Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.

• Press Release: After Dark and Dark Castle Announce ‘After Dark Action’
• Press Release: Brigade 2012 Spring & Summer Preview
• Press Release: Strategy PR Slate at 2012 Tribeca Film Festival
• Press Release: Disappearing Act Film Festival Sets Schedule
• Press Release: Brigade Film Slate at 2012 Tribeca Film Festival
• Press Release: Still Images from The Road
• Press Release: Cameras Roll on ‘Look of Love’
• Press Release: Freestyle Enters VOD Deal with Feature Films for Families

Press Release: After Dark and Dark Castle Announce ‘After Dark Action’

AFTER DARK FILMS AND DARK CASTLE HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE “AFTER DARK ACTION”

New Franchise of Five Original Action Films Features International Action Stars Jean Claude Van Damme, Jim Caviezel, Cung Le, Dolph Lundgren, Christian Slater & Peter Weller

“After Dark Action” Opens Theatrically and On Demand May 11, 2012

Los Angeles, CA (April 2, 2012) – Dark Castle Home Entertainment and After Dark Films will debut the new action movie franchise AFTER DARK ACTION, it was announced today by Courtney Solomon, After Dark Films President and CEO. The first generation of AFTER DARK ACTION movies includes five original, adrenaline-pumping films starring international stars such as Jean Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Peter Weller, Jim Caviezel, Cung Le and Christian Slater. AFTER DARK ACTION will showcase the movies theatrically as a commercial film festival in markets nationwide and on VOD on May 11. “After many years with the HORRORFEST ‘8 FILMS TO DIE FOR’ and AFTER DARK ORIGINALS brands, we are excited to expand into the action film arena,” says Solomon. “Our mission is to create innovative, first-rate entertainment for action lovers everywhere.”

AFTER DARK ACTION combines the talents of Joel Silver’s Dark Castle Home Entertainment and After Dark Films for a series of high quality, high-octane action pictures. “Helping Courtney and After Dark put these films together has been a great experience,” Silver says. “The audience is in for a treat.”

The first installment of AFTER DARK ACTION includes:

Transit – Starring Jim Caviezel, James Frain, Elizabeth Rohm, Harold Perrineau and Sterling Knight; and directed by Antonio Negret and written by Michael Gilvary
Dragon Eyes – Starring Jean Claude Van Damme, Cung Le and Peter Weller; and directed by John Hyams and written by Tim Tori
Philly Kid – Starring Neal McDonough, Devon Sawa and Wes Chatham; and directed by Jason Connery and written by Adam Mervis
Stash House — Starring Dolph Lundgren, Sean Faris, Briana Evigan and Jon Huertas; and directed by Eduardo Rodriguez and written by Gary Spinelli
El Gringo — Starring Christian Slater, Scott Adkins and Yvette Yates, directed by Eduardo Rodriguez and written by Jonathan W. Stokes

About After Dark Films:
After Dark Films, an Independent motion picture studio, was formed in 2006 by director/filmmaker Courtney Solomon and Hong Kong based real estate magnate Allan Zeman. After Dark Films’ first motion picture film release was An American Haunting (2006) starring Sissy Spacek and Donald Sutherland. Co-founder and CEO Courtney Solomon wrote, produced, and directed this film under the newly formed After Dark Films banner.

After the release of An American Haunting, partners Solomon and Zeman formed a multiyear marketing and distribution deal for Horrorfest “8 Films To Die For®” between After Dark Films and Lionsgate Entertainment, with After Dark handling theatrical marketing & releases and Lionsgate handling the distribution of all ancillary forms of media (Home Video, Pay TV, Pay Per View). After Dark Films released Horrorfest 4 in theaters on January 29, 2010.

Building on the success of Horrorfest, After Dark released the first 8 originally produced horror films in January 2011 under the moniker After Dark Originals. Its second slate of 8 more originally produced films, After Dark Originals 2 is currently in production.

About Dark Castle Home Entertainment:
Dark Castle Entertainment was launched in 1999 by producer Joel Silver (“Lethal Weapon,” “Die Hard,” “The Matrix”) and Robert Zemeckis (“Castaway,” “Back to the Future”). One of the most prolific and successful producers in the history of motion pictures, Silver has produced a catalog of over 60 films, which have earned a combined gross of $13.5 billion worldwide from all sources.

