Sunday 30 April 2017
Shengze Zhu Introduces Her Film "Another Year"
MUBI is showing Shengze Zhu's Another Year (2016) as part of a collaboration with the Film Society of Lincoln Center for their Art of the Real festival. The film is playing April 30 - May 30, 2017 in most countries around the world.
How does a person change little by little throughout a year? And how is one’s life shaped by the trivial things and subtle moments that one experiences? It could be the person who sits beside you on the train, or an advertisement that you see on your way to the grocery store… The idea of making Another Year is to examine the accumulated power of mundane happenings, and to reveal how the mundane could appear mysterious and beautiful with the passage of time.
I first met this three-generation family in the summer of 2012 in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is my hometown, and is the capital city of Hubei Province, as well as the largest and the most populous city in central China. That summer, I conducted a participatory photography workshop at a local elementary school, during which I taught a group of about twenty children aged 8-12 basic skills of photography. All of my students were originally from the countryside but then moved to Wuhan with their parents who seek for jobs and a better life in the city. They are called “migrant workers” in China, a term referring to people who have a rural household registration but now live and work in urban cities. Migrant workers often find odd jobs at construction sites, factories and restaurants, and have limited access to urban welfare and healthcare.
The eldest child of this migrant worker’s family, Qin, was one of my students. I visited her family one day, and I was literally shocked by their situation: the six family members (three generations) shared one cramped room (about 200 square feet), with no privacy at all. This room functioned as their bedroom, living room and dining room, and Qin sometimes wrote her homework on the bed.
I made my first feature documentary Out of Focus based on the participatory photo workshop, and Qin was one of the leading characters. It was during the editing of this film that I noticed Qin’s unsettled relationship with her mother, and more importantly, I found that the most compelling moments were those that happened around dinner time. There were a lot of frictions and fights around the dinner table, but what captivated me most were their rambling conversations, facial expressions, gestures, and the family dynamics. I came to realize that it was those subtle accrual of details that evinced their presence. Thus, I decided to make a film that solely captures their dinners.
This definitely is not a film about people eating: it is about the space, and the intimate relation between the family and the cramped dwelling; it is about time, the fleeting beauty of time, and how a person—not only the family, but also me—changes little by little over the year. That is why I spent fourteen months filming this family, because I wanted to embrace the passage of time and the changes it brought.
Beginning around Chinese New Year and ending at “Chu Xi” (the Chinese New Year Eve), all the meals unfold in real-time through static, long takes, which, in turn, reveal the rhythm of a family’s life on the margins of urban society. Due to the low household income and the household registration system in China (“Hukou”), the life of this family is among the most unstable and vulnerable. The family was forced to separate after the grandma’s stroke—the mother had to return to the village to take care of the grandma because she had no access to urban healthcare; Qin was asked to quit school and find a job to support the family in spite of her young age… For them, another year means future and hope, but still, there are problems that cannot be solved, and there are pains that cannot be alleviated.
Saturday 29 April 2017
Salomé Jashi Introduces Her Film "The Dazzling Light of Sunset"
MUBI is showing Salomé Jashi's The Dazzling Light of Sunset (2016) as part of a collaboration with the Film Society of Lincoln Center for their Art of the Real festival. The film is playing April 29 - May 29 in the United States and May 6 - June 5, 2017 in most countries around the world.
Manufacturing information has been my subject of interest especially since TV news reporting was one of my first jobs.
Then, some years ago, I came across a local newspaper is a small town in England where the front-page story read that Mr. and Mrs. Smiths had closed their pub in the downtown. It struck me what was considered news for a small community while much bigger events were going on around the world.
I started to research local television stations around my home country Georgia and discovered some fascinating settings, characters and happenings. Of course, the news these TV stations were making was very local, but they also reflected the bigger issue of representation in general.
As I went on filming in one of these stations in Tsalenjikha, a small town in the Western part of Georgia, the ‘news’ of the town brought forward a mixture of topics—politics, religion, women, children… But the concept of beauty, representation of one’s self in the best manner possible, was the most striking aspect I observed. It was a very peculiar understanding of beauty. Most of the things I went on to film—either news stories or important happenings in the town—were set on a stage where one must appear beautiful. Thus the “stage” became one of the main layers in the film.
Dariko, the local journalist, is the driving force in the film. She is like a thread, a guide, linking one story to another, creating a mosaic of random events but at the same time also forming a portrait of a conservative society influenced by the modern world. This hybrid, merging traditional values with globalization, became yet another layer in the film.
All in all, the film is a kind of chaos, a puzzle, which the audience has to put together as they watch it. And then, towards the end, why not question the authenticity of all you’ve seen?
Finally, I should say that this film would not have been possible without the collaboration with the protagonists and an extremely supportive production crew. It was an intense journey we went through together.
