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 – On Tuesday, December 5th, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will award their 2017 “Best of the Midwest” honors with a ceremony at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago at 7pm. Nominees include the feature films “Dave Made a Maze,” “Halfway,” “Signature Move,” “The Legend of Swee’ Pea” and “The View From Tall.”
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards has a number of TV & Film guests (click here) scheduled to attend.
The nominees for the 2017 “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows…...
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards has a number of TV & Film guests (click here) scheduled to attend.
The nominees for the 2017 “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows…...
- 12/5/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Local filmmaking has always gotten a boost through director Jack C. Newell. His 2015 film “Open Tables,” shot in Chicago and Paris, will get it’s digital release on Tuesday, December 6th, 2016, on iTunes and Video-On-Demand. This coincides with his art project “The Wabash Lights,” and his continued production work.
“Open Tables” features couples and groups meeting in restaurants, talking about their lives and relationships. Although the centerpiece is food, the meal is the conversation, including a story about a sojourn into Paris – shot in black and white. Newell directed the film in the improvisation style rooted in the Chicago comedy scene, much like his first narrative film, “Close Quarters,” which featured many local improvisation artists. He also takes on the lead role as Ryan, who defines himself through the adventure in Paris. The film explores and provides perspective on the elusiveness of relationships.
Jack C. Newell in a Scene...
“Open Tables” features couples and groups meeting in restaurants, talking about their lives and relationships. Although the centerpiece is food, the meal is the conversation, including a story about a sojourn into Paris – shot in black and white. Newell directed the film in the improvisation style rooted in the Chicago comedy scene, much like his first narrative film, “Close Quarters,” which featured many local improvisation artists. He also takes on the lead role as Ryan, who defines himself through the adventure in Paris. The film explores and provides perspective on the elusiveness of relationships.
Jack C. Newell in a Scene...
- 11/30/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Jack C. Newell will ride his bike when he meets you for an interview in Chicago, naturally. The locally based director is a welcome original, with credits in both documentary and narrative films. His latest feature, “Open Tables,” will screen at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival on October 20th, 2015.
“Open Tables” is operating within the “Taste of Cinema” theme at the film festival, and features couples and groups meeting in restaurants, talking about their lives and relationships. Although the centerpiece is food, the meal is the conversation, including a story about a sojourn into Paris – shot in black and white. Newell directed the film in the improvisation style rooted in the Chicago comedy scene, much like his first narrative film, “Close Quarters,” which featured many local legends in the art of improv. He also takes on the leadrole as Ryan, who defines himself through the adventure in Paris.
“Open Tables” is operating within the “Taste of Cinema” theme at the film festival, and features couples and groups meeting in restaurants, talking about their lives and relationships. Although the centerpiece is food, the meal is the conversation, including a story about a sojourn into Paris – shot in black and white. Newell directed the film in the improvisation style rooted in the Chicago comedy scene, much like his first narrative film, “Close Quarters,” which featured many local legends in the art of improv. He also takes on the leadrole as Ryan, who defines himself through the adventure in Paris.
- 10/20/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – There was no film in 2012 that moved me more deeply or left me feeling more exhilarated than Stephen Cone’s achingly personal masterpiece, “The Wise Kids.” It’s the sort of film that I’ve been hoping to see get made for quite some time. Whereas so many films about people of faith rely on condescending stereotypes to push a contrived agenda, Cone’s picture is humanistic in every sense of the word.
From the titular trio down to the smallest speaking role, every single character in “The Wise Kids” is thrillingly alive. It’s clear that Cone has a deep understanding of the Southern Baptist community portrayed in his film. There are no easy answers for the questions this movie provokes, nor are there any heavy-handed speeches designed to spoon-feed glib morals. Cone wants to start a dialogue on vital issues rather than pretend to be the final word.
From the titular trio down to the smallest speaking role, every single character in “The Wise Kids” is thrillingly alive. It’s clear that Cone has a deep understanding of the Southern Baptist community portrayed in his film. There are no easy answers for the questions this movie provokes, nor are there any heavy-handed speeches designed to spoon-feed glib morals. Cone wants to start a dialogue on vital issues rather than pretend to be the final word.
- 1/16/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The Midwest Independent Film Festival, which convenes every first Tuesday of the month, is fast becoming an institution in Chicago and an influential barometer for the local and Midwestern film scene. On Tuesday, December 4th, 2012, their annual “Best of the Midwest” Awards will be handed out. Hosting the event is the co-founder of the Midwest Indie, Mike McNamara. Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com serves on the Awards Committee.
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards, December 4th, 2012
Photo Credit: www.MidwestFilm.com
The following films and performances are nominated for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards…
Best Music Video
“Moonbeams,” directed by Sam Macon
“Everything Will Be Fine,” directed by Nate DuFort
“War Again,” directed by Paul Griswold
“Are You Gonna Break My Heart,” directed by Will Meyers
“Villain,” directed by Logan Hall
Best Short Film
“The Promise,” directed by Bill Roach and Joel Edwards
“Advantage: Weinberg,” directed by David Singer
“Wednesday’s Child,...