With Dark Castle, Silver expanded his production prowess into the horror market and began with a string of hit films starting with the record-breaking 1999 opening of “House on Haunted Hill,” followed by “Thir13en Ghosts” in 2001, “Ghost Ship” in 2002, “Gothika” in 2003 and “House of Wax” in 2005.

Dark Castle Home Entertainment was created in 2007 to produce original horror films and sequels to Dark Castle pictures that would be released directly to the home market. Some of the movies include “Return to House on Haunted Hill” starring Jeffrey Combs and Amanda Righetti, and “The Hills Run Red,” starring Sophie Monk.

Press Release: Brigade 2012 Spring & Summer Preview

THE PERFECT FAMILY

Directed By: Anne Renton
Written By: Paula Goldberg and Claire V. Riley
Starring: Kathleen Turner, Jason Ritter, Emily Deschanel, Richard Chamberlin
Studio: Variance Films
Release Date: May 4, 2012 in NY; May 11, 2012 in LA; nationwide rollout to follow
Genre: Comedy / Drama

Suburban mother – and devout Catholic – Eileen Cleary (Kathleen Turner) has always kept up appearances. When she runs for the ‘Catholic Woman of the Year’ title at her local parish—an award she has coveted for years—her final test is introducing her family to the board for the seal of approval. Now, she must finally face the nonconformist family she has been glossing over for years. Her gay daughter Shannon (Emily Deschanel) – a successful lawyer – is about to marry her life partner Angela (Angelique Cabral), her unhappily married son Frank Jr. (Jason Ritter) is cheating on his wife with the local manicurist, and Eileen’s own marriage to a recovered alcoholic is pulling at the seams.

This heartfelt dysfunctional family comedy boasts a memorable performance from Academy Award nominee Turner as the conflicted matriarch, alongside a bright ensemble cast including Richard Chamberlain and Michael McGrady. Newcomer director Anne Renton keeps the pacing taut and crafts an honest, modern family tale. Writers Claire V. Riley and Paula Goldberg infuse just the right amount of seriousness and levity into their script, reminding us that family is never truly perfect. The film celebrated its world premiere at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

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AMERICAN ANIMAL

Written/Directed By: Matt D’Elia
Starring: Matt D’Elia, Brendan Fletcher, Mircea Monroe, Angela Sarafyan
Studio: Screen Media
Release Date: May 18, 2012 in New York; rollout to follow
Genre: Fantasy / Dark Comedy

A striking discovery of the 2011 SXSW Film Festival, the wild and personal existential comedy AMERICAN ANIMAL marks the feature film debut of writer/director/actor Matt D’Elia. The film takes viewers on a unique and intense journey of self-discovery as it acerbically and humorously examines themes of friendship, madness, sex and death. When Jimmy (D’Elia) finds out his best friend and roommate James (Brendan Fletcher from HBO’s “The Pacific”) is leaving for a new job in the morning, he sees this as a betrayal of their perfect way of life. Over the course of a night full of drinks, drugs and women, the two men engage in a classic battle of wills as James prepares to enter the real world and Jimmy falls deeper and deeper into his world of isolation and make-believe. AMERICAN ANIMAL features breakthrough performances from D’Elia, Fletcher, Mircea Monroe (THE CHANGE-UP) and Angela Sarafyan (THE TWILIGHT SAGA).

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PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE

Directed By: Stephen Kessler
Featuring: Paul Williams and Stephen Kessler
Release Date: June 2012
Genre: Music Documentary

In the 1970s, Paul Williams won Grammys and an Academy Award. He wrote many #1 songs, from Barbara Streisand’s “Evergreen” to the Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun,” as well as Kermit the Frog’s biggest hit, “The Rainbow Connection.” He starred in a Brian De Palma movie, put out his own hit records and albums, was a guest on The Tonight Show fifty times, is the president of ASCAP… and you may have never heard of him. He was the singer / actor / songwriter that emotional, alienated teenage boys all over the world wanted to be – a sex symbol before MTV, when sex symbols could be 5″2 and sing songs about loneliness with the Muppets. One of those boys was Steve Kessler, a chubby kid from Queens. Thirty years later, Kessler discovered something amazing: not only was Paul Williams still alive, no one had ever tried to make a documentary about him. A wistful musical journey that will introduce a new generation to Williams’ soulful classics, “Paul Williams Still Alive” is the charmingly self-narrated story of Stephen Kessler’s lifelong obsession with the former superstar, and what happens when the nostalgic filmmaker finally catches up with him.

