Filmmaker Dee Rees made history on June 29 when her debut feature “Pariah” joined the Criterion Collection, making the Oscar and Emmy nominee the first Black American woman to have her work included. Before Rees, Euzhan Palcy, who is from Martinique, was the lone Black woman to have a film (1989’s “A Dry White Season”) selected.
“It feels like a formal acknowledgment of the film’s impact to the canon and being a part of the culture,” Rees tells Variety of having her movie chosen. “Even though artists have to try to find your validation from inside, it’s nice to be seen.”
And as a Black filmmaker in particular, Rees adds, “it’s important to be included for future generations of filmmakers, if [Criterion] is the thing that’s being taught in schools.”
“When they’re absent, then the assumption is there’s none in existence,” she explains. “There’s no Black filmmakers here,...
“It feels like a formal acknowledgment of the film’s impact to the canon and being a part of the culture,” Rees tells Variety of having her movie chosen. “Even though artists have to try to find your validation from inside, it’s nice to be seen.”
And as a Black filmmaker in particular, Rees adds, “it’s important to be included for future generations of filmmakers, if [Criterion] is the thing that’s being taught in schools.”
“When they’re absent, then the assumption is there’s none in existence,” she explains. “There’s no Black filmmakers here,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Girl Talk is a weekly look at women in film — past, present, and future.
Amma Asante has an easy idea to help emerging female filmmakers: bring them to set. More specifically, to her sets, where the “Belle” and “A United Kingdom” filmmaker can assist burgeoning creative minds as they learn the ropes of production. Asante has been quietly mentoring fellow filmmakers this way for years, as part of a grassroots commitment to help raise up the next generation of women in the industry, an initiative she’s happy to carry out without much in the way of publicity or fanfare.
“I’ve made a commitment to ensuring that whenever I’m on set and whenever I’m filming that I always have an emerging female filmmaker there to shadow me,” Asante told IndieWire. “Not to work on the set, because I want them to be able to focus on learning whatever they can,...
Amma Asante has an easy idea to help emerging female filmmakers: bring them to set. More specifically, to her sets, where the “Belle” and “A United Kingdom” filmmaker can assist burgeoning creative minds as they learn the ropes of production. Asante has been quietly mentoring fellow filmmakers this way for years, as part of a grassroots commitment to help raise up the next generation of women in the industry, an initiative she’s happy to carry out without much in the way of publicity or fanfare.
“I’ve made a commitment to ensuring that whenever I’m on set and whenever I’m filming that I always have an emerging female filmmaker there to shadow me,” Asante told IndieWire. “Not to work on the set, because I want them to be able to focus on learning whatever they can,...
- 2/23/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
“Diversity” may be a big buzzword for the film business these days, but for a lot of organizations, the challenges implied by the term are nothing new. While the Academy announced last week that it was inviting 683 new members—many from diverse backgrounds—to their vaunted club, the independent film side of the industry has long been fighting the good fight, with programs, grants and foundations focused on creating a more equitable entertainment ecosystem.
But how well are such initiatives working? “If we’re honest with ourselves, we have to realize there are a lot of well-meaning programs out there that are not having an impact,” said Film Independent’s Josh Welsh. “I’m at a point of great frustration. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, but at the same time, these studies continue to come out every year that say the numbers in the industry are, as a whole,...
But how well are such initiatives working? “If we’re honest with ourselves, we have to realize there are a lot of well-meaning programs out there that are not having an impact,” said Film Independent’s Josh Welsh. “I’m at a point of great frustration. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, but at the same time, these studies continue to come out every year that say the numbers in the industry are, as a whole,...
- 7/7/2016
- by Anthony Kaufman
- Indiewire
A project whose Kickstarter campaign we featured on this site in 2011, looks to be getting back on track, but with what looks like a fresh team behind the camera, as well as a new cast. When we first mentioned it 3 years ago, producer Nekisa Cooper (Pariah) and cinematographer Bradford Young (Mississippi Damned, Restless City, Mother Of George, Middle of Nowhere) were both attached to the project, written and to be directed by Maris Curran. Curran is still the writer and director of the film - titled Five Nights in Maine - but Carly Hugo and Matt Parker are now listed as producers, alongside Curran and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon...
- 5/8/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Renaissance man (writer, producer, director, editor, etc) Miles Maker will make his feature film directorial debut with a Bdsm-themed erotic psychological thriller, aptly titled Safeword. Maker optioned rights to the Zoe Mavroudi-penned script earlier this year, and has attracted top-rising indie producers Nekisa Cooper (Pariah) and Diane Houslin (Yelling To The Sky) to shepherd the production, with German sales company Atlas International shopping the project at the American Film Market (Afm), which kicked off in Los Angeles this week. Safeword tells a dicey tale of a renowned piano virtuoso who conquers debilitating performance anxiety,...
- 11/8/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Sean Mc Manus, who stepped down as Film Independent co-president in July, has joined the Ifp team as its Director of External Affairs, overseeing Ifp's development and marketing for its annual programming and recently launched Made in NY Media Center by Ifp, The Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp) announced today. Mc Manus will head efforts for the Media Center, 35th anniversary initiatives and Ifp's annual events including the Gotham Awards, Independent Film Week, and Filmmaker Magazine. Mc Manus joins Ifp's previously announced staff hires for the Media Center including: Director of Programming, Brent Hoff and Managing Director of Operations & Administration, Andrea Baker, and Producer of Education Programs, Nekisa Cooper. "We are incredibly excited to bring Sam Mc Manus on board as our Director of External Affairs. Not only does he have extensive experience, he knows Ifp well and will help us grow new relationships with partners such as Verizon, Illy, and others not yet.
