A documentary about kids’ holiday letters to Santa that was originally created as a promotional effort for the United States Post Office is set to become a new miniseries aimed at inspiring consumers around holiday time.
“Dear Santa” was released in 2020 and put a spotlight on “Operation Santa,” a Usps initiative that has people “adopt” letters sent by kids to Santa Claus and help to fulfill their wishes. The film, directed by Dana Nachman, examined various “Operation Santa” centers around the U.S. some in big cities and others in small towns. A new six-episode series will continue the work, showing different letters from kids and people who step up in unexpected ways to create a happy ending. The miniseries is directed by Nachman and produced by her company, Sweet World Films, along with Chelsea Matter, Brendan Gaul and Brett Henenberg, and Christopher Karpenko.
The original documentary had a brief...
“Dear Santa” was released in 2020 and put a spotlight on “Operation Santa,” a Usps initiative that has people “adopt” letters sent by kids to Santa Claus and help to fulfill their wishes. The film, directed by Dana Nachman, examined various “Operation Santa” centers around the U.S. some in big cities and others in small towns. A new six-episode series will continue the work, showing different letters from kids and people who step up in unexpected ways to create a happy ending. The miniseries is directed by Nachman and produced by her company, Sweet World Films, along with Chelsea Matter, Brendan Gaul and Brett Henenberg, and Christopher Karpenko.
The original documentary had a brief...
- 6/15/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
As we enter the throes of awards season more and more films are starting to make their qualifying runs in what is expected to be a very different kind of season. For starters, Searchlight Pictures is set to release Chloe Zhao’s buzzy pic of existential wanderlust Nomadland starring Frances McDormand for its virtual qualifying run starting today before expanding in 2021.
The film, which is set to run virtually at the Film Lincoln Center through December 11, follows Fern in the midst of the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada. We take a journey alongside Fern as she packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. This marks the third feature for Zhao and features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration...
The film, which is set to run virtually at the Film Lincoln Center through December 11, follows Fern in the midst of the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada. We take a journey alongside Fern as she packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. This marks the third feature for Zhao and features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration...
- 12/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Attacks on materialism at Christmas often seem very one sided.There's a focus on criticising people for wanting gifts. What's overlooked is the joy of giving.
Every year, millions of children around the world write letters to Santa. That's a lot for one man to deal with, supernatural powers notwithstanding, so in the US, a dedicated team of volunteers steps in to help. Dana Nachman's documentary introduces us to Chicago's Head Elf and her team of volunteers who open letters, identify achievable requests and set out to make wishes come true.
There are a lot of wishes out there. Many children ask for animals, dogs being the most popular. One asks for a brother and notes that their mother doesn't want this but their dad does. All sorts of different toys are requested. Others ask for key items of furniture that the families have been struggling to manage without.
Every year, millions of children around the world write letters to Santa. That's a lot for one man to deal with, supernatural powers notwithstanding, so in the US, a dedicated team of volunteers steps in to help. Dana Nachman's documentary introduces us to Chicago's Head Elf and her team of volunteers who open letters, identify achievable requests and set out to make wishes come true.
There are a lot of wishes out there. Many children ask for animals, dogs being the most popular. One asks for a brother and notes that their mother doesn't want this but their dad does. All sorts of different toys are requested. Others ask for key items of furniture that the families have been struggling to manage without.
- 12/4/2020
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Well, it looks like you’ve exercised your culinary skills and finally finished off the last of the leftovers from last week’s big holiday meal. It must be time to move on to the next big holiday looming in the not-so-distant future. After the decorations are all in place, the gift list can be tackled. Since we’re being told that it still won’t be safe enough to gather in big groups, that list may be a tad shorter this year. Perhaps instead of wrapping up ‘merch’ that would be tossed in the back of the closet…or re-gifted…or returned to the store, you may want to consider helping those in need. But where should you start? A terrific new documentary should provide you with loads of inspiration, all sparked by hundreds, no thousands, of letters and cards scrawled in pencil and crayon whose content begins with Dear Santa.
- 12/3/2020
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – Now that the socially distanced Thanksgiving is past us, it’s time to turn to Christmas and the films that are associated with that holiday. Documentary director Dana Nachman has a series of emotional and true stories in her latest film “Dear Santa,” an overview of a gift-giving charity that starts with a child’s letter.
“Dear Santa” highlights the 100-year-old Operation Santa program of the United States Postal Service (Usps). Each year, of course, hundreds of thousand of kid’s letters to Santa Claus end up at the Post Office. Through Operation Santa, the Usps makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make a child’s holiday dreams come true. The documentary travels around the country, and focuses on select Operation Santa stories and people … some in massive programs like New York City and others in small towns where the post office is the heart of the community.
“Dear Santa” highlights the 100-year-old Operation Santa program of the United States Postal Service (Usps). Each year, of course, hundreds of thousand of kid’s letters to Santa Claus end up at the Post Office. Through Operation Santa, the Usps makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make a child’s holiday dreams come true. The documentary travels around the country, and focuses on select Operation Santa stories and people … some in massive programs like New York City and others in small towns where the post office is the heart of the community.
- 11/30/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
It’s the holiday season again. Thank goodness. After what has been a particularly difficult year, a little seasonal cheer has never felt more comforting or needed, even if the smiles need to be hidden behind Christmas themed masks.
There’s never been a better time to curl up with a good Christmas movie on the streaming service of your choice. Of course that includes all of your favorite Christmas classics, which we’ve rounded up a schedule guide for here, but it also means a chance to try something new. Netflix has already gotten a hardy start to the holiday season, and yet more streaming carolers are headed for your door. So without further ado here is a guide to the new streaming presents waiting to be unwrapped.
Angela’s Christmas Wish
Available on Netflix on December 1
Certainly a Christmas movie meant for younger families, Netflix’s upcoming animated film,...
There’s never been a better time to curl up with a good Christmas movie on the streaming service of your choice. Of course that includes all of your favorite Christmas classics, which we’ve rounded up a schedule guide for here, but it also means a chance to try something new. Netflix has already gotten a hardy start to the holiday season, and yet more streaming carolers are headed for your door. So without further ado here is a guide to the new streaming presents waiting to be unwrapped.
Angela’s Christmas Wish
Available on Netflix on December 1
Certainly a Christmas movie meant for younger families, Netflix’s upcoming animated film,...
