Comedy currently in production in US.
Brian O’Shea’s The Exchange has acquired worldwide sales rights for the comedy Dotty And Soul on the eve of the virtual EFM and will jointly represent US rights with Endeavor Content.
Adam Saunders of Footprint features is currently directing the feature in Oklahoma City and New York (with pick-ups in Dallas and Los Angeles) from his screenplay about an entrepreneur who must step down after becoming embroiled in a social media scandal. Looking for a person of colour to take over he enlists the only possible candidate he knows – a 71-year-old snack cart...
Brian O’Shea’s The Exchange has acquired worldwide sales rights for the comedy Dotty And Soul on the eve of the virtual EFM and will jointly represent US rights with Endeavor Content.
Adam Saunders of Footprint features is currently directing the feature in Oklahoma City and New York (with pick-ups in Dallas and Los Angeles) from his screenplay about an entrepreneur who must step down after becoming embroiled in a social media scandal. Looking for a person of colour to take over he enlists the only possible candidate he knows – a 71-year-old snack cart...
- 2/7/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Police in Grand Prairie, Texas, have arrested an 18-year-old man in the shooting death of The Kids Are All Right and Surface actor Eddie Hassell.
D’Jon Antone was arrested Wednesday for investigation of capital murder, Grand Prairie police said in a statement. Antone is being held at Grand Prairie Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
Investigators have determined that the attack was a random robbery, police said. The investigation will be handled by the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
Hassell, a resident of Waco, TX, was shot in the stomach outside his girlfriend’s apartment in Grand Prairie at around 1 am Sunday morning. Hassell’s girlfriend was in her apartment when it happened but she did not see the assailant. Neighbors came to Hassell’s assistance and called emergency services. The 30-year-old Hassell died at the hospital.
In addition to his roles in the Oscar-nominated film The Kids Are All Right...
D’Jon Antone was arrested Wednesday for investigation of capital murder, Grand Prairie police said in a statement. Antone is being held at Grand Prairie Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
Investigators have determined that the attack was a random robbery, police said. The investigation will be handled by the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
Hassell, a resident of Waco, TX, was shot in the stomach outside his girlfriend’s apartment in Grand Prairie at around 1 am Sunday morning. Hassell’s girlfriend was in her apartment when it happened but she did not see the assailant. Neighbors came to Hassell’s assistance and called emergency services. The 30-year-old Hassell died at the hospital.
In addition to his roles in the Oscar-nominated film The Kids Are All Right...
- 11/5/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Eddie Hassell has passed away.
The actor, best known for roles on Surface and Devious Maids, died Sunday, November 1 at the age of 30.
According to NBC News, Hassell was shot dead.
Police in Grand Prairie, Texas, explained that they responded to a shooting at 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, where they found Hassell, of Waco, “suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.”
The actor's manager said he was shot in the stomach.
Officers gave first aid to Hassell, but he passed away after being transported to a hospital.
Hassell was shot outside his girlfriend's apartment, and, according to reports, she did not see the assailant.
The investigation is ongoing, and no other details were made available.
Hassell was born on July 16, 1990 in Corsicana, Texas.
On the small screen, he starred on Surface alongside Lake Bell and Leighton Meester.
Hassell also made appearances on television shows such as Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,...
The actor, best known for roles on Surface and Devious Maids, died Sunday, November 1 at the age of 30.
According to NBC News, Hassell was shot dead.
Police in Grand Prairie, Texas, explained that they responded to a shooting at 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, where they found Hassell, of Waco, “suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.”
The actor's manager said he was shot in the stomach.
Officers gave first aid to Hassell, but he passed away after being transported to a hospital.
Hassell was shot outside his girlfriend's apartment, and, according to reports, she did not see the assailant.
The investigation is ongoing, and no other details were made available.
Hassell was born on July 16, 1990 in Corsicana, Texas.
On the small screen, he starred on Surface alongside Lake Bell and Leighton Meester.
Hassell also made appearances on television shows such as Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,...
- 11/2/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Update: Deadline has learned that Eddie Hassell was shot in the stomach outside his girlfriend’s apartment in Grand Prairie, Texas at approximately 1am Sunday morning. The shooting is currently under investigation and as of now, the motive for the shooting is unclear and there is no suspect in custody.
Hassell’s girlfriend was in her apartment when it happened but she did not see the assailant. His neighbors came to his assistance and called emergency services. Hassell died at the hospital.
Previous: Actor Eddie Hassell, who appeared in the Oscar-nominated film The Kids Are All Right and the NBC oceanic sci-fi drama Surface, has died, Deadline has confirmed. He was 30.
According to TMZ, the actor was killed on Sunday morning in Texas in what seems to be a carjacking. No further details have been given.
In The Kids Are All Right, he played Clay, the wise-cracking best friend of Josh Hutcherson’s character Laser.
Hassell’s girlfriend was in her apartment when it happened but she did not see the assailant. His neighbors came to his assistance and called emergency services. Hassell died at the hospital.
Previous: Actor Eddie Hassell, who appeared in the Oscar-nominated film The Kids Are All Right and the NBC oceanic sci-fi drama Surface, has died, Deadline has confirmed. He was 30.
According to TMZ, the actor was killed on Sunday morning in Texas in what seems to be a carjacking. No further details have been given.
In The Kids Are All Right, he played Clay, the wise-cracking best friend of Josh Hutcherson’s character Laser.
- 11/1/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Eddie Hassell, best known for his roles in the 2010 Oscar-nominated film “The Kids Are All Right” and the NBC TV show “Surface,” has died after being shot in Texas, Hassell’s manager tells Variety. He was 30.
According to his representative, Hassell was shot Sunday morning in what appears to be a carjacking, although the incident is still being investigated. It is unclear where in Texas the crime took place.
Hassell was born on July 16, 1990 in Corsicana, Texas. He held several small roles throughout the 2000s and 2010s, most notably as Clay in the 2010 film “The Kids Are All Right,” also starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. “The Kids Are All Right” earned a best picture nod at the 2011 Oscars. He also played Phil Nance on NBC’s sci-fi series “Surface,” acting alongside Leighton Meester and Lake Bell.
Hassell made appearances on television shows such as Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,...
According to his representative, Hassell was shot Sunday morning in what appears to be a carjacking, although the incident is still being investigated. It is unclear where in Texas the crime took place.
Hassell was born on July 16, 1990 in Corsicana, Texas. He held several small roles throughout the 2000s and 2010s, most notably as Clay in the 2010 film “The Kids Are All Right,” also starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. “The Kids Are All Right” earned a best picture nod at the 2011 Oscars. He also played Phil Nance on NBC’s sci-fi series “Surface,” acting alongside Leighton Meester and Lake Bell.
Hassell made appearances on television shows such as Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,...
- 11/1/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
“I have to say it,” a mallet wielding Tish Cyrus announces, swinging away at a built-in cabinet. “I came in like a wrecking ball.
Related: Miley Cyrus Hits the Farm for a Fun Family Weekend with Her Parents and Siblings
Miley’s mom and sister Brandi showed off their goofy and competitive sides in the first trailer for their new home makeover show, Cyrus vs. Cyrus (below), in which the mother-daughter duo face off to win interior design clients. The family member whose design wins over their clients gets to execute her plan and the loser is stuck working as her assistant on the project.
Related: Miley Cyrus Hits the Farm for a Fun Family Weekend with Her Parents and Siblings
Miley’s mom and sister Brandi showed off their goofy and competitive sides in the first trailer for their new home makeover show, Cyrus vs. Cyrus (below), in which the mother-daughter duo face off to win interior design clients. The family member whose design wins over their clients gets to execute her plan and the loser is stuck working as her assistant on the project.
- 5/24/2017
- by Mackenzie Schmidt
- PEOPLE.com
Miley Cyrus' dad will always have a special place in her heart... and on her foot.
Billy Ray Cyrus took to Twitter on Saturday to share a pic of his daughter's newest tattoo: the word "dad" written on the side of her right foot.
Exclusive: Miley Cyrus Surprised Sister Noah With Her 'Most Amazing' Outfit at iHeartRadio Music Awards
"This may be the best tattoo I've ever seen @mileycyrus," the 55-year-old singer wrote alongside the snap.
Related: Miley Cyrus Has Fun-Filled Family Weekend on Farm -- See the Pics!
