Katherine Mallen Kupferer, one of the breakout stars of “Ghostlight,” has signed with Fusion Entertainment for management.
“Ghostlight” premiered at Sundance and will be released across the country this summer by IFC Films and Sapan Studios. A Chicago-based stage and screen actor, Kupferer last year had a supporting role as Gretchen in the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” which was directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and executive produced by James L. Brooks.
“Katherine leaps off the screen in both ‘Ghostlight’ and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margeret,” said Fusion Entertainment partners Chris Evans and Adam Kersh. “Even at a young age, she is an impressively versatile comedic and dramatic actor. We look forward to working with Katherine and helping guide her already promising career to new heights.”
Born to theatrical parents Keith Kupferer and Tara Mallen Kupferer, Katherine made her...
“Ghostlight” premiered at Sundance and will be released across the country this summer by IFC Films and Sapan Studios. A Chicago-based stage and screen actor, Kupferer last year had a supporting role as Gretchen in the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” which was directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and executive produced by James L. Brooks.
“Katherine leaps off the screen in both ‘Ghostlight’ and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margeret,” said Fusion Entertainment partners Chris Evans and Adam Kersh. “Even at a young age, she is an impressively versatile comedic and dramatic actor. We look forward to working with Katherine and helping guide her already promising career to new heights.”
Born to theatrical parents Keith Kupferer and Tara Mallen Kupferer, Katherine made her...
- 5/24/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Emperor of Ocean Park has its premiere date. The suspense thriller series will arrive on MGM+ this summer and a trailer has also been released.
The drama stars Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, and Paulina Lule and follows a family as they investigate their father's death. In addition, Keith Powers, Kelli Simpkins, Keith Kupferer, and Deanna Reed-Foster have joined the cast in guest roles.
Read More…...
The drama stars Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, and Paulina Lule and follows a family as they investigate their father's death. In addition, Keith Powers, Kelli Simpkins, Keith Kupferer, and Deanna Reed-Foster have joined the cast in guest roles.
Read More…...
- 5/23/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The 50th Annual Seattle International Film Festival (Siff) wrapped up on Sunday and announced the winners of the 2024 Golden Space Needle Audience and Juried Competition Awards.
The festival began on May 9 and screened 261 films representing 84 countries with “62% of the feature films were created by first or second-time filmmakers; 43% were created by women or nonbinary filmmakers; 35% of filmmakers identify as a Bipoc director; and nearly 60% are currently without U.S. distribution and may not screen commercially in the United States,” according to Siff.
Siff holds two categories of competition: juried and audience based. Juried competitions include five feature subcategories including the Official Competition, New American Cinema Competition, New Directors Competition, Ibero-American Competition and Documentary Competition. Short film categories include live action, animation and documentary.
In addition, over 32,000 ballots were submitted for the Golden Space Needle Awards (Gsna). Films judged through the GSNAs are selected by audience members through post-screening ballots. The categories include best film,...
The festival began on May 9 and screened 261 films representing 84 countries with “62% of the feature films were created by first or second-time filmmakers; 43% were created by women or nonbinary filmmakers; 35% of filmmakers identify as a Bipoc director; and nearly 60% are currently without U.S. distribution and may not screen commercially in the United States,” according to Siff.
Siff holds two categories of competition: juried and audience based. Juried competitions include five feature subcategories including the Official Competition, New American Cinema Competition, New Directors Competition, Ibero-American Competition and Documentary Competition. Short film categories include live action, animation and documentary.
In addition, over 32,000 ballots were submitted for the Golden Space Needle Awards (Gsna). Films judged through the GSNAs are selected by audience members through post-screening ballots. The categories include best film,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Closing Night for the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) is Thursday, May 9th, and the final film centerpiece is “Ghostlight,” directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. For the full schedule, info and tickets, click Ccff Closing Night. For individual films, click titles below.
Ghostlight
Writer/Co-Director Kelly O’Sullivan (inset) of ‘Ghostlight’
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer). Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production for one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Capsule Review: The premise has sitcom-like plot drivers to get the reluctant Dan on stage, but the path...
Ghostlight
Writer/Co-Director Kelly O’Sullivan (inset) of ‘Ghostlight’
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer). Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production for one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Capsule Review: The premise has sitcom-like plot drivers to get the reluctant Dan on stage, but the path...