- 10/11/2013
- by Ohad Amram
- Indiewire
The Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp) announced today that Sean Mc Manus has joined the Ifp team as its Director of External Affairs. Mc Manus, who worked for Film Independent from 1998 through this earlier year when he stepped down as co-president, will oversee marketing and development efforts for the Ifp’s annual events including the Gotham Awards, Independent Film Week, and Filmmaker Magazine. He will split his time between New York and Los Angeles, representing Ifp on both coasts. Mc Manus joins Ifp’s previously announced staff hires for the Media Center including: Director of Programming, Brent Hoff and Managing Director of Operations & Administration, Andrea Baker, and Producer of Education Programs, Nekisa Cooper.
- 10/11/2013
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
Nekisa Cooper has joined the NY Media Center by Ifp team as its producer of Educational Programs, the Made in NY Media Center by Ifp announced today. Cooper is an independent producer, who most recently produced "Pariah." She was most recently awarded the 2013 Fox/Hbcu Alliance Media Grant in partnership with Film Independent. Prior to working in the film business, Cooper worked a variety of jobs in brand management for companies including Colgate and Palmolive, and also worked as an assistant women's basketball coach on the high school and college levels. Cooper earned a BA from The College of William & Mary and an Mba from Clark Atlanta University. "Nekisa is an incredible talent in the creative community and we are all thrilled to have her on staff to lead our educational efforts. Her vision, talent and energy rounds out the Center's core senior staff and we could not be more excited about the programs,...
- 9/30/2013
- by Ohad Amram
- Indiewire
Now that Kodak is out of bankruptcy, it wants to reassure filmmakers that they are still in the business of making movies. "We will be making film for the forseeable future," Bob Mastronardi, sales and technical manager, Kodak, said yesterday during "Want the Film Look? Shoot Film," a Kodak-sponsored panel during Ifp Film Week. "I want to reinforce the fact that film is still here and we are still here." Despite the prevalence (and affordability) of digital, there are still films being shot on film, including some of the best indies of recent years, such as "Beasts of the Southern Wild, "Fruitvale Station," and "Blue Jasmine." "In this day of everything digital, it seems like film is never even considered," said Mastronardi. "If you are interested in doing your project on film, you should consider film." The panelists included cinematographer Brian Rigney Hubbard ("Circumstance"), producer Nekisa Cooper ("Pariah"), cinematographer Brett Jutkiewicz ("Daddy Longlegs") and director.
- 9/18/2013
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
I'll be moderating a panel at the conference, titled New Black Voices that'll include Nekisa Cooper, Shaka King, Terence Nance, and Yoruba Richen, which, as the title (and panelists) suggests, will focus on the recent new crop of young, independent, black filmmakers, creating original, exciting, topical, personal films. The panel takes place this Sunday, September 15th, 2013 from 2:15Pm - 3:00Pm, at Bruno Walter Auditorium - 111 Amsterdam Avenue, in NYC. For conference pass purchase information, click Here. Maybe I'll see you there... The 2013 Ifp Filmmaker Conference takes place from September 15-19. For the full lineup of events, click Here. Full poster art below:...
- 9/13/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Several films we've covered on this site over the years were recipients of grants from Chicken & Egg Pictures - Buddha of Africa; The Supreme Price; The New Black; Call Me Kuchu and several others. I should also note that Nekisa Cooper, producer of Pariah, was awarded the the first Creative Producer grant from Chicken and Egg Pictures in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival - a $10,000 award! So you're strongly encouraged to apply, assuming you qualify. Details from the email announcement, below: It's that exciting time of year again! Chicken & Egg Pictures is looking for more talented and...
- 6/4/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Amongst last year's grantees were a handful of projects we've been following since then - Buddha of Africa (a working title), a South Africa/Malawi production, and The Supreme Price - a USA/Nigeria production; there were 2 or 3 others as I recall. Skimming over this year's list, I can see that there are, once again, a handful of projects that will be of specific interest to this blog - like Yoruba Richen's The New Black, which we're already following. I should also note that Nekisa Cooper, producer of Pariah, was awarded the the first Creative Producer grant from Chicken and Egg Pictures last year at the...
- 12/13/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Email I received says deadline is this Friday, November 16, so you don't have much time! One past participant whose name you'd recognize is Nekisa Cooper (Pariah); also Jason Orans for Tanya Hamilton's Night Catches Us. Through its long-standing partnership with CineMart, Ifp annually selects two producers to participate in the Rotterdam Lab, which runs concurrently with the CineMart co-production market, January 27-30, 2013. The Fellowship is open to producers with at least one narrative feature producing credit who are current Ifp Members at any level. The Rotterdam Lab, a four-day training workshop for producers, is designed to build up their international...
- 11/12/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
I learned a lot about myself during Ifp’s Independent Film Week. I shared the experience with my brilliant/disgustingly attractive producer, Cecilia. Here is a photo of her to prove to you that I am not exaggerating.
You can’t tell from the photo, but she has an Italian accent. This really enhances the allure. Also, I try to photobomb as many pics of her as possible.
She’s one of my closest friends. We met all the way back in undergrad when she produced a really cheesy dating-comedy I was far too proud of having written. Last week, we spent every waking moment together and it was through her eyes that I got to see some pitfalls of my personality.
Lesson #1
Apparently I have a very consistent afternoon “cranky baby period.” Like clockwork, each day around 3p.m. I have a moment where I am compelled to share...
You can’t tell from the photo, but she has an Italian accent. This really enhances the allure. Also, I try to photobomb as many pics of her as possible.
She’s one of my closest friends. We met all the way back in undergrad when she produced a really cheesy dating-comedy I was far too proud of having written. Last week, we spent every waking moment together and it was through her eyes that I got to see some pitfalls of my personality.
Lesson #1
Apparently I have a very consistent afternoon “cranky baby period.” Like clockwork, each day around 3p.m. I have a moment where I am compelled to share...