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards, December 4th, 2012
Photo Credit: www.MidwestFilm.com
The following films and performances are nominated for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards…
Best Music Video
“Moonbeams,” directed by Sam Macon
“Everything Will Be Fine,” directed by Nate DuFort
“War Again,” directed by Paul Griswold
“Are You Gonna Break My Heart,” directed by Will Meyers
“Villain,” directed by Logan Hall
Best Short Film
“The Promise,” directed by Bill Roach and Joel Edwards
“Advantage: Weinberg,” directed by David Singer
“Wednesday’s Child,...
- 12/3/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Director Jack C. Newell ended up meeting one of his great collaborators while taking classes at Columbia College Chicago. His future filmmaking partner turned out to not be a fellow peer, but his teacher, Ron Falzone. Together, they made the acclaimed short, “Typing,” about two Hollywood screenwriters whose brainstorming session draws inspiration from the clacking of typewriter keys in the next room.
Newell and Falzone’s first feature effort is “Close Quarters,” an endearing and insightful collection of parallel vignettes set in a Chicago coffee shop. Baristas Abby (Erica Unger) and Barry (Seth Unger) flirt with the possibility of long-term romance while observing the dysfunctional relationships of their customers. Two friends, Patrick (Tj Jagodowski) and Olivia (Kate Duffy), chat upstairs while their respective partners, Dina (Holly Laurent) and Cary (Dave Pasquesi), make love in the downstairs bathroom. An estranged couple (Susan Messing and Jim Carlson) argue over Skype while...
Newell and Falzone’s first feature effort is “Close Quarters,” an endearing and insightful collection of parallel vignettes set in a Chicago coffee shop. Baristas Abby (Erica Unger) and Barry (Seth Unger) flirt with the possibility of long-term romance while observing the dysfunctional relationships of their customers. Two friends, Patrick (Tj Jagodowski) and Olivia (Kate Duffy), chat upstairs while their respective partners, Dina (Holly Laurent) and Cary (Dave Pasquesi), make love in the downstairs bathroom. An estranged couple (Susan Messing and Jim Carlson) argue over Skype while...
- 5/9/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Icg national president Steven Poster with Cameron Duncan, winner of Panavision's $60,000 film rental package at the International Cinematographers Guild's 14th Annual Emerging Cinematographer Awards were held Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Directors Guild of America Theater in West Hollywood. Duncan's win was for his work on the the short film Mr. Marceau. Arri awarded a prize to Tod Campbell, Dp on The Big Bends. Brian Udoff received a prize from Abel Cinetech for his work on Les Mouches, and Deluxe gave their award to Jacob Pinger, cinematographer on The Cycle. Other honorees, whose films were shown, were Stephanie Dufford (Fantastic Magnifico), Rodney Lamborn (Meridian), Patrick Meade Jones (Android Love) and John Snedden (Brite Eyes). Trailers were screened for two Honorable Mentions: Aaron Medick (Weequahic) and Tim Bellen (State of Grace). Click on the image to enlarge it. Photo: Mathew Imaging...
- 9/28/2010
- by Zhea D.
- Alt Film Guide
HollywoodNews.com: The International Cinematographers Guild has announced the honorees for its 14th annual Emerging Cinematographers Awards. The eight short subjects and two honorable mentioned films from Guild members will be shown at a special screening at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Los Angeles on September 26. A reception will follow.
Icg President Steven Poster said, “Our Emerging Cinematographers Awards are unique in the industry in that they recognize members who have not yet reached the top tier in our guild. They are all aspiring to be or are in the process of moving up to Director of Photography. These awards have always helped past honorees in their careers.
Icg judges from across the country, under the chairmanship of Jim Matlosz, selected the 10 films from some 70 that were submitted.
Honored were Tod Campbell for “The Big Bends;” Cameron Duncan, “Mr Marceau;” Stephanie Dufford honored for “The Fantastic Magnifico” Patrick Jones’ Android Love;” Rodney Lamborn,...
Icg President Steven Poster said, “Our Emerging Cinematographers Awards are unique in the industry in that they recognize members who have not yet reached the top tier in our guild. They are all aspiring to be or are in the process of moving up to Director of Photography. These awards have always helped past honorees in their careers.
Icg judges from across the country, under the chairmanship of Jim Matlosz, selected the 10 films from some 70 that were submitted.
Honored were Tod Campbell for “The Big Bends;” Cameron Duncan, “Mr Marceau;” Stephanie Dufford honored for “The Fantastic Magnifico” Patrick Jones’ Android Love;” Rodney Lamborn,...
- 8/2/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
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