Music, Peace

Seeing the documentary PLAYING FOR CHANGE: Peace Through Music, was truly an uplifting experience. I got to see it at a public screening, courtesy of one of Tribeca's programmers who walked me in (my pass this year gets me to press & industry screenings only), which made a big difference, as it was great to see the audience applaud after each song as if they were at a concert...

Filmmakers Jonathan Walls and Mark Johnson literally travelled across the world in search of virtuosic street musicians who played for freedom and peace. Taking the song STAND BY ME as one of the anchors of the film, sung originally by an old street musician in Santa Monica California, and using it as the template for more than 35 streets musicians from Nepal to Amsterdam and from Tel Aviv to Cape Town, who, each, sang their own version of the song along with the taped version from Santa Monica, they created a magical musical piece that spans continents, generation, cultures, economics and religions. And that was just the start...Pretty amazing. The standing ovation at the end of the film was one of the many indications at the screening how moved the audience was. The final treat, when the filmmakers walked to the front for Q&A and invited some of the street musicians we have just seen, from Amsterdam, Paris, Brazil...the applause were deafening. Good experience.

Following the screening the Kodak reception at the Filmmakers Lounge was a nice extension. Even though there was no music there, there was a good mix of industry folks, from the Director of Film at the Consulate General of Israel to filmmakers from Cuba, Australia, France, and of course, NY, and so again, there was a sense of global togetherness.

But it was at the Netflix party later on which celebrated the film CHEVOLUTION, about the commercialization of the CHE image throughout the world, where more of the film community came together. Talking to producer Ted Hope (THE ICE STORM, IN THE BEDROOM, 21 GRAMS, THE SAVAGES) about his new project, which he is intent to shoot in NY (thanks in big part to the new tax incentive that has recently come through in NY), we discussed the possibility of the film shooting in the Hudson Valley, and, crossing my fingers, it looks good!!! Stay tuned, but if all goes well, that will be a great economic boost to the local economy. Other folks, from Liesl Copland of Netflix, to folks from Cinetic Media, Killer Films, Magnolia Pictures, and many others rounded up the night to the lively tunes of a Cuban band, who, by the way, kept on playing songs by the musician who scored many of WFF's alum Hugo Perez's films. Hugo, a great intellectual filmmaker who transforms when he hears the sounds of his youth, could not leave the party until its very end as he loved the music so much.

And on that "musical" note, let me end for now. Until next time.

Tribeca's First Day

Well, my first day has (finally) come to an end. I'm tired...Attending a film festival in NYC is unlike any other experience. You have the whole city to take into account... It takes over, and you have to try hard to stay focused, not to mention navigate everything. Last year Tribeca was all over the city, and everyone complained, so they certainly made an effort this year to keep it concentrated, but still, you have to walk at least 10 blocks from one thing to another, and trying to figure out what is where is a task all on its on.

The apartment I'm staying at, courtesy of one of my wonderful friends from Upstate, is situated perfectly not more than 10 blocks or so from most industry related venues. And so, after registering both at the press headquarters (very hard to find by the way, after finding it myself I ended up helping a few foreign press reps who were wandering about on the street totally lost, find it, as it was really sort of hidden...), and Industry Headquarters, situated in what they call The Target Filmmakers Lounge - a "red" room filled with Target red and white furniture and snacks that I really never want to eat; cookies, chips, candy...I ventured to see some movies.

The first film I saw at the Press & Industry screenings was WAR, LOVE, GOD & MADNESS. A surprisingly good documentary about the war in Iraq seen through a fiction filmmaker who was trying desperately to make a film in war torn Iraq from 2003 to 2005. The narrative he was shooting ended up being Iraq's entry to the Academy Awards that year. And the docs was very high energy and compelling, with some tragic, or painful results.

Next on the agenda was the British film A BOY. Here too I was surprised for the better. A nice, moving film, with principal actor who was, frankly, quite amazing. That guy will go far, I'm sure of it.

Coming out of the theater though I was talking to a film critic friend (whose name I should not mention here), who told me this was the first Tribeca film she did not walk out of... ouch...

