Lights, Camera, Film Fest! http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com The official blog of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Join us – April 28th - May 5th, 2011 posterous.com Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:08:31 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Lisa Gossels http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-lisa-gossels http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-lisa-gossels
By Kelly Strodl
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Today we talk with Lisa Gossels, director of My So-Called Enemy, the coming of age story of six Palestinian and Israeli teenage girls who travel to the U.S. to participate in a women's leadership program called Building Bridges for Peace and the transformative journey that follows both in the program and upon their return to their native countries. In July 2002, 22 women came to the U.S. to participate in the program, and during their time learned to reconcile their experience in the program with the realities of life back home in the Middle East over the next 7 years. What unfolds is an emotionally-charged film about the human consequences of all conflicts--as seen through the eyes of 6 young women who are thoughtful, intelligent and articulate beyond their years.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

From Steve Shor, a Film Festival Advisor to the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

When I started making "My So-Called Enemy" in 2002, I had no idea how long it would take to make the movie, or how transformative the 8-year journey would be.  I did not make the film with any answers;  the process was all about asking questions. 

Right after 9/11, I remember engaging in heated political debates about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  I came to understand how wars could be fought on words and how easy it is to reduce conflicts to black and white terms. 

Two months earlier, I had the privilege of meeting Melodye Feldman, the founder of Seeking Common Ground (and its Building Bridges for Peace flagship program), at a Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education conference (CAJE) in Denver.  Melodye shared the stage with some Palestinian and Israeli participants from her 2001 summer program.  I was so taken by the stories from the teenage girls about how the program had changed them that I knew I had found the subject-matter for my next film. "My So-Called Enemy" was never a film about an idea, but about young people. And, I loved the idea that those young people were women, because, as Nicholas Kristof once wrote, "focusing on women and girls is the most effective way to fight global poverty and extremism."

While the first act of "My So-Called Enemy" takes place in the emotionallly charged 2002 Building Bridges program, to me the film is really about what happens to the six participants when they return home to the Middle East over the next 7 years.

Q.  What is the core message of your film? 

The central message of "My So-Called Enemy" is the transformative power of knowing  "the other," or "the enemy," as a human being.  Through the stories of the young Israeli, Palestinian and Palestinian Israeli women in the film, we see how creating relationships across emotional, ideological and physical borders is a first step towards resolving conflict.  Because "My So-Called Enemy" is an emotional journey, it opens hearts and minds and creates the space for dialogue about not only the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but issues that divide us in our families, schools and communities.  By watching "My So-Called Enemy," viewers will see the complexities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through a human lens--and the possibility and hope that comes from listening to each other's stories.

Q: Your take on the main characters in your movie (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

Adi, Gal, Hanin, Inas, Rawan and Rezan, the main characters in "My So-Called Enemy," were teenagers when I first started filming them.  Because they live in a conflict region, it took a great deal of courage for them to participate in the movie.  While we had some access issues of where we could film some of the girls, particularly the Palestinians, all of them opened their hearts, minds and lives to our cameras.  Because films can be very manipulative and will be seen by mass audiences, we have an awesome responsibility as  documentarians to not only convey the personal truths of our subjects, but to honor the trust they have bestowed upon us--with the understanding that will have to live in their societies with the final film.  We were always careful to respect not only the girls' dignity, but their personal safety.  We never created high drama, or humorous moments, at their expense.  The young women in "My So-Called Enemy" are my hope. They all have become my family.

_____________________________________________________________________

MY SO-CALLED ENEMY screens on Sunday, May 1 at 1 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 3. And Wednesday, May 4 at 3:30 PM at the Regency Lido Theater.