Miley and her dad are definitely close -- so much so that Billy Ray recently sparked marriage rumors after sharing a photo of his daughter in a white dress.
"Whoa! Don't jump the gun. Been at work #StillTheKing," he wrote on Instagram after fans speculated that Miley had secretly married her fiance, Liam Hemsworth. "Glad to see so many love @MileyCyrus the same as I do #happy...
Billy Ray Cyrus took to Twitter on Saturday to share a pic of his daughter's newest tattoo: the word "dad" written on the side of her right foot.
Exclusive: Miley Cyrus Surprised Sister Noah With Her 'Most Amazing' Outfit at iHeartRadio Music Awards
"This may be the best tattoo I've ever seen @mileycyrus," the 55-year-old singer wrote alongside the snap.
Related: Miley Cyrus Has Fun-Filled Family Weekend on Farm -- See the Pics!
Miley and her dad are definitely close -- so much so that Billy Ray recently sparked marriage rumors after sharing a photo of his daughter in a white dress.
"Whoa! Don't jump the gun. Been at work #StillTheKing," he wrote on Instagram after fans speculated that Miley had secretly married her fiance, Liam Hemsworth. "Glad to see so many love @MileyCyrus the same as I do #happy...
- 3/19/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
After almost three years of marriage, General Hospital's Brandon Barash and Kirsten Storms are getting divorced.
"We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we're splitting amicably," Barash, 36, told Soap Opera Digest in a statement. "We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment."
Before deciding to split, the couple reportedly sought out professional help as they tried to work through their issues. However, they ultimately came to the conclusion that divorce was the best option for their family.
"We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we're splitting amicably," Barash, 36, told Soap Opera Digest in a statement. "We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment."
Before deciding to split, the couple reportedly sought out professional help as they tried to work through their issues. However, they ultimately came to the conclusion that divorce was the best option for their family.
- 4/7/2016
- by Naja Rayne, @najarayne
- People.com - TV Watch
After almost three years of marriage, General Hospital's Brandon Barash, 36, and Kirsten Storms, 31, are getting divorced. "We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we're splitting amicably," Barash told Soap Opera Digest in a statement. "We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment." Before deciding to split, the couple reportedly sought out professional help as they tried to work through their issues. However, they ultimately came to the conclusion that divorce was the best option for their family.
- 4/7/2016
- by Naja Rayne, @najarayne
- PEOPLE.com
The third annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival presented by the Doha Film Institute (November 29 to December 5) showcases feature films from 20 countries and a series of short film programs in Katara, Qatar.
Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, says: “By providing young people with access to international cinema, filmmakers from around the world, and the space to discuss their ideas and develop critical thinking, Ajyal empowers the youngest members of our community and develops their understanding of the world around them.”
Academy Award nominated director, Hany Abu-Assad and Arab Idol champion Mohammed Assaf, whose life story "The Idol" is based on, will attend the Opening Night and will participate in a special ‘In Conversation’ session about bringing Assaf’s life story to the big screen and highlight the power of combining music and cinema and the challenges facing Arab artists today.
Read more about "The Idol" and an interview with Hany Abu-Assad at its debut at Tiff 2015.
Aside from the daily public screenings of local and international films other events are the popular "Made in Qatar"; Sony Cinema Under the Stars; Family Weekend; the Doha Giffoni Youth Media Summit ; special events and exhibitions; the Sandbox interactive digital playground; school screenings; and the Ajyal Competition, where hundreds of young jurors between the ages of 8 and 21 will watch and discuss shorts and features and decide on the winning films. competition line-up.
The popular "Made in Qatar" section features 17 films -- nine narrative shorts and eight documentaries by local talent.
More than 500 young people from the ages of 8 to 21 make up the Ajyal Competition Jury which will watch and analyze a dynamic program of films in three competitive sections followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Each of the three Ajyal Juries are made of 24 international jurors from 12 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Serbia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The jury awards a Best Film prize to their favorite short and feature-length film, for a total of six awards. The directors of the winning films are awarded funding toward their next film, so jurors are empowered to support and promote future content that is relevant and important to them in a proactive way.
Mohaq means ‘New Moon’ in Arabic, and these are Ajyal’s youngest jurors, aged 8 to 12. These jurors will watch one program of short films and four feature-length films, marking the first year that competitive feature films are included in this category. They are: "Celestial Camel" (Russia) by Yury Feting about a young sheepherder living in the desolate Kalmyk Steppe, who sets off on an epic journey after his father is forced to sell the family’s beloved camel calf; "The Greatest House in the World" (Guatemala, Mexico) by Ana V. Bojórquez and Lucía Carreras - a film about the never-ending circle of life told through the story of a young girl in the isolated highlands of Guatemala; "Paper Planes"(Australia) by Robert Connolly - a tale of friendship, creativity and the bonds of family which centers around an 11-year-old boy with an exceptional talent for creating paper airplanes; and "Phantom Boy" by Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol (France, Belgium) an animated film about an 11-year-old boy whose illness allows him to have out-of-body experiences and mysterious powers.
Ajyal’s jurors aged 13 to 17 are the Hilal jury – the term means ‘Crescent Moon’ in Arabic. Five feature films and a program of shorts make up this jury’s film selection. The feature films competing in this section are: "Lamb" (France, Ethiopia, Germany, Norway, Qatar) by Yared Zeleke, a portrait of a young Ethiopian boy trying to find his way in the world; "Landfill Harmonic" (U.S.) directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley and recent audience award winning documentary at Napa Valley Film Festival, that tracks the astounding rise of a Paraguayan youth orchestra whose members live next to one of South America's largest landfills and make their instruments from recycled materials; "Mina Walking" (Canada, Afghanistan), a multiple award winning documentary by Yosef Baraki, a powerful tale of a 12-year-old girl in war-torn Afghanistan struggling to make ends meet for her family; "Scarecrow " (The Philippines) by Zig Madamba Dulay which explores the complicated relationship of social injustice and familial expectations through the story of a young mother in a rural town; and " Wolf Totem" (China, France) by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Set against the backdrop of the Chinese Cultural Revolution 1967, it is the story of a two young Chinese students who are sent on a research assignment with the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia and become fascinated by the wolves that roam the plains.
The most mature of Ajyal’s juries, Bader (Arabic for ‘Full Moon’) jurors are aged 18 to 21 and will select their favorite films from five features and two programs of short films. The feature films vying for top honors in this section are: "An" (Japan, France, Germany) by Naomi Kawase is a drama about a lonely baker whose life is reinvigorated when he hires an elderly woman with a special culinary skill; "The Second Mother " (Brazil's submission for Oscar nomination) by Anna Muylaert which is an exploration of the bond between mothers and their children told through the story of a housekeeper in Sao Paulo (Read review and interview with director Anna Muylaert here); "Taxi" (Iran), winner of Fipresci and Golden Bear Awards in Berlin 2015, by Jafar Panahi in which the celebrated Iranian director places himself in the driver’s seat of a cab, taking fares to their destinations in a wonderful portrait of contemporary Iran; "Very Big Shot" (Lebanon, Qatar), a bold and insightful dark comedy by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya that skewers political corruption and the media circus that goes with it; and "Walls" (Spain) - a documentary by Pablo Iraburu and Migueltxo Molina that follows several subjects on both sides of three contemporary international borders, demonstrating that the people on each side of the barriers are not as different as they may believe.
In addition to the three competitive sections, the Festival’s youngest audiences under the age of 8 years will also vote for their favorite film with the help of their parents who will determine the Parents’ Choice Award in the Bariq program. Bariq films are selected to satisfy the excitement and curiosity of young children and are suitable for the whole family. This year’s program features a collection of eight short films and will also include a special outdoor cine-concert on the Katara esplanade by the Festival Tout-Petits Cinéma from Paris, with four films accompanied by live music by pianist Anthony Boulc’h and saxophonist Fanch Minous.
A senior jury of three eminent figures from the local and regional industry will determine the winners of the competitive section comprising feature films from 20 countries and a series of short film program with two awards being presented for Best Short Narrative Film and Best Short Documentary Film. The 2015 jury members are film producer Bassam Al Ibrahim (Qatar), who is the CEO of Innovation Films and co-founder of ILoveQatar.net; film actress, director and producer, Ahd (Saudi Arabia), internationally renowned for her performance in Haifaa al-Mansour’s " Wadjda;" and respected veteran journalist and media personality, Marcel Ghanem (Lebanon).
