Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.
- Image Gallery: The Hangover, Part III
- Press Release: Fox and Bulgari Announce Blu-Ray Release of Restored “Cleopatra”
- Press Release: Contest Opens In Support the Release of the Adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Tiger Eyes”
- Press Release: Content Film to Conduct Sales for “Dark Summer”
- Press Release: “Meteora” and “Mitsigan-Hardships and Beauties” To Open and Close Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
- Press Release: “The Women WOrkers’ War” to Screen at Workers Unite! Film Festival
- Press Release: Bluth’s Banana Stand Re-Opens in Tandem with Return of “Arrested Development”
- Press Release: Content Film to Handle International Sales for “Pudsey: The Movie”
- Press Release: Worldwide Release Announced for “It’s So Easy and Other Lies”
Image Gallery: The Hangover, Part III
Press Release: Fox and Bulgari Announce Blu-Ray Release of Restored “Cleopatra”
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX AND BULGARI CELEBRATE ONE OF THE GRANDEST CINEMATIC SPECTACLES OF ALL TIME
Global Celebration Includes an Exclusive Partnership with Bulgari, prestigious italian JeweLer, COLLECTED BY Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Meticulously Restored Film to Premiere at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival
Limited Engagement In More Than 200 Theaters Beginning May 22
Bulgari to Unveil Exclusive Jewelry Piece To Benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Cleopatra 50th Anniversary Edition Arrives on Blu-ray May 28
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 6, 2013) – Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, in partnership with Bulgari, is pleased to announce a global celebration fit for a queen to commemorate CLEOPATRA’s 50th anniversary and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of its stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Directed by Academy Award® winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the historical epic shot on 70mm film took home four Academy Awards and was the highest grossing film of 1963 earning more than $57 million in its initial release. CLEOPATRA infamously cost an unprecedented $42 million to make (equivalent to over $300 million today) and was racked with scandal as the onscreen love affair between Cleopatra (Taylor) and Mark Antony (Burton) spilled over into real life during the three-year production in Rome. Burton celebrated his great love for Ms. Taylor with exquisite gifts from Bulgari.
Twentieth Century Fox has meticulously restored the 243-minute original theatrical version of CLEOPATRA to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The new digitally restored transfer will receive a world premiere as an official selection of Cannes Classics at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival on May 21 in the Sixtieth Anniversary Theater.
The Cannes premiere hosted by Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain will also include Kate Burton, daughter of Richard Burton, and Chris Wilding, son of Elizabeth Taylor, as well as other representatives from the film and families.
A red carpet reception will follow where Bulgari will display several of Elizabeth Taylor’s most treasured pieces from her personal jewelry collection, which are not for sale, and were reacquired at her highly publicized Christie’s auction — many of them for world-record-breaking prices – after she passed away in 2011. The display includes a Bulgari handheld mirror made of gold and turquoise, a present to Ms. Taylor during the filming of CLEOPATRA that can be seen in the movie, as well as original costumes from the film, on loan from Cinecittà Studios in Rome.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of CLEOPATRA, Bulgari will also unveil an exclusive jewelry piece inspired by Ms. Taylor and the film that will be auctioned off in 2013 with proceeds benefitting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). Additionally, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has made a donation to ETAF in support of her courageous life’s work in raising awareness and providing care for those affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. Fans can help continue Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy and join the fight against HIV/AIDS by making their own personal contribution at www.ETAF.org.
“My mother would have been thrilled about this spectacular celebration of CLEOPATRA’S 50th anniversary by Fox and Bulgari,” said Chris Wilding. “She would have been especially pleased that they are also supporting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, a cause she cared about deeply.”
Following the premiere at Cannes, Twentieth Century Fox will re-release CLEOPATRA with a limited theatrical engagement in more than 200 theaters around the world beginning May 22. The film will play in the Cinemark Classic Film Series among other theater chains. In select markets, Bulgari will host receptions in-store in advance of the screenings. Additional details and screening locations to be announced at a later date.
On May 28, CLEOPATRA will make its Blu-ray debut in a 2-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition artfully packaged with a full-color book featuring rare images that provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of this legendary film. The Blu-ray is packed with dazzling bonus materials featuring never-before-seen exclusive content including Cleopatra’s lost footage, commentary from Chris Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau and Jack Brodsky, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more. Additionally, fans can watch footage from the film’s original theatrical premieres in both New York and Los Angeles.
Bulgari will celebrate CLEOPATRA’S 50 Years of Iconic Style with an exclusive BVLGARI Special Edition Blu-ray that includes an all-new booklet featuring rarely seen photos that tells the fascinating story of these cinematic icons and their fabled connection to Bulgari’s extraordinary jewelry. These exclusive Blu-rays are not for sale but will be made available promotionally for Bulgari customers around the globe.
“CLEOPATRA exemplifies movie making on an epic scale,” said Mary Daily, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Worldwide Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “Elizabeth Taylor is a cultural icon who has inspired
generations through her work, notable charitable efforts and her legacy, which is as strong as ever. As witnessed by our exceptional partnership with Bulgari, CLEOPATRA is as relevant today across fashion, beauty trends, culture and Hollywood as it was fifty years ago. With the support of the Elizabeth Taylor Trust and Bulgari, we are honored to commemorate this iconic film¹s 50th anniversary with a year-long celebration that includes premiering the film in its original theatrical glory at Cannes and for everyone to cherish forever on Blu-ray.”
The CLEOPATRA 50th anniversary publicity campaign was launched March 1 with a posthumous star ceremony for Richard Burton on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Burton’s star was placed next to Elizabeth Taylor’s, further cementing one of the greatest love stories in Hollywood history.
In 51 BC, Cleopatra became queen of the Egyptian Empire: the wealthiest and most revered kingdom the world has ever known. More than 2,000 years later Twentieth Century Fox Studios set out to tell her epic story in what would become, at the time, the most ambitious and lavish moviemaking endeavor in Hollywood history. Elizabeth Taylor signed a one million dollar contract to play the title role of Cleopatra, becoming the first female star to command such a sum for one picture. Elaborate sets and costumes, production delays and the relocation of principal filming from London to Rome added to the skyrocketing budget. A very public love affair between Taylor and Burton meant that there was as much romance and intrigue off-screen as on-screen. The film remains one of the grandest cinematic spectacles of all time and is an integral part of Twentieth Century Fox’s legacy.
* Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay (All About Eve, 1950); Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay (A Letter to Three Wives, 1949)
** Best Art Direction (won); Best Cinematography (won); Best Costume Design (won); Best Visual Effects (won); Best Picture (nominated); Best Actor (Rex Harrison) (nominated); Best Film Editing (nominated); Best Original Score (nominated); Best Sound Mixing (nominated)
*** Best Actress (Zero Dark Thirty, 2012); Best Supporting Actress (The Help, 2011)
ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film, a News Corporation company. Representing over 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions as well as all third party distribution partners on DVD, Blu-ray™, Digital Copy, Digital HD™, and VOD (video-on-demand). Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.
ABOUT BVLGARI
Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 as a single jeweler’s store and progressively established itself as a prestigious brand thanks to its magnificent jewelry creations, emblems of the Italian excellence. Building on its international success, Bulgari has evolved into a global and diversified player in the luxury market, with a portfolio of products and services ranging from jewels to watches, perfumes, accessories and hotels. In 2011 Bulgari became part of the LVMH Group.
ABOUT THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION (ETAF)
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) was established by Elizabeth Taylor in 1991 to raise funds and awareness to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to provide assistance for those living with the virus. With its focus on direct care and prevention education, ETAF provides funding to AIDS organizations throughout the world, providing support services to populations in need. Miss Taylor was an early advocate and fundraiser for issues related to HIV/AIDS and in 1985 co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) with Dr. Mathilde Krim. As a celebrated Hollywood icon, her highly visible, vocal and relentless efforts are often credited with pushing awareness of the pandemic into the mainstream. Her legacy, passion and commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS continues today through the work of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. For more information, please visit: www.ETAF.org.
Press Release: Contest Opens In Support the Release of the Adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Tiger Eyes”
ACCLAIMED AUTHOR JUDY BLUME, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH POPULAR CULTURE BLOG HELLOGIGGLES, LAUNCHES SPECIAL CONTEST TO SUPPORT THEATRICAL RELEASE FOR FILM ADAPTATION OF ‘TIGER EYES’
Los Angeles, CA (May 6, 2013) –Judy Blume, one of this generation’s most celebrated authors, is hosting a contest for her fans to win tickets to a special screening of TIGER EYES, the new film adapted from Blume’s novel of the same name. The popular women’s culture blog HelloGiggles is partnering with Blume to host this exclusive, A-list event in Los Angeles, CA that will take place May 29 at a secret location.
One person (US only) will win a trip to attend this once-in-a-lifetime sneak-peak of the film before it opens June 7 day-and-date. In addition, the contest organizers will also be giving away a special Tiger Eyes & Hello Giggles party pack to twenty winners who can host their own special screening of the film at home via Video-on-Demand.
The party pack includes:
Those interested in entering the contest can visit http://hellogiggles.com/an-invitation-from-judy-blume for more information.
The film was co-written by Blume and her son, Lawrence Blume, who also directed. TIGER EYES stars Willa Holland (“Arrow”), Amy Jo Johnson (“Flashpoint”), Cynthia Stevenson (“The Player”), Tatanka Means (“The Host”), Elise Eberle (“The Astronaut Farmer”) and Russell Means (“The Last of the Mohicans”). TIGER EYES was produced by Judy Blume, Lawrence Blume, and Linda Moran, with George Cooper, Ruth Pomerance, and Amber Entertainment executive producing.
Blume has been renowned for decades as the highly-popular author of novels such as Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret, Summer Sisters, and TIGER EYES, the first of her books to be translated to the big screen EVER.
HelloGiggles is a positive online community for women (although men are always welcome!) covering DIY and crafting projects, beauty, friendship, sex & relationships, pop culture, pets, television & movies, nostalgia, fandom, tips on savvy and stylish living meant to inspire a smile. It was founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer and Sophia Rossi.
Press Release: Content Film to Conduct Sales for “Dark Summer”
CONTENT TO FIRE UP SALES ON HORROR THRILLER DARK SUMMER IN CANNES PAUL SOLET TO DIRECT MIKE LE’S SCREENPLAY
May 7, 2013 – London/Los Angeles – Paul Solet (GRACE) will direct DARK SUMMER for Preferred Film & TV (PFT), based off a screenplay by Mike Le (creator of the popular web series, K-TOWN. DARK SUMMER is produced by PFT‘s Ross M. Dinerstein and executive produced by Content Film’s Jamie Carmichael. Content will handle international sales on the supernatural horror starting at Cannes. Content will share North American sales duties with Preferred Content’s Kevin Iwashina. Production is set to begin in fall 2013.
A highly stylized modern ghost story, DARK SUMMER follows Daniel Williamson, a 17 year old on house arrest for the summer. With his mother away on business, a horrifying incident occurs, followed by an even more terrifying presence in the house.
“We are excited to be working with Paul and Mike on this twisted supernatural thriller,” said producer Ross M. Dinerstein. “Paul’s visceral visual style combined with Mike’s complex characters will both terrify and entertain the audience.”
Content’s Carmichael said, “Paul is such a quality filmmaker – and he really knows how to scare the living daylights out of an audience. We’re so excited to be working with him and our partners at Preferred on such a cool movie. We’re building a really first class business together, and DARK SUMMER looks like yet another great franchise starter.”
At Cannes, the Content slate will also include PFT’s cult sequel THE PACT 2; MR. JONES, written and directed by Karl Mueller and recently acquired for North America by Anchor Bay, as well as Caradog James’ THE MACHINE, which both recently world premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival; Paul Tanter’s special forces actioner HE WHO DARES; Anthony Leonardi III’s demonic NOTHING LEFT TO FEAR starring Anne Heche and produced by former Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash; Kieran Parker’s OUTPOST III: RISE OF THE SPETSNAZ; Sean McNamara’s family adventure SPACE WARRIORS starring Danny Glover, Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and Josh Lucas; Sebastián Silva’s CRYSTAL FAIRY starring Michael Cera and Stacie Passon’s controversial CONCUSSION starring Robin Weigert which both world premiered in Sundance earlier this year.
Solet is repped by Paradigm and Principato Young and Le is represented by APA and manager Jonathan Hung.
About Preferred Film & Television
Preferred Film & Television (PFT) is a joint venture between Content Media Corporation (CMC) and Preferred Content’s (PC) Ross Dinerstein and Kevin Iwashina. Preferred Film & TV produce and develop content of all genres with a commitment to quality projects with both established and emerging filmmakers. Previous PFT titles include 2012 Sundance Midnight hit THE PACT and MR JONES which world premiered at the Tribeca International Film Festival this April.
