INTERVIEWS WITH FILMMAKERS-- WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/INDIESTREAK

-------------------------

Cannes (May 16-27) is in full swing. Find out more at http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/festival.html.

--------------------------------------------

Israeli Film Festival -- May 26 & 27

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre

10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise 33351

Held in correlation with the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, this festival presents films in Hebrew with English subtitles.

Tickets: $7 for general public, $6/ seniors and students, and $5/ FLIFF members. To buy tickets, visit www.FLIFF.com or call 954-525-3456.

Saturday, May 26
2:00 p.m. – Live and Become (140 minutes)
4:00 p.m. – The Matchmaker (112 minutes)

              -- scroll down for review
6:00 p.m. – Ushpizin (92 minutes)
8:00 p.m. – Noodle (90 minutes)

Sunday, May 27
1:00 p.m. – Restoration (105 minutes)
3:00 p.m. – A Matter of Size (90 minutes)
5:00 p.m. – Mabul (100 minutes)
7:00 p.m. – She's Got It (90 minutes)
--------------------------------------------

REVIEW: "Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story" opens 5/18

From his beginnings as part of a loving family (his younger brother is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) to his raid on Entebbe on July 4, 1976, which made him a hero and tragically took his life, Yoni Netanyahu has made a mark on his country of Israel and it made a mark on who he became. A soldier from the get-go, his dedication to country took precedent over his relationships, even though he loved deeply. His romance for his partners, his family and his country are told in poetic detail through prose and poetry he left behind. This beautiful storytelling is interspersed with news reports from the 1976 raid which add a shocking staccato to to the melody of the film and help move along the action, adding a sense of urgency to the documentary. For those who love history, this is a very interesting look at Israel and its battles leading up to this Entebbe conflict, but it also is a poignant look at one life and the difference he made over and over again, being unafraid to lead in multiple situations. It truly shows the meaning of sacrifice and for living for something bigger than yourself. In addition, it is a love story and tugs at the heart strings as it showcases the love of family, friends, lovers and national pride. Prepare to get misty-eyed and see a different look also at Benjamin Netanyahu, who is portayed in a much softer and even at times playful as he remembers his childhood.--By Rachel Galvin

------------------------------

TRIBECA AWARDS--

The 2012 Tribeca Film Festival closes on Sunday, April 29. Below is the complete list of award winners:

WORLD NARRATIVE COMPETITION:

The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature
"War Witch," directed by Kim Nguyen (Canada)

Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film
Dariel Arrechada and Javier Nuñez Florian as Raul and Elio in "Una Noche," directed by Lucy Mulloy (UK, Cuba, USA)

Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film
Rachel Mwanza as Komona in "War Witch," directed by Kim Nguyen (Canada)

Best Cinematography in a Narrative Feature Film
Cinematography by Trevor Forrest and Shlomo Godder for "Una Noche," directed by Lucy Mulloy  (UK, Cuba, USA)
(Special Jury Mention: Alex Catalan for "Unit 7")

Best Screenplay for a Narrative Feature Film
"All In" ("La Suerte en Tus Manos"), written by Daniel Burman and Sergio Dubcovsky and directed by Daniel Burman (Argentina)

Best New Narrative Director
Lucy Mulloy, director of "Una Noche" (UK, Cuba, USA).
(Special Jury Mention: P. Benoit, director of "Stones in the Sun"; and Sharon Bar-Ziv, director of "Room 514")

WORLD DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION:

Best Documentary Feature
"The World Before Her," directed by Nisha Pahuja (Canada).
(Special Jury Mention: "The Revisionaries," directed by Scott Thurman)

Best Editing in a Documentary Feature
"The Flat" ("Hadira"), edited by Tali Halter Shenkar, directed by Arnon Goldfinger (Israel, Germany)

Best New Documentary Director
Jeroen van Velzen for "Wavumba" (Netherlands)
(Special Jury Mention: Christian Bonke and Andreas Koefoed, directors of "Ballroom Dancer")

SHORT FILM COMPETITION:

Best Narrative Short
"Asad," directed by Bryan Buckley (USA)
(Special Jury Mention: Ritesh Batra, writer and director of "Café Regular Cairo")

Best Documentary Short
"Paraíso," directed by Nadav Kurtz (USA)
(Special Jury Mention: David Darg and Bryn Mooser, directors of "Baseball in the Time of Cholera")