Click on link below to watch a sample of the film:

Click below to buy tickets for the film:

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/mysocalledenemy_lisagossels_newportbeach2011

Or for more information on the film and program, follow the links below:

www.mysocalledenemy.com

www.facebook.com/mysocalledenemy

www.s-c-g.org

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Mon, 10 May 2010 16:37:00 -0700 Win a Trip for Two to the Edmonton International Film Festival http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/win-a-trip-for-two-to-the-edmonton-internatio http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/win-a-trip-for-two-to-the-edmonton-internatio
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The Newport Beach Film Festival is proud to partner with the Edmonton International Film Festival this year. 
Win A Trip for Two to Attend this fall. Just Text ALBERTA to 88704 to enter.
* Message and data rates may apply
 
About EIFF:
The Edmonton International Film Festival has prided itself for years on one concept - 'discovery'. Striving to uncover cinematic gems and celebrate unique voices in moviemaking such as directors, writers and producers. EIFF is about films and the people who make them.

Just a couple hours drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains, Edmonton is known for its big sky, endless sunshine, and its glorious crown jewel - The River Valley (which contains the largest stretch of urban parkland and trail systems in North America). Located east of Vancouver and west of Toronto, Edmonton is THE heart of the Canadian Prairies, the northernmost big city in North America. And with a population of more than one million people, this is a city that loves movies.

For nine days each autumn, Edmontonians feast on all things cinematic. It's a veritable buffet of fantastic, independent films from around the globe. Whatever the genre, EIFF programmers search the world over for entertaining films that exhibit great storytelling qualities. The  schedule includes 55 feature-length slots, and 110 short films programmed into feature-length packages. All films screened at EIFF must be Edmonton premieres.

Over the years, they've hosted John Waters, Patrick Warburton, Norman Jewison, Deepa Mehta, Jorgen Leth, Arthur Hiller, Anne Wheeler, Werner Herzog, Don McKellar, Bruce McDonald and more at the festival.

For more information on EIFF visit: 

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Fri, 07 May 2010 19:26:30 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Jason Victor Everett http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-jason-victor-everet http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-jason-victor-everet
By Kelly Strodl 

The_sitdown_-_postcard_4x6_8-2

Today I spoke with Jason Victor Everett, director/writer/producer of the Sitdown, a short film showcased in the “Find Your Voice” set of films that screened the final day of the 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival. This short film asks the question: How do concerned foster parents cope with today's generation of violent wayward youth? What guidance can be offered to the adopted offspring of abusive homes and troubled streets? Perhaps delivering a few stern words is still the best place to start...

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A:  We've been hearing good things about the festival from various sources for a while now, but the Newport Beach festival was portrayed in an especially good light in the documentary entitled "Official Rejection," which we saw about two months ago.  After attending this year, we can happily attest to the festival's rave reviews.  They really care a lot about the filmmakers and audiences at NBFF.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: THE SITDOWN is a short comedic piece we put together in early 2009.  It's about a concerned foster parent providing advice to a troubled wayward youngster.  We shot it over the course of two weekends in my living room.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: Seems like it's been a long road, since I had sort of an unfortunate detour along the way known as law school.  While working in the legal world in the years since graduation and trying to pay down huge student loans, I attended film classes at night and started up a small production company named Sound & Fury Productions.  We were lucky to start playing the festival circuit with THE SITDOWN in late 2009, which was the first short film out of that venture.  I also want to acknowledge the efforts of Olivia Lee, a very talented graphic designer by day, who helped immensely with THE SITDOWN in terms of both the production and promotional process.     

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A:  Hmmm ... well given that the lead performance was from a non-actor (unfortunately yours truly), I'd have to say the acting was especially weak!   

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Well, as I have a very very long way to go before ever making a "smash indie film," I'd say in my spare time (what is that? some kind of foreign concept?) I'm doing my best to hopefully make semi-competent short films.  But most of the time I'm working the non-film day job, which is both a blessing (glad to be working in this economy) and maybe a curse, since it takes up so much time and energy.  In sum, I truly believe I have consumed enough 5-Hour Energy over the past two years that I could be their official spokesperson by now.

