Exclusive: Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective Array, has picked up rights to the Pj Raval doc Who We Become for the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland. The film will debut exclusively on Netflix on Friday, December 1.
World premiering earlier this year at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Who We Become follows three young Filipino women grappling with an emerging global pandemic while forging unexpected connections with their families. Discovering themselves in the process. A self-documented time capsule for turbulent times, capturing the unbreakable bond between Filipino family and community, the film is produced by Cecilia R. Mejia (Lingua Franca), with co-producers Erwin Falcon and Samantha Renshi Skinner, as well as executive producer Theresa Navarro.
“Array takes great pride in releasing this new work by a filmmaker who we have long admired,” said Array President Tilane Jones.
World premiering earlier this year at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Who We Become follows three young Filipino women grappling with an emerging global pandemic while forging unexpected connections with their families. Discovering themselves in the process. A self-documented time capsule for turbulent times, capturing the unbreakable bond between Filipino family and community, the film is produced by Cecilia R. Mejia (Lingua Franca), with co-producers Erwin Falcon and Samantha Renshi Skinner, as well as executive producer Theresa Navarro.
“Array takes great pride in releasing this new work by a filmmaker who we have long admired,” said Array President Tilane Jones.
- 10/24/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Our Member Lens feature spotlights current Film Independent Members to see how they got started, where they are now and what being part of Film Independent means to them. To celebrate 30 years of our Artist Development department, our summer 2023 series focuses on our incredible roster of Film Independent Fellows.
Film Independent is currently in the middle of a Matching Campaign to raise support for the next 30 years of filmmaker support. All donations make before or on September 15 will be doubled—dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
Hailing from the mostly white suburban-exurban neighborhoods of central California, first-generation Filipino-American documentarian Pj Raval’s eclectic career has taken him places to places up (a 100-foot tall army barrack tower), down (post-Katrina New Orleans) and all around. With three features under his belt and more on the way, the current University of Texas at Austin film professor and proud Film Independent Member’s 2023-24 dance card...
Film Independent is currently in the middle of a Matching Campaign to raise support for the next 30 years of filmmaker support. All donations make before or on September 15 will be doubled—dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
Hailing from the mostly white suburban-exurban neighborhoods of central California, first-generation Filipino-American documentarian Pj Raval’s eclectic career has taken him places to places up (a 100-foot tall army barrack tower), down (post-Katrina New Orleans) and all around. With three features under his belt and more on the way, the current University of Texas at Austin film professor and proud Film Independent Member’s 2023-24 dance card...
- 9/15/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Every day on a film set is a new adventure. Like if your romantic leads suddenly decide they hate each other. Or the set floods. Or the number of pages needing to be shot out in one day seemingly exceeds the number of known stars in the universe. Other times these adventures are much happier. A child actor reveals a hidden talent for drone photography. You work with a legendary actor. You get to watch the Berlin Philharmonic perform from Lydia Tarr’s proprietary vantage point. According to a wide-ranging cross-section of our Film Independent Fellows, all these moments, plus a whole lot more, constitute their “best day ever” on set.
Kicking off at the Spirit Awards this past February, Film Independent has been using 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Artist Development programs–incredible industry incubators like the Fi Producing Lag, Screenwriting Lab, Documentary Lab, Fast Track, Episodic Lab,...
Kicking off at the Spirit Awards this past February, Film Independent has been using 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Artist Development programs–incredible industry incubators like the Fi Producing Lag, Screenwriting Lab, Documentary Lab, Fast Track, Episodic Lab,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
NAACP Image Award winner Michaela Coel and Academy Award nominee Andra Day will be honored at the five-day 2021 Outfest Fusion Qtbipoc Film Festival next week.
Coel, known best for creating and starring in “Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You,” will be acknowledged with the Fusion Achievement Award; Day, the star of Lee Daniels’ biopic “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” will be presented with the James Schamus Ally Award.
“Coel’s work in ‘Chewing Gum,’ ‘I May Destroy You,’ and more portrays complex characters who have helped open the door for more empathetic conversations about the issues facing members of this Qtbipoc community,” said festival executive director Damien Navarro, in a statement.
Past recipients of the Fusion Achievement Award include Nisha Ganatra, Angela Robinson, Rose Troche, Wilson Cruz, Alec Mapa, Patrik-Ian Polk, Cheryl Dunye, Brickson Diamond and Rikki Beadle-Blair.
“Outfest Fusion believes that honoring one of the most incredible,...
Coel, known best for creating and starring in “Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You,” will be acknowledged with the Fusion Achievement Award; Day, the star of Lee Daniels’ biopic “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” will be presented with the James Schamus Ally Award.
“Coel’s work in ‘Chewing Gum,’ ‘I May Destroy You,’ and more portrays complex characters who have helped open the door for more empathetic conversations about the issues facing members of this Qtbipoc community,” said festival executive director Damien Navarro, in a statement.
Past recipients of the Fusion Achievement Award include Nisha Ganatra, Angela Robinson, Rose Troche, Wilson Cruz, Alec Mapa, Patrik-Ian Polk, Cheryl Dunye, Brickson Diamond and Rikki Beadle-Blair.
“Outfest Fusion believes that honoring one of the most incredible,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
The 2021 Outfest Fusion Qtbipoc Film Festival is set to honor I May Destroy You icon Michaela Coel with the Fusion Achievement Award while The United States Vs. Billie Holiday star and Oscar nominee Andra Day will be honored with the James Schamus Ally Award on April 17. The hybrid fest will take place April 16-20.
The Fusion Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to Lgbtqia+ stories, arts, and media visibility, will honor Coel’s body of work. She is in good company as previous recipients of the honor include Nisha Ganatra, Angela Robinson, Rose Troche, Wilson Cruz, Alec Mapa, Patrik-Ian Polk, Cheryl Dunye, Brickson Diamond, and Rikki Beadle-Blair.
“Coel’s work in Chewing Gum, I May Destroy You, and more portray complex characters who have helped open the door for more empathetic conversations about the issues facing...
The Fusion Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to Lgbtqia+ stories, arts, and media visibility, will honor Coel’s body of work. She is in good company as previous recipients of the honor include Nisha Ganatra, Angela Robinson, Rose Troche, Wilson Cruz, Alec Mapa, Patrik-Ian Polk, Cheryl Dunye, Brickson Diamond, and Rikki Beadle-Blair.
“Coel’s work in Chewing Gum, I May Destroy You, and more portray complex characters who have helped open the door for more empathetic conversations about the issues facing...
- 4/7/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Parts of Thailand aren’t necessarily responding well to the Imelda Marcos documentary The Kingmaker directed by Lauren Greenfield. The country has banned the pic in the South.
Thida Polpalitkarnpim, the founder of the Documentary Club in Thailand, posted on Facebook that they would be showing the docu, but has since pushed the screening. According to the Bangkok Post, authorities deemed the title and the posters for the docu “inappropriate” and were not comfortable with the film. However, the film has been playing in Bangkok for the past six weeks as well as other parts of the country with no pushback.
The Kingmaker debuted at the Venice Film Festival and went on to play at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Showtime Documentary was distributed by Greenwich Entertainment and opened theatrically last November when theater-going was actually a thing to do. The docu takes a timely look at former Philippine...
Thida Polpalitkarnpim, the founder of the Documentary Club in Thailand, posted on Facebook that they would be showing the docu, but has since pushed the screening. According to the Bangkok Post, authorities deemed the title and the posters for the docu “inappropriate” and were not comfortable with the film. However, the film has been playing in Bangkok for the past six weeks as well as other parts of the country with no pushback.
The Kingmaker debuted at the Venice Film Festival and went on to play at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Showtime Documentary was distributed by Greenwich Entertainment and opened theatrically last November when theater-going was actually a thing to do. The docu takes a timely look at former Philippine...
- 8/16/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
With almost all of Hollywood and large swaths of America and the world under stay-at-home orders because of the coronavirus pandemic, a digital conversation with some of the leading filmmakers of our time never seemed like a better idea than right now.
Which is exactly what Ava DuVernay and Array will be kicking off at 9 Am Pt today with now 60 directors participating in the its fourth filmmaker tweet-a-thon – see the full 10-hour schedule below and follow with #ARRAYNow
“We hope today’s day-long Q&a feels like a virtual group hug from filmmakers to film fans,” DuVernay told Deadline as the When They See Us helmer prepared to start the show this morning. “Everyone at Array just wanted to create a space for positivity and community during these tense times,” the Oscar nominee added. “The fact that 60 filmmakers of color and women directors answered our call is beautiful and we...
Which is exactly what Ava DuVernay and Array will be kicking off at 9 Am Pt today with now 60 directors participating in the its fourth filmmaker tweet-a-thon – see the full 10-hour schedule below and follow with #ARRAYNow
“We hope today’s day-long Q&a feels like a virtual group hug from filmmakers to film fans,” DuVernay told Deadline as the When They See Us helmer prepared to start the show this morning. “Everyone at Array just wanted to create a space for positivity and community during these tense times,” the Oscar nominee added. “The fact that 60 filmmakers of color and women directors answered our call is beautiful and we...