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YOUR SISTER’S SISTER

Written and Directed By: Lynn Shelton
Starring: Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mark Duplass
Studio: IFC Films
Release Date: June 15, 2012 in NY & LA; national rollout to follow
Genre: Comedy / Drama

The fourth feature from Sundance award-winning filmmaker Lynn Shelton (HUMPDAY), YOUR SISTER’S SISTER is a tale of grief, romance and sibling rivalry that continues to showcase Shelton’s extraordinary ability to portray human stories with remarkable humor, sensitivity and warmth.

A year after his brother Tom’s death, Jack (Duplass) is an emotionally unstable slacker. When he makes a scene at a memorial party, Tom’s ex-girlfriend Iris (Blunt) offers up her family cabin on an island in the Pacific Northwest so Jack can seek catharsis in solitude. Once there, however, he runs into Iris’ sister Hannah, a lesbian reeling from the abrupt end of a seven-year relationship who finds solace in the affable Tom’s unexpected presence, and the two bond over a long night of drinking. The blurry evening concludes with an awkward sexual incident made worse by Iris’ sudden presence at the cabin the next morning which sets into motion a twisted tale of ever-complicated relationships.

With raw, funny and emotional performances from an all-star cast, Shelton once again honestly explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships while gently poking fun at her characters’ predicaments.

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COMPLIANCE

Written and Directed By: Craig Zobel
Starring: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker and Pat Healy
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: August 2012
Genre: Drama / Thriller

When a police officer tells you to do something, you do it. Right?

Inspired by a chilling true story, COMPLIANCE explores just how far one might go to obey a figure of authority. On a particularly busy day at the local ChickWich, the fast food joint’s high-strung manager Sandra (Dowd) receives a phone call from a police officer saying her employee Becky (Walker) has stolen money from a customer. Convinced she’s only doing what’s right, Sandra commences the investigation, following step-by-step instructions from the officer at the other end of the line, no matter how invasive they become.

The second feature from Craig Zobel (director of the 2007 Sundance hit THE GREAT WORLD OF SOUND), COMPLIANCE recounts this riveting nightmare in which the line between legality and reason is hauntingly blurred. The cast delivers startlingly authentic performances that make the events unfolding on screen impossible to turn away from. Delving into the complex psychology of the story that inspired the film, COMPLIANCE proves that sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

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HIT AND RUN

Directed By: Dax Shepard and David Palmer
Written By: Dax Shepard
Starring: Studio: Open Road Films
Release Date: August 24th, 2012
Genre: Comedy / Action

Written, produced and directed by comic talent Dax Shepard (NBC’s “Parenthood”), HIT AND RUN is the story of Charlie Bronson (Shepard), a former getaway driver who busts out of the Witness Protection Program to drive his girlfriend (Kristen Bell) to Los Angeles so she can land her dream job. Their road trip grows awkwardly complicated, when they are chased by the feds (led by Tom Arnold), and increasingly dangerous, when Charlie’s former gang of criminals (led by Bradley Cooper) enter the fray.

Press Release: Strategy PR Slate at 2012 Tribeca Film Festival

Viewpoints – Adam Christian Clark’s CAROLINE AND JACKIE (Acquisition Title / Sales: Traction Media)

On a celebratory birthday trip, Caroline (Marguerite Moreau “Shameless”) visits her sister, Jackie (Bitsie Tulloch “Grimm”) and her boyfriend (David Giuntoli “Grimm”). But what starts out as a fun evening with close friends quickly goes askew, as the effects of the sisters’ obscure past begins to take its toll on the night’s affair. Caroline and the group attempt to support Jackie for an apparent illness – though it’s unclear who really needs the most help.

Screenings:
Saturday, April 21at 5:30pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theatre 3)- Premiere
Sunday, April 22nd at 11:30am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 8- P&I Screening #1
Tuesday, April 24th at 9:30am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7- P&I Screening #2
Tuesday, April 24th at 9:00pm- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7- Public Screening
Saturday, April 28th at 9:00pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theatre 1)- Public Screening

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Spotlight -Donald Rice’s CHEERFUL WEATHER FOR THE WEDDING (Acquisition Title/ Sales: UTA)

England, 1932. Today is the wedding day of Dolly Thatcham (Felicity Jones), and her family is arriving at the manor house with all the cheerfulness, chaos and grievances that bubble to the surface at such gatherings. Trouble soon appears in the shape of Joseph (Luke Treadaway), Dolly’s lover from the previous summer, who throws her feelings into turmoil. Dolly’s mother (Elizabeth McGovern) will not allow her carefully laid plans for her daughter’s future to be threatened, and as the clock ticks, the bride can’t decide whether to run away with Joseph or start a new life in Argentina with her husband-to-be.