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Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:49:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Marco Amenta http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/17474025 http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/17474025

By Kelly Strodl 

The-sicilian-girl

Today I talked with Marco Amenta, director of The Sicilian Girl, a film about a young girl who is raised within the mafia. Motivated by a combination of idealism and revenge after the murder of her father and brother, both members of La Cosa Nostra, 17-year-old Rita Atria went to Palermo's legendary anti-mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino and revealed all she had written in her diary since she was seven years old. The contents of that diary unlock a hunt against the mafia with details that can ruin the organization. The magistrate takes the girl under his wing and offered her protection against the sure-to-come retribution. Based on true events.


Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: The US distributor of my film got in contact with the festival. The us distributor is showing the film in many festival before the official US theatrical distribution that will start August 4th in NY (Film Forum). Only 2 Italian films have US distribution this year! So I am so happy abut this. Us audience love the film ! go to the Facebook page "The Sicilian Girl" and become a fan !

 

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: My sister Simonetta is the producer of the film. We have a family business !!! She got money to produce the film from Italy and France. And the film has be sold and theatrical released to many countries - Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: It is the story of a young Sicilian girl who grows up in a mafia family. She believe mafia is good! And that her father is a good guy, like robin hood! Growing up mafia will kill his father.. and she will go against the mafia... the first girl against the mafia ! a big fight for a young girl.. against powerful and strong godfathers...

 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: It was very difficult to choose the lead actress, Veronica D'agostino, who plays the girl against the mafia. I auditioned hundreds of actresses and non actresses.. but in the end I was sure : she was the girl! The right one! No doubts! She is perfect in the role. she has the strength but also the tenderness of a young 17-year old girl, and she felt so natural and real in the role since the first audition.

A she has a great energy. We rehearsed a lot before the shooting, exploring the context, I look to do this with all the actors. and it is the moment where we change sometimes the lines, to adapt to the characters. And after, during the shooting we don't need to talk a lot, because they know exactly what i want from them. Veronica was so "inside" the character, that we almost didn’t need to talk...

 

For the role of the prosecutor, because it is based on a famous anti-mafia Italian prosecutor, I wanted that he looked like the true character. and also I wanted a new face. not an actor that everybody knew... So I chose a very famous French actor that in Italy is not famous.

Then the role of the father, the mafia boss, Don Vito, is Marcello Mazzarella a great actor, who is also a friend of mine. he felt do much inside the character, that during the days of the shooting he wanted to go around the village with the motorbike of the character in order to continue to be him... even out of the shooting. I like actors that "do not act,” meaning that feel their emotion. They don't play the emotion in a fake way. During the shooting days "they are the character" and they feel like him/her. They are actors that play with "guts" not with the head. Even if the study and prepare a lot, then they are able to be instinctive and true.

 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I work full time in film. While not filming a lot of working is for writing the films and also in financing the films. I have a production company together with my sister, so we produce also other filmmakers and we are trying to grow also a s a film company.

 

THE SICILIAN GIRL screens at 7:30 and 7:45 PM today, Monday, April 26 in the Edwards Island theaters 1 & 5.

 

Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256843

 

 

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Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:00:00 -0700 UPDATE! Burzynski - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burzynski-2nd-screening-added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burzynski-2nd-screening-added
Due to high demand for the documentary filmm Burzynski, we've added a second screening at 8:30 PM, Sunday, April 25 in South Coat Village Theater.
Burzynski
Ph.D biochemist, Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, won one of the largest legal battles against the Food & Drug Administration in U.S. history. Dr. Burzynski and his patients endured a treacherous 14-year journey in order to obtain FDA-approved clinical trials for a new cancer-fighting drug. His groundbreaking medical and legal battles have brought revolutionary cancer treatment to the public. Upon completion, his treatment will be available the world over - sending a shock wave through the cancer industry.