- 4/30/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Nearly a decade since Ava DuVernay launched Array, what was initially a small distribution company has grown to become a multimedia empire that now sits on a sprawling Los Angeles campus. The gated property in Historic Filipinotown contains, among several things, post-production facilities and a recently completed state-of-the-art, 50-seat theater that will screen Array titles, work by local artists, and an annual film series, which was announced today, curated and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. Titled Array 360, the program will bring together award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists for six weekends of cinema, community, and conversation.
Array 360 will run from September 27 – November 2 at the all-new Amanda Theater, as the new screening space will be called. The inaugural slate features a celebration of women filmmakers including Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley, and Mati Diop, among others; a John Singleton retrospective; a...
Array 360 will run from September 27 – November 2 at the all-new Amanda Theater, as the new screening space will be called. The inaugural slate features a celebration of women filmmakers including Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley, and Mati Diop, among others; a John Singleton retrospective; a...
- 9/13/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Ava DuVernay continues to champion inclusivity and global film perspectives with Array 360 film series to mark the completion of the Array Creative Campus and the brand-spankin’ new, state-of-the-art Amanda Theater. The series will kick off September 27 and continue through November 2.
Located in the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, the Amanda Theater will host the inaugural film series created and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. For six weekends, Array 360 will feature award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences. We believe in balance from the beginning,” said DuVernay. “Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema.”
“In addition to paying tribute to exquisite filmmakers, some of whose work has gone underappreciated, our Array 360 series strives...
Located in the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, the Amanda Theater will host the inaugural film series created and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. For six weekends, Array 360 will feature award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences. We believe in balance from the beginning,” said DuVernay. “Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema.”
“In addition to paying tribute to exquisite filmmakers, some of whose work has gone underappreciated, our Array 360 series strives...
- 9/13/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
On Monday, Taylor Swift released a video for her new song “You Need to Calm Down,” the second single from her forthcoming album, “Lover.” Taking a page from Beyoncé’s book, Swift shares a directing credit with filmmaker Drew Kirsch, as well an Ep credit with frequent “RuPaul’s Drag Race” judge and choreographer Todrick Hall. Clad exclusively in pink (millennial and other shades), Swift waltzes through a kaleidoscopic set that is colored in astroturf greens and chlorinated blues. An early shot has Swift dumping cotton candy into a blender — a perfect metaphor for the bubble-gum-hued visuals and dizzying parade of Lgbtq celebrity cameos to follow.
Released in the middle of Pride month, “You Need to Calm Down” is Swift’s attempt at producing a gay anthem. Despite staying silent during the 2016 election, prompting many to speculate that she voted for Donald Trump, Swift has amped up her activism in the last two years,...
Released in the middle of Pride month, “You Need to Calm Down” is Swift’s attempt at producing a gay anthem. Despite staying silent during the 2016 election, prompting many to speculate that she voted for Donald Trump, Swift has amped up her activism in the last two years,...
- 6/21/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Women are front and center in PBS’ slate for its 32nd season of Pov. A total of 16 feature films in this year’s lineup were created by women directors, while four of the five short films are helmed by females. To further diversify its season, Pov has a global reach with 10 of the feature films coming from abroad.
The new season kicks off June 17 with Nancy Schwartzman’s Roll Red Roll on all PBS stations and across its platforms and pov.org and amdoc.org. October will welcome broadcast premieres with pop-out episodes in early 2020. The second season of Pov Shorts will begin July 22 with Changing Same, which will premiere after the feature On Her Shoulders. In addition to Changing Same, the rest of this year’s Pov Shorts confirmed slate feature filmmakers of color: Water Warriors, Stay Close, Edgecombe and Crisanto Street.
The surge of women filmmakers and...
The new season kicks off June 17 with Nancy Schwartzman’s Roll Red Roll on all PBS stations and across its platforms and pov.org and amdoc.org. October will welcome broadcast premieres with pop-out episodes in early 2020. The second season of Pov Shorts will begin July 22 with Changing Same, which will premiere after the feature On Her Shoulders. In addition to Changing Same, the rest of this year’s Pov Shorts confirmed slate feature filmmakers of color: Water Warriors, Stay Close, Edgecombe and Crisanto Street.
The surge of women filmmakers and...
- 3/13/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The lineup for keynote and featured speakers continues to grow at SXSW with their final round up of guests. Call Her Ganda filmmaker Pj Raval and a conversation with Spotify chief content officer Dawn Ostroff, Gimlet co-founder Matt Lieber and Anchor co-founder Michael Mignano have been added to keynote program while journalist Katie Couric, Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster, MasterClass CEO and cofounder David Rogier; entrepreneur and model Ashley Graham; journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell; writer and director Noah Hawley; actress Billie Lourd, NBC News president Noah Oppenheim and others have been added to the feature lineup.
“SXSW continues to be a unique destination for innovation and discovery,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “The addition of groundbreaking filmmakers like Pj Raval and influential voices like Ashley Graham and Malcolm Gladwell expresses the depth of the event, and we’re so pleased about how the whole of Conference programming has come together.
“SXSW continues to be a unique destination for innovation and discovery,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “The addition of groundbreaking filmmakers like Pj Raval and influential voices like Ashley Graham and Malcolm Gladwell expresses the depth of the event, and we’re so pleased about how the whole of Conference programming has come together.
- 2/27/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the case against the Us Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for killing Jennifer Laude, and the consequences of his deed with an engaged yet not biased eye, “Call her Ganda” demonstrates film-maker’s stance, as well as capacity to build a coherent and comprehensive narration. It leaves an important report that is still just a piece of a large puzzle
She was born Jeffrey Laude, died Jennifer Laude, but since she was a child, she called herself “Ganda” – pretty, beautiful – and required to be called that. Her death by hands of a Us Marine lead to protests not only by the members of transgender community, but also to vehement questioning of the Us – Philippines relation.
“Call Her Ganda” is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival (Sdaff)
In October 2014, Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman in her twenties, went out with her friend Barbie to the Ambyanz disco bar in Olongapo.
She was born Jeffrey Laude, died Jennifer Laude, but since she was a child, she called herself “Ganda” – pretty, beautiful – and required to be called that. Her death by hands of a Us Marine lead to protests not only by the members of transgender community, but also to vehement questioning of the Us – Philippines relation.
“Call Her Ganda” is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival (Sdaff)
In October 2014, Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman in her twenties, went out with her friend Barbie to the Ambyanz disco bar in Olongapo.
- 11/8/2018
- by Anomalilly
- AsianMoviePulse
Oahunov Nov 8-18, 2018
Kauainov Nov 15-18, 2018
Big Island & Maui Nov 29 -Dec 2, 2018
The 38th Hawaii International Film Festival is about to start and to continue the festival’s proud tradition of showcasing content and creatives from the Pacific, Asia and North America.
The festival this year features over 180 films, talks and events from 37 countries, with 47 Us, International and World Premieres across 32 sections. 2018 continues the tradition of programming a selection of critically-acclaimed and highly-anticipated films from Asia and around the world, while also giving a platform from emerging creative talents from across the Hawaii-Pacific region.
Outstanding films are accompanied by stars and filmmakers from around the world, connecting East and West through a dedication to discussion, diversity and creativity.
We have picked the Asian titles in the Programme and they are a lot!
Let’s have a look:
Shadow – Opening Night Film
China 2018 – Director: Zhang Yimou
50 First Kisses
Spotlight On Japan – Japan...
Kauainov Nov 15-18, 2018
Big Island & Maui Nov 29 -Dec 2, 2018
The 38th Hawaii International Film Festival is about to start and to continue the festival’s proud tradition of showcasing content and creatives from the Pacific, Asia and North America.
The festival this year features over 180 films, talks and events from 37 countries, with 47 Us, International and World Premieres across 32 sections. 2018 continues the tradition of programming a selection of critically-acclaimed and highly-anticipated films from Asia and around the world, while also giving a platform from emerging creative talents from across the Hawaii-Pacific region.
Outstanding films are accompanied by stars and filmmakers from around the world, connecting East and West through a dedication to discussion, diversity and creativity.
We have picked the Asian titles in the Programme and they are a lot!
Let’s have a look:
Shadow – Opening Night Film
China 2018 – Director: Zhang Yimou
50 First Kisses
Spotlight On Japan – Japan...
- 10/18/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Another busy post-summer lineup of specialties are heading into theaters this weekend, including Sundance and Toronto’s period bio-drama Colette by filmmaker Wash Westmoreland, opening in New York and L.A. via Bleecker Street. And fresh off of its Venice and Toronto debuts, Annapurna’s The Sisters Brothers by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, starring John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix and Jake Gyllenhaal, which will also begin in both cities before rolling out further in the coming weeks. Tribeca Film Festival opener, Love, Gilda will get a wider bow in over eighty locations Friday via Magnolia Pictures. Sundance Selects is launching fellow doc Tea with the Dames spotlighting Dames Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith, while also on the non-fiction front, Greenwich Entertainment is opening Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable theatrically before airing on PBS next year.
Other limited releases coming out this weekend include Pj Raval...
Other limited releases coming out this weekend include Pj Raval...
- 9/21/2018
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Tom Arnold and Paige Howard star in an indie comedy, “Call Her Ganda” is getting an Oscar campaign, and Epic Level has hired a “Charlie Says” executive producer.
