Magnolia Pictures and Participant have acquired North American rights to The Grab, Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s follow-up about an investigative journalist’s efforts to uncover the powers responsible for land grabs to control food and water resources.
The film premiered at TIFF last year and Magnolia and Participant will release theatrically and on demand on June 14.
The Grab is produced by Center for Investigative Reporting Studios & Rocklin|Faust, Nathan Halverson, Amanda Pike, Blye Pagon Faust, Nicole Rocklin, and Cowperthwaite, and presented by Impact Partners.
Executive producers are Dan Cogan, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Jenny Raskin, Maiken Baird, Nina and David Fialkow,...
The film premiered at TIFF last year and Magnolia and Participant will release theatrically and on demand on June 14.
The Grab is produced by Center for Investigative Reporting Studios & Rocklin|Faust, Nathan Halverson, Amanda Pike, Blye Pagon Faust, Nicole Rocklin, and Cowperthwaite, and presented by Impact Partners.
Executive producers are Dan Cogan, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Jenny Raskin, Maiken Baird, Nina and David Fialkow,...
- 3/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures and Participant have partnered to jointly acquire North American rights to “The Grab,” a new documentary from “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite.
The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they work high-profile sources and utilize a cache of secret data to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber-elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. Participant and Magnolia are positioning the film as a “high-stakes global thriller,” one that takes viewers from Arizona to Zambia as the moviemakers examine the food and water scarcity that’s resulting from this little-known power grab.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with our good friends at Participant and the great Gabriela Cowperthwaite who has, yet again, brought to light a nail biting, explosive, and essential story,” said Magnolia Pictures co-ceo’s Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley.
The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they work high-profile sources and utilize a cache of secret data to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber-elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. Participant and Magnolia are positioning the film as a “high-stakes global thriller,” one that takes viewers from Arizona to Zambia as the moviemakers examine the food and water scarcity that’s resulting from this little-known power grab.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with our good friends at Participant and the great Gabriela Cowperthwaite who has, yet again, brought to light a nail biting, explosive, and essential story,” said Magnolia Pictures co-ceo’s Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley.
- 3/6/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich is a true crime documentary about Ghislaine Maxwell, and looks into the role she played in the Jeffrey Epstein sex-traficking ring. The Epstein case was covered in the documentary Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich.
It is directed by Maiken Baird and Lisa Bryant, and produced by Lori Gordon-Logan.
About the Documentary Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich (2022)
This documentary goes behind the headlines in the Ghislaine Maxwell case, which concerns sex-trafficking of minors and young women. It details Maxwell’s relationship with Epstein and the duo’s predatory machinations to lure their victims.
Stories from survivors frame this documentary, but it also includes interviews with acquaintances of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the attorneys representing the survivors.
Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine’s father, is mentioned. His character and his influence on his daughter are discussed. Following the mysterious death of her father she left London for New York, once the scandal of...
It is directed by Maiken Baird and Lisa Bryant, and produced by Lori Gordon-Logan.
About the Documentary Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich (2022)
This documentary goes behind the headlines in the Ghislaine Maxwell case, which concerns sex-trafficking of minors and young women. It details Maxwell’s relationship with Epstein and the duo’s predatory machinations to lure their victims.
Stories from survivors frame this documentary, but it also includes interviews with acquaintances of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the attorneys representing the survivors.
Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine’s father, is mentioned. His character and his influence on his daughter are discussed. Following the mysterious death of her father she left London for New York, once the scandal of...
- 11/25/2022
- by Veronica Loop
- Martin Cid - TV
Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich is a documentary about the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein‘s accomplice, which we talked about in the documentary Jeffrey Epstein, Filthy Rich.
It is directed by Maiken Baird and Lisa Bryant.
Stories from survivors frame this documentary detailing the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, a socialite and accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.
Release Date
November 25, 2022.
Where to Watch Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich
Netflix...
It is directed by Maiken Baird and Lisa Bryant.
Stories from survivors frame this documentary detailing the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, a socialite and accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.
Release Date
November 25, 2022.
Where to Watch Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich
Netflix...
- 11/21/2022
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid - TV
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired Oscar-nominated director Matthew Heineman’s documentary “The First Wave,” which will be released theatrically by Neon later this year.
Produced by Participant and Heineman’s Our Time Projects, the documentary will present a ground-level view inside a New York hospital amid the initial explosion of Covid-19. The “first wave” of the virus consumed the city of New York from March through June 2020.
Heineman, a Primetime Emmy winner and two-time DGA award winner, uses his signature approach of character-driven cinema vérité to document those harrowing first four months by spotlighting a group of brave healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens as they risked their lives in the epic battle to keep the virus at bay.
Additionally, the documentary spotlights the unequal toll of Covid-19, which disproportionately impacted people of color and the economically disadvantaged from the very beginning.
“I feel deeply...
Produced by Participant and Heineman’s Our Time Projects, the documentary will present a ground-level view inside a New York hospital amid the initial explosion of Covid-19. The “first wave” of the virus consumed the city of New York from March through June 2020.
Heineman, a Primetime Emmy winner and two-time DGA award winner, uses his signature approach of character-driven cinema vérité to document those harrowing first four months by spotlighting a group of brave healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens as they risked their lives in the epic battle to keep the virus at bay.
Additionally, the documentary spotlights the unequal toll of Covid-19, which disproportionately impacted people of color and the economically disadvantaged from the very beginning.
“I feel deeply...
- 3/29/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
National Geographic Documentary Films on Monday announced its acquisition of Oscar-nominated director Matthew Heineman’s documentary The First Wave, a ground-level view inside a New York hospital as the city battled the initial explosion of Covid-19.
The vérité-style film, from Participant and Heineman’s Our Time Projects, will be released in theaters by Neon later this year, followed by a worldwide premiere on National Geographic. Heineman, a Primetime Emmy winner and two-time DGA Award winner, embedded with health care workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, capturing the devastating impact of the pandemic from March through June 2020.
