LAFF 2015: Winners!

The 2015 edition of the Los Angeles Film Festival concluded today with the screening of the winning films! The winners were announced yesterday with "POCHA (Manifest Destiny)", directed by Michael Dwyer, taking the highly coveted top Audience Award for Best Fiction Feature Film!

"POCHA (Manifest Destiny)"
Audience Award Winner - Best Fiction Feature Film

The Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature Film was shared by two two films: "I Am Thalente", directed by Natalie Johns, and "Be Here Now", directed by Lilibet Foster.

The Audience Award for Best Short Film went to "In Her Place", directed by Kevin Hamedani and the Audience Award for Best Web Series went to "The Genderton Project", directed by Anna Martemucci and Victor Quinaz.

The Winning Films

U.S. Fiction Award | Takeshi Fukunaga for "Out of My Hand"

World Fiction Award | Beata Gårdeler for "Flocken".

Documentary Award | Mo-Young Jin for "My Love, Don’t Cross That River"

LA Muse Award | Delila Vallot for "Can You Dig This"

Nightfall Award | Viet Nguyen for "Crush the Skull"

Zeitgeist Award | Bradley Kaplan for "Stealing Cars"

Best Short Fiction | Tian Guan for "Drama"

Best Short Documentary | Kareem Tabsch for "Dolphin Lover"

Special Awards

Documentary Jury Special Mention | Holly Morris and Anne Bogart for "The Babushkas of Chernobyl"

World Fiction Jury Special Mentions | (Shared) Vladimir Tumaev for "White Moss" & Sara Blecher for "Ayanda and the Mechanic"

Nightfall Jury Special Mention | Miguel Llansó for "Crumbs"

Zeitgeist Jury Special Mention | Michael Dwyer and co-director by Kaitlin McLaughlin for "Pocha (Manifest Destiny)"

LA Muse Jury Special Mention | Elsa Biedermann for her role as a supporting actress in "French Dirty", directed by Wade Allain-Marcus and Jesse Allain-Marcus.

Special Jury “High Five” |Michael Rousselet, Tomm Jacobsen, Jon Salmon and Joey Scoma for "Dude Bro Party Massacre III"

XXX
Raymond Lo

LAFF 2015: 3 Must-See Films: "Fan Girl", "In the Treetops", "The Confines"

This year's edition of the Los Angeles Film Festival is in full swing. The festival opened Wednesday, June 10, with Paul Weitz's "Grandma". The full festival line-up is here:

But here are three films that you just could not, should not miss!

FAN GIRL
Los Angeles Premiere | Special Screening

FAN GIRL introduces Telulah Farrow (Kiernan Shipka), a 15 year-old ironic cool girl who has two obsessions in life: pop punk music and making films. With just a few short days to come up with a killer final film project that could bring festival fame, Telulah gets a once in a lifetime chance to see her music idols in concert. She hatches a plan to bring her passions together, accompanied by smart mouthed wing-girl Jamie (Kara Hayward), and underachieving, over-energetic film class partner Darvan (newcomer Joshua Boone). Pop punk band "All Time Low" appears in the film and provides much of the soundtrack.

FAN GIRL is the feature-directing debut of rising indie producer Paul Jarrett (THE MAID'S ROOM, WEAKNESS). This is the second feature from writer Gina O’Brien, whose Sundance premiere ONCE MORE WITH FEELING was produced by Jarrett. Prior to her screenwriting career, O’Brien was a journalist and magazine editor in New York City. The script for FAN GIRL was loosely based on experiences with her own teenage daughter.

FAN GIRL stars Kiernan Shipka (“Mad Men”), Kara Hayward (MOONRISE KINGDOM), Meg Ryan (SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE), Josh Boone, Nicole Coulon, and Beanie Feldstein. Directed by Paul Jarret. Written by Gina O’Brien. The film is executive produced by O’Brien and Jonathan Gray, and produced by Jarrett, Nick Huston, and Adam Spielberg in association with Rosetta Films, Filament Productions and Literally Films.

FAN GIRL will screen at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival on Monday, June 15 at 6:00PM in Regal 11.

THE CONFINES
World Premiere | Nightfall

THE CONFINES is a claustrophobic thriller that follows a troubled young woman who, in a last-ditch effort at getting her life together, takes a job working nights as a security guard at an abandoned luxury apartment building. Stuck with a brusque rent-a-cop as her partner, she struggles to keep her mind from playing tricks on her while she patrols the empty halls. But as the night progresses strange things begin to happen - and she realizes it may not all be in her head.

Making his directorial debut, Eytan Rockway deftly constructs a tense thriller that blurs the lines between illness and reality to mirror the traumatized psyche of the protagonist, delivering a potent message about the power of our perception.

THE CONFINES stars Jason Patric, Louisa Krause, and Mark Margolis. Directed by Eytan Rockaway and written by Ido Fluk. Cinematography by Zachary Galler.

THE CONFINES will have its World Premiere at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival in the Nightfall category on Saturday June 13, 2015 at 10:45PM in Regal 10.

IN THE TREETOPS 

World Premiere | Zeitgeist

William, Alissa, Gary and Eric are close friends at different stages in their high school careers, but the social playing field levels out when they all pack into William’s hand me down car on a cold winter’s night. Their common goal: avoid going home. When a party is busted, the group picks up Alexa, William's dream girl who joins their road trip to nowhere. As the sun rises and potential transgressions are illuminated, this ragtag group finds their friendships tested.

From first time writer/director Matthew Brown, comes a nuanced portrait of in-betweeners doing their best to avoid the life they are living, while trying to find the life they want. A film full of beautifully naturalistic performances from its ensemble of newcomers, all of whom were students with Brown at North Carolina School of the Arts, IN THE TREETOPS in a very personal story of being alone, together.

IN THE TREETOPS stars Emma Corley Geer, Matthew Brown, Cameron Morton, Joshua Pagan and Gabriel Douglas. Written, directed and produced by Matthew Brown. Cinematography by Donald Monroe and editing by Max Wilde.

