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.

• Press Release: Caitlin Cahow to Contribute to Logo TV’s Olympic Column
• Press Release: GKids Takes Rights to “Song of the Sea”
• Press Release: Sydney Film Festival Submissions Closing
• Press Release: Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Celebrates 12th Year
• Press Release: MTV Celebrates The Olympics

Press Release: Caitlin Cahow to Contribute to Logo TV’s Olympic Column

OUT OLYMPIC MEDALIST CAITLIN CAHOW TO SERVE AS LOGO TV’s FIRST-EVER OLYMPIC COLUMNIST

Fresh From Serving As Part of the Presidential Olympic Delegation, Cahow Will Helm Series of Articles Exclusively for LogoTV.com Highlighting Her Experience in Sochi As an Openly Gay Woman, What It’s Like to Be Gay in the Olympics And Observations of the People, Politics and Stories Set to Define The Games

New York, February 11, 2014 – Logo TV, Viacom’s television, digital and social brand focused on the LGBT community, today announced that two-time Olympic medalist and three-time World Champion women’s hockey player, Caitlin Cahow, will serve as Logo’s first ever Olympic columnist. Cahow, who was part of the Presidential Olympic Delegation during the opening ceremonies, will write a series of articles exclusively for LogoTV.com highlighting her experiences in Sochi as an openly gay woman, her experiences as a gay athlete during the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In addition, Cahow will provide her observation of the people, politics and news set to define the games.

With the world’s attention on Sochi right now for the Winter Olympics as well as their laws that do not share in the same diversity as many fellow nations in the world share on LGBT issues, I am appreciative that Logo is providing me with a platform to share my first-hand accounts and observations during this critical time in the history of global human rights,” said Cahow.

Logo TV’s editorial team will also be covering the games across its web, mobile and social sites highlighting the personalities, politics and events that will define the games, including an interview with Olympic speed skater, Blake Skellerup, who discussed coming out and how Russia’s anti-gay stance will effect Olympic athletes.

Additionally, “Logo Town Hall: Russia vs. The Gays” will be available for free and on-demand streaming throughout the run of the games. The one-hour special, which originally debuted in September, explores the facts and myths surrounding the “gay propaganda” law and the international backlash, which included a boycott on Russian products, as well as the controversy surround the US participation in the Sochi Olympic Games.

Press Release: GKids Takes Rights to “Song of the Sea”

GKIDS IN DEAL FOR CARTOON SALOON’S “SONG OF THE SEA” HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SECOND FEATURE FROM OSCAR®-NOMINATED DIRECTOR TOMM MOORE (“THE SECRET OF KELLS”)

New York, NY – February 11, 2014 – GKIDS, a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences, announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon for the North American rights to the upcoming animated feature SONG OF THE SEA. The long awaited second feature film from Oscar®-nominated director Tomm Moore (The Secret of Kells), SONG OF THE SEA is a modern fairytale in the celebrated 2D animation style of Cartoon Saloon.

SONG OF THE SEA tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land. SONG OF THE SEA features the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Lisa Hannigan, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny. Music is by composer Bruno Coulais and Irish band Kíla, both of whom previously collaborated on The Secret of Kells.

Director Tomm Moore said, “I am delighted to be working again with GKIDS after our successful partnership on The Secret of Kells. The two companies are perfectly aligned in their vision for animated filmmaking and GKIDS’ special focus and experience make them ideal partners to bring our next feature film to North American audiences.”

GKIDS founder and president, Eric Beckman said, “We are absolutely thrilled to renew our collaboration with Cartoon Saloon for Song of the Sea. Tomm brings an unprecedented level of artistry and passion to his filmmaking and he and the team at Cartoon Saloon have created something truly incredible with this film. US audiences have a very, very special treat in store for them.”

SONG OF THE SEA was produced by Cartoon Saloon in co-production with European partners Melusine Productions (Luxembourg), The Big Farm (Belgium), Nørlum (Denmark) and Superprod (France), with the support of The Irish Film Board, Broadcasting Authority Of Ireland, TG4, Section 481, Eurimages, Luxembourg Film Fund, Wallimages, Centre du cinema et de l’audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Danish Film Institute, West Danish Film Fund and Danish Radio.

ABOUT GKIDS
GKIDS is a distributor of award-winning filmed entertainment specializing in feature animation for both adult and family audiences. The company has scored four Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations – the most for an independent distributor – with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, and Ernest & Celestine in 2014. Upcoming releases include Ignacio Ferreras’ Wrinkles, featuring Martin Sheen, Matthew Modine and George Coe and Ernest & Celestine, featuring Forrest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wright. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki’s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others. GKIDS is longtime producer of the New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest festival of film for children and teens. NYICFF jury members include Uma Thurman, Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Gus van Sant, Christine Vachon, Henry Selick and James Schamus.