“The First Wave spotlights the everyday heroes at the epicenter of Covid-19 as they come together to fight one of the greatest threats the world has ever encountered,” National Geographic noted. “With poignancy and intimacy, the film unflinchingly bears witness to the unseen reality of a hospital overwhelmed by Covid—the...
The vérité-style film, from Participant and Heineman’s Our Time Projects, will be released in theaters by Neon later this year, followed by a worldwide premiere on National Geographic. Heineman, a Primetime Emmy winner and two-time DGA Award winner, embedded with health care workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, capturing the devastating impact of the pandemic from March through June 2020.
“The First Wave spotlights the everyday heroes at the epicenter of Covid-19 as they come together to fight one of the greatest threats the world has ever encountered,” National Geographic noted. “With poignancy and intimacy, the film unflinchingly bears witness to the unseen reality of a hospital overwhelmed by Covid—the...
- 3/29/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Nat Geo has acquired the rights to “The First Wave,” a documentary about the fight against Covid-19 inside a New York City hospital, from “Cartel Land” director Matthew Heineman.
National Geographic Documentary Films is partnering with Neon, Participant and Our Time Projects on the release. Neon will release “The First Wave” to theaters later this year, prior to its premiere on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages worldwide.
Heineman’s film is set inside Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, one of the hardest hit hospitals in all of New York City. The film takes a cinema vérité, character-driven look at the “first wave” of the virus’ effect on the city during the first few harrowing months, with Heineman embedding himself among healthcare workers from March-June 2020.
With “The First Wave,” Heineman hoped to capture the unseen reality of a hospital overwhelmed by the pandemic, as well as the emotional...
National Geographic Documentary Films is partnering with Neon, Participant and Our Time Projects on the release. Neon will release “The First Wave” to theaters later this year, prior to its premiere on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages worldwide.
Heineman’s film is set inside Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, one of the hardest hit hospitals in all of New York City. The film takes a cinema vérité, character-driven look at the “first wave” of the virus’ effect on the city during the first few harrowing months, with Heineman embedding himself among healthcare workers from March-June 2020.
With “The First Wave,” Heineman hoped to capture the unseen reality of a hospital overwhelmed by the pandemic, as well as the emotional...
- 3/29/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Filmmaker embedded with healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens.
National Geographic Documentary Films, Neon, and Participant have teamed up on Matthew Heineman’s Covid documentary The First Wave.
Neon plans a theatrical release later this year on what is likely to be promoted as an Oscar contender. The release will precede a broadcast premiere on National Geographic across 172 countries in 43 languages.
Heineman’s film chronicles the first wave of Covid-19 that ravaged New York City from March to June 2020.
The filmmaker embedded with healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens as they risked...
National Geographic Documentary Films, Neon, and Participant have teamed up on Matthew Heineman’s Covid documentary The First Wave.
Neon plans a theatrical release later this year on what is likely to be promoted as an Oscar contender. The release will precede a broadcast premiere on National Geographic across 172 countries in 43 languages.
Heineman’s film chronicles the first wave of Covid-19 that ravaged New York City from March to June 2020.
The filmmaker embedded with healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens as they risked...
- 3/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
HBO unveiled the official trailer for “Allen v. Farrow” on Tuesday, in the lead-up to the February 21 premiere of the upcoming four-part documentary exploring the abuse allegations against Woody Allen.
The documentary, from filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, aims to offer a deep-dive into the the accusation of sexual abuse against Woody Allen involving Dylan, his then seven-year-old daughter with Mia Farrow; their subsequent custody trial, the revelation of Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi; and the controversial aftermath in the years that followed. Though Allen has never been charged with a crime despite multiple investigations, the scandal has persisted as one of Hollywood’s most public controversies.
Per HBO, “Allen v. Farrow” will interweave new investigative work, intimate home movie footage, court documents, police evidence, revelatory videotape and never-before-heard audio tapes, as well as interviews with Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, Ronan Farrow, family friend Carly Simon,...
The documentary, from filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, aims to offer a deep-dive into the the accusation of sexual abuse against Woody Allen involving Dylan, his then seven-year-old daughter with Mia Farrow; their subsequent custody trial, the revelation of Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi; and the controversial aftermath in the years that followed. Though Allen has never been charged with a crime despite multiple investigations, the scandal has persisted as one of Hollywood’s most public controversies.
Per HBO, “Allen v. Farrow” will interweave new investigative work, intimate home movie footage, court documents, police evidence, revelatory videotape and never-before-heard audio tapes, as well as interviews with Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, Ronan Farrow, family friend Carly Simon,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Piecing together home movies, court documents, police evidence and never-before-heard audio tapes, HBO is releasing docuseries “Allen v. Farrow” — which examines the decades-long story behind the sexual abuse allegations against Woody Allen involving his daughter Dylan — on Feb. 21. The series will also stream on HBO Max.
The four-part HBO Documentary Films investigative docuseries comes from filmmakers Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, and follows the abuse allegation, the subsequent custody trial, Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter Soon-Yi, and the aftermath of the trauma on the family in the years that followed.
“Allen v. Farrow” features exclusive, in-depth interviews with Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, and Ronan Farrow, as well as family friend Carly Simon, prosecutor Frank Maco, relatives, investigators, experts and other eyewitnesses.
In addition to taking an closer look at Farrow and Allen’s personal and professional relationship, having made 13 films together, the series also takes a...
The four-part HBO Documentary Films investigative docuseries comes from filmmakers Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, and follows the abuse allegation, the subsequent custody trial, Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter Soon-Yi, and the aftermath of the trauma on the family in the years that followed.
“Allen v. Farrow” features exclusive, in-depth interviews with Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, and Ronan Farrow, as well as family friend Carly Simon, prosecutor Frank Maco, relatives, investigators, experts and other eyewitnesses.
In addition to taking an closer look at Farrow and Allen’s personal and professional relationship, having made 13 films together, the series also takes a...
- 2/5/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The story of Woody Allen’s notorious relationship with Mia Farrow and family is being explored in a four-part documentary for HBO.
The WarnerMedia cable network has ordered Allen v. Farrow from Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, the team behind HBO Max’s documentary On the Record, which examines the sexual assault allegations against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.