- 11/27/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Not to take anything away from filmmaker Dana Nachman, but her new documentary certainly benefits from the timing of its release. The film focuses on the 107-year-old Operation Santa program run by the U.S. Postal Service, which incorporates volunteers from around the country to answer children’s letters to Santa Claus and, in many cases, to deliver the gifts they’ve requested. Dear Santa, being showcased at the Doc NYC festival before its theatrical release next month, opens with the cheerful strains of “We Need a Little Christmas,” and boy, do we ever.
Nachman, who specializes in heartwarming ...
Nachman, who specializes in heartwarming ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Not to take anything away from filmmaker Dana Nachman, but her new documentary certainly benefits from the timing of its release. The film focuses on the 107-year-old Operation Santa program run by the U.S. Postal Service, which incorporates volunteers from around the country to answer children’s letters to Santa Claus and, in many cases, to deliver the gifts they’ve requested. Dear Santa, being showcased at the Doc NYC festival before its theatrical release next month, opens with the cheerful strains of “We Need a Little Christmas,” and boy, do we ever.
Nachman, who specializes in heartwarming ...
Nachman, who specializes in heartwarming ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Doc NYC, America’s largest documentary festival and staple of the New York film community, announced the lineup for its 11th edition, running online November 11-19 and available to viewers across the US. The program includes new films about John Belushi, Pope Francis, Bill T. Jones, Jamal Khashoggi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frank Zappa, and many more. The 2020 festival lineup includes 107 feature-length documentaries among over 200 films and dozens of events. Included are 23 World Premieres, 12 international or North American premieres, and 7 US premieres. Fifty-seven features (53% of the lineup) are directed or co-directed by women and 36 by Bipoc directors (34% of the feature program).
World Premieres at the festival include Nelson G. Navarrete and Maxx Caicedo’s “A La Calle,” Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan,” Sian-Pierre Regis’s “Duty Free,” Noah Hutton’s “In Silico,” Nancy Buirski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,...
World Premieres at the festival include Nelson G. Navarrete and Maxx Caicedo’s “A La Calle,” Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan,” Sian-Pierre Regis’s “Duty Free,” Noah Hutton’s “In Silico,” Nancy Buirski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
This year hasn’t offered us a lot of joy. That’s about to change with the upcoming documentary “Dear Santa.” The movie follows the tradition of the U.S. Postal Service’s tradition of fielding thousands of letters from kids to Santa and helping their Christmas wishes come true.
Read More: ‘Come Away’ Trailer: David Oyelowo & Angelina Jolie Star In This Fantasy Film From The Director Of ‘Brave’
“Dear Santa” was directed by Dana Nachman (“Pick of the Litter“).
Continue reading ‘Dear Santa’ Trailer Tells The Uplifting Story Of The ‘Operation Santa’ Program at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘Come Away’ Trailer: David Oyelowo & Angelina Jolie Star In This Fantasy Film From The Director Of ‘Brave’
“Dear Santa” was directed by Dana Nachman (“Pick of the Litter“).
Continue reading ‘Dear Santa’ Trailer Tells The Uplifting Story Of The ‘Operation Santa’ Program at The Playlist.
- 10/10/2020
- by Brynne Ramella
- The Playlist
How essential is the U.S. Post Office? Not only will they be crucial in the 2020 election, each year they help to save Christmas for Americans across the country. Their good work is documented in “Dear Santa,” a new documentary film about Usps’ “Operation Santa” program.
IFC Films is gift wrapping Dana Nachman’s documentary “Dear Santa” for release in theaters and on demand on December 4, and the adorable first trailer for the film made available Thursday features interviews with kids who all send their own letters to Santa up in the North Pole in the hopes of getting presents under their Christmas trees each year.
Turns out there’s a whole team of “elves” working in the U.S. Post Office who process hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa. And while they’re not literally working at the North Pole, they are based in “Operation Santa” centers that are...
IFC Films is gift wrapping Dana Nachman’s documentary “Dear Santa” for release in theaters and on demand on December 4, and the adorable first trailer for the film made available Thursday features interviews with kids who all send their own letters to Santa up in the North Pole in the hopes of getting presents under their Christmas trees each year.
Turns out there’s a whole team of “elves” working in the U.S. Post Office who process hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa. And while they’re not literally working at the North Pole, they are based in “Operation Santa” centers that are...
- 10/8/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
IFC Films is getting into the holiday spirit a little early as it has acquired the North American rights to documentary Dear Santa directed by Dana Nachman. The family-friendly Christmas feature docu takes a look at Operation Santa, a 100-year-old program of the United States Postal Service which connects children with Kris Kringle himself. Dear Santa will kick off the holiday season with its December 4 release date.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the country. Through Operation Santa, the Usps makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make children’s dreams come true. In 2019, Nachman received unprecedented access to the beloved program to make the docu. From big metropolitan cities to small towns, the film takes audiences on a magical journey as it spotlights various Operation Santa Centers all across the country.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the country. Through Operation Santa, the Usps makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make children’s dreams come true. In 2019, Nachman received unprecedented access to the beloved program to make the docu. From big metropolitan cities to small towns, the film takes audiences on a magical journey as it spotlights various Operation Santa Centers all across the country.
- 9/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Christmas came early this year. IFC Films has acquired the North American rights to “Dear Santa,” a documentary about the U.S. Post Office’s “Operation Santa” program that helps get children’s letters to Santa in the hands of those who can help make kids’ Christmas wishes come true.
Dana Nachman, who directed the documentaries “Pick of the Litter” and “Batkid Begins” about the viral “Batkid” sensation, directed “Dear Santa.” And IFC Films will release the documentary on December 4 during the 2020 holiday season.
For 100 years already, the Post Office has run its “Operation Santa” program, which filters hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to Santa and delivers them not to the North Pole but to “Operation Santa” centers around the country, whether in New York City or in small towns where the Post Office is often the heart of the community. From there, the letters are sent, often to strangers,...
Dana Nachman, who directed the documentaries “Pick of the Litter” and “Batkid Begins” about the viral “Batkid” sensation, directed “Dear Santa.” And IFC Films will release the documentary on December 4 during the 2020 holiday season.
For 100 years already, the Post Office has run its “Operation Santa” program, which filters hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to Santa and delivers them not to the North Pole but to “Operation Santa” centers around the country, whether in New York City or in small towns where the Post Office is often the heart of the community. From there, the letters are sent, often to strangers,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
IFC Films has picked up the North American rights to director Dana Nachman’s documentary Dear Santa, about the U.S. Postal Service’s 100-year-old ‘Operation Santa’ program to answer letters from kids to Santa Claus.