IN THE TREETOPS will have its World Premiere at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival in the new competitive Zeitgeist section onSunday, June 14 2015 at 6:45PM in Regal 9.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "Bastards Y Diablos", In Competition

World Premiere

Sunday | June 14. 2015 | 8:45 PM

Regal Cinemas | L.A. Live

2nd Screening - June 17, 6:30 PM 

  BASTARDS Y DIABLOS

A raw sweet saga of irresistible brio.

Two estranged American half-brothers travel through Colombia to fulfill their dead father's will and connect with their family, their dad's homeland, and - ultimately - each other.

Ed and Dion, estranged half-brothers, are brought together by the unexpected death of their Colombian father.  Reunited for the first time as adults, they travel to Bogota to fulfill their father’s will: a set of directions leading them on a journey across Colombia to spread his ashes in the places that meant the most to him.  As the brothers progress on their quest, each location takes on a mythic importance, revealing the identity of their father, their homeland, and themselves.

Directed by | A.D. Freese
Written by | Andrew Perez
Executive Produced by | Dillon Porter, Andrew Perez
Produced by | Andrew Perez, A.D. Freese, Dillon Porter, Peter Grigsby, Eric G. Johnson, Joe Milner
Starring | Dillon Porter, Andrew Perez, Sebas Eslava, Juanita Arias

Inside Story
Bastards y Diablos is an epic story about intimate themes - brotherhood, legacy, love, and death - told in an unconventional manner.  Inspired by true events in the life of the screenwriter’s father, and including a cast largely comprised of non-actors – many of whom are family members or former lovers of the actual Colombian man - the film seamlessly blends reality with fiction to create an authentic, immersive journey.

Both personal and universal, it hones in on spontaneous human moments while capturing the breathtaking landscape of Colombia.  It was shot entirely on location in a dozen cities across Colombia by a crew of six, on a budget of $25k.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "Out of My Hand", In Competition

North American Premiere

Friday | June 12 | 6:00 PM

Regal Cinemas | L.A. Live

Written and directed by Takeshi Fukunaga

Working as tree tapper on a rubber plantation in Liberia, West Africa, Cisco struggles to make a decent life for himself and his family. Despite his and his fellow workers’ attempt at unionizing, the rubber corporation maintains a stranglehold over their lives, keeping their dreams of a brighter future at bay. But when a well-timed visit from an American cousin opens Cisco’s eyes to a better future abroad, he seizes the one chance he has to change his life, and risks everything for a journey to New York City. Here, he finds himself in Staten Island's small, close-knit Liberian community, where fellow ex-pats help him line up work as a taxi driver. From behind the wheel of his Yellow Cab, a brave new world, full of new people and experiences, is revealed to Cisco. But just as he begins to adjust to his new life, he meets Jacob, a former Liberian child soldier, who unexpectedly forces Cisco to confront the demons of his own complicated past.

Beautifully shot on location in Liberia and New York City, OUT OF MY HAND showcases Liberian actors in raw, powerful and haunting performances. With a restrained and confident directorial hand, Takeshi Fukunaga evokes both the daily struggles within Liberia, and the complexities of its diaspora in New York City, giving voice to a community that is woefully underrepresented in film today.

OUT OF MY HAND stars Bishop Blay, Zenobia Taylor, Duke Murphy Dennis, Rodney Rogers Beckley, David Roberts and Shelley Molad. Written and directed by Takeshi Fukunaga. Written and produced by Donari Braxton with co-producer Mike Fox. Executive produced by Josh Wick and Matt Parker. Cinematography by Ryo Murakami and Owen Donovan with editing by Takeshi Fukunaga and Eugene Yi.

OUT OF MY HAND will have its North American Premiere at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival in the US Fiction Competition on Friday, June 12 at 6:00 PM. Another screening is scheduled on Sunday, June 14 at 11:10 AM in Regal 14.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "It's Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong", Official Festival Selection

World Premiere

FRIDAY | JUNE 12 | 6:30 PM

REGAL CINEMAS 

L.A. LIVE

In this sparkling romance, Ruby (Jamie Chung), a Chinese American toy designer from LA, visits Hong Kong for the first time on business. Finding herself stranded, she meets Josh (Bryan Greenberg), an American expat who shows her the city. Meandering through nighttime streets pulsing with energy and possibility, they fall into a winding and carefree conversation, buoyed by an undeniable attraction.  As effervescent as a perfect first date, Emily Ting's charming directorial debut takes full advantage of the chemistry of its leads, the playfulness of their exchanges, and the magical landscape that is Hong Kong at night.

IT'S ALREADY TOMORROW IN HONG KONG is written and directed by Emily Ting and produced by Ting and Sophia Shek.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: Acclaimed dramatic thriller CONSUMED to screen on June 15!

Entertaining, relatable, suspenseful and informative, and a real eye-opener to what is going on. This film has re-inspired and educated me. BRAVO!
ERIN BROCKOVICH

This powerful and alarming film raises awareness about our food supply chain—and how easily it can be threatened by powerful forces who aren't concerned about our health.
JASON WACHOB
Founder of Mind Body Green

This jarring film cries out for all citizens who care about the health of people and the planet to get engaged.
GARY HIRSHBERG
Chairman, Stonyfield Farm 
Chairman, Just Label It

A beautiful portrayal of a family’s journey in the fight to label genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). GMO’s are in virtually ALL of our food sources! This is a fight that we must win and a must see film for every parent…. every corporate executive…. every elected political representative. Thank you to the brave filmmakers for making this compelling and important film.
DEBBIE LEVIN
President/ Environmental Media Association

CONSUMED is a dramatic thriller that explores the complex world of genetically modified food.

The story is anchored by a working-class, single Mother on a hunt to uncover the cause of her son's mysterious illness. Interwoven are the stories of an Organic farmer, the CEO of a biotechnology corporation, two Scientists on the verge of a major discovery, and an ex-Cop caught in the middle of it all.