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:25:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Chris Landon http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-chris-landon http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-chris-landon By Kelly Strodl

 

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Today I sat with Chris Landon, director of BURNING PALMS, which sold out at last night’s screening and has been slotted again to show at 5:45 PM tonight. I know not much time, but if you get down here you could just catch this smash hit starring Adrianna Baraza, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Chung, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Paz Vega, Robert Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Shannen Doherty, and Zoe Saldana. This subversive comedy takes a stab at satirizing the well-known stereotypes of varying Los Angeles neighborhoods. The stories of five interlocking characters who must deal with their own varied, darkly funny fates, are followed in this entertaining film boasting an ensemble cast large enough to leave Hollywood reporters joking about being out of breath at the end of the litany of names. In this daring romp no taboo is left unexplored.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: I’ve heard of the festival just from word of mouth, general mentions. I had a short film that cruised the film festival circuit. But this year we were invited to screen BURNING PALMS by the festival. I’ve spent a lot of time though checking out the website.

And the whole thing is really laid back. Which I like. Other festivals seem to have a “douche” factor that is very absent. Here, people come out to generally support movies and that’s great.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: It’s a dark comedy where five stories are all inter-connected. It’s a meditation on loneliness and the really dark places that can take you to… Not for the faint of heart – it’s some really bizarre, outlandish stuff.

I wrote the screenplay six years ago, It’s been gestating for some time. It’s a risky work so getting it financed was risky too. But once it got financed it was a quick pre-production – six weeks. Then a year of post, which is longer than usual, but that’s because we had an animated section of the film.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: Went to film school at LMU. Then, I actually had an internship at Disney, working for a number of producers. They were cool, and made me an unofficial reader, reading scripts all day. Most were not very good and I got to thinking that I could do better. So I started writing my own scripts. And that was the impetus for getting started with the whole thing.

It was such a hobby – I really didn’t think anyone would take it seriously. That feeling never goes away. I know I’m a professional, and the validation is not getting paid. It’s being given the opportunity to make a living creatively. It is a gift. 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Zero complaints in actors performances. They were a dream - beyond talented. They brought so much more to their characters and that was the thrill for me. 

We even had some non-professional actors and they were awesome. One of the actresses who played a doctor in a mental hospital – it was written for a doctor that was an Indian woman, but we couldn’t find anyone in casting that really did it for me. Well, one of our investors just happened to be Indian, she just was it. So I turned to her one day in the middle of casting and said, “Can you do it?” She, kind of shocked, said, “I’m not an actor.”

“I don’t care.”

And she was perfect. She was the character. Every screening, when she comes on the people just start laughing hysterically, every time.

It’s those challenges that really push you and make you better as a filmmaker.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I’m a film geek through and through. I see everything. If I hear a movie’s really bad I actually run to see it. You can learn a lot from a bad movie. You're not going to learn every thing you need from just seeing good films. You learn from others mistakes, too. It’s those times when I stop viewing a movie with that analytical eye that I know a movie’s really amazing. Those are the great ones. 

BURNING PALMS screens at 5:45 PM today, Saturday, April 24 in the Edwards Island 4.

Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=263284

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Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:28:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Brooks Branch http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-brook-branch http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-brook-branch By Kelly Strodl

Multiple-sarcasms

Today I talked with Brooks Branch, director of MULTIPLE SARCASMS, a film about a successful architect who decides to become a playwright – to cope with his mid-life crisis, and finds he does some of his best writing on the john. Gabriel is a man who on the surface has it all-successful professional life, a beautiful wife, and a devoted young daughter. But slowly it dawns on him that he is not really happy. So, he decides that he wants to write a play about the sorry state of his life. He quits his job and starts writing. However, the struggle of composing the play becomes a catalyst in his life, pushing away those close to him and testing his resolve to complete the work that will ultimately change his life forever.

The film screens tonight as one of our Spotlights. 