Well, party at Apple Store in Soho was next on the list. And that was a fun one. Granted, the line to get in was around the block, but once you got in, it was great fun. Although I did not lay eyes on her myself, the word was that Madonna was in the house... Great party, huge space (filled with top of the line Macs, everyone, including me, was checking their e-mails), with plenty to drink and eat, and lots of filmmakers and industry folks. It was good to connect with many who I have not seen for awhile, from sponsors, filmmakers, press, industry. Good party. Oh, and my former assistant, Rachel Katz, who also travelled to Sundance with me, and who now works for Tribeca, was there as well. So how can you possibly go wrong?

Time to look through my schedule and figure out the next day. I do know I have a meeting scheduled at the Filmmakers Target Lounge at 9:00 am tomorrow, and that I have the Netflix party tomorrow night. Need to look at the rest on the agenda.

Until next time then.

A couple more days

With only a couple of days before the Tribeca Film Festival starts, and many of the pre-fest press screenings already in full swing, I'm trying to get my bearings and begin to figure out plans for Tribeca this year. A nice friend is allowing me to stay at her apartment in the village, so thats all great, wonderful location, beautiful apartment (although the wifi there might be sketchy...), I'm feeling good about that.

This year many of the venues will be around the Village area, not far from where I'll be staying, so I'm looking forward to walking everywhere, from screening venues to screening venues, and from filmmakers hospitality lounge to party locations.I have some of my party invites in place, although I'm sure more will come within the next couple of days.

I'm going through the press & industry screening schedule now. There are so many films that I'll try to see in between meetings and parties. Shall I go to see my friend Amos Poe's new film EMPIRE II which was inspired by Andy Warhol's 1964 film EMPIRE? Its 3 hours long, but supposed to be quite magnificent. There is a special screening of the film at Tribeca, I should try to see it.

There is also my friend Tom Donahue's new art documentary GUEST OF CINDY SHERMAN which I'll definitely try to see, followed by a party.

Then there is the new narrative BALL DON'T LIE co starring our good friend Melissa Leo which I should definitely catch.

Also, the New York Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development will be holding a day long event at the filmmakers lounge, I'll be sure to attend with plenty of promotional material for the festival and the film commission, trying to lure filmmakers to shoot their next film in the Hudson Valley! With record number of productions hitting our area in the next few months, it is becoming easier and easier to lure some of the best films up here.

Much more to get ready for. Until next time.

Tribeca Film Festival knocking on Bill Plympton's door

Woodstock Film Festival animation programmer Bill Plympton, one of America's most renowned and innovative animators, is getting ready for the world premiere of his new feature IDIOTS AND ANGELS.   The film sketches a Lynchian dark comedy about a morally bankrupt man scrabbling to hide the good in himself - which manifests itself in a pair of angel wings that just won't go away.  I have not seen it yet, but from everything I know about it so far, its supposed to be really great, a bit reminiscent of PERSEPOLIS.

Bill is always so cool and collected, it has been fun to see him getting excited and nervous about his upcoming premiere.  He and I talked a few times in the past few weeks as he's been getting ready, talking about the right PR representation for the film, sales reps, getting the buyers to come see the film...  I mean, as far as I'm concerned, everyone knows and loves Bill!  I know they will all come, who could possibly miss it? But premieres are always nerve wrecking no matter what, and you always have to do as much as you possibly can for your film.  Even Bill...  I plan to do my little best and invite all the buyers I personally know to come and join me at Bill's first screening at Tribeca and at the party to follow.  Until then, I keep my fingers crossed for him as I'd love nothing more than to hear that IDIOTS AND ANGEL sold immediately after its first screening.  So here is to Bill!

Of course I hope to show his film in Woodstock!  We'll see what happens after the dust settles following Tribeca.

In the meantime, there are many other films and filmmakers connected to the Woodstock Film Festival and the Hudson Valley region who will be participating in Tribeca, each one with his or her exciting story.   I've been so busy with work on the Woodstock Film Festival these days, with its various year round screenings and activities, that I did not get the chance to wrap my brain around the Tribeca programming, activities, parties and networking yet, but I will do so soon. I look forward to seeing many Woodstock alumni at Tribeca and discover many exciting new works.