WORLD PREMIERE 
Monday, June 15th at 8:50PM
Regal Cinemas L.A. Live 8 (1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles)

Directed by | Daryl Wein (BREAKING UPWARDS, LOLA VERSUS)
Screenwriters & Producers | Daryl Wein, Zoe Lister-Jones (BREAKING UPWARDS, LOLA VERSUS)
Cinematographer | Alex Bergman
Editor | Zachary Anderson
Cast | Zoe Lister-Jones, Danny Glover, Victor Garber, Taylor Kinney, Anthony Edwards, Griffin Dunne, Kunal Nayyar, Beth Grant

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: Two Must-See Films: "Sweet Micky for President", "In Footbal We Trust"

SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT
Directed by Ben Patterson; Story by Pras Michel of "The Fugees" 
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
BUZZ SECTION
JUNE 11, 2015 
8:30 PM

SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT follows Pras Michel, Grammy award-winning rapper and founder of the hip-hop group The Fugees, as he returns to his homeland of Haiti post-earthquake and finds a corrupt government in paralysis. With no experience or money, Pras passionately mobilizes a presidential campaign for the unlikeliest of candidates: Michel Martelly, aka “Sweet Micky”, Haiti’s most popular and most outlandish pop star.

The idealistic and politically inexperienced pair set out against a corrupt government, civil unrest, and a fixed election system to change the course of Haitian history. When Pras’s former bandmate — superstar Wyclef Jean — also enters the presidential race, their chances seem further doomed and the story takes on the wild twists of celebrity drama. Pras Michel acts as masterful storyteller in SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT and Director Ben Patterson brilliantly captures an important part of Haiti’s history as a fledgling democracy struggling to produce a government worthy of the world’s first black republic

The film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival.



IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST
Directed by Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
JUNE 17, 2015 

A stand-out hit at Sundance 2015, IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST is an insightful, eye-opening and moving documentary exploring in rich detail the remarkable story behind the Polynesian Pipeline to the NFL. To understand this phenomenon, one must appreciate the individuals and cultures behind the headlines, their unique diaspora to the United States and the role of the Mormon Church in facilitating their immigration.

A contemporary American story, IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST transports viewers deep inside the tightly-knit and complex Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, Utah. With unparalleled access and shot over a four-year time period, the film intimately portrays four young Polynesian men striving to overcome gang violence and near poverty through the promise of American football. Viewed as the “salvation” for their families, these young men reveal the culture clash they experience as they transform out of their adolescence and into the high stakes world of collegiate recruiting, pursuing the dream of continuing their community’s legacy of producing NFL stars. Their stories combined with archival footage and interviews with current and former NFL players (including Troy Polamalu, Haloti Ngata, Star Lotulelei and Vai Sikahema) make this film even more powerful.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce", Official LA Muse Section Selection

World Premiere

SATURDAY | JUNE 13 | 6:00 PM

REGAL CINEMAS 

LA LIVE

"THE DREW: NO EXCUSE, JUST PRODUCE"

A film by Baron Davis & Chad Gordon

From humble beginnings in 1970’s Los Angeles, deep in the crime and gang infested blocks of South Central, The Drew League has grown into the nation’s premiere destination for pro-am basketball. “The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce” chronicles the unlikely rise of a hoops institution, the men and women who made it possible, and the unifying, positive force it has become while crossing racial, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers. Featuring NBA stars including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Brandon Jennings, Dorell Wright, and Baron Davis, “The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce” celebrates the value of basketball, persistence, loyalty, and above all, community. The power of sports meets the power of people.

Watch the trailer below.



The Drew League is a summer pro-am basketball league based in the heart of South Central that over the course of its 40 years has become the most elite summer pro-am league in the world.  The Drew is truly a hidden gem of Los Angeles, but as you’ll see in the film, it’s more than just basketball.  The Drew is about opportunity, family and a safe haven in a place where uncertainty is the rule, not the exception. THE DREW provides a cultural perspective about LA often not told, and in today's landscape, a story that needs to be told.

NBA stars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nick Young, Brandon Jennings, Dorell Wright, and Byron Scott appear in the film as they claim that playing at The Drew is a career goal. The family who keeps The Drew afloat – helmed by longtime commissioner Dino Smiley – are a cast of characters themselves. This League has jump-started careers, expanded existing ones and created a place where at-risk youth in LA can come together, put their life situation and gang colors aside and play ball.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "Maiko: Dancing Child", Official Documentary Competition Selection

World Premiere

SUNDAY | JUNE 14 | 3:55 PM

REGAL CINEMAS 

LA LIVE

This visually stunning film follows the life of dancer Maiko Neshino.  She has reached a pinnacle in her career as the celebrated Prima Ballerina of the Norwegian National Ballet. Now, she comes face to face with her desire to have a child – and star in Swan Lake.  In their debut documentary, filmmakers Åse Svenheim-Drivenes and Anita Rehoff Larsen explore the roles of mother and daughter with the traditional image of a ballerina. Early home videos of Maiko’s family in Japan are woven together with present day interactions between Maiko and her mother, emphasizing the sacrifices the family made to make Maiko’s dreams of ballet a reality. Elegant performance footage is balanced with moments of strenuous training, but Maiko’s grace can barely conceal the strain of continuing to persevere as the National Ballet’s top dancer – especially as her body changes.

The film will make its World Premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 14th 3:55 PM at REGAL Cinemas- LA Live. An additional screening is scheduled on June 16th at 3:30PM. Both Maiko and Ase will be in Los Angeles to grace the premiere.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: "POCHA (Manifest Destiny)", Official Zeitgeist Selection

World Premiere

SUNDAY | JUNE 14 | 6:30 PM

REGAL CINEMAS 

LA LIVE 10

In this gorgeously filmed crime thriller, first time feature filmmaker Michael Dwyer and his co-director Kiatlin Mclaughlin bring the intensity to POCHA (MANIFEST DESTINY) - an engaging story of a young woman caught in the cross hairs of life. Chasing the bling of the lux life, Claudia, a twenty-something Chicana, makes bad choices – and gets caught.  Despite the fact that she barely speaks a word of Spanish, her undocumented status gets her deported to Mexico.