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: From our PR Gang (MPRM) -- they spoke highly of festival and so we're excited.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: It's a drama which the tone was inspired by quirky late 70's relationship dramas like An Unmarried Woman, Starting Over and other Hal Ashby and Woody Allen type films. This era of film had characters that seemed very real and relatable, but at the same time were in films that were at times imperfect and funny. In Multiple Sarcasms, the lead character, Gabriel (played by Timothy Hutton) is a man who's path to happiness is not cut and dry. Unlike other films, he does not have a cancer to point at for his unhappiness and so (like those of us in real life) has to work hard to figure out what the problem is in an otherwise seemingly happy life.    From the talented crew right through the amazing actors -- everyone was on the same page to try to bring the down-to-earth elements of this story to life.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I grew up a painter in the incongruous locale of Salt Lake City. Then became a graphic designer and ultimately Creative Director and went into publishing -- then I shifted into entertainment and ran a creative division of Paramount Pictures -- only to then leave and have my own branding company where I have strategically helped heads of most all the studios (as well as other highly visible companies) to produce, launch and leverage their brands and other projects.  While I have written many books, and other projects, Multiple Sarcasms is the first feature film that I have directed. Aside from my professional background, I have been seeing films since I was a little kid and so I'm a true lover of film -- which is my main credential in terms of making a film.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: I was lucky to work with amazing actors who shared a vision that I helped to set with the script.  Once they bought into that, then the rest was just a healthy collaboration. Casting is a long process and boring real life issues enter into it like finances and schedules, but at the core of the process is a chemical chain reaction that you have to both start, and know how to control. Set backs are part of that process and to be expected. And triumphs come in many shapes and require risk, so don't be afraid to try new things or to let the actors. Each actor has a unique set of gifts and also some insecurities... so try to figure out their specific language and then speak it as best you can.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Experience life enough to try and create more and more.
Oh, and watch other people's smash films.

MULTIPLE SARCASMS screens at 6 PM on Saturday, April 24 at the Edwards Island Theater 5.

Buy ticket here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256900

Watch the trailer for WE WERE FEARED here:

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Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:57:48 -0700 UPDATE! The Four-Faced Liar - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-the-four-faced-liar-2nd-screening-adde http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-the-four-faced-liar-2nd-screening-adde
Due to high demand for THE FOUR-FACED LIAR - The first screening has already sold out! - we've added a second screening at 3 PM, Monday, April 26 in Edwards Island Theater 5.

Fourfacedliar

When Molly and Greg, an adorable couple, become intrigued by Trip and Bridget, their loveably raunchy best friends, Molly finds herself falling for Bridget. As her attraction toward Bridget becomes more intense, she's faced with a life-altering question. Which is most important: passion or consistency?

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:50:38 -0700 UPDATE! Burning Palms - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burning-palms-2nd-screening-added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burning-palms-2nd-screening-added Hey Newport Beach Film Festers! 

Due to high demand for BURNING PALMS - The first screening has already sold out! - we've added a second screening at 5:45 pm, Saturday, April 24 in Edwards Island Theater 4. (This screening will replace the Saturday showing of SOLOMON KANE which was canceled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland last week.)

001_burningpalms_l

Starring Adrianna Baraza, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Chung, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Paz Vega, Robert Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Shannen Doherty, and Zoe Saldana -  this subversive comedy takes a stab at satirizing the well-known stereotypes of varying Los Angeles neighborhoods. The stories of five interlocking characters who must their own varied, darkly funny fates, are followed in this entertaining film boasting an ensemble cast large enough to leave Hollywood reporters joking about being out of breath at the end of the litany of names. In this daring romp no taboo is left unexplored.

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:21:00 -0700 Newport Beach Film Festival - now a featured spot on Gowalla http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/newport-beach-film-festival-now-a-featured-sp http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/newport-beach-film-festival-now-a-featured-sp

Gowalla_nbff_page

So it's official! We have a featured custom Newport Beach Film Festival Gowalla icon. If you don't already use geo-location apps or know what one is - It's a mobile application where your phone locates you on the globe using GPS and posts it to the gowalla site, and/or your Twitter and/or Facebook. It connects with friends and people who may be at... the same location looking to meet up! 