Screenings:
Friday, April 20th at 9:30pm- BMCC Tribeca PAC- Premiere
Saturday, April 21st at 12:15pm- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 6- P&I Screening
Sunday, April 22nd at 11:30am- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theatre 3)- Public Screening
Tuesday, April 24th at 9:30pm- SVA Theater 1 Silas- Public Screening
Saturday, April 28th at 6:30pm- SVA Theater 1 Silas- Public Screening

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Tribeca Talks – Charles Matthau’s FREAKY DEAKY (Acquisition Title / Sales: Paradigm)

Chris Mankowski’s (Billy Burke) first day on the sex crimes unit of the Detroit Police Department does not go well. Not only does he fall for the first person to report an assault to him, he’s suspended for investigating the rich, powerful and completely drunk Woody Ricks (Crispin Glover). Chris takes matters into his own hands – only to discover there are all kinds of people trying to get something – money, revenge, or both from Woody. From Woody’s former Black Panther nursemaid Donnell (Michael Jai White) who’s trying to work his way into the will, to Woody’s own yuppie brother (Andy Dick), to sexy and dangerous 60s radical turned romance novelist Robin Abbot, who blames Woody for snitching on her and her partner (Christian Slater), Chris will have to navigate a mine field to get justice outside the law. Filled with some of Elmore Leonard’s greatest characters (it’s his favorite book) as well as his trademark deadpan humor, FREAKY DEAKY is a funny, sexy and dangerous look at the dark side of the 1970s, as well as an homage to 70s style filmmaking, that ends just like it begins – with a bang.

Screenings:
Sunday, April 22nd at 3:30pm – SVA Theater 1 Silas- Public Screening #1 (Premiere)
Wednesday, April 25th at 9:30am – Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7- Public Screening #2

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World Narrative Competition – David Riker’s THE GIRL (All Sales: Goldcrest Films)

From the producer of Maria Full of Grace and director David Riker (La Ciudad), THE GIRL tells the story of a young single mother in Texas who is at the brink of collapse. Struggling financially and having lost custody of her son, she makes an ill-conceived attempt to help smuggle a group of Mexican migrant workers across the border. A fatal move and an emotional connection to a young girl thrusts her on a life-changing journey. Featuring Abbie Cornish (Stop Loss, Bright Star) in a daring and transformative performance, the film also stars Will Patton and newcomer Maritza Santiago Hernandez.

Screenings:
Friday, April 20th at 6:30pm- SVA Theater 1 Silas- Public Screening (Premiere)
Saturday, April 21st at 10:30am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9- P&I Screening #1
Sunday, April 22nd at 6:00pm-AMC Loews Village 7 (Theater 1)- Public Screening #2
Tuesday, April 24th at 5:30pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theater 3)- Public Screening #3
Saturday, April 28th at 8:30pm- SVA Theater 2 Beatrice- Public Screening #4

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World Documentary Competition – Beth Murphy’s THE LIST (All Sales: Goldcrest Films)

THE LIST tells the story of Kirk Johnson, a modern-day Oskar Schindler who is fighting to save Iraqis whose lives are in danger because they worked for the U.S. government and military to help rebuild Iraq. After leading reconstruction teams in Baghdad and Fallujah for the United States, Kirk discovers that many of his Iraqi friends and colleagues are being targeted as “collaborators with the enemy.” Perceived as traitors, their fates are sealed, and they are systematically hunted-killed, kidnapped, and forced into lives on the run. Frustrated by a stagnating government bureaucracy in the U.S. that fails to protect U.S.-affiliated Iraqis, Kirk begins compiling a list of their names and works with a team of lawyers to get them out of harm’s way. Bound by a sense of moral responsibility and honor, Kirk sets out to redeem a nation that has largely betrayed its Iraqi allies. THE LIST was filmed over four years in Iraq, Syria Jordan, Egypt, and across the United States.