Fatma Al Remaihi said: “It has been another productive and inspiring year for filmmaking in Qatar and this year’s Made in Qatar selection indicates the rapid growth and diversity that we are witnessing in the Qatari film industry."
The films in the 2015 Ajyal Youth Film Festival Made in Qatar section are:
Made in Qatar Program 1, Wednesday 2nd December
"To My Mother" by Amina Al Bloshi
"Light Sounds" by Karem Kamel
"Her Majlis" by Najla Al Khulaifi, Dana Al Mesnad and Nayla Al Thani
"The Palm Tree" by Jassim Al-Rumaihi
"Yellow Nights" by Abdulla al Mulla
"If They Only Knew" by Sana Al-Ansari
"Heart of the House" by Gabrielle Sol
"The Notebook" by Amna Albinali
Made in Qatar Program 2, Friday 4th December
"Charlie" by Ali Ali
"Immortalizing Memories" by Mostafa Sheshtawy
"Asfoora" by Mayar Hamdan
"Good as New" by Jaser Alagha
"I Choose Islam" by Noor Al-Tamimi, Silma Suba and Zac J. Hollo
"Mariam" by Zainab Ayon
"Time" by Yassine Ouahrani
"Man of the House" by Khalifa AlMarri
"Veganize It!" by Khalid Salim
Closing night will be the world premiere of animated feature film "Bilal" (UAE/2015), a new animated feature film made with funding from the Doha Film Institute and produced by Dubai-based Barajoun Studios. Involving creative talents from 22 countries, "Bilal " by Directors Ayman Jamal and Khurram Alavi is an inspiring adventure story of faith, hope and self-discovery. Inspired by the real-life story of Bilal Bin Rabah, the film's cutting edge animation technology, impeccable research and high production values will resonate with audiences across generations. The cast and crew of the film will be in attendance for the premiere including the directors of the film and cast members Andre Robinson ("Despicable Me 2") and Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje ("Lost", "The Bourne Identity", "Game of Thrones") who voice the young and adult Bilal respectively.
The Ajyal Family Weekend will feature the regional premiere of Marking the Un International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ajyal 2015 will present in a regional first, an inclusive cinema experience specially ‘transadapted’ to suit audiences with different abilities, a special screening of Al Rayyan Productions animated short "Hero and the Message" (Qatar/2012). Guests will be able to view the film through sound alone, with special subtitles for people who have difficulty understanding speech. This inclusive version of the film has been developed with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and is the result of a collaboration between the Doha Film Institute and the Translation and Interpreting Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University who are spearheading the development of transadapted content in the Gulf region.
Fatma Al Remaihi, “Since our first edition, animated films have formed a core part of the Ajyal program and I am delighted that this year, we will premiere three incredibly diverse examples of the artform... from three corners of the globe.”
"Bilal" (UAE/2015) In a dreamlike vision, mysterious dark riders mounted on demonic black horses bear down upon a village. Nearby, little Bilal dreams of being a great warrior as he gallops along on his hobbyhorse. The riders come closer – are they real? Or are they just a figment of the youngster’s extraordinary imagination? Suddenly, Bilal’s dream becomes a nightmare. The men on horseback kill his mother and take him captive along with Ghufaira, his sister, and they are soon sold as slaves to Umayya, the wealthiest merchant in all of Arabia. Bilal never forgets this terrible day, which haunts his sleep for years to come. But the echoes of his mother’s gentle voice stay with him, a constant reminder that to break free of the chains that enslave him, he must forge his own destiny.
"The Good Dinosaur" (USA/2015), the latest feature from the award-winning Pixar Animation Studios and the team behind beloved Pixar classics "Finding Nemo" and "Inside Out" and will feature a special ‘kids red carpet’ for all families and young people from the community to participate and to be transported to a world where dinosaurs walk the Earth. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film screens on December 4th and presents an alternate history where the asteroids that wiped out these ancient reptiles never hit our planet.
"Hero and the Message" (Qatar/2012) tells the fantastic tale of a Qatari brother and sister who travel back in time to witness the founding events of the State of Qatar. Produced by Al Rayyan Productions, the top-notch animated short directed by Pawel Borowski was created to celebrate Qatar’s National Day in 2012, and screens on December 3rd.
"When Marnie Was There" (Japan/2014), screening on December 4 is one of the final anime sensations from Ghibli Studios and is based on the novel When Marnie Was There by Joan G. Robinson. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film is about a young girl Anna who explores a long- abandoned villa and meets a mysterious blonde girl only she can see.
Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, says: “By providing young people with access to international cinema, filmmakers from around the world, and the space to discuss their ideas and develop critical thinking, Ajyal empowers the youngest members of our community and develops their understanding of the world around them.”
Academy Award nominated director, Hany Abu-Assad and Arab Idol champion Mohammed Assaf, whose life story "The Idol" is based on, will attend the Opening Night and will participate in a special ‘In Conversation’ session about bringing Assaf’s life story to the big screen and highlight the power of combining music and cinema and the challenges facing Arab artists today.
Read more about "The Idol" and an interview with Hany Abu-Assad at its debut at Tiff 2015.
Aside from the daily public screenings of local and international films other events are the popular "Made in Qatar"; Sony Cinema Under the Stars; Family Weekend; the Doha Giffoni Youth Media Summit ; special events and exhibitions; the Sandbox interactive digital playground; school screenings; and the Ajyal Competition, where hundreds of young jurors between the ages of 8 and 21 will watch and discuss shorts and features and decide on the winning films. competition line-up.
The popular "Made in Qatar" section features 17 films -- nine narrative shorts and eight documentaries by local talent.
More than 500 young people from the ages of 8 to 21 make up the Ajyal Competition Jury which will watch and analyze a dynamic program of films in three competitive sections followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Each of the three Ajyal Juries are made of 24 international jurors from 12 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Serbia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The jury awards a Best Film prize to their favorite short and feature-length film, for a total of six awards. The directors of the winning films are awarded funding toward their next film, so jurors are empowered to support and promote future content that is relevant and important to them in a proactive way.
Mohaq means ‘New Moon’ in Arabic, and these are Ajyal’s youngest jurors, aged 8 to 12. These jurors will watch one program of short films and four feature-length films, marking the first year that competitive feature films are included in this category. They are: "Celestial Camel" (Russia) by Yury Feting about a young sheepherder living in the desolate Kalmyk Steppe, who sets off on an epic journey after his father is forced to sell the family’s beloved camel calf; "The Greatest House in the World" (Guatemala, Mexico) by Ana V. Bojórquez and Lucía Carreras - a film about the never-ending circle of life told through the story of a young girl in the isolated highlands of Guatemala; "Paper Planes"(Australia) by Robert Connolly - a tale of friendship, creativity and the bonds of family which centers around an 11-year-old boy with an exceptional talent for creating paper airplanes; and "Phantom Boy" by Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol (France, Belgium) an animated film about an 11-year-old boy whose illness allows him to have out-of-body experiences and mysterious powers.
Ajyal’s jurors aged 13 to 17 are the Hilal jury – the term means ‘Crescent Moon’ in Arabic. Five feature films and a program of shorts make up this jury’s film selection. The feature films competing in this section are: "Lamb" (France, Ethiopia, Germany, Norway, Qatar) by Yared Zeleke, a portrait of a young Ethiopian boy trying to find his way in the world; "Landfill Harmonic" (U.S.) directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley and recent audience award winning documentary at Napa Valley Film Festival, that tracks the astounding rise of a Paraguayan youth orchestra whose members live next to one of South America's largest landfills and make their instruments from recycled materials; "Mina Walking" (Canada, Afghanistan), a multiple award winning documentary by Yosef Baraki, a powerful tale of a 12-year-old girl in war-torn Afghanistan struggling to make ends meet for her family; "Scarecrow " (The Philippines) by Zig Madamba Dulay which explores the complicated relationship of social injustice and familial expectations through the story of a young mother in a rural town; and " Wolf Totem" (China, France) by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Set against the backdrop of the Chinese Cultural Revolution 1967, it is the story of a two young Chinese students who are sent on a research assignment with the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia and become fascinated by the wolves that roam the plains.