 

For this year's festival we'll be using to notify people of sold out events, celeb sightings, movies with ticks still available, the hottest parties, best food, etc. Thanks Gowalla team and Jonathan, you guys are awesome.

 

Most importantly TONIGHT, when you arrive at the Opening Night tonight make sure to CHECK IN on the mobile App, that way we can create a hot spot and get some buzz going on this thing! 


Check Out our page on Gowalla HERE!

Have an iPhone, Blackberry, Android, or Palm smartphone?
Click here to download the app free to your phone.
 
Hope to see you there. 
Kelly Strodl - @kelly4nia

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Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:06:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Matthew Leutwyler http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with By Kelly Strodl

The_river_why_400

This afternoon we talked with Matthew Leutwyler, director of THE RIVER WHY, the story of 20-year old Gus Oryiston. A Mozart of fly fishing, Gus leaves his big city home in rebellion from his family to live the simple secluded life on the banks of a river. Instead of the bliss Gus hoped for, his isolation drives him to a journey of self-discovery. Along this journey Gus comes in contact with a number of eccentric people who help him through his passage into adulthood. He finds friendship and love where he never expected it, and lives by the following observation: "The surface of the earth is 30% land and 70% water. A newborn baby is composed of 70% water and 30% everything else. I guess this means that life and water are inseparable."

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: I actually had a film there years ago. My first feature, Road Kill. I live in Los Angeles now so am familiar with the fest anyway. 

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: Upon high school graduation, I left on a trek to Australia and took along with me a soft cover copy of THE RIVER WHY. It was my constant companion on an adventure that included working on a dairy farm and fishing the various rivers and streams of Victoria's high country. I must have read the book four or five times over the course of my journey, identifying closely with Gus's departure from his home in pursuit of happiness in the wilderness. The book remained a favorite of mine over the years since I returned, so naturally when the opportunity came to direct the film version it was a dream come true.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I studied film at The San Francisco Art Institue and then moved to L.A. to get into the business. A few years later I met Miranda Bailey (director of the doc Greenlit, also playing at the fest) and we formed our production company Ambush Entertainment. . Since then, Ambush has produced 2005's award-winning critically acclaimed drama The Squid and the Whale; the sexually charged comedy The Oh In Ohio starring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito; the sci-fi horror Unearthed; and the comedy Lower Learning with Eva Longoria Parker, Jason Biggs, and Rob Corddry. Recent films include: Against the Current, with Joseph Fiennes, Mary Tyler Moore and Justin Kirk which Premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by IFC Films; the Matthew Broderick and Sanaa Lathan drama Wonderful World, distributed by Magnolia Pictures; and Every Day, written and directed by Richard Levine (Nip/Tuck) and starring Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, and Carla Gugino which will make its World Premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. The company’s latest film, the action comedy Super starring Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, and Kevin Bacon just wrapped production and is expected to be completed in late Spring 2010.

My latest directing was the ensemble drama Answers To Nothing, starring Dane Cook, Elizabeth Mitchell, Julie Benz, and Barbara Hershey which recently completed principal photography.

I've also been doing some short form work with spots for Chevrolet and most recently a Coke Zero commercial that was a cross promotion with the film Avatar.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Working with William Hurt was an obvious thrill. He really challenges you to be your best. But working with Zach Gilford and Amber Heard was the most fun. I have a real fondness for both actors. Zach and I worked again recently on Answers To Nothing. They were game for anything and totally prepared. They also fit into the loose vibe but quick pace that we had on set. Zach especially had to endure a lot on THE RIVER WHY. Not only did he have to carry the entire movie, as he is in almost every scene but he had to do it while dealing with the elements. The climatic fishing sequence at the end of the film was shot over 16 hours straight - from day into night and then back into the early morning. And he had to do it while performing in 55 degree water. There was never a complaint, he really just wanted it to be authentic and it came out beautifully. 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Sleep. Its been a really busy few years for us at Ambush so right now that is all I have time for.