- 5/9/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
"The lines are the easy part. The hard part is the emotional journey." IFC Films has revealed the trailer for Ghostlight, an acclaimed indie drama that first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. I caught it there and I have to say - this really is a gem, it surprised & moved me in many unexpected ways. Co-directors Alex Thompson & Kelly O'Sullivan's previous film, Saint Frances, received widespread praise on the regional festival circuit & national stage, including noms from the Indie Spirit Awards and The Gotham Awards. This is their latest film creation. When melancholic construction worker Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater's production of Romeo & Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss. Stars newcomer Keith Kupferer as Dan,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
When Chicago-based filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson first came across our radar with their charming “Saint Frances,” it was clear we were witnessing the birth of a powerhouse pair of indie filmmakers. Even in that first film, which marked Thompson’s feature directorial debut and that O’Sullivan both wrote and starred in, what would become their signature was obvious: a canny combination of heart and humor that go beyond basic loglines.
“Saint Frances” was eventually nominated for three Gotham Awards and the Indie Spirits’ vaunted John Cassavetes Award, and when chatting with IndieWire about their delightful gem, the pair even admitted that simple plotlines don’t quite do their works justice. “Saint Frances” comes with what seems like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told...
“Saint Frances” was eventually nominated for three Gotham Awards and the Indie Spirits’ vaunted John Cassavetes Award, and when chatting with IndieWire about their delightful gem, the pair even admitted that simple plotlines don’t quite do their works justice. “Saint Frances” comes with what seems like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told...
- 5/6/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
IFC Films announced that Ghostlight, acquired by the studio out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it made its world premiere, will open in New York City and Chicago on Friday, June 14, 2024 before expanding nationwide the following week.
The film is co-directed by Chicagoans Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and written by O’Sullivan, and stars real-life family Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as well as Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness).
The film follows Dan, a melancholic construction worker who finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing this project that is so near and dear to our hearts to the big screen this summer,...
The film is co-directed by Chicagoans Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and written by O’Sullivan, and stars real-life family Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as well as Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness).
The film follows Dan, a melancholic construction worker who finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing this project that is so near and dear to our hearts to the big screen this summer,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s Ghostlight is a tender drama bearing profound moments of humor and small triumphs. The smartly constructed script by O’Sullivan buries the lede, revealing new narrative information with each layer as we watch a nuclear family slowly come apart and, later, find solace in the wake of their son’s suicide. Anchored by a real-life family, the film feels as if it’s been meticulously workshopped with the same intimate collaboration that gave O’Sullivan and Thompson’s last feature, Saint Frances, its authentic nuances.
Dan Muller (Keith Kupferer) is first presented to us as a small-town construction worker with a short temper and family drama. He has a rebellious 15-year-old daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and his marriage to Sharon (Tara Mallen) is on the rocks. Love holds the family together, and following an...
Dan Muller (Keith Kupferer) is first presented to us as a small-town construction worker with a short temper and family drama. He has a rebellious 15-year-old daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and his marriage to Sharon (Tara Mallen) is on the rocks. Love holds the family together, and following an...
- 3/13/2024
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Visit Films has added Sundance premiere Ghostlight, Latin music biopic Jenni and New York-set comedy Late Bloomers to its slate for next week’s European Film Market.
Visit will represent international sales rights for Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. Keith Kupferer, Tara Mullen, Katherine Mallen Kupfererv and Dolly de Leon star in the story of a construction worker who joins a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet.
IFC Films and Sapan Studio recently acquired North American rights to the film, which is produced by Ian Keiser, Alex Wilson, Pierce Cravens, Eddie Linker, Chelsea Krant and Alex Thompson.
Visit will represent international sales rights for Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. Keith Kupferer, Tara Mullen, Katherine Mallen Kupfererv and Dolly de Leon star in the story of a construction worker who joins a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet.
IFC Films and Sapan Studio recently acquired North American rights to the film, which is produced by Ian Keiser, Alex Wilson, Pierce Cravens, Eddie Linker, Chelsea Krant and Alex Thompson.