Friday 28 April 2017
Teaser Trailer for Doc 'Whose Streets?' About the Ferguson Uprising
"We have nothing to lose but our turf!" Magnolia Pictures ("from the company that brought you I Am Not Your Negro") has debuted a teaser trailer for a new racism documentary titled Whose Streets?, examining the Ferguson uprising from the inside. The film originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this January to mostly rave reviews. Using footage from actual citizens in St. Louis, Missouri, and Ferguson, the film takes an "unflinching look" at the uprising, the protests, and the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement. This seems very powerful, and very important for the times. And it also seems like it can be the kind of doc that will still be referenced 50 years from now. I also really love seeing docs that are made with footage from real people, who lived through this historic experience. Looking forward to seeing this myself.
Here's the teaser trailer (+ poster) for Folayan & Davis' documentary Whose Streets?, from YouTube:
Told by the activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice, Whose Streets? is an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising. When unarmed teenager Michael Brown is killed by police and left lying in the street for hours, it marks a breaking point for the residents of St. Louis, Missouri. Grief, long-standing racial tensions and renewed anger bring residents together to hold vigil and protest this latest tragedy. Empowered parents, artists, and teachers from around the country come together as freedom fighters. As the national guard descends on Ferguson with military grade weaponry, these young community members become the torchbearers of a new resistance. Filmmakers Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis know this story because they are the story. Whose Streets? is a powerful battle cry from a generation fighting, not for their civil rights, but for the right to live. Whose Streets? is co-directed by Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Magnolia will release Whose Streets? in theaters starting August 11th later this summer. Who's interested?
This Week on the Criterion Channel
Did You See This?
Watch: Adam Savage Visits the Set of Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant'
"This is all in service of allowing the actors… to enter into the 'universe'." If you haven't realized, Adam Savage is a huge movie geek. Not only has he worked on movies, but he loves to be a part of them and learn about all the behind-the-scenes trickery that makes them so magical. The latest video from his web series Tested goes behind-the-scenes of Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant. Savage goes on set and examines some of the impressive set pieces, including the Engineer's chair inside the main Dreadnought ship. This is cool to see, but obviously they're working hard to make sure nothing is spoiled. I wish we could see more, but alas we have to wait (just a few more weeks) until the movie is in theaters to learn all the secrets. For now, enjoy.
Here's the Adam Savage video visiting the set of Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, from Tested's YouTube:
You can still watch the first red band trailer for Alien: Covenant here, as well as second official trailer here.
The crew of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but it is actually a dark, dangerous world, whose sole inhabitant is the synthetic David, survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition. Alien: Covenant is once again directed by veteran filmmaker Ridley Scott, of the original Alien from 1979 and Prometheus from 2012, as well as the films The Martian, Gladiator, Robin Hood, American Gangster, The Counselor, Matchstick Men, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven and Legend previously. The screenplay is by Michael Green and Jack Paglen, with a rewrite by John Logan. Fox will release Alien: Covenant in 3D in theaters starting May 19th, 2017 this summer. Who's ready for this?
Official Trailer for Neo-Noir, Supernatural Indie Horror Film 'Residue'
"Did you, by chance, open the book?" XLrator Media has debuted the first official trailer for an interesting genre mashup titled Residue, a neo-noir thriller mixed with supernatural horror. The story follows a private investigator who reads a book of sinister origins owned by seedy crime lord. This (think Evil Dead) puts his daughter and himself in a fight for their lives, and their eternal souls. Starring James Clayton as Luke Harding, as well as Matt Frewer, Michael Matic, Costas Mandylor, Alika Autran, Dan Payne, William B. Davis, Elysia Rotaru, and Taylor Hickson as his daughter Angelina. This is a very weird trailer with tons of crazy things going on. I can't even make sense of it. The big reveals don't come until the final few seconds; beyond that, it's a mess of footage and glimpses and wacky things happening. Take a look.
Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Rusty Nixon's Residue, direct from YouTube:
Private investigator Luke Harding (James Clayton) reads a book of sinister origins owned by seedy crime lord Mr. Fairweather (Matt Frewer). Unbeknownst to Luke, the book is a much sought after supernatural artifact and Fairweather's greatest rival, the enigmatic Mr. Lamont (William B. Davis), begins pursuit of Luke with his trustiest henchmen Boston (Michael Matic) & Jacob (Costas Mandylor). While the criminal underworld is desperate to retrieve the book and harness its power for their own dark agendas, it's evil begins to take root in Luke's apartment; pitting himself, his daughter and his secret love Monica in a fight for their lives… and their eternal souls. Residue is both written and directed by filmmaker Rusty Nixon, of the films Candiland and Down the Line previously. This is premiering at the Sunscreen Film Festival this month. XLrator Media will then release Residue in select theaters starting July 18th this summer. Anyone?
First UK Trailer for 'My Name Is Lenny' About a Bare-Knuckle Fighter
"I know what I'm gunna do then: I'm gunna knock him spark out, and be back in here for lunch." Lionsgate UK has released an official trailer for My Name Is Lenny, telling the life story of famous bare-knuckle fighter Lenny McLean, who was the first to earn the iconic nickname "the Guv'nor". Josh Helman (seen in X-Men: Apocalypse, Mad Max: Fury Road, Jack Reacher) plays McLean, and the cast includes Chanel Cresswell, Nick Moran, John Hurt, Michael Bisping, Charley Palmer Rothwell, George Russo, and Rita Tushingham. This looks like an entertaining "sports" movie, following in the footsteps of films like Bronson and Snatch. It might also play well as a double feature with Chuck. This trailer is worth a look.