Castings
Tom Arnold, Paige Howard, Devin Ratray, Brian Krause, and Cody Kasch are starring in the just-completed independent comedy “Hollywood.con.”
The film is a father-daughter collaboration with Benjamin Boorem producing and Mika Boorem starring and directing. Mika Boorem, whose credits include “Blue Crush” as Kate Bosworth’s sister, “Good Day for It,” and “Hearts in Atlantis,” makes her feature directing debut. The cast members have all acted with her in prior projects.
The script is written by the Boorems, Cshediiz Coleman, Benjamin Lockman, and Michael Lindley. Mika Boorem portrays a struggling actress who accidentally steals the identity of a big-time producer, portrayed by Howard, and gets thrown into a Mayan movie in Guatemala. She’s...
Castings
Tom Arnold, Paige Howard, Devin Ratray, Brian Krause, and Cody Kasch are starring in the just-completed independent comedy “Hollywood.con.”
The film is a father-daughter collaboration with Benjamin Boorem producing and Mika Boorem starring and directing. Mika Boorem, whose credits include “Blue Crush” as Kate Bosworth’s sister, “Good Day for It,” and “Hearts in Atlantis,” makes her feature directing debut. The cast members have all acted with her in prior projects.
The script is written by the Boorems, Cshediiz Coleman, Benjamin Lockman, and Michael Lindley. Mika Boorem portrays a struggling actress who accidentally steals the identity of a big-time producer, portrayed by Howard, and gets thrown into a Mayan movie in Guatemala. She’s...
- 9/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Outfest Los Angeles Lgbtq Film Festival has unveiled winners for its 2018 edition that wrapped Sunday, with Jeremiah Zagar’s We the Animals taking the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize and Jamie Patterson’s Tucked scoring the Best Narrative Audience Award among the honors.
Drew Droege, who starred in the Michael Urie-directed Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, won the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize for Best Performance. The top documentary winners included T Cooper’s Man Made in the audience category and Jamal Sims’ When the Beat Drops landing the grand jury prize.
The Orchard acquired North American rights to We The Animals, based on Justin Torres’ debut novel, after it took the Next Innovator Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It will hit theaters sometime this year. Tucked, meanwhile, inked an output deal with Gravitas Ventures last week ahead of its world premiere.
Drew Droege, who starred in the Michael Urie-directed Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, won the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize for Best Performance. The top documentary winners included T Cooper’s Man Made in the audience category and Jamal Sims’ When the Beat Drops landing the grand jury prize.
The Orchard acquired North American rights to We The Animals, based on Justin Torres’ debut novel, after it took the Next Innovator Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It will hit theaters sometime this year. Tucked, meanwhile, inked an output deal with Gravitas Ventures last week ahead of its world premiere.
- 7/23/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Laura Marie Wayne’s Love, Scott wins the Best Canadian Feature Award.
Daryl Wein’s White Rabbit won the audience award for best narrative feature as the 2018 Inside Out Lgbt Film Festival came to a close in Toronto at the weekend.
Pj Raval’s Call Her Ganda won the audience award for best documentary feature, and Nate Trinrud’s Pop Rox won the audience award for best short film.
Kiko Goifman and Claudia Priscilla’s Bixa Travesty won the Inside Out Special Award for Innovation, Alvaro Delgado Aparicio’s Retablo won the Best First Feature Award, Laura Marie Wayne’s Love,...
Daryl Wein’s White Rabbit won the audience award for best narrative feature as the 2018 Inside Out Lgbt Film Festival came to a close in Toronto at the weekend.
Pj Raval’s Call Her Ganda won the audience award for best documentary feature, and Nate Trinrud’s Pop Rox won the audience award for best short film.
Kiko Goifman and Claudia Priscilla’s Bixa Travesty won the Inside Out Special Award for Innovation, Alvaro Delgado Aparicio’s Retablo won the Best First Feature Award, Laura Marie Wayne’s Love,...
- 6/4/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
“Searching,” from director Aneesh Chaganty and starring John Cho and Debra Messing, won the audience award for North American narrative film at the 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. The thriller will open nationally in August in theaters through Screen Gems.
The documentary “Minding the Gap,” directed by Bing Liu, won the audience award for documentary feature, and also was given the special jury prize for best director.
The festival gives out awards in both North American and international categories. For international narrative feature divisions, “In the Life of Music,” directed by Caylee So and Visal Sok, was a double winner, with both the audience award and special jury prize.
The international documentary-feature audience award was given to “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story,” directed by Frank W. Chen.
Other winners: “Call Her Ganda,” directed by Pj Raval, grand jury prize for North American docu feature; “Anote’s Ark” from director Matthieu Rytz,...
The documentary “Minding the Gap,” directed by Bing Liu, won the audience award for documentary feature, and also was given the special jury prize for best director.
The festival gives out awards in both North American and international categories. For international narrative feature divisions, “In the Life of Music,” directed by Caylee So and Visal Sok, was a double winner, with both the audience award and special jury prize.
The international documentary-feature audience award was given to “Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story,” directed by Frank W. Chen.
Other winners: “Call Her Ganda,” directed by Pj Raval, grand jury prize for North American docu feature; “Anote’s Ark” from director Matthieu Rytz,...
- 5/19/2018
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh off its Tribeca world premiere, and currently wrapping up at Hot Docs, Call Her Ganda, an alumnus of Spotlight on Documentaries at Ifp Week, is the latest feature from 25 New Faces of Independent Film alum Pj Raval. The thought-provoking doc follows the heartbreaking and utterly thorny story of Jennifer Laude, much beloved by a doting mother, sisters, and her German fiancé. After a night out with girlfriends back in 2014, the 26-year-old ended up being murdered by Us marine Scott Pemberton, who left her […]...
- 5/5/2018
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Fresh off its Tribeca world premiere, and currently wrapping up at Hot Docs, Call Her Ganda, an alumnus of Spotlight on Documentaries at Ifp Week, is the latest feature from 25 New Faces of Independent Film alum Pj Raval. The thought-provoking doc follows the heartbreaking and utterly thorny story of Jennifer Laude, much beloved by a doting mother, sisters, and her German fiancé. After a night out with girlfriends back in 2014, the 26-year-old ended up being murdered by Us marine Scott Pemberton, who left her […]...
- 5/5/2018
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
“Call Her Ganda,” director Pj Raval’s non-fiction investigation into the death of a Filipina sex worker at the hands of an American Marine on leave, should function as a murder mystery, courtroom drama, and exposé about the U.S.’s thorny post-colonial relationship with the Philippines. Yet with access to only one side of its central conflict, and a scattershot approach that skims over key details and points of interest, this well-intentioned documentary leaves audiences feeling like they’re only getting part of a much larger story. After its Tribeca Film Festival debut, its theatrical prospects seem slim.
In 2014, 26-year-old Filipina prostitute Jennifer Laude – known by her mother as “Ganda,” which means “beauty” – was found strangled and drowned (in a toilet) in a motel across the street from the nightclub where she plied her trade. According to both friends and security camera video, Laude was last seen in the...
In 2014, 26-year-old Filipina prostitute Jennifer Laude – known by her mother as “Ganda,” which means “beauty” – was found strangled and drowned (in a toilet) in a motel across the street from the nightclub where she plied her trade. According to both friends and security camera video, Laude was last seen in the...
- 4/24/2018
- by Nick Schager
- Variety Film + TV
A video clip of a young woman smiling beautifully for the camera provides the haunting visual centerpiece of Pj Raval's powerful documentary about her death and its aftermath. The film recounts the tale of how Jennifer Laude, a transgender Filipina, was killed by a U.S. marine who was subsequently arrested and put on trial for the crime. Dealing with provocative themes of prejudice, homophobia, colonialism and the arrogance of U.S. military forces abroad, Call Her Ganda recently received its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The story begins in 2014, when 26-year-old Laude, whose mother, Julita, called her "Ganda" ("beauty"...
The story begins in 2014, when 26-year-old Laude, whose mother, Julita, called her "Ganda" ("beauty"...
- 4/20/2018
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When the 17th annual Tribeca Film Festival opens this week, New York audiences will have a chance to catch some of the most anticipated queer films of the year. Sebastián Lelio’s “Disobedience” will play in New York days before its theatrical release; the film stars Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams as two women who must hide their attraction in their tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community. Desiree Akhavan’s Sundance winner “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” will also make its New York debut at the festival, with Chloë Grace Moretz and Sasha Lane. Provocateurs Andre Leon Talley and Robert Mapplethorpe each headline their own film, and prolific gay filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer uncovers the inside story of Studio 54.
This year’s Tribeca Film Festival takes place April 18 – 29. Check out our must-see Lgbt films below.
“Disobedience”
Sebastián Lelio concludes his sumptuous triptych of films about women with “Disobedience,” the Chilean filmmaker’s first English-language film.
This year’s Tribeca Film Festival takes place April 18 – 29. Check out our must-see Lgbt films below.
“Disobedience”
Sebastián Lelio concludes his sumptuous triptych of films about women with “Disobedience,” the Chilean filmmaker’s first English-language film.
- 4/18/2018
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The Firelight Media announced today a national open call for submissions for its Documentary Lab program. The fellowship supports filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities working on their first or second feature-length documentary film.
