The 50th Annual Seattle International Film Festival (Siff) wrapped up on Sunday and announced the winners of the 2024 Golden Space Needle Audience and Juried Competition Awards.
The festival began on May 9 and screened 261 films representing 84 countries with “62% of the feature films were created by first or second-time filmmakers; 43% were created by women or nonbinary filmmakers; 35% of filmmakers identify as a Bipoc director; and nearly 60% are currently without U.S. distribution and may not screen commercially in the United States,” according to Siff.
Siff holds two categories of competition: juried and audience based. Juried competitions include five feature subcategories including the Official Competition, New American Cinema Competition, New Directors Competition, Ibero-American Competition and Documentary Competition. Short film categories include live action, animation and documentary.
In addition, over 32,000 ballots were submitted for the Golden Space Needle Awards (Gsna). Films judged through the GSNAs are selected by audience members through post-screening ballots. The categories include best film,...
The festival began on May 9 and screened 261 films representing 84 countries with “62% of the feature films were created by first or second-time filmmakers; 43% were created by women or nonbinary filmmakers; 35% of filmmakers identify as a Bipoc director; and nearly 60% are currently without U.S. distribution and may not screen commercially in the United States,” according to Siff.
Siff holds two categories of competition: juried and audience based. Juried competitions include five feature subcategories including the Official Competition, New American Cinema Competition, New Directors Competition, Ibero-American Competition and Documentary Competition. Short film categories include live action, animation and documentary.
In addition, over 32,000 ballots were submitted for the Golden Space Needle Awards (Gsna). Films judged through the GSNAs are selected by audience members through post-screening ballots. The categories include best film,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Filming is now underway on action adventure movie “Afterburn,” starring Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson with Olga Kurylenko and Kristofer Hivju rounding out the cast.
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Gregg Araki is set to direct Olivia Wilde in his next feature, Black Bear’s provocative thriller “I Want Your Sex.”
The film features an original script penned by Araki and Karley Sciortino which blithely explores desire, domination and fantasy.
When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Arlie Day (“To Leslie”) and Mike Page (“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”) are casting the picture. The film will be produced by Seth Caplan, a past winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, alongside Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler.
The film features an original script penned by Araki and Karley Sciortino which blithely explores desire, domination and fantasy.
When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Arlie Day (“To Leslie”) and Mike Page (“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”) are casting the picture. The film will be produced by Seth Caplan, a past winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, alongside Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler.
- 5/9/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), William H. Macy and Clifton Collins Jr. have joined director Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams,” Variety has learned.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – The 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) kicks off on Friday, May 3rd, with “Sing Sing” and continues through May 9th with an amazing cinema week featuring the best of the winter/spring bold face film fests, special guests, revivals and surprises! Click on 2024 Ccff for tickets and schedule.
The 11th Ccff
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
In “Sing Sing,” Divine G (Colman Domingo), who is imprisoned in New York State’s infamous Sing Sing prison, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are incarcerated. The story uses actual incarceration actors alongside Domingo and the other professionals, and the guests for Opening Night includes director Greg Kwedar, and actors Clarence “Divine Eye’ Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean “Dino” Johnson.
Capsule Review: The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display in this remarkable tale, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s...
The 11th Ccff
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
In “Sing Sing,” Divine G (Colman Domingo), who is imprisoned in New York State’s infamous Sing Sing prison, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are incarcerated. The story uses actual incarceration actors alongside Domingo and the other professionals, and the guests for Opening Night includes director Greg Kwedar, and actors Clarence “Divine Eye’ Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean “Dino” Johnson.
Capsule Review: The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display in this remarkable tale, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s...
- 4/30/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Vashon Film Institute has set the date for the third annual Vashon Island Film Festival, which is slated to take place Aug. 8-11. The announcement comes with the launch of two new divisions of the Vashon Film Institute and a new donation arm, which accepts restricted funds to be used solely to fund improvements at the Vashon Theatre.
Vfi’s new divisions are the Quartermaster Lab, a collective of filmmaking programs, and VFIpresents, its sales, distribution and release division, which will also focus on organizing community events outside Viff.
“The quintessential goal in founding Vfi was to support independent filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest,” said Mark Mathias Sayre, founder of Vashon Film Institute. “To that end, Viff has already brought compelling indie features and documentaries to local audiences and will continue to do so. But that’s only part of the game plan: We’re equally committed to engendering the...
Vfi’s new divisions are the Quartermaster Lab, a collective of filmmaking programs, and VFIpresents, its sales, distribution and release division, which will also focus on organizing community events outside Viff.
“The quintessential goal in founding Vfi was to support independent filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest,” said Mark Mathias Sayre, founder of Vashon Film Institute. “To that end, Viff has already brought compelling indie features and documentaries to local audiences and will continue to do so. But that’s only part of the game plan: We’re equally committed to engendering the...
- 4/19/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
SXSW organizers on Monday announced the Audience Award winners for the festival’s recently wrapped 31st edition.
The list includes Tracie Laymon’s dramedy Bob Trevino Likes It, which prevailed in Narrative Feature Competition, and the action thriller Monkey Man marking Dev Patel’s directorial debut, which dominated the Headliner section. Other notable winners included A24’s Sing Sing starring Colman Domingo, which won out in Festival Favorite, and Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ dark veteran dramedy My Dead Friend Zoe, starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales and Ed Harris, which won in Narrative Spotlight.
“We are beyond grateful to all our filmmakers, audiences, and volunteers for creating one of the most exciting SXSW Film & TV Festivals ever,” said Claudette Godfrey, VP Film & TV. “We knew our audiences would flip for our program filled with explosive studio films, surprising indie dramas and comedies, riveting TV, powerful documentaries, gripping gems from around the world, and groundbreaking Xr,...
The list includes Tracie Laymon’s dramedy Bob Trevino Likes It, which prevailed in Narrative Feature Competition, and the action thriller Monkey Man marking Dev Patel’s directorial debut, which dominated the Headliner section. Other notable winners included A24’s Sing Sing starring Colman Domingo, which won out in Festival Favorite, and Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ dark veteran dramedy My Dead Friend Zoe, starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales and Ed Harris, which won in Narrative Spotlight.
“We are beyond grateful to all our filmmakers, audiences, and volunteers for creating one of the most exciting SXSW Film & TV Festivals ever,” said Claudette Godfrey, VP Film & TV. “We knew our audiences would flip for our program filled with explosive studio films, surprising indie dramas and comedies, riveting TV, powerful documentaries, gripping gems from around the world, and groundbreaking Xr,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dev Patel’s Monkey Man has won the SXSW Headliner audience award and Bob Trevino Likes It directed by Tracie Laymon has earned the Narrative Feature Competition Prize.