- 2/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
Coming-of-age stories are practically a sub-genre of their own. Coming-of-middle-age stories, however, tend to be, if not few and far between, then far more rare. That’s likely due to studio perceptions of what does and doesn’t sell: young adult-oriented films, yes, non-adult-oriented films, no. Ghostlight, Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s follow-up to 2019’s Independent Spirit Award-nominated Saint Frances, functions, at least in part, as a coming-of-middle story for its remarkably unremarkable central character, Dan Mueller (Keith Kupferer), a man torn by loss, grief, and outdated notions of masculinity. When we first meet Dan, a construction worker in a brightly colored vest and hard hat, he’s directing traffic on a busy Chicago street. From his faraway look, however, it’s evident Dan has other, potentially life-altering things in...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/5/2024
- Screen Anarchy
El éxito del terror indie en Sundance: “Talk to Me” pasa el testigo a “I Saw the TV Glow” en su 40ª edición.
El Festival de Cine de Sundance ha terminado y por ello os traemos nuestro análisis del festival. Un festival en el que anteriormente se estrenaron mundialmente películas muy aclamadas como “Brooklyn”, “Hereditary”, “Manchester By The Sea”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Get Out” o “Whiplash”. Y es que, esta temporada de premios aún no ha terminado y ya estamos con los ojos puestos en las películas de Sundance para ver cuál ha destacado y si alguna de ellas podría unirse a esta lista de películas aclamadas que tuvieron su estreno en el festival. Así que, pasemos al análisis.
Como siempre, para obtener una visión más clara acerca de las reacciones del festival, hemos optado por realizar un análisis utilizando como fuente los datos de Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic y Letterboxd.
El Festival de Cine de Sundance ha terminado y por ello os traemos nuestro análisis del festival. Un festival en el que anteriormente se estrenaron mundialmente películas muy aclamadas como “Brooklyn”, “Hereditary”, “Manchester By The Sea”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Get Out” o “Whiplash”. Y es que, esta temporada de premios aún no ha terminado y ya estamos con los ojos puestos en las películas de Sundance para ver cuál ha destacado y si alguna de ellas podría unirse a esta lista de películas aclamadas que tuvieron su estreno en el festival. Así que, pasemos al análisis.
Como siempre, para obtener una visión más clara acerca de las reacciones del festival, hemos optado por realizar un análisis utilizando como fuente los datos de Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic y Letterboxd.
- 1/31/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
The Sundance Film Festival has wrapped in snowy Park City, and Deadline was on the ground to watch all of the key films. Here is a compilation of our reviews from the fest, which include festival award winners like Daughters, the documentary that took the Festival Favorite Award, and A Real Pain, which won the Waldo Salt Screenwriter Award for its writer-director-star Jesse Eisenberg.
Other pics include several that were scooped up by distributors, led by Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence selling to Neon, A Real Pain going to Searchlight, Ghostlight to IFC Films, and Netflix’s smash $17 million deal for It’s What’s Inside.
Check out the reviews below, click on the titles to read them in full, and keep checking back as we add more.
The American Society of Magical Negroes (L-r) Justice Smith and David Alan Grier in ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’
Section: Premieres
Director-screenwriter: Kobi Libii
Cast: Justice Smith,...
Other pics include several that were scooped up by distributors, led by Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence selling to Neon, A Real Pain going to Searchlight, Ghostlight to IFC Films, and Netflix’s smash $17 million deal for It’s What’s Inside.
Check out the reviews below, click on the titles to read them in full, and keep checking back as we add more.
The American Society of Magical Negroes (L-r) Justice Smith and David Alan Grier in ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’
Section: Premieres
Director-screenwriter: Kobi Libii
Cast: Justice Smith,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Damon Wise, Valerie Complex and Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight,” the second film from “Saint Frances” directors Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
- 1/25/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired North American rights to Sundance dramedy Ghostlight as the Sundance deals continnue to trickle in heading into the closing weekend.
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
IFC Films and Sapan Studio announced today that they have acquired the North American rights to Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s Ghostlight out of the Sundance premiere section.
The movie stars a real-life family of actors Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret) alongside Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness). A theatrical release is planned for this year.
Ghostlight centers on Keith Kupferer, in a star-making performance, as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy. The pic is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Movie was produced by Thompson, Pierce Craven, Chelsea Krant, Ian Keiser, Eddie Linker and Alex Wilson. Variety had the break on Ghostlight.
The movie stars a real-life family of actors Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret) alongside Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness). A theatrical release is planned for this year.
Ghostlight centers on Keith Kupferer, in a star-making performance, as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy. The pic is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Movie was produced by Thompson, Pierce Craven, Chelsea Krant, Ian Keiser, Eddie Linker and Alex Wilson. Variety had the break on Ghostlight.