Student Visionary Award
"Stitches," directed by Adiya Imri Orr (Israel)
(Special Jury Mention: Tati Barrantes and Andinh Ha, writers and directors of "Adirake")

TRIBECA (ONLINE) FILM FESTIVAL:

Tribeca (Online) Film Festival Best Feature Film: "On The Mat," directed and written by Fredric Golding (USA)

Tribeca (Online) Film Festival Best Short Film: "CatCam," directed by Seth Keal (USA)

------------------------------------

48 Hour Film Fest-- May 18-20

REGISTER: www.48hourfilm.com/miami

COST: $160/ team

INFO: miami@48hour film.com

There is also a 24 hour film fest the same weekend! http://www.filmracing.com/24/24HourFilmRace.htm

------------------------------------------------

PBIFF AWARDS SCROLL DOWN

--------------------------

Justin Routt's movie "The Test" is screening in  Homestead, April 28th from noon to 3 p.m. at the Flagship Cinemas, 2250 NE 8 St.,  Homestead, FL 33033, in a Mini film festival with short films including a short version of his film "If I Were Dictator." www.moviethetest.com

---------------------------------------------

"True Bromance"was just shown at Treasure Coast Film Festival, but it will be shown at the Central Florida Film Festival later this year, at Hoboken Film Festival and at the Kennedy center in September. Congrats to director Sebastian Doggart.

 

(On left: Devin dreams of Condi)

Right after of two showings at PBIFF, director Sebastian Doggart is poised to show his comedy "True Bromance" at the Treasure Coast Film Festival. It follows a true romantic (played by Devin Ratray) who follows Condi Rice's past and present to find out more about her and win her love. Many give him advice along the way, good and bad. Some think he is crazy but he is focused and set to stay the course. Look for Adrian Grenier and Jim Norton as well as award-winning songwriter Carol Connors. Connors will be at Q&A following the film with Doggart. TRAILER

 

TRIBECA BEGINS

--Look for "Planet X!" Created by South Florida's own Troy Bernier and Eric Swain. More soon... It shows tomorrow! Saturday, April 21 at 10 p.m. www.tribecafilm.com.

At 51 SUPPER CLUB & LOUNGE, PALM BEACH GARDENS, 33410

PBIFF winners:

 

 Best Feature Film--Tiger Eyes, directed by Lawrence Blume.

 

Best Documentary Feature--Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story, directed by Ari Pinchot and Jonathan Gruber.

 

Special Jury Award for Documentary Feature--Lunch Hour, directed by James Costa.

Best Short Film--Roundabout, directed by Rohit Bartra.

 

Audience Favorite Award for Best Feature--Best Little Whorehouse in Rochdale, directed by Ian Vernon.

 

Audience Favorite Award for Best Documentary--Love Free or Die, directed by Macky Alston and featuring Bishop Gene Robinson. 

 

Audience Favorite Award for Best Short Film--Hollywood Struggles Starring the Brentwood Girls, directed by Gloria Kisel.

 

Voices of Local Film Audience Awards:

--$ingle Girl's Guide to Travel in Paris

--Crazy House
---------------------------

Voices of Film

On April 15, Voices of Film took place at Mizner Park, showing five films: $ingle Girls Guide to Travel in Paris, Let Yourself Be Heard, Changing Seasons, Crazy House and Opportunist.

(On left: filmmaker Dawn Dubriel ("Single Girls Guide to Travel in Paris") with Voices of Film founder Heath McKnight)

June Lockhart at PBIFF

Not only was June Lockhart (known for "Lassie," "Lost in Space" and "Petticoat Junction) at a special Silver Screen Splash brunch on Sunday, April 15, but also at the premier of the movie she was in called "Zombie Hamlet," on April 14, along with many in the cast.

PBIFF Kicks Off with a Bang!

By Rachel Galvin

(On left: I.S. Founder Rachel Galvin with director of "Three Days (of Hamlet") Alex Hyde-White, whose film showed on Friday, April 13 at PBIFF.

(On right: I.S Founder Rachel Galvin with director Yael Katzir, whose film "Violins in Wartime" will be shown Sunday at 4 p.m. in Mizner Park.

PBIFF kicked off with a bang on April 12 with the showing of the hillarious and poignant film "Robot & Frank," starring Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler and James Marsden, at Muvico Parisian in City Place in West Palm Beach. Director Jake Schreier and Producer Sam Bisbee attended and held Q&A following film.