Patel has garnered strong reviews for his feature directing debut in which he stars as a Mumbai underground boxer out to avenge his mother’s death. Universal holds worldwide rights and will distribute in the US and UK on April 5.
Bob Trevino Likes It stars John Leguizamo and Barbie Ferreira ahs enjoyed a successful SXSW after it won the Narrative Feature Competition juried award announced last week.
It tells of a woman...
Patel has garnered strong reviews for his feature directing debut in which he stars as a Mumbai underground boxer out to avenge his mother’s death. Universal holds worldwide rights and will distribute in the US and UK on April 5.
Bob Trevino Likes It stars John Leguizamo and Barbie Ferreira ahs enjoyed a successful SXSW after it won the Narrative Feature Competition juried award announced last week.
It tells of a woman...
- 3/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing debuted at TIFF in 2023 to much buzz and an acquisition from A24. In the months since, its star, Colman Domingo, has become an Oscar nominee, which only caused the hype to grow even stronger. It earns every bit of the praise it has gotten, as it is one of the best-directed and best-performed films in years.
Based on a true story told in an Esquire article, Sing Sing chronicles the lives of a group of inmates in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility who participate in a drama program as part of their rehabilitation process. Although a few of the beats in the movie are somewhat conventional, the film oozes such deep humanity that it is impossible not to fall in love with it and its subjects.
The most impressive thing about Sing Sing — of which there are many — is the level of empathy with which it approaches its characters.
Based on a true story told in an Esquire article, Sing Sing chronicles the lives of a group of inmates in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility who participate in a drama program as part of their rehabilitation process. Although a few of the beats in the movie are somewhat conventional, the film oozes such deep humanity that it is impossible not to fall in love with it and its subjects.
The most impressive thing about Sing Sing — of which there are many — is the level of empathy with which it approaches its characters.
- 3/13/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
Variety will honor Molly Ringwald with the Variety Creative Vanguard Award at the Miami Film Festival on Saturday, April 6. The award will be for her outstanding career achievements, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Ringwald will participate in a Q&a about her extensive work in film and TV with Variety Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis.
“It’s important to remember that before Molly Ringwald was the iconic young star of John Hughes’ teen angst-driven comedies such as ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘The Breakfast Club,’ she first starred in Paul Mazursky’s contemporary update of Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest,’” said Steve Gaydos, Variety EVP of Global Content and Executive Editor. “This is important because the secret of Ringwald’s early success and career longevity is the simple fact she has always been one of American film and television’s most gifted and versatile actresses. Her dazzling work this...
Ringwald will participate in a Q&a about her extensive work in film and TV with Variety Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis.
“It’s important to remember that before Molly Ringwald was the iconic young star of John Hughes’ teen angst-driven comedies such as ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘The Breakfast Club,’ she first starred in Paul Mazursky’s contemporary update of Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest,’” said Steve Gaydos, Variety EVP of Global Content and Executive Editor. “This is important because the secret of Ringwald’s early success and career longevity is the simple fact she has always been one of American film and television’s most gifted and versatile actresses. Her dazzling work this...
- 3/12/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
After the 96th Academy Awards honors were handed out on Sunday night, here’s a look at the next projects the Oscar nominees in the acting categories (supporting and lead) are planning to tackle:
Annette Bening
Nyad
The five-time Oscar nominee stars with Alison Brie and Sam Neill on Peacock series Apples Never Fall (March 14), an adaptation of a Liane Moriarty novel. Also this year, Bening stars in Poolman opposite Chris Pine in his feature directorial debut.
Emily Blunt
Oppenheimer
She stars opposite fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling in David Leitch’s movie The Fall Guy, premiering at SXSW before Universal releases it May 3. Two weeks after that, Blunt can be heard voicing a unicorn in husband John Krasinski’s Paramount feature If.
Danielle Brooks
The Color Purple
The actress has been filming Jared Hess’ video game adaptation Minecraft with Jack Black, set for release from Warner Bros. in 2025. She...
Annette Bening
Nyad
The five-time Oscar nominee stars with Alison Brie and Sam Neill on Peacock series Apples Never Fall (March 14), an adaptation of a Liane Moriarty novel. Also this year, Bening stars in Poolman opposite Chris Pine in his feature directorial debut.
Emily Blunt
Oppenheimer
She stars opposite fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling in David Leitch’s movie The Fall Guy, premiering at SXSW before Universal releases it May 3. Two weeks after that, Blunt can be heard voicing a unicorn in husband John Krasinski’s Paramount feature If.
Danielle Brooks
The Color Purple
The actress has been filming Jared Hess’ video game adaptation Minecraft with Jack Black, set for release from Warner Bros. in 2025. She...
- 3/11/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Colman Domingo steps to the stage to introduce the SXSW premiere of his new film “Sing Sing” — a deeply affecting depiction of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the titular maximum security prison in New York — he gets a standing ovation before a second of the film has screened. That might be in part because, less than 48 hours later, Domingo will be stepping inside the Dolby Theater for the 96th Academy Awards, nominated for his performance as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in “Rustin.”
This wasn’t even the world premiere for “Sing Sing” — that was at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where A24 scooped it up for a theatrical release this July. But as Domingo explains to Variety following the film’s screening at SXSW — where the film received another, much longer standing ovation — there was never any question for him about whether he would attend.
“The funny thing is,...
This wasn’t even the world premiere for “Sing Sing” — that was at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where A24 scooped it up for a theatrical release this July. But as Domingo explains to Variety following the film’s screening at SXSW — where the film received another, much longer standing ovation — there was never any question for him about whether he would attend.
“The funny thing is,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer (Clarence Maclin), in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.
Starring
Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San Jose, and Paul Raci
Directed By
Greg Kwedar
Check out the trailer below:
“Sing Sing” will be released in theaters July 2024.
Starring
Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San Jose, and Paul Raci
Directed By
Greg Kwedar
Check out the trailer below:
“Sing Sing” will be released in theaters July 2024.
- 3/7/2024
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
The Miami Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 41st edition, including “Thelma,” starring June Squibb, opening the event and Tony Goldwyn’s “Ezra” as closing night selection.
Goldwyn will be honored at the festival with the Art of Light award along with Alison Brie, while Greg Kwedar, director of “Sing Sing,” will receive the Impact Award.
The festival runs April 5-14, with Goldwyn in attendance for the April 13 closing screening of “Ezra,” which stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson.
“This year’s lineup spotlights exciting narrative programming, essential documentaries, and groundbreaking shorts, bringing an unbelievable host of films to our local community,” said James Woolley, Executive Director. “The Miami Film Festival is delighted to welcome our audiences back for another year of incredible screenings and inspiring conversations.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing this incredible slate of diverse and exciting films to Miami,...
Goldwyn will be honored at the festival with the Art of Light award along with Alison Brie, while Greg Kwedar, director of “Sing Sing,” will receive the Impact Award.
The festival runs April 5-14, with Goldwyn in attendance for the April 13 closing screening of “Ezra,” which stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson.
“This year’s lineup spotlights exciting narrative programming, essential documentaries, and groundbreaking shorts, bringing an unbelievable host of films to our local community,” said James Woolley, Executive Director. “The Miami Film Festival is delighted to welcome our audiences back for another year of incredible screenings and inspiring conversations.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing this incredible slate of diverse and exciting films to Miami,...
- 3/7/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Colman Domingo uses the performing arts to connect with fellow inmates in the first trailer for the A24 drama Sing Sing.
Director Greg Kwedar’s feature is set to hit theaters in July after premiering at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Sing Sing focuses on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program that allows prisoners at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility to produce and act in their own stage projects. The movie stars Domingo and Paul Raci alongside a cast comprised mostly of formerly incarcerated actors, many of whom previously participated in Rta.
Sing Sing follows the real-life friendship between inmates John “Divine G” Whitfield (Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself, as the group works to put together an original production entitled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. The movie is based on author John H. Richardson’s 2005 Esquire article “The Sing Sing...
Director Greg Kwedar’s feature is set to hit theaters in July after premiering at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Sing Sing focuses on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program that allows prisoners at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility to produce and act in their own stage projects. The movie stars Domingo and Paul Raci alongside a cast comprised mostly of formerly incarcerated actors, many of whom previously participated in Rta.
Sing Sing follows the real-life friendship between inmates John “Divine G” Whitfield (Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself, as the group works to put together an original production entitled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. The movie is based on author John H. Richardson’s 2005 Esquire article “The Sing Sing...
- 3/6/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In less than a decade, A24 has become one of the industry’s most reliable awards magnets, with Best Picture wins for “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and multiple Best Picture nominations – including this year for the 2023 films “Past Lives” and “The Zone of Interest.” So it would perhaps be wise to leave a space on the 2025 Oscars ballot for “Sing Sing.” The acclaimed film – which A24 acquired after it debuted at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – is out in theaters this summer, and if the newly released and emotional trailer is any indication, it should be a strong contender in numerous top categories.
Out in July, the film focuses on a Sing Sing prison inmate named Divine G (current Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo), who is incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit and “finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men,...
Out in July, the film focuses on a Sing Sing prison inmate named Divine G (current Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo), who is incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit and “finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
"We here to become human again..." A24 has revealed the first official trailer for an acclaimed indie film titled Sing Sing, the second feature directed by filmmaker Greg Kwedar following Transpecos previously. This premiered at last year's 2023 Toronto Film Festival to rave reviews, with many critics calling it one of the best of the fest. It's playing at SXSW 2024 next this month before opening in theaters this July. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo stars in a rapturous role as Divine G – imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, he finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer – in this "stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art," starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors. Which makes a very big difference. Based on the real-life arts rehabilitation programme founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Kwedar's...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
With a major last 12 months, starring in half a dozen films and receiving an Oscar nomination, Colman Domingo’s best performance of the bunch is in Greg Kwedar’s drama Sing Sing. A TIFF premiere that was picked up by A24 for a release this July, the film follows a theater troupe that finds escape from the realities of incarceration through the creativity of putting on a play. Based on a real-life rehabilitation program and featuring a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors, the first trailer has now arrived ahead of its SXSW U.S. premiere.
I said in my TIFF review, “Reminiscent of Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous’ piercing Folsom Prison therapy program documentary The Work, Sing Sing is most interested in the rediscovering of a soul’s humanity after years of presenting a veneer of socially conditioned callousness perpetrated by both the system that was the reason for...
I said in my TIFF review, “Reminiscent of Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous’ piercing Folsom Prison therapy program documentary The Work, Sing Sing is most interested in the rediscovering of a soul’s humanity after years of presenting a veneer of socially conditioned callousness perpetrated by both the system that was the reason for...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Colman Domingo is on a remarkable run, and ahead of Oscar night and his nomination for “Rustin,” A24 has released the first trailer for his next moving drama, “Sing Sing.”
Greg Kwedar directed “Sing Sing,” which follows the true story of a leader of a theater troupe in prison and how they use acting to escape the realities of their incarceration, putting on a play all while Domingo’s character is seeking parole. The film is based on a real-life rehabilitation program, and the movie even features a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors.
Domingo leads the cast that also includes Paul Raci, an Oscar nominee for “Sound of Metal.” And A24, which picked up the film out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has announced it is eyeing a theatrical release this July for the movie. It will have its U.S. premiere at the SXSW Film festival on Friday.
Greg Kwedar directed “Sing Sing,” which follows the true story of a leader of a theater troupe in prison and how they use acting to escape the realities of their incarceration, putting on a play all while Domingo’s character is seeking parole. The film is based on a real-life rehabilitation program, and the movie even features a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors.
Domingo leads the cast that also includes Paul Raci, an Oscar nominee for “Sound of Metal.” And A24, which picked up the film out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has announced it is eyeing a theatrical release this July for the movie. It will have its U.S. premiere at the SXSW Film festival on Friday.
- 3/6/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Black Bear has hired Courtney L. Cunniff as senior vice president of film. Cunniff comes to Black Bear from eOne and Hasbro, where she served as vice president of production and development & acquisitions for film titles under both of the company’s banners. Black Bear’s credits include “The Imitation Game,” “I Care A Lot” and “Nyad,” which recently earned Oscar nominations for Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
- 2/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
‘Train Dreams’: Joel Edgerton & Felicity Jones To Star In Adaptation Of Denis Johnson’s 2011 Novella
It looks like Joel Edgerton has another drama in the vein of “The Boys In The Boat” and “Thirteen Lives” up next. The actor will co-star with Felicity Jones in “Train Dreams,” Black Bear‘s adaptation of Denis Johnson‘s 2011 novella. It’ll be the third adaptation of Johnson’s literary work for the big screen, after 1999’s “Jesus’ Son” and Claire Denis‘ recent outing, “The Stars At Noon.”
Read More: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024
Clint Bentley will direct “Train Dreams” from an adapted script he co-writes with his “Sing Sing” co-writer Greg Kwedar.
Continue reading ‘Train Dreams’: Joel Edgerton & Felicity Jones To Star In Adaptation Of Denis Johnson’s 2011 Novella at The Playlist.
Read More: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024
Clint Bentley will direct “Train Dreams” from an adapted script he co-writes with his “Sing Sing” co-writer Greg Kwedar.
Continue reading ‘Train Dreams’: Joel Edgerton & Felicity Jones To Star In Adaptation Of Denis Johnson’s 2011 Novella at The Playlist.
- 2/8/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Following up her Best Picture-nominated Past Lives, Celine Song has officially unveiled her next feature. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, The Materialists is a romantic comedy that follows “a professional matchmaker who gets involved with a wealthy man but still harbors feelings for the broke actor-waiter she left behind,” Deadline reports. Once again backed by A24, producers Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler of Killer Films, and 2Am’s David Hinojosa, the project is aiming to start shooting this spring, so expect a 2025 release.
Also on the 2025 release calendar is likely Kogonada’s third feature following Columbus and After Yang. Reteaming with Colin Farrell with Margot Robbie also starring, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is said to be an “imaginative tale of two strangers and the unbelievable journey that connects them,” Deadline reports. With production beginning this spring in California, it’ll be Robbie’s second project after Barbie,...
Also on the 2025 release calendar is likely Kogonada’s third feature following Columbus and After Yang. Reteaming with Colin Farrell with Margot Robbie also starring, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is said to be an “imaginative tale of two strangers and the unbelievable journey that connects them,” Deadline reports. With production beginning this spring in California, it’ll be Robbie’s second project after Barbie,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Joel Edgerton (The Gift) and Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) are set to star in Train Dreams, the newest feature from Jockey director Clint Bentley, which will be introduced to international buyers at EFM by Black Bear.
Bentley & Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing) penned the script which is an adaptation of Denis Johnson’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella. Damien Ober did a previous draft.
Pic tells the story of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss and unique bonds, on a journey that is both distinct and universal.
Producers include Marissa McMahon and Ashley Schlaifer for Kamala Films, Will Janowitz, and...
Bentley & Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing) penned the script which is an adaptation of Denis Johnson’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella. Damien Ober did a previous draft.
Pic tells the story of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss and unique bonds, on a journey that is both distinct and universal.
Producers include Marissa McMahon and Ashley Schlaifer for Kamala Films, Will Janowitz, and...
- 2/7/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones have signed on to star in the epic drama Train Dreams, which Black Bear is fully financing and will introduce to EFM buyers in Berlin next week.
Clint Bentley (Jockey) directs and production is set to begin in April in Washington State. WME Independent handles US sales.
Train Dreams is described as a “sweeping and poignant” tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day labourer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America.
Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones) and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to...
Clint Bentley (Jockey) directs and production is set to begin in April in Washington State. WME Independent handles US sales.
Train Dreams is described as a “sweeping and poignant” tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day labourer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America.
Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones) and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to...
- 2/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
March fest announces multiple competition sections.
SXSW announced on Wednesday that Netflix series 3 Body Problem from Game Of Thrones co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss is the festival’s opening night TV premiere, while Universal’s action comedy The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the centrepiece screening.
Top brass at the Austin, Texas, festival (March 8-16) also unveiled feature and short competitions and Midnighters and Global sections, as well as select titles from other categories and Xr Experience for the 31st edition.
Headliners selections include world premieres of Pamela Adlon’s Babes starring Ilana Glazer,...
SXSW announced on Wednesday that Netflix series 3 Body Problem from Game Of Thrones co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss is the festival’s opening night TV premiere, while Universal’s action comedy The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the centrepiece screening.
Top brass at the Austin, Texas, festival (March 8-16) also unveiled feature and short competitions and Midnighters and Global sections, as well as select titles from other categories and Xr Experience for the 31st edition.
Headliners selections include world premieres of Pamela Adlon’s Babes starring Ilana Glazer,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: It’s no secret that the independent film game is not for the faint-hearted, with the last decade seeing a number of companies and financiers collapse under the weight of the industry’s constant state of flux. But amidst the turmoil and unprecedented change, Teddy Schwarzman has been quietly building his Black Bear label into a full-fledged independent film studio.
The company, which Schwarzman founded as a financing and production outfit back in 2011, has now grown into a business that has tentacles in international sales; theatrical distribution in Canada (Elevation Pictures) and, more recently, the UK (Black Bear UK); a management business; a documentary financing joint venture with New Regency dubbed Double Agent; and a television strand, the latter of which recently deficit-financed AMC’s crime drama Monsieur Spade starring Clive Owen.
When Deadline sits down with Schwarzman in his Santa Monica office for a rare interview, Black Bear...
The company, which Schwarzman founded as a financing and production outfit back in 2011, has now grown into a business that has tentacles in international sales; theatrical distribution in Canada (Elevation Pictures) and, more recently, the UK (Black Bear UK); a management business; a documentary financing joint venture with New Regency dubbed Double Agent; and a television strand, the latter of which recently deficit-financed AMC’s crime drama Monsieur Spade starring Clive Owen.
When Deadline sits down with Schwarzman in his Santa Monica office for a rare interview, Black Bear...
- 11/16/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
“Sing Sing” and “Jockey” filmmakers Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley have signed with CAA for representation.
The award-winning filmmakers’ most recent feature, “Sing Sing,” a prison-set drama, stars Emmy winner Colman Domingo and features a supporting cast that includes Oscar nominee Paul Raci, but is comprised primarily of formerly incarcerated individuals. The film is directed by Kwedar, co-written by both, and produced by Bentley, with its story inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York.
“Sing Sing” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was acquired by A24, in a competitive situation, with the deal brokered by CAA Media Finance.
Kwedar and Bentley’s previous narrative collaborations include “Jockey” and “Transpecos,” both starring Clifton Collins Jr. “Jockey” marked Bentley’s directorial debut, helmed from a script the pair co-wrote and Kwedar produced. The film made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival,...
The award-winning filmmakers’ most recent feature, “Sing Sing,” a prison-set drama, stars Emmy winner Colman Domingo and features a supporting cast that includes Oscar nominee Paul Raci, but is comprised primarily of formerly incarcerated individuals. The film is directed by Kwedar, co-written by both, and produced by Bentley, with its story inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York.
“Sing Sing” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was acquired by A24, in a competitive situation, with the deal brokered by CAA Media Finance.
Kwedar and Bentley’s previous narrative collaborations include “Jockey” and “Transpecos,” both starring Clifton Collins Jr. “Jockey” marked Bentley’s directorial debut, helmed from a script the pair co-wrote and Kwedar produced. The film made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to the post-summer box office blues, Taylor Swift: Eras Tour has helped shake it off. The film’s phenomenal success — it’s already the top-grossing concert film of all time in North America, not adjusted for inflation — as well as its unique rollout, in which Swift teamed up directly teaming directly with AMC Theaters, bypassing traditional studio distribution, is a bright light in an independent movie market sorely in need of some good news.
Sadly, there is only one Taylor Swift. The rest of the independent film world, representatives of which will be gathering in Santa Monica for the American Film Market Oct. 31-Nov. 5, sees few reasons to dance in the aisles.
The market’s new location, at the Le Méridien Delfina on Pico, exchanges the seaside views and beach vibe of the Loews Hotels, AFM’s home for the past 30 years, for the more elusive charms...
Sadly, there is only one Taylor Swift. The rest of the independent film world, representatives of which will be gathering in Santa Monica for the American Film Market Oct. 31-Nov. 5, sees few reasons to dance in the aisles.
The market’s new location, at the Le Méridien Delfina on Pico, exchanges the seaside views and beach vibe of the Loews Hotels, AFM’s home for the past 30 years, for the more elusive charms...
- 10/31/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fusion Entertainment has signed on to manage Joanna Arnow, an acclaimed acclaimed writer, director, actor and editor whose narrative feature debut “The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed” impressed audiences and critics when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors Fortnight section. The film was later acquired by Magnolia Pictures. It will be released domestically in 2024 after having its U.S. premiere this week at the New York Film Festival
This puts Arnow under the same management team as “Red Rocket” and “The Florida Project” filmmaker Sean Baker, who was an executive producer on the film.
Arnow also joins a roster of notable multi-hyphenates including “She Dies Tomorrow” filmmaker Amy Seimetz, “Cha Cha Real Smooth” director, writer and star Cooper Raiff, and”Saint Frances” writer and star Kelly O’Sullivan. Other notable Fusion management clients include: “Triangle of Sadness” breakout Dolly De Leon; writer-directors-producers Greg Kwedar and Clint Benley,...
This puts Arnow under the same management team as “Red Rocket” and “The Florida Project” filmmaker Sean Baker, who was an executive producer on the film.
Arnow also joins a roster of notable multi-hyphenates including “She Dies Tomorrow” filmmaker Amy Seimetz, “Cha Cha Real Smooth” director, writer and star Cooper Raiff, and”Saint Frances” writer and star Kelly O’Sullivan. Other notable Fusion management clients include: “Triangle of Sadness” breakout Dolly De Leon; writer-directors-producers Greg Kwedar and Clint Benley,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
“We are here to become human again.” This is the mantra of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, founded in Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a prison just north of New York City, and the subject of Greg Kwedar’s emotionally restorative new feature. While led by a stellar Colman Domingo with an equally great supporting turn from Paul Raci, the majority of Sing Sing‘s cast knows the program all too well, either as alumni or currently going through it. That authenticity in casting carries through every frame and every line, as if Kwedar has walked these halls and been in these rooms, an observer to the intimate conversations he’s scripted alongside Clint Bentley.
Set in 2005, when the film’s inspiration from John H. Richardson’s Esquire article “The Sing Sing Follies” was published, the film follows a theater troupe attempting to mount their latest production, an ambitious (semi-)original work involving Egyptians,...
Set in 2005, when the film’s inspiration from John H. Richardson’s Esquire article “The Sing Sing Follies” was published, the film follows a theater troupe attempting to mount their latest production, an ambitious (semi-)original work involving Egyptians,...
- 9/18/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
A24 has landed the U.S. rights to Sing Sing, the Colman Domingo-fronted drama that premiered at Toronto Film Festival about a performing arts prison program.
Greg Kwedar directs the feature that focuses on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program run out of the eponymous prison that sees the incarcerated producing and acting in stage productions. The story centers on the friendship of Rta alumni John “Divine G” Whitfield (portrayed by Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself, as they stage an original production.
Outside of Oscar nominee Paul Paci, who plays the program’s resident director, the rest of the ensemble cast is made up of formerly incarcerated performers who went through the Rta program.
Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions financed and produced the film, which was written by Clint Bentley and Kwedar.
“The film has an unhurried pace that some might find taxing.
Greg Kwedar directs the feature that focuses on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program run out of the eponymous prison that sees the incarcerated producing and acting in stage productions. The story centers on the friendship of Rta alumni John “Divine G” Whitfield (portrayed by Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself, as they stage an original production.
Outside of Oscar nominee Paul Paci, who plays the program’s resident director, the rest of the ensemble cast is made up of formerly incarcerated performers who went through the Rta program.
Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions financed and produced the film, which was written by Clint Bentley and Kwedar.
“The film has an unhurried pace that some might find taxing.
- 9/16/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A24 has acquired theatrical distribution rights to “Sing Sing,” five days after the Colman Domingo-starring drama made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The indie banner confirmed the deal Friday evening.
Directed by Greg Kwedar, the film is inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, following a group of inmates who collaborate on stage shows. Domingo, who was also represented at TIFF with the George C. Wolfe-directed biopic “Rustin” from Netflix, leads “Sing Sing,” joined by a cast that includes Paul Raci, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting turn in “Sound of Metal,” as well as Clarence Maclin and Sean San José.
“Sing Sing” was financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, with Kwedar working with Clint Bentley to adapt the script from Brent Buell’s...
Directed by Greg Kwedar, the film is inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, following a group of inmates who collaborate on stage shows. Domingo, who was also represented at TIFF with the George C. Wolfe-directed biopic “Rustin” from Netflix, leads “Sing Sing,” joined by a cast that includes Paul Raci, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting turn in “Sound of Metal,” as well as Clarence Maclin and Sean San José.
“Sing Sing” was financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, with Kwedar working with Clint Bentley to adapt the script from Brent Buell’s...
- 9/15/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
A24 has acquired the domestic theatrical rights to “Sing Sing,” starring Colman Domingo, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and A24 is planning a 2024 theatrical release. The deal is reported to be in the seven figures.
In his review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote: “Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (‘Jockey’), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of ‘Sound of Metal’ Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves. The result isn’t seamless or slick, but there’s an urgency and a grit to it, and a sense of lives lost and occasionally regained.
The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and A24 is planning a 2024 theatrical release. The deal is reported to be in the seven figures.
In his review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote: “Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (‘Jockey’), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of ‘Sound of Metal’ Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves. The result isn’t seamless or slick, but there’s an urgency and a grit to it, and a sense of lives lost and occasionally regained.
- 9/15/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In competitive bidding, A24 has acquired U.S. theatrical rights to Sing Sing, the Greg Kwedar-directed drama that stars Colman Domingo. The film premiered at Toronto to rapturous reviews and A24 is plotting a 2024 theatrical release.
Financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, Sing Sing revolves around a theater group that escapes the reality of incarceration through the creativity of staging a play, with a cast that includes actors who have been incarcerated. Clint Bentley & Kwedar adapted the script from Brent Buell’s play, Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code and John H. Richardson’s The Sing Sing Follies.
Bentley and Kwedar produced with Monique Walton. Colman Domingo, Raul Domingo, Michael Heimler, Teddy Schwarzman, Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Nancy Schafer, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and John “Divine G” Whitfield are the exec producers.
CAA Media Finance brokered the domestic deal, and Black Bear is selling international territories.
Financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, Sing Sing revolves around a theater group that escapes the reality of incarceration through the creativity of staging a play, with a cast that includes actors who have been incarcerated. Clint Bentley & Kwedar adapted the script from Brent Buell’s play, Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code and John H. Richardson’s The Sing Sing Follies.
Bentley and Kwedar produced with Monique Walton. Colman Domingo, Raul Domingo, Michael Heimler, Teddy Schwarzman, Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Nancy Schafer, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and John “Divine G” Whitfield are the exec producers.
CAA Media Finance brokered the domestic deal, and Black Bear is selling international territories.
- 9/15/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
In his latest feature, Sing Sing, the director Greg Kwedar crafts a sincere story of friendship and artistic expression at Sing Sing, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York. Rehabilitation Through the Arts, or Rta, is a program that helps people in jail cultivate community through theater, dance and other artistic mediums. Using a mix of professional actors and alumni from the program, Kwedar chronicles the experiences of a group of incarcerated men preparing to stage a new and ambitious production. Sing Sing doesn’t set out to be an overtly political film, but its sensitive approach to portraying the lives of its characters makes it an urgent document of our time.
The riots and demonstrations of 2020 renewed conversations about the reach of the carceral state in the U.S. Abolition became a hot topic, but for those unaffected by the tendrils of the American prison system, the lives of...
The riots and demonstrations of 2020 renewed conversations about the reach of the carceral state in the U.S. Abolition became a hot topic, but for those unaffected by the tendrils of the American prison system, the lives of...
- 9/14/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Sing Sing’ Review: Colman Domingo and a Cast of Ex-Criminals Demonstrate How Art Can Heal in Prison
Cages can’t contain the sheer amount of imagination on offer in “Sing Sing” — not just in the way director Greg Kwedar and his writing and producing partner Clint Bentley conceived of the prison-set drama, but also as an animating force among its characters. Apart from Colman Domingo and a few others, most of the cast are formerly incarcerated alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which stages theatrical productions at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility. While inside the walls of a penitentiary, the amateur thespians are afforded the opportunity to step outside their worst offenses and simply inhabit another character for a change, someone who is likely to be more revealing of who they really are than their jail-issued fatigues will allow.
Drawing from their experience as volunteer teachers at correctional facilities, Kwedar and Bentley are conscious of the raw power of seeing these men transform...
Drawing from their experience as volunteer teachers at correctional facilities, Kwedar and Bentley are conscious of the raw power of seeing these men transform...
- 9/12/2023
- by Stephen Saito
- Variety Film + TV
In an unexpected twist, the prison bars have transformed into curtains, drawing back to reveal a compelling story of redemption, humanity and artistry. Impeccably directed by Greg Kwedar, is more than just a film about prison life. It’s a love letter to the transformative power of performing arts, smartly penned by screenwriters Kwedar and Clint Bentley. This emotional drama stars Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, John “Divine G” Whitfield, Sean San Jose, Jon-Adrian Velazquez, David J. Giraudy, Sean “Dino” Johnson, Sean “Divine Eye” Johnson and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin.
The film opens with Divine G (Domingo) onstage reciting the last lines of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to uproarious applause before taking a bow with the rest of the ensemble cast. After the show, he returns to the Sing Sing correctional facility, where it’s revealed he’s a respected member of the population who has written books and stage plays.
The film opens with Divine G (Domingo) onstage reciting the last lines of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to uproarious applause before taking a bow with the rest of the ensemble cast. After the show, he returns to the Sing Sing correctional facility, where it’s revealed he’s a respected member of the population who has written books and stage plays.
- 9/11/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The fall festivals have seen a number of actors make strong cases for their presence in this year’s awards race, from Emma Stone for “Poor Things” to Jeffrey Wright for “American Fiction.” But few have been as authoritative as Colman Domingo in “Rustin,” which could help Domingo’s other movie, “Sing Sing,” get some attention as well with its premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday.
Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (“Jockey”), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of “Sound of Metal” Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves.
The result isn’t seamless or slick but there’s an...
Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (“Jockey”), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of “Sound of Metal” Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves.
The result isn’t seamless or slick but there’s an...
- 9/10/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“Our industry has ingrained such an idea of what to expect from a prison story,” says filmmaker Greg Kwedar, who is hoping to change that narrative with the help of those whose stories had been misrepresented.
Kwedar’s Toronto-bound feature Sing Sing centers on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program run out of the eponymous prison that sees the incarcerated producing and acting in stage productions. The story centers on the real-life friendship of Rta alumni John “Divine G” Whitfield (portrayed by Colman Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself. The film chronicles the bond that develops between the men as they try to decide which play to perform next. Outside of a few professional actors, including Domingo and Oscar nominee Paul Raci, Sing Sing is populated with formerly incarcerated performers, the majority of them alumni of the Rta program.
The filmmaker first went inside a maximum-security...
Kwedar’s Toronto-bound feature Sing Sing centers on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program run out of the eponymous prison that sees the incarcerated producing and acting in stage productions. The story centers on the real-life friendship of Rta alumni John “Divine G” Whitfield (portrayed by Colman Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself. The film chronicles the bond that develops between the men as they try to decide which play to perform next. Outside of a few professional actors, including Domingo and Oscar nominee Paul Raci, Sing Sing is populated with formerly incarcerated performers, the majority of them alumni of the Rta program.
The filmmaker first went inside a maximum-security...
- 9/8/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New prison-based drama about theatre troupe to premiere in Toronto.
Toronto International Film festival (TIFF) will present Colman Domingo with the TIFF Tribute Performer Award on September 10.
The award “recognizes an overall body of exceptional work” and is one of seven being handed out at the fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards gala at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
In light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, now in its 46th day, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey has told Screen that following conversations with SAG-AFTRA, actor tributees will be allowed discuss the body of their work on stage but not latest films by struck companies.
Toronto International Film festival (TIFF) will present Colman Domingo with the TIFF Tribute Performer Award on September 10.
The award “recognizes an overall body of exceptional work” and is one of seven being handed out at the fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards gala at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
In light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, now in its 46th day, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey has told Screen that following conversations with SAG-AFTRA, actor tributees will be allowed discuss the body of their work on stage but not latest films by struck companies.
- 8/28/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Bringing two projects to Toronto International Film Festival (and likely would’ve been a trio if a certain film didn’t get delayed), Colman Domingo is poised for a major fall. Before The Color Purple arrives at the end of the year, he’ll also be seen in George C. Wolfe’s Rustin and Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing, both headed to the Canadian Festival. As scripted by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black, the first trailer has now arrived for his Bayard Rustin biopic ahead of a theatrical and Netflix release this November.
Here’s the synopsis: “The architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Bayard Rustin was one of the greatest activists and organizers the world has ever known. He challenged authority, never apologized for who he was, what he believed, or who he desired. And he did not back down. He made history, and in turn, he was forgotten.
Here’s the synopsis: “The architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Bayard Rustin was one of the greatest activists and organizers the world has ever known. He challenged authority, never apologized for who he was, what he believed, or who he desired. And he did not back down. He made history, and in turn, he was forgotten.
- 8/28/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Next Goal Wins (Taika Waititi, 2023).The lineup is being unveiled for the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, starting with 60 selections from the Gala and Special Presentations programs. The festival takes place from September 7–17, 2023.Gala PRESENTATIONSConcrete Utopia (Um Tae-Hwa)Dumb Money (Craig Gillespie)Fair Play (Chloe Domont)Flora and Son (John Carney)Hate to Love: Nickelback (Leigh Brooks)Lee (Ellen Kuras)Next Goal Wins (Taika Waititi)Nyad (Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin)Punjab ’95 (Honey Trehan)Solo (Sophie Dupuis)The End We Start From (Mahalia Belo)The Movie Emperor (Ning Hao)The New Boy (Warwick Thornton) The Royal Hotel (Kitty Green)The Holdovers.Special Presentationsa Difficult Year (Éric Toledano, Olivier Nakache)A Normal Family (Hur Jin-ho)American Fiction (Cord Jefferson)Anatomy of a Fall (Justine Triet)Close to You (Dominic Savage)Days of Happiness (Chloé Robichaud)The Rescue (Daniela Goggi)Ezra (Tony Goldwyn)Fingernails (Christos Nikou)Four Daughters (Kaouther Ben Hania...
- 8/14/2023
- MUBI
After unveiling a few titles, the Toronto International Film Festival has now dropped the initial 60 films taking part in their Galas and Special Presentations line-up when the festival takes place from September 7-17.
Highlights include Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Lukas Moodysson’s Together 99, Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, Michel Franco’s Memory, Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel, Christos Nikou’s Fingernails, and Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat.
The festival will also feature a number of acclaimed films from earlier this year, including Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera, Catherine Breillat’s Last Summer, Chloe Dumont’s Fair Play, John Carney’s Flora and Son, and Marco Bellocchio’s Kidnapped, and more.
See the lineup below.
Gala Presentations 2023
*Previously announced
Concrete Utopia Um...
Highlights include Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Lukas Moodysson’s Together 99, Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, Michel Franco’s Memory, Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel, Christos Nikou’s Fingernails, and Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat.
The festival will also feature a number of acclaimed films from earlier this year, including Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera, Catherine Breillat’s Last Summer, Chloe Dumont’s Fair Play, John Carney’s Flora and Son, and Marco Bellocchio’s Kidnapped, and more.
See the lineup below.
Gala Presentations 2023
*Previously announced
Concrete Utopia Um...
- 7/24/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The Toronto International Film Festival is back for another big year.
On Monday, TIFF announced a whopping 60 films in its first wave of titles for the 2023 edition of the festival.
Read More: Toronto International Film Festival 2023: Taika Waititi’s ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is The First Confirmed Title
Spanning both the Gala and Special Presentations sections of the fest, the lineup includes a number of big titles, including 37 world premieres.
“This year’s Galas & Special Presentations showcase a rich tapestry of talent, vision, and storytelling,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “From thought-provoking narratives to breathtaking visuals and stories so unreal they have to be real, each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration of film and a memorable and star-studded festival, showcasing the best of global cinema for film lovers in September.”
Several of the films at this...
On Monday, TIFF announced a whopping 60 films in its first wave of titles for the 2023 edition of the festival.
Read More: Toronto International Film Festival 2023: Taika Waititi’s ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is The First Confirmed Title
Spanning both the Gala and Special Presentations sections of the fest, the lineup includes a number of big titles, including 37 world premieres.
“This year’s Galas & Special Presentations showcase a rich tapestry of talent, vision, and storytelling,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “From thought-provoking narratives to breathtaking visuals and stories so unreal they have to be real, each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration of film and a memorable and star-studded festival, showcasing the best of global cinema for film lovers in September.”
Several of the films at this...
- 7/24/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
The Toronto Film Festival is betting on a “star-studded” event with a strong U.S. presence in September as it unveiled 60 films for its highest-profile Gala and Special Presentations programs amid historic Hollywood strikes.
Roy Thomson Hall will host a world premiere for Craig Gillespie’s GameStop short-squeeze saga Dumb Money, which stars Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley and Seth Rogen; and there will be international bows for U.S. director Chloe Domont’s Sundance hit Fair Play that went to Netflix, and another Netflix title, Nyad, a biopic about marathon swimmer Diana Nyad to star Jodie Foster and Annette Bening from Free Solo directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.
TIFF earlier announced a Gala world premiere for Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, a soccer comedy that stars Will Arnett and Michael Fassbender and is set for an upcoming Searchlight Pictures release.
Of course, it remains to...
Roy Thomson Hall will host a world premiere for Craig Gillespie’s GameStop short-squeeze saga Dumb Money, which stars Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley and Seth Rogen; and there will be international bows for U.S. director Chloe Domont’s Sundance hit Fair Play that went to Netflix, and another Netflix title, Nyad, a biopic about marathon swimmer Diana Nyad to star Jodie Foster and Annette Bening from Free Solo directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.
TIFF earlier announced a Gala world premiere for Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, a soccer comedy that stars Will Arnett and Michael Fassbender and is set for an upcoming Searchlight Pictures release.
Of course, it remains to...
- 7/24/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Colman Domingo’s (Fear The Walking Dead) Edith Productions has wrapped under-the-radar sci-fi thriller It’s What’s Inside.
The film features a cast of rising actors including Brittany O’Grady (White Lotus), James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Fear The Walking Dead), Gavin Leatherwood (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Devon Terrell (Rap Sh!t), Nina Bloomgarden (The Resort), Reina Hardesty (What Comes Around), David W. Thompson (The Boys), and Madison Davenport (Sharp Objects).
The indie film, whose plot is being kept under wraps, was made over 18 days in Portland, Oregon. It will mark the feature directorial debut of Greg Jardin who also penned the script.
Producing for Edith Productions are Emmy-winner Colman Domingo and Raúl Domingo. Kate Andrews is producing under her Boldly Go Productions banner. Emmy-nominated and Grammy-winning producer Jason Baum is also on board. Producer William Rosenfeld and executive producer Robert Kapp will be producing and...
The film features a cast of rising actors including Brittany O’Grady (White Lotus), James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Fear The Walking Dead), Gavin Leatherwood (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Devon Terrell (Rap Sh!t), Nina Bloomgarden (The Resort), Reina Hardesty (What Comes Around), David W. Thompson (The Boys), and Madison Davenport (Sharp Objects).
The indie film, whose plot is being kept under wraps, was made over 18 days in Portland, Oregon. It will mark the feature directorial debut of Greg Jardin who also penned the script.
Producing for Edith Productions are Emmy-winner Colman Domingo and Raúl Domingo. Kate Andrews is producing under her Boldly Go Productions banner. Emmy-nominated and Grammy-winning producer Jason Baum is also on board. Producer William Rosenfeld and executive producer Robert Kapp will be producing and...
- 11/22/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The box office is lousy, inflation is up and with a recession looming, economic prospects look poor. But judging by the breadth and depth of offerings at this year’s American Film Market, the indie movie business is still in rude health. Strong sales in Cannes and decent business in Toronto are giving producers and sales companies hope that AFM 2022 could be the post-pandemic restart that the industry desperately needs.
Global buyers descending on Santa Monica this week certainly won’t be lacking for choice, with a selection of projects big and small, mainstream and niche, to entice them to pull out their checkbooks.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Stars Henry Cavill, Eiza González
Buzz The 800 lb. gorilla among this year’s AFM packages, this World War II action spy thriller, initially in development at Paramount, has fallen back to the indies and...
The box office is lousy, inflation is up and with a recession looming, economic prospects look poor. But judging by the breadth and depth of offerings at this year’s American Film Market, the indie movie business is still in rude health. Strong sales in Cannes and decent business in Toronto are giving producers and sales companies hope that AFM 2022 could be the post-pandemic restart that the industry desperately needs.
Global buyers descending on Santa Monica this week certainly won’t be lacking for choice, with a selection of projects big and small, mainstream and niche, to entice them to pull out their checkbooks.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Stars Henry Cavill, Eiza González
Buzz The 800 lb. gorilla among this year’s AFM packages, this World War II action spy thriller, initially in development at Paramount, has fallen back to the indies and...
- 10/31/2022
- by Scott Roxborough and Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) is set to star in and executive-produce Nar, a character-driven action-thriller, which WME International is launching for world sales ahead of next week’s AFM in LA.
Set in Latin America, Swank will play a downed pilot, wounded and isolated deep in hostile territory, whose survival relies on trusting a stranger who claims to be part of a vast secret network designed to bring her to safety. N.A.R. (Non-conventional Assisted Recovery) is the name of an actual US Defense Department program.
The film is scheduled to shoot in fall of 2023.
Written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Jockey), producers are David Thwaites and John Logan Pierson alongside Deepwater Horizon director and Friday Night Lights director and exec Peter Berg for Film 44. Kwedar will direct. Career counterintelligence officer and Nar handler Bryan Stern will serve as executive producer.
Kwedar’s debut as a feature director was Transpecos,...
Set in Latin America, Swank will play a downed pilot, wounded and isolated deep in hostile territory, whose survival relies on trusting a stranger who claims to be part of a vast secret network designed to bring her to safety. N.A.R. (Non-conventional Assisted Recovery) is the name of an actual US Defense Department program.
The film is scheduled to shoot in fall of 2023.
Written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Jockey), producers are David Thwaites and John Logan Pierson alongside Deepwater Horizon director and Friday Night Lights director and exec Peter Berg for Film 44. Kwedar will direct. Career counterintelligence officer and Nar handler Bryan Stern will serve as executive producer.
Kwedar’s debut as a feature director was Transpecos,...
- 10/28/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Imitation Game outfit Black Bear Pictures is bolstering the senior ranks of its fledgling management division with the hire of respected former ICM Partners and William Morris agent Joanne Roberts Wiles.
While a partner at ICM, Wiles represented filmmakers including Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth), the Duplass Brothers (Cyrus), Karyn Kusama (Yellowjackets), Duke Johnson (Anomalisa), Charlie McDowell and Justin Lader (Windfall), Gregg Araki (Now Apocalypse), Jamie Dack (Palm Trees and Power Lines), Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley (Jockey), So Yong Kim (Lovesong), David Siegel and Scott McGehee (Montana Story), and David Lachapelle (Rize).
She also represented talent in front of the camera including Oscar nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of The Dog), Hannah Gross (Mindhunter), Garance Marillier (Titane), Théodore Pellerin (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Dree Hemingway (Starlet), Chris Klein (American Pie), and Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike).
Wiles will be a Partner in Black Bear’s newly formed management division,...
While a partner at ICM, Wiles represented filmmakers including Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth), the Duplass Brothers (Cyrus), Karyn Kusama (Yellowjackets), Duke Johnson (Anomalisa), Charlie McDowell and Justin Lader (Windfall), Gregg Araki (Now Apocalypse), Jamie Dack (Palm Trees and Power Lines), Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley (Jockey), So Yong Kim (Lovesong), David Siegel and Scott McGehee (Montana Story), and David Lachapelle (Rize).
She also represented talent in front of the camera including Oscar nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of The Dog), Hannah Gross (Mindhunter), Garance Marillier (Titane), Théodore Pellerin (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Dree Hemingway (Starlet), Chris Klein (American Pie), and Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike).
Wiles will be a Partner in Black Bear’s newly formed management division,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
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