Press Release: Sydney Film Festival Submissions Closing

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS CLOSING

Entries close Thursday February 27, 2014

Filmmakers across Australia and around the world have just over two weeks to finalise their submissions for the 61st annual Sydney Film Festival, which is set to offer up the best in world cinema from Wednesday June 4 until Sunday June 15, 2014.

Entries across all submission categories will close at Close Of Business on Thursday February 27, 2014, and will need to be submitted through FilmFestivalLife.

Festival Director Nashen Moodley said, “We are thrilled with the number of submissions that have come in so far and are looking forward to selecting the best of the best entries to screen at the 61st edition of the Festival.”

“Entries have come from far and wide, with strong submission numbers being seen across all categories including features, short films and documentaries. We encourage all interested filmmakers to wrap-up their projects over the coming week and submit their films for consideration.”

Last year, out of the total entries submitted, 192 films were invited to the Festival, screening to more than 140,000 attendees over 12 jam-packed days and nights.

A highlight of the 2014 program will be the Australian short film competition which, in its 45th year, is the oldest short film competition in Australia. Since 1970, the competition has served as a unique spring board for acclaimed Australian film talent, launching the careers of multiple international award-winners including Chris Noonan (Babe), Don McAlphine (Moulin Rouge), Jack Thompson (Sunday Too Far Away) and Phil Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence), among others.

Entries are open to features, documentaries and short films (under 40 minutes) in all categories of the Festival program, including:

– The Australian Documentary Competition – which awards a cash prize of $10,000;
– The Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films Live Action Award and Best Director – both winners receive cash prizes of $5,000 sponsored by Dendy Cinemas;
– The Yoram Gross Animation Award (cash prize $4,000).

Dendy Cinemas have been proud to sponsor the Awards for 26 years, and the winner of their Live Action Award is now eligible for Academy Award consideration. Also eligible is the winner of the Yoram Gross Animation Award. Yoram and Sandra Gross have sponsored the Yoram Gross Animation Award since 1987.

Both the Dendy Awards for Australian Short films and the Australian Documentary Competition are open exclusively to Australian films.

A small fee applies with the submission. Before entering, Festival organisers encourage all entrants to read the submission requirements closely to ensure that all entries meet premiere status and broader eligibility requirements. Head to: http://www.sff.org.au/public/about/2014-film-submissions/ for full eligibility criteria and submission details.

The 2014 Sydney Film Festival will screen more than 190 films from over 50 countries across Sydney in both CBD and city-fringe locations. More than 280 screenings will take place at the State Theatre, Dendy Opera Quays, Art Gallery of NSW, Event Cinemas George Street, Festival Hub at Sydney Town Hall and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, as well as at a number of soon-to-be-announced boutique screening locations.

A sneak preview of the 2014 program will be announced in April and the full Festival program will be revealed in May.

What: Sydney Film Festival
When: 4-15 June, 2014
Submissions: http://www.filmfestivallife.com/Sydney-Film-Festival

ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
Sydney Film Festival screens feature films, documentaries, short films and animations across the city at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, and the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne. The Festival is a major event on the New South Wales cultural calendar and is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals. For more information visit www.sff.org.au .The 61st Sydney Film Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney. The Festival’s Strategic partner is the NSW Government through Destination NSW.

ABOUT THE DENDY AWARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN SHORT FILMS
First debuting in 1970 with sponsorship from Benson and Hedges, Dendy have been sponsoring the Australian Short Film competition since 1989. The awards in this category are: Best Live Action Short Film ($5000 sponsored by Dendy Cinemas); Yoram Gross Award for Best Animated Short Film ($4000); Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director Overall ($5000 sponsored by Dendy Cinemas) and the winners of the first two sections are Academy Award eligible.

Throughout the 44 years of the competition, young directors have started on the road to fame and fortune with a screening at the Festival’s short film awards. To name a few: producers/directors Byron Kennedy and George Miller (1973, Frieze, An Underground Film); Phil Noyce (1974, Castor and Pollux); Gillian Armstrong (1976, The Singer and the Dancer); Paul Cox (1977, We Are All Alone My Dear); Jane Campion (1984, A Girl’s Own Story); Bill Bennett (1984, Shipwrecked); Rolf de Heer (1984, Tread Softly…); Sue Brooks (1985, The Drover’s Wife); Alex Proyas (1985, After Hours); David Caesar (1987, Shoppingtown); Rowan Woods (1987, Kenny’s Love); Samantha Lang (1995, Audacious); Ivan Sen (2000, Wind).

QUOTES FROM FORMER WINNERS
Jane Campion – Director, 1984, for Girl’s Own Story: “When I won the Rouben Mamoulian Award for Girl’s Own Story (1984), that was the first award I’d ever won and it is still the best award. I knew that it could be a career-changer.”

Sarah Drofenik – Producer 2002, for Dad’s Clock: “”The publicity and recognition we have gained from the Award has been invaluable especially as the Award is highly regarded within Australia. Already SBS Independent has recognised the Award and placed a listing of it on its website, which is great for our future relationship with them. The prize money is also appreciated and will be enjoyed by Dik Jarman (the Director) and myself. We are also returning a percentage of the prize money back into marketing the film, as the film is only nine months old and therefore monies over the next 18 months is much needed. It is always an honour to receive an Award, but the honour is more greatly felt when the recognition is local, and as the Sydney Film Festival is the premier festival in Australia we are delighted with the recognition.”