In an effort to bring more inclusion and diversity to the filmmaking industry, the Documentary Lab is an 18-month program that provides filmmakers with customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary world, funding, professional development workshops and networking opportunities.
“There are hundreds of talented, diverse filmmakers out there creating work that pushes the boundaries of documentary. These voices are critical to providing new narratives about the most pressing issues of our time,” says Loira Limbal, Vice President and Documentary Lab Director at Firelight Media. “Many of them, however, do not have accessible points of entry to the film industry. Through this open call, Firelight can better reach those filmmakers, support them, and flood the...
In an effort to bring more inclusion and diversity to the filmmaking industry, the Documentary Lab is an 18-month program that provides filmmakers with customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary world, funding, professional development workshops and networking opportunities.
“There are hundreds of talented, diverse filmmakers out there creating work that pushes the boundaries of documentary. These voices are critical to providing new narratives about the most pressing issues of our time,” says Loira Limbal, Vice President and Documentary Lab Director at Firelight Media. “Many of them, however, do not have accessible points of entry to the film industry. Through this open call, Firelight can better reach those filmmakers, support them, and flood the...
- 4/11/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Where is the hope?”
That was the question was posed last week at one of the world’s most prominent launch pads for nonfiction films in development — Hot Docs Pitch Forum — and it reflected the general mood in the room.
As 20 filmmaking teams pitched their projects to dozens of top decision-makers, funders, and broadcasters sitting around the long wooden table in the Gothic-designed Hart House at the University of Toronto, there was a particular excitement for new documentaries that were “fresh,” “optimistic” and “fun”—to use some of the words spoken publically over the two-day pitch-a-thon.
See MoreHow Hot Docs, North America’s Smartest Festival, Could Anoint an Oscar Winner
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could see those same powerbrokers struggling over what to do with still essential, but tough issue-driven films having to do with post-revolutionary countries in the Middle East or the global refugee crisis.
That was the question was posed last week at one of the world’s most prominent launch pads for nonfiction films in development — Hot Docs Pitch Forum — and it reflected the general mood in the room.
As 20 filmmaking teams pitched their projects to dozens of top decision-makers, funders, and broadcasters sitting around the long wooden table in the Gothic-designed Hart House at the University of Toronto, there was a particular excitement for new documentaries that were “fresh,” “optimistic” and “fun”—to use some of the words spoken publically over the two-day pitch-a-thon.
See MoreHow Hot Docs, North America’s Smartest Festival, Could Anoint an Oscar Winner
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could see those same powerbrokers struggling over what to do with still essential, but tough issue-driven films having to do with post-revolutionary countries in the Middle East or the global refugee crisis.
- 5/10/2017
- by Anthony Kaufman
- Indiewire
The premiere post-tiff destination (September 20-25th) in the film community and a major leg up for narrative and non-fiction films in development, the Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp) announced a whopping 140 projects selected for the Project Forum at the upcoming Ifp Independent Film Week. Made up of several sections (Rbc’s Emerging Storytellers program, No Borders International Co-Production Market and Spotlight on Documentaries), we find latest updates from the likes of docu-helmers Doug Block (112 Weddings) and Lana Wilson (After Tiller), and among the narrative items we find headliners in Andrew Haigh (coming off the well received 45 Years), Sophie Barthes (Cold Souls and Madame Bovary), Terence Nance (An Oversimplification of Her Beauty), Lawrence Michael Levine (Wild Canaries), Jorge Michel Grau (We Are What We Are), Eleanor Burke and Ron Eyal (Stranger Things) and new faces in Sundance’s large family in Charles Poekel (Christmas, Again) and Olivia Newman (First Match). Here...
- 7/22/2015
- by admin
- IONCINEMA.com
The Sundance Institute Artist Services program recently announced the availability of 14 independent films through digital video on-demand platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Launched in 2011, Sundance Institute's Artist Services is designed to connect consumers directly with films associated with the Sundance Film Festival and Institute through partnerships with key online distribution platforms.
Four films in this new collection are from Texas, all of which received support from the Austin Film Society. For details on the additional titles available in this new collection, visit the Sundance Institute's "Now Playing."
Before You Know It -- Three gay seniors (pictured at top) "navigate the adventures, challenges and surprises of life and love in their golden years." Check out Don's SXSW review and Jordan's interview with director Pj Raval. The documentary is available for purchase at this new website featuring bonus extras including Gary and Ose's wedding video and behind-the scenes-material. (on...
Four films in this new collection are from Texas, all of which received support from the Austin Film Society. For details on the additional titles available in this new collection, visit the Sundance Institute's "Now Playing."
Before You Know It -- Three gay seniors (pictured at top) "navigate the adventures, challenges and surprises of life and love in their golden years." Check out Don's SXSW review and Jordan's interview with director Pj Raval. The documentary is available for purchase at this new website featuring bonus extras including Gary and Ose's wedding video and behind-the scenes-material. (on...
- 1/26/2015
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
Life incessantly runs its course leaving behind damaged bodies were there was once youthful exuberance, regret where there were hopes, and limited time where there used to be endless possibilities. For those lucky enough to make it to the golden years, the most pivotal necessities are not to be lonely, to feel relevant and appreciated, and to come to terms with their journey and enjoy whatever time remains. This can be said about anyone, but when the added factor of homosexuality comes into play, the promise of wonderful, family-oriented times is not always fulfilled. In Pj Raval’s introspective documentary “Before You Know It” three gay seniors are confronted with the victories and failures that define who they are.
Living alone in Florida since his wife past away Dennis, a closeted veteran in his late 70’s, enjoys cross-dressing in secret and searches for romantic companionship. His alter ego “Dee” has never seen the light of day, but unwilling to give up on life yet, Dennis decides to take gay-oriented vacations and spends some time at a retirement home for gay seniors in Portland, Oregon. There, at last, he can be fully himself and even decides to go out into the world wearing the clothes that reflect his once hidden personality.
In Texas, Robert “The Mouth” is a local drag queen legend who owns the Robert Lafitte bar, which also serves as refuge for other individuals pushed away by their families and society in general. When this welcoming space is endangered by a lawsuit, Robert is forced to reconsider his options. The memories of over four decades of love, friendship, and community are too precious to let go of.
Deeply invested in the advancement of the community, Ty, an African American gay activist in his 60’s, works for Sage – a Harlem-based non-profit that supports the elderly Lgbt community. When the unimaginable happened and same-sex marriage became legal in New York, Ty is simultaneously overwhelmed with joy and anxious given that his partner is not eager to tie the knot. To make matters even more irritating for him, one of his closest friends is getting married, which makes Ty reconsider the importance of the union both legally and emotionally.
Each one of their experiences as part of the non-mainstream elderly population is absolutely distinct, making for a compelling piece of observational cinema. Their perspectives on their own identities come from living in a time where the world around blatantly rejected them. Misguided by a sense of duty, Dennis felt that being a family man and abiding by the status quo were his only choices. Nevertheless, despite knowing that he will be judged by his age, he has allowed himself to cut ties with those who will never accept him in order to feel liberated from shame. “Dee” can now walk the streets, go to clubs, and even join a parade alongside others just like her.
Memories are all that remains when beauty is gone, and Robert is conscious of this harsh truth. Even after he is gone, his legacy will live in those he took under his wing and provided with a makeshift family. At his bar, there are no awkward stares or unwelcoming slurs, only laughter and affection between him, his costumers, and the performers. This is home for Robert, a man who prefers mockery to tears even when remembering those who are no longer living. As for Ty, his personal desire to wed doesn’t prevent him from taking in the unbelievable progress that has been achieved. Thinking of his friends that never got the opportunity to see their civil rights fight bear fruit, he feels lucky to have witnessed it in their honor.
With the utmost respect, Raval dives into these men’s lives and rediscovers the strength within them to surpass the voices that were constantly telling them it wasn’t Ok to be who they really are. Intermittently uplifting and meditative, “Before You Know It” is a film that invites the viewer to reflect and to perceive life as an ongoing battle for happiness beyond the glossy façade of youth. As years go by and the skin wrinkles, it is always better to strive for those expression lines to represent a meaningful existence rather than hurtful dissatisfaction.
"Before You Know It" is currently playing in N.Y. and open in L.A. on June 13th, 2014.
Living alone in Florida since his wife past away Dennis, a closeted veteran in his late 70’s, enjoys cross-dressing in secret and searches for romantic companionship. His alter ego “Dee” has never seen the light of day, but unwilling to give up on life yet, Dennis decides to take gay-oriented vacations and spends some time at a retirement home for gay seniors in Portland, Oregon. There, at last, he can be fully himself and even decides to go out into the world wearing the clothes that reflect his once hidden personality.
In Texas, Robert “The Mouth” is a local drag queen legend who owns the Robert Lafitte bar, which also serves as refuge for other individuals pushed away by their families and society in general. When this welcoming space is endangered by a lawsuit, Robert is forced to reconsider his options. The memories of over four decades of love, friendship, and community are too precious to let go of.