The series will explore the scandals behind the couple’s relationship including the accusation of sexual abuse against Allen involving Dylan, his then-7-year-old daughter with Farrow; their subsequent custody trial; the revelation of Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi; and the controversial aftermath in the years that followed.
It will premiere on Sunday, February 21, and you can watch a teaser trailer below.
It will interweave new investigative work, pieced together from intimate home-movie footage, court documents, police evidence, revelatory videotape and never-before-heard audio tapes, with exclusive, in-depth...
The WarnerMedia cable network has ordered Allen v. Farrow from Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, the team behind HBO Max’s documentary On the Record, which examines the sexual assault allegations against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.
The series will explore the scandals behind the couple’s relationship including the accusation of sexual abuse against Allen involving Dylan, his then-7-year-old daughter with Farrow; their subsequent custody trial; the revelation of Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi; and the controversial aftermath in the years that followed.
It will premiere on Sunday, February 21, and you can watch a teaser trailer below.
It will interweave new investigative work, pieced together from intimate home-movie footage, court documents, police evidence, revelatory videotape and never-before-heard audio tapes, with exclusive, in-depth...
- 2/5/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Woody Allen scandal will again be brought into the spotlight, this time in a new four-part documentary series coming to HBO later this month called “Allen v. Farrow.”
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, the documentarians behind the Russell Simmons exposé “On the Record,” will direct the docuseries along with producer Amy Herdy. The series aims to examine the private story behind the accusations of sexual abuse against the Oscar-winning filmmaker involving his daughter Dylan Farrow, his then 7-year-old child with his ex, actress Mia Farrow.
A teaser for the series (above) shows the filmmakers sitting down with Mia Farrow alongside archival clips and photos of the family and the revelation of Allen’s relationship and marriage to Soon-Yi Previn, whom Farrow had adopted with her previous husband André Previn in 1978.
“Who on Earth could believe that about Woody Allen?” Farrow says in the trailer for “Allen v. Farrow.” “I couldn’t believe it.
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, the documentarians behind the Russell Simmons exposé “On the Record,” will direct the docuseries along with producer Amy Herdy. The series aims to examine the private story behind the accusations of sexual abuse against the Oscar-winning filmmaker involving his daughter Dylan Farrow, his then 7-year-old child with his ex, actress Mia Farrow.
A teaser for the series (above) shows the filmmakers sitting down with Mia Farrow alongside archival clips and photos of the family and the revelation of Allen’s relationship and marriage to Soon-Yi Previn, whom Farrow had adopted with her previous husband André Previn in 1978.
“Who on Earth could believe that about Woody Allen?” Farrow says in the trailer for “Allen v. Farrow.” “I couldn’t believe it.
- 2/5/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“It’s complete bullsh*t…he has no idea what he’s talking about” is a quote from the trailer from Totally Under Control, Alex Gibney’s documentary that chronicles Donald Trump and the White House’s failed response to the coronavirus pandemic. The trailer for the upcoming Neon film caught the eyes of over 6 million viewers in its first 72 hours across all platforms since its Friday release, which pretty much shows that the world is searching for the truth.
The trailer comes in the wake of the Covid soup that has brewed in the White House as President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and numerous members of his administration and the Republican party have tested positive for the coronavirus. The documentary was directed by Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger and was filmed in secrecy over the last four months.
On January 20, 2020 the U.S. and South Korea both...
The trailer comes in the wake of the Covid soup that has brewed in the White House as President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and numerous members of his administration and the Republican party have tested positive for the coronavirus. The documentary was directed by Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger and was filmed in secrecy over the last four months.
On January 20, 2020 the U.S. and South Korea both...
- 10/5/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
As film and TV try their best to get back into production amidst the constraints of a global pandemic, Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney has been quietly filming a documentary for the past four months with Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger. The project, titled Totally Under Control puts a spotlight on the White House’s failed response to the global pandemic and how it could have been prevented. Neon announced today that they will be releasing the docu in October.
Gibney, Harutyunyan and Hillinger dive deep into how this happened and the pandemic’s devastating impact. The film gives damning testimony from public health officials and hard investigative reporting, Gibney exposes a system-wide collapse caused by a profound dereliction of Presidential leadership.
“With an extraordinary team of collaborators, I was compelled to mount this production when I saw the scale of incompetence and political corruption by the Trump Administration in the face of a global pandemic,...
Gibney, Harutyunyan and Hillinger dive deep into how this happened and the pandemic’s devastating impact. The film gives damning testimony from public health officials and hard investigative reporting, Gibney exposes a system-wide collapse caused by a profound dereliction of Presidential leadership.
“With an extraordinary team of collaborators, I was compelled to mount this production when I saw the scale of incompetence and political corruption by the Trump Administration in the face of a global pandemic,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Altitude handles international sales.
Neon is planning a pre-election US release and Altitude will handle international sales on an Alex Gibney documentary that exposes the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic crisis in the US.
Details of the film, which is called Totally Under Control and shot secretly over the last four months, emerged on Thursday (September 10) with less than two months to go before the US election.
Neon plans to release the film in October.
Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger co-directed and obtained testimony from public health officials that argues a system-wide collapse and dereliction of...
Neon is planning a pre-election US release and Altitude will handle international sales on an Alex Gibney documentary that exposes the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic crisis in the US.
Details of the film, which is called Totally Under Control and shot secretly over the last four months, emerged on Thursday (September 10) with less than two months to go before the US election.
Neon plans to release the film in October.
Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger co-directed and obtained testimony from public health officials that argues a system-wide collapse and dereliction of...
- 9/10/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon has nabbed rights to Alex Gibney’s documentary “Totally Under Control,” detailing the White House response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and plans to release the film in October.
Neon made the announcement Thursday, a day after revelations from journalist Bob Woodward that President Donald Trump admitted he knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that the virus was dangerous and repeatedly downplayed it publicly. The distributor said “Totally Under Control” has been filming for the past four months.
“With an extraordinary team of collaborators, I was compelled to mount this production when I saw the scale of incompetence and political corruption by the Trump Administration in the face of a global pandemic,” Gibney said. “Now we know that by Feb. 7, Trump knew that Covid was, in his words, ‘a deadly virus.’ But instead of working to protect the American people by containing the virus, the current...