Sundance awards

I'm checking as Variety and Indiewire announce the Sundance Awards winners one by one (online).  Amazing how many WFF's connections there are!  

World Cinema Audience Award for Documentary and World Cinema Jury Prize fro Documentary - MAN ON WIRE (about Philippe Petit who lives up in Ashoken, and the film was shot in part in Ashoken)

Honorable Mentions in Short Filmmaking - include AQUARIUM (award winner at 2007 WFF)

Audience Award for Documentary - FIELDS OF FUEL (exec - produced by Stephen Nemeth, WFF's Advisory Board Member)

Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Cast - Sam Rockwell (WFF alumn), Anjelica Huston, Kelly MacDonald, Brad Henke, for CHOKE

Directing Award for Documentary - Nanette Burstein for AMERICAN TEEN (Produced by WFF's sponsors A&E Indie Films)

Grand Prize for Documentary - TROUBLE THE WATER (co-publicist Judy Arthur, WFF's Advisory Board Member

Grand Jury Prize for Drama - FROZEN RIVER (starring WFF's close friend Melissa Leo; shot in Upstate NY)>  Quentin Tarrantino, after screaming "Cinema Baby! This film rocks my ass!", gave the Grand Jury Prize for Drama to the film, directed by Courtney Hunt.

Amazing!

Back in the Woods

Leaving Utah Thursday morning was a bit frantic, as I could not find my drivers license and had to go through intense security check at the airport, but finally I got through.  After that it was all pretty great.  Waiting to board the plain I hung out with Peter Saraf (producer of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and SUNSHINE CLEANING, the latter just screened at Sundance) and Studio exec Mark Urman, head of THINKFilm, who has two documentaries in the run for the Oscar - A TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE and WAR/DANCE, which screened at Woodstock.  We had a lovely conversation about films, Sundance, and the state of cinema today.

On the plain I sat next to two young men, one is a song writer/ musician, friends with Levon Helm and many other Woodstock musicians, and the other an entertainment lawyer and brother of Annabella Sciora, who attended WFF a couple of times in the past.  We talked off and on throughout the whole flight, which made the time enjoyable and go by fast. 

Coming back to Woodstock was a welcome change.  I did not realize how incredibly tired I was until I hit my pillow the first night.  Sundance takes so much out of you.  Talking to my friend Danielle DiGiacomo from Indiepix the following day, we both compared notes on how tired we were - she almost falling asleep in a meeting, I almost falling asleep on the phone...Yes, its been exhausting, a whirlwind of work, but basically it was all great.  We also compared notes on how "warm" NY is for us now - no need for long johns, or even gloves... not after 8 degree weather...

As I await to hear the results of the Awards tonight (I'm rooting for Melissa Leo for best actress and for Frozen River for best dramatic narrative), I continue to get a flood of e-mails from Sundance friends, all of whom are making their lists of their favorite films.

One close industry member suggested these to me as potential Woodstock films (all great films, I've seen them):

THE BETRAYED by Ellen Kuras (who is a WFF alumn)

ORDER OF MYTHS by Margaret Brown

FROZEN RIVER (of course...)

BALLAST (everyone loved it, film critics and industry alike)

MOMMA'S MAN (a surprise hit in Sundance)

SUGAR (by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who did HALF NELSON)

I have to meet with various sale reps in the coming weeks and see how to pursue some of these, and other Sundance films.  Will go to the city later next week, and so, the programming process will start.  Not to mention that film submission are started to come in, which is always very exciting!

Almost time to say Good Bye

So, its the middle of my last day in Sundance. A bit sad, to be leaving everyone and everything, but also excited about going back home. Already set up a bunch of follow up meetings in NYC after my return, so its all to be continued.

One of the main subject of conversation here is that nothing, yet, really stands out as a runaway hit, the new LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Everyone is always in search of a film that will blow them away, myself included, but so far, that is not really happening.

However, there is a good number of pretty good films. Some of which actually sold for record sum, such as HAMLET 2 which was bought by Focus Features for 10 million... Focus, who distribute ATONMENET this year, among other films, definitely know what they are doing, so I'm sure the film will be a success.