Next was a jam-packed party at the Two City Plaza, which had an amazing view from its rooftop. Transportation from the movie theater to the after party was by trolley, which not only was a quaint addition, but also led to more networking. Inside the party, there was a silent auction, several bar areas, live music and tasty tidbits.

More events continue through April 19. Visit www.pbifilmfest.org for all details.

------------------

Red Carpet event!

WHO: The Palm Beach County Filmmakers, Black Onyx Productions & the Cast & Crew from SAG FILM called, “Caught in the Middle.” Special Guests will also be there including the Palm Beach County Film Commission, Talent Agents, Actors, Producers, Directors, Writers, Photographers and more!

WHAT:  RED CARPET, Meet & Mingle Networking Event promoting fund raising for the film “Caught in the Middle” & our first ever P.B.C.FILMMKAER’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!

WHEN: Friday, April 27th, 7-10 p.m.
7:00pm Event Starts – Press & Guests are welcome to sign in.
7:30pm Red Carpet - Special Guest Arrivals!!!

WHERE: The Living Room Theater in Boca Raton’s FAU Campus.
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Fl. 33431

DETAILS: www.pbcfilmmakers.com/

------------------

Susan Seidelman visits South Florida, releases "Musical Chairs"

Director Susan Seidelman ("Desperately Seeking Susan," "Boynton Beach Club," "She-Devil"), pictured on left with I.S. founder Rachel Galvin, visits Boynton Beach (at Boynton Cinema) for the screening of her newest film "Musical Chairs," now in select theaters. Review of film and interview with Susan Seidelman coming soon. Trailer:

-----------------------------

FILM REVIEW: “The Matchmaker”

By Rachel Galvin

The engrossing tale “The Matchmaker,” which is told in Hebrew with English subtitles, is filled with an interesting perspective of Israel, the aftermath of WW2, but, most prominently – relationships. Although many of the key characters remain scarred from the war or simply from lack of love, the mood of the piece is not tragic, but rather about how the characters move on with their lives and their interactions after tragedy or personal trial.

The most enticing character is the main character Yankele Bride, who is mentioned in the opening scene posthumously when it is announced he has left money to Arik, who has learned this announcement with his father by his side.

The rest of the film is a flashback to when Yankele Bride first came into Arik's life and their journey together. Yankele is a mysterious matchmaker who happens into Haifa with a smile on his face, a big heart and a lot of secrets he keeps in silence. He is met by a young teenage boy, Arik, who finds his matchmaking peddling a joke and he and his friends pull a prank on the man. But the prank falls flat and instead the mysterious man becomes entrenched in the young man's life through an old connection with the boy's father.

He brings Arik on to collude with him in his mission to find love for those in the community, even through questionable means. Through this internship of sorts, Arik discovers more than he bargained for and stumbles on a world he would have never known otherwise. He encounters more intreguing characters, many who have secrets of their own, making their every move filled with the nuance of an inner turmoil. In the meantime, a romance of sorts blooms subtly for Arik as well, adding to this coming-of-age story.

This is a warm and welcoming film with rich characters and a plot that keeps your interest, especially the further into the depths of the story it becomes. It provides new insight into the early inhabitants of Israel, into those who survived the horrors of the war, the guilt they face either self-imposed or the barbs thrown by others simply because they survived. What makes this such a multi-layered film is the way in which all of these conflicts are understated letting the story swirl around the actions of Yankele, the mystery that surrounds him and the curiosity of a growing young boy learning from his newfound mentor.

“The Matchmaker” opens in select theaters on March 23.

------------------------------
CLICK ANY OF THE SHOWS LISTED UNDER BLOGTALKRADIO TO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH FILMMAKERS!

Local kids create script to be filmed in Palm Beach County

 

Pictured on left: Shane Meredith, Jordan Alfonzo, Mia Evans, Talina Adamo Oblander

Local director, Talina Adamo, has teamed up with local middle schoolers to create a film that should resonate with most pre-teens/teens! Their plan is to produce the film and make sure all the right audiences understand its important message.

The film shows how pre-teens from different cliques can come together, as a braniac pre-teen boy and a popular girl come to the realization that they are not too different after all. The message?  Being true to your heart will take you further than you ever imagined possible.

The film "Caught In the Middle" needs your help. Find out more and be an investor by donating to this project -- www.blackonyxproductions.com/projects/caught-in-the-middle

------------------------------

Voices of Local Films at PBIFF

April 15, 8 p.m.

Cultural Arts Center

201 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

 

Stay tuned for ticket information.