About Content Film, a division of Content Media Corporation Ltd
Content Film is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd., which specializes in high quality and commercial feature films. In addition to handling worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity — the company assists film producers in securing finance. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 240 titles. Content Film is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division.
The Content Film slate also includes: the medieval actioner IRONCLAD: BATTLE FOR BLOOD; the post-apocalyptic action thriller BOUNTY KILLER; THE NUMBERS STATION starring John Cusack and Malin Akerman.
Press Release: “Meteora” and “Mitsigan-Hardships and Beauties” To Open and Close Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
“METEORA” AND “MITSIGAN-HARDSHIPS AND BEAUTIES” BOOKEND 7TH ANNUAL LOS ANGELES GREEK FILM FESTIVAL CINEMAX® TO SPONSOR SCREENING OF ELIA KAZAN’S “AMERICA AMERICA”
Los Angeles, CA – MAY, 2013 – The 7th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival – LAGFF (June 6-9, Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills) announced its 2013 Program, including the selected feature for the ever-popular Opening Night gala, which will be Spiros Stathoulopoulos’ drama, METEORA, which debuted at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Kimon Tsakiris’ (SUGARTOWN) documentary, MITSIGAN – HARDSHIPS AND BEAUTIES, will close the festival on Sunday, June 9th, following the presentation of this year’s Orpheus Awards. In addition, festival representatives elaborated on their previously announced tribute to writer/director Elia Kazan, noting the screening of Kazan’s AMERICA AMERICA, introduced by HBO’s President of Miniseries & Cinemax Programming and LAGFF Advisory Board member, Kary Antholis, on Friday, June 7.
Greece has long been known for cinematic masters such as Theodoros Angelopoulos and Michael Cacoyannis. In the last three years, thanks to directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Greek cinema has become increasingly important in the world scene, gaining critical acclaim in prestigious festivals such as CANNES, VENICE, TORONTO and KARLOVY VARY. LAGFF gives the opportunity to U.S. audiences and the U.S. film industry to view and participate in its many depths.
LAGFF Director of Programming Aristotle Katopodis said, “This year we have over 30 features, documentary and short films representing the Greek diaspora in over 11 countries – more than ever before. The theme that permeated the 2013 submissions is the toll taken by economic turmoil, whether the films are from Greece or from Greeks around the globe,” further noting that, “These filmmakers have responded powerfully with a redefinition of values and principles. They are raising their voices and shedding light on pressing issues, with anger, pathos and even humor. Our selections capture the most vibrant of these, while showcasing some innovative filmmaking and a slew of new, young, and daring artists not to be missed.”
Opening the festival’s red carpet gala on Thursday, June 6, is Spiros Stathoulopoulos’ (PVC-1) US premiere of the period drama, METEORA, starring Theo Alexander (TRUE BLOOD). Set in a 12th century monastery in Greece, METEORA is the story of an illicit love affair between a Greek Orthodox monk and a Russian Orthodox nun. METEORA was an official selection of the Berlin Film Festival.
The Opening Night gala will also kick off the four-day celebration of all things Greek, including a dinner reception of Hellenic-California cuisine sponsored by Petros Restaurant, as well as a wine tasting by Athenee Importers, featuring Domaine Porto Carras wines from Sidonia Halkidiki, Gentilini Wines from Kefalonia and Thimiopoulos vineyards from Naousa – all regions in Greece renowned for their award-winning wines.
Kimon Tsakiris, whose documentaries SUGARTOWN: THE BRIDEGROOMS and SUGARTOWN: THE DAY AFTER won over audiences at the 2007 and 2011 editions of LAGFF, returns this year with his new film, MITSIGAN – HARDSHIPS & BEAUTIES, about Mitsos “Mitsigan” Tsiganos, a modern-day Greek cowboy and the owner of “Hardships & Beauties”, a vegetable and fruit farm in southwestern Greece. The story follows Mitsigan on a journey throughout that region’s farming area, as he meets with old and new friends and comes to the realization that his country will never be the same again.
Prior to the Closing Night screening, the festival will present its Orpheus Awards for Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short and Audience Choice, as well as Jury distinctions. The winner of LAGFF’s inaugural Project Discovery Forum will also be presented with the Aegean Award at that time. The screening will be followed by an exclusive reception for filmmakers, Gold Pass members & VIP guests, hosted by the Consul General of Greece, Los Angeles, Elisabeth Fotiadou.
As part of the tribute to Elia Kazan, the festival will present the filmmaker’s 1963 Oscar-winning drama, AMERICA AMERICA, on Friday evening as its Centerpiece presentation. AMERICA AMERICA is loosely based on Kazan’s Greek uncle’s struggle to emigrate from Anatolia to America in 1893. The film will be introduced by HBO’s President of Miniseries & Cinemax Programming and LAGFF board member, Kary Antholis. The LAGFF Tribute to Elia Kazan is sponsored by CINEMAX®, a premium television service offered by Home Box Office, Inc. Cinemax features high-impact original series specifically created for the channel like Strike Back® and BansheeSM, as well as the widest variety of film entertainment, combining select and broad-appeal films that showcase Hollywood’s hottest hits, the best in new cinema, action-packed thrillers, wild comedies, classic screen gems and more.
“We are very excited to screen this epic masterpiece on the 50th anniversary of its first release for a generation that has not had the pleasure of experiencing it in the cinema,” states Ersi Danou, LAGFF’s Creative Director and Co-Founder. “It has been a dream of ours to celebrate Kazan’s work, and this seems to be the right moment. And we are grateful to Kary Antholis for shedding light on Kazan’s roots and connecting his creative genius with our own history and the history of our ancestors as immigrants,” added Danou.
“When I read Elia Kazan’s memoir a quarter of a century ago, I related deeply to his perspective on the world… to his immigrant’s soul, as he might put it. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kazan’s most personal work, AMERICA AMERICA, it is a privilege to curate Kazan’s own insights into the experiences of a Greek immigrant to the United States and to offer context to the way these insights shaped his masterpiece,” states Kary Antholis.
Adding to the already impressive line-up is Ektoras Lygizos’ critically acclaimed and award-winning drama, BOY EATING THE BIRD’S FOOD, which garnered this year’s Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Film and also recently won the prestigious European Crossing Award in the European Competition. Moreover, it will likely be Greece’s 2014 Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film. BOY, which marks Lygizos’ feature directorial debut, is a modern-day adaptation of Knut Hamsun’s classic 1890 novel, Hunger, which follows a young outcast desperately trying to survive on the streets of Athens.