Neon made the announcement Thursday, a day after revelations from journalist Bob Woodward that President Donald Trump admitted he knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that the virus was dangerous and repeatedly downplayed it publicly. The distributor said “Totally Under Control” has been filming for the past four months.
“With an extraordinary team of collaborators, I was compelled to mount this production when I saw the scale of incompetence and political corruption by the Trump Administration in the face of a global pandemic,” Gibney said. “Now we know that by Feb. 7, Trump knew that Covid was, in his words, ‘a deadly virus.’ But instead of working to protect the American people by containing the virus, the current...
- 9/10/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Alex Gibney has a new documentary film called “Totally Under Control” aimed at President Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Neon will release the movie this October ahead of the general election, the distributor announced Thursday.
Gibney, an Oscar winner for “Taxi to the Dark Side,” has been quietly filming the documentary alongside co-directors Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger for the past four months. In “Totally Under Control” they ask the simple question as deaths — which currently number 190,000 in the U.S. — have continued to rise, “How did this happen?”
Gibney criticizes carelessly designed lockdowns and how the economic effects of those lockdowns have led to 23 million job losses, not to mention widespread hunger, dislocation and a runaway federal deficit. The documentary asserts that much of this destruction could have been avoided if the federal government had followed guidelines and acted properly, even as the Trump administration makes a...
Gibney, an Oscar winner for “Taxi to the Dark Side,” has been quietly filming the documentary alongside co-directors Ophelia Harutyunyan and Suzanne Hillinger for the past four months. In “Totally Under Control” they ask the simple question as deaths — which currently number 190,000 in the U.S. — have continued to rise, “How did this happen?”
Gibney criticizes carelessly designed lockdowns and how the economic effects of those lockdowns have led to 23 million job losses, not to mention widespread hunger, dislocation and a runaway federal deficit. The documentary asserts that much of this destruction could have been avoided if the federal government had followed guidelines and acted properly, even as the Trump administration makes a...
- 9/10/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Us release set for December 7 after Us premiere at Nyff.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to A&E IndieFilms’ Divide And Conquer: The Story Of Roger Ailes ahead of its world premiere on Sunday (9).
Alexis Bloom directed the Tiff Docs selection about the late Republican svengali who, as chairman and CEO, worked to turn Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News into a hugely influential and divisive platform.
Magnolia senior vice-president of acquisitions John Von Thaden and executive vice-president Dori Begley brokered the deal with Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.
Magnolia is lining up a Us release on December...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to A&E IndieFilms’ Divide And Conquer: The Story Of Roger Ailes ahead of its world premiere on Sunday (9).
Alexis Bloom directed the Tiff Docs selection about the late Republican svengali who, as chairman and CEO, worked to turn Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News into a hugely influential and divisive platform.
Magnolia senior vice-president of acquisitions John Von Thaden and executive vice-president Dori Begley brokered the deal with Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.
Magnolia is lining up a Us release on December...
- 9/8/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A&E IndieFilms announced today that Magnolia Pictures has acquired domestic rights to Alexis Bloom’s documentary Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes about the late Fox News Chairman and CEO. Magnolia will open the movie on Dec. 7 after a fall festival run. A&E Network has television rights to the film.
Take a look at a clip from the film above featuring former Fox News show host Glenn Beck reflecting on his emotional departure from the network, and his sitdown with Ailes.
Divide and Conquer sheds light on the current moment in American political life by following the arc of Ailes, the long-time Republican svengali and controversial founder of Fox News. He coached an unrivaled stable of politicians over the course of 50 years, greatly impacting Republican politics, and steering the conservative movement from Nixon, to the Tea Party, to Trump. Under his tutelage, anger and fear became the coin of the realm,...
Take a look at a clip from the film above featuring former Fox News show host Glenn Beck reflecting on his emotional departure from the network, and his sitdown with Ailes.
Divide and Conquer sheds light on the current moment in American political life by following the arc of Ailes, the long-time Republican svengali and controversial founder of Fox News. He coached an unrivaled stable of politicians over the course of 50 years, greatly impacting Republican politics, and steering the conservative movement from Nixon, to the Tea Party, to Trump. Under his tutelage, anger and fear became the coin of the realm,...
- 9/8/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has landed North American theatrical rights to A&E IndieFilms’ “Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes.”
Magnolia, which announced the deal at the Toronto Film Festival, has slated a December 7 theatrical release. A&E retained TV rights for the film following its theatrical run.
The film, described as “no-holds-barred,” was directed by Alexis Bloom (“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds”), who produced alongside Will Cohen of Jigsaw Productios.
Also Read: Daniel Craig, Rian Johnson Murder Mystery 'Knives Out' Sells to Mrc
“Divide and Conquer” will premiere at Tiff on Sunday, and counts Alex Gibney and A&E IndieFilms head Molly Thompson as executive producer.
Read a full synopsis and watch a clip below:
A&E IndieFilms announced today that Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to”Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes.” from director Alexis Bloom. The no-holds-barred feature documentary on the...
Magnolia, which announced the deal at the Toronto Film Festival, has slated a December 7 theatrical release. A&E retained TV rights for the film following its theatrical run.
The film, described as “no-holds-barred,” was directed by Alexis Bloom (“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds”), who produced alongside Will Cohen of Jigsaw Productios.
Also Read: Daniel Craig, Rian Johnson Murder Mystery 'Knives Out' Sells to Mrc
“Divide and Conquer” will premiere at Tiff on Sunday, and counts Alex Gibney and A&E IndieFilms head Molly Thompson as executive producer.
Read a full synopsis and watch a clip below:
A&E IndieFilms announced today that Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to”Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes.” from director Alexis Bloom. The no-holds-barred feature documentary on the...
- 9/8/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
A&E IndieFilms has unveiled documentary feature film “Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes” from Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions.
The project is directed and produced by Alexis Bloom (“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds”) and described as “origin story” told through the triumph and downfall of the late Roger Ailes, founder of Fox News. He launched the careers of TV news figures including Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, and Megyn Kelly, then resigned in 2016 amid multiple accusations of sexual harassment. He died in May, 2017, at the age of 77.
