Netflix will produce and release 53 Domingos, the new film from Spanish director Cesc Gay, an adaptation of his own award-winning theater play.
The dramedy follows three brothers who meet up to discuss what to do with their octogenarian father who has started behaving oddly. As they debate whether to put him in a nursing home or have him move in with one of them, the polite family meeting descends into an outrageous, out-of-control fight.
Carmen Machi (Piggy), Javier Cámara (Talk to Her) and Javier Gutierrez (Prison 77) star in the film version.
Gay is best known internationally for his 2015 breakout Truman, starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara. His other features include Stories Not to Be Told (2022), En la ciudad (2003), and Nico and Dani (2000).
53 Domingos is one of three features Netflix unveiled this week as part of its new Spanish originals lineup. The other two are the political thriller Un Fantasma en...
The dramedy follows three brothers who meet up to discuss what to do with their octogenarian father who has started behaving oddly. As they debate whether to put him in a nursing home or have him move in with one of them, the polite family meeting descends into an outrageous, out-of-control fight.
Carmen Machi (Piggy), Javier Cámara (Talk to Her) and Javier Gutierrez (Prison 77) star in the film version.
Gay is best known internationally for his 2015 breakout Truman, starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara. His other features include Stories Not to Be Told (2022), En la ciudad (2003), and Nico and Dani (2000).
53 Domingos is one of three features Netflix unveiled this week as part of its new Spanish originals lineup. The other two are the political thriller Un Fantasma en...
- 4/19/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmax has taken global distribution rights for “My Friend Eva,” the latest from Spanish director Cesc Gay whose ‘Truman’ proved a notable hit overseas, scoring substantial theatrical returns in several territories.
Set against the backdrops of Barcelona and Rome, this romantic comedy boasts Nora Navas (“Libertad”) Juan Diego Botto (“The Suicide Squad”) and Rodrigo de la Serna (“Money Heist”).
The film marks the ninth collaboration between Gay and producer Marta Esteban of Imposible Films, dating back to Gay’s breakout “Nico and Dani” and taking in “Truman.”
The new film turns on Eva, 50, a married woman on the quest for passion whose life takes a dramatic turn after a serendipitous encounter in Rome. She remembers what it feels like to fall in love again. This rekindling of passion propels her to rediscover love, challenging and changing her existing life.
Gay characterized the film as a comedy of serious intent. It is “filled with misunderstandings,...
Set against the backdrops of Barcelona and Rome, this romantic comedy boasts Nora Navas (“Libertad”) Juan Diego Botto (“The Suicide Squad”) and Rodrigo de la Serna (“Money Heist”).
The film marks the ninth collaboration between Gay and producer Marta Esteban of Imposible Films, dating back to Gay’s breakout “Nico and Dani” and taking in “Truman.”
The new film turns on Eva, 50, a married woman on the quest for passion whose life takes a dramatic turn after a serendipitous encounter in Rome. She remembers what it feels like to fall in love again. This rekindling of passion propels her to rediscover love, challenging and changing her existing life.
Gay characterized the film as a comedy of serious intent. It is “filled with misunderstandings,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
“Hey, Hoops, you ever notice how people die in alphabetical order?”
One Crazy Summer, Bobcat Goldthwait, Demi Moore, John Cusack, Tom Villard, 1986, plans
John Cusack and Demi Moore in One Crazy Summer (1986) is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Archive
Hoops McCann has the name but not the talent to carry on the family basketball tradition. He’d rather use his drawing skills to earn an art school scholarship by writing and illustrating a love story. This summer — in Nantucket — he’s going to get the necessary romantic experience.
With a name like Hoops McCann, he’s bound to get that basketball scholarship after high school, right? Wrong! What Hoops really wants to do is write and illustrate a love story. To help him find his way, his friend George invites Hoops to come with him and his sister to spend the summer on Nantucket. The friends Crazy Summer begins...
One Crazy Summer, Bobcat Goldthwait, Demi Moore, John Cusack, Tom Villard, 1986, plans
John Cusack and Demi Moore in One Crazy Summer (1986) is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Archive
Hoops McCann has the name but not the talent to carry on the family basketball tradition. He’d rather use his drawing skills to earn an art school scholarship by writing and illustrating a love story. This summer — in Nantucket — he’s going to get the necessary romantic experience.
With a name like Hoops McCann, he’s bound to get that basketball scholarship after high school, right? Wrong! What Hoops really wants to do is write and illustrate a love story. To help him find his way, his friend George invites Hoops to come with him and his sister to spend the summer on Nantucket. The friends Crazy Summer begins...