A 2020 holiday season release from Dec. 4 is planned for the family-friend pic. The United States Postal Service allowed Nachman and her filmmaking team access to their ‘Operation Santa’ program during the 2019 holiday season.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa arrive at post offices countrywide and the United States Postal Service has made the dreams of children-in-need come true ...
A 2020 holiday season release from Dec. 4 is planned for the family-friend pic. The United States Postal Service allowed Nachman and her filmmaking team access to their ‘Operation Santa’ program during the 2019 holiday season.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa arrive at post offices countrywide and the United States Postal Service has made the dreams of children-in-need come true ...
- 9/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
IFC Films has picked up the North American rights to director Dana Nachman’s documentary Dear Santa, about the U.S. Postal Service’s 100-year-old ‘Operation Santa’ program to answer letters from kids to Santa Claus.
A 2020 holiday season release from Dec. 4 is planned for the family-friend pic. The United States Postal Service allowed Nachman and her filmmaking team access to their ‘Operation Santa’ program during the 2019 holiday season.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa arrive at post offices countrywide and the United States Postal Service has made the dreams of children-in-need come true ...
A 2020 holiday season release from Dec. 4 is planned for the family-friend pic. The United States Postal Service allowed Nachman and her filmmaking team access to their ‘Operation Santa’ program during the 2019 holiday season.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa arrive at post offices countrywide and the United States Postal Service has made the dreams of children-in-need come true ...
- 9/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With the Disney+ reality series Pick of the Litter, Dana Nachman followed six adorable dogs on their journey to become guide dogs for the blind, aiming to spotlight the vital role these pups play in so many human lives, the rigorous process they must go through to fulfill their purpose, as well as the experience of the visually impaired.
Developing the series with her longtime creative partner Don Hardy, Nachman had been exploring the stories of guide dogs for over 10 years, prior to making it—first, as a Bay Area journalist for NBC. “[Don and I] had done several stories on guide dogs. We had been to one of their graduations, which is always super emotional and amazing,” the director/EP says, “and then we had one time talked about, around Christmas time, people getting puppies to raise, and just did numerous feature stories on guide dogs.”
Around the same time, Nachman’s...
Developing the series with her longtime creative partner Don Hardy, Nachman had been exploring the stories of guide dogs for over 10 years, prior to making it—first, as a Bay Area journalist for NBC. “[Don and I] had done several stories on guide dogs. We had been to one of their graduations, which is always super emotional and amazing,” the director/EP says, “and then we had one time talked about, around Christmas time, people getting puppies to raise, and just did numerous feature stories on guide dogs.”
Around the same time, Nachman’s...
- 7/7/2020
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive producer Don Hardy first teamed up with Guide Dogs for the Blind for a 2018 documentary that followed a litter of puppies from their birth through two years of training to become guide dogs. Entitled “Pick of the Litter,” the documentary showcased what it takes for these dogs (and the humans who raise them) to make the cut to graduate the intensive program and get paired with a visually impaired person. But now, just a year later, the journey continues with a Disney Plus docuseries of the same name.
“As the film was getting ready to be released somebody from Disney saw a trailer for it and that started the conversation with Disney Plus to do it as a series,” Hardy said at a panel discussion for the new series, which Variety moderated. “From the beginning, we said we didn’t want to disrupt any of the training. That was...
“As the film was getting ready to be released somebody from Disney saw a trailer for it and that started the conversation with Disney Plus to do it as a series,” Hardy said at a panel discussion for the new series, which Variety moderated. “From the beginning, we said we didn’t want to disrupt any of the training. That was...
- 12/18/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
No one expected Slamdance to see its 25th anniversary — least of all founders Dan Mirvish, Jon Fitzgerald, Shane Kuhn, Peter Baxter, and Paul Rachman. All were filmmakers rejected by the 1995 Sundance Film Festival, and their concerns initially ran to the short term: how to screen their films in and around Park City, the center of the indie-filmmaking universe.
They began by showing their work at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and migrated to spaces around Park City, where they handed out flyers and cajoled makeshift venues. They took turns running the projectors.
The next year, they came back to Park City — this time, setting up headquarters at the Treasure Mountain Inn, on top of Main Street. Screenings were still chaotic, but the ethos was in place: a festival programmed by filmmakers, for first-time filmmakers who had shoestring budgets and unique visions but no distribution… and, the benefit...
They began by showing their work at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and migrated to spaces around Park City, where they handed out flyers and cajoled makeshift venues. They took turns running the projectors.
The next year, they came back to Park City — this time, setting up headquarters at the Treasure Mountain Inn, on top of Main Street. Screenings were still chaotic, but the ethos was in place: a festival programmed by filmmakers, for first-time filmmakers who had shoestring budgets and unique visions but no distribution… and, the benefit...
- 1/24/2019
- by Charles Lyons
- Indiewire
‘Aquaman’ (Photo: Warner Bros)
Warner Bros’ Aquaman now ranks as the studio’s third highest grosser of all time after crossing the $US1 billion threshold worldwide last week the weekend.
The James Wan-directed blockbuster has amassed $1.02 billion – $257.8 million in the Us and $732.4 million internationally – trailing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’s $1.3 billion and The Dark Knight Rises‘ $1.08 billion.
So what does that say about the torrent of negativity, with more than one third of the critics polled by Rotten Tomatoes giving the DC Entertainment superhero adventure rotten ratings?
Either that those critics based their reviews purely on their assessment of the film’s entertainment value/artistic merits, willfully ignoring its obvious commercial appeal – or they are lousy judges of audiences’ tastes.
On Twitter, Wan thanked everyone who has “supported this underdog. For making this non-mainstream character (and yes — with leading Poc individuals in front and behind the camera!
Warner Bros’ Aquaman now ranks as the studio’s third highest grosser of all time after crossing the $US1 billion threshold worldwide last week the weekend.
The James Wan-directed blockbuster has amassed $1.02 billion – $257.8 million in the Us and $732.4 million internationally – trailing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’s $1.3 billion and The Dark Knight Rises‘ $1.08 billion.
So what does that say about the torrent of negativity, with more than one third of the critics polled by Rotten Tomatoes giving the DC Entertainment superhero adventure rotten ratings?