The most mature of Ajyal’s juries, Bader (Arabic for ‘Full Moon’) jurors are aged 18 to 21 and will select their favorite films from five features and two programs of short films. The feature films vying for top honors in this section are: "An" (Japan, France, Germany) by Naomi Kawase is a drama about a lonely baker whose life is reinvigorated when he hires an elderly woman with a special culinary skill; "The Second Mother " (Brazil's submission for Oscar nomination) by Anna Muylaert which is an exploration of the bond between mothers and their children told through the story of a housekeeper in Sao Paulo (Read review and interview with director Anna Muylaert here); "Taxi" (Iran), winner of Fipresci and Golden Bear Awards in Berlin 2015, by Jafar Panahi in which the celebrated Iranian director places himself in the driver’s seat of a cab, taking fares to their destinations in a wonderful portrait of contemporary Iran; "Very Big Shot" (Lebanon, Qatar), a bold and insightful dark comedy by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya that skewers political corruption and the media circus that goes with it; and "Walls" (Spain) - a documentary by Pablo Iraburu and Migueltxo Molina that follows several subjects on both sides of three contemporary international borders, demonstrating that the people on each side of the barriers are not as different as they may believe.
In addition to the three competitive sections, the Festival’s youngest audiences under the age of 8 years will also vote for their favorite film with the help of their parents who will determine the Parents’ Choice Award in the Bariq program. Bariq films are selected to satisfy the excitement and curiosity of young children and are suitable for the whole family. This year’s program features a collection of eight short films and will also include a special outdoor cine-concert on the Katara esplanade by the Festival Tout-Petits Cinéma from Paris, with four films accompanied by live music by pianist Anthony Boulc’h and saxophonist Fanch Minous.
A senior jury of three eminent figures from the local and regional industry will determine the winners of the competitive section comprising feature films from 20 countries and a series of short film program with two awards being presented for Best Short Narrative Film and Best Short Documentary Film. The 2015 jury members are film producer Bassam Al Ibrahim (Qatar), who is the CEO of Innovation Films and co-founder of ILoveQatar.net; film actress, director and producer, Ahd (Saudi Arabia), internationally renowned for her performance in Haifaa al-Mansour’s " Wadjda;" and respected veteran journalist and media personality, Marcel Ghanem (Lebanon).
Fatma Al Remaihi said: “It has been another productive and inspiring year for filmmaking in Qatar and this year’s Made in Qatar selection indicates the rapid growth and diversity that we are witnessing in the Qatari film industry."
The films in the 2015 Ajyal Youth Film Festival Made in Qatar section are:
Made in Qatar Program 1, Wednesday 2nd December
"To My Mother" by Amina Al Bloshi
"Light Sounds" by Karem Kamel
"Her Majlis" by Najla Al Khulaifi, Dana Al Mesnad and Nayla Al Thani
"The Palm Tree" by Jassim Al-Rumaihi
"Yellow Nights" by Abdulla al Mulla
"If They Only Knew" by Sana Al-Ansari
"Heart of the House" by Gabrielle Sol
"The Notebook" by Amna Albinali
Made in Qatar Program 2, Friday 4th December
"Charlie" by Ali Ali
"Immortalizing Memories" by Mostafa Sheshtawy
"Asfoora" by Mayar Hamdan
"Good as New" by Jaser Alagha
"I Choose Islam" by Noor Al-Tamimi, Silma Suba and Zac J. Hollo
"Mariam" by Zainab Ayon
"Time" by Yassine Ouahrani
"Man of the House" by Khalifa AlMarri
"Veganize It!" by Khalid Salim
Closing night will be the world premiere of animated feature film "Bilal" (UAE/2015), a new animated feature film made with funding from the Doha Film Institute and produced by Dubai-based Barajoun Studios. Involving creative talents from 22 countries, "Bilal " by Directors Ayman Jamal and Khurram Alavi is an inspiring adventure story of faith, hope and self-discovery. Inspired by the real-life story of Bilal Bin Rabah, the film's cutting edge animation technology, impeccable research and high production values will resonate with audiences across generations. The cast and crew of the film will be in attendance for the premiere including the directors of the film and cast members Andre Robinson ("Despicable Me 2") and Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje ("Lost", "The Bourne Identity", "Game of Thrones") who voice the young and adult Bilal respectively.
The Ajyal Family Weekend will feature the regional premiere of Marking the Un International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ajyal 2015 will present in a regional first, an inclusive cinema experience specially ‘transadapted’ to suit audiences with different abilities, a special screening of Al Rayyan Productions animated short "Hero and the Message" (Qatar/2012). Guests will be able to view the film through sound alone, with special subtitles for people who have difficulty understanding speech. This inclusive version of the film has been developed with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and is the result of a collaboration between the Doha Film Institute and the Translation and Interpreting Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University who are spearheading the development of transadapted content in the Gulf region.
Fatma Al Remaihi, “Since our first edition, animated films have formed a core part of the Ajyal program and I am delighted that this year, we will premiere three incredibly diverse examples of the artform... from three corners of the globe.”
"Bilal" (UAE/2015) In a dreamlike vision, mysterious dark riders mounted on demonic black horses bear down upon a village. Nearby, little Bilal dreams of being a great warrior as he gallops along on his hobbyhorse. The riders come closer – are they real? Or are they just a figment of the youngster’s extraordinary imagination? Suddenly, Bilal’s dream becomes a nightmare. The men on horseback kill his mother and take him captive along with Ghufaira, his sister, and they are soon sold as slaves to Umayya, the wealthiest merchant in all of Arabia. Bilal never forgets this terrible day, which haunts his sleep for years to come. But the echoes of his mother’s gentle voice stay with him, a constant reminder that to break free of the chains that enslave him, he must forge his own destiny.
"The Good Dinosaur" (USA/2015), the latest feature from the award-winning Pixar Animation Studios and the team behind beloved Pixar classics "Finding Nemo" and "Inside Out" and will feature a special ‘kids red carpet’ for all families and young people from the community to participate and to be transported to a world where dinosaurs walk the Earth. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film screens on December 4th and presents an alternate history where the asteroids that wiped out these ancient reptiles never hit our planet.
"Hero and the Message" (Qatar/2012) tells the fantastic tale of a Qatari brother and sister who travel back in time to witness the founding events of the State of Qatar. Produced by Al Rayyan Productions, the top-notch animated short directed by Pawel Borowski was created to celebrate Qatar’s National Day in 2012, and screens on December 3rd.
"When Marnie Was There" (Japan/2014), screening on December 4 is one of the final anime sensations from Ghibli Studios and is based on the novel When Marnie Was There by Joan G. Robinson. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film is about a young girl Anna who explores a long- abandoned villa and meets a mysterious blonde girl only she can see.
- 11/21/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Titles in competition include animation Phantom Boy [pictured], Ethiopian drama Lamb, Brazilian Oscar submission The Second Mother and Jafar Panahi’s Berlinale winner Taxi Tehran.
The Doha Film Institute has announced the competition line-up for the third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival (Nov 29 - Dec 5), comprising feature films from 20 countries as well as a series of short film programmes.
The jury will be made up of more than 500 young people, aged 8-21, who will watch a programme of films under three competitive sections - Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader - followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Each of the three Ajyal Juries will award a Best Film prize to their favourite short and feature-length films, for a total of six awards. The directors of the winning films are awarded funding toward their next film.
The jury includes 24 international jurors who will travel to Doha for the event from 12 countries...
The Doha Film Institute has announced the competition line-up for the third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival (Nov 29 - Dec 5), comprising feature films from 20 countries as well as a series of short film programmes.
The jury will be made up of more than 500 young people, aged 8-21, who will watch a programme of films under three competitive sections - Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader - followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Each of the three Ajyal Juries will award a Best Film prize to their favourite short and feature-length films, for a total of six awards. The directors of the winning films are awarded funding toward their next film.
The jury includes 24 international jurors who will travel to Doha for the event from 12 countries...
- 11/9/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The night games of your younger years take a horrific turn in Nightlight, which is now available on DVD and Digital HD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. We've been provided with two DVD copies and a pair of Nightlight-themed flashlights to give away.
"Five friends venture into the woods for a night of flashlight games, only to awaken a demonic presence in Nightlight, casting its shadow on DVD (plus Digital) and Digital HD May 26th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The film is currently available via On Demand. Featuring performances from a stellar ensemble of up-and-coming young talent including Shelby Young (The Social Network, Wild Child), Chloe Bridges (Family Weekend, TV’s “The Carrie Diaries”) and Carter Jenkins (Valentine’s Day, TV’s “The Following”) along with newcomers Mitch Hewer and Taylor Murphy, Nightlight is told from a singular point of view and employs a groundbreaking storytelling device as a means of heightening suspense,...