After being deported from the U.S.A. for credit card fraud, she is forced to go to her estranged father’s cattle ranch in northern México. Although she can never legally return to the U.S. Claudia refuses to accept life with her estranged father and grandmother in her foreign “homeland,” and she spirals into a dangerous situation with a handsome smuggler. Veronica Sixtos gives a nuanced performance as an emotionally withholding anti-hero who’s trouble for anyone who dares to care about her. Pitched in a heightened style between a slow-burning thriller and a noir western, this smartly conceived allegorical tale confronts the dark side of the American dream.

The film features several extraordinary actors beginning with the hot Roberto Urbina, one of Colombia's finest young actors who is currently playing the Jesse Pinkman character in Metástasis, the Colombian adaptation of Breaking Bad; Veteran actor Julio Cedillo as Claudia's father -  played the title role in Tommy Lee Jones' THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA;  Maria Del Carmen Farias (Mexican Ariel Award nominee for El Sueño de Lu); Jorge Jimenez (director/actor of Hermoso Silencio, a beautifully crafted film); Jesse Garcia (best known for his indie performance in Quinceañera), and amazing newcomer Veronica Sixtos.

Veronica Sixtos and Jesse Garcia were in QUINCEAÑERA (Sundance 2006) and Garcia is now in the Robert Rodriguez series FROM DUSK TILL DAWN.  Julio Cedillo played the title role in Tommy Lee Jones' THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA.  María del Carmen Farías was nominated for an "Ariel" Mexican Academy of Film Award in 2013 for EL SUEÑO DE LU.  Roberto Urbina was in CHE and plays the young meth dealer in the Spanish language version of BREAKING BAD. Both Roberto Urbina and Jorge Jimenez are featured characters in the upcoming Netflix drama NARCOS.

See you at the festival!

LAFF 2015: Official Festival Line-up Announced!

30 Films chosen for U.S. Fiction, Documentary and World Fiction Competitions!

18 World Premieres! 

On Tuesday, May 5th, the Los Angeles Film Festival, produced by Film Independent with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced its official U.S. Fiction, Documentary and World Competition sections.

US Fiction Competition (10)

Original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers.

US Fiction Competition Finalist

·         3rd Street Blackout, dir. Negin Farsad, Jeremy Redleaf, USA, World Premiere
·         A Country Called Home, dir. Anna Axster, USA, World Premiere
·         Bastards Y Diablos, dir. A.D. Freese, USA/Colombia, World Premiere
·         The Girl in the Book, dir. Marya Cohn, USA, World Premiere
·         How He Fell in Love, dir. Marc Meyers, USA, World Premiere
·         It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong, dir. Emily Ting, USA, World Premiere
·         Mekko, dir. Sterlin Harjo, USA, World Premiere
·         Out of My Hand, dir. Takeshi Fukunaga, USA/Liberia, N. American Premiere
·         Puerto Ricans in Paris, dir. Ian Edelman, USA/France/Czech Republic, World Premiere
·         Too Late, dir. Dennis Hauck, USA, World Premiere

Documentary Competition (12) 

Documentary Competition Finalist

Sponsored by Netflix and Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television.
Compelling, character-driven non-fiction films from the U.S. and around the world.

·         A New High, dir. Samuel Miron, Stephen Scarpulla, USA, World Premiere
·         The Babuskhas of Chernobyl, dir. Holly Morris, USA/Ukraine, World Premiere
·         Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story), dir. Lilibet Foster, USA/Australia, World Premiere
·         Catching the Sun, dir. Shalini Kantayya, USA, World Premiere
·         In a Perfect World, dir. Daphne McWilliams, USA, World Premiere
·         Incorruptible, dir. Chai Vasarhelyi, Senegal/USA, International Premiere
·         Love Between the Covers, dir. Laurie Kahn, USA, U.S. Premiere
·         Maiko: Dancing Child, dir. Åse Svenheim Drivenes, Japan/Norway, World Premiere
·         Missing People, dir. David Shapiro, USA, U.S. Premiere
·         My Love, Don’t Cross That River, dir. Mo-Young Jin, South Korea, U.S. Premiere
·         Oriented, dir. Jake Winternitz, UK/Palestine/Israel, International Premiere
·         Treasure; From Tragedy to Trans Justice, Mapping a Detroit Story, dir. dream hampton, USA, World Premiere

World Fiction Competition (8)

Unique fiction films from around the world from emerging and established filmmakers, especially curated for LA audiences.

A Midsummer’s Fantasia (Korea)
World Fiction Competition

·         Atomic Heart, dir. Ali Ahmadzadeh, Iran, North American Premiere
·         Ayanda and the Mechanic, dir. Sara Blecher, South Africa, World Premiere
·         Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando (Elvira, I’d Give You My Life But I’m Using It), dir. Manolo Caro, Mexico, International Premiere
·         Flocking (Flocken), dir. Baeta Gardeler, Sweden, North American Premiere
·         Las Malas Lenguas (Sweet and Vicious), dir. Juan Paolo Arias, Colombia, World Premiere
·         A Midsummer’s Fantasia, dir. Jang Kun-Jae, South Korea/Japan, U.S. Premiere
·         Sin Alas (Without Wings), dir. Ben Chace, Cuba, International Premiere
·         White Moss (Belyy Yagel), dir. Vladimir Tumaev, Russian Federation, International Premiere

Now in its 21st year, the Los Angeles Film Festival offers unparalleled access to creative voices through energetic film programming, Master Classes, live performances and conversations with the most compelling artists working today. The 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen a diverse slate of feature films, shorts, web series and music videos, along with signature programs such as the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film at The GRAMMY Museum® and Master Classes. The Los Angeles Film Festival runs from June 10 through June 18.

The 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival, which returns to downtown Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE for a sixth year has announces a diverse slate of 74 feature films, 60 short films, and over 50 new media works representing 35 countries. New sections this year are the U.S. Fiction and World Fiction Competitions and Launch, as well as the previously announced Buzz, Nightfall and Zeitgeist programs.