“’Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes’ is a fascinating look at a man who was at times brilliant and at times divisive, but whose impact on American politics and media will be felt for generations to come,” said Molly Thompson of A+E Networks. “This film is highly relevant for the times we are living in and...
The project is directed and produced by Alexis Bloom (“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds”) and described as “origin story” told through the triumph and downfall of the late Roger Ailes, founder of Fox News. He launched the careers of TV news figures including Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, and Megyn Kelly, then resigned in 2016 amid multiple accusations of sexual harassment. He died in May, 2017, at the age of 77.
“’Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes’ is a fascinating look at a man who was at times brilliant and at times divisive, but whose impact on American politics and media will be felt for generations to come,” said Molly Thompson of A+E Networks. “This film is highly relevant for the times we are living in and...
- 8/7/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
A&E IndieFilms and Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions are teaming on Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes, a feature documentary to be directed by Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds helmer Alexis Bloom. The pic plans to tell the story of the current moment in American life, told through the triumphs and precipitous downfall of the Fox News founder.
Ailes, was a TV producer-turned-political consultant to Richard Nixon before launching Fox News with Rupert Murdoch, driving Republican politics for decades while turning the network into a cable juggernaut. He resigned in 2016 amid allegations of sexual harassment, the start of a rash of lawsuits and high-profile exits. Ailes died in May 2017 at age 77.
The accounts of Ailes’ female accusers will comprise the heart of the movie, the filmmakers said. The documentary will air on A&E following a festival and theatrical run, with Cinetic Media handling sales.
Ailes, was a TV producer-turned-political consultant to Richard Nixon before launching Fox News with Rupert Murdoch, driving Republican politics for decades while turning the network into a cable juggernaut. He resigned in 2016 amid allegations of sexual harassment, the start of a rash of lawsuits and high-profile exits. Ailes died in May 2017 at age 77.
The accounts of Ailes’ female accusers will comprise the heart of the movie, the filmmakers said. The documentary will air on A&E following a festival and theatrical run, with Cinetic Media handling sales.
- 8/7/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Dogwoof inks further deals on Sundance premiere.
UK sales agent Dogwoof has inked a series of deals on its Syria-set feature documentary City Of Ghosts.
The title has sold to Australia and New Zealand (Madman); France (Films Distribution); Italy (Koch Media); Japan (Uplink); Benelux (Periscoop); Poland (Mayfly); Singapore (Anticipate Pictures); Turkey (Filmarti); and Thailand (Documentary Club).
The film previously sold to Amazon Studios / IFC Films for the Us, where it was released in July, and Dogwoof released the film itself in the UK recently. NonStop will release in Scandinavia in September.
Following its premiere at Sundance in January, the film picked up the Grand Jury Prize at Sheffield Doc/Fest and the audience award at Cph:dox.
Screen’s review of the film said that awards attention was “guaranteed”.
Set in the Syrian city of Raqqa, City Of Ghosts depicts a citizen journalist group who banded together after their homeland was taken over by Isis, risking their lives...
UK sales agent Dogwoof has inked a series of deals on its Syria-set feature documentary City Of Ghosts.
The title has sold to Australia and New Zealand (Madman); France (Films Distribution); Italy (Koch Media); Japan (Uplink); Benelux (Periscoop); Poland (Mayfly); Singapore (Anticipate Pictures); Turkey (Filmarti); and Thailand (Documentary Club).
The film previously sold to Amazon Studios / IFC Films for the Us, where it was released in July, and Dogwoof released the film itself in the UK recently. NonStop will release in Scandinavia in September.
Following its premiere at Sundance in January, the film picked up the Grand Jury Prize at Sheffield Doc/Fest and the audience award at Cph:dox.
Screen’s review of the film said that awards attention was “guaranteed”.
Set in the Syrian city of Raqqa, City Of Ghosts depicts a citizen journalist group who banded together after their homeland was taken over by Isis, risking their lives...
- 8/9/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Deals continued to trickle in over closing weekend.
Amazon Studios has acquired all worldwide rights to Matthew Heineman’s Isis documentary.
The A&E IndieFilms selection screened in U.S. Documentary Competition and centres on the anonymous Syrian citizen journalists of the Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently movement who rallied together after Isis took over their land.
Amazon Studios plans “a robust theatrical release and awards campaign” this year.
Our Time Projects produced and Alex Gibney served as executive producer with A&E Studios’ Molly Thompson, Robert Sharenow and Elaine Frontain Bryant, and Maiken Baird, David Fialkow and Stacey Offman.
Cinetic Media brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. A&E retains television rights after the theatrical run.
Meanwhile Xyz Films and Wme Global have licensed Us rights to action thriller Bushwick to Rlj Entertainment in a seven-figure theatrical deal.
Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott directed Dave Bautista and Brittany Snow in the story of a former...
Amazon Studios has acquired all worldwide rights to Matthew Heineman’s Isis documentary.
The A&E IndieFilms selection screened in U.S. Documentary Competition and centres on the anonymous Syrian citizen journalists of the Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently movement who rallied together after Isis took over their land.
Amazon Studios plans “a robust theatrical release and awards campaign” this year.
Our Time Projects produced and Alex Gibney served as executive producer with A&E Studios’ Molly Thompson, Robert Sharenow and Elaine Frontain Bryant, and Maiken Baird, David Fialkow and Stacey Offman.
Cinetic Media brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. A&E retains television rights after the theatrical run.
Meanwhile Xyz Films and Wme Global have licensed Us rights to action thriller Bushwick to Rlj Entertainment in a seven-figure theatrical deal.
Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott directed Dave Bautista and Brittany Snow in the story of a former...
- 1/28/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Deals continued to trickle in over closing weekend.
Amazon Studios has acquired all worldwide rights to Matthew Heineman’s Isis documentary.
The A&E IndieFilms selection screened in U.S. Documentary Competition and centres on the anonymous Syrian citizen journalists of the Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently movement who rallied together after Isis took over their land.
Amazon Studios plans “a robust theatrical release and awards campaign” this year.