"Five friends venture into the woods for a night of flashlight games, only to awaken a demonic presence in Nightlight, casting its shadow on DVD (plus Digital) and Digital HD May 26th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The film is currently available via On Demand. Featuring performances from a stellar ensemble of up-and-coming young talent including Shelby Young (The Social Network, Wild Child), Chloe Bridges (Family Weekend, TV’s “The Carrie Diaries”) and Carter Jenkins (Valentine’s Day, TV’s “The Following”) along with newcomers Mitch Hewer and Taylor Murphy, Nightlight is told from a singular point of view and employs a groundbreaking storytelling device as a means of heightening suspense,...
- 5/27/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster, Peter Greenaway’s Eisenstein In Guanajuato and Alex van Warmerdam’s Schneider vs. Bax among those to receive a share of €8.5m ($11.4m) from the new Netherlands Film Production Incentive.Scroll down for full list of projects
A total of 34 film projects have received funding totaling €8.5m ($11.4m) from the budget of the new Netherlands Film Production Incentive.
It is anticipated that these projects will generate €47.9m ($64.6m) in Netherlands-based production expenditure.
Some 21 of the 34 successful applicants were international co-productions of feature films and documentaries, in which a Dutch producer has a majority or minority stake.
Productions include The Night Of A Thousand Hours by screenwriter/director Virgil Widrich, a co-production between Austria (Amour Fou Vienna), Luxembourg (Amour Fou Luxembourg) and The Netherlands (KeyFilm); The Lobster by director/screenwriter Yorgos Lanthimos, a co-production between Ireland (Element Pictures), France (Haut et Court), Greece (Faliro House), UK (Scarlet Films) and The Netherlands (Lemming Film); and...
A total of 34 film projects have received funding totaling €8.5m ($11.4m) from the budget of the new Netherlands Film Production Incentive.
It is anticipated that these projects will generate €47.9m ($64.6m) in Netherlands-based production expenditure.
Some 21 of the 34 successful applicants were international co-productions of feature films and documentaries, in which a Dutch producer has a majority or minority stake.
Productions include The Night Of A Thousand Hours by screenwriter/director Virgil Widrich, a co-production between Austria (Amour Fou Vienna), Luxembourg (Amour Fou Luxembourg) and The Netherlands (KeyFilm); The Lobster by director/screenwriter Yorgos Lanthimos, a co-production between Ireland (Element Pictures), France (Haut et Court), Greece (Faliro House), UK (Scarlet Films) and The Netherlands (Lemming Film); and...
- 7/28/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Sure, Sunday tends to be overcrowded with high-end TV like "Girls," "House of Lies," "Shameless" and "The Walking Dead," but what to watch the rest of the time? Every Monday, we bring you five noteworthy highlights from the other six days of the week. "Chozen": "Family Weekend (or How Gary Got His Groove Back)" Monday, March 10 at 10:30 pm on FX I have to be honest: "Chozen" won me over by appointing me "Heavy B Earfquake" via the show's rap name generator on its cannily constructed website. "Chozen" itself... well, it has potential. The animated comedy tracks the titular character, Chozen, after a prison stint while he tries to regain his title as the world's greatest rapper. The twists, if you would call them that, are: a) Chozen is white, b) he's gay, and c) his lyrics are intended to turn stereotypical rap tunes on their head (though it...
- 3/10/2014
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Outlier has acquired film and TV rights to the futuristic sci-fi action novella “Genesis” by Matt K. Turner, who also wrote the Matthew Modine-Kristin Chenoweth movie “Family Weekend,” TheWrap has learned. “Genesis” follows a regular guy who gets caught in a web of suspicion, paranoia and mind-bending questions about his identity when he’s forced to confront the possibility that he is a bio-fabricated being created and owned by a ruthless multinational corporation. Also Read: Bigfoot vs. Werewolves Movie in Works as ‘Twilight’ Producer Acquires Graphic Novel ‘Savage’ (Exclusive) Mark Morgan (“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters”) and E. Thompson...
- 1/24/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Doha’s youth festival to showcase Qatari filmmakers; unveils competition titles.
Films shot by Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar their home are to be showcased at the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival (Nov 26-30), presented by the Doha Film Institute, in a Made in Qatar strand.
The programme will highglight the works of filmmakers across three segments.
The first will feature the works of winners from the Doha Film Institute’s 48-Hour online Family Film Challenge; the second from the 7-Day Filmmaking Challenge, both of which were open to filmmakers from across Qatar; and the third which will include the screening of Batal Wa Resalah (The Hero and the Message), from Al Rayyan Productions.
Ajyal festival director Fatma Al Remaihi said the Qatar strand would “honour the dedication, creativity and unique voice of our homegrown talent in front of a wide audience”.
She added that the festival is “dedicated to supporting local filmmakers and to...
Films shot by Qatari nationals and those who call Qatar their home are to be showcased at the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival (Nov 26-30), presented by the Doha Film Institute, in a Made in Qatar strand.
The programme will highglight the works of filmmakers across three segments.
The first will feature the works of winners from the Doha Film Institute’s 48-Hour online Family Film Challenge; the second from the 7-Day Filmmaking Challenge, both of which were open to filmmakers from across Qatar; and the third which will include the screening of Batal Wa Resalah (The Hero and the Message), from Al Rayyan Productions.
Ajyal festival director Fatma Al Remaihi said the Qatar strand would “honour the dedication, creativity and unique voice of our homegrown talent in front of a wide audience”.
She added that the festival is “dedicated to supporting local filmmakers and to...
- 11/11/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Kristin Chenoweth has joined the cast of director Rob Cohen's The Boy Next Door , says a story today at The Hollywood Reporter . She'll star opposite the recently announced Jennifer Lopez in the Blumhouse Pictures production. The Boy Next Door stars Lopez as a recently-separated mother who finds trouble on the horizon when she begins a relationship with a teenage neighbor. Chenoweth, who will play best friend to Lopez's character, recently starred in director Benjamin Epps' Family Weekend . Featuring a script by Barbara Curry, The Boy Next Door is shooting this fall with Jason Blum, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, John Jacobs and Benny Medina producing and Zac Unterman serving as executive producer. (Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)...
- 9/19/2013
- Comingsoon.net
The family comedy “Family Weekend” is now out on DVD! The film, directed by Benjamin Epps, stars Kristin Chenoweth, Olesya Rulin, Matthew Modine, Joey King, Chloe Bridges, Eddie Hassell, Robbie Tucker and Shirley Jones. “Family Weekend follows 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin) an incredibly motivated, overachiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of support and guidance. Her mom, Samantha (Kristin Chenoweth), is a career-focused, no-nonsense high powered business executive. Her dad, Duncan (Matthew Modine), is a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck. When they missed their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point and takes it upon herself to restore [ Read More ]
The post Enter in ShockYa’s Family Weekend Twitter Giveaway! appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Enter in ShockYa’s Family Weekend Twitter Giveaway! appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/30/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Title: Family Weekend Directed by: Benjamin Epps Starring: Kristin Chenoweth, Olesya Rulin, Matthew Modine, Joey King, Chloe Bridges and Shirley Jones Running time: 106 minutes, Rated R, Available on Blu-ray Special Features: Featurette: A Conversation with the Filmmakers; Thor Smith-Dungy’s “Chicken Dance” Video; Deleted Scene: Jackson & Kat Fireside; Deleted Scene: Rick Dances the “Camel”; Extra: Lucinda Gets into Character Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin) is an aspiring jump rope champion who has just been disappointed for the umpteenth time by her family by not attending and seeing her win at a recent jump rope competition. Her mom Samantha (Kristin Chenoweth) is the workaholic breadwinner and having an affair with her [ Read More ]
The post Family Weekend DVD Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Family Weekend DVD Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/28/2013
- by juliana
- ShockYa
Don’t mess with a dysfunctional gang of criminals! In other words – the official trailer, some cool images and poster for Danny Mulheron‘s tasty horror comedy Fresh Meat have arrived! Click continue to meet outlaws on the run, a family taken hostage & the perfect place to hide. Hmm… not so fast! That “perfect” place is about to eat them… alive! Mulheron directed Fresh Meat from a script written by Briar Grace Smith, which revolves around a gang of criminals who take a middle class Maori family hostage only to discover that they are – cannibals! When a dysfunctional gang’s prison breakout goes violently wrong,...