- 8/15/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Two new indie distributors injected some life into the specialty box office this weekend with two unconventional releases.
Both “Colossal” (Neon Films) and Japanese anime smash “Your Name.” (FUNimation) rode positive reviews to strong box office. With more conventional World War II drama “Their Finest” (Stx), three films from non-establishment distributors show impressive arthouse strength.
Read More: ‘Colossal’ Is the Monster Movie No Studio Would Ever Make, And It’s Teaching Hollywood a Lesson
Jessica Chastain vehicle “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” shaping up to be the biggest specialty release so far this year, justified its initial wider run with a solid second weekend.
At least nine of the new limited releases this week also are available on Video on Demand. The only one to see much traction was “Alive and Kicking” (Magnolia), directed by specialty industry veteran Susan Glatzer, marking an unusual documentary presentation from Blumhouse Productions. The dance movie grossed $9000 in five theaters.
Both “Colossal” (Neon Films) and Japanese anime smash “Your Name.” (FUNimation) rode positive reviews to strong box office. With more conventional World War II drama “Their Finest” (Stx), three films from non-establishment distributors show impressive arthouse strength.
Read More: ‘Colossal’ Is the Monster Movie No Studio Would Ever Make, And It’s Teaching Hollywood a Lesson
Jessica Chastain vehicle “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” shaping up to be the biggest specialty release so far this year, justified its initial wider run with a solid second weekend.
At least nine of the new limited releases this week also are available on Video on Demand. The only one to see much traction was “Alive and Kicking” (Magnolia), directed by specialty industry veteran Susan Glatzer, marking an unusual documentary presentation from Blumhouse Productions. The dance movie grossed $9000 in five theaters.
- 4/9/2017
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
While in Panama for the film festival, one of the notable people I met was Jorge Ameer.
Jorge left his home in Panama at age 16 in the late 1980s due to political unrest and civil instability. The country’s dictator and drug king Noriega was recruiting young men to fight in his military army as the looming confrontation with the United States approached. In 1989, the United States invaded Panama under the name of “Just Cause” ousted the Panamanian dictator.
Living in Los Angeles, at the age of 18, he was selected to participate in the Walt Disney College Program. He worked in the marketing departments of New Line Cinema, Paramount and Columbia Pictures. In motion picture development, Jorge worked as a story analyst for Richard Gere's production company and Wendy Finerman's productions at Tri Star Pictures in the early nineties and the now defunct Fries Entertainment.
He also tried his hand at acting and was in Gramercy's "Panther" and "Tales from the Hood", HBO's "Social Friction Fables" New Line's "Friday" along with other cameos and supporting roles. He co-starred opposite award winning actor Matthew Leitch (Star of “Aka”) in the carnival romp "Sabor Tropical".
Ameer served as the coordinator for the 1988 Latino Entertainment Industry Conference and as a member of the advisory board of the Methodfest Film Festival. He was also the U.S. representative for the Barcelona G & L Film Festival and a film programmer for the Palm Springs G & L Film Festival.
In October 1997, he founded and executive directed The Continental Film Festival, better known as the first American Independent film festival held overseas on the island of Contadora, off the Gulf of Panama. There is where his film career actually began. He served as a festival coordinator during the very beginnings of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival founded by Edward James Olmos and Marlene Dehmer.
At these festivals, Ameer helped in the selection of many foreign features. After noticing a lack of recognition of foreign and independent gay themed films released theatrically, he founded the International Gay Film Awards, the Glitter Awards (2001-2008), at that time the only award show of its kind.
In 1997, Ameer also started Hollywood Independents, a distribution company which launched with the theatrical release of "California Myth" starring Tyron Powers Jr.
Thereafter, the company has released such titles as the Jamaican/American co-production "Klash" starring Jazmine Guy, "Eastside" starring Mario Lopez, "Tequila Body Shots" starring Joey Lawrence, "Poor White Trash" starring Jamie Pressley, Jason London, William Devane and Sean Young, Spain's Academy Awards Winning film (Goya Winner) "I will Survive" (Sobrevivire), and "Hotel Room" from the director of "Nico & Dani". Other releases include his film "The Singing Forest", and "Junked" starring Thomas Jane (star of "The Mist", "Punisher" and the popular HBO series "Hung") and Jordan Ladd (star of "Cabin Fever", "Hostel 2").
Jorge Ameer's theatrical distribution company Hollywood Independents International opened its theatrical distribution operations in Central and South America in 2006 with the theatrical release of "Grande Ecole" a film by Robert Salis. The French film was censored and banned in Panama due to its explicit sexual content
Ameer took a trip to Panama to denounce the banning of this film. After outrage was expressed by the Panamanian press, the film opened successfully in Panama. It opened number one at the Alhambra-Plus Transistmica beating studio films "Night at the Museum" and "Deja Vu". It broke box office records locally, playing in theaters for eight weeks.