I talk here to the various sale reps about the films I think would be good for Woodstock. Those conversations will continue throughout the year of course, as we put together our lineup for the 9th annual event in October. I know it will be absolutely great!

Hearing of some of the mishaps that have happened to many here, including loss of cell phones (I believe 12 cell phones disappeared at one single party alone, none of which, I bet, had Paris Hilton's number on them, but I'm sure there were plenty of numbers for directors, producers, and other important folks), I'm glad that the only bad thing that happened to me so far was the loss of two pair of gloves... Rest has been pretty good, despite the cold and the running around all day.

Well, I have a couple more movies today, coupld of parties, and one important meeting, and then - off to the East Coast. So better go downstairs (at the Yarrow) to see Melissa Leo for a few minutes, and then to Main Street for another filmmakers/press reception.

Gotta go.

One more day

Its Tuesday night. There is only one full day left for me here. On one hand I wish I could stay a couple more days, as there is so much more that can be done, but on the other hand, I'm dying to go home...

After 6 parties on Monday, Tuesday was mostly movies. 6 movies to be exact. After checking the Oscar nominations (huge congratulations to DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, I'M NOT THERE, LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, WAR/DANCE, SALIM BABA and FREEHELD!), and going to headquarters to get my daily ticket for a public screening, I headed to the Yarrow for a P&I screening of FIELDS OF FUEL. A good film, an important film, focuing on bio diesel solutions, told from the point of view of one bio diesel pioneers and activist. Then it was off to TOWELHEAD, then Morgan Spurlock's humourus and probing documentary WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN (let me give you a clue, he did not find him...). Getting into the theater they were giving out these great Osama Bin Laden milk cartons with M&Ms inside; I got two, one of each of my sons... I saw Morgan on the street later on and talked to him, he was great. I invited him to Woodstock, of course... From there I went to see MAN ON A WIRE, a wonderful documentary about world renowned tight rope walker Philippe Petit. I loved it. I saw it at a public screening, and was glad to see a good number of potential buyers in the audience. Hopefully we'll show it in Woodstock sometime. Then it was back to back narratives, CHOKE, which was bought by Fox Searchlight, and SUGAR, which is still up for grabs. A film critic friend told me it was her favorite movie in Sundance!

In between I managed to go to Main Street for the Sundance Channel party and the Film Aid International gathering. But even though I had a ton of other party invites for today, including one that starts at 1 am (I could actually still go there if I wanted too... not...), I decided to keep today simple, without too many parties. When you hang out on Main Street you basically go from one event to another, whether its a party or various gathering or just lounges, each with complimentary wine, liquor and food, so, while its great, it could be a bit much.

At this point many of the industry folks are getting tired, seeing movies and working non stop from morning to night, and many of them will be leaving tomorrow (and say they can't wait to do so...).

Also, the news of Heath Ledger's passing, which spread like wild fire throughout Sundance, filling everyone with a deep sense of sadness, added a sombre taste to the day.

I'm very tired now, and tomorrow, again, is a long day. I look forward to my breakfast plans with the producing team of BIRDS OF AMERICA, and then an afternoon meeting with the Netflix folks. Of course, there will still be movies in store, and parties. At night there is the NY Film Commission party, which is a huge one, starting at 10 pm. We'll see if I will make it, as I need to get up very early the following morning and head to the airport.

Until next time.

Hanging out at Netflix

Running out to see the documentary BODY OF WAR at the press&industry screening, then MAN ON A WIRE about tight rope walker Philippe Petit, but still thinking how nice, friendly, and genuine Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netlix, to whom we gave our honorary Trailblazer Award this past year, is. Hanging out at his party yesterday was such a pleasure, in part because Ted was so sweet (and he'll definitely come back to Woodstock!), and in part because the crowd, many are new faces (to me) from LA, were all very nice and interested in Woodstock. It was wonderful.

Also, at the Variety party, filled with celebs, from Patti Smith to Jodie Foster, and top industry members, it was nice to run into Woodstock alumns Jonathan Blistein and Ross Partridge, among many.

Today though, is dedicated to movies - hope to see many good ones!