- 9/27/2012
- by Desiree Akhavan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Tags: Lady GagaLindsay LohanRachel MaddowAmber RoseJD SamsonIMDbDemi Lovato
Good afternoon!
Happy birthday Nekisa Cooper, Moon Bloodgood, Sophia Loren and Kristen Johnston!
Moon Bloodgood
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
During last night's X Factor auditions super star Demi Lovato declared her “girl crush” for a female contestant named Cece. When Cece was asked about Lovato's comment she said, “Oh gosh, I was all about her.” I'm not sure what Cece's boyfriend thought about the mutual admiration but it sure made good reality TV.
Out actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident after she allegedly hit a man with her car and causing him to go to the hospital for a knee injury.
And speaking of Lohan check out the latest poster for Liz and Dick.
Photo courtesy of People
Chik-fil-a is making headlines again. The fast-food chain has released an internal document stating that the...
Good afternoon!
Happy birthday Nekisa Cooper, Moon Bloodgood, Sophia Loren and Kristen Johnston!
Moon Bloodgood
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
During last night's X Factor auditions super star Demi Lovato declared her “girl crush” for a female contestant named Cece. When Cece was asked about Lovato's comment she said, “Oh gosh, I was all about her.” I'm not sure what Cece's boyfriend thought about the mutual admiration but it sure made good reality TV.
Out actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident after she allegedly hit a man with her car and causing him to go to the hospital for a knee injury.
And speaking of Lohan check out the latest poster for Liz and Dick.
Photo courtesy of People
Chik-fil-a is making headlines again. The fast-food chain has released an internal document stating that the...
- 9/20/2012
- by Bridget McManus
- AfterEllen.com
Last night, Dee Rees' Pariah was the winner of the prestigious John Cassavetes award for Best Film! The documentary The Interrupters won the award for Best Documentary. Below the list of winners, watch writer/director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper accepting the Best Film award. Special Congratulations to Rees, Cooper, Director of Photography Bradford Young, lead actress Adepero Oduye and rest of the cast and crew!! Also congrats to The Interrupters' team! Best Feature The Descendants The Artist Take Shelter Drive Beginners 50/50 Best First Feature In The Family Natural Selection Martha Marcy May Marlene Margin Call Another Earth Best Screenplay Win Win The Descendants The Artist Footnote Beginners Best Female Lead ...
- 2/26/2012
- by Vanessa Martinez
- Indiewire
Getty Michel Hazanavicius, director of “The Artist,” won Best Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards
Los Angeles — Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Penelope Ann Miller and Zachary Quinto were among the guests who came out to celebrate the 27th annual Independent Spirit Awards Saturday afternoon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.
Seth Rogen hosted the event, with the first award going to Christopher Plummer for best supporting actor for his role in “The Beginners.” “Winning here, I hope...
Los Angeles — Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Penelope Ann Miller and Zachary Quinto were among the guests who came out to celebrate the 27th annual Independent Spirit Awards Saturday afternoon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.
Seth Rogen hosted the event, with the first award going to Christopher Plummer for best supporting actor for his role in “The Beginners.” “Winning here, I hope...
- 2/26/2012
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
A day before the Oscars are to be announced, Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist swept the Independent Spirit Awards 2012 in four categories including Best Film. Hazanavicius won the Best Director, Jean Dujardin won the Best Actor and Guillame Schiffman won the award for cinematography.
The Independent Spirit Awards are one of the top awards for films that are made independently outside the Hollywood studio system.
Michelle Williams was declared Best Actress for My Week With Marilyn, while Christopher Plummer (Beginners) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) won Best Supporting Actress.
Best Screenplay went to Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for The Descendants.
Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation was named best international film. Steve James’ The Interrupters was declared the Best Documentary.
Will Reiser won best screenplay for 50/50. The John Cassavetes Award for best feature under $500,000 went to director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper for Pariah.
The Independent Spirit Awards are one of the top awards for films that are made independently outside the Hollywood studio system.
Michelle Williams was declared Best Actress for My Week With Marilyn, while Christopher Plummer (Beginners) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) won Best Supporting Actress.
Best Screenplay went to Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for The Descendants.
Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation was named best international film. Steve James’ The Interrupters was declared the Best Documentary.
Will Reiser won best screenplay for 50/50. The John Cassavetes Award for best feature under $500,000 went to director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper for Pariah.
- 2/26/2012
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, handed out top honors to The Artist, The Descendants and Margin Call at this afternoon’s 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards. My Week With Marilyn, Beginners, 50/50, A Separation and The Interrupters also received awards at the ceremony, held in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.
Tune in to IFC tonight at 10:00 pm Et/Pt to catch all the action at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with actor, writer and producer Seth Rogen hosting. Highlights include: John Waters as the Voice of God, musical performances by My Morning Jacket and K’Naan.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 27 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists...
Tune in to IFC tonight at 10:00 pm Et/Pt to catch all the action at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with actor, writer and producer Seth Rogen hosting. Highlights include: John Waters as the Voice of God, musical performances by My Morning Jacket and K’Naan.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 27 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists...
- 2/26/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist" was the big winner at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The black-and-white silent film took home Best Feature, Director for Hazanavicius, Best Male Lead for Jean Dujardin, and Best Cinematography for Guillaume Schiffman.
In the performance categories, Michelle Williams took home the Best Female Lead award for her Marilyn Monroe portrayal in "My Week with Marilyn." Shailene Woodley, snubbed by the Academy for her memorable performance as George Clooney's daughter in "The Descendants," won Best Supporting Actress while Oscar frontrunner, Christopher Plummer, received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in "Beginners."
Held on Santa Monica Beach and hosted by Seth Rogen, the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast by IFC at 10 p.m. Pst/Est.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
50/50 - Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen...