On January 26, 2009 the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture study invited Mr. Ameer's to have his screenplays be a permanent part of "The Core Collection". The screenplays in this collection are made accessible for research purposes; students, filmmakers, writers and actors are among the patrons.
In April 2011, Mr. Ameer started his own film series in Panama called Jorge Ameer presents Cine Serie Independiente, a showcase to promote and exhibit high profile award winning independent and foreign films in Panama.
He brought in Aluzio Abranche's controversial incestuous drama of brotherly love "From Beginning to End" (“Do Comeco ao Fim”), Andre Shortell's "Psych 9" starring Sara Foster & Cary Elwes and Karee Andrew's "Altitude".
During the film presentations, directors presented their work to Panamanian audiences in person and live via skype. This is the first time in Panama's cinema history technology has allowed local cinephiles the opportunity to interact with award winning filmmakers virally before and after their film presentations.
Unfortunately, the presenting cinema and only theatre exhibitor to support independent films - the Alhambra Theatres- closed the following year, 2012, due to financial troubles. It was the last of a series of vintage stand-alone cinemas constructed during the boom of single screen theatres and drive-ins in Panama.
There are currently only two theatre chain exhibitors (Cinepolis & Cinemark) operating in Panama. Both chains have their multiplex cinemas located throughout today's popular mega malls.
Several months after his film series, Mr. Ameer produced the opening night after-party to the October 2011 edition of Screamfest, the world's premiere horror film festival based in Hollywood, California. The event was held at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. The event brought luminaries of the genre such as Paranormal Activity's Oren Peli, "Saw" and "Insidious" director James Wan, as well as "Grease", "Summer Lovers", "Blue Lagoon" director Randal Kleiser and "Firestarters", "Class of 1984" director Mark Lester to name a few celebrity attendees. With a seance theme, over 400 votive candles were used to create the atmosphere. In addition over one hundred skulls, the Screamfest symbol, were featured as centerpieces and part of the morbid "look" throughout the event. A well-lit coffin surrounded by neon lights was featured in the gift room where guests retrieved their gift bags from the open casket.
Mr. Ameer has authored, produced, and directed the theatrical features "The Truth Within", "Strippers","The Singing Forest", "Contadora is for lovers", "The House of Adam", "The Dark Side of Love","Sabor Tropical", "D'Agostino". All projects released theatrically through Hollywood Independents.
Ameer has produced, written and directed countless 35mm comedic shorts films to name a few "My Straight Boyfriend", "Popcorn & Coke", "Uninhibited", "Midnight Snack", "Tease" now available on DVD as a compilation of shorts called “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them”.
This collection has been so successful that he has executive produced, programmed and curated two more such programs “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them 2” and the upcoming “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them 3”. The latest compilation of shorts is a collection of international shorts curated from the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner.
Ameer made a documentary "Classic Hollywood Cinemas" an in depth look at the old Hollywood movie palaces, their historic and preservation value and impact.
He's also produced and arranged the publishing of the historical and award winning first ever "Guide to Gay & Lesbian Film which has won many book awards for its detail, educational and historical contribution to independent gay and lesbian films released in theaters.
In addition to filmmaking, within the exhibition industry, Jorge Ameer was the last person to re-open the historic Vogue theatre in Hollywood as a movie theatre to showcase independent films. Films such as "Nico and Dani" (Tla Releasing) and "Just one time" from the now defunct Cowboy Releasing played at this theatre. The resurgence of film exhibition at the Vogue was short lived due to alleged hauntings at the venue where a paranormal research group leased the theatre from Mann theaters to set up shop as headquarters for their research group.
Jorge Ameer's "The Dark Side of Love " was the last film to shoot at the Regent Showcase Theatre in Hollywood prior to its closing. "The Regent Showcase Theatre, originally the Gordon Theatre (1938), is one of the older art houses in Los Angeles until its closing in May 2009.
A human rights activist, Ameer has spent most of his career creating controversial, cutting edge trivial stories with thought provoking subject matters to challenge audiences from the stereotypical social conventions and outdated traditional values which detract from enhancing the global human experience.
He is currently working on his latest film project “Oasis” to be shot in Panama during the month of August. Oasis” is a twisted thriller set in the backdrop of Panama's paradise its about a newlywed American who decides to visit a friend while in Panama on business, to rekindle their friendship to prove his love to his wife by killing him.