Buzz (13)
Los Angeles premieres of celebrated favorites from around the world.

·         JUST ANNOUNCED: Brand: A Second Coming, dir. Ondi Timoner, UK/USA
·         Chuck Norris vs Communism, dir. Illinca Calugareanu, UK/Romania/Germany
·         The Dark Horse, dir. James Napier Robertson, New Zealand
·         Diary of a Teenage Girl, dir. Marielle Heller, USA
·         In Football We Trust, dir. Tony Vainuku, co-dir. Erika Cohn, USA
·         Infinitely Polar Bear, dir. Maya Forbes, USA
·         JUST ANNOUNCED: Jimmy’s Hall, dir. Ken Loach, UK/Ireland/France
·         Manson Family Vacation, dir. J. Davis, USA
·         The Overnight, dir. Patrick Brice, USA
·         People, Places, Things, dir. James C. Strouse, USA
·         JUST ANNOUNCED: The Vanished Elephant, dir. Javier Fuentes León, Peru/Colombia/Spain
·         Victoria, dir. Sebastian Schipper, Germany
·         Sweet Micky for President, dir. Ben Patterson, Haiti/USA

LA Muse (10)
A competitive section of world premieres of fiction and documentary films that are quintessentially L.A.

·      A Beautiful Now, dir. Daniela Amavia, USA, World Premiere
·      Aram, Aram, dir. Christopher Chambers, USA, World Premiere
·      Can You Dig This, dir. Delila Vallot, USA, World Premiere
·      Day Out of Days, dir. Zoe R. Cassavetes, USA, World Premiere
·      The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce, dir. Baron Davis, Chad Gordon, USA, World Premiere
·      The Escort, dir. Will Slocombe, USA, World Premiere
·      Flock of Dudes, dir. Bob Castrone, USA, World Premiere
·      French Dirty, dir. Wade Allain-Marcus & Jesse Allain-Marcus, USA, World Premiere
·      No Más Bebés (No More Babies), dir. Renee Tajima-Peña, USA, World Premiere
·      Weepah Way for Now, dir. Stephen Ringer, USA, World Premiere

Nightfall (8)
From the bizarre to the horrifying, these are films to watch after dark. Films premiering for the first time in the U.S. are nominated for the Nightfall Award.

·         Caught, dir. Maggie Kiley, USA, World Premiere
·         The Confines, dir. Eytan Rockaway, USA, World Premiere
·         Crumbs, dir. Miguel Llansó, Spain/Ethiopia/Finland, North American Premiere
·         Crush the Skull, dir. Viet Nguyen, USA, World Premiere
·         Dude Bro Party Massacre III, dir. Tomm Jacobsen, Michael Rousselet, Jon Salmon, USA, World Premiere
·         Plan Sexenal (Six Year Plan), dir. Santiago Cendejas, Mexico, North American Premiere
·         Ratter, dir. Branden Kramer, USA, LA Premiere
·         Shut In, dir. Adam Schindler, USA, World Premiere

Zeitgeist (6)
A competitive section of curated, World Premiere films that embody key trends in American independent filmmaking. 2015 captures hard knock, coming of age stories.

·         A Girl Like Grace, dir. Ty Hodges, USA, World Premiere
·         Band of Robbers, dir. Aaron Nee & Adam Nee, USA, World Premiere
·         In the Treetops, dir. Matthew Brown, USA, World Premiere
·         Manifest Destiny, dir. Michael Dwyer, Kaitlin McLaughlin, USA, World Premiere
·         Stealing Cars, dir. Bradley Kaplan, USA, World Premiere
·         What Lola Wants, dir. Rupert Glasson, USA, World Premiere

As previously announced, the Opening Night Film is Paul Weitz' "Grandma". There will be Gala Screenings of the first episode of the TV series Scream as well as the feature films Seoul Searching and The Final Girls. Two Pre-Festival Screenings will also be held: Dope will have its LA Premiere on June 8, Inside Out will screen on June 9 and be preceded by a special Master Class with writer/director Pete Docter. Previously announced, this year’s Guest Director is Rodrigo García, Gale Anne Hurd will receive the Jaeger-Lecoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award and Lily Tomlin will receive the Spirit of Independence Award.

Passes are currently on sale to Film Independent Members and the general public. In addition to access to screenings and events (even after they sell out), Festival passes provide access to networking receptions and the Festival Lounge, where pass holders interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. General admission tickets to individual films go on sale to Film Independent Members beginning Thursday, May 14 and to the general public beginning Tuesday, May 19. Contact the Ticket Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit lafilmfest.com.

The Los Angeles Film Festival team is comprised of Festival Director Stephanie Allain, Film Independent Curator Elvis Mitchell, Associate Director of Programming Roya Rastegar, Senior Programmer Jennifer Cochis, Programmers Jenn Wilson and Drea Clark, Head Shorts Programmer Landon Zakheim, Festival Consultant Maggie Mackay, Manager of Industry Relations Mel Jones, Senior Director of Film Education María Raquel Bozzi, Director of Event Production Shawn Davis and Director of Event Operations Ralph Rivera.  In addition, the Festival’s Associate Feature Film Programmers include Julie Anderson, Christine Davila, Samuel Douek, Steven Jacobson, Lee Jameson, Mark Maynard, Lucy Mukerjee-Brown, Stephanie Owens, Ray Price and So Yun Um; Short Film Programmers Ernesto Foronda, Carlos Hatcher, Meghan McWilliams, Atsuko Okatsuka, Paul Sbrizzi, Cedar Sherber and Jacques Thelemaque and Programming Consultants Adella Ladjevardi, Jai Tiggett, and Josh Mandel.

See you at the festival!

Trailers: "Mark Defriest" documentary opens this Friday in New York and Los Angeles!

Opening March 6!
LA - LAEMMLE MUSIC HALL
NY -VILLAGE EAST

When a legendary escape artist comes up for parole after more than three decades years behind bars, a chance for freedom must be weighed against his infamous past.