Screenings:
Saturday, April 21st at 4:00pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theater 2)- Public Screening (Premiere)
Tuesday, April 24th at 9:00am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 4- P&I Screening
Tuesday, April 24th at 5:30pm- SVA Theater 2 Beatrice- Public Screening
Wednesday, April 25th at 3:45pm- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 8- Public Screening
Saturday, April 28th at 8:30pm- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 4- Public Screening

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Spotlight – Michael Winterbottom’s TRISHNA (U.S. Distributor: Sundance Selects, opens July 13 in NY and LA)

Trishna (Freida Pinto) lives with her family in a village in Rajasthan, India’s largest state. As the eldest daughter, she works in a nearby resort to help pay the bills. Jay (Riz Ahmed, FOUR LIONS) is the wealthy son of a property developer. When he takes up managing a resort at his father’s request, he meets Trishna at a dance and their fates cross. Jay finds every opportunity to win Trishna’s affection and she accepts his efforts with shy curiosity. But when the two move to Mumbai and become a couple, Jay’s deep family bond threatens the young lovers’ bliss. Shot with Winterbottom’s agile camera, TRISHNA, based on the novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles, is a powerful look at the tension between ancient privilege and modern equality, between codes of urban and rural life and ultimately a hymn to both the glory and the tragedy that comes with beauty in all forms.

Screenings:
Saturday, April 26th at 9:30am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7- P&I Screening
Friday, April 27th at 6:00pm- BMCC Tribeca PAC- Premiere
Saturday, April 28th at 5:30pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theatre 3)- Public Screening

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World Narrative Competition – Kat Coiro’s WHILE WE WERE HERE (Acquisition Title / Sales: WME)

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Island of Ischia, off the Amalfi Coast, WHILE WE WERE HERE follows a young American writer named Jane (Kate Bosworth) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when she accompanies her husband Leonard (Iddo Goldberg) on a business trip. While escaping the mundanity of her comfortable marriage by delving deeper into adapting her grandmother’s WWII stories into a memoir she stumbles into a romantic affair with a younger man (Jamie Blackley) who complicates her life even further. Inspired by the discovery of a set of audio tapes of her own grandmother, the film was written and directed by Kat Coiro. WHILE WE WERE HERE was produced by Lauren Bratman, and executive produced by Terry Dougas and Paris Kasidokostas Latsis.

Screenins:
Saturday, April 21st at 6:30pm – SVA Theater 1 Silas – Public Screening (Premiere)
Sunday, April 22nd at 10:00am- Clear Cinemas Chelsea 4- P&I Screening #1
Sunday, April 22nd at 2:30pm – AMC Loews Village 7 (Theater 3)- Public Screening
Tuesday, April 24th at 7:00pm- AMC Loews Village 7 (Theater 2)- Public Screening
Friday, April 27th at 10:00am- Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 5- P&I Screening #2
Friday, April 27th at 8:30pm – SVA Theater 2 Beatrice – Public Screening

Press Release: Disappearing Act Film Festival Sets Schedule

The Czech Center, the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Group of European Cultural Institutes in New York together with European Diplomatic Entities Present the Fourth Annual Edition of the Disappearing Act Film Festival in New York to Run April 11-22, 2012

Expanding festival includes 25 contemporary films from 21 European countries with opening night at the IFC Center and screenings at the Bohemian National Hall and the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF)

New York, NY — The Czech Center New York, the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York and the Group of European Cultural Institutes in New York together with European Diplomatic Entities present the Disappearing Act IV European film festival in New York. See below for a full line up of films. This year, the series presents films in three venues with an opening night event at the IFC Center on Wednesday, April 11; two days of screenings at Tinker Auditorium at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF) on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14; and in the digital cinema at Bohemian National Hall, from April 12-22. The festival will present 25 contemporary European films from Austria, the Wallonia-Brussels and Flanders regions of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The full schedule follows below. Visit www.Disappearing Act.org for film descriptions and program updates.

