Vida Loca (1994)
- Instructions Not Included (2013)
- Chicano I & II: The Mexican American Heritage Series (1971)
- La Mission (2010)
- Babel (2006)
- 125 Franco’s Blvd (2010)
- Don’t Let Me Drown (2009)
- Bless Me, Ultima (2012)
- Walkout (2006)
- Gotta Kick It Up! (2002)
- Mosquita y Mari (2012)
- Gun Hill Road (2011)
- American Experience: Roberto Clemente (2008)
Angelina Jolie honored at TIFF
Angelina Jolie has been awarded the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Award in Impact Media. This honor highlights leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema. Previous award winners include Pedro Almodóvar, Mira Nair, and Alanis Obomsawin.
Jolie will be bestowed the award at the 2024 TIFF Tribute Awards on Sunday, Sept. 8. The actress will be recognized alongside Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Durga Chew-Bose, David Cronenberg, Clément Ducol and Camille, Jharrel Jerome, Mike Leigh, and Zhao Tao, with Sandra Oh serving as the inaugural Honorary Chair of the fundraising gala.
“Angelina Jolie is a multifaceted talent who has entertained audiences for decades while consistently using her platform to champion important causes,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “We’re honored to present her with the 2024 TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media. This award recognizes her exceptional achievements in filmmaking and her unwavering commitment to positive change, solidifying her status as a veritable humanitarian and global force to be reckoned with.”
Jolie returns to TIFF following the success of her features, “First They Killed My Father”, which she wrote and directed, and “The Breadwinner”, which she executive produced. Both films were TIFF selections in 2017.
In addition to her over 20 years of humanitarian work focusing on refugees and human rights, Jolie has championed local leadership in environmental conservation and funded schools, health, and education initiatives globally.
Culinary cinema: Flavors of film series
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia has announced its upcoming series, “Flavors of Film: A Celebration of Culinary Cinema”, which will take place in the Bay Area. The series will begin on Oct. 12 with a 20th anniversary screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Sideways”, featuring a special Q&A with director Alexander Payne and star Virginia Madsen.
The Flavors of Film Series lineup for 2024/25:
Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Film Title: Sideways (2004), Directed and written by Alexander Payne
- Synopsis: Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh).
This series promises to be a delightful blend of cinema and culinary arts, offering a unique experience for film and food enthusiasts alike.# Upcoming film screenings and events: A cinematic journey
A night with ‘Sideways’ and its creators
Film Title: Sideways (2004), Directed by Alexander Payne
Synopsis: The film follows Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a week-long road trip through California’s wine country. While Miles is a wine enthusiast, Jack is more interested in having one last fling before his wedding. Their journey takes a turn when they meet Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh), leading to unexpected complications.
Special Guests: The event will feature a Q&A session with director Alexander Payne, actress Virginia Madsen, and Frank Ostini, the owner and winemaker of Hitching Post 2. After the screening, guests will enjoy a dinner prepared by Frank Ostini himself.
Trailer: Sideways
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Exploring the roots of our problems with ‘Common Ground’
Film Title: Common Ground (2023), Directed by Josh Tickel and Rebecca Harrell Tickell
Synopsis: This documentary delves into the connection between human ailments and the state of the world’s soil. It showcases independent farmers using indigenous techniques to demonstrate how changing agricultural practices could potentially save the world.
Trailer: Common Ground
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
The hunt for rare truffles in ‘The Truffle Hunters’
Film Title: The Truffle Hunters (2020), Directed by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw
Synopsis: Set in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, this documentary follows a group of elderly men who hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle, which has resisted all modern cultivation efforts.
Partners: Italian Cultural Institute SF and Sabatino Truffles
Trailer: The Truffle Hunters
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
A festive screening of ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’
Film Title: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Directed by Wes Anderson
Synopsis: After 12 years of peaceful life, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) breaks a promise to his wife (Meryl Streep) and raids the farms of their human neighbors. This act endangers his family and friends, forcing him to use his natural cunning to overcome the challenges.