Mark DeFriest is an American prison legend, a notorious escape artist who has spent 34 years behind bars, with little light, hope or human contact.

The film is the exploration of Mark DeFriest's life and mind, both the facts of the case and the hyper world of his design, as seen in animations. Interweaving the animated past of Mark’s case with the parole narrative, the film becomes a de facto courtroom where the facts of Mark’s case are finally laid out.

Mark DeFriest attempted 13 escapes and got out seven times, turning his original four-year sentence into Life. The original crime that sent him to prison: stealing his own father's tools. So how did a low-level criminal end up looking at life in prison? And will he ever get out?

Postscript:

After going the rounds of film festivals, including a much-talked about screening at the Los Angeles Film Festival last year, Mark Defriest has finally been granted parole! Gabriel added a new ending to the film.  Showing the film at LAFF and other festivals was actually key in Defreist's parole being granted!  Director Gabriel London has followed this story for 12 years and been a key player in pushing for his release, and was able to show it to the parole board.

Watch the explosive trailer below.

The Mind Of Mark DeFriest (trailer) from Ronan Coleman on Vimeo.

News: Theatrical release of acclaimed documentary "The Mind of Mark Defriest" announced!

OPENING MARCH 6, 2015
LA - LAEMMLE MUSIC HALL
NY - CINEMA VILLAGE VILLAGE EAST

**** March 1 Update *****
With the good news of Defreist's parole being granted, Gabriel added a new ending to the film!

This is one amazing news! I saw this film at last year's Los Angeles Film Festival and I was really taken aghast by the injustice committed against Mark Defriest and featured a review of the film in this blog. (You can read it here http://raymonddeasislo.blogspot.com/2014/06/los-angeles-film-festival-diary-day-6.html.) I also included this doc among my favorites movies of 2014.

And this is not even the great news yet. The greater news is that Mar Defriest was granted parole just two days ago! It is effective on March 10th! His original parole date set at 2085 will now be potentially cut by 70 years from his original release date --- this is one news that Mark has waited for three decades.

The film and the audience reactions have had a great impact in bringing awareness of the unjust incarceration of the film’s subject, Mark Defriest, which has aided this amazing possible sentence reduction. This is a testament to the power of film.  Award-winning filmmaker Gabriel London has been following Mark's story for 12 years and the possibility of Mark Defriest's freedom during his lifetime was, until a few months ago, incomprehensible.

The Mind of Mark Defriest
A FILM BY GABRIEL LONDON
www.defriest.com

This documentary captures the bizarre, infuriating story of a carefree19-year-old Mark Defriest who ended up in solitary confinement for most of his adult life in a Florida prison. His crimes? Taking the tools his father, who was recently deceased, had willed to him before the will was probated.

The only home he has ever known is a prison cell, despite repeated escape attempts and doubts that he ever belonged in prison. Originally found ‘incompetent to be sentenced’ by five of six psychiatrists, he, like many mentally ill prisoners, has spent an incredible amount of time in solitary confinement – 27 of the last 34 years. After years of disciplinary write-ups – common with the mentally ill – Defriest’s parole date stood at 2085.

After the film was released, audiences responded with anger and passion to the perceived injustice in Defriest’s case. Filmmaker Gabriel London traveled to Tallahassee to share the film to the Florida Commission on Offender Review.

Dubbed as “Florida’s Houdini” and “unluckiest prisoner” by the press, Defriest recently was granted parole. His legendary escapes and stranger-than-fiction entry to the injustice system now serve as an catalyst for prison reform.

"The Mind of Mark Defriest" has won awards and critics’ praises ever since its film festival debut. Filmmaker Gabriel London successfully captures the haunting story with exclusive interviews, access to the subject, and visually-stunning animations.

Top Ten Audience Favorite- 2014 HotDocs
Winner of Audience Award, Best Documentary- 2014 Naples International Film Festival
Winner of Best Documentary Feature- 2014 Lone Star Film Festival
Official Selection- 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival
Official Selection- 2014 Doc NYC
Official Selection- 2014 Starz Denver Film Festival
Official Selection-  2014 Key West Film Festival
Official Selection-2014 Tallgrass International Film Festival

You have to watch this movie!!!

XXX
Raymond Lo

Awards: 2015 Spirit Award Nominations on November 25

The nominations have been announced! Click here for the full list: http://raymonddeasislo.blogspot.com/2014/11/awards-2014-independent-spirit-award.html




The 2014-2015 awards season is slowly heating up. Film Independent announced today that the 2015 Spirit Award nominations will be held two weeks from now on November 25 at the W Hollywood in Hollywood. Rosario Dawson (Top Five, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Cesar Chavez, Rent) and Diego Luna (The Book of Life, Cesar Chavez, Y Tu Mama Tambien) will host the event in a press conference style at 10:00 am PT.

“We are so thrilled that Rosario Dawson and Diego Luna are teaming up once more to join Film Independent in announcing this year’s Spirit Award nominees,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “This year marks our 30th anniversary and we look forward to celebrating with the independent film community on the beach on February 21st.”

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, will announce the winners on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The live event is held under Film Independent’s signature tent on the beach in Santa Monica and will broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT/ 5:00 pm ET.

The organization also announced that Maggie Mackay has been promoted to Director of Spirit Awards Nominations. Mackay was formerly Senior Programmer at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Announced earlier this month, Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions joined the team as executive producer and producer Shawn Davis returns for his 13th show.

Spirit Awards are given out in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best International Film, Best Documentary, Best Editing and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Awards include the Piaget Producers Award, the LensCrafters Truer Than Fiction Award and the Kiehl’s Someone to Watch Award.

In addition to celebrating the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking, the Spirit Awards is also the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry. To learn more about table sales and attendance, please contact jmurby@filmindependent.org or 310.432.1253.

About the Film Independent Spirit Awards
Now in its 30th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members. Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best International Film, Best Documentary and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the LensCrafters Truer Than Fiction Award, and the Kiehl’s Someone to Watch Award. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, The Lincoln Motor Company, Bank of America, Heineken and IFC. FIJI Water is the Official Water of the 2015 Spirit Awards. WireImage is the Official Photographer of Film Independent.