Click to continue reading Watch: Official Trailer For A Tasty Horror Comedy Fresh Meat! on | FilmoFilia
Related posts: ‘Midnight Meat Train’ new movie – horror thriller Watch: Trailer For Family Weekend, Starring Kristin Chenoweth Deep Secrets, Shallow Grave: Official Trailer & Poster For Horror-Thriller Animosity! Watch:...
Click to continue reading Watch: Official Trailer For A Tasty Horror Comedy Fresh Meat! on | FilmoFilia
Related posts: ‘Midnight Meat Train’ new movie – horror thriller Watch: Trailer For Family Weekend, Starring Kristin Chenoweth Deep Secrets, Shallow Grave: Official Trailer & Poster For Horror-Thriller Animosity! Watch:...
- 4/5/2013
- by Jeanne Standal
- Filmofilia
Kristin Chenoweth is the very definition of a multi-hyphenate: She sings, she acts, she dances, she writes, she makes people guess what's in the "mystery Oscar box." She's a big talent in small (4'11"!) package. Today, her newest film, "Family Weekend," is out in theaters and VOD. She plays an overworked mom who is taken hostage by her jump roping prodigy daughter (Olesya Rulin) after missing one too many competitions.
NextMovie sat down with Chenoweth (and her dog Maddie, "named after the actress Madeline Kahn") in New York City prior to the release of "Family Weekend." We learnedher opinions on breastfeeding, getting mistaken for Cameron Diaz, her favorite small spaces to fold herself into and so much more.
You can do everything. What can you not do?
I'm not good at math, I don't balance my checkbook. Um...I don't go outside of my comfort zone a lot with food.
NextMovie sat down with Chenoweth (and her dog Maddie, "named after the actress Madeline Kahn") in New York City prior to the release of "Family Weekend." We learnedher opinions on breastfeeding, getting mistaken for Cameron Diaz, her favorite small spaces to fold herself into and so much more.
You can do everything. What can you not do?
I'm not good at math, I don't balance my checkbook. Um...I don't go outside of my comfort zone a lot with food.
- 3/29/2013
- by Kase Wickman
- NextMovie
This weekend a new indy comedy open is several major U.S. cities. Family Weekend stare Kristen Chenoweth, Matthew Modine plus producer/co-star Adam Russo who gives us an exclusive look at the new film. Plus there’s a lot more than gold in those hills! Meet Steve Brancato and Amanda Adkins from Prospectors, a new series on The Weather Channel about digging for real riches – and DC’s Bad Guys get their own documentary.
Take us Anywhere! The Point Radio App is now in the iTunes App store – and it’s Free! Just search under “pop culture The Point”. The Point Radio - 24 hours a day of pop culture fun for Free. Go Here and Listen Free on any computer or on any other mobile device with the Tune In Radio app - and follow us on Twitter @ThePointRadio.
Take us Anywhere! The Point Radio App is now in the iTunes App store – and it’s Free! Just search under “pop culture The Point”. The Point Radio - 24 hours a day of pop culture fun for Free. Go Here and Listen Free on any computer or on any other mobile device with the Tune In Radio app - and follow us on Twitter @ThePointRadio.
- 3/29/2013
- by Mike Raub
- Comicmix.com
Quirky indie hell, thy name is Family Weekend. Benjamin Epps's film is the very definition of affected cutie-pie whimsy and weirdness, charting the efforts of 16-year-old competitive jump-roper Emily (Olesya Rulin) to turn her parents "normal" by tying them up and putting them through a step-by-step rehabilitation course. The fundamental problem with this absurd plan is that dad Duncan (Matthew Modine) is a New Agey–artist cartoon, and mom Samantha (Kristin Chenoweth) is a cell-phone-obsessed-businesswoman caricature—in other words, grating make-believe characters about as prone to actual human behavior as your average ham sandwich. There's a dim-witted faux-homosexual older brother who goes by Thor (Eddie Hassell), a younger brother (Robbie Tucker) with a photographi...
- 3/29/2013
- Village Voice
While it would seem to be ideal fodder for ABC Family or The Hallmark Channel, Family Weekend strangely goes off in an entirely different direction. Benjamin Epps’ directorial debut concerns a 16-year-old girl who holds her parents hostage after they fail to show up for an important jump-roping competition. But despite its seemingly family-friendly comic premise, the film’s frank dialogue about sex and drugs has resulted in an R rating, seemingly eliminating whatever target audience it hoped to attract -- except, perhaps, curiosity seekers. Emily (Olesya Rulin, who in typical Hollywood fashion, is nearly a decade too
read more...
read more...
- 3/28/2013
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pint-sized Tony/Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth, who recently showcased her chipper and bubbly personality as ABC's red carpet host at the Oscars, dials it down a few notches to play a selfish and cold working mother in the dark comedy "Family Weekend" (in theaters this Friday). Although the actress is still best known for translating her sunny disposition to the stage as Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway phenomenon "Wicked," Chenoweth has showcased a lot of rage (and venom) over the course of her last decade in the business by appearing in "Glee" as troubled man-eater, in "Pushing Daisies" as a lovesick waitress, and most memorably, in "Gcb" as one of the Good Christian Bitches of the title. Joined by her adorable pooch Maddie in her lap, Chenoweth sat down with Indiewire at New York's Crosby Street Hotel to discuss "Family Weekend," her recent Oscars' experience and "Gcb"'s all-too-short run on ABC.
- 3/27/2013
- by Nigel M. Smith
- Indiewire
Press conferences are informative, but not typically fun, per se. However, when you’ve got two entertainers front and center who are seemingly very passionate about the film they’re promoting, the excitement leads to a laugh-packed back-and-forth. That film is “Family Weekend” and those entertainers are Kristin Chenoweth and Olesya Rulin. Rulin leads as Emily Smith-Dungy, a high school student with a passion for competitive jump roping. When her entire family misses an important competition, Emily decides enough is enough. She rallies her siblings, they kidnap their parents (Chenoweth and Matthew Modine), and refuse to let them go until they strike a proper balance between work and family. With “Family Weekend” [ Read More ]
The post Interview: Family Weekend Press Conference With Kristin Chenoweth And Olesya Rulin appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Interview: Family Weekend Press Conference With Kristin Chenoweth And Olesya Rulin appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/26/2013
- by Perri Nemiroff
- ShockYa
Rising star Robbie Tucker is helping kidnap some parents in the upcoming family comedy, “Family Weekend.” The film, directed by Benjamin Epps and starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Joey King and Eddie Hassell, will be in limited release this Friday, March 29, and ShockYa has the scoop on the movie from Tucker himself. Read below to see what you can expect from the family film. What can you tell me about “Family Weekend”? Well, the movie is about four kids and their mom and dad. The mom and dad are always focused on their work and they never pay any attention to their kids. So, my sister in [ Read More ]
The post Exclusive Interview: Robbie Tucker Talks Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Exclusive Interview: Robbie Tucker Talks Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/25/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Title; Family Weekend Director: Benjamin Epps Starring: Kristin Chenoweth, Olesya Rulin (‘High School Musical’) and Matthew Modine (‘The Dark Knight Rises’) Teenagers and their parents often have difficulties understanding each other’s emotions, and often have trouble finding ways to connect with, and understand, each other. They often mask their disappointment over, and internally contend with, the fact that they can’t comprehend each other’s motivations. The strain between parents and teens is the main driving factor of the lead characters’ struggles in the new family-comedy-drama ‘Family Weekend,’ which marks the feature film directorial debut of Benjamin Epps. The main character in the film, 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy, is the prime example of [ Read More ]
The post Family Weekend Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Family Weekend Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/24/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Kristin Chenoweth lead an all-star cast and posed for pictures at the New York red carpet and premiere for her upcoming family-comedy-drama, ‘Family Weekend.’ The actress was joined by her co-stars in the film, including Olesya Rulin, Joey King and Eddie Hassell, as well as other stars, including ‘High School Musical’s Monique Coleman, on Thursday night at the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas. ‘Family Weekend’ marks the feature film directorial debut of Benjamin Epps and writing debut of Matt K. Turner. The movie is set to be released in select theaters on Friday. ‘Family Weekend’ follows 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Rulin), an incredibly motivated teenager who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parent’s [ Read More ]
The post Kristin Chenoweth Hits the New York Red Carpet For Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Kristin Chenoweth Hits the New York Red Carpet For Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/24/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Parents at times feel as though they’re adequately providing for their family if they can deliver all the physical belongings they need and want, and offer them the freedom to pursue their own interests. But teens sometimes need to be pushed to their breaking points to prove to their emotionally distant parents that they’re being psychologically neglected, and need more love and attention. That’s certainly the case between the main character, 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin), and her professionally ambitious mother, Samantha (Kristin Chenoweth), in the new independent family comedy-drama, ‘Family Weekend.’ Helmed by first time director, Benjamin Epps, the film explores the damaging, long-lasting effects a tumultuous relationship between [ Read More ]
The post Interview: Kristin Chenoweth Talks Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Interview: Kristin Chenoweth Talks Family Weekend appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/24/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
You may think of Joey King as a little girl, but make no mistake, the 13-year-old actress is a big name. Most recently, you'd know her from Disney's blockbuster prequel, "Oz the Great and Powerful," in which she plays a tiny porcelain figurine whose village was ransacked by the Wicked Witch. This isn't even the first time King has acted with James Franco, one of the biggest names in the biz; she starred alongside him and Selena Gomez in "Ramona and Beezus" in 2010. She also appeared in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." alongside Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, and "The Dark Knight Rises" with Christian Bale, among other film credits.