LAGFF 2013 will also feature the US premiere of Panagiotis Evangelidis’ poignant documentary, THEY GLOW IN THE DARK, shot in post-Katrina New Orleans, about Michael and Jim, two middle-aged gay friends and ex-lovers, penniless and with HIV, who reunite after twenty years. THEY GLOW IN THE DARK won the 2013 FIPRESCI Prize at this year’s Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.
Stella Theodoraki’s thought-provoking documentary, AMNESIA DIARIES, was filmed almost entirely by Theodoraki herself over a 4-year period in 1985, 1986, 2010 and 2012, and reflects on the rapidly changing world. Theodoraki’s past meets her present-day experiences, attitudes and thoughts when, in an environment of social unrest and despair in modern-day Athens, she begins recording her “diary” after the loss of her best friend, trying to make sense of what was, is and will be. DIARIES were awarded the Loukia Rikaki Award and Best Documentary at this year’s Hellenic Film Academy Awards.
Another award-winning film, Thanos Anastopoulos’ thriller, THE DAUGHTER, will make its US premiere bow at the festival. THE DAUGHTER, one of the major winners at the Hellenic Academy Awards this year, tells the story of fourteen-year-old Myrto who, upon learning that her father has fled to avoid paying his debts kidnaps the son of his business partner whom she blames for bankrupting her father’s joiner’s workshop.
LAGFF’s Executive Producer, Alex Kalognomos, adds, “The past few years have produced a very exciting generation of filmmakers who, in artistic terms, are being heard worldwide by utilizing the power of film to generate understanding about Greece’s current state – and the state of the Greek individual. It is with this in mind that our team – supported by a community of patrons, sponsors, and volunteers – works so vigorously to produce the festival year after year. It’s our way of using film to fight for change.”
The festival’s previously announced PROJECT DISCOVERY FORUM will be presented on Sunday morning, June 9, at the Real D Theater in Beverly Hills. The Forum is a new event, sponsored by Pabst Brewing Company and the Metropoulos Family, designed to encourage and help filmmakers of Greek or other Balkan descent with their new projects. A professional panel will critique and judge 5-8 finalist projects during a 20-minute, in-person presentation by the filmmakers themselves. The winning project will receive the $1,000 Aegean Award – sponsored by the Metropoulos Family.
LAGFF’s Executive Director, Craig Prater concludes, “Last year LAGFF experienced a 20 percent increase in attendance, selling out many of the screenings. We are already exceeding our 2012 GOLD PASS sales and anticipate reaching our allotment in sales for the popular all-access pass prior to the start of the festival. We are overwhelmed at the enthusiastic response to this year’s award-winning films we are receiving from cinema fans outside of the LA basin. We cannot wait to welcome our festival fans and newcomers on June 6. ”
***
**All Films Greek/English Subtitles unless otherwise indicated
FEATURES
AMERICA, AMERICA
USA, 1963, 174 min
Retrospective
Director/Writer: Elia Kazan
Cast: Stathis Giallelis, Frank Wolff, Harry Davis, Elena Karam
At the end of the 19th century in a small village in Turkey, when oppression against the Greek minority increases, a father, plotting his family’s escape, sends his young son to Constantinople to make money and get the family to join him. But the son’s own dream is different: America…
*1964 Academy-Award winner, Best Art Direction (B&W)
*1964 Academy-Award nominations for: Best Director, Best Picture, Best Writing, Story and Screenplay – Elia Kazan
English
A.C.A.B (ALL CATS ARE BRILLIANT) – (Sygharitiria stous Aisiodoxous)
Greece, 2012, 83 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Constantina Voulgaris
Producer: Eleni Afentaki, Greek Film Centre, MITOS, ERT
Principal Cast: Maria Georgiadou, Kostas Ganotis, Dimitris Xanthopoulos
A young woman living in Athens tries to find herself amid the demands of her boyfriend, who has a radical political agenda, and her parents, whose only hope is that their daughter begins a career. In the meantime, a tender relationship develops between her and an eight-year-old friend.
BOY EATING BIRD’S FOOD (To Agori Troei to Fagito tou Pouliou)
Greece, 2012, 80 min, LA Premiere
Writer/Director: Ektoras Lygizos
Producers: Stefi Productions, Guanaco, Ektoras Lygizos
Cast: Yannis Papadopoulos, Lila Baklesi, Kleopatra Perraki
A personal take on Knut Hamsun’s classic 1890 novel “Hunger” follows a young man desperately trying to preserve his sense of dignity and overcome demoralizing hunger and loneliness in the streets of Athens.
*2012 Karlovy Vary Int’l Film Festival, Special Mention for Yannis Papadopoulos
*2012 Toronto Int’l Film Festival, Association Quebecoise des Critiques de Cinéma Award
*2013 Crossing Europe Linz, Crossing Europe Award – European Competition
*2013 Hellenic Film Academy, Best Film, Best New Director, Best Actor,
*2014 Greece’s Foreign Language Film Academy Award Entry
FYNBOS
South Africa, 2012, 96 min, US Premiere
Director: Harry Patramanis
Writers: Jonathan Kyle Glatzer, Harry Patramanis
Producers: Eleni Asvesta, Stefanos Fotiadis, Marios Fotiadis, Philip Key
Cast: Warrick Grier, Jessica Haines, Susan Danford, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Cara Roberts, John Herbert, Chad Philips
On a lavish and remote property in South Africa, within the walls of a glass house, six lives intersect and lay bare their secrets in this twisting drama.
*2013 Berlin Int’l Film Festival, Official Selection
*2013 Slamdance Film Festival, Vision Award for Cinematography
English
METEORA
Germany/Greece/France, 2012, 85 min, US Premiere
Opening Night Presentation
Director: Spiros Stathoulopoulos
Writers: Asimakis Pagidas, Spiros Stathoulopoulos
Producers: Philippe Bobber, Susanne Marian, Spiros Stathoulopoulos, Asimakis Pagidas, Theo Alexander, Yolanda Markopoulou
In the plains of central Greece, Byzantine monasteries are perched atop sandstone pillars, suspended between heaven and earth. A young Greek monk and a Russian nun have devoted their lives to the strict rituals and practices of their community, but a growing affection for one another puts their monastic life under question. Torn between spiritual devotion and their human desire, they must decide which path to follow.