Either that those critics based their reviews purely on their assessment of the film’s entertainment value/artistic merits, willfully ignoring its obvious commercial appeal – or they are lousy judges of audiences’ tastes.
On Twitter, Wan thanked everyone who has “supported this underdog. For making this non-mainstream character (and yes — with leading Poc individuals in front and behind the camera!
- 1/14/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Joseph Baxter Nov 16, 2018
Miles Scott, a.k.a. Batkid, the leukemia-afflicted child who captured hearts around the world in 2013, is now cancer-free.
The crime-fighting marathon of the Batkid has – shocking as it may seem – just met the five-year mark. The inspirational event, put together by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, saw five-year-old leukemia patient Miles Scott become the hero that Gotham deserves and needs right now, in a crusade witnessed in person by around 20,000 people and shared around the world, estimated to have generated 1.8 billion overall social impressions. Now, after half a decade, Miles is cancer-free.
For the fifth anniversary of the unforgettable 2013 event, Make-a-Wish provided an update on Miles that compounds the inspiration that he originally generated. The leukemia that he was battling at age 5 is, indeed, in remission, proving once again that Batkid – like a certain other Dark Knight – has an uncanny ability to overcome. Relaying news from Miles's mom,...
Miles Scott, a.k.a. Batkid, the leukemia-afflicted child who captured hearts around the world in 2013, is now cancer-free.
The crime-fighting marathon of the Batkid has – shocking as it may seem – just met the five-year mark. The inspirational event, put together by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, saw five-year-old leukemia patient Miles Scott become the hero that Gotham deserves and needs right now, in a crusade witnessed in person by around 20,000 people and shared around the world, estimated to have generated 1.8 billion overall social impressions. Now, after half a decade, Miles is cancer-free.
For the fifth anniversary of the unforgettable 2013 event, Make-a-Wish provided an update on Miles that compounds the inspiration that he originally generated. The leukemia that he was battling at age 5 is, indeed, in remission, proving once again that Batkid – like a certain other Dark Knight – has an uncanny ability to overcome. Relaying news from Miles's mom,...
- 11/16/2018
- Den of Geek
The eighth annual Napa Valley Film Festival, which takes place Nov. 7-11, continues to have a lot going for it. Beyond top-notch meals and wine from 50 chefs and 75 wineries, the festival has 10 screening venues for 100 new independent films starring the likes of Natalie Portman, Willem Dafoe and Helena Bonham Carter.
“It’s the party of the year,” says Brenda Lhormer, the festival’s co-founder/director, of the nearly week-long event that will be held at various Napa Valley landmarks including the Cameo Cinema, Charles Krug Winery, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Jam Cellars Ballroom at the Margrit Mondavi Theater, Lincoln Theater, Native Sons, Uptown Theater, the Archer Hotel Napa, Las Alcobas Napa Valley and the Drive-In at the Napa County Fairgrounds.
“It’s really fun,” she says. “It’s a wonderful mix of great films and food and wine and culinary offerings.”
The festival will open with Jason Reitman’s...
“It’s the party of the year,” says Brenda Lhormer, the festival’s co-founder/director, of the nearly week-long event that will be held at various Napa Valley landmarks including the Cameo Cinema, Charles Krug Winery, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Jam Cellars Ballroom at the Margrit Mondavi Theater, Lincoln Theater, Native Sons, Uptown Theater, the Archer Hotel Napa, Las Alcobas Napa Valley and the Drive-In at the Napa County Fairgrounds.
“It’s really fun,” she says. “It’s a wonderful mix of great films and food and wine and culinary offerings.”
The festival will open with Jason Reitman’s...
- 11/7/2018
- by Lindzi Scharf
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance Selects has acquired U .S. rights to Henry Barrial’s Uber-inspired “DriverX” starring Patrick Fabian (“Better Call Saul”) and Tanya Clarke (“Banshee”).
The movie stars Fabian as Leonard Moore, a 50-something stay-at-home dad in Los Angeles who is desperate to find a job and signs up to drive for the popular ride-share company DriverX, leading his marriage to fray at home. The film follows Leonard as he navigates L.A.’s late-night, Tinder-fueled party scene while adjusting to the new technology and the young millennials he drives around.
“The film was inspired by my own experiences as an Uber driver while waiting in vain for another movie to get green-lit,” said Barriel, who also wrote the script. “From the first moment where I was hired via text, without ever meeting or speaking to another human being, I felt something different was happening here that might be worth investigating in a film.
The movie stars Fabian as Leonard Moore, a 50-something stay-at-home dad in Los Angeles who is desperate to find a job and signs up to drive for the popular ride-share company DriverX, leading his marriage to fray at home. The film follows Leonard as he navigates L.A.’s late-night, Tinder-fueled party scene while adjusting to the new technology and the young millennials he drives around.
“The film was inspired by my own experiences as an Uber driver while waiting in vain for another movie to get green-lit,” said Barriel, who also wrote the script. “From the first moment where I was hired via text, without ever meeting or speaking to another human being, I felt something different was happening here that might be worth investigating in a film.
- 10/1/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Awards and fall releases are on the mind for industry insiders heading to the Telluride Film Festival this Labor Day weekend, while the final vestiges of specialty summer roll outs head to theaters. Focus Features is taking psychological-thriller The Little Stranger to 500 theaters Friday. The title by Oscar nominee Lenny Abrahamson and starring Domhnall Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling and Ruth Wilson headlines the weekend’s specialty narratives. The weekend also offers multiple documentaries that could not be more different from one another.
Filmmaker Jack Bryan speaks to a who’s-who in the political world including the late John McCain in a film that seeks to connect the dots between the Donald Trump campaign and collusion with Vladimir Putin’s Russia in Active Measures. The feature, bowing via Super Ltd, opens day and date. Laura Nix’s Inventing Tomorrow from Fishbowl Films and Eamonn Films spotlights teens competing in the Intel International...
Filmmaker Jack Bryan speaks to a who’s-who in the political world including the late John McCain in a film that seeks to connect the dots between the Donald Trump campaign and collusion with Vladimir Putin’s Russia in Active Measures. The feature, bowing via Super Ltd, opens day and date. Laura Nix’s Inventing Tomorrow from Fishbowl Films and Eamonn Films spotlights teens competing in the Intel International...