- 1/25/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight” following its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, where the tender-hearted drama drew strong reviews.
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Live theater serves a therapeutic role for the actors involved in “Ghostlight,” an emotional “let’s put on a show”-style indie that, fittingly enough, came together during last year’s actors strike. The sensitive — but also considerably more conservative — follow-up project for “Saint Frances” screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan and co-director (and partner) Alex Thompson celebrates the healing power of art, as a family shaken by its eldest son’s suicide uses a community theater production of “Romeo and Juliet” to work through emotions they haven’t been able to discuss openly at home.
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Getting impatient for Kenneth Lonergan to get his act together and make another great movie? Ghostlight should scratch that itch and more besides, being a funny, intelligent and yet at times almost unbearably sad movie that takes a searing family tragedy and spins it into a riveting redemption story that, while a little predictable in the more familiar second half, somehow never hits a false note. Although technically an ensemble piece, with a lovely cast of supporting players whose thespian antics will ring a bell with actors of all generations, it rests squarely on a powerhouse performance from Chicago stage veteran Keith Kupferer, whose career must surely about to enter a whole new phase, perhaps to the fill the void left by the late, great Brian Dennehy.
Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who caused a splash at SXSW in 2019 with Saint Frances, Ghostlight opens with a curtain-up, as...
Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who caused a splash at SXSW in 2019 with Saint Frances, Ghostlight opens with a curtain-up, as...
- 1/19/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance film festival: Triangle of Sadness star Dolly De Leon steals scenes in an endearing story of a real family wrapped up in a lo-fi staging of Romeo and Juliet
The film-makers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson know their way around the peaks and valleys of the everyday. Their breakout 2019 feature Saint Frances, written and starring O’Sullivan, sublimated what could be big strokes of drama – abortion, postpartum depression, getting older, lost time – into the unremarkable (on the outside) relationship between an aimless 34-year-old and her six-year-old nannying charge. The daily humors and challenges in one woman’s life were not particularly dramatic or arresting, but rendered with such curiosity and acceptance as to feel radical.
Ghostlight, the duo’s new feature premiering at the Sundance film festival, traffics in a similar leveling of mundanity and insight. (It’s also written by O’Sullivan.) There’s an appealing naturalness to the project,...
The film-makers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson know their way around the peaks and valleys of the everyday. Their breakout 2019 feature Saint Frances, written and starring O’Sullivan, sublimated what could be big strokes of drama – abortion, postpartum depression, getting older, lost time – into the unremarkable (on the outside) relationship between an aimless 34-year-old and her six-year-old nannying charge. The daily humors and challenges in one woman’s life were not particularly dramatic or arresting, but rendered with such curiosity and acceptance as to feel radical.
Ghostlight, the duo’s new feature premiering at the Sundance film festival, traffics in a similar leveling of mundanity and insight. (It’s also written by O’Sullivan.) There’s an appealing naturalness to the project,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Adrian Horton in Park City, Utah
- The Guardian - Film News
Is there a more exhaustively, and exhaustingly, tackled theme in American independent film than grief?
Festival lineups and arthouses are littered with stories — some somber, some quirk-laden — of loss and trauma, mourning and memory, learning to live and love again after the passing of a child, a spouse, a sibling, a parent. Despite sublime exceptions like Manchester by the Sea and Rachel Getting Married, a dispiriting majority are basically cinematic white noise; there’s a numbing, rinse-and-repeat sameness to all the emotional repression, breakthroughs and release. Trying to take a shortcut to our most painful feelings, these films have the contrary effect of activating our defenses or, worse, our indifference.
Luckily, there are portraits of grief that bulldoze past our resistance, and their own shortcomings, thanks to the sheer force of their sincerity. Ghostlight, from Chicago-based writing-directing team Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is one of them. A dramedy about...
Festival lineups and arthouses are littered with stories — some somber, some quirk-laden — of loss and trauma, mourning and memory, learning to live and love again after the passing of a child, a spouse, a sibling, a parent. Despite sublime exceptions like Manchester by the Sea and Rachel Getting Married, a dispiriting majority are basically cinematic white noise; there’s a numbing, rinse-and-repeat sameness to all the emotional repression, breakthroughs and release. Trying to take a shortcut to our most painful feelings, these films have the contrary effect of activating our defenses or, worse, our indifference.