*2012 Berlin Int’l Film Festival, Official Selection
THE DAUGHTER (I Kori)
Greece/Italy, 2012, 87 min, US Premiere
Director: Thanos Anastopoulos
Writers: Thanos Anastopoulos, Vassilis Giatsis
Producers: Fantasia LTD, Mansarda Production
When a 14-year-old girl finds out that her father has fled to avoid his debts, she kidnaps the 8-year-old son of her father’s business partner. The Greek economic crisis touches and changes forever many facets of the family’s nucleus. How will the new generation react? How is it reacting?
*2013 Berlin International Film Festival, Forum Screening
*2013 Hellenic Film Academy Awards, Best Directing, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography
WELCOME TO ALL SAINTS (Ap ta Kokkala Vgalmena)
Greece, 2011, 88 min, LA Premiere
Director: Sotoris Goritsas
Producer: Constantinos Moriatis
Cast: Argiris Xafis, Dimitris Immelos, Anna Kufsaftiki, Kostas Berikopoulos, Minas Xatzisavvas, Giorgos Simeonidis, Dimitri Xanthopoulos, Vangelis Mourikis
A young medical intern begins his career at the “All Saints Hospital” in Athens, only to discover that everyone who works in the Greek public sector is part of a monstrous bureaucracy and an absurd tragicomedy.
DOCUMENTARIES
AMNESIA DIARIES (Imerologio Amnesias)
Greece, 2012, 105 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Cinematographer: Stella Theodoraki
A woman reflects upon her leisurely past and frantic present, gradually coming to a realization that concerns each and every one of us, just as intimately as it does her.
*2013 Hellenic Film Academy Awards, Best Documentary
FOOD FOR LOVE
Greece, 2013, 52 min, US Premiere
Director: Marianna Economou
Producer: Lilette Botassi
Some Greek mothers show their love by regularly preparing veritable feasts for their children, who attend university some distance away from home.
LITTLE LAND
Greece, 2013, 52 min, US Premiere
Director: Nikos Dayandas
Writers: Nikos Dayandas, Yuri Averof
Producers: Rea Apostolides, Yuri Averof
A 35-year-old unemployed Athenian settles on the remote island of Ikaria. There, he discovers a society with a unique culture based on autonomy and cooperation, and blessed with peace and exceptional longevity.
MITSIGAN – HARDSHIPS & BEAUTIES (Mitsigan – Omorfies & Dyskolies)
Greece/France, 2013, 60 min, US Premiere
Closing Night Presentation
Director/Writer: Kimon Tsakiris
Producers: Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, Kimon Tsakiris
When Mitsos Tsiganos, nicknamed “Mitsigan”, a modern-day Greek cowboy and owner of “Hardships & Beauties” vegetable farm, is struck by both professional and personal crisis, he decides to go on a short road trip in search of signs of hope.
ONE STEP AHEAD (Ena Vima Brosta)
Greece, 2012, 126 min, US Premiere
Director: Dimitris Athiridis
Producers: Maria Drandraki, Dimitris Athiridis
Yiannis Boutaris, a successful winemaker and the maverick mayoral candidate for Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, faces his enemies within and without with equal courage and uncompromising honesty.
*2012 IDFA, Official Selection
THEY GLOW IN THE DARK (Lampoun sto Skotadi)
Greece, 2013, 69 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Cinematography: Panagiotis Evangelidis
Producers: Amanda Livanou, Panagiotis Evangelidis
Two HIV-positive middle-aged gay friends barely make a living in post-Katrina New Orleans by selling hand-made figures of the Cajun pantheon. Their extravagant past lives fade before their present commitment to survive together until death do them part.
*15th Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Fipresci Prize
English
SHORTS
11:50
Cyprus, 2012, 15 min, World Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Stylianos Constantinou
Cast: Antonis Katsaris, Zoe Wintershaussen
One night at the morgue, the meticulous embalmer prepares the body as usual. Only, this time he faces unforeseen circumstances.
45 DEGREES
Greece, 2012, 15 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Georgis Grigorakis
Cast: Stelios Xanthoudakis, Giannis Tsortekis, Eleytheria Komi, Bakar Albakar
Athens, August 2012. 45 degrees. It’s getting dark, but the city is still in the grip of the relentless heat – and so is a family that finds itself between a rock and a hard place.
ARCHIVE
USA, 2013, 38 min, World Premiere
Documentary
Director/Producer: Chris Emmanouilides
Documentary essay inspired by a family trip to Greece, reflecting on the end of traditional photography and the birth of the digital universe.
CAVO D’ ORO
Greece, 2012, 28 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Siamak Etemadi
Producers: Siamak Etemadi, Elina Fessa
Cast: Kiriakos Hadjiioannou, Elena Mengreli
A love story of two strangers who meet by chance, on a barren, isolated beach, and develop a brief but extreme relationship driven by lust, fear and anger.
*65th Locarno International Film Festival, Official Selection
CHAMOMILE
Greece, 2012, 15 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Neritan Zinxhiria
Producers: Yorgos Lykiardopoulos, Bujar Alimani, Neritan Zinxhiria, ERT
Cast: Yota Chatzioannou, Fotis Armenis
A strong-willed old woman, her stubborn mule, and a soulless body. She is alone against the harsh elements of the northern Greek winter, and the cycle of life.
*2012 Athens International Film Festival, Golden Athena – Best Short Film
*2012 Drama International Short Film Festival, Golden Dionysus – Best Short Film, Best South and Eastern Europe Film, Greek Union of Film Critics Award
*2012 FilmFest Dresden, Golden Horseman Fiction
*2013 Hellenic Film Academy, Best Short Film
DICHOTOMOUS
Canada, 2013, 30 min, US Premiere
Directors: Peter James, Philippos Balabanos
Writers: Philippos Balabanos, Peter James
Executive Producers: Angelis Sarbanis, Gregory C. Pappas
Cast: Constantine Kourtidis, Leonidas Pappas, Peter James, Karine Dashney
The leader of the Montreal chapter of the ultranationalist Golden Dawn is on the hunt, and the only obstacle in his way will turn out to be a man just like himself.
English
DISTANCES (Apostaseis)
Greece, 2012, 18 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Gregory Rentis
Executive Producer: Maria Tsiga
Cast: Yannis Stankoglou, Alexis Danezis, Katia Goulioni, Giorgos Symeonidis
A 10-year-old boy has to trick his estranged father into discovering their bond.
EXIT K1 (Exodos K1)
Greece, 2012, 15 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Janis Rafailidou
Cast: Irfan Mouhamad Arif, Takis Spiridakis
An off-road journey into the world of clandestine immigrants in the suburbs of Athens, where nostalgia takes the form of decorated pigeons.