Here's the official UK trailer (+ poster) for Ron Scalpello's My Name Is Lenny, direct from YouTube:
Explosive & brutal, My Name Is Lenny is based on the true story of Britain's most notorious bare-knuckle fighter: Lenny McLean (Josh Helman). A known associate of The Krays, Charles Bronson and Ronnie Biggs, Lenny was an East End icon, bouncer and enforcer at the center of the unlicensed boxing world. Welcome to the no-holds-barred epic portrayal of his life, from a troubled and violent childhood to his early fighting years, exploring his loving but volatile relationships and bitter rivalry with Roy Shaw all culminating in his championship win to become "the Guv'nor". My Name Is Lenny is directed by filmmaker Ron Scalpello, of the films Bobby, Pressure, and Offender previously. The screenplay is written by Paul Van Carter and Martin Askew. Lionsgate releases in UK theaters on June 9th. No US date has been set yet.
Thursday 27 April 2017
Watch: Fan-Made Jedi Short Film 'Star Wars: The Force And The Fury'
"How does it feel to be alone? I've taken everyone you love. This time you won't forget me." Meet another Jedi in this new fan-made short film set within the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: The Force And The Fury is a short by Jason Satterlund telling the story of a Jedi who crash lands on a mysterious planet. There he encounters a Sith who seems to know him. I won't spoil the rest, but it's refreshing to see such impressive storytelling in a Star Wars fan film. Two other things I love about this: 1) that we finally see a female Sith going bad, and 2) the blue lightsaber has a hilt like an actual samurai sword, nice little nod to actual sabers.
Thanks to Live for Films for the tip on this. Original description from YouTube: "A Jedi crash lands on a barren planet and is pursued by a mysterious Sith who seems to know him." Star Wars: The Force And The Fury is a fan film directed by Jason Satterlund. Featuring cinematography by Federico Verardi; produced by Alyssa Roehrenbeck & Deborah Smith. Starring Aris Juson and Deborah Smith. For more info on the film and the team who made it, visit the official website. If you want to watch behind-the-scenes videos and read a production blog, visit Jason's Facebook page. For more shorts, click here. What did you think of this?
First Trailer for Korean American Film 'Gook' Set in 1990s Los Angeles
"When hate divides, hope remains." Samuel Goldwyn Films has revealed the first trailer for the film titled Gook, which is a derogatory slang word in America used to describe Asians. The film is directed by Korean American filmmaker/actor Justin Chon, and is about two Korean American kids living in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. It's set against the backdrop of the infamous L.A. Riots during 1992. Starring Justin Chon and David So, as well as Simone Baker, Curtiss Cook Jr., Sang Chon, Omono Okojie, Ben Munoz, Cesar Garcia, Isaiah Jarel, and Kirlew Vilbon. This first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year, where it won the Audience Award in the low budget Next section. This is a very cool first trailer, I dig.
Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Justin Chon's Gook, in high def on Apple:
Eli (Chon) and Daniel (So) are two Korean American brothers that run their late father’s shoe store in a predominantly African American community of Los Angeles. These two brothers strike up a unique and unlikely friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl, Kamilla (Baker). As Daniel dreams of becoming a recording artist and Eli struggles to keep the store afloat, racial tensions build to a breaking point in L.A. as the “infamous” L.A. Riots break out. Gook is both written and directed by Korean American filmmaker Justin Chon. He made his feature directorial debut with Man Up a few years ago, after plenty of acting working previously. This first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Next section Audience Award. Goldwyn Films will release Gook in select theaters starting August 1st later this summer.
First Official Trailer for Vintage Camera Horror Film 'Camera Obscura'
"If you knew someone was going to die, would you try and save them?" Chiller Films has debuted the official trailer for a horror film titled Camera Obscura, arriving in theaters this June. The film is about a veteran war photographer who returns from Afghanistan with PTSD. His girlfriend gives him an old camera, which he starts shooting with, only to discover (when he develops the film) that it takes photos of imminent deaths. It's kind of like Final Destination, but with a camera. Christopher Denham stars, with Nadja Bobyleva, Catherine Curtin, Chase Williamson, and Noah Segan. The title, Camera Obscura, is a reference to pinhole photography, a real technique that doesn't seem to be used in this. But it's only a title.
Here's the first official trailer for Aaron B. Koontz's Camera Obscura, originally from Collider:
A veteran war photographer (Christopher Denham) with PTSD sees imminent deaths in his developed photos, questioning his already fragile sanity and putting the lives of those he loves in danger. Camera Obscura is directed by American filmmaker Aaron B. Koontz, making his feature directorial debut after a few short films previously. The screenplay is co-written by Aaron B. Koontz and Cameron Burns. This first premiered at the Florida Film Festival just this month. Chiller Films will release Koontz's Camera Obscura in select theaters starting on June 9th, plus it's available on VOD the week after. Anyone interested in this?
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