Tue, Apr. 10
6:30 pm: Pre-festival event: Panel discussion
European Contemporary Cinema at U.S. Universities (BNH)
Wed, Apr. 11
7:00 pm: Opening Night Film: The System (Das System – alles verstehen heisst alles verzeihen), Germany, 2011. Followed by Q&A with director Marc Bauder and co-screenwriter Doerte Franke (IFC )
9:00-11:00 pm: Opening Night Party for ticket holders
Thurs, Apr. 12
6:30 pm: Cinema Komunisto, Serbia, 2010, directed by Mila Turaljic (BNH)
8:30 pm: The Christening (Chrzest), Poland, 2010, directed by Marcin Wrona – NY Premiere (BNH)
Fri, Apr. 13
6:15pm Eastern Plays (Iztochni piesi), Bulgaria-Sweden, 2009, directed by Kamen Kalev (FIAF)
8:15pm Police, Adjective (Politist, adjectiv), Romania, 2009, directed by Corneliu Porumboiu (FIAF)
Sat, Apr. 14
2:30 pm: Our Beloved Month of August (Aquele Querido Mes de Agosto), Portugal-France, 2008, directed by Miguel Gomes (FIAF)
5:30pm Amador, Spain, 2010, directed by Fernando Leon de Aranoa – NY Premiere (FIAF)
8:00pm The Misfortunates (De helaasheid der dingen), Belgium, 2009, directed by Felix van Groeningen (FIAF)
Sun, Apr. 15
3:45 pm: Disco and Atomic War (Disko ja tuumasoda), Estonia-Finland, 2009, directed by Jaak Kilmi and Kiur Aarma (BNH)
5:30 pm: Eighty Letters (Osmdesat dopisu), Czech Republic, 2011, directed by Vaclav Kadrnka – NY Premiere (BNH)
7:30 pm: The Mouth of the Wolf (La bocca del lupo), Italy-France, 2009, directed by Pietro Marcello (BNH)
Mon, Apr. 16
7:00 pm: Just Between Us (Neka ostane medju nama), Croatia-Serbia-Slovenia, 2010, directed by Rajko Grlic (BNH)
Tue, Apr. 17
6:30 pm: Michael, Austria, 2011, directed by Markus Schleinzer (BNH)
8:30 pm: Brownian Movement, The Netherlands-Belgium-Germany, 2010, directed by Nanouk Leopold – NY Premiere (BNH)
Wed, Apr. 18
7:30 pm: White White World (Beli, beli svet), Serbia-Germany-Sweden, 2010, directed by Oleg Novkovic. Followed by Q&A with producer and star of the film, Uliks Fehmiu (BNH)
Thur, Apr. 19
6:30 pm: Negative History of Hungarian Cinema (Negativ Magyar filmtortenet), Hungary, 2010, directed by Gyula Nemes – NY Premiere (BNH)
7:30 pm: The Big Trip (Le grand’tour), Belgium, 2011, directed by Jerome Le Maire – U.S. Premiere (BNH)
Fri, Apr. 20
6:30 pm: The Border (Hranice), Slovakia, 2009, directed by Jaroslav Vojtek – NY Premiere (BNH)
8:00 pm: The Fatherless (Die Vaterlosen), Austria, 2011, directed by Marie Kreutzer – NY Premiere. Followed by Q&A with star Emily Cox. (BNH)
Sat, Apr. 21
3:30 pm: The Little Room (La petite chambre), Switzerland-Luxembourg, 2010, directed by Stephanie Chuat and Veronique Reymond – NY Premiere (BNH)
5:30 pm: Wasted Youth, Greece, 2010, directed by Argyris Papadimitropoulos and Jan Vogel – NY Premiere. Followed by Q&A with co-director Argyris Papadimitropoulos (BNH)
8:00 pm: Involuntary (De ofrivilliga), Sweden, 2008, directed by
Ruben Ostlund (BNH)
Sun, Apr. 22
3:30 pm: Dad (Oca), Slovenia, 2010, directed by Vlado Skafar – NY Premiere (BNH)
5:00 pm: Memory Lane, France, 2010, directed by Mikhael Hers (BNH)
7:00 pm: Medal of Honor (Medalia de onoare), Romania-Germany, 2009, directed by Calin Peter Netzer (BNH)