Our Time Projects produced and Alex Gibney served as executive producer with A&E Studios’ Molly Thompson, Robert Sharenow and Elaine Frontain Bryant, and Maiken Baird, David Fialkow and Stacey Offman.
Cinetic Media brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. A&E retains television rights after the theatrical run.
Meanwhile Xyz Films and Wme Global have licensed Us rights to action thriller Bushwick to Rlj Entertainment in a seven-figure theatrical deal.
Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott directed Dave Bautista and Brittany Snow in the story of a former...
Amazon Studios has acquired all worldwide rights to Matthew Heineman’s Isis documentary.
The A&E IndieFilms selection screened in U.S. Documentary Competition and centres on the anonymous Syrian citizen journalists of the Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently movement who rallied together after Isis took over their land.
Amazon Studios plans “a robust theatrical release and awards campaign” this year.
Our Time Projects produced and Alex Gibney served as executive producer with A&E Studios’ Molly Thompson, Robert Sharenow and Elaine Frontain Bryant, and Maiken Baird, David Fialkow and Stacey Offman.
Cinetic Media brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. A&E retains television rights after the theatrical run.
Meanwhile Xyz Films and Wme Global have licensed Us rights to action thriller Bushwick to Rlj Entertainment in a seven-figure theatrical deal.
Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott directed Dave Bautista and Brittany Snow in the story of a former...
- 1/28/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Russian doping documentary Icarus has been acquired by Netflix for worldwide rights.
The doc focuses on Russian "anti-doping" doctor Grigory Rodchenkov, who became a whistle-blower, detailing Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program that took place ahead of the 2016 Summer Games in Rio.
Bryan Fogel directed the doc, which he co-wrote with Mark Monroe.
Fogel also produced alongside Dan Cogan, David Fialkow and Jim Swartz. Timothy Rode, Maiken Baird, Teddy Leifer and Craig Sims exec produced.
Icarus made its world premiere in Sundance's U.S. Documentary Competition on Friday, one day before a cyber attack shut down the festival's box office, prompting speculation that...
The doc focuses on Russian "anti-doping" doctor Grigory Rodchenkov, who became a whistle-blower, detailing Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program that took place ahead of the 2016 Summer Games in Rio.
Bryan Fogel directed the doc, which he co-wrote with Mark Monroe.
Fogel also produced alongside Dan Cogan, David Fialkow and Jim Swartz. Timothy Rode, Maiken Baird, Teddy Leifer and Craig Sims exec produced.
Icarus made its world premiere in Sundance's U.S. Documentary Competition on Friday, one day before a cyber attack shut down the festival's box office, prompting speculation that...
- 1/17/2017
- by Mia Galuppo ,Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The premiere post-tiff destination (September 20-25th) in the film community and a major leg up for narrative and non-fiction films in development, the Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp) announced a whopping 140 projects selected for the Project Forum at the upcoming Ifp Independent Film Week. Made up of several sections (Rbc’s Emerging Storytellers program, No Borders International Co-Production Market and Spotlight on Documentaries), we find latest updates from the likes of docu-helmers Doug Block (112 Weddings) and Lana Wilson (After Tiller), and among the narrative items we find headliners in Andrew Haigh (coming off the well received 45 Years), Sophie Barthes (Cold Souls and Madame Bovary), Terence Nance (An Oversimplification of Her Beauty), Lawrence Michael Levine (Wild Canaries), Jorge Michel Grau (We Are What We Are), Eleanor Burke and Ron Eyal (Stranger Things) and new faces in Sundance’s large family in Charles Poekel (Christmas, Again) and Olivia Newman (First Match). Here...
- 7/22/2015
- by admin
- IONCINEMA.com
The Act Of Killing | This Is The End | Despicable Me 2 | The East | Stories We Tell | Hummingbird | Stand Up Guys | Renoir | I Want Your Love | Night Of Silence | The Battle Of The Sexes | Venus And Serena
The Act Of Killing (15)
(Joshua Oppenheimer, 2012, Den/Nor/UK/Swe/Fin) 122 mins
This astounding documentary is so packed with surreal scenarios, casual corruption and inhumanity, it's difficult to believe it's actually true. It tracks down perpetrators of Indonesia's 60s anti-communist massacres, finding them openly unrepentant about their past atrocities; so much so, they're happy to re-enact them as cinematic scenarios. As well as illuminating modern Indonesia, the process says much about history, its representation and its victors.
This Is The End (15)
(Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, 2013, Us) Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill. 107 mins
The apocalypse crashes James Franco's Hollywood house party, resulting in a enjoyably crude comedy that mixes stoner-buddy goofing...
The Act Of Killing (15)
(Joshua Oppenheimer, 2012, Den/Nor/UK/Swe/Fin) 122 mins
This astounding documentary is so packed with surreal scenarios, casual corruption and inhumanity, it's difficult to believe it's actually true. It tracks down perpetrators of Indonesia's 60s anti-communist massacres, finding them openly unrepentant about their past atrocities; so much so, they're happy to re-enact them as cinematic scenarios. As well as illuminating modern Indonesia, the process says much about history, its representation and its victors.
This Is The End (15)
(Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, 2013, Us) Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill. 107 mins
The apocalypse crashes James Franco's Hollywood house party, resulting in a enjoyably crude comedy that mixes stoner-buddy goofing...
- 6/29/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Currently mired in a bit of controversy with the Usta suing the filmmakers, Magnolia Pictures will release Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theaters on DVD and Blu-ray on July 2, 2013. The film gives audiences an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage, not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but also dominating the women's game for over a decade. The film...
- 6/19/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: July 2, 2013
Price: DVD $26.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Magnolia
Venus and Serena Williams following the 2008 Wimbledon Women's Singles Final, which Venus won.
The 2012 documentary film Venus and Serena chronicles the lives and careers of the greatest sister-act professional tennis have ever seen, Venus and Serena Williams.
In a sport where they have always courted controversy and they arguably appeared not to be welcome, the indomitable Williams sisters not only faced their opposers on and off the court and broke new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but dominated the women’s game for over a decade.
Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major and filled with interviews with the Williams sisters and others, the film picks up in 2011, when Venus grappled with an energy-sapping autoimmune disease and Serena battled back from a dangerous pulmonary embolism
The PG-13-rated film, which opened in a limited theatrical release in May,...
Price: DVD $26.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Magnolia
Venus and Serena Williams following the 2008 Wimbledon Women's Singles Final, which Venus won.
The 2012 documentary film Venus and Serena chronicles the lives and careers of the greatest sister-act professional tennis have ever seen, Venus and Serena Williams.
In a sport where they have always courted controversy and they arguably appeared not to be welcome, the indomitable Williams sisters not only faced their opposers on and off the court and broke new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but dominated the women’s game for over a decade.
Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major and filled with interviews with the Williams sisters and others, the film picks up in 2011, when Venus grappled with an energy-sapping autoimmune disease and Serena battled back from a dangerous pulmonary embolism
The PG-13-rated film, which opened in a limited theatrical release in May,...
- 6/18/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
On the cusp of premiering on Showtime, the documentary Venus and Serena has drawn a lawsuit from the United States Tennis Association. On Friday, the Usta filed a complaint in New York federal court that alleges that filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major used unauthorized footage in their film about the rise of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. The lawsuit has already been discussed by news outlets like The New York Times, reporting about the copyright allegations, but the other claims could make this dispute worth close attention. If this was a straight-forward copyright claim about unlicensed footage,
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- 6/18/2013
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran broadcast journalists Maiken Baird and Michelle Major spent four years obtaining access to the private world of tennis superstars the Williams sisters for "Venus and Serena," which debuted last September at the Toronto Film Festival. But when the tennis documentary distilled from 450 hours of footage finally premiered, it did so without the Williams sisters. On September 11, they withdrew their support of the film. The sisters signed on knowing they would not have final approval over the film's content, say the filmmakers. As first reported by the La Times, they disagreed with how their father, Richard Williams, was portrayed, and despite several adjustments to the film, the sisters--particularly Venus--were not satisfied at the time of the Toronto premiere. (The festival had moved the premiere date to accommodate their busy schedules.) At a Q & A following the film, Baird said that the Williams sisters simply haven't had time to adjust to seeing themselves.
- 5/10/2013
- by Anne Thompson and Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
Magnolia Pictures is opening Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theaters today, May 10. The film gives audiences an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage, not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but also dominating the women's game for over a decade. The film includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Arnon...
- 5/10/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Opening in theaters today, Friday May 10, Toronto Film Festival documentary Venus and Serena follows the famed tennis champions from the Australian Open in January 2011 to the U.S. Open the following fall. What was intended as a victory tale became a film about overcoming adversity as both sisters sustained injuries and illness throughout the course of filming - Venus with a hip injury and Sjogren's syndrome, and Serena with a foot injury and pulmonary embolism. I spoke with producer-directors Michelle Major and Maiken Baird about the film and what it was like to be up close and personal with the Williams sisters for nearly a year. S&A: You spent a year filming with the Williams...
- 5/10/2013
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
Say some super villain like Lex Luthor or Donald Trump has taken you prisoner and forced you to play a doubles match to save your life. The one person you'd pick to go into battle with would have to be one of the Williams sisters -- Venus Williams or Serena Williams. True warriors of the court, they have dominated the game for a decade and a half and you'd bet your life on their competitive edge.
And you'd need one of them, because chances are, the other has agreed to partner up with the villain.
"Venus and Serena" is an intimate, mostly glowing portrait of these two closer-than-close tennis champions, siblings who have battled the best players the rest of the world has to offer, the tennis establishment and each other, courting controversy almost every step of the way.
Filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major followed the sisters through a...
And you'd need one of them, because chances are, the other has agreed to partner up with the villain.
"Venus and Serena" is an intimate, mostly glowing portrait of these two closer-than-close tennis champions, siblings who have battled the best players the rest of the world has to offer, the tennis establishment and each other, courting controversy almost every step of the way.
Filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major followed the sisters through a...
- 5/9/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Magnolia Pictures will release Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theaters on May 10 (although it's now on iTunes, so you can watch it anytime before May 10, in the comfort of your home). The film gives audiences an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage, not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but also dominating the women's game for over a decade. The...
- 4/10/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
After premiering in Toronto and screening at various festivals including Doc NYC and the Miami International Film Festival, Maiken Baird and Michelle Major's upcoming documentary "Venus & Serena," about the famed siblings and tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, has released a trailer ahead of the film's VOD release later this week. Charting their unlikely path from growing up in Compton to becoming two of the best and most well known players in the sport, the documentary focuses on the opposition facing their journey through the years, whether it be other players, health, or race. The film features interviews with Bill Clinton, Bille Jean King, John McEnroe and many others, in addition to the Williams sisters, who the crew followed through much of the oft-publicized 2011 tennis season in which mounting health problems threatened the future of their careers. Magnolia Pictures will release "Venus & Serena" on VOD on April 4 with a limited theatrical release following a.
- 4/2/2013
- by Cameron Sinz
- Indiewire
Magnolia Pictures will release Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theaters on May 10 (it'll be on VOD a month before, on April 4). The film gives audiences an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage, not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but also dominating the women's game for over a decade. The film includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Arnon Milchan, Gay Telese,...
- 3/28/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Magnolia Pictures will release Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theaters on May 10 (it'll be on VOD a month before, on April 4). The film takes an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister-act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but dominating the women's game for over a decade. The film includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Arnon Milchan, Gay Telese, Anna Wintour among...
- 3/14/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The end of the Miami International Film Festival was celebrated with Awards Night and a showing of the documentary “Venus and Serena.” The film, created by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, shows the lives of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams during the roughest year of their collective careers. The film highlights their health battles–Venus’ diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome and Serena’s battle with blood clots–as well as how the two began their careers as children. What I liked about the film was how it did show the sisters’ initial talent, their father Richard’s intense foresight and the racism the two faced as they advanced in their careers. It was especially [ Read More ]
The post Miami International Film Festival Review: Venus And Serena appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Miami International Film Festival Review: Venus And Serena appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/10/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Magnolia Pictures will release Venus And Serena (the feature documentary directed and produced by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major) in theatres on May 10 (VOD a month before on April 4). The film takes an unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of the greatest sister-act professional tennis has ever seen. In a sport where they were not welcomed, the indomitable Williams sisters faced the opposition with grace and courage not only breaking new ground for female and African American athletes everywhere, but dominating the women's game for over a decade. he film includes interviews with Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Arnon Milchan, Gay Telese, Anna Wintour among others. By...