FILMS (not in order):

The Single Girl’s Guide to Travel in Paris, directed by Dawn Dubriel. Join host, Dawn Dubriel on a Tour de Paris, the city of love. Take a riverboat cruise down the Seine river, smell the frankincense and see the magical stained windows in the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower then head on the metro to Montemarte to bask in Paris’ local artists’ ambiance.

Let Yourself Be Heard, directed by Talina Adamo. Plot: A young couple worries how their other half will react if they passed gas in front of each other. To find out if it true love, they must let themselves be heard.

Changing Seasons, song by Lucas Feigenbaum, directed by Bruce Feigenbaum. Plot: Music video highlighting the beauty of South Florida.

Opportunist, directed by Phillip Wong-Kuon. Plot: An inexperienced thief, Wayne, breaks into a Boca Raton townhouse and is caught by an older man, Marvin, the owner of the home.

Crazy House, directed by Robert Goodrich. Plot: Three deadbeats, struggling to survive a miserable Minneaoplis winter and the faceless oppression of The Man, consider selling their vital organs for a taste of financial freedom and the promise of unlimited painkillers.

-----------------------------------

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

http://www.miamifilmfestival.com/

-------------------------------------

INTERVIEW: Director Jeff Freeman, "Island of the Carribean Death Gods" Find out what inspired him to create this homage to the B-Movie. --http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indiestreak/2012/02/19/interview-jeff-freeman-dir-island-of-carribean-death-gods

 

INTERVIEW: Lloyd Kaufman, B-Movie guru and Troma, TromaDance founder www.blogtalkradio.com/indiestreak/2012/02/16/interview-lloyd-kaufman-director-founder-of-troma

-----------------------

INTERVIEW:  Director John Alan Simon talks about how he adapted Phillip K. Dick's novel "Radio Free Albemuth" into a movie by the same name. Click link to listen to podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indiestreak/2012/02/12/interview-john-alan-simon-director-radio-free-albemuth

 

INTERVIEW: Documentary Director Billy Corben

Billy Corben has become well known for his unique subject matter tackling the history of the drug culture and other controversial topics with a first person focus and rapid fire editing style that really brings you into the movie. Some of his features include: "Cocaine Cowboys," "Limelight," "Square Grouper," "The U" and others. He is currently working on developing an HBO series based on "Cocaine Cowboys" with Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer and a series for ESPN, as well as other projects. Listen to the interview with Billy and find out more about him through www.rakontur.com.

INTERVIEW:

www.blogtalkradio.com/indiestreak/2012/01/29/interview-documentary-director-billy-corben

------------------------------------------------------

Visual Effects guru Dean Lyon talks!

 

Learn about the biz from a man who has done it all. Visual Effects guru Dean Lyon has worked on everything from "Avatar" to "Lord of the Rings." Listen to his interview to find out he fell into filmmaking and some of the projects he is working on now as he tries to bring a bit of Hollywood to SoBe shores. INTERVIEW: www.blogtalkradio.com/indiestreak.

---------------------------------------

NEED PHOTOS? Talina Adamo Photography is offering a discount to those who found her through Independent Streak. Tell her Independent Streak sent you! www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Talina-Adamo-Photography/300968019913461

------------------------

Acting teacher Michael Haney offers lessons on DVD

On-line Training Through SKYPE!
To schedule training,
contact Mr. Haney at 561-667-1298
or PalmBeachActingSchool@gmail.com

His ACTING TRAINING DVD is now available at...
https://www.createspace.com/326166
Only $29.95

--------------------

Congrats to Izzy Martinez, whose film "30 Days" was nominated for Miami Life Awards.

To see Trailer: http://youtu.be/l9TVIQfm1XQ

Best Short Film
Best Director (Izzy Martinez)
Best Actor (Eddy Acosta)

Best Actress (Sara Nunez & Sasha Marina)

To vote for film:, go To: http://miamilifeawards.com/?page_id=20

Go to the Bottom of the Page, Click on Link; 'VOTE POR TU FAVORITO'
Put your name, last name and email and answer the numerical question.
You will receive an email from miamilifeawards, click on the link
Answer the numerical question and start voting for anything in regards to 30 Days.

---------------------------

Local filmmaker documents weight loss through webseries

By Rachel Galvin

(On Left: Before his weight loss. This is Carlos working on the set of Jacmel Urena's "Wrong Turn" circa 2004. Below on right: Carlos today. His belt shows how much weight he has lost so far.)