In the performance categories, Michelle Williams took home the Best Female Lead award for her Marilyn Monroe portrayal in "My Week with Marilyn." Shailene Woodley, snubbed by the Academy for her memorable performance as George Clooney's daughter in "The Descendants," won Best Supporting Actress while Oscar frontrunner, Christopher Plummer, received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in "Beginners."
Held on Santa Monica Beach and hosted by Seth Rogen, the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast by IFC at 10 p.m. Pst/Est.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
50/50 - Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen...
- 2/26/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Jean Dujardin of The Artist and Michelle Williams from My Week With Marilyn walked away with the top acting honors at the 27th Film Independent’s Spirit Awards. The Seth Rogen-hosted indie film kudosfest — which took place this afternoon in Santa Monica, Calif. — will be broadcast tonight at 10 p.m. on IFC. If you wish to watch the show and don’t want the experience ruined any further: Spoiler Alert! In other top categories, The Artist won Best Feature, beating out Beginners, The Descendants, Drive, Take Shelter, and 50/50. Christopher Plummer (Beginners) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) won the supporting male and female awards.
- 2/25/2012
- by Jeff Jensen
- EW - Inside Movies
Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, The Artist The Artist, Jean Dujardin, Michelle Williams: Spirit Award Winners Best Feature (Award given to the producer) 50/50 Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen Beginners Producers: Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, Jay Van Hoy Drive Producers: Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel Take Shelter Producers: Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin * The Artist Producer: Thomas Langmann The Descendants Producers: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor Best Director * Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist Mike Mills – Beginners Jeff Nichols – Take Shelter Alexander Payne – The Descendants Nicolas Winding Refn – Drive Best Screenplay Joseph Cedar – Footnote Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist Tom McCarthy – Win Win Mike Mills – Beginners * Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash – The Descendants Best International Film (Award given to the director) * A Separation (Iran) Director: Asghar Farhadi Melancholia (Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany) Director: Lars von Trier Shame (UK) Director: Steve McQueen...
- 2/25/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
A few weeks ago, legendary indie producer Ted Hope (21 Grams, American Splendor, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and 50 other movies) spoke at the Athena Film Festival as part of their “From Script to Screen, Producing Films in Tough Times” panel. He was the token male amongst the solid producing presence of Lisa Cortes (Precious), Susan Cartsonis (No Reservations), Nekisa Cooper (Pariah), and Mary Jane Skalski (Win Win). With considerable experience working outside the studio world, they offered advice and encouragement, and Hope was nice enough to spread it to the world at large through his twitter feed. He was unavailable to clear up who should be credited for which piece of advice, but it’s a safe bet to assume that the panel agreed on these points at-large. Not only are they essential for aspiring filmmakers, they also provide a window into the world for movie fans. No matter what side of the screen you’re on, there...
- 2/22/2012
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The Independent Feature Project is now accepting applications for two of its international programs.
The Cannes Producer’s Network, a week-long immersion program, runs concurrently with the Cannes International Film Festival in May. The program is specifically designed for experienced producers looking to build their international networks and share expertise on the international production, financing, and packaging marketplace. Recent participants have included Howard Gertler (Shortbus), Anita Onadine & Lance Weiler (Head Trauma, Pandemic), Mike Ryan (Choke), Susan Stover (Laurel Canyon), and Ron Simons (Gun Hill Road, Night Catches Us).
To apply, please send a resume and one-page letter of interest to John Sylva (jsylva@ifp.org), by Tuesday, March 6th. Five producers
will be selected to attend the Producers Network and two emerging producers will attend the Producer’s Lab. All applicants must be
Ifp members at any level to be considered for the program.
Applications are also open for the 2012 Trans Atlantic Partners Fellowship,...
The Cannes Producer’s Network, a week-long immersion program, runs concurrently with the Cannes International Film Festival in May. The program is specifically designed for experienced producers looking to build their international networks and share expertise on the international production, financing, and packaging marketplace. Recent participants have included Howard Gertler (Shortbus), Anita Onadine & Lance Weiler (Head Trauma, Pandemic), Mike Ryan (Choke), Susan Stover (Laurel Canyon), and Ron Simons (Gun Hill Road, Night Catches Us).
To apply, please send a resume and one-page letter of interest to John Sylva (jsylva@ifp.org), by Tuesday, March 6th. Five producers
will be selected to attend the Producers Network and two emerging producers will attend the Producer’s Lab. All applicants must be
Ifp members at any level to be considered for the program.
Applications are also open for the 2012 Trans Atlantic Partners Fellowship,...
- 2/22/2012
- by Dan Schoenbrun
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Specializing in programming that celebrates women in leadership, the much beloved Athena Film Festival will kick off on February 9 at Barnard College. The festival will open with the Athena Awards reception honoring women leaders in the entertainment business, including the creation of The Laura Ziskin Lifetime Achievement Award, in memory of Hollywood producer and founder of Stand Up to Cancer who died in June 2011. Additional awardees include Julie Taymor (Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark, Across the Universe, Frida); Rachael Horovitz (Moneyball, Grey Gardens); Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper (Pariah); The Fempire: Diablo Cody (Young Adult, Juno), Dana Fox (What Happens in Vegas, Couples Retreat), Liz Meriwether (No Strings Attached, New Girl), Lorene Scafaria (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Seeking a Friend at the End of the World); and Theresa Rebeck (Seminar, Omnium Gatherum, Smash). We will be screening 30 films (shorts, docs and features) directed by both men and women,...
- 1/31/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Producer Nekisa Cooper (Pariah) and the Ifp’s deputy director Amy Dotson joined Chicken & Egg Pictures in Park City to honor Wmm‘s Debra Zimmerman with the 2012 Good Egg Award.