Also, on the current issue of Scream Magazine issue # 35, the worlds largest horror film magazine, his “Medusa” has received with extensive coverage. The film is currently playing in theaters in the U.S. through Regal Cinemas after having its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market.
“Medusa” had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival Marche along with a horror short he starred in called "Find Pauletta" in the Short Film Corner. This was the first time a Panamanian has had two films in two different programs of the Cannes Film Festival.
VFX for “Medusa” was by Jeremy Vanneman who has worked on many studio films including the upcoming “Ghostbusters”, “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “San Andreas”, etc. “Medusa” also has a celebrity cameo by 80's hearthrob William McNamara.
Jorge is the only Panamanian filmmaker who writes, direct, produces and own his own production and distribution company in Hollywood.
Jorge Ameer has also pioneered and procured the opening of the first high school film program at one of the oldest (110 years) and most prestigious private high schools in Panama, the Pan American Institute (Instituto Panamericano) in Panama City.
The film program curriculum was designed by Ameer and approved by the Ministry of Education.
It launched in 2015 with the first class schedule to graduate in 2017.
In his own words:
The high school film program was an idea that started because of the lack of opportunity and education in film that I myself had when growing up. I loved film so much; film was my babysitter during my childhood years. Whenever I wasn't in school I was at the movie theatre watching several films a day until my mom picked me up from the theatre. I attended the Pan American Institute (Instituto Panamericano) from kindergarten through graduation 1989.
Decades later as a filmmaker, distributor and film buyer, I approached the principal of the high school with the high risk idea of starting a film school program for an industry that even though in its infancy I knew it would grow leaps and bounds if those who pushed hard enough would stick with it to create some semblance of film opportunities and production here in Panama. Ten years later after designing a very thorough program that includes script writing, production, distribution, film marketing, campaign strategy, film fund and grant writing as well as crowdfunding to use donors as ambassadors to promote the film, the Ministry of Education approved the program.
Last year, the first students, approximately 27 brave souls, risking the uncertainty the entertainment field has to offer, weathered the scrutiny of their parents to become the pioneering and prototype Class of 2017. This Class, now in the 11th grade, is gearing up to produce its first set of shorts for the Ipa Student Film Festival. The first film festival of its kind, it showcases the works of these film students with the goal of creating filmmakers from an early stage who will graduate with films reels in their areas of interest which will show their talents to prospective universities, scholarship programs and other international student competitions.
I got the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Film Department called Di Cine in conjunction with the Panama Film Commission to fund the projections of these works which will take place as an outdoor cinema event on the school grounds. on Friday, August 5 at 7pm. Provided the students meet the minimum Gpa, they will be required to do internships placed and provided through the Film Commission in conjunction with other private film entities such as the Tvn Channel 2, one of Panama's major television networks as well as The Panama Canal Chanel among other companies offering opportunities for these students to practice their craft prior to graduating.
Currently, under construction, is an upcoming state of the art film lab studio facility providing students with the opportunity to develop their talents. Also a new auditorium will host film events and eventually the high school graduation ceremony.
Jorge left his home in Panama at age 16 in the late 1980s due to political unrest and civil instability. The country’s dictator and drug king Noriega was recruiting young men to fight in his military army as the looming confrontation with the United States approached. In 1989, the United States invaded Panama under the name of “Just Cause” ousted the Panamanian dictator.
Living in Los Angeles, at the age of 18, he was selected to participate in the Walt Disney College Program. He worked in the marketing departments of New Line Cinema, Paramount and Columbia Pictures. In motion picture development, Jorge worked as a story analyst for Richard Gere's production company and Wendy Finerman's productions at Tri Star Pictures in the early nineties and the now defunct Fries Entertainment.
He also tried his hand at acting and was in Gramercy's "Panther" and "Tales from the Hood", HBO's "Social Friction Fables" New Line's "Friday" along with other cameos and supporting roles. He co-starred opposite award winning actor Matthew Leitch (Star of “Aka”) in the carnival romp "Sabor Tropical".
Ameer served as the coordinator for the 1988 Latino Entertainment Industry Conference and as a member of the advisory board of the Methodfest Film Festival. He was also the U.S. representative for the Barcelona G & L Film Festival and a film programmer for the Palm Springs G & L Film Festival.
In October 1997, he founded and executive directed The Continental Film Festival, better known as the first American Independent film festival held overseas on the island of Contadora, off the Gulf of Panama. There is where his film career actually began. He served as a festival coordinator during the very beginnings of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival founded by Edward James Olmos and Marlene Dehmer.