For local filmmaker Carlos Cruz, his weight loss has been an uphill battle. Through poor diet, he amassed 422 lbs. on his 5'8" frame at one point... His weight climbed and fell like a yo-yo throughout his life. He ended up with Diabetes. But one particular visit to the hospital, which happened to be on his last birthday, was a turning point. His sugar was out of control. His body seemed to be breaking down and other problems started happening. It was time for him to make some changes. And he did. Working out at the nearby YMCA, Carlos, with sheer determination and willpower to get his body back on track, has worked hard and his body has shrunk down to a mere 226 pounds, a waif of his former self. And he isn't stopping yet. 

 

His success and his struggles has prompted him to do a webseries documenting his journey. His tongue in cheek title and honest style has garnered quite an audience. But, at heart, it is a message that resonates with everyone. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

Congrats, Carlos, keep up the good work. Here at I.S. we look forward to more from you.

SEE CARLOS' FIRST SHOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoOTFq3ucYA&feature=player_embedded

-------------------------------------------------

Will SAG and AFTRA finally merge?

It has been said before, but could this finally be it? In a few weeks, merger committees for the two unions will meet for an multi-day meeting Jan 8-15. Following that would be a vote at board meetings at end of Jan. (27th for SAG, 28th for AFTRA). If voted on, then merger ballots would go to members around mid-February to be returned three weeks later. This is the information at the current time. It could change anytime. But the merger could be solid by spring 2012.
-------------------------------------
Local team seeks investors for ambitious project

Gaining investors for a low budget feature with an actress and real 60-ton whales is quite a feat, but one the team behind the film "Johanna and the Whale" hopes to accomplish. Based on the mythical tale of Jonah and the whale, this beautifully visual tale takes place in the waters off the Dominican Republic... or at least that is where the trailer was filmed. The team is hoping the trailer will entice investors to become involved.

The producer/ director is George Monteiro, president of Sea-Cam, Inc. His team includes visual effects guru Dean Lyons, who has worked on projects like "Lord of the Rings," and "Avatar" and associate producer Rose Warner, who is president of the local FMPTA, has been producer of such films as The Lion of Judah" and "Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly" and has worked with top studios and networks.

To see more about the team and the film or to contact them regarding investing, visit www.johannaandthewhale.com.
-----------------------------------------------

Plan now for American Film Market 2012-2017!

Filmmakers know that The American Film Market is the place to go to mingle and try to sell their films. The event plans to stay in Santa Monica at the Loews Santa Monica Beach hotel through 2017, according to Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) leadership. It has been in this location since 1991. It will have additional exhibition space continuing at JW Marriott’s Le Merigot Beach Hotel and with conferences continuing at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

“In Santa Monica, the AFM will soon have access to a new 12-screen multiplex, a 2,000-plus seat world class venue for red-carpet premieres, more hotel rooms, light rail transportation to Los Angeles and Hollywood, and even a spectacular new park across from the Loews.”  IFTA Executive Vice President and AFM Managing Director Jonathan Wolf said. “We are thrilled that everyone in the city came together to make this happen.”

Over the next few years, Santa Monica will be transformed by a variety of public improvements and development projects that will significantly enhance the American Film Market, including:

 

• ·         AMC Entertainment is developing a new Santa Monica cinema complex with 12 screens, including an IMAX theater.  It is anticipated to open in late 2014 or early 2015.

 

• ·         The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium will be rehabilitated and expanded, providing AFM with an ideal venue for red-carpet premieres.  Expected to be completed in late 2014, the renovated auditorium will include a removable seating system that can accommodate more than 2,000 or create an open space for large events.

 

• ·         At least 700 hotel rooms will be added to the downtown area, including mid-priced hotels from Marriott and Hampton Inn.

 

• ·         A light Metro Rail terminal at Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue, a five-minute walk from the Loews, will connect Santa Monica to Los Angeles and Hollywood.  Dubbed the “subway to the sea,” it is expected to be operational in 2015.

• A stunning seven-acre park on Ocean Avenue directly across from the Loews Hotel is scheduled for completion in late 2013, along with an adjoining new mixed-use urban village with restaurants and shops eyed for 2014.

Confirmed dates for AFM in Santa Monica are:

• October 31 – November 7, 2012
• November 6 - 13, 2013
• November 5 - 12, 2014
• November 4 - 11, 2015
• November 2 - 9, 2016
• November 1 - 8, 2017