THE RIVER WHY screens at 6 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island 7.

Buy tickets here for Friday:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256931

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:23:18 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Larry Brand http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-larry-brand http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-larry-brand
By Kelly Strodl

Christina

Today we talk with Larry Brand Director/Screenwriter of CHRISTINA, a film inspired by the true story of a young German woman who must confront a dark secret before she can start a new life in America. As the young woman prepares to leave her war-ravaged city to begin a new life in the U.S. with her G.I. fiance - standing between her and a hopeful future is a relentless police inspector, determined to prevent her from escaping the past. He pushes her to face the truth about a child, whose secret the woman has kept all this time. Before she can leave for her new life, she will be forced to confront the past she's been trying to leave behind. 

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: My executive producers, Rebecca Reynolds and Jim Carpenter, heard about it through our producers’ rep, Noor Ahmed, who’s a longtime fan of the festival. Noor thought it would be an excellent venue to premiere our film.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: Years ago, a family friend told me a story about an American GI who became involved with a young German woman just after the end of the war. As their relationship unfolded he learned, painfully, that she was not what she had appeared, and in fact stood accused of a monstrous act committed in the shadows of the greater carnage. I’d always been fascinated by World War II, but wasn’t particularly interested in doing a traditional war movie; personal, intimate crime is inherently more intriguing to me than the spectacle of battle. The story of CHRISTINA, its constantly shifting narratives, its layering of truth and half-truth, its real-time pacing and cinematic intimacy, offered a way to shrink down to human scale the unapproachable vastness of a war that took fifty million lives.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: Like most filmmakers, I loved movies as a kid, and can remember waiting for the next horror or monster flick to hit the Midway Theater in Forest Hills. Years later, when working for Roger Corman, I would recall how effective his THE PREMATURE BURIAL had been on me and my friends. But I was equally influenced by TV shows like “The Twilight Zone,” “The Outer Limits,” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.” In fact, I can even see some Twilight Zone influences in CHRISTINA. Sometimes, I can almost imagine Rod Serling, standing just off the set, watching the story unfold....

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: Nicki Aycox and Jordan Belfi seemed as if they were born to play the roles of Christina and Billy. Nicki has the ethereal quality of a living ghost, a survivor who doesn’t quite believe she’s made it into the present; Jordan captures the optimism and likeability of a WW II GI, certain the future is his for the taking. 

Berlin Police Inspector Reinhardt was the last to be cast and, when producer/cinematographer Kees Van Oostrum suggested Stephen Lang, I flew to New York to meet him. Though I knew of his reputation as an actor, I was a bit concerned about his physicality: he was a good decade younger than I’d imagined Reinhardt, and very muscular – he still looked like Col. Quaritch from AVATAR. But he told me not to worry, just to make sure wardrobe got him a suit one size too big for him. By the time he got to the set he’d undergone a complete transformation; he was unrecognizable. He looked stiff, almost frail, a good decade older. People were asking me where we found the “old German actor.” 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A:Well, sometimes I’m writing non-indie films. But, mostly, when I’m not making movies, I spend my time watching other people’s movies.

CHRISTINA screens at 7:30 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island Theater 4.