Director Josh Radnor spoke about his film Liberal Arts, his experiences at Kenyon College, and David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest.
Sarah Barnett, the Evp of the Sundance Channel, and Nancy Klasky Gribler, the Evp of Marketing for Sundance Cinemas, caught up at the Sundance Channel’s party.
The cast of the new Sundance Channel television show, Push Girls.
The director (Leslye Headland, far left) and cast of Bachelorette in one of the more raucous Q&A portions I’ve witnessed. Apparently some of the cast members (Rebel Wilson) had a bit too much to drink before the screening, and were finding it difficult to focus on the questions being asked. That’s okay though because Wilson made her love and respect for Headland obvious,...
Director Josh Radnor spoke about his film Liberal Arts, his experiences at Kenyon College, and David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest.
Sarah Barnett, the Evp of the Sundance Channel, and Nancy Klasky Gribler, the Evp of Marketing for Sundance Cinemas, caught up at the Sundance Channel’s party.
The cast of the new Sundance Channel television show, Push Girls.
The director (Leslye Headland, far left) and cast of Bachelorette in one of the more raucous Q&A portions I’ve witnessed. Apparently some of the cast members (Rebel Wilson) had a bit too much to drink before the screening, and were finding it difficult to focus on the questions being asked. That’s okay though because Wilson made her love and respect for Headland obvious,...
- 1/26/2012
- by Alexandra Byer
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Julie Taymor, Diablo Cody and Rachael Horovitz will receive awards at the 2012 Athena Film Festival, which will run February 9-12 at the Barnard College campus in Manhattan. The festival, now in its second year, has also announced the bulk of its film program, which will include a look at Keith Patterson and Jack Lofton's documentary work in progress, "Ann Richards' Texas." The Athena's awards, which "honor extraordinary women for their leadership and creative accomplishments," will also inaugurate the Laura Ziskin Lifetime Achievement Award. This will be presented to "a trailblazer in the film industry who sets an exemplary standard for other women to emulate." Created in the memory of the late producer, the first award will be accepted on Ziskin's behalf by her daughter, Julia Barry. Other awards will go to Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper ("Pariah") Dana Fox ("What Happens in Vegas," "Couples...
- 1/10/2012
- Indiewire
Just before its Sundance premiere, the team behind Pariah — writer/director Dee Rees, producer Nekisa Cooper, and actresses Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans — sat down with Jamie Stuart and me to discuss their film’s path to the big screen. Check it out, and make sure to see the film itself, which opened yesterday in limited release from Focus Features. (Note: video contains one mild spoiler.)
… Read the rest...
… Read the rest...
- 1/1/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Pariah is a film that has slowly gathered steam since it premiered at Sundance earlier this year and is finally seeing limited release this week. I recently had a chance to see the film with little idea of what I was getting myself into — a strong recommendation and an upcoming screening will do that sometimes. This story of a young black gay girl raised by a mother that is devoutly religious and a father that is oblivious is a powerful reminder of the struggles societal pressure puts on those simply trying to find their place in the world.
Affecting no matter what your background, Pariah reminds us that adolescence is a delicate period that will shape the trajectory of our lives and young love and loss can come in many different ways. I had the opportunity to sit down with writer/director Dee Rees, who has made a powerful splash with narrative debut,...
Affecting no matter what your background, Pariah reminds us that adolescence is a delicate period that will shape the trajectory of our lives and young love and loss can come in many different ways. I had the opportunity to sit down with writer/director Dee Rees, who has made a powerful splash with narrative debut,...
- 12/29/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Getty Images Left to right, Adepero Oduye, Dee Rees and Kim Wayans attend the ‘Pariah’ premiere at the Tribeca Grand Hotel on December 1, 2011 in New York City.
When Adepero Oduye showed up to audition for Dee Rees’s senior thesis film for Nyu’s film school five years ago, she was wearing her little brother’s baggy jeans, baseball cap and t-shirt and hoping that she might nab a small role in the short film, like the crack addict she played in “Half Nelson.
When Adepero Oduye showed up to audition for Dee Rees’s senior thesis film for Nyu’s film school five years ago, she was wearing her little brother’s baggy jeans, baseball cap and t-shirt and hoping that she might nab a small role in the short film, like the crack addict she played in “Half Nelson.
- 12/26/2011
- by Rachel Dodes
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
At ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood on Dec. 7, following a screening of "Pariah," actors Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, and Aasha Davis, producer Nekisa Cooper, and writer-director Dee Rees participated in a Q&A for Back Stage readers and SAG members."Pariah" is a coming-of-age film about a 17-year-old African-American girl with a knack for poetry who struggles with tension in her family as she slowly embraces her identity as a lesbian. About newcomer Oduye's audition for the lead role of Alike, Rees said, "It was very important that the character had an outsider perspective, an outside experience, and Adepero was able to tap into that feeling of isolation and really bring it to the character. From the moment she walked in the room, she was in the zone. She didn't say too much. She just went into it, and she just had it."On the positive response the film has received since its.
- 12/14/2011
- by help@backstage.com (Jessica Gardner)
- backstage.com
Film Independent is excited to screen Dee Rees’ debut feature Pariah on December 8 as one if its Project Involve community screenings. Dee and her producer Nekisa Cooper are both Film Independent Fellows – Nekisa was in Project Involve in 2008-2009, Dee and Nekisa were finalists for the Netflix Find Your Voice Award, and Film Independent awarded a Kodak Film Stock grant to Pariah when it shot in 2009. And Dees’ short film Pariah played the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2007, where it won the Audience Award. Dee was recently named a 2011 Fellow by United States Artists, and Pariah received two nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards – the film was nominated for the John Cassevetes Award, and Adepero Oduye was nominated for Best Female Lead.