About Film Independent
Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a Member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.
In addition to producing the Spirit Awards, Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year- round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.
For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org/membership.

View the special Happy Birthday message from John Waters below:



XXX
Raymond Lo

Film Independent Announces Call for Entries and New Hires for 21st Los Angeles Film Festival

Attention: Filmmakers!

LAFF Festival Director Stephanie Allain today announced that the 21st Los Angeles Film Festival is now accepting submissions. The Festival will take place June 10 – June 18, 2015 in downtown Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. The early deadline for submissions is December 2, 2014, the official deadline is January 6, 2015 and the late deadline is January 30, 2015. Please visit www.lafilmfest.com for submission guidelines and forms.

Also announced, Funny Or Die will return for a second year partnering with the Festival on Make ’em LAFF, a talent contest to identify and promote underrepresented comedic voices. Additionally, the Festival will add a new section in partnership with BET EXPERIENCE to showcase work by filmmakers of color. Selection for the LA Film Fest qualifies feature-length films for a Spirit Awards nomination and short-films for an Academy Award nomination.

The 2015 LA Film Fest poster art has been created by the acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Noah Davis. “Noah captures the glamour of L.A. at night and the endless promise of Hollywood dreams,” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director.

“The late, great New Yorker critic Pauline Kael once wrote about the moment in movie theaters when the lights go down and all our hopes are concentrated on the screen. That anticipation, that exhilaration, that hunger to dream – it’s what movies capture, no matter the venue or device, or how ubiquitous they are. And those are the feelings I want the LA Film Fest to remind audiences of – they're the reason we seek out film," said Film Independent Curator Elvis Mitchell.

Under Mitchell, the Festival has added new members to the programming team:  Roya Rastegar has joined as Associate Director of Programming and Curated Content and Jennifer Cochis has joined as Senior Programmer.

Rastegar is an acclaimed writer and filmmaker with a wealth of curatorial experience in both film and art, having previously worked at the Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. She has a background in finance and holds a PhD in the History of Consciousness. Cochis, formerly of Sundance, is an award-winning producer of fiction and documentary feature films, including Smashed (2012) and Los Wild Ones (2013). She is also a writer and director.

About the Los Angeles Film Festival

Now in its 21st year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, offers unparalleled access to creative voices through film programming, master classes, live performances and conversations with the most compelling artists working today. The Festival is a chance to discover new voices, experience buzzed about films, as well as to explore TV, web series and alternative media. Be the first to catch the summer’s blockbusters and rekindle the excitement and glamour of storytelling at the LA Film Fest – only in LA.

The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film at The GRAMMY Museum®, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Coffee Talks, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, LA Muse and more. The Festival premieres nearly 200 features, including short films created by high school students. The Festival hosts a number of juried cash awards, as well as audience awards.

The Los Angeles Film Festival’s Official Host Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Platinum Sponsor. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency of Film Independent. More information can be found at lafilmfest.com.

About Film Independent

Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a Member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.
In addition to producing the Spirit Awards, Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year- round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.
For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.

XXX
Raymond Lo

LAFF 2014 Winners!

The 20th Los Angeles Film Festival concluded today with the announcement of the winners. I am happy that one of the outstanding movies I saw, "Walking Under Water," received an award. I did not get to see the rest of the winning films and I hope to catch them soon - in regular theaters, i hope.

Below are the winners. Congratulations!

Los Angeles Film Festival 2014 Winners

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Best International Feature: SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Best Short Film: THE GUNFIGHTER

Best Music Video: TURN DOWN FOR WHAT

Best Documentary Feature: MEET THE PATELS

Best Narrative Feature: THE YOUNG KIESLOWSKI

JURY AWARDS

Best Animated/Experimental Short Film: BUTTER LAMP

Best Narrative Short: THE RUNAWAY

Best Documentary Short: THE QUEEN

LA Muse Award: LOS ANGELES

Documentary Jury Award: STRAY DOG

Honorable Documentary Jury Award: WALKING UNDER WATER

Narrative Jury Award: MAN FROM RENO

Special Jury Award for Cast: RECOMMENDED BY ENRIQUE

The festival will officially close with the premiere of Clint Eastwood's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Jersey Boys."

XXX

Raymond

LAFF2014 Diary. Film Review: "Giuseppe Makes a Movie"

Los Angeles Film Festival Diary

Tuesday, June 17, 2014



Giuseppe Makes a Movie

I was running late yesterday afternoon and couldn’t find a parking spot quickly – I had to wait for 7PM just so I can park along Olympic, which meant that I would be late to the 6:45PM screening of "Someone You Love". And I was. But it was, I suppose, one of those moments of serendipity. There are great movies at every film festivals that get lost in the mix and you don’t get to see them at all. Fortunately, last night was a different story because I think I saw the finest film screening at the festival this year!

There are movies that are so unpretentious, so honest, and so raw that you just can’t help but champion it. "Giuseppe Makes a Movie" is one of those movies. It’s been nearly 24 hours since I saw it but I still can’t stop myself from thinking about it. I have been telling my friends about it, tweeted and retweeted and I still can’t help myself from heaping it praise after praise to any friends who would care to listen.

Perhaps I was moved by Giuseppe’s unyielding passion for the movies or the filmmaker’s sincere and respectful tribute to him and his love of moviemaking. Or perhaps both, I don’t know. But what I know is I loved what I saw and what I experienced. It’s funny, gross, weird, bad – nearly everything that would normally offend me but for some reason did not.

"Giuseppe Makes a Movie" is Adam Rifkin’s documentary about Giuseppe Andrews as he was about to make his 30^th feature. Giuseppe is a former child actor who just loves the movies. He is passionate about the films of Bunuel, Fassbinder, etc. and it is his dream to make a full-length movie in two days for only a thousand dollars budget. The documentary tracks those two days of unintended hilarity. If you can measure the amount of laughter the movie generated at its screening last night, you would think you are watching one of those widely-marketed comedies of James Franco (but this one is way better, FYI) instead of watching a movie shot in VHS.