Buy tickets here:

Watch the trailer for CHRISTINA here:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:44:00 -0700 Newport Beach Filmmaker's Five with Daryn Tufts http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/newport-beach-filmmakers-five-with-daryn-tuft http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/newport-beach-filmmakers-five-with-daryn-tuft By Kelly Strodl

My_girlfriends_boyfriend

I took a moment to talk with Daryn Tufts, director/writer of MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND, a fun rom-com about Jesse, a sassy, intelligent woman who has yet to find "Mr. Right." That is until she bumps into Ethan, a writer pushed to the edge of despair after having another novel rejected by publishers. For Jesse, the encounter offers more than a chance to inspire the artist in Ethan again. It also opens a new, romantic chapter in her life... with one huge complication. Moments after meeting the perfect guy for her, Jesse meets Mr. Perfect – Troy, a confident and successful advertising executive who makes almost every moment elegant and romantic. Soon Jesse is in over her head and grappling with the ultimate romantic paradox: what does a girl do when she meets "Mr. Right" after already meeting the right guy? 

 

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: Being local to Salt Lake City, I attend the Sundance Film Festival every year, which made me interested in other festivals. I first heard of the Newport Beach Film Festival a couple of years ago when I was attending some other festivals with another movie I was involved with. When it came time to submit MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND to film festivals, our distribution partners strongly encouraged us to submit it to Newport Beach, having nothing but tremendously positive things to say about that festival. So we did, and this will be the first time I’m coming to NBFF to experience it for myself.  

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: I wanted to write a love story that did something surprising and unconventional. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many loves stories follow a very familiar and predictable story structure. I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting if a movie presented itself as a conventional love story, and then turned into something very different and surprising? Essentially, I wanted to write something that had a twist – a smart, funny love story that had heart, but also did something I’ve never seen in this genre before.

We shot the film entirely in Salt Lake City, with local crew, producers, etc. We wanted to shoot Salt Lake in a way that brought out the charm and interesting aspects of that city, hopefully in a way we haven’t seen done before. All of the main cast came from Hollywood, and we cast some of the smaller parts out of Salt Lake City.

 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in film-making.

A: I’ve always been passionate about film. Nerd, geek passionate, in fact. But I didn’t set out to be a filmmaker. I began my career as a copywriter, working for ad agencies and production companies. During and after college, I also enjoyed writing and performing sketch and improvisational comedy with a couple different comedy troupes. Those experiences were incredible, and indirectly led to some opportunities to write and act in some small independent films.

Originally, I didn’t foresee anything happening with those movies, but they each went on to find success in theaters and DVD. Once I had some experience in filmmaking and I was already working as a professional writer, I thought I’d see what I could do with it. I started writing my own screenplays and decided to produce a couple of small documentaries. And things sort of grew from there. Writing led to opportunities to act, direct, and produce. Through it all, I’ve discovered that writing and directing is what I definitely enjoy the most.  I haven’t performed live comedy in a long time and while I still do a little bit of acting, writing and directing is definitely what I see myself continuing to do.

 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.

A: I guess the biggest surprise is that these actors wanted to be in the movie in the first place. I know that might seem a little cliché, but it’s really true. As independent filmmakers in Utah, we didn’t have any connections to any of these actors.  All we had was a script and a business plan to throw at these actors and say “Hey…ummm… wanna be in it?” When I first heard that Alyssa Milano was interested in the film, I half-expected that the person telling me was just yanking my chain.

Making a movie is a huge process that involves a lot of people, so there are always set-backs. But we were very fortunate that things went as smoothly as they did. Alyssa really dug in and helped shape and polish the story and production of the movie, and all of the actors brought some surprises. For example, some of Chris Gorham’s best and funniest dialogue was stuff Chris came up with for his character. And our crew was incredible. I’m proud to say that on a limited budget, we have a film that looks amazing and much bigger than its budget constraints – and that was all because of the people behind the scenes.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Reading, writing, watching movies and great TV shows, traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and forcing myself to get to the gym once in a while. And thanks to Alyssa Milano’s influence, I’ve been twittering for the past year. Follow me! @DarynTufts

MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND screens at 7:45 PM on Saturday, April 24 at the Edwards Island Theater 1.

Buy tickets here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256875

Watch the trailer for MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND here:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl