London’s Raindance Film Festival is making a significant calendar shift for its 32nd edition, moving from its traditional fall slot to a new summer schedule.
Raindance kicks off with the U.K. premiere of Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” a horror feature starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens that previously played at Berlin and SXSW. Closing the festival is the European premiere of “National Anthem” by Luke Gilford, starring Charlie Plummer as a construction worker joining a community of queer rodeo performers. The film, which was at Toronto and SXSW, leads into the Pride in London weekend with a wild West End party.
This year, Germany is the festival’s guest of honor. The festival will showcase new German films, including “Cuckoo,” “Eternal You” and “What You See of Me.” A dedicated shorts program and industry panels, including a session with production designer Mona Cathleen Otterbach, will highlight Germany’s cinematic achievements.
Raindance kicks off with the U.K. premiere of Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” a horror feature starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens that previously played at Berlin and SXSW. Closing the festival is the European premiere of “National Anthem” by Luke Gilford, starring Charlie Plummer as a construction worker joining a community of queer rodeo performers. The film, which was at Toronto and SXSW, leads into the Pride in London weekend with a wild West End party.
This year, Germany is the festival’s guest of honor. The festival will showcase new German films, including “Cuckoo,” “Eternal You” and “What You See of Me.” A dedicated shorts program and industry panels, including a session with production designer Mona Cathleen Otterbach, will highlight Germany’s cinematic achievements.
- 5/20/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The 32nd edition of the UK’s Raindance Film Festival is to open with horror-thriller Cuckoo, starring Hunter Schafer, as the festival shifts away from autumn to a midsummer slot, running June 19-28.
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features. The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Cuckoo is a German-us co-production that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as...
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features. The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Cuckoo is a German-us co-production that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as...
- 5/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
The 32nd edition of the UK’s Raindance Film Festival is to open with Tilman Singer’s horror-thriller Cuckoo, starring Hunter Schafer, as the festival shifts away from autumn to a midsummer slot, running June 19-28.
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features.
The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Opening night film Cuckoo is a German-us co-production, that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her...
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features.
The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Opening night film Cuckoo is a German-us co-production, that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her...
- 5/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
After exploring the American frontier in Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete, Charlie Plummer returns to the terrain with Luke Gilford’s directorial debut National Anthem. Premiering at last year’s SXSW, the film follows a construction worker who joins a community of queer rodeo performers searching for their own version of the American dream. While working on a ranch in the Southwest, they contend with the undeniable forces of nature, family and love. Also starring Eve Lindley and Mason Alexander Park, the first trailer has now arrived ahead of a June 12 release from Variance Films.
Jake Kring-Schreifels said in his review, “National Anthem is an offshoot of Gilford’s 2020 photographic series, which showcased the beauty of America’s Queer Rodeo by foregrounding softly lit and often-hidden subjects against expansive New Mexican vistas. At a time of political polarization and in a space typically reserved for a more traditional, patriarchal idea of a cowboy,...
Jake Kring-Schreifels said in his review, “National Anthem is an offshoot of Gilford’s 2020 photographic series, which showcased the beauty of America’s Queer Rodeo by foregrounding softly lit and often-hidden subjects against expansive New Mexican vistas. At a time of political polarization and in a space typically reserved for a more traditional, patriarchal idea of a cowboy,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
"Ever been on a bull? It's the greatest rush of adrenaline..." An official trailer it out for a beloved indie film titled National Anthem, marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker / photographer Luke Gilford. This premiered at the last year's SXSW Film Festival, and also played at TIFF, Mill Valley, and NewFest. The film is a fictional version of the story of Luke discovering the International Gay Rodeo Association (Igra). Charlie Plummer stars as Dylan, who's from rural New Mexico. He takes a gig at the House of Splendor, a homestead built by a community of queer rodeo performers & ranchers, and soon the indefinable magic of an untamed America unfolds before him. SXSW adds: "Finding space to explore and discover himself, he becomes entwined in the life of Sky, a talented barrel racer and free spirit." Also starring Eve Lindley, Rene Rosado, Mason Alexander Park, and Robyn Lively. The film...
- 5/14/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Chicago – Closing Night for the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) is Thursday, May 9th, and the final film centerpiece is “Ghostlight,” directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. For the full schedule, info and tickets, click Ccff Closing Night. For individual films, click titles below.
Ghostlight
Writer/Co-Director Kelly O’Sullivan (inset) of ‘Ghostlight’
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer). Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production for one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Capsule Review: The premise has sitcom-like plot drivers to get the reluctant Dan on stage, but the path...
Ghostlight
Writer/Co-Director Kelly O’Sullivan (inset) of ‘Ghostlight’
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer). Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production for one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Capsule Review: The premise has sitcom-like plot drivers to get the reluctant Dan on stage, but the path...
- 5/9/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A wide-ranging list of honorees was announced today for the Critics Choice Association’s inaugural Celebration Of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television, which will take place during Pride Month on Friday June 7, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The event will stream later on HereTV, the first and largest LGBTQ+ TV and streaming service in the U.S. Actress, writer and comedian Sherry Cola (Joy Ride) will host.
The celebration will honor the finest achievements from the LGBTQ+ entertainment community, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as showcase emerging and established talent. This event marks the newest addition to the Cca’s series, following its Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television, Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema and Television and Celebration of Black Cinema and Television. The Celebrations aim to shine a light on work from historically underrepresented talent.
“I am extremely proud to be able to...
The celebration will honor the finest achievements from the LGBTQ+ entertainment community, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as showcase emerging and established talent. This event marks the newest addition to the Cca’s series, following its Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television, Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema and Television and Celebration of Black Cinema and Television. The Celebrations aim to shine a light on work from historically underrepresented talent.
“I am extremely proud to be able to...
- 4/25/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ld Entertainment will partner with Variance Films on the theatrical release for National Anthem, the queer ranching drama marking the feature directorial debut of Luke Gilford, which debuted at last year’s SXSW. Pic starring Charlie Plummer, Eve Lindley, Mason Alexander Park, Rene Rosado and Robyn Lively will be released in the U.S. on July 12.
Immersed in the world of a rural queer ranching community, and set against the exuberant, real-life International Gay Rodeo Association, National Anthem is billed as a celebration of first love and chosen family. The protagonist of the film is Dylan (Plummer), a 21-year-old working in construction in New Mexico who joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.
CAA Media Finance is repping worldwide rights, with Decal Releasing handling home entertainment for the film.
Said Variance’s Dylan Marchetti and Kristen Osborne: “Variance...
Immersed in the world of a rural queer ranching community, and set against the exuberant, real-life International Gay Rodeo Association, National Anthem is billed as a celebration of first love and chosen family. The protagonist of the film is Dylan (Plummer), a 21-year-old working in construction in New Mexico who joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.
CAA Media Finance is repping worldwide rights, with Decal Releasing handling home entertainment for the film.
Said Variance’s Dylan Marchetti and Kristen Osborne: “Variance...
- 2/7/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
2023 was a year of seemingly seismic change for the film industry, as superhero movies (especially Marvel) lost their grip on the box office while more auteur-led efforts such as Oppenheimer and Barbie made serious bank. Audiences seem hungry for a return to thoughtful and engaging efforts, voting for their wallets against a decade of cape-clad hegenomy in favour of more challenging (and visually interesting) cinema. But as with the majority of contemporary film analysis, these are mostly concerns for Hollywood. The international arthouse scene plugs away as usual, providing a diverse range of exciting visions that once again expand the very possibilities of the cinematic form. I went back and forth on this list several times, only coming to a final top ten this very morning. With courtroom drama, oddball romance, epic character study and even outright horror, this year’s selection subverted and expanded genre norms, showing that great cinema,...
- 12/26/2023
- by Redmond Bacon
- Directors Notes
Jeremy Allen White Explains That Viral Instagram Comment, Speaks to His Private Life in 'British GQ'
The Bear‘s Jeremy Allen White is on the cover of British GQ‘s latest issue, highlighting their GQ Men Of The Year Celebration 2023 in association with Boss!
The 32-year-old actor, who was photographed by Luke Gilford for the shoot, spoke out about fame, his personal life, and more in the interview.
Keep reading to find out more…
See his interview highlights below…
On his year after his public separation from his wife: “It’s been insane. A lot of high highs, a lot of terribly low lows.”
On one perk of being a celebrity: “Getting a reservation at a restaurant, that’s a good one.”
On commenting “wow” on Inez and Vinoodh’s Instagram post for Alexa Demie’s Calvin Klein shoot: “I was like, ‘I just need to shut the f**k up. I just shouldn’t say anything.’ And [my publicist] was like, ‘Kind of.’” Jeremy told the mag...
The 32-year-old actor, who was photographed by Luke Gilford for the shoot, spoke out about fame, his personal life, and more in the interview.
Keep reading to find out more…
See his interview highlights below…
On his year after his public separation from his wife: “It’s been insane. A lot of high highs, a lot of terribly low lows.”
On one perk of being a celebrity: “Getting a reservation at a restaurant, that’s a good one.”
On commenting “wow” on Inez and Vinoodh’s Instagram post for Alexa Demie’s Calvin Klein shoot: “I was like, ‘I just need to shut the f**k up. I just shouldn’t say anything.’ And [my publicist] was like, ‘Kind of.’” Jeremy told the mag...
- 11/7/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
New York-based LGBTQ+ film festival NewFest has debuted the lineup for its 35th festival, which is set to run from Oct. 12 to Oct. 24.
A slew of the festival’s centerpiece films include Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s “Nyad,” which will tell the story of Diana Nyad, starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Cannes award-winner “Monster” will receive its New York City premiere while the world premiere of “The Aggressives’s” follow-up “Beyond The Aggressives: 25 Years Later” will be sported.
Emma Fidel’s documentary “Queen of New York” will spotlight Marti Cummings’ journey to become the first non-binary candidate elected to New York City Council, serving as the New York centerpiece, as narrated by Billy Porter.
As previously announced, George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin” will open the festival while Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” will close.
Additionally, the festival will hold advanced screenings of...
A slew of the festival’s centerpiece films include Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s “Nyad,” which will tell the story of Diana Nyad, starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Cannes award-winner “Monster” will receive its New York City premiere while the world premiere of “The Aggressives’s” follow-up “Beyond The Aggressives: 25 Years Later” will be sported.
Emma Fidel’s documentary “Queen of New York” will spotlight Marti Cummings’ journey to become the first non-binary candidate elected to New York City Council, serving as the New York centerpiece, as narrated by Billy Porter.
As previously announced, George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin” will open the festival while Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” will close.
Additionally, the festival will hold advanced screenings of...
- 9/13/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
The Toronto Film Festival on Thursday revealed its Centerpiece program lineup that includes the Cannes Film Festival-winning Wim Wenders movie Perfect Days. The festival also revealed another couple of star-driven world premieres including Paramount’s Finestkind starring Jenna Ortega, Ben Foster and Tommy Lee Jones and 20th Century Studios/Hulu’s comedy Quiz Lady starring Awkwafina, Sandra Oh and Will Ferrell.
Finestkind comes from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland and follows two brothers who are pulled into a deal with an organized crime syndicate in Boston. The pic is playing as one of TIFF’s galas.
Quiz Lady follows a brilliant but tightly wound, game-show-obsessed woman Anne (Awkwafina) and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny (Oh) who must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild cross-country trek to get the cash the only way...
Finestkind comes from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland and follows two brothers who are pulled into a deal with an organized crime syndicate in Boston. The pic is playing as one of TIFF’s galas.
Quiz Lady follows a brilliant but tightly wound, game-show-obsessed woman Anne (Awkwafina) and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny (Oh) who must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild cross-country trek to get the cash the only way...
- 8/10/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Auteurs Agnieszka Holland, Wim Wenders, Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Aki Kaurismaki are among the filmmakers featured in the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) Centrepiece program.
The strand, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema, which honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, features 47 titles from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
TIFF has also revealed the additional lineup of galas, special presentations and documentaries, which feature star wattage from around the world including Tommy Lee Jones and Anil Kapoor.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF chief programming officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.
The strand, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema, which honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, features 47 titles from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
TIFF has also revealed the additional lineup of galas, special presentations and documentaries, which feature star wattage from around the world including Tommy Lee Jones and Anil Kapoor.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF chief programming officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.
- 8/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of Toronto International Film Festival kicking off in less than a month, the festival announced more additions, including Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist, Close Your Eyes by Víctor Erice, Fallen Leaves by Aki Kaurismäki, Green Border by Agnieszka Holland, Perfect Days by Wim Wenders, About Dry Grasses by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and more.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece programme, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF programme, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the Festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
See the lineup below.
Centrepiece Programme 2023
100 Yards Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng | China
International Premiere
About...
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece programme, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF programme, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the Festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
See the lineup below.
Centrepiece Programme 2023
100 Yards Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng | China
International Premiere
About...
- 8/10/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The programme comprises 47 films from 45 countries.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled the line-up for its Centrepiece programme, with 47 titles screening from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
Included in the programme (previously known as Contemporary World Cinema) are Victor Erice’s Close Your Eyes, getting its North American premiere; Aki Kaurismaki’s Fallen Leaves, receiving its Canadian premiere; and Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border, a North American premiere.
Scroll down for the full list of Centrepiece titles
TIFF also announced additional titles for its Galas, Special Presentations and Documentaries programmes, among them the world premiere of Brian Helgeland’s Finestkind.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled the line-up for its Centrepiece programme, with 47 titles screening from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
Included in the programme (previously known as Contemporary World Cinema) are Victor Erice’s Close Your Eyes, getting its North American premiere; Aki Kaurismaki’s Fallen Leaves, receiving its Canadian premiere; and Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border, a North American premiere.
Scroll down for the full list of Centrepiece titles
TIFF also announced additional titles for its Galas, Special Presentations and Documentaries programmes, among them the world premiere of Brian Helgeland’s Finestkind.
- 8/10/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival has added 59 more films to the lineup of its 2023 festival, including 47 international films in the Centrepiece program, which in previous years was known as Contemporary World Cinema. New films were also added to the Galas, Special Presentations and Documentary sections.
World premieres among the new selections include “Finestkind,” a crime thriller from Brian Helgeland (screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential”) starring Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster; The Movie Teller,” a film set in Chile starring Berenice Bejo from “An Education” director Lone Scherfig; and Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady,” with Sandra Oh and Awkwafina.
The Centrepiece selections include a number of films from May’s Cannes Film Festival, among them Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “About Dry Grasses,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s “Banel & Adama,” Amjad Al Rasheed’s “Inshallah a Boy,” Joanna Arnow’s “The Feeling That the...
World premieres among the new selections include “Finestkind,” a crime thriller from Brian Helgeland (screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential”) starring Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster; The Movie Teller,” a film set in Chile starring Berenice Bejo from “An Education” director Lone Scherfig; and Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady,” with Sandra Oh and Awkwafina.
The Centrepiece selections include a number of films from May’s Cannes Film Festival, among them Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “About Dry Grasses,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s “Banel & Adama,” Amjad Al Rasheed’s “Inshallah a Boy,” Joanna Arnow’s “The Feeling That the...
- 8/10/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Toronto International Film Festival continues to expand its 2023 lineup with 47 films from 45 countries in the Centerpiece program, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema. The highlights include Cannes Film Festival winners “Fallen Leaves” from Aki Kaurismäki and “Perfect Days” from Wim Wenders as well as Agnieszka Holland’s Venice-bound “Green Border.” See the full lineup below.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer, in an official statement. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, for acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
Centerpiece Program 2023
About Dry Grasses (Kuru Otlar Üstüne) Nuri Bilge Ceylan...
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer, in an official statement. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, for acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
Centerpiece Program 2023
About Dry Grasses (Kuru Otlar Üstüne) Nuri Bilge Ceylan...
- 8/10/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: After bringing Searchlight Pictures its strongest limited opening since 2019 Oscar winner Jojo Rabbit with the acclaimed musical comedy Theater Camp, Topic Studios has announced an expansion of its creative ranks with the appointment of Jasmine Daghighian to the newly created role of Vice President of Film.
Daghighian comes to Topic from 500 Blows, the production company of Frankie Shaw and Zach Strauss fka Our Lady Productions, and in her new position will help build out the studio’s slate on the film side, shepherding projects from development through completion. She’ll be based out of the company’s NYC headquarters, reporting to Executive Vice President, Film and Documentary, Ryan Heller.
Topic’s hiring of Daghighian follows its appointment of Jennifer Westin to the role of Senior Vice President, Physical Production. An executive formerly overseeing production management for the Original Independent Film division at Netflix, Westin now oversees production for Topic...
Daghighian comes to Topic from 500 Blows, the production company of Frankie Shaw and Zach Strauss fka Our Lady Productions, and in her new position will help build out the studio’s slate on the film side, shepherding projects from development through completion. She’ll be based out of the company’s NYC headquarters, reporting to Executive Vice President, Film and Documentary, Ryan Heller.
Topic’s hiring of Daghighian follows its appointment of Jennifer Westin to the role of Senior Vice President, Physical Production. An executive formerly overseeing production management for the Original Independent Film division at Netflix, Westin now oversees production for Topic...
- 7/18/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
National Anthem Review: Classic Americana Is Turned On Its Head In Powerful Queer Ballad [SXSW 2023]
In our turbulent sociopolitical climate, it can be hard to remember how important fostering community among fellow LGBTQ individuals is. This is especially true if you're in the South or Southwest, where conservative ideals still reign supreme to the point where it might feel suffocating. It may seem hopeless to realize who you really are, but when you do find your people, it can be the most freeing feeling in the world.
That feeling lies at the center of visual artist Luke Gilford's feature debut, "National Anthem." Set against the sprawling landscapes of New Mexico, the film centers around Dylan (Charlie Plummer), a lonely construction worker who takes an odd job at the House of Splendor ranch. There, his life forever changes when he meets rodeo performers and ranchers from across the queer spectrum, leading to his sexual and gender awakening. From the impressive cinematography to its refreshingly non-pandering script,...
That feeling lies at the center of visual artist Luke Gilford's feature debut, "National Anthem." Set against the sprawling landscapes of New Mexico, the film centers around Dylan (Charlie Plummer), a lonely construction worker who takes an odd job at the House of Splendor ranch. There, his life forever changes when he meets rodeo performers and ranchers from across the queer spectrum, leading to his sexual and gender awakening. From the impressive cinematography to its refreshingly non-pandering script,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Having a premiere at SXSW last year turned out to be a charm for directing duo The Daniels, and although awards lightning most likely won’t strike this year for this somewhat niche horror pastiche, hopefully its creators — Australian double-act the Cairnes brothers — will get their own media moment as a result. That Late Night With the Devil is one for the myriad genre festivals that abound internationally is a no-brainer, but the Cairneses deserve a bit more consideration than that for their film’s wry engagement with U.S. history and pop culture, despite shooting their New York-set film entirely in Melbourne.
Related Story SXSW Preview + Hot List: Movies With Ewan McGregor, Sydney Sweeney, Karen Gillan, Anthony Mackie & More Related Story 'Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' Review: Chris Pine Leads Group Of Unsung Heroes In Adaptation Of Famed Table-Top Game – SXSW Related Story 'National Anthem' Review: Luke Gilford's Light,...
Related Story SXSW Preview + Hot List: Movies With Ewan McGregor, Sydney Sweeney, Karen Gillan, Anthony Mackie & More Related Story 'Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' Review: Chris Pine Leads Group Of Unsung Heroes In Adaptation Of Famed Table-Top Game – SXSW Related Story 'National Anthem' Review: Luke Gilford's Light,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
I have friends who’ve played the table-top, role-playing fantasy game Dungeons and Dragons (D&d), but I haven’t played ever. My friends tell me I’m missing out, but none of them will explain and teach me how to play, and all I know is that players can create their own characters and adventures. Whether Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves keeps true to the spirit of the game, I can’t say. However, as a film, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s execution pays off in a major way. Written by Daley, Goldstein and Michael Gilio, the movie that just opened SXSW has an all-star cast including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis and Daisy Head.
Related Story ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Fires Up SXSW Opening Night Related Story 'Late Night With The Devil' Review: Richly Detailed...
Related Story ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Fires Up SXSW Opening Night Related Story 'Late Night With The Devil' Review: Richly Detailed...
- 3/11/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
At the beginning of National Anthem, writer-director Luke Gilford’s exquisite-looking and subversive debut feature, 21-year-old Dylan (Charlie Plummer) lives a particularly burdensome and monotonous life. Within his small, rural, isolated New Mexico community he supports his family by shoveling gravel at temporary construction gigs and returns to his one-bedroom home to feed and take care of Cassidy (Joey DeLeon), his younger brother. Most nights his alcoholic hairdresser mother goes out late and returns home with drunken flings, forcing her two sons to sleep on the couch. It’s a difficult, lonely existence, and throughout his primary caretaking Dylan sees no opportunity to escape.
But that pendulum shifts when Pepe (Rene Rosado) pulls up in a pickup truck and offers a group of day laborers some extra work. Lacking many options, Dylan obliges and soon discovers an alternative lifestyle just 30 minutes down the road. Initially tasked with bailing hay at House of Splendor,...
But that pendulum shifts when Pepe (Rene Rosado) pulls up in a pickup truck and offers a group of day laborers some extra work. Lacking many options, Dylan obliges and soon discovers an alternative lifestyle just 30 minutes down the road. Initially tasked with bailing hay at House of Splendor,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Jake Kring-Schreifels
- The Film Stage
Thankfully there seems to have been a moratorium lately on movies that mine the Lgtbq+ experience for tragedy and awards. There’s also been a move towards authenticity, notably in the area of casting trans actors for trans roles, and both of those factors help and hinder photographer Luke Gilford’s feature debut, a film as rich in personality as a Diane Arbus snap but, dramatically, about as punchy as an instalment of High School Musical. In another year, this might be more of a problem than it actually is, since, perhaps more by coincidence than design, National Anthem arrives at a time when everything it celebrates is under attack, and such a low-key affirmation of personal growth and freedom might actually be what we really need right now.
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Related Story SXSW Preview + Hot List: Movies With Ewan McGregor, Sydney Sweeney, Karen Gillan, Anthony Mackie & More Related Story Chelsea Handler Bets On DeSantis Over Trump,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Toward the end of National Anthem, D’Angelo Lacy in splendiferous drag sings a powerful a cappella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” while an assembled group of Queer Rodeo competitors and spectators stand in reverent silence through that hymn of patriotism, hands on hearts. Given that the recently passed Tennessee bill banning drag performances is looking to spread through red states and legitimize transphobic discrimination, the scene takes on added poignancy. That helps bolster the emotional heft of first-time writer-director Luke Gilford’s gentle New Mexico-set story of self-discovery in a chosen family.
Gilford knows the setting well. He grew up in the Southwest, with fond memories of attending rodeos with his father as a kid, only later becoming aware of how homophobic and narrow — white, Christian conservative, macho — mainstream rodeos could be. Returning after years of studying art and working in New York, Gilford discovered the International Gay Rodeo Association,...
Gilford knows the setting well. He grew up in the Southwest, with fond memories of attending rodeos with his father as a kid, only later becoming aware of how homophobic and narrow — white, Christian conservative, macho — mainstream rodeos could be. Returning after years of studying art and working in New York, Gilford discovered the International Gay Rodeo Association,...
- 3/11/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Festival runs March 10-19 in Austin, Texas.
SXSW opens on Friday with the world premiere of all-star fantasy romp Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, kicking off what is expected to be a rambunctious 10 days of screenings of films both spoken for and available for worldwide distribution.
Over the years the festival has proved itself to be a valuable launchpad for studio titles and the most recent evidence of that was last year’s edition, where A24 premiered Oscar frontrunner Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2022 as well as Ti West’s horror X, Lionsgate brought The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent...
SXSW opens on Friday with the world premiere of all-star fantasy romp Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, kicking off what is expected to be a rambunctious 10 days of screenings of films both spoken for and available for worldwide distribution.
Over the years the festival has proved itself to be a valuable launchpad for studio titles and the most recent evidence of that was last year’s edition, where A24 premiered Oscar frontrunner Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2022 as well as Ti West’s horror X, Lionsgate brought The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent...
- 3/10/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Pamela Anderson says she still has her old closet full of Baywatch bathing suits.
“I had a couple back then. Now I only have one and it fits,” the Pamela, A Love Story star revealed to Et.
She even pulls the suit out for fun around friends on occasion.
“One time I was with my friends, I was out with Luke Gilford, this photographer, and I was at a party with him,” she recalled. “I remember they were like, ‘Where’s Pamela?’”
“I jumped in the shower and I came out soaking wet and gave everyone mouth to mouth.”
Anderson seemed to be in high spirits as she celebrated the premiere of her Netflix documentary Pamela, A Love Story, which premiered on January 31.
The post Pamela Anderson Says Her Iconic ‘Baywatch’ Red Swimsuit ‘Still Fits’ appeared first on uInterview.
“I had a couple back then. Now I only have one and it fits,” the Pamela, A Love Story star revealed to Et.
She even pulls the suit out for fun around friends on occasion.
“One time I was with my friends, I was out with Luke Gilford, this photographer, and I was at a party with him,” she recalled. “I remember they were like, ‘Where’s Pamela?’”
“I jumped in the shower and I came out soaking wet and gave everyone mouth to mouth.”
Anderson seemed to be in high spirits as she celebrated the premiere of her Netflix documentary Pamela, A Love Story, which premiered on January 31.
The post Pamela Anderson Says Her Iconic ‘Baywatch’ Red Swimsuit ‘Still Fits’ appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/18/2023
- by Isabeau Newman
- Uinterview
Pamela Anderson says she kept a little memento from the set of “Baywatch”.
The “Pamela, A Love Story” star confessed she still had her iconic red swimsuit – at least one after the break-in she detailed in her memoir Love, Pamela.
“I had a couple back then. Now I only have one and it fits,” she told Et’s Pamela Anderson. “I put it on every once in a while.”
Read More: Pamela Anderson Responds To Tim Allen Denying Flashing Her On ‘Home Improvement’ Set: ‘How Could You Make That Up?’
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Et Canada (@etcanada)
In fact, the actress brings it out once in a while to spice up parties.
“So yeah, one time I was with my friends, I was out with Luke Gilford, this photographer, and I was at a party with him. I remember they were like, ‘Where’s Pamela?...
The “Pamela, A Love Story” star confessed she still had her iconic red swimsuit – at least one after the break-in she detailed in her memoir Love, Pamela.
“I had a couple back then. Now I only have one and it fits,” she told Et’s Pamela Anderson. “I put it on every once in a while.”
Read More: Pamela Anderson Responds To Tim Allen Denying Flashing Her On ‘Home Improvement’ Set: ‘How Could You Make That Up?’
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Et Canada (@etcanada)
In fact, the actress brings it out once in a while to spice up parties.
“So yeah, one time I was with my friends, I was out with Luke Gilford, this photographer, and I was at a party with him. I remember they were like, ‘Where’s Pamela?...
- 2/6/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Kesha has released the lead single from her recently announced new project High Road. The raucous party song is titled “Raising Hell,” and features the vocals and New Orleans bounce-influenced beat of Big Freedia.
Kesha layers her folksier roots over the track, creating a club-ready song that nonetheless harks back to her guitar-based production on 2017’s Rainbow.
“Raising Hell” also arrives with a Luke Gilford-directed video, portraying Kesha as a televangelist leading a party-loving congregation. The clip takes a dark turn about midway through, after which Kesha takes her life into her own hands,...
Kesha layers her folksier roots over the track, creating a club-ready song that nonetheless harks back to her guitar-based production on 2017’s Rainbow.
“Raising Hell” also arrives with a Luke Gilford-directed video, portraying Kesha as a televangelist leading a party-loving congregation. The clip takes a dark turn about midway through, after which Kesha takes her life into her own hands,...