Deeply invested in the advancement of the community, Ty, an African American gay activist in his 60’s, works for Sage – a Harlem-based non-profit that supports the elderly Lgbt community. When the unimaginable happened and same-sex marriage became legal in New York, Ty is simultaneously overwhelmed with joy and anxious given that his partner is not eager to tie the knot. To make matters even more irritating for him, one of his closest friends is getting married, which makes Ty reconsider the importance of the union both legally and emotionally.
Each one of their experiences as part of the non-mainstream elderly population is absolutely distinct, making for a compelling piece of observational cinema. Their perspectives on their own identities come from living in a time where the world around blatantly rejected them. Misguided by a sense of duty, Dennis felt that being a family man and abiding by the status quo were his only choices. Nevertheless, despite knowing that he will be judged by his age, he has allowed himself to cut ties with those who will never accept him in order to feel liberated from shame. “Dee” can now walk the streets, go to clubs, and even join a parade alongside others just like her.
Memories are all that remains when beauty is gone, and Robert is conscious of this harsh truth. Even after he is gone, his legacy will live in those he took under his wing and provided with a makeshift family. At his bar, there are no awkward stares or unwelcoming slurs, only laughter and affection between him, his costumers, and the performers. This is home for Robert, a man who prefers mockery to tears even when remembering those who are no longer living. As for Ty, his personal desire to wed doesn’t prevent him from taking in the unbelievable progress that has been achieved. Thinking of his friends that never got the opportunity to see their civil rights fight bear fruit, he feels lucky to have witnessed it in their honor.
With the utmost respect, Raval dives into these men’s lives and rediscovers the strength within them to surpass the voices that were constantly telling them it wasn’t Ok to be who they really are. Intermittently uplifting and meditative, “Before You Know It” is a film that invites the viewer to reflect and to perceive life as an ongoing battle for happiness beyond the glossy façade of youth. As years go by and the skin wrinkles, it is always better to strive for those expression lines to represent a meaningful existence rather than hurtful dissatisfaction.
"Before You Know It" is currently playing in N.Y. and open in L.A. on June 13th, 2014.
- 6/11/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
In Pj Raval's moving documentary Before You Know It, three aging gay men navigate their lives' third acts, and find that the setting of the story continues to shift.
Each has overcome obstacles to living openly: Two of the subjects, Dennis and Ty, are veterans of the armed forces, while Robert, who owns a raucous drag bar in Galveston, Texas, was raised the son of a Baptist deacon. But as Ty remarks, "History is changing so rapidly." Indeed, as Raval follows Ty's efforts as a community liaison to Lgbt seniors in Harlem, the New York State Legislature debates, and finally passes, the Marriage Equality Act.
Raval's unobtrusive camerawork makes it easy to fall in love with these three. Their stories are often melancholy — on a gay cruise, soft-spoken Dennis s...
Each has overcome obstacles to living openly: Two of the subjects, Dennis and Ty, are veterans of the armed forces, while Robert, who owns a raucous drag bar in Galveston, Texas, was raised the son of a Baptist deacon. But as Ty remarks, "History is changing so rapidly." Indeed, as Raval follows Ty's efforts as a community liaison to Lgbt seniors in Harlem, the New York State Legislature debates, and finally passes, the Marriage Equality Act.
Raval's unobtrusive camerawork makes it easy to fall in love with these three. Their stories are often melancholy — on a gay cruise, soft-spoken Dennis s...
- 5/29/2014
- Village Voice
Sundance often faces criticism from the independent film community as being inaccessible and too commercial. Two weekends ago Austin Studios, the Sundance Institute and the Austin Film Society held the sold-out “#ArtistServices Austin Workshop,” proving Robert Redford’s initial vision of supporting truly indie film is strongly intact. The day-long event was focused on educating filmmakers about the business side of fundraising, marketing, and distribution for small movies. Filled with local filmmakers like Two Step director Alex Johnson and Before You Know It director Pj Raval and producer Annie Bush, the raw hanger space (Austin Studios is located on the site […]...
- 5/20/2014
- by Eric M. Levy
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Sundance often faces criticism from the independent film community as being inaccessible and too commercial. Two weekends ago Austin Studios, the Sundance Institute and the Austin Film Society held the sold-out “#ArtistServices Austin Workshop,” proving Robert Redford’s initial vision of supporting truly indie film is strongly intact. The day-long event was focused on educating filmmakers about the business side of fundraising, marketing, and distribution for small movies. Filled with local filmmakers like Two Step director Alex Johnson and Before You Know It director Pj Raval and producer Annie Bush, the raw hanger space (Austin Studios is located on the site […]...
- 5/20/2014
- by Eric M. Levy
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Among the many things that Los Angeles-based Film Independent does, besides the high-profile Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, is provide crucial support to independent filmmakers. Every year a select few get chosen to participate in their Documentary Lab, which is designed to help them during the post-production phase on a film. In the past, participants have gone on to complete excellent work, among them Andrew Droz Palermo & Tracy Droz Tragos, whose "Rich Hill" won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, as well as Pj Raval ("Before You Know It"), Hilla Medalia’s ("Dancing in Jaffa"), Nicholas Wrathall ("Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia"), Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali Worrall ("Call Me Kuchu"), Laura Nix and Julia Meltzer ("The Light In Her Eyes") and Nicole Karsin ("We Women Warriors"). Among this year's mentors are editor Doug Blush ("20 Feet from Stardom"), Laura Gabbert...
- 3/17/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Welcome to Holiday Favorites, a series in which Slackerwood contributors and our friends talk about the movies we watch during the holiday season, holiday-related or otherwise.
Just as I thought we were entering an It's a Wonderful Life trend of holiday favorites this year, Austin cinematographer and filmmaker Pj Raval surprises me with a selection I couldn't have predicted. Raval's most recent film is the documentary Before You Know It (Don's review). He's worked as Dp on Austin movies such as The Bounceback and Fourplay, and on the Academy Award-nominated documentary Trouble the Water, among many other films. And you might have seen one of the delightfully family-unfriendly music videos he's shot for local artist Christeene.
Raval's pick is a comedy I saw at SXSW 2007 and loved -- Smiley Face (my review) -- but never thought of as a holiday possibility. Until now. Here's what he has to say about...
Just as I thought we were entering an It's a Wonderful Life trend of holiday favorites this year, Austin cinematographer and filmmaker Pj Raval surprises me with a selection I couldn't have predicted. Raval's most recent film is the documentary Before You Know It (Don's review). He's worked as Dp on Austin movies such as The Bounceback and Fourplay, and on the Academy Award-nominated documentary Trouble the Water, among many other films. And you might have seen one of the delightfully family-unfriendly music videos he's shot for local artist Christeene.
Raval's pick is a comedy I saw at SXSW 2007 and loved -- Smiley Face (my review) -- but never thought of as a holiday possibility. Until now. Here's what he has to say about...
- 12/18/2013
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Opening with Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive the latest edition of the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland (22-27 October 2013) has screened some of the most important American independent films of the year. Being the only festival of its class in Eastern and Central Europe the festival has become the most important venue to connect American filmmakers with European buyers and audiences through programs like U.S. in Progress Wrocław (23-25 October 2013).
This year's program taking place at the New Horizons cinema presented 80 movies out of which 42 are Polish premieres, 3 are European premieres and 1 is a World Premiere. Among them 10 documentaries and 17 feature films competed for cash prizes in the audience-vote competitions.
The first competitive section - Spectrum ($10,000 audience award for the Best Narrative Feature) included films that have been well-received here in the U.S such as A Teacher by Hannah Fidell, Blue Caprice by Alexandre Moors, Afternoon Delight by Jill Soloway, Short Term 12 by Destin Cretton, The Spectacular Now by James Ponsoldt, and Bluebird by Lance Edmands. The second competition - American Docs ($5,000 audience award for Best Documentary Feature) had a selection of films depicting varied current issues in American society including Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia by Nicholas Wrathall, The Armstrong Lie by Alex Gibney, Our Nixon by Penny Lane, Northern Light by Nick Bentgen, Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton by Eric Slade and Stephen Silha and Before You Know It by Pj Raval.
The American Film Festival also ran a retrospective of Shirley Clarke and presented Polish premieres of high-profile films such as As I Lay Dying by James Franco, Quentin Dupieux’s Wrong Cops, Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein’s Lovelace, Much Ado About Nothing by Joss Whedon, Touchy Feely by Lynn Shelton, At Any Price by Ramin Bahrani, and Maladies by Carter. The festival also screened Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Sundance hit Don Jon along several U.S. in Progress participants and festival hits like I Used to be Darker by Matt Porterfier and Hide Your Smiling Faces by Daniel Patrick Carbone. Lastly, a special section titled 'Masterpieces of American Cinema 90 Years of Warner Bros." showed 14 digitally-remastered productions by the studio from The Jazz Singer by Alan Crosland (1927) through A Clockwork Orange ,The Exorcist and Christopher Nolan’s Inception
The festival will close on October 27th with Steven Soderbergh's Emmy Award-winning film Behind the Candelabra.