Recently, Nekisa and Dee came in to talk with the new class of filmmakers in Project Involve. Before the workshop, Film Independent’s Director of Artist Development,...
Recently, Nekisa and Dee came in to talk with the new class of filmmakers in Project Involve. Before the workshop, Film Independent’s Director of Artist Development,...
- 12/6/2011
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent
Clips and interviews from Dee Rees-directed Pariah, starring Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans The winner of the Cinematography Award and Grand Jury Prize nominee at this year's Sundance Film Festival opens December 28th via Focus Features. We've added 6 new clips as well as interviews with Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Charles Parnell, Pernell Walker, Aasha Davis, director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper. Also in the cast are Stephanie Andujar, Nina Daniels, Raymond Anthony Thomas and Chanté Lewi. Adepero Oduye, who had earlier starred in the short film, portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur (Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell) and younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school. Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes...
- 12/2/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Clips and interviews from Dee Rees-directed Pariah, starring Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans The winner of the Cinematography Award and Grand Jury Prize nominee at this year's Sundance Film Festival opens December 28th via Focus Features. We've added 6 new clips as well as interviews with Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Charles Parnell, Pernell Walker, Aasha Davis, director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper. Also in the cast are Stephanie Andujar, Nina Daniels, Raymond Anthony Thomas and Chanté Lewi. Adepero Oduye, who had earlier starred in the short film, portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur (Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell) and younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school. Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes...
- 12/2/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Clips and interviews from Dee Rees-directed Pariah, starring Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans The winner of the Cinematography Award and Grand Jury Prize nominee at this year's Sundance Film Festival opens December 28th via Focus Features. We've added 6 new clips as well as interviews with Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Charles Parnell, Pernell Walker, Aasha Davis, director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper. Also in the cast are Stephanie Andujar, Nina Daniels, Raymond Anthony Thomas and Chanté Lewi. Adepero Oduye, who had earlier starred in the short film, portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur (Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell) and younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school. Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes...
- 12/2/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale served as presenters. Nominees for Best Feature include 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter, The Artist and The Descendants.
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards recognize the finest artistic achievements across the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking.from emerging talent working on a shoestring budget to established auteurs,” said Film Independent Senior Director Sean Mc Manus. “The 2012 nominees tell their stories in such an authentic way and reflect the inclusive nature of the independent filmmaking community. We are delighted to support them and expand the audience for their work.”
2012 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer,...
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards recognize the finest artistic achievements across the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking.from emerging talent working on a shoestring budget to established auteurs,” said Film Independent Senior Director Sean Mc Manus. “The 2012 nominees tell their stories in such an authentic way and reflect the inclusive nature of the independent filmmaking community. We are delighted to support them and expand the audience for their work.”
2012 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Artist, Take Shelter, and the other nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced. The 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards “are awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. Winners were typically presented with acrylic glass pyramids containing suspended shoestrings representing the paltry budgets of independent films…The Independent Spirit Awards are presented by Film Independent, a non-profit organization dedicated to independent film and independent filmmakers…The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees selected nominees from 277 submissions this year and applied the following guidelines in determining the nominations: uniqueness of vision, original and provocative subject matter, economy of means (with particular attention paid to total production cost & individual compensation), and percentage of financing from independent sources.”
This year’s award ceremony will be held on February 25, 2012 “at the beach in Santa Monica and broadcast by IFC.”
The full listing of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature (Award...
This year’s award ceremony will be held on February 25, 2012 “at the beach in Santa Monica and broadcast by IFC.”
The full listing of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature (Award...
- 11/29/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
It’s that time of year for various organizations to recognize some of the best films of 2011. Some of these awards are lesser known, but the Film Independent Spirit Awards, is not one of them. Film Independent which also helps produce the Los Angeles Film Festival has announced the 2012 Spirit Award Nominees.
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Having seen Win Win the other day, I really hope that Tom McCarthy wins the award for Best Screenplay, but it will be hard to take the win, especially with the momentum that The Descendants and The Artist are having. As for other films, its no surprise to see 50/50, Drive, Beginners, and the aforementioned The Artist and The Descendants as the nominees for Best Feature. The Spirit Award nominees is just one of the...
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Having seen Win Win the other day, I really hope that Tom McCarthy wins the award for Best Screenplay, but it will be hard to take the win, especially with the momentum that The Descendants and The Artist are having. As for other films, its no surprise to see 50/50, Drive, Beginners, and the aforementioned The Artist and The Descendants as the nominees for Best Feature. The Spirit Award nominees is just one of the...
- 11/29/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
With last night’s Gothams Awards ceremony in New York, awards season is now in full swing. Adding to the momentum, Film Independent just announced the nominees for its 27th annual Independent Spirit Awards. Leading the pack with five nominations each is Jeff Nichols’ apocalyptic southern gothic, Take Shelter and Michel Hazanavicius’ silent romance, The Artist. Next in line, receiving four nominations, were Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive and Mike Mills’ Beginners (which split Best Picture with The Tree of Life at the Gothams last night). J.C. Chandor’s Margin Call will receive the annual Robert Altman Award, given each year to one film with an exemplary ensemble cast, and received two additional nominations.
The Spirit Awards take place Saturday, February 25th in Los Angeles. The full nominee list is below.
Best Feature
50/50 – Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners – Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang,...
The Spirit Awards take place Saturday, February 25th in Los Angeles. The full nominee list is below.
Best Feature
50/50 – Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners – Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Dan Schoenbrun
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"The Artist" and "Take Shelter" scored the most nominations for the Film Independent's Spirit Awards announced today. Each film received five nods while "Beginners," "Drive," "The Descendants," and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" each received four nominations.
The Spirit Award prides itself in honoring American-made films that are budgeted at under $20 million. Read the nominations below. The winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony on Feb. 25th. You can see the festivities on IFC.
And here are the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
50/50 - Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners - Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech
Drive - Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel
Take Shelter - Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin
The Artist - Thomas Langmann, Emmanuel Montamat
The Descendants - Jim Burke, Alexander Payne,...
The Spirit Award prides itself in honoring American-made films that are budgeted at under $20 million. Read the nominations below. The winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony on Feb. 25th. You can see the festivities on IFC.
And here are the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
50/50 - Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners - Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech
Drive - Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel
Take Shelter - Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin
The Artist - Thomas Langmann, Emmanuel Montamat
The Descendants - Jim Burke, Alexander Payne,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
It's an award-based morning as not only were the Gotham Awards handed out last night, the New York Film Critics are in the middle of handing out their awards right now (that list is coming shortly) and now the nominations for Film Independent's 2012 Independent Spirit Awards were announced as Michael Hazanavicius' The Artist and Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter led the pack with five nominations each. The two leaders, however, were followed closely by Beginners, The Descendants, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Drive with four. Of those six, only Martha Marcy May Marlene wasn't nominated for Best Feature as it was replaced by 50/50, which ended up with three nominations. Of the films nominated for Best Feature, my gut tells me it's a battle between The Artist and The Descendants and this just may end up being the first sign as to which of those two may end up being the Oscar favorite.
- 11/29/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
We're proud to see some of our stand-out Tfi supported films and Tff alumni recognized in this year's Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations! Best Supporting Female: Harmony Santana in Gun Hill Road (2009 Tribeca All Access) Best Documentary: The Redemption of General Butt Naked (Directed and Produced by Eric Strauss and Daniele Anastasion, 2010 Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund) John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer): Circumstance (Written/Directed by Maryam Keshavarz and Produced by Karen Chein, Maryam Kesahavarz, and Melissa Lee, 2006 Tribeca All Access grantees) Pariah (Written/Directed by Dee Rees and Produced by Nekisa Cooper, 2007 Tribeca All Access grantees for their documentary project, Eventual Salvation) Truer Than Fiction Award: Bombay Beach (Directed by Alma Har'el and Produced by Alma Har'el and Boaz Yakin, Winner of the Tff 2011 Best Documentary Feature Award) Best of luck to all the nominees!
- 11/29/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for Project Involve, their program designed to foster the careers of emerging filmmakers from communities underrepresented within the film industry. The program's guest speakers include producer director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper (Pariah), Stephanie Allain (Hurricane Season, Hustle & Flow), and others yet to be announced. Cooper is an alumni of Project Involve, as is Circumstance producer Melissa Lee. La Film Fest's artistic director David Ansenand Zhiv Productions' Joyce San Pedro will serve as mentors. New this year is Sony Pictures' Diversity Fellowship, which is granted to one participating filmmaker and offers year-round support (complete with a cash production grant and professional development). Film Independent's Josh Welsh says the filmmakers coming out of Project Involve "continue to inspire us, and we remain committed to giving them the opportunity to further their careers." More on the program and this year's participants below:...
- 11/9/2011
- Indiewire
Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for Project Involve, their program designed to foster the careers of emerging filmmakers from communities underrepresented within the film industry. The program's guest speakers include producer director Dee Rees and producer Nekisa Cooper (Pariah), Stephanie Allain (Hurricane Season, Hustle & Flow), and others yet to be announced. Cooper is an alumni of Project Involve, as is Circumstance producer Melissa Lee. La Film Fest's artistic director David Ansenand Zhiv Productions' Joyce San Pedro will serve as mentors. New this year is Sony Pictures' Diversity Fellowship, which is granted to one participating filmmaker...
- 11/9/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Did you miss the Filmmaker Conference at Independent Film Week last month? Me too – I managed to catch a few panels, but I spent most of the week running around, working, and attending other Ifw events (as evidenced by my photo blogs here, here, and here).
Luckily, Ifp will streaming the entire conference available to members. One new video will be added to ifp.org every weekday this month. Membership levels start at $35, which for roughly 30 hours of film industry education (and tons of other benefits) is not a bad deal.
One video is already online – a case study of Sundance Audience Award winning documentary Buck featuring director Cindy Meehl, producer Julie Goldman, editor Toby Shimin, associate producer Sofia Santana, line producer Alice Henty, and co-executive producer and Back Allie Films president Andrea Meditch.
Other panels coming soon:
Keynote addresses from Geoffrey Gilmore (Tribeca Enterprises), Rose Kuo (Film Society of...
Luckily, Ifp will streaming the entire conference available to members. One new video will be added to ifp.org every weekday this month. Membership levels start at $35, which for roughly 30 hours of film industry education (and tons of other benefits) is not a bad deal.
One video is already online – a case study of Sundance Audience Award winning documentary Buck featuring director Cindy Meehl, producer Julie Goldman, editor Toby Shimin, associate producer Sofia Santana, line producer Alice Henty, and co-executive producer and Back Allie Films president Andrea Meditch.
Other panels coming soon:
Keynote addresses from Geoffrey Gilmore (Tribeca Enterprises), Rose Kuo (Film Society of...
- 10/14/2011
- by Dan Schoenbrun
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Yes, as Dan Schoenbrun notes below, there was a lot of paella at the Copacabana club last night for Independent Film Week’s closing party.
Here are a few of the photo’s I snapped during the week.
Pariah producer Nekisa Cooper (left) attended Independent Film Week with a No Borders project, Five Nights in Maine. It’s the debut feature of Bay area producer Maris Curran (right). Here they are at one of the evening cocktail parties at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.
Zach Lieberman (left) and Koo (right) were two of our “25 New Faces,” selected after they premiered the incredible urban hip-hop Western web series, The West Side. Jamie Stuart and I made a video with them that’s playing right now in New York taxi cabs, and both have new feature projects. Here they are outside the Film Center before my Sunday panel.
Danielle Lurie is...
Here are a few of the photo’s I snapped during the week.
Pariah producer Nekisa Cooper (left) attended Independent Film Week with a No Borders project, Five Nights in Maine. It’s the debut feature of Bay area producer Maris Curran (right). Here they are at one of the evening cocktail parties at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.
Zach Lieberman (left) and Koo (right) were two of our “25 New Faces,” selected after they premiered the incredible urban hip-hop Western web series, The West Side. Jamie Stuart and I made a video with them that’s playing right now in New York taxi cabs, and both have new feature projects. Here they are outside the Film Center before my Sunday panel.
Danielle Lurie is...
- 9/24/2011
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
I will start by saying this: we are very lucky. Just a few weeks ago, we finished a remarkable Kickstarter campaign for my film, Five Nights In Maine. In 30 days, we raised $40,613 from 367 courageous and generous backers. The support from people we have known our whole lives and complete strangers humbled and inspired up. Our community proved that this is a film they want to see and be a part of. Now it’s time to take this energy to Independent Film Week!
We are thrilled to be participating in this year’s No Borders International Co-production Market. My producer, Nekisa Cooper (Pariah) and I have been busy preparing for meetings all week. I have been working on my look book, one-pager, washing clothes and printing business cards. I take a redeye tonight from California and Nekisa returns to NY tomorrow from Canada. And amidst the prep, we are ironing out our schedule of meetings,...
We are thrilled to be participating in this year’s No Borders International Co-production Market. My producer, Nekisa Cooper (Pariah) and I have been busy preparing for meetings all week. I have been working on my look book, one-pager, washing clothes and printing business cards. I take a redeye tonight from California and Nekisa returns to NY tomorrow from Canada. And amidst the prep, we are ironing out our schedule of meetings,...
- 9/19/2011
- by Maris Curran
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Debut Feature From Writer/Director Dee Rees,
Executive-produced By Spike Lee;
Release Date For Movie Also Set
New York, September 6th, 2011 - Following an online outreach, Focus Features has revealed the moviegoing public.s choice of the official theatrical release poster for the contemporary drama Pariah, written and directed by Dee Rees.
Pariah world-premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, where it was honored with the Excellence in Cinematography Award (Bradford Young). Spike Lee is among the feature.s executive producers. Pariah is produced by Nekisa Cooper.
With the public having now selected the Pariah one-sheet, Focus is also announcing the movie.s theatrical release information. Pariah will open in exclusive engagements in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on Sunday, December 25th; and will expand to additional cities throughout the winter. The movie will also screen on Monday, September 12th at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pariah has already received critical acclaim.
Executive-produced By Spike Lee;
Release Date For Movie Also Set
New York, September 6th, 2011 - Following an online outreach, Focus Features has revealed the moviegoing public.s choice of the official theatrical release poster for the contemporary drama Pariah, written and directed by Dee Rees.
Pariah world-premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, where it was honored with the Excellence in Cinematography Award (Bradford Young). Spike Lee is among the feature.s executive producers. Pariah is produced by Nekisa Cooper.
With the public having now selected the Pariah one-sheet, Focus is also announcing the movie.s theatrical release information. Pariah will open in exclusive engagements in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on Sunday, December 25th; and will expand to additional cities throughout the winter. The movie will also screen on Monday, September 12th at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pariah has already received critical acclaim.
- 9/6/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Though her Sundance hit Pariah opens through Focus in the winter, producer Nekisa Cooper hasn’t slowed down as she reached out to us about a project she’s currently getting off the ground through Kickstarter, Five Nights In Maine, directed by Bay Area filmmaker Maris Curran. They are currently trying to raise $40,000.
Here’s the synopsis:
Sherwin and Fiona are at a crossroads. As an interracial couple living in the south, they seem to have created an idyllic bubble for their love. But after a recent visit to her ailing and prickly mother, Fiona is changed. Suddenly, their relationship is contentious and with no explanation, she announces she does not want to have kids. And then, she is gone. After tragically losing Fiona to a car accident, Sherwin is overwhelmed with grief and guilt. When a call comes from his estranged mother-in-law, Lucinda, inviting him to visit her in Maine,...
Here’s the synopsis:
Sherwin and Fiona are at a crossroads. As an interracial couple living in the south, they seem to have created an idyllic bubble for their love. But after a recent visit to her ailing and prickly mother, Fiona is changed. Suddenly, their relationship is contentious and with no explanation, she announces she does not want to have kids. And then, she is gone. After tragically losing Fiona to a car accident, Sherwin is overwhelmed with grief and guilt. When a call comes from his estranged mother-in-law, Lucinda, inviting him to visit her in Maine,...
- 8/23/2011
- by Jason Guerrasio
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
From the shards of our experience shooting interviews and seeing movies at Sundance 2011 comes Jamie Stuart’s “Masterpiece.” With appearances by: Miguel Arteta, Alrick Brown, David Carr, Paddy Considine, Nekisa Cooper, Phife Dawg, Danfung Dennis, Andrew Donsunmu, Sean Durkin, Liz Garbus, Paul Giamatti, Megan Griffiths, Colin Goddard, Rutger Hauer, John Hawkes, Azazel Jacobs, Miranda July, Tom McCarthy, Peter Mullan, Adepero Oduye, Elizabeth Olsen, Jessica Oreck, Lindsay Pulsipher, Michael Rapaport, Calvin Reeder, Dee Rees, Amy Seimetz, Kim Wayans, Vilmos Zsigmond. Shot on the Canon 7D. Download the Quicktime here. (Contains adult language — Nsfw.)
Look for the longer edits of these individual pieces throughout the year.
Look for the longer edits of these individual pieces throughout the year.
- 2/14/2011
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
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