- 8/31/2018
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
Five Labrador Retriever puppies are born, and it’s no accident that cameras are there to watch. These tiny creatures, their eyes still closed, will face a specific task in life, to be guides for sightless humans. But first, those eyes need to open, and then there’s a couple years of training, a time of intense scrutiny. Will one puppy learn to ignore other dogs on the street? Will another ever calm down and stop trying to lick the face of every person it sees? And most importantly, will any of them learn to disobey a command that puts their assigned person in physical danger?
Not that we, the audience, care so much about any of these things at first. It’s enough, in the opening moments of “Pick of the Litter,” a low-key yet still satisfying documentary from Don Hardy Jr. and Dana Nachman, to witness their births...
Not that we, the audience, care so much about any of these things at first. It’s enough, in the opening moments of “Pick of the Litter,” a low-key yet still satisfying documentary from Don Hardy Jr. and Dana Nachman, to witness their births...
- 8/30/2018
- by Dave White
- The Wrap
On August 31, from IFC Films comes the new film, Pick Of The Litter.
Pick Of The Litter follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, these remarkable animals rely on a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter.
Animal-interest stories seem to be the cause celebre these days, but they are usually used to speak out against some sort of injustice or bring attention to a problem such as animal cruelty or endangered species.
Pick Of The Litter follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, these remarkable animals rely on a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter.
Animal-interest stories seem to be the cause celebre these days, but they are usually used to speak out against some sort of injustice or bring attention to a problem such as animal cruelty or endangered species.
- 8/28/2018
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The 44th Seattle International Film Festival announced its winners at the festival’s concluding ceremony Sunday, with Bo Burnham’s “Eighth Grade” taking home prizes for best film and best actress for star Elsie Fisher. Mister Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” which has drawn attention since the release of its nostalgic trailer, won the best documentary prize for director Morgan Neville.
See the full list of winners below.
Best Film
“Eighth Grade,” directed by Bo Burnham (USA 2018)
Best Documentary
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” directed by Morgan Neville (USA 2018)
Best Director
Gustav Möller, “The Guilty” (Denmark 2018)
Best Actor
Miguel Ángel Solá, “The Last Suit” (Argentina/Poland/Spain/France/Germany 2017)
Best Actress
Elsie Fisher, “Eighth Grade” (USA 2018)
Best Short Film
“Emergency,” directed by Carey Williams (USA 2017)
Lena Sharpe Award for Persistence of Vision
Presented by Women in Film – Seattle
Dana Nachman, “Pick of the Litter” (USA 2017)
Siff...
See the full list of winners below.
Best Film
“Eighth Grade,” directed by Bo Burnham (USA 2018)
Best Documentary
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” directed by Morgan Neville (USA 2018)
Best Director
Gustav Möller, “The Guilty” (Denmark 2018)
Best Actor
Miguel Ángel Solá, “The Last Suit” (Argentina/Poland/Spain/France/Germany 2017)
Best Actress
Elsie Fisher, “Eighth Grade” (USA 2018)
Best Short Film
“Emergency,” directed by Carey Williams (USA 2017)
Lena Sharpe Award for Persistence of Vision
Presented by Women in Film – Seattle
Dana Nachman, “Pick of the Litter” (USA 2017)
Siff...
- 6/10/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
Short of “Toddlers in Bunny Onesies: The Movie,” it’s hard to think of a film concept more guaranteed to elicit the “Awwwww…” factor than that demonstrated by “Pick of the Litter.” Dana Nachman and Don Hardy’s fourth documentary feature as co-directors follows five Labrador puppies as they undergo the lengthy training process to become guide dogs for the blind — a challenge that most four-legged aspirants will ultimately fail. Though not particularly inspired in packaging or storytelling, this solidly crafted item is guaranteed to appeal to mutt-lovers, as attested to by the several festival audience awards it’s already accumulated since its Slamdance premiere in January. Sundance Selects plans an Aug. 31 release.
After a short prologue in which visually impaired persons recall how guide dogs saved their lives — from speeding cars, falling down staircases, even the 78th floor of a World Trade Center tower on 9/11 — we’re introduced to our protagonists.
After a short prologue in which visually impaired persons recall how guide dogs saved their lives — from speeding cars, falling down staircases, even the 78th floor of a World Trade Center tower on 9/11 — we’re introduced to our protagonists.
- 4/17/2018
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
"They have to do everything correctly 100% of the time." Aw, puppies!! An official trailer has debuted for a film titled Pick of the Litter, a documentary about puppies. No, really. The film is actually about the process of choosing the right dog to be trained as a Guide Dog for the blind. I feel like there have been films made about this before (a few from Japan perhaps) but why not another one? Everyone loves dogs! At least I do. The documentary, from filmmakers Don Hardy Jr. & Dana Nachman, follows dogs as they are trained for two years. It also spends time with the Guide Dog community and introduces us to some of the people who end up getting these dogs as their companion and best friend. This actually looks adorable, of course, and I'm curious to see it. This is premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival this month, surprisingly enough.
- 1/23/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Slamdance crowd-pleaser finds Us home
Source: Slamdance
Sundance Selects has bought Us rights from Submarine to Slamdance opening night crowd-pleaser Pick Of The Litter.
Dana Nachman and Don Hardy directed the film, which follows a litter of five puppies from birth to the day one ‘graduates’ as a Guide Dog
Pick Of The Litter debuted on Friday night in Park City and screened again this morning and will play again on Tuesday.
The directors also served as producers, while Submarine’s Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun are executive producers.
Arianna Bocco brokered the deal on behalf of Sundance Selects/IFC Films with Matt Burke, Josh Braun and Ben Braun of worldwide rights holder Submarine for the filmmakers.
Slamdance has premiered crossover crowd-pleasers in the past, notably Mad Hot Ballroom, which Paramount Classics acquired for the world in 2005. The film went on to gross $8.2m at the North American box office.
Source: Slamdance
Sundance Selects has bought Us rights from Submarine to Slamdance opening night crowd-pleaser Pick Of The Litter.
Dana Nachman and Don Hardy directed the film, which follows a litter of five puppies from birth to the day one ‘graduates’ as a Guide Dog
Pick Of The Litter debuted on Friday night in Park City and screened again this morning and will play again on Tuesday.
The directors also served as producers, while Submarine’s Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun are executive producers.
Arianna Bocco brokered the deal on behalf of Sundance Selects/IFC Films with Matt Burke, Josh Braun and Ben Braun of worldwide rights holder Submarine for the filmmakers.
Slamdance has premiered crossover crowd-pleasers in the past, notably Mad Hot Ballroom, which Paramount Classics acquired for the world in 2005. The film went on to gross $8.2m at the North American box office.