Partners: Visit Napa Valley
Trailer: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Date: Saturday, January 2025
Reconnecting with ‘Always Be My Maybe’
Film Title: Always Be My Maybe (2019), Directed by Nahnatchka Khan
Synopsis: Childhood sweethearts Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) reconnect after 15 years. Despite the old sparks, they find themselves living in different worlds.
Trailer: Always Be My Maybe
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Balancing dreams and family in ‘Uncorked’
Film Title: Uncorked (2020), Directed by Prentice Penny
Synopsis: Elijah (Mamoudou Athie) dreams of becoming a master sommelier, but he must balance this with his father’s expectations to take over the family’s Memphis BBQ joint.
Partners: Association of African American Vintners (AAAV)
Trailer: Uncorked
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Celebrating female chefs in ‘The Goddesses of Food’
Film Title: The Goddesses of Food, Directed by Vérane Frédiani
Synopsis: This documentary highlights the women changing the culinary world, featuring renowned chefs like Dominique Crenn and Barbara Lynch, and introducing rising stars.
Partners: Villa Albertine, Consulate General of France in San Francisco
Trailer: The Goddesses of Food
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Rethinking diet with ‘The Game Changers’
Film Title: The Game Changers
Synopsis: James Wilks travels the world to uncover the truth about meat, protein, and strength, featuring elite athletes, special ops soldiers, and visionary scientists.
Trailer: The Game Changers
Date: May 15-18, 2025
Honoring food films at the ‘Reel Taste Awards’
Event: Reel Taste Awards
Synopsis: A four-day event celebrating beloved food films and streaming series, featuring exciting partnerships, celebrity guests, and additional programming.
Date: May 15-18, 2025
‘City of Dreams’ filmmakers give back
The filmmakers behind City of Dreams are giving away $1 million worth of preview tickets to human trafficking support organizations, survivors, churches, schools, and those who couldn’t afford to see the film otherwise. This initiative, made possible by a generous donation, aims to raise awareness about child trafficking.
Hola Mexico Film Festival returns
The 16th annual Hola Mexico Film Festival will take place from September 20-27, 2024, during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s lineup includes a diverse range of films across various genres, including comedy, horror, social-political interest, and LGBTQ themes.
Festival Selections:
- Casi El Paraiso / Almost Paradise – Dir. Edgar San Juan
- Todas Menos Tú / Anyone But Her – Dir. Luis Kuri
- Dante y Soledad / Dante And Soledad – Dir. Alexandra De La Mora
- Arillo De Hombre Muerto – Dir. Alejandro Gerber Bicecci
- Un Actor Malo / Bad Actor – Dir. Jorge Cuchí
- Todo el Silencio / All the Silence – Dir. Diego del Rio
- A Cielo Abierto / Upon Open Sky – Dir. Mariana Arriaga y Santiago Arriaga
- Firma Aquí / Sign Here – Dir. Enrique Vázquez
- Soy Lo Que Nunca Fui / Broken Borders – Dir. Rodrigo Alvarez Flores
- The Wingwalker – Dir. Alonso Alvarez-Barreda
- Buen Salvaje / Good Savage – Dir. Santiago Mohar Volkow
- Tótem / Totem – Dir. Lila Avilés
- El Eco / The Echo – Dir. Tatiana Huezo
Nocturno Selections:
- Párvulos: Hijos Del Apocalipsis / Toddlers: Children of the Apocalypse – Dir. Isaac Ezban
- Masacre en Teques / Massacre in Teques – Dir. Rodrigo Hernández Cruz
Documentary Selections:
- Tratado de invisibilidad / Invisibility Treaty – Dir. Luciana Kaplan
- El Guardián de las Monarcas / The Guardian of the Monarchs – Dir. Emiliano Ruprah de Fin
- TransMéxico – Dir. Claudia Sanchez
Tickets: Available here
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of upcoming film screenings and events, offering cinema enthusiasts a chance to explore diverse narratives and engage with the creators behind these works. Whether you’re a fan of documentaries, animated films, or culinary cinema, there’s something for everyone in this exciting lineup.# Exploring the vibrant world of cinema, TV, and music
A journey to the heart of Mexican culture
Jíkuri: Journey to the Land of the Tarahumara
In the realm of documentary filmmaking, few experiences are as immersive as Jíkuri: Journey to the Land of the Tarahumara. Directed by Federico Cecchetti, this film takes viewers on a profound exploration of the Tarahumara people, their traditions, and their connection to the land. The documentary is a visual and emotional journey that delves deep into the cultural tapestry of Mexico. For those interested in a sneak peek, you can watch the Jíkuri: Journey to the Land of the Tarahumara trailer.