At these festivals, Ameer helped in the selection of many foreign features. After noticing a lack of recognition of foreign and independent gay themed films released theatrically, he founded the International Gay Film Awards, the Glitter Awards (2001-2008), at that time the only award show of its kind.
In 1997, Ameer also started Hollywood Independents, a distribution company which launched with the theatrical release of "California Myth" starring Tyron Powers Jr.
Thereafter, the company has released such titles as the Jamaican/American co-production "Klash" starring Jazmine Guy, "Eastside" starring Mario Lopez, "Tequila Body Shots" starring Joey Lawrence, "Poor White Trash" starring Jamie Pressley, Jason London, William Devane and Sean Young, Spain's Academy Awards Winning film (Goya Winner) "I will Survive" (Sobrevivire), and "Hotel Room" from the director of "Nico & Dani". Other releases include his film "The Singing Forest", and "Junked" starring Thomas Jane (star of "The Mist", "Punisher" and the popular HBO series "Hung") and Jordan Ladd (star of "Cabin Fever", "Hostel 2").
Jorge Ameer's theatrical distribution company Hollywood Independents International opened its theatrical distribution operations in Central and South America in 2006 with the theatrical release of "Grande Ecole" a film by Robert Salis. The French film was censored and banned in Panama due to its explicit sexual content
Ameer took a trip to Panama to denounce the banning of this film. After outrage was expressed by the Panamanian press, the film opened successfully in Panama. It opened number one at the Alhambra-Plus Transistmica beating studio films "Night at the Museum" and "Deja Vu". It broke box office records locally, playing in theaters for eight weeks.
On January 26, 2009 the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture study invited Mr. Ameer's to have his screenplays be a permanent part of "The Core Collection". The screenplays in this collection are made accessible for research purposes; students, filmmakers, writers and actors are among the patrons.
In April 2011, Mr. Ameer started his own film series in Panama called Jorge Ameer presents Cine Serie Independiente, a showcase to promote and exhibit high profile award winning independent and foreign films in Panama.
He brought in Aluzio Abranche's controversial incestuous drama of brotherly love "From Beginning to End" (“Do Comeco ao Fim”), Andre Shortell's "Psych 9" starring Sara Foster & Cary Elwes and Karee Andrew's "Altitude".
During the film presentations, directors presented their work to Panamanian audiences in person and live via skype. This is the first time in Panama's cinema history technology has allowed local cinephiles the opportunity to interact with award winning filmmakers virally before and after their film presentations.
Unfortunately, the presenting cinema and only theatre exhibitor to support independent films - the Alhambra Theatres- closed the following year, 2012, due to financial troubles. It was the last of a series of vintage stand-alone cinemas constructed during the boom of single screen theatres and drive-ins in Panama.
There are currently only two theatre chain exhibitors (Cinepolis & Cinemark) operating in Panama. Both chains have their multiplex cinemas located throughout today's popular mega malls.
Several months after his film series, Mr. Ameer produced the opening night after-party to the October 2011 edition of Screamfest, the world's premiere horror film festival based in Hollywood, California. The event was held at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. The event brought luminaries of the genre such as Paranormal Activity's Oren Peli, "Saw" and "Insidious" director James Wan, as well as "Grease", "Summer Lovers", "Blue Lagoon" director Randal Kleiser and "Firestarters", "Class of 1984" director Mark Lester to name a few celebrity attendees. With a seance theme, over 400 votive candles were used to create the atmosphere. In addition over one hundred skulls, the Screamfest symbol, were featured as centerpieces and part of the morbid "look" throughout the event. A well-lit coffin surrounded by neon lights was featured in the gift room where guests retrieved their gift bags from the open casket.
Mr. Ameer has authored, produced, and directed the theatrical features "The Truth Within", "Strippers","The Singing Forest", "Contadora is for lovers", "The House of Adam", "The Dark Side of Love","Sabor Tropical", "D'Agostino". All projects released theatrically through Hollywood Independents.
Ameer has produced, written and directed countless 35mm comedic shorts films to name a few "My Straight Boyfriend", "Popcorn & Coke", "Uninhibited", "Midnight Snack", "Tease" now available on DVD as a compilation of shorts called “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them”.
This collection has been so successful that he has executive produced, programmed and curated two more such programs “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them 2” and the upcoming “Straight Men & the Men Who Love Them 3”. The latest compilation of shorts is a collection of international shorts curated from the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner.
Ameer made a documentary "Classic Hollywood Cinemas" an in depth look at the old Hollywood movie palaces, their historic and preservation value and impact.
He's also produced and arranged the publishing of the historical and award winning first ever "Guide to Gay & Lesbian Film which has won many book awards for its detail, educational and historical contribution to independent gay and lesbian films released in theaters.