Expect to keep seeing King's name in lights as film's newest princess: She's in the upcoming "Family Weekend" alongside Kristin Chenoweth, as well as June's summer explode-a-thon "White House Down" with Channing Tatum.
Ahead, check out NextMovie's chat with King about "Oz,...
Expect to keep seeing King's name in lights as film's newest princess: She's in the upcoming "Family Weekend" alongside Kristin Chenoweth, as well as June's summer explode-a-thon "White House Down" with Channing Tatum.
Ahead, check out NextMovie's chat with King about "Oz,...
- 3/18/2013
- by Kase Wickman
- NextMovie
ComingSoon.net has your exclusive first look at a new clip from Family Weekend , the dramedy starring Kristin Chenoweth, Olesya Rulin, Matthew Modine, Joey King, Chloe Bridges and Shirley Jones. Opening in theaters on March 29, Family Weekend follows 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin) an incredibly motivated, overachiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents. lack of support and guidance. Her mom, Samantha (Kristen Chenoweth), is a career-focused, no-nonsense high powered business executive. Her dad, Duncan (Matthew Modine), is a happy go-lucky artist who can.t be bothered to earn a paycheck. When they missed their daughter.s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point and takes it upon herself to restore order in the home. With the...
- 3/4/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Emily (Olesya Rulin) is a 16-year-old who is growing incredibly frustrated with her parents' lack of parenting skills. Her bread-winning mother, Samantha (Kristen Chenoweth), is a career-focused business executive who never turns off her work; while Emily's father, Duncan (Matthew Modine), is a painter who seems totally unflustered by the creative (and financial) rut that he has been stuck in for the last several years. Emily and her three siblings (Eddie Hassell, Robbie Tucker and Chloe Bridges) all have much different methods of attempting to earn their highly-distractable parents' attention, but nothing seems to work. Diretcor Benjamin Epps' Family Weekend takes place during a very crucial time for Emily. The film begins as Emily competes in a speed-jump-roping competition at her high school, which leads up to the speed-jump-roping regional finals the following day. Emily is totally dedicated to speed-jump-roping, so much so that most of her classmates mock and tease her about it.
- 2/28/2013
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Remember House Arrest? Of course you do. Everyone does. Kevin Pollack and Jamie Lee Curtis made an excellent comic couple, especially after getting kidnapped by their children. That sort of thing makes an impression. There are definitely shades of that movie in Family Weekend, although it doesn’t look like the method catches on with the rest of the neighborhood children here. The film stars Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Modine as crappy parents, and even if it has a similar blueprint (they get kidnapped by their children), the tone absolutely feels different. At least from the trailer. The script comes from Matt K. Turner, whose only other credit (for story on a home invasion thriller called The Truth) might be telling here. Guy is really into taking hostages. At least in Family Weekend, there’s a pint-sized homage to A Clockwork Orange. Call me easy, but that’s enough to sell it. Check...
- 2/27/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
A first trailer for Kristin Chenoweth new dramedy Family Weekend has debuted online, following her noticeable performance at the Oscars last weekend. Benjamin Epps-directed comedy, starring Chenoweth as a career-driven mother, is about a teen who takes her parents hostage for the weekend. Along with her carefree artist husband (Matthew Modine) they have been neglectful of their 16-year-old overachieving daughter, played by High School Musical’s Olesya Rulin. With the help of her siblings (Eddie Hassell and Joey King), they take their parents hostage in hopes to bring them all together again. Penned by Matt K. Turner, the Election meets House Arrest dramedy hits limited theaters...
- 2/26/2013
- by Nick Martin
- Filmofilia
Family Weekend has debuted a trailer.
The film features Kristin Chenoweth as the critical and thoughtless mother of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin).
Sick of her father (Matthew Modine) and mother's neglect, the precocious jump-rope champion decides to put them under house arrest until they have learned to be more supportive.
Joey King, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones also feature in the Benjamin Epps-directed movie.
Know for her stage performances and recurring role in Glee, Chenoweth was most recently seen in Hit and Run.
Family Weekend is scheduled for a limited release in Us cinemas from March 29. A UK date is yet to be confirmed.
The film features Kristin Chenoweth as the critical and thoughtless mother of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin).
Sick of her father (Matthew Modine) and mother's neglect, the precocious jump-rope champion decides to put them under house arrest until they have learned to be more supportive.
Joey King, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones also feature in the Benjamin Epps-directed movie.
Know for her stage performances and recurring role in Glee, Chenoweth was most recently seen in Hit and Run.
Family Weekend is scheduled for a limited release in Us cinemas from March 29. A UK date is yet to be confirmed.
- 2/26/2013
- Digital Spy
The latest trailer is in for Family Weekend starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones. Benjamin Epps directs the comedy from the writing by Matt K. Turner, with a DVD release date set for April 25th, 2013. Family Weekend is the story of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy, an incredibly motivated uber-achiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of parental support and guidance. When mom Samantha (a no-nonsense high powered business executive with no time for the family) and dad Duncan (a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck) miss their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point. Steaming from yet another parental slight, Em enlists the help of her siblings to take her parents hostage, in order to teach the family to be “normal”.
- 2/26/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The latest trailer is in for Family Weekend starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones. Benjamin Epps directs the comedy from the writing by Matt K. Turner, with a DVD release date set for April 25th, 2013. Family Weekend is the story of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy, an incredibly motivated uber-achiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of parental support and guidance. When mom Samantha (a no-nonsense high powered business executive with no time for the family) and dad Duncan (a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck) miss their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point. Steaming from yet another parental slight, Em enlists the help of her siblings to take her parents hostage, in order to teach the family to be “normal”.
- 2/26/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Between hosting the red carpet special and singing the closing song with Seth MacFarlane during last night's Oscar broadcast, Kristin Chenoweth had a noticeable presence at the Academy Awards this weekend, so now seems like a good time to unveil the trailer for Family Weekend, Benjamin Epps' comedy, starring Chenoweth, about a teen who takes her parents hostage for the weekend. Directed by Benjamin Epps, Family Weekend stars Olesya Rulin as a 16-year-old overachiever who decides to tie her parents up and try to bring her family back together after they miss her jump-roping competition. Chenoweth is playing the career-driven mother and Matthew Modine plays the carefree artist, who might not be contributing much to the family financially. Also among the cast is Shirley Jones, Eddie Hassell and Joey King, whose recent credits include The Dark Knight Rises and the unfortunately short-lived NBC comedy Bent. Here's the trailer, which...
- 2/26/2013
- cinemablend.com
The trailer for Benjamin Epps' Family Weekend is now online. Check it out in the player below, courtesy of iTunes Movie Trailers . Starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Joey King, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones, Family Weekend follows 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Rulin) an incredibly motivated, overachiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents. lack of support and guidance. Her mom, Samantha (Chenoweth), is a career-focused, no-nonsense high powered business executive. Her dad, Duncan (Modine), is a happy go-lucky artist who can.t be bothered to earn a paycheck. When they missed their daughter.s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point and takes it upon herself to restore order in the home. With the help of her...