JACHALAY
Greece, 2012, 4 min, World Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Manos Gerogiannis and Yannis Zoumakis
Aloof witnesses or protective observers, the giant Jachalays stand by humanity in a time of dissent towards something not yet understood.
JOEY
Australia, 2012, 17 min, World Premiere
Director/Writer: John Evagora
Producer: Polly Staniford
Cast: Steve Mouzakis, Anthony Taufa, Claudio Carelli, Katerina Kotsonis
He steals, he sells, he scores. Day in, day out. But today is a special day.
English
Km
Greece, 2012, 11 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Christos Nikou
Producers: Iraklis Mavroidis, Angelos Venetis
Cast: Evi Saoulidou, Aris Servetalis
Stuck in a car, a couple seems to experience the intense end of their relationship.
MIGUEL ALVAREZ WEARS A WIG
Mexico/USA, 2012, 16 min
Director/Writer: Araceli Lemos
Producer: Giulia Caruso
Cast: Felipe Cortes, Jose A. Solorio, Maria Carlton, Eva Walker, Pasqual Torres
In the Mexican border town of Tijuana, a man is faced with having to cross to the ultimate other side: He has cancer.
*Tampere Int’l Film Festival, Official Selection
*Rio de Janeiro Int’l Short Film Festival (A New America), Official Selection
Spanish/English Subtitles
ONE TOWN, ONE TEAM, MY TEAM – PLATANIAS (Mia Poli, Mia Omada, i Omada mou)
Greece, 2013, 16 min, World Premiere
Documentary
Director/Writer: Lakis Matthiopoulos
Producer: Lakis Matthiopoulos, Takis Dimopoulos
History and dreams, reality and wishes, joys and sorrows of a town and its soccer team, Platanias, in Chania, Crete.
OUT OF FRAME (Titloi Telous)
Greece, 2012, 10 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Giorgos Zois
Producers: Giorgos Zois, Maria Drandaki
In Greece, billboard advertisement has been outlawed. There are hundreds of blank billboards going to waste. But the empty frames are now the message. And we are out of frame.
*69th Venice Film Festival (2012), European Film Award
PORSCHE
Sweden, 2013, 14 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer: Nicolas Kolovos
Producer: Olle Wirenhead, Helena Wirenhead
A red Porsche, a fashionable mom and a toddler. Place them all in a parking lot, apply a degree of rush and watch the story unfold, while you wish for more.
Swedish/English Subtitles
SANTA WHO? (Poios Vassilis?)
Greece, 2011, 24 min, World Premiere
Director/Adaptation: Dimitris Moutsiakas
Producer: Dimitris Spyrou
Cast: Dimitris Bikiropoulos
On a Christmas Eve, an old barber and a little girl encounter a dangerous Santa…
SPHINX
Greece, 2012, 19 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Konstantinos Karamaghiolis
Cast: Manos Vakousis, Elias Moulas, Euthimis Zisakis, Alexandros Chrysanthopoulos
A youth, flirting with becoming a member of a fascist group, experiences a reality check.
THE LITTLE PALACE OF AORIA (To Palataki ton Aorion)
Greece, 2013, 24 min, World Premiere
Documentary
Director/Producer: Vasilis Panagiotopoulos
Over the last two decades, a ghost town in the Cretan mountains is restored and turned into a bustling village through the locals’ solidarity and self-determination.
TRAFFIC (Kinisis)
Greece, 2012, 20 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Leonardo Cariglino
Cast: Stella Ermi, Xaralambos Devetzis, Paulos Melikidis, Efi Bairaktaridou
A young woman’s hectic day is just another expression of her mental “traffic” and mounting anxiety.
TOOTHBRUSHES
Greece, 2011, 5 min, US Premiere
Directors: Nikos Branidis, Yiannis Bougioukas
Writer: Kathrin Freytag
Producer: Yiannis Bougioukas
Cast: Kathrin Freytag, Nikos Branidis
Life happens within the four walls of a tiny bathroom.
VICIOUS CIRCLE
Greece, 2012, 6 min, US Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Salvador Georgantas
Cast: Argiris Thanasoulas, George Krasadakis, Spiridon Milionis, Vangelis Fotinakis
A guy’s unfortunate resemblance to an infamous politician results in a farcical chase through the streets of Athens.
BOX OFFICE for LAGFF is now open at www.itsmyseat.com/lagff for Gold Pass Membership purchases. Gold Pass membership includes attendance at the Opening Night screening and reception, as well as an exclusive invitation to the Closing Night Orpheus Awards Gala, plus all-access and priority seating to all screenings and events. The All-Access VIP GOLD PASS is currently $200 and is valued at over $300. After May 15, it increases to $220.
General screening admissions are $13 online / $16 at the door and will go on sale May 16.
Centerpiece Film AMERICA AMERICA and Elia Kazan Tribute is currently on sale $20 online / $25 at the door.
ABOUT LAGFF
The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. Our foremost goal is to promote Greek cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories.
Now in our seventh year, Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) is witnessing a new wave of Greek cinema emerging from an irreverent generation of young filmmakers who insist on breaking ties with past trends and seeing things in their own unique way. The results are impressive and include recognition in global film circles such as the Cannes, Venice and Sundance Film Festivals. Our place as a center for Greek filmmakers from around the world is taking on new significance as we assume an active role not only in reflecting the blossoming of Greek cinema but also in promoting modern Greek culture by highlighting its hidden treasures and roots.
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
The 2013 Los Angles Greek Film Festival is grateful for the support of numerous key sponsors, including:
Gold Patron Pabst Brewing Company and the Metropoulos Family
We are very proud to once again welcome the Pabst Brewing Company and the Metropoulos Family as a Gold Patron of Los Angeles Greek Film Festival 2013. Pabst Brewing Company is an award-winning American company that was founded in 1844. It brews over two-dozen brands of beer, including the much-loved Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR). The Company supports several community events and worthy organizations. This year, it presents LAGFF’s INDUSTRY PROGRAMS, including the PROJECT DISCOVERY FORUM.
LAGFF also welcomes the return of our Bronze Patrons, which include Hollywood Foreign Press Association and West Coast Investors.
Press Release: “The Women Workers’ War” to Screen at Workers Unite! Film Festival
World Premiere of Powerful New Documentary about the Longest Women Workers’ Occupation in Italian History screening at the Workers Unite! Film Festival on Sunday, May 12, 2013
29 women. A 550-Day Occupation.
MaGa Production and Thalia Group are proud to present a story about truly inspirational women who made, and continue to make, a difference in a country currently experiencing the worst economic and moral crisis imaginable.