All competitions titles:
Spectrum
American Milkshake by David Andalman, Mariko Munro, USA 2012, 82'
Blue Highway by Kyle Smith, USA 2013, 70'
Coldwater by Vincent Grashaw, USA 2013, 104'
The Spectacular Now by James Ponsoldt, USA 2013, 95'
Drinking Buddies by Joe Swanberg, USA 2013, 90'
Lily by Matt Creed, USA 2013, 85'
A Teacher by Hannah Fidell, USA 2013, 75'
Blue Caprice by Alexandre Moors, USA 2013, 93'
Pearblossom Hwy by Mike Ott, USA 2012, 78'
Afternoon Delight by Jill Soloway, USA 2013, 105'
Stand Clear of the Closing Doors by Sam Fleischner, USA 2013, 102'
Short Term 12 by Destin Cretton, USA 2013, 96'
The Cold Lands by Tom Gilroy, USA 2013, 100'
In a World... by Lake Bell, USA 2013, 93'
A Song Still Inside by Gregory Collins, USA 2013, 82'
Bluebird by Lance Edmands, USA 2013, 90'
American Docs
Big Easy Express by Emmett Malloy, USA 2012
Off Label by Michael Palmieri, Donal Mosher, USA 2012
Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia by Nicholas Wrathall, USA, Italy 2013
Fall and Winter by Matt Anderson, USA 2013
The Armstrong Lie by Alex Gibney, USA 2013
Lenny Cooke by Ben Safdie, Joshua Safdie, USA 2012
Our Nixon by Penny Lane, USA 2013
Northern Light by Nick Bentgen, USA 2013
Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton by Eric Slade, Stephen Silha, USA 2013
Before You Know It by Pj Raval, USA 2012
U.S. Progress Projects
This year 6 projects in the final production stages were chosen to take part in the two-day workshop knows as U.S. in Progress Wroclaw (23-25 October, 2013). The event presents the American independent projects to European buyers, post-production houses and festivals in order to help them achieve completion and to foster the circulation and distribution of these films in Europe.
Selected from over 40 submission the chosen projects are the dramas Lake Los Angeles by Mike Ott (produced by Athina Rachel Tsangari), Happy Baby by Stephen Elliott (produced by Jessica Caldwell ) and Some Beasts by Cameron Nelson (produced by Ashley Maynor and Courtney Ware), crime story Wild Canaries by Lawrence Michael Levine (produced by Sophia Takal, Kim Sherman and McCabe Walsh), frontier black comedy Sun Belt Express by Evan Wolf Buxbaum (producers: Noah Lang and Iyabo Boyd) and Summer of Blood – a New York vampire comedy by director-producer Onur Tukel.
The prizes are awarded by a jury of professionals and include post-production services from European partner companies worth almost $60.000 and promotional services from other partners. Us in Progress’ partners are: Platige Image (Warsaw), Di Factory (Warsaw), Alvernia Studios (Krakow), composer Maciej Zielinski of Soundflower Studio (Warsaw), Soundplace (Warsaw), DCinex (Belgium), Vsi (Paris), Europa Distribution, Cicae and Cannes Marche du Film’s Producers Network.
U.S. in Progress Wrocław (formerly Gotham in Progress) was started in 2011 by the New Horizons Association and Black Rabbit Film. Previous films presented at the event included, among others: I Used To Be Darker by Matt Porterfield, American Milkshake by David Andalman (both shown at Sundance Ff in 2013), Hide Your Smiling Faces by Daniel Carbone (Berlinale Generation, Tribeca), Bluebird by Lance Edmands (Tribeca, Karlovy Vary), Jason Cortlund & Julia Halperin’s Now, Forager: a Film About Love and Fungi (Rotterdam, New Directors/New Films, Gotham Awards nominee), Amy Seimetz’s Sun Don’t Shine (SXSW, Edinburgh Iff, Gotham Awards nominee) and Devyn Waitt’s Not Waving But Drowning (Sarasota Ff).
U.S. in Progress Wrocław is supported by the City of Wrocław, American Embassy in Warsaw and Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
For more information on the American Film Festival and the U.S. in Progress projects visit Here...
This year's program taking place at the New Horizons cinema presented 80 movies out of which 42 are Polish premieres, 3 are European premieres and 1 is a World Premiere. Among them 10 documentaries and 17 feature films competed for cash prizes in the audience-vote competitions.
The first competitive section - Spectrum ($10,000 audience award for the Best Narrative Feature) included films that have been well-received here in the U.S such as A Teacher by Hannah Fidell, Blue Caprice by Alexandre Moors, Afternoon Delight by Jill Soloway, Short Term 12 by Destin Cretton, The Spectacular Now by James Ponsoldt, and Bluebird by Lance Edmands. The second competition - American Docs ($5,000 audience award for Best Documentary Feature) had a selection of films depicting varied current issues in American society including Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia by Nicholas Wrathall, The Armstrong Lie by Alex Gibney, Our Nixon by Penny Lane, Northern Light by Nick Bentgen, Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton by Eric Slade and Stephen Silha and Before You Know It by Pj Raval.
The American Film Festival also ran a retrospective of Shirley Clarke and presented Polish premieres of high-profile films such as As I Lay Dying by James Franco, Quentin Dupieux’s Wrong Cops, Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein’s Lovelace, Much Ado About Nothing by Joss Whedon, Touchy Feely by Lynn Shelton, At Any Price by Ramin Bahrani, and Maladies by Carter. The festival also screened Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Sundance hit Don Jon along several U.S. in Progress participants and festival hits like I Used to be Darker by Matt Porterfier and Hide Your Smiling Faces by Daniel Patrick Carbone. Lastly, a special section titled 'Masterpieces of American Cinema 90 Years of Warner Bros." showed 14 digitally-remastered productions by the studio from The Jazz Singer by Alan Crosland (1927) through A Clockwork Orange ,The Exorcist and Christopher Nolan’s Inception
The festival will close on October 27th with Steven Soderbergh's Emmy Award-winning film Behind the Candelabra.
All competitions titles:
Spectrum
American Milkshake by David Andalman, Mariko Munro, USA 2012, 82'
Blue Highway by Kyle Smith, USA 2013, 70'
Coldwater by Vincent Grashaw, USA 2013, 104'
The Spectacular Now by James Ponsoldt, USA 2013, 95'
Drinking Buddies by Joe Swanberg, USA 2013, 90'
Lily by Matt Creed, USA 2013, 85'
A Teacher by Hannah Fidell, USA 2013, 75'
Blue Caprice by Alexandre Moors, USA 2013, 93'
Pearblossom Hwy by Mike Ott, USA 2012, 78'
Afternoon Delight by Jill Soloway, USA 2013, 105'
Stand Clear of the Closing Doors by Sam Fleischner, USA 2013, 102'
Short Term 12 by Destin Cretton, USA 2013, 96'
The Cold Lands by Tom Gilroy, USA 2013, 100'
In a World... by Lake Bell, USA 2013, 93'
A Song Still Inside by Gregory Collins, USA 2013, 82'
Bluebird by Lance Edmands, USA 2013, 90'
American Docs
Big Easy Express by Emmett Malloy, USA 2012
Off Label by Michael Palmieri, Donal Mosher, USA 2012
Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia by Nicholas Wrathall, USA, Italy 2013
Fall and Winter by Matt Anderson, USA 2013
The Armstrong Lie by Alex Gibney, USA 2013
Lenny Cooke by Ben Safdie, Joshua Safdie, USA 2012
Our Nixon by Penny Lane, USA 2013
Northern Light by Nick Bentgen, USA 2013
Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton by Eric Slade, Stephen Silha, USA 2013
Before You Know It by Pj Raval, USA 2012
U.S. Progress Projects
This year 6 projects in the final production stages were chosen to take part in the two-day workshop knows as U.S. in Progress Wroclaw (23-25 October, 2013). The event presents the American independent projects to European buyers, post-production houses and festivals in order to help them achieve completion and to foster the circulation and distribution of these films in Europe.
Selected from over 40 submission the chosen projects are the dramas Lake Los Angeles by Mike Ott (produced by Athina Rachel Tsangari), Happy Baby by Stephen Elliott (produced by Jessica Caldwell ) and Some Beasts by Cameron Nelson (produced by Ashley Maynor and Courtney Ware), crime story Wild Canaries by Lawrence Michael Levine (produced by Sophia Takal, Kim Sherman and McCabe Walsh), frontier black comedy Sun Belt Express by Evan Wolf Buxbaum (producers: Noah Lang and Iyabo Boyd) and Summer of Blood – a New York vampire comedy by director-producer Onur Tukel.
The prizes are awarded by a jury of professionals and include post-production services from European partner companies worth almost $60.000 and promotional services from other partners. Us in Progress’ partners are: Platige Image (Warsaw), Di Factory (Warsaw), Alvernia Studios (Krakow), composer Maciej Zielinski of Soundflower Studio (Warsaw), Soundplace (Warsaw), DCinex (Belgium), Vsi (Paris), Europa Distribution, Cicae and Cannes Marche du Film’s Producers Network.
U.S. in Progress Wrocław (formerly Gotham in Progress) was started in 2011 by the New Horizons Association and Black Rabbit Film. Previous films presented at the event included, among others: I Used To Be Darker by Matt Porterfield, American Milkshake by David Andalman (both shown at Sundance Ff in 2013), Hide Your Smiling Faces by Daniel Carbone (Berlinale Generation, Tribeca), Bluebird by Lance Edmands (Tribeca, Karlovy Vary), Jason Cortlund & Julia Halperin’s Now, Forager: a Film About Love and Fungi (Rotterdam, New Directors/New Films, Gotham Awards nominee), Amy Seimetz’s Sun Don’t Shine (SXSW, Edinburgh Iff, Gotham Awards nominee) and Devyn Waitt’s Not Waving But Drowning (Sarasota Ff).