Gillian Armstrong – Director, 1976, for The Singer and the Dancer: “I remember how important these awards were to struggling film-makers. In 1976 when I won the Fiction category for The Singer and the Dancer, I think I was $2,000 in debt from finishing the film. I think the prize money was $1,000 or $1,200 and it was gone the next week. It went on paying the bills.”

Sarah Watt – Director, 2002, for Happiness: “I have long thought that animation is a technique not a genre, and that I make fiction films primarily, so it was fantastic to have that recognised in such a high profile and prestigious way as winning a Dendy award. I am really thankful to the Dendy organisation for sponsoring these awards and would like you to please pass on to them how much I appreciate their support of Australian short films and film makers. I know the Dendys have some very high profile and successful alumni, and that many consider the Dendy’s a great way to move on to bigger things. But I am a serial short film maker, and therefore they are even more important. Without events like the Dendy’s, my films don’t get shown in theatres, and perhaps that means not at all. The Dendys in particular attract a great audience and is held in a fantastic cinema. For me, crafting my films on 35mm over a long period of time, it is the best end result I could wish for as well as being inspirational to start a new film, which I will be able to do with the generous prize money that the Dendy organisation awarded me.”

ABOUT FILM FESTIVAL LIFE
FilmFestivalLife makes everything you have seen so far in online submissions look like it was conceived in the ’90s. HD secure screeners, festival and film rating tools, social features and the fastest growing community of film professionals online to share with. Be in the place where festivals are now discovering the next generation.

Press Release: Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Celebrates 12th Year

INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES TO CELEBRATE 12th YEAR APRIL 8-13, 2014 AT ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 10, 2014) – The 12th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) will take place April 8-13, 2014 at ArcLight Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. The six-day fest will once again bridge the gap between the two largest entertainment industries in the world – Hollywood and India. The festival will showcase more than 30 films from or about India, host the highly anticipated opening and closing red carpet galas and an awards ceremony, bring back the wildly popular “Bollywood by Night” series, and feature live music and dance performances. The full line-up of films will be announced the first week of March.

WHO: Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
WHAT: 12th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles featuring more than 30 films, galas, live music and dance performances, and awards for best feature film, documentary, and short film.
WHERE: ArcLight Hollywood, 6360 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
WHEN: April 8-13, 2014
WHY: IFFLA aims to create a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and culture by showcasing films, honoring entertainment industry performers and business executives, and promoting the diverse perspectives of the Indian diaspora.

Press Release: MTV Celebrates The Olympics

MTV CELEBRATES THE OLYMPICS WITH THE #RETROMTV SPECIAL “RETROMANIA: TEAM USA”

FEATURING 2014 GOLD MEDALIST JAMIE ANDERSON, 2014 SILVER MEDALIST GUS KENWORTHY, 2014 BRONZE MEDALIST KELLY CLARK, APOLO OHNO, TARA LIPINSKI, PARALYMPIAN ALANA NICHOLS AND MORE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 THROUGH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

New York, NY (February 13, 2014) – MTV today announced its second “Retromania” theme week, “Retromania: Team USA,” that will celebrate the Olympic spirit with current and former Team USA athletes revisiting and remixing some of their favorite music, movie, TV and cultural moments from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s.

Beginning Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21, viewers of MTV’s afternoons and primetime shows will see a collection of hilarious, new “Retromania” segments that will air as interstitials in-between the network’s programming, including a special remix of the Olympics film “Cool Runnings,” favorite retro crushes, favorite #throwback music videos and more with current Olympians ranging from 2014 Gold medalist Jamie Anderson, 2014 Silver medalist Gus Kenworthy and 2014 Bronze medalist Kelly Clark to 2014 Olympian bobsledders Curt Tomasevicz and Justin Olsen, snowboarders Alex Deibold, Hannah Teter, Paralympian Alana Nichols and more.

Adding their favorite moments will be past Olympic Gold medalists Tara Lipinski, Apolo Ohno, Sarah Hughes, Nastia Liukin and more, while 2014 luge Olympian Chris Mazdzer takes Andrew Schulz from MTV’s “Guy Code” on a ride down the luge track for the very first time.

Fans can visit Retromania.MTV.com for more information.

The week-long special comes on the heels of MTV’s first-ever “Retromania: Hip Hop Week,” as well as recent throwback marathons of some of its most popular past shows, including the likes of “Daria,” “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills.”

The “Retromania: Team USA” special are a production of MTV News and Docs. Dave Sirulnick and Ryan Kroft serve as Executive Producers. Jonathan Mussman is the Executive in Charge, along with Joel Hanek and Simone Hilliard serving as Producers and Leanne Mucci as Coordinating Producer.

About MTV:
MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.