Massimo Ferrari’s THE WOMEN WORKERS’ WAR focuses specifically on two Italian women who have the courage to affect change.
Rosa is a factory worker at ““Tacconi Sud” in Latina. She led 28 of her colleagues in an active and civil resistance; occupying the factory (550 days). The lives of these women are chronicled from inside the factory; showing their unique way of resistance–a company practically abandoned by its owners. Rosa kept a diary of this occupation on Facebook–which has brought her great attention.
Margherita is a businesswoman and owner of the biscuit factory Dogliani of Carrara. She decided to use a different entrepreneurial model to force change. When these two extraordinary women meet, the results are amazing.
Press Release: Bluth’s Banana Stand Re-Opens in Tandem with Return of “Arrested Development”
“ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT’S” BLUTH’S ORIGINAL FROZEN BANANA STAND RE-OPENS FOR BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 8TH
Banana Stand from the Beloved Comedy Series to Pop Up in Major Cities Around the World New Season of the Netflix Original Series “Arrested Development” Premieres Sunday, May 26th
Twitter pitch: The Bluth #bananastand is back in business! Follow @ArrestedDev for location updates and more info. #AD2013
London, U.K. – May 8, 2013 – In anticipation of “Arrested Development’s” fourth season premiering on Sunday, May 26th, Netflix is launching the Bluth’s Original Frozen Banana Stand Worldwide Tour. Kicking-off in London today, Wednesday, May 8th, Bluth’s Original Frozen Banana Stand will pop up in different locations around London on May 8th, 9th, 15th and the 21st. The banana stand will then cross the pond and appear in different cities leading up to the show’s fourth season premiere.
The Bluth’s Original Frozen Banana Stand Worldwide Tour will include special surprise appearances by the Bluth family and friends. Fans can follow the @ArrestedDev Twitter account for information about the stand’s location that day and special activities in each city.
All 15-episodes of the Emmy® Award-winning comedy from series creator/executive producer Mitchell Hurwitz will be available for members to watch instantly at launch in all territories where Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and the Nordics. The first three seasons of “Arrested Development” are currently available to stream in all Netflix territories.
“Arrested Development” centers around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his eccentric family comprised of his son George Michael (Michael Cera), his father George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), his mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), his brothers George Oscar Bluth II (Will Arnett), Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) and sister Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi), and Lindsay’s husband Tobias (David Cross) and their daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat).
Mitchell Hurwitz, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jim Vallely and Troy Miller are executive producers on “Arrested Development,” and it is produced by Imagine TV and 20th Century Fox Television for Netflix. “Arrested Development” has garnered accolades from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy®), AFI, the Golden Globes, Producer’s Guild Awards, Screen Actor’s Guild, the Television Critics Association and the Writer’s Guild, among others.
About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with more than 36 million members in 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Learn more about how Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) is pioneering Internet television at www.netflix.com or follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter. Netflix’s original series also include the political drama “House of Cards,” which stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright; “Hemlock Grove,” Eli Roth’s murder mystery series based on Brian McGreevy’s gripping novel of the same name; Jenji Kohan’s upcoming series “Orange is the New Black,” which stars Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon and Jason Biggs; the second season of “Lilyhammer,” which stars Steven Van Zandt; and “Sense8” the upcoming global tale of minds linked and souls hunted from the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski.
Press Release: Content Film to Handle International Sales for “Pudsey: The Movie”
CONTENT FILM TO HANDLE INTERNATIONAL SALES ON LIVE-ACTION ADVENTURE PUDSEY: THE MOVIE IN CANNES
Vertigo Films and Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment to co-produce the film starring Britain’s Got Talent Winner Pudsey the dog
May 9, 2013, Los Angeles, CA – Content Film announced today that it will handle worldwide sales on the live-action talking-dog adventure PUDSEY: THE MOVIE which will be directed by Nick Moore (WILD CHILD) and written by Paul Rose. Pudsey is the UK’s most famous dog – who along with his trainer Ashleigh – won Britain’s Got Talent in May 2012. Produced by Vertigo Films’ Rupert Preston, Allan Niblo and James Richardson, the film is coproduced by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment. Vertigo Films is set for a UK wide theatrical release this Christmas.
Currently in pre-production, PUDSEY: THE MOVIE is a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage centering on a city dog moved to the countryside with his new loving family. Pudsey comes across a number of eccentric characters and has to save the day! Full of adventure, dog-talk and dancing, Pudsey is lots of fun for the entire family.
The film is directed by Nick Moore, whose credits include Working Title’s Wild Child and family favorite, Horrid Henry: The Movie, which grossed over £6m at the UK box office. Moore is also widely recognized as a prolific editor for films including: cult phenomenon The Full Monty, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA award; Mirror Mirror; Notting Hill; Love Actually; Nanny Mcphee; Along Came Polly; and About a Boy, for which he was nominated for the American Cinema Editors Award.
“We are thrilled to be working with Vertigo Films and Syco Entertainment to bring Britain’s Got Talent’s Pudsey to the big screen,” said Jamie Carmichael, President of Content Film, “and we’re really looking forward to making Pudsey the most famous dog in the world!”
Producer Rupert Preston said: “Pudsey is absolutely irresistible – and draws you in immediately. This is a heartwarming story, which audiences will flock to and we are hugely excited to release the film wide in the UK.”
Ashleigh and Pudsey are the first-ever dog trick act to win the smash hit TV show Britain’s Got Talent. Since then the pair have starred in many television programmes including Top Dog Model for ITV2 and Who Let the Dogs Out and About? for CBBC. Audition link – 14m viewers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv_gOBi8Wpk
About Content Film, a division of Content Media Corporation Ltd
Content Film is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd., which specializes in high quality and commercial feature films. In addition to handling worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity — the company assists film producers in securing finance. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 240 titles. Content Film is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division.
Content will be in Cannes this year with a slate that includes: The supernatural horror Dark Summer directed by Paul Solet; Mr. Jones starring Sarah Jones and Jon Foster and The Machine starring Caity Lotz and Toby Stephens, both of which made their world premieres in Tribeca; The Pact 2 from directors Dallas Hallam and Patrick Horvath; Nothing Left to Fear produced by Slash starring Clancy Brown, Anne Heche, Ethan Peck, James Tupper, Jennifer Stone and Rebekah Brandes; the violent SAS action thriller He Who Dares; the ultra-violent medieval actioner Ironclad: Battle for Blood; the cult genre Outpost III: Rise of the Spetsnaz, Sundance’s and Berlinale’s Panorama selection Concussion; Sundance’s Director Award Winner, World Dramatic Cinema Crystal Fairy starring Michael Cera and directed by Sebastian Silva and action thriller The Numbers Station starring John Cusack and Malin Akerman.