U.S. in Progress Wrocław is supported by the City of Wrocław, American Embassy in Warsaw and Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
For more information on the American Film Festival and the U.S. in Progress projects visit Here...
- 10/26/2013
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
It's a crowded weekend at the movies in Austin. Polari (formerly the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival) is in full swing at venus across the city until Sunday. If you didn't get a badge for the fest, $10 individual tickets will be available for most screenings (capacity permitting) including Pj Raval's powerhouse doc Before You Know It. Raval will also be hosting a special Austin Film Society presentation of Paris Is Burning in 35mm on Wednesday night at the Marchesa.
The Austin Film Society's "Terror In The Aisles" series continues tonight at the Marchesa and Sunday with a 35mm screening of the 1960 Hammer Horror film The Brides Of Dracula. Essential Cinema's focus on the masters of Japanese cinema will also deliver Kenji Mizoguchi's 1946 film Utamaro And His Five Women at the Marchesa on Thursday in a 35mm print direct from Janus Films.
As always, there's a diverse...
The Austin Film Society's "Terror In The Aisles" series continues tonight at the Marchesa and Sunday with a 35mm screening of the 1960 Hammer Horror film The Brides Of Dracula. Essential Cinema's focus on the masters of Japanese cinema will also deliver Kenji Mizoguchi's 1946 film Utamaro And His Five Women at the Marchesa on Thursday in a 35mm print direct from Janus Films.
As always, there's a diverse...
- 10/18/2013
- by Matt Shiverdecker
- Slackerwood
Ready, Set, Fund is a column about crowdfunding and related fundraising endeavors for Austin and Texas independent film projects.
Two local movies that were well received at their SXSW 2013 premieres are now crowdfunding for distribution: The Bounceback and Before You Know It. Local filmmaker Bryan Poyser has a Kickstarter funding campaign through Sunday, November 17, for his romantic comedy (with air sex!) The Bounceback -- check out Don's review as well as Elizabeth's interview with Poyser.
Pj Raval -- director of photography for The Bounceback -- is also seeking funding for his feature-length documentary Before You Know It through October 30. This insightful and thought-provoking film reveals the discrimination, neglect and exclusion faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual senior citizens. Raval tells the story through several inspirational individuals who have found the strength to form communities where they and others can be comfortable and accepted.
Check out the pitch video for the Before You Know It campaign,...
Two local movies that were well received at their SXSW 2013 premieres are now crowdfunding for distribution: The Bounceback and Before You Know It. Local filmmaker Bryan Poyser has a Kickstarter funding campaign through Sunday, November 17, for his romantic comedy (with air sex!) The Bounceback -- check out Don's review as well as Elizabeth's interview with Poyser.
Pj Raval -- director of photography for The Bounceback -- is also seeking funding for his feature-length documentary Before You Know It through October 30. This insightful and thought-provoking film reveals the discrimination, neglect and exclusion faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual senior citizens. Raval tells the story through several inspirational individuals who have found the strength to form communities where they and others can be comfortable and accepted.
Check out the pitch video for the Before You Know It campaign,...
- 10/15/2013
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
American Film Festival in Wroclaw to close with Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra; competition and programme highlights announced.Scroll down for competition titles
The fourth American Film Festival (Aff) in Wrocław, Poland is to feature 80 films comprising 42 Polish premieres; three European premieres and one world premiere.
The event, which is focused on independent Us cinema, will run from Oct 22-27.
It will open with Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive and close with Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra, both of which played in competition at Cannes.
Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra recently picked up 11 Emmy awards, including best television movie, best leading actor for Michael Douglas and best director.
Dutch experimental lutenist Jozef van Wissem will conduct a live performance of the soundtrack for Only Lovers Left Alive, which won the Cannes Soundtrack Award, on Oct 23 - the day after its opening night screening.
Competitions
A total of 10 documentaries and 16 narrative feature films will compete...
The fourth American Film Festival (Aff) in Wrocław, Poland is to feature 80 films comprising 42 Polish premieres; three European premieres and one world premiere.
The event, which is focused on independent Us cinema, will run from Oct 22-27.
It will open with Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive and close with Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra, both of which played in competition at Cannes.
Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra recently picked up 11 Emmy awards, including best television movie, best leading actor for Michael Douglas and best director.
Dutch experimental lutenist Jozef van Wissem will conduct a live performance of the soundtrack for Only Lovers Left Alive, which won the Cannes Soundtrack Award, on Oct 23 - the day after its opening night screening.
Competitions
A total of 10 documentaries and 16 narrative feature films will compete...
- 10/8/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Here's the latest Austin and Texas film news.
Polari (formerly aGLIFF) has just announced its 26th annual festival lineup, which includes Austinite Yen Tan's drama Pit Stop (Debbie's Sundance review), Pj Raval's documentary Before You Know It (Don's SXSW review) and Clay Liford's short Slash, which just played Fantastic Fest last night (Debbie's interview). The oldest film festival in Austin takes place Oct. 16-20. Acquisition news from Fantastic Fest: IFC Midnight acquired the North American rights to the scifi-horror flick Almost Human, according to IndieWire. The film, about a man's search for the killer behind a series of grisly murders, will screen again tomorrow at Alamo Lakeline. The Elijah Wood-fronted Grand Piano, which had its world premiere Friday at Fantastic Fest, has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Magnet for a planned 2014 release, the filmmakers announced. Eugenio Mira's thriller will screen again on Tuesday at Alamo Lakeline.
Polari (formerly aGLIFF) has just announced its 26th annual festival lineup, which includes Austinite Yen Tan's drama Pit Stop (Debbie's Sundance review), Pj Raval's documentary Before You Know It (Don's SXSW review) and Clay Liford's short Slash, which just played Fantastic Fest last night (Debbie's interview). The oldest film festival in Austin takes place Oct. 16-20. Acquisition news from Fantastic Fest: IFC Midnight acquired the North American rights to the scifi-horror flick Almost Human, according to IndieWire. The film, about a man's search for the killer behind a series of grisly murders, will screen again tomorrow at Alamo Lakeline. The Elijah Wood-fronted Grand Piano, which had its world premiere Friday at Fantastic Fest, has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Magnet for a planned 2014 release, the filmmakers announced. Eugenio Mira's thriller will screen again on Tuesday at Alamo Lakeline.
- 9/23/2013
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
"Before You Know It... you're old." Don't worry. I'm not giving too much away. The line is spoken in the title sequence of Pj Raval's new portrait of gay men in their 70's, and it turns out to be a better synopsis than you'd think. This is not a documentary about sexuality, the history of gay struggle or any type of elderly subculture. It's a humanistic study of three very different men as they slowly approach death. And I do mean slowly. Ty, Robert 'the Mouth,' and Dennis are all intelligent men who have learned to pace themselves in their old age. Kyle Henry's editing mimics the careful, deliberate pace of the seniors' lives. While this can occasionally be tedious (there are several thrift...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 7/22/2013
- Screen Anarchy
★★★☆☆ After focusing predominantly on short film projects, director Pj Raval returns with only his second feature, Before You Know It (2013), a thoughtful documentary on growing old in the gay community. The film hooks between three elderly men in the Us - Dennis from Florida, Ty from New York and Robert from Texas - with Raval centring on their individual struggles to find acceptance, liberation and fun in their silver years. The director navigates well between the three men's lives to convey how their circumstances may be different, but they have all faced rejection from family or have witnessed friends die over the years.
Robert has the most upbeat attitude; running a bar which hosts bawdy burlesque and other entertainment, he feels that these are the years he should be enjoying. Ty lives in Harlem and helps run The Sage Centre (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders...
Robert has the most upbeat attitude; running a bar which hosts bawdy burlesque and other entertainment, he feels that these are the years he should be enjoying. Ty lives in Harlem and helps run The Sage Centre (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders...
- 6/27/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Directed by P J Raval
Review by Andrew MacArthur of Cinehouse
Despite all the big arrivals at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (we’ve had The Bling Ring, Monsters University, The East etc.), this year’s standout features have all been relatively low key documentaries. Whilst these documentaries may not have the star-power or budgets of this Hollywood fare, the impact and heart of the stories they tell could not be paralleled in any fictional work. Before You Know It is just one of these staggeringly powerful documentaries that will leave viewers thinking well after watching the film.
Pj Raval’s Before You Know It looks at the lives of three separate gay seniors living in the USA. Each man has lived a very different life and faced their own challenges, yet all are connected through the strength and guts they fearlessly share.
The film opens with widowed Dennis Creamer,...
Review by Andrew MacArthur of Cinehouse
Despite all the big arrivals at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (we’ve had The Bling Ring, Monsters University, The East etc.), this year’s standout features have all been relatively low key documentaries. Whilst these documentaries may not have the star-power or budgets of this Hollywood fare, the impact and heart of the stories they tell could not be paralleled in any fictional work. Before You Know It is just one of these staggeringly powerful documentaries that will leave viewers thinking well after watching the film.