Luckily, there are portraits of grief that bulldoze past our resistance, and their own shortcomings, thanks to the sheer force of their sincerity. Ghostlight, from Chicago-based writing-directing team Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is one of them. A dramedy about...
- 1/19/2024
- by Jon Frosch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Most reviews of Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s tender dramedy “Ghostlight” are likely to start with a definition of the title, but we’ll try to subvert that expectation a bit here.
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Park City – Sometimes, the star of the movie isn’t the cast or the director. It’s not the cinematography or the score. Sometimes, you watch a film and realize you’re experiencing the unfurling of a pretty fantastic screenplay. That’s the case with “Ghostlight,” which debuted at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival today and was written by uber-talented screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan.
Read More: Sundance 2024: The 23 Most Anticipated Movies To Watch
Co-directed by O’Sullivan and her “Saint Frances” collaborator Alex Thompson, “Ghostlight” shines a spotlight on Dan (Keith Kupferer), a blue-collar construction worker who can barely focus on his job.
Continue reading ‘Ghostlight’ Review: A Family Finds Solace In Community Theater [Sundance] at The Playlist.
Read More: Sundance 2024: The 23 Most Anticipated Movies To Watch
Co-directed by O’Sullivan and her “Saint Frances” collaborator Alex Thompson, “Ghostlight” shines a spotlight on Dan (Keith Kupferer), a blue-collar construction worker who can barely focus on his job.
Continue reading ‘Ghostlight’ Review: A Family Finds Solace In Community Theater [Sundance] at The Playlist.
- 1/18/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
"We are looking for Jerry." Fandor has debuted an official trailer for an indie dramedy feature called Our Father, which premiered at this year's SXSW Film Festival playing in the main competition. Marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Bradley Grant Smith, the film is described as a "sardonic drama/dark comedy" about two estranged sisters attempting to bond while in search of their mysterious long-forgotten Uncle Jerry. Who may hold the key to their father's suicide and their family's unhappiness. One review says it's "an offbeat odyssey with outwardly small tangible stakes, but calamitous emotional ones..." The indie films stars Baize Buzan & Allison Torem as the two sisters, with Austin Pendleton, Tim Hopper, Guy Massey, Keith Kupferer, and Lance Baker. Not really sure if this one is worth a watch, but there's something strangely appealing about the awkward, tragic concept that got my attention. Take a look below. Here's...
- 8/27/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s oddly appropriate that grief-stricken widower Ted (David Sullivan) spends most of Jack C. Newell’s “Monuments” schlepping his wife’s ashes around the geographical midpoint of the continental U.S.A. This dippily surreal existential comedy — imagine Quentin Dupieux engineering a head-on collision between “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” and “Little Miss Sunshine” — feels like it’s born of the exact middle ground between the big-budget escapist mainstream and the hardcore arthouse “coasts” of American cinematic output. It’s in a flyover state of mind.
Any other year, no big deal — there has traditionally been no shortage of Sundance-y, SXSW-y low-budget American filmmaking to which the awful adjective “quirky” can be applied. But right now “Monuments” — which at least has no smirk in its quirk — getting a theatrical release makes a hopeful, daffy case for the U.S. indie still having a role to play in the polarized post-pandemic movie landscape.
Any other year, no big deal — there has traditionally been no shortage of Sundance-y, SXSW-y low-budget American filmmaking to which the awful adjective “quirky” can be applied. But right now “Monuments” — which at least has no smirk in its quirk — getting a theatrical release makes a hopeful, daffy case for the U.S. indie still having a role to play in the polarized post-pandemic movie landscape.
- 6/4/2021
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Getting his debut film – “Our Father” – into the 2021 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival was a major achievement for writer/director Bradley Grant Smith, and puts the spotlight on his emerging talent and perspective. Smith is also a musician … he provided the soundtrack for the film as well.
This film has a Chicago connection, as it is populated with theater folk from the Windy City and Goodman Theatre, which includes writer/director Smith. It’s the story of two sisters, Zelda (Allison Torem) and Beta (Baize Buzan), who are reunited when their father commits suicide. This begins a cavalcade of circumstances, including a bizarre encounter with their half brothers. The film takes place in a dream-like state, in which all the sister’s encounters become fodder for their status as women, and the men they come across. The great character actor Austin Pendleton makes a cameo as a key relative,...