M20 Matamoros Ejido 20
Another compelling documentary, M20 Matamoros Ejido 20, directed by Leonor Maldonado, offers a poignant look at the lives of people in the Matamoros Ejido 20 community. This film captures the essence of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, providing a window into a world that is often overlooked. Check out the M20 Matamoros Ejido 20 trailer for a glimpse into this powerful story.
IndieVISIBLE Entertainment: Pioneering accessibility in film production
Launch of the Access Instigators program
IndieVISIBLE Entertainment, a trailblazer in the intersection of production and disability activism, has recently launched the Access Instigators program. This initiative is a significant step towards creating more inclusive environments in the film and TV industry. The program is designed to train differently-abled individuals in production accessibility, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in professional media settings.
The first cohort of this 8-month pilot program will consist of 10 disabled-identifying trainees. They will receive hands-on set experience, one-on-one mentoring, and skill development through community building. This initiative not only aims to foster inclusivity but also to empower a new generation of filmmakers who can bring diverse perspectives to the industry.
Being Robin: A unique tribute to a comedy legend
Documentary release on November 5
Being Robin, a documentary that delves into the life of a man who claims to have been visited by the spirit of Robin Williams, is set to premiere on November 5. Directed by Roger Kabler, the film offers a unique blend of tribute and personal reflection. Kabler, a comedian and actor, has long been inspired by Williams. After Williams’ passing, Kabler, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, felt “infused” by Williams’ spirit, leading him to create a stage show in tribute to the late comedian.
The documentary is not just a homage to Robin Williams but also a poignant exploration of mental health and the profound impact Williams had on those who loved him. Kabler’s story is raw and filled with deep love for Williams, offering a unique perspective on what Williams might have done if given a second chance to return to the stage. For a first look, watch the Being Robin trailer.
Personal reflections and deeper insights
The power of storytelling in cinema and TV
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the power of storytelling never ceases to amaze me. Documentaries like Jíkuri: Journey to the Land of the Tarahumara and M20 Matamoros Ejido 20 remind us of the importance of preserving cultural narratives and shedding light on marginalized communities. These films are not just visual experiences; they are emotional journeys that connect us to the broader human experience.
The importance of inclusivity in the film industry
The launch of the Access Instigators program by IndieVISIBLE Entertainment is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in the film industry. By providing training and opportunities for differently-abled individuals, the program is paving the way for a more diverse and representative media landscape. This initiative is a reminder that the stories we tell and the people who tell them matter.
A tribute to Robin Williams
Being Robin is a film that resonates on multiple levels. It is a tribute to a beloved comedian, an exploration of mental health, and a testament to the enduring impact of Robin Williams’ legacy. Kabler’s journey is a powerful reminder of the ways in which art and personal experiences intersect, creating narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, TV, and music, stories like these continue to inspire and challenge us. They remind us of the power of storytelling, the importance of inclusivity, and the enduring impact of those who have touched our lives through their art. Whether through the lens of a documentary, the launch of an innovative program, or a heartfelt tribute, these narratives enrich our understanding of the world and our place within it.