So Melissa Leo and I were hanging out at the Picturehouse party. So many people were impressed with her work, its fantastic. There is a great review of her work in Variey -

"The movie, though, belongs to Leo, a thesp of considerable flinty character and honesty who brings all of her reserves to bear on a big, complex role. Unafraid to show herself weathered by the cold, harsh elements and never working to make auds love her, Leo builds the kind of perf that invites concentration, and then high respect".

Hanging out at the party and talking with her to Bob Berney of Picturehouse, Henry Deas of Variety, and various reporter from The New Yorker to Screen International, it was great to see her experiencing success.

Melissa, who, as an actress, gets to go to all the VIP gifting lounges, was telling me how she took her co-star, Misty, a native american actress, to the gifting lounge for the first time, even though Misty has been to Sundance many times before with native american films. Melissa was very happy to be the one to take Misty to that.

Before the party I saw three movies - FLOW; FOR LOVE OF WATER, which was great, PHOEBE IN WONDERLAND, which I liked but my friend Karen Durbin of Elle did not, and BIRDS OF AMERICA, co produced by Woodstockers Holli and Ed Gersh, which was very nice.

So, off to Variety party, which features Variety 10 directors to watch. Always a very elegant party, one of my favorite at Sundance.

Until next time.

So its snowing... again... Just got back from a party at Snow Park Lodge on the mountains, where Hollywood Reporter, along with Fuji, Iron Mountain and others celebrated Indie Mogel Bob Berney of Picturehouse. Two separate rooms full with massage therapists - more than 40 all together, were some of the highlights. But most importantly, it was just good to see so many great filmmakers and industry members all in one place, having a great time.

Movies today were okay as well, especially SUNSHINE CLEANING, which, in some ways, reminded me of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, complete with Alan Arkin and his grandson... The movie is a huge hit with the audiences here, I went to a public screening at the Eccels and could sense the excitement from the audience, who was laughing and cheering and applauding. Would be great if we could show it as a special screening in Woodstock.

Well, gotta try and get some rest, as tomorrow is another long day. Actuslly in some ways its the longest day as there are 6 parties back to back, including Netflix, Variety, Picturehouse, Cinetic... and of course, movies, meetings... Until next time.

Movies and more movies

I think I'm getting the hang of going from venue to venue - from Headquarters at the Marriot in the morning, to  the Yarrow Hotel where two screening rooms are dedicated to press & industry screenings, which start daily from 8:30 am - 10:30 pm;  to Eccles, the biggest public screening venue, sitting 1300,  to main street where so many of the parties and filmmakers lounges and all sort of special events are happening morning till night.  The shuttle system here is really great, except when things get so crowded over the weekend and main street is just overwhelmed with folks looking to spot celebs such as 50 cents, who I just saw walking casually on Main towards one of the venues, or Jack Black...

The other night I left the Magnolia Pictures party just as Morgan Spurlock was coming in. Darn. That party was quite wild, with fog machine that filled up the whole condo where the party was taking place, causing the fire alarm to go off and the firemen and police to show up minutes later...  and Karakoe all night long, with film professionals letting loose...As I said, I left just as things were really heating up...

Saturday I ended up seeing 4 movies. Blind Date, by Stanley Tucci and starring himself and Patricia Clarkson was my 8:30 am. Very intense film, and they were both amazing in it.  I remember when Patty was in Woodstock, she was telling me about the film, thinking it might be goo for us.  I'm glad I got to see it.  

Rest of the day included THE GUITAR, written and produced by our friend Amos Poe, directed by Amy Redford, daughter of Robert Redford.  Then it was off to THE WACKNESS, which I saw with our friend Karen Durbin, film critic of Elle Magazine.  We both loved it, she was thrilled she got to see it as she will definitely cover it for Elle. And finally it was ORDER OF MYTH, a very nice doc I saw at the end of the day, along with many industry friends from NY, London, and even Rome...  I was happy to see the director of the London Film Festival there; she and I met in London a couple of years ago, talking about the possibility of collaboration between Woodstock and London, so it was nice to reconnect.

Anyway,  today is Sunday, and again, many screenings in store, along with some meetings, parties, and some surprises I'm sure.

Until next time.