This film has a Chicago connection, as it is populated with theater folk from the Windy City and Goodman Theatre, which includes writer/director Smith. It’s the story of two sisters, Zelda (Allison Torem) and Beta (Baize Buzan), who are reunited when their father commits suicide. This begins a cavalcade of circumstances, including a bizarre encounter with their half brothers. The film takes place in a dream-like state, in which all the sister’s encounters become fodder for their status as women, and the men they come across. The great character actor Austin Pendleton makes a cameo as a key relative,...
- 3/23/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
With most festivals moving full steam ahead, such as the recently wrapped Rotterdam and Sundance, the next two major ones on the calendar are Berlinale, which just unveiled its lineup, and South by Southwest, which has also dropped theirs.
Set to take place March 16-20, the 2021 Film Festival program has 75 features including 57 World Premieres, 3 International Premieres, 4 North American Premieres, 1 U.S. Premieres, 8 Texas Premieres and 53 films from first-time filmmakers + 84 Short Films including Music Videos, 5 Episodic Premieres, 6 Episodic Pilots, 20 Virtual Cinema projects, 14 Title Design entries, plus 30 Special Events.
“It’s been a year unlike any we’ve experienced, first marked by the cancellation of SXSW 2020,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “We feel privileged to have been able to pivot to SXSW Online and present a fantastic treasure trove of programming, including a pared down and wonderful selection of films that we know will delight, entertain and move our attendees. SXSW...
Set to take place March 16-20, the 2021 Film Festival program has 75 features including 57 World Premieres, 3 International Premieres, 4 North American Premieres, 1 U.S. Premieres, 8 Texas Premieres and 53 films from first-time filmmakers + 84 Short Films including Music Videos, 5 Episodic Premieres, 6 Episodic Pilots, 20 Virtual Cinema projects, 14 Title Design entries, plus 30 Special Events.
“It’s been a year unlike any we’ve experienced, first marked by the cancellation of SXSW 2020,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “We feel privileged to have been able to pivot to SXSW Online and present a fantastic treasure trove of programming, including a pared down and wonderful selection of films that we know will delight, entertain and move our attendees. SXSW...
- 2/11/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-premiere production of The Qualms by ensemble member Bruce Norris is a provocative comedy marks Steppenwolf's eighth production and seventh world premiere by the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning author of Clybourne Park. Tony Award-winner Pam MacKinnon Steppenwolf's production of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf directs a cast of nine featuring ensemble member Kate Arrington with Owais Ahmed, Karen Aldridge, Diane Davis, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Keith Kupferer, David Pasquesi, Paul Oakley Stovall and Greg Stuhr. The Qualms begins previews tonight, July 3, 2014 opening night is July 13 press performances are July 12 at 3pm and July 15 at 730pm and runs through August 31, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St.
- 7/3/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
We're all for getting out in the summertime, but there might not be anything more refreshing than cooling off in a movie theater... or seeing a movie in the comfort of your air-conditioned home on demand, on DVD, or online... or better yet catching a classic on the big screen at a nearby repertory theater. With literally hundreds of films to choose from this summer, we humbly present this guide to the season's most exciting offerings.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
- 5/6/2009
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler with Robert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D?Addario, James D. Farruggio, Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 ? May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups.
- 5/1/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler with Robert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio, Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 - May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups. The press performance is Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.
- 4/22/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler with Robert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio, Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 - May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted.
- 4/1/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler withRobert Belushi, Emanueal Buckley, Ron Butts, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio,Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer and Guy Massey runs April 21 - May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups. The press performance is Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.
- 3/3/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Steppenwolf for Young Adults continues its 2008-2009 season with Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Michael Patrick Thornton. The production, featuring ensemble member Robert Breuler with Robert Belushi, Ron Butts, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio, Jessie Fisher, Richard Henzel, Keith Kupferer, Guy Massey and Andr? Teamer, runs April 21 - May 10, 2009 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups. The press performance is Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. John Steinbeck's classic tale of friendship follows two migrant workers in California during the Great Depression. George Milton looks after his mentally-disabled friend, Lennie Small, as they travel looking for work. The two men hope to one day settle down on their own piece of land, but their plans of living the American Dream prove difficult to achieve. Michael Patrick Thornton...
- 1/22/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
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.