What makes the movie successful is the subject character himself. He may appear weird or off-balance but you cannot doubt his sincerity and unbridled passion for the movies. He knows nobody’s going to be watching his movies outside of his crew but he doesn't care. A poet do not necessarily write a poem for the world to read, right? His supportive father is his producer and all-around crew while his girlfriend acts as his driver and occasional actress. His cast is mostly made up of his kind neighbors and his homeless friends. Their small community is not what one would traditionally associate with filmmaking but you cannot deny that their hearts are set on making a movie with Giuseppe at the helm and there’s no denying that. And we are fortunate that a group of "professional" filmmakers found the inspiration to document them in a movie and we are all now applauding them.

Rating: 5 Stars

August 20, 2015 Update:

I am so excited to learn that "Giuseppe..." is scheduled to be screened at the NuArt theater in Los Angeles in October! A sign of good things for this wonderful film!

See the trailer here: Warning [NSFW]

XXX

Raymond Lo

LAFF 2014. Film Reviews: "The Life and Mind of Mark DeFriest", "Starred UP"

Los Angeles Film Festival Diary

Monday, June 16, 2014

Saw two films at the LAFF yesterday. And I loved both. Both dealt with stories about men in prison. One was a documentary called "The Life and Mind of Mark Defriest" – my favorite film at this year’s festival, so far, and another was this Irish feature film called "Starred Up", which was a tough film to watch but an excellent film nonetheless.

"The Life and Mind of Mark Defriest"

I have featured "The Life and Mind of Mark Defriest" (dir. Gabriel London) among the movies to watch at this year’s fest and I was not wrong. It is a gripping and frustrating piece of cinema. The film tells the story of Mark Defriest, whose initial brush with the law resulted in him being locked up for more than half his life now. He has been in jail since 1981 with no chance of ever getting out. He is infamous for his daring and creative escapes from prison and his tendency to disobey the rules inside the prison. The film tries to get inside his mind and mine some information that could somewhat explain why someone whose initial "crime" was "stealing" some tools that his father willed to him would end up in a state prison alongside the likes of Ted Bundy and other notorious criminals. His story is both frustrating and heartbreaking. The penal system is in place so that thr public can be protected from criminals but sometimes the rules that were meticulously crafted works against the very individual it is supposed to protect. Mark’s case is an aberration. The system could have helped him years ago if he was only diagnosed correctly. He could have been one of the most brilliant artists of our time, he could have become somebody but instead he is languishing in jail with little hope of ever gaining freedom.

The filmmaking in "Mark Defriest" is astounding. The animation combined with archival footage make for an incredible, riveting and eye-opening cinematic experience.

Rating: 5 Stars

"Starred Up"

The opening sequence of "Starred Up" reminds one of the opening scenes of "A Prophet." But the similarities end there. Whereas "A Prophet" chronicled the rise of a gangster, "Starred Up" gives us a rare look into the life of a young violent offender transitioning into adulthood. This film from Irish filmmaker David MacKenzie is a tough one to watch. I would describe the narrative approach as lighthearted if only because the movie offers some laughs that somewhat mitigates the violence that threatens to erupt anytime. The film is set inside a prison and the audience would somewhat feel the isolation and frustration of being inside one while watching the movie. It does not look down into the criminals but instead humanizes them and makes them as relatable as possible to us. I am not sure if I should reveal here the central story but I would rather not. But I would cite the outstanding performances turned in by the cast specially the anguished performance of newcomer Jack O’Connell.

If I have one minor criticism about the movie it would be the lack of subtitles because the accents are sometimes too difficult to decipher and it somewhat lessens the audience's ability to grasp what's going on.

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

xxx

Raymond Lo

LAFF2014. Film Reviews: "The Liberator", "The Overnighters", "Walking Under Water"

Los Angeles Film Festival Diary

Sunday, June 15, 2014

I missed the first four days of the LA Film Festival because of some personal matters that i had to attend to. (I am interviewing for a new day job!)

So, I went yesterday and saw three films. One was a feature film about the heroic life of Venezuela's national hero Simon Bolivar and two documentaries.
 

The cast of "The Liberator" introducing the film at its
LAFF screening last night.





















"The Liberator" is an excellent biopic about Bolivar and features an outstanding performance by Edgar Ramirez and a truly memorable score by Venezuela's pride Gustavo Dudamel! The film chronicles the life of Bolivar from his privileged childhood to his revolutionary struggles to liberate South America from the Spaniards. It's both an epic and an intimate look at a hero that is not as popular as his modern-day Latin American equivalents but whose achievements far surpass that of many. 

Rating: 5 Stars



The author with "The Overnighters" director Jessy Moss



"The Overnighters" is a remarkable American documentary about a pastor who housed the homeless migrants searching for jobs in an oil town in North Dakota. The filmmaker shot the film over 18 months with zero crew to assist him. Amazing! The documentary also had a surprising conclusion that somewhat detracts from the main subject but offers a glimpse into the fortuitous possibilities of documentary filmmaking.

Rating: 

3 Stars 

"Walking Under Water" is a fascinating docu-drama about the disappearing culture of the Badjao tribe in the islands of Borneo. The underwater photography is splendid and the film powerful. Some scenes call to mind Dante Mendoza's "Thy Womb" but this movie has a far better scope, resonates more and feels more authentic.

Rating:

4 ½ Stars

On first glance, it would seem that the three films I saw share nothing in common but i like to find some common thread in the movies i watch on the same day (call it festival programming, I suppose) and I like to make a narrative of the films and try to rationalize why each one complements the other. And I found one:

The films are about people waging to varying degrees a battle against seemingly insurmountable odds.

In "The Overnightert", the jobless and homeless are fighting for their dignity. In "Walking Under Water", the Badjao people are fighting for their identity. And in "The Liberator", the oppressed are fighting for liberty.

In that regard, I invite you all to consider helping the young protagonist of "Walking Under Water" in securing a bright future for himself. Please help. Thanks.

XXX

Raymond Lo