- 2/25/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Catch the new poster for Benjamin Epps' Family Weekend comedy starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones. Pic from Arc Entertainment sees DVD release on April 25th and is scripted by Matt K. Turner. Family Weekend is the story of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy, an incredibly motivated uber-achiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of parental support and guidance. When mom Samantha (a no-nonsense high powered business executive with no time for the family) and dad Duncan (a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck) miss their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point. Steaming from yet another parental slight, Em enlists the help of her siblings to take her parents hostage, in order to teach the family to be “normal”.
- 2/6/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Catch the new poster for Benjamin Epps' Family Weekend comedy starring Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin, Eddie Hassell and Shirley Jones. Pic from Arc Entertainment sees DVD release on April 25th and is scripted by Matt K. Turner. Family Weekend is the story of 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy, an incredibly motivated uber-achiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of parental support and guidance. When mom Samantha (a no-nonsense high powered business executive with no time for the family) and dad Duncan (a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck) miss their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point. Steaming from yet another parental slight, Em enlists the help of her siblings to take her parents hostage, in order to teach the family to be “normal”.
- 2/6/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Arc Entertainment has acquired domestic theatrical and home entertainment rights to "Family Weekend." The feature film debut of both director Benjamin Epps and writer Matt K. Turner, "Family Weekend" stars Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine and Olesya Rulin of the "High School Musical" franchise. Rulin plays Emily, a 16-year-old who holds her unsupportive, workaholic parents hostage for a weekend in an attempt to gain their attention and bring the family closer together. Chenoweth plays her mother, an ambitious, high-strung business executive, and Modine fills the role of Emily's carefree artist father. Adam Saunders and Chris Aronoff of Footprint Features produced, in association with the Bedford Falls Company and executive producer Youmi N. Ma. “We’re excited to add this unconventional family comedy to our roster,” said Arc Entertainment's Rich Goldberg. “With star power of actors like...
- 10/3/2012
- by Claire Easton
- Indiewire
High School Musical's Oleysa Rulin stars in the comedy Family Weekend, an indie just picked up for distribution by Arc Entertainment (Nitro Circus 3D). It's about a 16-year old overachiever who is sick and tired of her parents lack of support. Kristen Chenoweth (Glee) and Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises) star as Rulin's parents. Benjamin Epps makes his feature film directing debut with the film.
Source: Variety...
Source: Variety...
- 10/3/2012
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Christian Bale, The Dark Knight Rises The Dark Knight Rises will have more IMAX footage than any other Hollywood movie in history. As per a Wall Street Journal report, Christopher Nolan’s third and last installment in his Batman trilogy will offer more than one hour of scenes filmed with those cumbersome IMAX cameras. For comparison’s sake, The Dark Knight, the biggest 2008 blockbuster at the domestic box office, had 40 minutes of IMAX footage. But what’s the big IMAX deal? After all, movies such as Tim Burton / Johnny Depp / Mia Wasikowska’s Alice in Wonderland, James Cameron / Sam Worthington’s Avatar, Gary Ross / Jennifer Lawrence / Josh Hutcherson’s The Hunger Games, and Bill Condon / Robert Pattinson / Kristen Stewart’s The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 were all shown on IMAX screens. And upcoming IMAX releases include Joss Whedon / Chris Evans / Chris Hemsworth’s The Avengers, Ridley Scott / Noomi Rapace / Michael Fassbender’s Prometheus,...
- 4/27/2012
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
Olesya Rulin is best known for playing the girly Kelsi Nielsen in the "High School Musical" franchise, but this 25-year-old beauty is moving beyond the song-and-dance routines that first caught our attention. Her new movie, "Apart," is the polar opposite of "HSM," and it's going to put her on the map in a whole new light.
The mysterious drama follows the journey of Noah Greene (Josh Danziger) and Emily Gates (Rulin), two BFFs (and maybe more) linked by a rare psychological disorder classified as Icd-10 F24, madness of two. As the name implies, this isn't a great disorder to have -- especially when you're sort of in love with the other half of the twosome. So when others try to keep these two kindred souls apart, it's probably no surprise that it doesn't go so well.
We caught up with Rulin to talk Zefron, new challenges and why she once...
The mysterious drama follows the journey of Noah Greene (Josh Danziger) and Emily Gates (Rulin), two BFFs (and maybe more) linked by a rare psychological disorder classified as Icd-10 F24, madness of two. As the name implies, this isn't a great disorder to have -- especially when you're sort of in love with the other half of the twosome. So when others try to keep these two kindred souls apart, it's probably no surprise that it doesn't go so well.
We caught up with Rulin to talk Zefron, new challenges and why she once...
- 3/5/2012
- by Elizabeth Durand
- NextMovie
Just awhile ago, we brought you the first look at Tom Hardy (Inception, Warrior) as Bane in director Christopher Nolan‘s forthcoming, final entry in his Bat-Trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. We also brought you news of Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Family Weekend), Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles, Family Weekend) and Tom Conti (The Tempest) joining the cast.
Now, Batman-News reports that the interior of Osterley Park House in West London will be standing in for the interiors of what will be the newly constructed Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, you remember… the one with the improved foundation in the Southeast corner.
While they had first gotten a report from a reader about Nolan’s team visiting Osterley Park House, they have recently confirmed via the house’s official website that it will be closed to the public for a number of days in the summer.
Via...
Now, Batman-News reports that the interior of Osterley Park House in West London will be standing in for the interiors of what will be the newly constructed Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, you remember… the one with the improved foundation in the Southeast corner.
While they had first gotten a report from a reader about Nolan’s team visiting Osterley Park House, they have recently confirmed via the house’s official website that it will be closed to the public for a number of days in the summer.
Via...
- 5/31/2011
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Just last week, we brought you the news about Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Family Weekend), Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles, Family Weekend) and Tom Conti (The Tempest) joining the cast of director Christopher Nolan‘s forthcoming, third and final installment in his Bat-trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises.
Now, Variety reports that Brett Cullen (Lost, Red Dawn) and Chris Ellis (Law & Order: Los Angeles) have joined the cast as well. Cullen will play a judge, and Ellis will portray a priest.
The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Now, Variety reports that Brett Cullen (Lost, Red Dawn) and Chris Ellis (Law & Order: Los Angeles) have joined the cast as well. Cullen will play a judge, and Ellis will portray a priest.
The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.
- 5/31/2011
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Just last week, we brought you the announcement from Warner Bros. Pictures, officially kicking off production on director Christopher Nolan‘s forthcoming, third and final installment in his Bat-trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. Yesterday, we brought you the first official look at Tom Hardy as the big, black bat’s villain, Bane.
Now, Variety reports that Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Family Weekend), Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles, Family Weekend) and Tom Conti (The Tempest) have joined the cast. No details have been released about any of their roles in the film.
The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Now, Variety reports that Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Family Weekend), Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles, Family Weekend) and Tom Conti (The Tempest) have joined the cast. No details have been released about any of their roles in the film.
The Dark Knight Rises is slated to hit theaters on July 20th, 2012.
- 5/24/2011
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, Joey King have joined the cast of The Dark Knight Rises. Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, and Joey King joining Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight Rises (2012) adds further mystery to the film as all three character’s purpose and responsibilities are being kept under wraps at this point, though Matthew Modine’s character is revealed as being named Nixon.
From Variety on the casting of Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, and Joey King in The Dark Knight Rises:
Matthew Modine…He’ll be playing a character named “Nixon” in the superhero sequel, though further details weren’t available.
Additionally, Tom Conti and 11-year-old thesp Joey King have joined the ensemble, though in keeping with the Nolan tradition, details of their roles are being kept firmly under wraps.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures recently announced the start of production on the superhero pic, which is slated for...
From Variety on the casting of Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, and Joey King in The Dark Knight Rises:
Matthew Modine…He’ll be playing a character named “Nixon” in the superhero sequel, though further details weren’t available.
Additionally, Tom Conti and 11-year-old thesp Joey King have joined the ensemble, though in keeping with the Nolan tradition, details of their roles are being kept firmly under wraps.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures recently announced the start of production on the superhero pic, which is slated for...
- 5/21/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
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