- 3/6/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
U.K. and German sales and finance banner K5 International has boarded Maiken Baird and Michelle Major’s controversial documentary Venus and Serena. Baird and Major’s film follows the emergence and rise of tennis’ most formidable and successful siblings, Venus and Serena Williams. Billed as offering a rare opportunity to leap the often media-controlled environment of the living sports legends, Venus and Williams offers unprecedented access to their lives, both in the spotlight and behind closed doors. The movie world-premiered in Toronto with the sisters lined up to attend. But at the last minute, they pulled out, withdrawing support for the film
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- 2/10/2013
- by Stuart Kemp , Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With their Stranger than Fiction series at New York City’s IFC Center, Thom Powers and Raphaela Neihausen have been curating, programming and advocating for documentary film going on eight years now. Their Tuesday-night events are typically packed, drawing audiences with not only great films but human interaction — Q&A’s with directors, collaborators, and even the film’s subjects. Three years ago, Powers and Neihausen wondered why there wasn’t a major, all-doc festival in New York and decided to embrace the challenge of creating one. The resulting Doc NYC is now in its third year (November 8 – 15), with a new, second theater and its largest program yet (115 events, 61 films and 22 panels and classes). Opening night November 8 features Bartholomew Cubbins’ Artifact, about Jared Leto’s band 30 Seconds to Mars and its legal battle with label Emi (Leto will be in attendance) and Venus and Serena, Michelle Major and Maiken Baird...
- 11/8/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Doc NYC, in its third year, runs November 8-15 and kicks off with two opening night films, "Artifact" and "Venus and Serena," which premiered amidst controversy at Tiff. Director Bartholomew Cubbins' "Artifact," making its Us premiere, follows Jared Leto's band Thirty Seconds to Mars, while Maiken Baird and Michelle Major "Venus and Serena" grants audiences unprecedented access into the lives of the tennis world's famous Williams' sisters. The festival will close with Ken Burns' "The Central Park Five." Also playing at the festival are several high-profile docs and possible Oscar contenders including Malik Bendjelloul's "Searching for Sugar Man" and Bart Layton's "The Imposter" (which both recently topped the Cinema Eye nominations), Amy Berg's "West of Memphis," Rory Kennedy's "Ethel," David France's "How to Survive a Plague," and Alex...
- 11/7/2012
- by Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
I’m a huge fan of tennis and a huge fan of the Williams sisters. So when I discovered that Tiff had programmed a feature length documentary about them in the 2012 line-up I was eager to see it. The documentary is co-directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major and produced by Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney and edited by Sam Pollard, frequent Spike Lee collaborator. Having wooed the sisters for over four years, the filmmakers were given unprecedented access to their lives, recording some 450 hours of footage over the course of 20 months. It features interviews with family, friends and business associates as well as commentary by people as varied as Anna...
- 10/2/2012
- by Lisa Harewood
- ShadowAndAct
According to the L.A. Times, Serena and Venus Williams have blown a gasket over that new documentary about them, Venus and Serena, which premiered earlier this month at the Toronto Film Festival. In fact, they are so upset with the final result, that they both refused to appear at the film's premiere at the festival, despite the fact that they orginally authorized and fully participated in the making of film ,which lasted for some 20 months. The film, which has received rave reviews from the likes of Variety, calling it "a warts and all" film, and is currently looking for distribution, was directed by first timers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, who...
- 9/19/2012
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Toronto -- Examining the pro-tennis sibling dynamos who have broken barriers for African-American women athletes, Venus and Serena is an engaging portrait that wins the game and perhaps the set, but not the match. Director-producers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major have a sports documentarian’s dream material in the Williams sisters, charting their upbringing, training and more than a decade of championship triumphs with slick efficiency. But despite its focus on a year of personal and professional difficulty, the film lacks intimacy, rarely getting inside the subjects’ heads. Physical access was clearly not a problem in this detailed chronicle
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- 9/18/2012
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Timing, as they say, is everything, and the timing of today’s premiere screening of “Venus and Serena” at the Toronto International Film Festival could not be better. After all, just two days ago, Serena Williams won her fourth U.S. Open, her fifteenth Grand Slam title. She, and her sister, Venus, have been perhaps the most dominant players in women’s tennis for the last decade or so, but the documentary from directors Maiken Baird and Michelle Major takes a look at two of the most trying years of the duo’s lives, 2010 and 2011, when each battled major health problems. Accompanying the film is the music of Wyclef Jean, the Haitian-American renaissance man who first came to fame as a member of The Fugees, but has since found solo success, and even registered as a presidential candidate in Haiti (He was subsequently ruled ineligible.) As he told the Playlist...
- 9/11/2012
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Playlist
Here’s an exclusive early first look at a clip from Venus And Serena, the documentary on the tennis playing Williams sisters that will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 11. The film was helmed by Michelle Major and Maiken Baird, and the sisters allow the filmmakers a lot of access to create an intimate look at them personally and professionally. Here’s the trailer: Click here to view the embedded video.
- 9/5/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
I now have to accept the fact there will be several films showing at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival that I simply won't be able to see. I have gone to Cannes three straight years and this will be my third year in Toronto and of the six festivals I've never seen a line-up packed with so many highly anticipated films and today the fest added even more. Sending out the complete line-up today the fest has added three films to their Galas selection and 18 Special Presentations along with several Contemporary World Cinema selections, the latter of which includes James Ponsoldt's Smashed which is said to feature a performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead that may be up for Oscar consideration. The announcement confirmed Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master will be part of the Special Presentations selection as will Brian De Palma's Passion, a remake of Love Crime...
- 8/14/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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