Pj Raval’s Before You Know It looks at the lives of three separate gay seniors living in the USA. Each man has lived a very different life and faced their own challenges, yet all are connected through the strength and guts they fearlessly share.
The film opens with widowed Dennis Creamer,...
- 6/23/2013
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
A title card at the beginning of Austin-based filmmaker Pj Raval's documentary Before You Know It (Don's review) states that an estimated 2.4 million self-identified gay, lesbian and transgendered senior citizens live in the U.S. Throughout the course of the movie, Ty Martin, Robert "One of the Ugliest Girls in the South" Mainer and Dennis Creamer transcend this statistic as we follow them from Rainbow Vistas in Gresham, Oregon, across to Harlem and south to Galveston. Raval's years-long research for the film brought him face-to-face with his own immortality and the discovery that Lgbt seniors are half as likely to have health insurance and five times less likely to access social services than their heterosexual counterparts.
But Raval's subjects are more than just a number: They seek to educate audiences on a personal level and connect with them through their life stories. Like Creamer, a widower who didn't identify as gay until his 70s.
But Raval's subjects are more than just a number: They seek to educate audiences on a personal level and connect with them through their life stories. Like Creamer, a widower who didn't identify as gay until his 70s.
- 4/3/2013
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
The mighty Boston Underground Film Festival celebrates their impressive 15th edition this year on March 27-31 at the Brattle Theatre. Here’s some highlights to be on the lookout for:
Opening night film: I Declare War, a childhood parable about war and brutality, directed by Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson.
Closing night film: Big Ass Spider!, a raucous giant arachnid vs. the military flick, directed by Mike Mendez.
Other Feature Films: Both Drew Tobia’s first feature, See You Next Tuesday; and the punk documentary A Band Called Death by Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett recently won awards at the 20th Chicago Underground Film Festival and will now kill it at Buff. Sion Sono, a Buff regular, will be screening the last of his “Trilogy of Hate,” Guilty of Romance; while Calvin Lee Reeder has the gross-out feature-length version of his gross-out short The Rambler. And Zach Clark, a Bad Lit favorite,...
Opening night film: I Declare War, a childhood parable about war and brutality, directed by Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson.
Closing night film: Big Ass Spider!, a raucous giant arachnid vs. the military flick, directed by Mike Mendez.
Other Feature Films: Both Drew Tobia’s first feature, See You Next Tuesday; and the punk documentary A Band Called Death by Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett recently won awards at the 20th Chicago Underground Film Festival and will now kill it at Buff. Sion Sono, a Buff regular, will be screening the last of his “Trilogy of Hate,” Guilty of Romance; while Calvin Lee Reeder has the gross-out feature-length version of his gross-out short The Rambler. And Zach Clark, a Bad Lit favorite,...
- 3/27/2013
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Pj Raval's observational documentary Before You Know It immerses itself into the lives of three gay men who are navigating their golden years. These three men have wrestled with their sexual identity at different stages of their lives, now they must also face the facts of an aging life. For whatever reason, it is believed that the Lgbt community never ages; once they pass a certain age, they just seem to disappear from society's consciousness. Because of this, the seniors of the Lgbt community are lacking in a reliable support structure. It also does not help that for a majority of their lives, same-sex relationships have not been recognized by the federal and state governments as legally-binding. So, I guess its not very surprising statistic that such a high rate of Lgbt seniors live alone. Raval's three subjects -- Dennis, Ty and Robert -- must discover their own networks...
- 3/26/2013
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Coming on the heels of some exceptionally strong Lgbt docs at both Sundance (Marta Cunningham's "Valentine Road" and Roger Ross Williams' "God Loves Uganda") and Berlin (Sébastien Lifshitz's "Bambi" and Angela Christlieb's "Naked Opera"), SXSW continued what is clearly shaping up to become a banner year. In its previous two editions, SXSW was the theatrical birthplace of both Andrew Haigh's romantic drama "Weekend" and Jonathan Lisecki's gay man/straight girl romantic comedy "Gayby," establishing the festival as just as reliable a place to find quality queer narrative films as its two aforementioned predecessors. But this year was all about non-fiction. Three documentaries -- Malcolm Ingram's "Continental," Jeffrey Schwarz's "I Am Divine" and Pj Raval's "Before You Know It" -- each premiered at the fest, and each will deservedly be a highlight at the scores of doc and Lgbt-focused festivals they'll surely...
- 3/15/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
You never think about getting older when you're younger. But before you know it creeps up on you, and you're there already.
-- Robert Mainor, Before You Know It
Old age can be hard enough for anyone lucky enough to reach that stage of life; imagine how much more difficult it can be for gay people in a society that hasn't fully accepted them.
The lives of senior citizens in the Lgbtq community are the subject of Before You Know It, a deeply moving documentary that presents the often unhappy and seldom-discussed realities of being elderly and gay. Austin filmmaker Pj Raval's ambitious film introduces us to three elderly gay men who lead disparate lives, and their stories tell us much about a largely ignored segment of our society.
The men are all gay, but have little else in common. Dennis Creamer is a widower who did not come out until his seventies,...
-- Robert Mainor, Before You Know It
Old age can be hard enough for anyone lucky enough to reach that stage of life; imagine how much more difficult it can be for gay people in a society that hasn't fully accepted them.
The lives of senior citizens in the Lgbtq community are the subject of Before You Know It, a deeply moving documentary that presents the often unhappy and seldom-discussed realities of being elderly and gay. Austin filmmaker Pj Raval's ambitious film introduces us to three elderly gay men who lead disparate lives, and their stories tell us much about a largely ignored segment of our society.
The men are all gay, but have little else in common. Dennis Creamer is a widower who did not come out until his seventies,...
- 3/13/2013
- by Don Clinchy
- Slackerwood
Director Pj Raval has for the last 7 years established himself as one of the premiere filmmakers focusing on the Lgbt community, and his most recent film "Before You Know It," is no exception. Attempting to demystify subject of aging sexuality, Raval focuses on three gay seniors, attempting to retain the sexuality of own of today's most ignored subjects. What it's about: Before You Know It captures the experiences of three gay seniors as they navigate the adventures, challenges and surprises of their “golden years.” Tell Us About Yourself: Named one of Out Magazine’s “Out 100 2010” and Filmmaker Magazine’s ”25 new faces of independent film 2006,” Pj Raval is an award-winning filmmaker whose credits include Trinidad (Winner, Best Documentary Cleveland International Film Festival 2009, Showtime, Logo), The Christeene video collection (SXSW), and Before You Know It (SXSW 2013 World Premiere). Raval is currently developing a feature fiction narrative with acclaimed...
- 3/7/2013
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Austin-based audio and visual post-production company Stuck On On worked on six films set to screen at SXSW 2013:
Matthew McConaughey-fronted Mud (Debbie's review)Local filmmakers Richard Linklater's Before Midnight (Debbie's review)Emily Hagins' feature Grow Up, Tony PhillipsFormer Afs Artist Services Director Bryan Poyser's The Bounceback (Elizabeth's interview)Pj Raval's documentary Before You Know ItKatie Graham and Andrew Matthews' Austin-shot movie Zero Charisma
The record-setting year marks the award-winning company's five-year anniversary, when founders Lyman Hardy, Parke Gregg and Allison Turrell (along with a silent partner) opened its doors in the Eastside with the mission to support and solidify Texas film's street cred. Before Stuck On On was a company, it was an experience Hardy had with a dining-room chandelier that refused to turn off.
And Turrell was stuck on post production after studying video art as a graduate student. She...
Matthew McConaughey-fronted Mud (Debbie's review)Local filmmakers Richard Linklater's Before Midnight (Debbie's review)Emily Hagins' feature Grow Up, Tony PhillipsFormer Afs Artist Services Director Bryan Poyser's The Bounceback (Elizabeth's interview)Pj Raval's documentary Before You Know ItKatie Graham and Andrew Matthews' Austin-shot movie Zero Charisma
The record-setting year marks the award-winning company's five-year anniversary, when founders Lyman Hardy, Parke Gregg and Allison Turrell (along with a silent partner) opened its doors in the Eastside with the mission to support and solidify Texas film's street cred. Before Stuck On On was a company, it was an experience Hardy had with a dining-room chandelier that refused to turn off.
And Turrell was stuck on post production after studying video art as a graduate student. She...
- 2/27/2013
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
Continued from earlier today, here are the rest of the SXSW 2013 films with Austin or Texas ties: documentaries and films that have already been hits at other festivals.
Documentary Spotlight:
An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story -- If you watch the local news, you are likely quite familiar with the wrongful conviction of Michael Morton in Williamson County. This documentary looks further into his story and the years of work by his attorneys to get him released.
Jette butts in: Filmmaker Al Reinert (screenwriter for For All Mankind, Apollo 13) lives in Houston. The film is produced by local filmmakers Clark and Jesse Lyda (who also own Monument Cafe) and Marcy Garriott -- all three worked previously on The Least of These (SXSW 2009). Jason Wehling (The Retrieval) is credited as a consulting producer. One of the composers is Chuck Pinnell, brother of the late Texas filmmaker Eagle Pennell. (screening...
- 2/6/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.