In addition to filmmaking, within the exhibition industry, Jorge Ameer was the last person to re-open the historic Vogue theatre in Hollywood as a movie theatre to showcase independent films. Films such as "Nico and Dani" (Tla Releasing) and "Just one time" from the now defunct Cowboy Releasing played at this theatre. The resurgence of film exhibition at the Vogue was short lived due to alleged hauntings at the venue where a paranormal research group leased the theatre from Mann theaters to set up shop as headquarters for their research group.
Jorge Ameer's "The Dark Side of Love " was the last film to shoot at the Regent Showcase Theatre in Hollywood prior to its closing. "The Regent Showcase Theatre, originally the Gordon Theatre (1938), is one of the older art houses in Los Angeles until its closing in May 2009.
A human rights activist, Ameer has spent most of his career creating controversial, cutting edge trivial stories with thought provoking subject matters to challenge audiences from the stereotypical social conventions and outdated traditional values which detract from enhancing the global human experience.
He is currently working on his latest film project “Oasis” to be shot in Panama during the month of August. Oasis” is a twisted thriller set in the backdrop of Panama's paradise its about a newlywed American who decides to visit a friend while in Panama on business, to rekindle their friendship to prove his love to his wife by killing him.
Also, on the current issue of Scream Magazine issue # 35, the worlds largest horror film magazine, his “Medusa” has received with extensive coverage. The film is currently playing in theaters in the U.S. through Regal Cinemas after having its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market.
“Medusa” had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival Marche along with a horror short he starred in called "Find Pauletta" in the Short Film Corner. This was the first time a Panamanian has had two films in two different programs of the Cannes Film Festival.
VFX for “Medusa” was by Jeremy Vanneman who has worked on many studio films including the upcoming “Ghostbusters”, “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “San Andreas”, etc. “Medusa” also has a celebrity cameo by 80's hearthrob William McNamara.
Jorge is the only Panamanian filmmaker who writes, direct, produces and own his own production and distribution company in Hollywood.
Jorge Ameer has also pioneered and procured the opening of the first high school film program at one of the oldest (110 years) and most prestigious private high schools in Panama, the Pan American Institute (Instituto Panamericano) in Panama City.
The film program curriculum was designed by Ameer and approved by the Ministry of Education.
It launched in 2015 with the first class schedule to graduate in 2017.
In his own words:
The high school film program was an idea that started because of the lack of opportunity and education in film that I myself had when growing up. I loved film so much; film was my babysitter during my childhood years. Whenever I wasn't in school I was at the movie theatre watching several films a day until my mom picked me up from the theatre. I attended the Pan American Institute (Instituto Panamericano) from kindergarten through graduation 1989.
Decades later as a filmmaker, distributor and film buyer, I approached the principal of the high school with the high risk idea of starting a film school program for an industry that even though in its infancy I knew it would grow leaps and bounds if those who pushed hard enough would stick with it to create some semblance of film opportunities and production here in Panama. Ten years later after designing a very thorough program that includes script writing, production, distribution, film marketing, campaign strategy, film fund and grant writing as well as crowdfunding to use donors as ambassadors to promote the film, the Ministry of Education approved the program.
Last year, the first students, approximately 27 brave souls, risking the uncertainty the entertainment field has to offer, weathered the scrutiny of their parents to become the pioneering and prototype Class of 2017. This Class, now in the 11th grade, is gearing up to produce its first set of shorts for the Ipa Student Film Festival. The first film festival of its kind, it showcases the works of these film students with the goal of creating filmmakers from an early stage who will graduate with films reels in their areas of interest which will show their talents to prospective universities, scholarship programs and other international student competitions.
I got the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Film Department called Di Cine in conjunction with the Panama Film Commission to fund the projections of these works which will take place as an outdoor cinema event on the school grounds. on Friday, August 5 at 7pm. Provided the students meet the minimum Gpa, they will be required to do internships placed and provided through the Film Commission in conjunction with other private film entities such as the Tvn Channel 2, one of Panama's major television networks as well as The Panama Canal Chanel among other companies offering opportunities for these students to practice their craft prior to graduating.
Currently, under construction, is an upcoming state of the art film lab studio facility providing students with the opportunity to develop their talents. Also a new auditorium will host film events and eventually the high school graduation ceremony.
- 4/26/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Necessary Roughness gave fans exactly what they'd been waiting for this week, as Nico finally told Dani the truth - but then quickly took a strange turn as things got even weirder at V3.
"The Games Afoot" flashed back to Nico's encounter with the FBI 11 months ago where they laid out all of the possible federal charges against him... and then made a deal. If he infiltrated V3, he could walk away with a clean slate and begin life anew in Dallas. Being no fool, Nico acceptedl.