About Vertigo Films
Vertigo Films is the leading British Independent film production and distribution company. Since being founded in 2002 by producer Allan Niblo and James Richardson, the company has produced 24 films and distributed a further 30.
Vertigo’s joint CEO’s are also Rupert Preston and Nick Love. In each of the last three years Vertigo has had a film in the top five most successful British Independent films of the year: in 2010 Street Dance 3D was number one and in 2011, Horrid Henry the Movie was fourth (behind The In‐betweeners, The Kings Speech and Tinker, Tailor, soldier, spy). In 2012, the company experienced success with two of its productions: Street Dance 2 and The Sweeney (which opened at number one in the UK Box Office), whilst Street Dance 3D remains one of the most successful British Independent films of all time, taking nearly $60million at the worldwide box office. Vertigo’s initial production and distribution focus was on the previously untapped ‘lads’ market and its first film, The Football Factory, became one of the most successful British Independent films when it was released on DVD in 2004.
Now however, Vertigo Films are making more films per year than any other UK film company and reaching into every genre, including family films, dance, action, comedy, crime, horror, sci‐fi, drama and musicals.
About Syco Entertainment
Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music and is one of the world’s leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for some of the world’s most successful global TV and music franchises
Syco Entertainment is also the world’s most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the record label home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, IL Divo, Jonathan and Charlotte, Tate Stevens, Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson and the Loveable Rogues. Syco’s television assets include the global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent. The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia. Local versions of The X Factor are produced in more than 41 territories and the US version of The X Factor airs in over 166 countries. In 2012 Got Talent became the world’s biggest selling TV format and is now commissioned in 52 countries as a local format. In 2013 Syco continues to capitalize on the ongoing success of its established global hit TV formats and a number of new projects including new TV series Food Glorious Food and two films – One Direction’s 3D movie with Sony Pictures and ‘One Chance’, a film based on the success story of Britain’s Got Talent’s first winner, Paul Potts, in association with the Weinstein Company.
Press Release: Worldwide Release Announced for “It’s So Easy and Other Lies”
DUFF MCKAGAN’S “IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES” GOES WORLDWIDE
Vision Films Secures Distribution Rights For Authorized Biography On Guns N’ Roses Bassist Duff McKagan
Los Angeles, CA (May 10, 2013) – Vision Films, a worldwide distributor of independent films, has announced today that the company has secured worldwide distribution rights to former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s auto-biographical documentary, IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES. Based on the New York Times best seller about Duff’s life, the film, which is written and directed by Christopher Duddy (“Cougar Club”), and is produced by McKagan, Duddy and Rainstorm Entertainment’s Steven G. Kaplan (“The Big Empty”). The film is executive produced by Daniel Zirilli (“Locked Down”), Joe Mundo (“Sunset Strip”) and Kati Thomson (“Sunset Strip”).
IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES features Duff McKagan and exclusive rare archive footage of his early days with original Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Steve Adler, Izzy Stradlin and Axl Rose, as well as latter members Gilby Clarke and Matt Sorum, and contemporaries Mike McCready (“Pearl Jam”), Krist Novoselic (“Nirvana”), Nikki Sixx (“Motley Crue”) and much more.
This authorized biographical documentary takes the audience on an incredible cinematic journey through the unbelievable rise of a driven teenager’s meager beginnings on the streets of Seattle, to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The man is Michael McKagan, better known to the world as “Duff.” The band is Guns N’ Roses. The band became the ultimate icons of sex, drugs and rock and roll, causing pandemonium in their wake, but the lifestyle caught up with Duff, leaving him close to death. Follow Duff’s journey through original archival footage and interviews with many of the people who took this wild ride, including a constellation of rock stars that rose to fame alongside him, and the people who inspired him to overcome his addictions.
IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES began production this past March by filming one of Duff’s book readings at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, and recent performances with his bands “Walking Papers” and “Loaded”. The film will contain rare archive footage from Marc Canter, who filmed all the early footage of Guns N’ Roses behind the scenes and performances, as well as an ultimate collector’s soundtrack for the fans.
“Vision Films is excited to begin sales of IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES,” said Lise Romanoff, Managing Director and CEO of Worldwide Distribution. “The title is a one of a kind look into one of the most iconic bands in Rock History.”
Vision Films will be screening a teaser and some selected clips from IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES to buyers at their stand in the Riviera in Cannes. Some of Vision Films recent feature releases include: FINDING MS. RIGHT (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Peter Stormare), CRAZY KIND OF LOVE (Eva Longoria, Virginia Madsen, Sam Tramell), DARK HEARTS (Natjia Sinski, Lucas Till, Goran Vijnic), RUSHLIGHTS (Beau Bridges, Josh Henderson), ALLEGIANCE (Bow Wow, Aidan Quinn), LEAST AMONG SAINTS (Laura San Giacomo, Charles Dutton), SOX: THE AMAZING DOG, 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS II and more.
About Vision Films
Vision Films is a worldwide distributor of over 800 independent Feature Films, TV Movies, Documentaries, and Music Specials, and licenses all available rights from Theatrical, Video/DVD/Blu-Ray, Television, and VOD/Digital Media rights to both the International and Domestic marketplaces. Lise Romanoff is Vision’s Managing Director/CEO, Worldwide Distribution.
About Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses is an American hard rock band who formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The original founding members consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Steven Adler. After their debut album APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION, which contained the hit singles “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the band went on to continued multi-platinum success with such albums such as G N’ R LIES and USE YOUR ILLUSION I and USE YOUR ILLUSION II. Over all, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, including 45 million in the United States alone.
About Rainstorm Entertainment
Rainstorm Entertainment is a privately financed development, production, financing and sales company. It was launched in 2002 by Producer Steven G. Kaplan whose credits include “Terror Tract,” “The Big Empty,” “F*CK,” and “Sunset Strip.” Rainstorm’s mission is to produce high-quality, commercially viable, financially responsible and talent-driven feature films by writers and directors who have compelling stories and unique visions. Rainstorm partners with other capital sources, including equity investors, tax credit financiers and distributors, to develop, produce and distribute its original story-driven feature films. Upcoming announced projects include “Frost Bites”, “Magnet” and “The Lowlands”.
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