- 10/24/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Pamela Anderson is loving the Saint Tropez lifestyle! The 50-year-old actress serves up glamour for W Magazine, teaming up with her old friend, photographer Luke Gilford, for an impromptu photo shoot capturing her summer in the French Riviera. Related: Pamela Anderson Ditches Her Underwear for Racy Photo Shoot in Saint-Tropez: Pic “My evil plan was always […]...
- 8/3/2017
- by Jordan Appugliesi
- ET Canada
Pamela Anderson is loving the Saint Tropez lifestyle!
The 50-year-old actress serves up glamour for W Magazine, teaming up with her old friend, photographer Luke Gilford, for an impromptu photo shoot capturing her summer in the French Riviera.
Watch: Pamela Anderson Ditches Her Underwear for Racy Photo Shoot in Saint-Tropez: Pic
"My evil plan was always to semi-retire here," she confessed. "My kids [Dylan Jagger and Brandon Thomas Lee] are grown and they want me to be happy and they want to visit France, so it works out."
"I’m not micro-managing their life in L.A., and we’re spending quite a bit of time out here going to museums and experiencing culture and different languages, so it’s the best of all worlds. And it was always my plan and something I really aspired to," she continued. "I knew before I turned 50 that I would be living on the French Riviera. And here I am."
Luke Gilford
Anderson...
The 50-year-old actress serves up glamour for W Magazine, teaming up with her old friend, photographer Luke Gilford, for an impromptu photo shoot capturing her summer in the French Riviera.
Watch: Pamela Anderson Ditches Her Underwear for Racy Photo Shoot in Saint-Tropez: Pic
"My evil plan was always to semi-retire here," she confessed. "My kids [Dylan Jagger and Brandon Thomas Lee] are grown and they want me to be happy and they want to visit France, so it works out."
"I’m not micro-managing their life in L.A., and we’re spending quite a bit of time out here going to museums and experiencing culture and different languages, so it’s the best of all worlds. And it was always my plan and something I really aspired to," she continued. "I knew before I turned 50 that I would be living on the French Riviera. And here I am."
Luke Gilford
Anderson...
- 8/3/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
The coolest thing happening in fashion right now is the ’90s renaissance (and no, we’re not talking about the resurgence of Rachel Green outfit inspo). The biggest stars of the ’90s, like Céline Dion and Pamela Anderson are embracing a whole new edgy style esthetic.
Dion has had a full fashion transformation over the last year thanks to the help of her stylist Law Roach. Over the summer she’s been holding impromptu photo shoots all over Paris and recently starred in an epic video wearing couture pieces for Vogue. Similarly, Anderson has been spotted front row at every...
Dion has had a full fashion transformation over the last year thanks to the help of her stylist Law Roach. Over the summer she’s been holding impromptu photo shoots all over Paris and recently starred in an epic video wearing couture pieces for Vogue. Similarly, Anderson has been spotted front row at every...
- 8/2/2017
- by Colleen Kratofil
- PEOPLE.com
Luke Gilford's short film, Connected, is by no means on the level of, say, Black Mirror, when it comes to speculating on the humanist ramifications of future of digital connectedness, but its interesting to get a film that where two female celebrities likes Pam Anders and Jane Fonda address issues associated with aging in a world obsessed with youth.
about Connected:
Connectedis a portrait of a woman grappling with aging, self-perception, and transformation in a technologically optimized world. Jackie (Pamela Anderson) is a burnt-out AuraCycle instructor in the midst of a midlife crisis. She's obsessed with self-improvement podcasts (voiced by Jane Fonda), and she is soon drawn to an advanced yet enigmatic wellness spa that promises to enhance her mind, body and s [Continued ...]...
about Connected:
Connectedis a portrait of a woman grappling with aging, self-perception, and transformation in a technologically optimized world. Jackie (Pamela Anderson) is a burnt-out AuraCycle instructor in the midst of a midlife crisis. She's obsessed with self-improvement podcasts (voiced by Jane Fonda), and she is soon drawn to an advanced yet enigmatic wellness spa that promises to enhance her mind, body and s [Continued ...]...
- 2/8/2016
- QuietEarth.us
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