Dani now knows the truth but she's still putting the brakes on moving her relationship forward with Nico. I really couldn't blame her. It's a lot to take in, yet I was happy when she asked him directly whether or not he still planned on moving to Dallas. This time she admitted she'd miss him. Nico reminded her that the last time this...
"The Games Afoot" flashed back to Nico's encounter with the FBI 11 months ago where they laid out all of the possible federal charges against him... and then made a deal. If he infiltrated V3, he could walk away with a clean slate and begin life anew in Dallas. Being no fool, Nico acceptedl.
Dani now knows the truth but she's still putting the brakes on moving her relationship forward with Nico. I really couldn't blame her. It's a lot to take in, yet I was happy when she asked him directly whether or not he still planned on moving to Dallas. This time she admitted she'd miss him. Nico reminded her that the last time this...
- 8/8/2013
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando)
- TVfanatic
Predator or prey. It was hard to determine who fit which category on tonight's Necessary Roughness, as "Swimming With Sharks" featured everyone choosing sides and I'm still uncertain where some characters landed.
Dani definitely had her hands full at V3. Not only was she dealing with the company's clientele, but Connor was loaning her out to the competition. Or was that using her as bait to catch a whale.
Whatever the metaphor, it obviously worked. Devin got his free throw back and also received help dealing with his overly dramatic, far too co-dependent mother.
Speaking of mother/child relationships, Dani couldn't seem to get RayJay to call her back. Maybe it was just the time difference... or maybe it's the hot, rich girl he's still hooked up with.
Even Lindsay was growing up and drifting away. When it came to buying the teen a car, she didn't so much want...
Dani definitely had her hands full at V3. Not only was she dealing with the company's clientele, but Connor was loaning her out to the competition. Or was that using her as bait to catch a whale.
Whatever the metaphor, it obviously worked. Devin got his free throw back and also received help dealing with his overly dramatic, far too co-dependent mother.
Speaking of mother/child relationships, Dani couldn't seem to get RayJay to call her back. Maybe it was just the time difference... or maybe it's the hot, rich girl he's still hooked up with.
Even Lindsay was growing up and drifting away. When it came to buying the teen a car, she didn't so much want...
- 6/27/2013
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando)
- TVfanatic
Necessary Roughness season 3 opened up with plenty of "Ch-Ch-Changes" for everyone, but does that mean some of this team's key players may be moving on?
Six months after Dani turned her heart over to Matt, he's wearing a wedding ring...but the matching one isn't on Dani's finger.
Matt decided to do "the right thing" and wed Noelle. With a six month gap, it's hard to tell what the right thing really was, however. We never saw Matt's reaction to finding out about Noelle's pregnancy. He made it clear that he always wanted to start a family... but is he starting one with the right woman?
Without having seen how Dani and Matt broke up, it's hard to read between the lines. Was their split by mutual consent or did Matt decide to walk away? Anyway, it looks like a baby on the way was the last straw for the Matt and Dani romance.
Six months after Dani turned her heart over to Matt, he's wearing a wedding ring...but the matching one isn't on Dani's finger.
Matt decided to do "the right thing" and wed Noelle. With a six month gap, it's hard to tell what the right thing really was, however. We never saw Matt's reaction to finding out about Noelle's pregnancy. He made it clear that he always wanted to start a family... but is he starting one with the right woman?
Without having seen how Dani and Matt broke up, it's hard to read between the lines. Was their split by mutual consent or did Matt decide to walk away? Anyway, it looks like a baby on the way was the last straw for the Matt and Dani romance.
- 6/13/2013
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando)
- TVfanatic
"The Fall Guy" proved that Necessary Roughness has more than one fixer... and The Hawks certainly needed all the fixing they coulc get.
Was it really such a huge surprise when Juliette wanted to fire Coach? He accused his boss of "swigging booze and swinging from chandeliers." Those type of comments generally put you on the fast track out the door.
Still, I was surprised to find out that he was involved in The Hawks bounty system. I suppose anyone is capable of anything when pushed hard enough - and Juliette must have pushed hard. Despite her innocent act, I'm sure she knew exactly what she was doing and just how wrong it was.
With their backs against the wall, Matt and Nico worked together and went to Dani for help.
The scene with Nico and Matt in Dani's car was my favorite of the hour. When Matt asked if this happened often,...
Was it really such a huge surprise when Juliette wanted to fire Coach? He accused his boss of "swigging booze and swinging from chandeliers." Those type of comments generally put you on the fast track out the door.
Still, I was surprised to find out that he was involved in The Hawks bounty system. I suppose anyone is capable of anything when pushed hard enough - and Juliette must have pushed hard. Despite her innocent act, I'm sure she knew exactly what she was doing and just how wrong it was.
With their backs against the wall, Matt and Nico worked together and went to Dani for help.
The scene with Nico and Matt in Dani's car was my favorite of the hour. When Matt asked if this happened often,...
- 2/7/2013
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando)
- TVfanatic
"Spell It Out" featured Dani trying to determine her future, while Tk was struggling with his past. The results of both journeys were absolutely heartbreaking.
Tk's been served. Yeah, I saw that coming the minute he opened the door. His shooter's defense attorney planned to use Tk's bad temper and lack of impulse control against him. Basically, they wanted to make Tk lose it on the stand so that he looked like a dangerous man.
The question quickly became whether Tk could overcome his issues and hold it together in court while reliving the most frightening night of his life. That's a tall order.
Luckily, through a solid support system that included Dani and Matt, Tk made it through... almost.
He handled the defense attorney like a pro. He even schmoozed the press, but it was the quiet moments at home after the trial where Tk let his biggest enemy get the better of him.
Tk's been served. Yeah, I saw that coming the minute he opened the door. His shooter's defense attorney planned to use Tk's bad temper and lack of impulse control against him. Basically, they wanted to make Tk lose it on the stand so that he looked like a dangerous man.
The question quickly became whether Tk could overcome his issues and hold it together in court while reliving the most frightening night of his life. That's a tall order.
Luckily, through a solid support system that included Dani and Matt, Tk made it through... almost.
He handled the defense attorney like a pro. He even schmoozed the press, but it was the quiet moments at home after the trial where Tk let his biggest enemy get the better of him.
- 7/26/2012
- by christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando)
- TVfanatic
As the co-writer of two date movies to open on or right before Valentine’s Day two years in a row — 2011’s Just Go With It and 2012’s This Means War — EW asked me to come up with some DOs and Don’Ts tips for dealing with this often stressful, often amazing holiday.
Do celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you are in a relationship new or old, it’s a day to celebrate love, romance and your partner, and you should celebrate both it and them.
Don’T try to get out of celebrating Valentine’s Day by claiming that...
Do celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you are in a relationship new or old, it’s a day to celebrate love, romance and your partner, and you should celebrate both it and them.
Don’T try to get out of celebrating Valentine’s Day by claiming that...
- 2/13/2012
- by Timothy Dowling
- EW.com - PopWatch
Have a question about gay male entertainment? Send it to aftereltonflyingmonkey@yahoo.com! (Please include your city and state and/or country.)
Q: Does Lucy Lawless regret that they killed Xena? – Craig, Norfolk, Va
A: In fact, she does. In “A Friend in Need,” the two-part Xena: Warrior Princess series finale back in 2001, Xena allows herself to be killed, so she can become a ghost and fight a spiritual being. Later, after Gabrielle finds a way to bring Xena back to life, the Warrior-Princess heroically chooses to stay dead in order to make amends for past sins. The series ends with Gabrielle, a full-fledged warrior at last, carrying on Xena’s legacy.
Gabrielle bids farewell to Xena
But as I’m sure you know, Craig, fans were livid – both at the death itself and over the way she died, which included, um, decapitation.
“At the time, we thought that was a really strong choice,...
Q: Does Lucy Lawless regret that they killed Xena? – Craig, Norfolk, Va
A: In fact, she does. In “A Friend in Need,” the two-part Xena: Warrior Princess series finale back in 2001, Xena allows herself to be killed, so she can become a ghost and fight a spiritual being. Later, after Gabrielle finds a way to bring Xena back to life, the Warrior-Princess heroically chooses to stay dead in order to make amends for past sins. The series ends with Gabrielle, a full-fledged warrior at last, carrying on Xena’s legacy.
Gabrielle bids farewell to Xena
But as I’m sure you know, Craig, fans were livid – both at the death itself and over the way she died, which included, um, decapitation.
“At the time, we thought that was a really strong choice,...
- 9/16/2009
- by Brent Hartinger
- The Backlot
MADRID -- Bavaria Film International has secured the world sales rights to Cesc Gay's highly anticipated third feature, In the City. In the City recently had been revealed as a competition entry in the 51st San Sebastian International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run Sept. 18-27, and is likely to premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival before then. Produced by Marta Esteban and Gerardo Herrero, for Barcelona-based Spanish production company Messidor Films, which, along with broker New Zeal announced the rights pick-up, the film marks the follow-up to the director's internationally successful Krampack.
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