- 1/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sundance Selects has picked up North American rights to the crowd-pleasing Slamdance documentary Pick of the Litter.
Directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy, the film follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow the pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train. Along the way, they interact with a community of dedicated individuals who work with them.
Pick of the Litter was produced by Nachman and Hardy and executive produced by Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun. The film made its world...
Directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy, the film follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow the pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train. Along the way, they interact with a community of dedicated individuals who work with them.
Pick of the Litter was produced by Nachman and Hardy and executive produced by Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun. The film made its world...
- 1/21/2018
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IFC Films’ Sundance Selects label has acquired North American rights to Slamdance’s resident adorable film “Pick of the Litter.” The documentary was directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy, and follows a litter of puppies from birth as they train to become seeing eye dogs for the blind. “Everyone at IFC Films/Sundance Selects understands how dogs can change one’s life and this film epitomizes this,” Arianna Bocco, the unit’s head of acquisitions and production, said in a statement. “We are so excited to introduce these amazing animals to audiences.” Also Read: 'Tyrel': Race, Class and Bad Manners Collide in Showcase for Jason Mitchell Nachman’s...
- 1/21/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Slamdance opener Pick Of The Litter sparks interest for Submarine.
Source: BFI
‘Colette’
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Debra Granik’s Winter’s Bone follow-up Leave No Trace sold to Spwa in an international deal after it delivered a stirring debut on Saturday and plays again...
Source: BFI
‘Colette’
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Debra Granik’s Winter’s Bone follow-up Leave No Trace sold to Spwa in an international deal after it delivered a stirring debut on Saturday and plays again...
- 1/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Slamdance opener Pick Of The Litter sparks interest for Submarine.
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Colette: Review
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Debra Granik’s Winter’s Bone follow-up Leave No Trace sold to Spwa in an international deal after it delivered a stirring debut on Saturday and plays again...
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Colette: Review
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Debra Granik’s Winter’s Bone follow-up Leave No Trace sold to Spwa in an international deal after it delivered a stirring debut on Saturday and plays again...
- 1/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Slamdance opener Pick Of The Litter sparks interest for Submarine.
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Colette: Review
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Meanwhile Carlos López Estrada’s buddy comedy Blindspotting is heating up with insiders talking of an imminent deal, as buyers continue to pursue American Animals and Sorry To...
January 21 Update: Wash Westmoreland’s Colette starring Keira Knightley has sold to Bleecker Street and 30West in a mid-seven-figure Us deal as the first major on-site deal in Park City closed in the small hours of Sunday following Saturday night’s world premiere.
CAA and Endeavor Content handled negotiations on behalf of the filmmakers and fielded interest from Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon Studios and Fox Searchlight. The Premieres selection from Number 9 Films, Killer Films and Bold Films stars Knightley as the titular French author and had been a hot ticket for buyers.
Colette: Review
Westmoreland directs and shares a writing credit with his late husband and collaborator Richard Glatzer (who died in 2015) and Rebecca Lemkowicz. HanWay Films represents international rights.
Meanwhile Carlos López Estrada’s buddy comedy Blindspotting is heating up with insiders talking of an imminent deal, as buyers continue to pursue American Animals and Sorry To...
- 1/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Puppies rule in Pick of the Litter, Dana Nachman and Don Hardy's seriously cute account of the breeding and training program that prepares service dogs to become guides for the visually impaired.
Returning to Slamdance following their 2015 hit documentary Batkid Begins, distributed theatrically by Warner Bros., Nachman and Hardy have produced another winning and relatable doc combining emotive storytelling with concisely focused filmmaking that's sure to charm viewers well beyond a sizable audience of dog lovers.
National nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind, based in San Rafael, Calif., receives over 1,000 requests annually from blind and visually impaired individuals...
Returning to Slamdance following their 2015 hit documentary Batkid Begins, distributed theatrically by Warner Bros., Nachman and Hardy have produced another winning and relatable doc combining emotive storytelling with concisely focused filmmaking that's sure to charm viewers well beyond a sizable audience of dog lovers.
National nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind, based in San Rafael, Calif., receives over 1,000 requests annually from blind and visually impaired individuals...
- 1/20/2018
- by Justin Lowe
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pick Of The Litter Ktf Films Reviewed by: Harvey Karten Director: Don Hardy, Dana Nachman Screenwriter: Dana Nachman Cast: Ron, Janet: Patriot, Phil, Potomac, Poppet, Primrose Screened at: Critics’ link, NYC, 1/16/18 Opens: June 12, 2018 at Slamdance The United States gets along with many countries, though admittedly fewer now than before January 2017. But […]
The post Pick of the Litter Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Pick of the Litter Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/19/2018
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Google the words “rainbow experiment chemistry” and the internet will provide a wealth of seemingly kid-friendly directives for how to use science to “make a rainbow,” an idea that seems fun enough until another link pops up: a safety alert from the American Chemical Society about an experiment gone very, very wrong.
It’s that sort of tension — between the possibility of academic discovery and out-and-out terror — that frames up Christina Kallas’ Slamdance drama, “The Rainbow Experiment,” which follows what happens after one of those eponymous experiments leads to unexpected consequences, one that indict and unravel whole scores of people and institutions.
Read More:Slamdance 2018 Announces Special Screenings, Including New Films From Lisa France and Dana Nachman
Per the film’s official synopsis, “Things spiral out of control in a high school in Manhattan when a terrible accident involving a science experiment injures a kid for life. A who-dun-it with a...
It’s that sort of tension — between the possibility of academic discovery and out-and-out terror — that frames up Christina Kallas’ Slamdance drama, “The Rainbow Experiment,” which follows what happens after one of those eponymous experiments leads to unexpected consequences, one that indict and unravel whole scores of people and institutions.
Read More:Slamdance 2018 Announces Special Screenings, Including New Films From Lisa France and Dana Nachman
Per the film’s official synopsis, “Things spiral out of control in a high school in Manhattan when a terrible accident involving a science experiment injures a kid for life. A who-dun-it with a...
- 1/18/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
This year’s Slamdance Film Festival kicks off this Friday with an opening night film that could not be more adorable. Dana Nachman and Don Hardy’s documentary “Pick of the Litter” follows five puppies as they train to become guide dogs for the blind. Spoiler alert: Patriot, Poppet, Potomac, Primrose and Phil don’t all make the cut to become full-fledged service animals. “Pick of the Litter,” which premieres this Friday in Park City, follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they...
- 1/17/2018
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Our bi-weekly Film Festival Roundup column explores notable stories and news updates from the circuit.
– Slamdance has announced the Special Screenings program for their 24th Festival edition. The lineup features provocative work from remarkable talent that celebrates the Diy spirit of Slamdance. In January, the festival will present four features in the Special Screenings Program: “Bernard and Huey,” directed by Dan Mirvish; “Roll with Me,” directed by Lisa France; “Quest,” directed by Santiago Rizzo; and the world premiere of “Pick of the Litter,” directed by Don Hardy and Slamdance alumni Dana Nachman. “Pick of the Litter” will screen as the festival’s Opening Night Film presentation.
“Slamdance was born out of a determination to show the direct, unfiltered voice of independent artists to audiences,” said Peter Baxter, Slamdance Co-Founder and President, in an official statement. “Our line-up, and the massive support shown from our alumni and partners, embody who we...
– Slamdance has announced the Special Screenings program for their 24th Festival edition. The lineup features provocative work from remarkable talent that celebrates the Diy spirit of Slamdance. In January, the festival will present four features in the Special Screenings Program: “Bernard and Huey,” directed by Dan Mirvish; “Roll with Me,” directed by Lisa France; “Quest,” directed by Santiago Rizzo; and the world premiere of “Pick of the Litter,” directed by Don Hardy and Slamdance alumni Dana Nachman. “Pick of the Litter” will screen as the festival’s Opening Night Film presentation.
“Slamdance was born out of a determination to show the direct, unfiltered voice of independent artists to audiences,” said Peter Baxter, Slamdance Co-Founder and President, in an official statement. “Our line-up, and the massive support shown from our alumni and partners, embody who we...
- 12/21/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
If you’re heading up to Park City next week to check out the various festival offerings, we’ve got some tips for you. Thanks to Slamdance Polytechnic and Creative Future, a gaggle of Slamdance filmmaking alums, friends of the festival and knowledgeable cinephiles have joined together to offer up some “Park City Hacks” to their fest-attending brethren.
From what to pack (warm stuff, and then more warm stuff, and then probably still more warm stuff) to the best places to decompress and some very key notes on what kind of stuff to consume while you’re in Utah (more water, less booze), the video also includes plenty of tips on how to best navigate the business side of the festival. In short, it’s got something for everyone.
Read More: Slamdance Film Festival Announces 2017 Lineup: ‘Aerotropolis,’ ‘The Children Send Their Regards’ and More
The video includes tips from Slamdance alumni like Peter Baxter,...
From what to pack (warm stuff, and then more warm stuff, and then probably still more warm stuff) to the best places to decompress and some very key notes on what kind of stuff to consume while you’re in Utah (more water, less booze), the video also includes plenty of tips on how to best navigate the business side of the festival. In short, it’s got something for everyone.
Read More: Slamdance Film Festival Announces 2017 Lineup: ‘Aerotropolis,’ ‘The Children Send Their Regards’ and More
The video includes tips from Slamdance alumni like Peter Baxter,...
- 1/13/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The last few days of 2015 are spent in reflection about the year that's just wrapping up and in anticipation of the year just ahead, at least for me, and since we had our ten best list last week, this week it's time for the runners-up, the fifteen films that also filled out our year. As always, I look at this list and I think it would make a perfectly spiffy top ten if that's how things had shaken out, which is to say that the only real purpose of any of these lists is to remind you of more of the experiences that were worth having in a theater. There are plenty of good films that aren't on either of my lists this year. That doesn't mean I didn't like them or they're not good. It just means that these films meant more to me for some reason. For now,...
- 12/31/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
The Portland Film Festival has partnered with the local chapter of Women in Film and the global event #directedbyWomen, the 15-day worldwide film viewing party highlighting female directors and their work from September 1-15. The third annual Portland Film Festival, which runs from September 1-7, showcased some of the films from #directedbywomen, including Heather de Michele's "As Good As You," Dana Nachman's "Batkid Begins," Lauren Shaw's "Angkor's Children" and Gabrielle Demeestere's "Yosemite." Local Portland producer Lara Cuddy has three films in the festival, including opening night film "Birds of Neptune," directed by Steven Richter. Cuddy was represented on the Women in Film panel at the festival, which also included veteran screenwriter Leslie Dixon ("Freaky Friday," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Limitless"), director Megan Griffiths ("Lucky Them," "Eden," "The Off...
- 9/4/2015
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
Chicago – Sometimes, a simple will of the heart is like a drop of water in the ocean, which ripples so profoundly that it affects the tides. That will is illustrated in the heartbeat of “Batkid Begins,” the story of Miles Scott, a little boy fighting an illness, who wished to be The Batman.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The desire of the boy was brought to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, who considers the requests of ill children and tries to fulfill them. As the mechanics for the transformation of Miles Scott to Batkid began to fall into place, something else occurred, based in part in our new era of technology. The details and the complexities of making the dream happen began to light up the Twitter sphere, through the Foundation and the participants in the wish. This drew interest from more volunteers, which led to donations of props and performances,...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The desire of the boy was brought to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, who considers the requests of ill children and tries to fulfill them. As the mechanics for the transformation of Miles Scott to Batkid began to fall into place, something else occurred, based in part in our new era of technology. The details and the complexities of making the dream happen began to light up the Twitter sphere, through the Foundation and the participants in the wish. This drew interest from more volunteers, which led to donations of props and performances,...
- 7/11/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 20 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new film festival hit documentary “Batkid Begins” – the true story of a 5-year-old cancer patient’s wish come true!
“Batkid Begins,” which opens in Chicago on July 10, 2015 and is rated “PG,” stars Miles Scott as Batkid, Ron Oppenheimer as Superman, Or Oppenheimer as Catwoman, Eric Johnston as Batman and Mike Jutan as The Penguin from writer and director Dana Nachman and writer Kurt Kuenne.
The film won awards at the Ashland Independent Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival and Heartland Film, was nominated at the Cleveland International Film Festival and was an official selection at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.
To win your free passes to “Batkid Begins” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 7 p.
“Batkid Begins,” which opens in Chicago on July 10, 2015 and is rated “PG,” stars Miles Scott as Batkid, Ron Oppenheimer as Superman, Or Oppenheimer as Catwoman, Eric Johnston as Batman and Mike Jutan as The Penguin from writer and director Dana Nachman and writer Kurt Kuenne.
The film won awards at the Ashland Independent Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival and Heartland Film, was nominated at the Cleveland International Film Festival and was an official selection at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.
To win your free passes to “Batkid Begins” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 7 p.
- 7/8/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Warner Bros. Pictures has announced it will expand the release of New Line Cinema’s critically acclaimed documentary Batkid Begins.
The film, which chronicles the astounding worldwide response to a cancer-stricken child who wished to be Batman, just opened this past Friday in three markets: New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where the Batkid event happened.
On July 10, the Studio will widen the distribution to Chicago, Toronto, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, and Minneapolis.
The film opens in St. Louis on July 24th.
Batkid Begins originally premiered at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival and has since been applauded at film festivals across the country, winning Audience Awards for Best Documentary at the Cinequest, Omaha, Dallas, Ashland, and Rincón International Film Festivals. It has also been an official selection at the Bentonville and Chicago Critics Film Festivals. Since the making of the documentary, the filmmakers have also celebrated the fact that the Batkid,...
The film, which chronicles the astounding worldwide response to a cancer-stricken child who wished to be Batman, just opened this past Friday in three markets: New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where the Batkid event happened.
On July 10, the Studio will widen the distribution to Chicago, Toronto, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, and Minneapolis.
The film opens in St. Louis on July 24th.
Batkid Begins originally premiered at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival and has since been applauded at film festivals across the country, winning Audience Awards for Best Documentary at the Cinequest, Omaha, Dallas, Ashland, and Rincón International Film Festivals. It has also been an official selection at the Bentonville and Chicago Critics Film Festivals. Since the making of the documentary, the filmmakers have also celebrated the fact that the Batkid,...
- 7/1/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
We all remember the day Batkid saved Gotham City (San Francisco) from the clutches of villainy, but this burst of uncontrollable joy deserves more than one single day of recognition. We’ve become a culture of attention-deficit drones who only care about what’s “trending,” which is why Batkid Begins is the documentary we need right now.
Fair warning: you will cry all over again. Not out of sadness, but because one boy’s dream gave the world something to smile about. Civilization shut down for an entire day to watch a pint-sized, leukemia-stricken boy named Miles act out his wildest fantasy…but his request did far more for humanity than Make-a-Wish workers could have Ever imagined. Good nature is infectious, and we need daily reminders like Batkid Begins to make sure our humanitarian side isn’t overtaken by life’s obsessively negative grasp.
When asked by the Make-a-Wish organization,...
Fair warning: you will cry all over again. Not out of sadness, but because one boy’s dream gave the world something to smile about. Civilization shut down for an entire day to watch a pint-sized, leukemia-stricken boy named Miles act out his wildest fantasy…but his request did far more for humanity than Make-a-Wish workers could have Ever imagined. Good nature is infectious, and we need daily reminders like Batkid Begins to make sure our humanitarian side isn’t overtaken by life’s obsessively negative grasp.
When asked by the Make-a-Wish organization,...
- 6/30/2015
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
I don't believe that they are "just" movies. I mean, sure, there are plenty of movies that I would consider inconsequential, and many of those are even movies that I like. But the entire culture of films, the idea of these shared narratives that make up something that unites people from around the world, is something that I think people dismiss too easily sometimes. Films are transformative. Films can force you to see things in a new ways. They can build or destroy communities. They can be powerful forces for social change, and they can shine a spotlight on things in a way that is undeniable and immediate. And, in their best moments, they can save lives. Right now, "The Wolfpack" is making its way into theaters, a documentary about a family of young men, all raised by a domineering father who intentionally cut them off from the outside world.
- 6/29/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
A 2015 Slamdance premiere, “Batkid Begins” is a true life Capracorn tale that pleased Julia Roberts so much that she will play the real-life heroine of Dana Nachman’s documentary, charismatic Make-a-Wish executive Patricia Wilson, a woman to whom few dare say no, in New Line Cinema's upcoming remake. She masterminded the astonishing San Francisco November 15, 2013 event, attended by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country, to give 5-year-old leukemia patient Miles Scott a chance to save Gotham with Batman at his side. Well over a billion tuned in around the world, including President Obama. Documentarian Nachman’s movie is as fun as it is heart-tugging, and should do well in theaters. It’s a crowdpleaser well-edited by Kurt Kuenne, a Bay Area filmmaker of “Dear Zachary” fame, who understood that the dynamic duo at the center of the film were the kid and the actor playing Batman.
- 6/25/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The story of Miles Scott, the boy who became Batkid, has been turned into a new film. Here's the trailer...
The story of Miles Scott it would be fair to say touched many across the world back in November 2013. The-then five year old Miles had come through cancer, and was in remission after years of chemotherapy. And so the Make-a-Wish Foundation staged one of its most ambitious projects ever: to turn San Francisco into Gotham City for a day, and for Miles to be Batkid, a hero to save the day.
It panned out better than anyone had dared hope, capturing the interest of people across the world, and ending with President Obama recording Miles a message.
Arriving in cinemas in Us this June (although it's thus far without a UK release date) is Batkid Begins, a documentary that charts Miles' day as Batkid, and why it took off in the way that it did.
The story of Miles Scott it would be fair to say touched many across the world back in November 2013. The-then five year old Miles had come through cancer, and was in remission after years of chemotherapy. And so the Make-a-Wish Foundation staged one of its most ambitious projects ever: to turn San Francisco into Gotham City for a day, and for Miles to be Batkid, a hero to save the day.
It panned out better than anyone had dared hope, capturing the interest of people across the world, and ending with President Obama recording Miles a message.
Arriving in cinemas in Us this June (although it's thus far without a UK release date) is Batkid Begins, a documentary that charts Miles' day as Batkid, and why it took off in the way that it did.
- 5/22/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Remember Batkid? The 5-year-old boy who saved the day in San Francisco? Thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, social media and a mass display of human kindness, cancer survivor Miles Scott (aka Batkid) got to be a real superhero on Nov. 15, 2013. It was a feel-good moment for the whole world, and with BatMan Begins—a documentary about Miles' city-saving adventure and how it all came to be—we get to experience the warm fuzzies and heartwarming moments all over again! A trailer for the Dana Nachman-produced picture was released Thursday. In it, we get to see how San Francisco transformed into Gotham City and people far near and far pooling their talents to make one little boy's dream come...
- 5/21/2015
- E! Online
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