Disappearing Act launched as an annual event in 2009 and instantly became a popular event in New York for its unique, carefully curated celebration of the vitality of European cinema. This year, the program presents films that have gained acclaim on the festival circuit and with critics, yet remain largely unknown to American audiences. Though some of the films have secured U.S. theatrical distribution and a DVD release, the unbending financial demands of the current distribution system prevents them from attaining wider audiences. Disappearing Act brings these titles back to the attention of the media and the public, giving them another chance to be seen. Films will be introduced by special guests and filmmakers, who will also be present for post-screening discussions. Guests include Marc Bauder, director of The System, along with co-screenwriter Doerte Franke, who will be present for the U.S. premiere of their film on the opening night on April 11 at the IFC Center; Vaclav Kadrnka, director and screenwriter of Eighty Letters, to screen on April 15; Uliks Fehmiu, producer and star of White White World to screen on April 18; Emily Cox, star of The Fatherless, to screen on April 20; and, Argyris Papadimitropoulos, co-director of Wasted Youth, to screen on April 21.
Although the festival does not hunt for premieres and discoveries, the program includes a number of theatrical and festival New York firsts, including the U.S. premiere of the opening night film The System at the IFC Center. The festival will also present New York premieres of the long awaited Wasted Youth, as well as Amador, Eighty Letters and Christening to name just a few. This year the series also brings back into the spotlight two critically acclaimed films with current distribution: Michael and Police, Adjective. Also on the program are rarely screened films such as Ruben Ostlund’s (Play) second feature Involuntary, the remarkably assured narrative works Memory Lane and Eastern Plays, as well as works of non-fiction cinema represented here by a small gem, The Mouth of the Wolf, from Pietro Marcello, the author of The Silence of Peleshian, which recently premiered in the “First Look” program of the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, and the popular portrait of Yugoslav filmmaking machine, Cinema Komunisto.

For the second year in a row, the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York will provide support for the films and filmmakers from Romania as well as other South Eastern European countries, presenting titles from Romania, Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria.

The Disappearing Act program includes a panel discussion, to be held this year on April 10 at the Bohemian National Hall as a pre-festival event. This year’s panel, to include Julia Solomonoff (Director and producer, teaching Film Direction at Columbia University’s Film Department), Anne Kern (Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies, SUNY Purchase), and Richard Suchensky (Assistant Professor of Film and Electronic Arts, Bard College), turns its attention to the presence of European cinema at American universities. The festival also opens itself as an educational resource providing an opportunity to students of New York University’s cinema studies program to introduce several films. Previously, panel discussions have been led by Richard Pena of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, A. O. Scott of The New York Times, John Vanco of IFC Films, journalist Eugene Hernandez, and others who have explored industry topics such as access to foreign-language films by American audiences.

Disappearing Act IV is organized by the Czech Center New York and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York in partnership with the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, the Belgian Tourist Office – French Speaking Belgium – Brussels Wallonia, the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia, the Consulate General of Estonia, the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic, the Consulate General of Slovenia, the Consulate General of Sweden, the Consulate General of Switzerland, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, the Embassy of Portugal, the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), Flanders House, the Goethe-Institut New York, the Hungarian Cultural Center, the IFC Center, Instituto Cervantes – The Cultural Center of Spain in New York together with Spain Culture New York – the Consulate General of Spain, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Polish Cultural Institute New York, and with the support of the +421 Foundation, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands, the Slovak Film Institute, Slovenian Film Fund, and Wallonie Bruxelles Images. An official project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), with the support of the EU Delegation to the United Nations. The festival is curated and produced by Irena Kovarova.

Tickets to opening night screening of The System are available for purchase at the IFC Center and online at ifccenter.com for $13, seniors $9, IFC members $8

The Opening night screening will be followed by a party for ticket holders.
ADMISSION FREE TO ALL OTHER SCREENINGS
on a first-come, first-served basis

Venues:
April 11
IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue at West 3rd Street, New York. Subway: A, C, B, D, E, F & M to West 4th St. Station

April 10, 12, 15-22
Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street bet. 1st and 2nd Avenues, New York. Subway: 6 to 68th Street Hunter College or 77th Street.

April 13 & 14
French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), 55 East 59th Street bet. Madison and Park Avenues, New York. Subway: 6 to 68th Street Hunter College or 77th Street. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 59th & Lex., N, R to 59 St., E to 53rd St.

Press Release: Brigade Film Slate at 2012 Tribeca Film Festival

Viewpoints – Alex Karpovsky’s RUBBERNECK – (Acquisition Title)

A striking new feature by breakout actor/director Alex Karpovsky, Rubberneck follows Paul Harris (Karpovsky) a scientist at a small research facility on the outskirts of Boston. After a weekend tryst with Danielle, an attractive co-worker, leaves him wanting more, his unreciprocated desires gradually mold into an acute infatuation over the following months. Paul’s suppressed resentments and perverse delusions become unhinged, triggering a horrific course of events that mercilessly engulf a tortured past and fugitive present. A slow-burning, psychosexual thriller, Rubberneck navigates the underpinnings of obsessions, and our sadistic inability to look away.

Karpovsky will also be starring in Dan Shecter’s Supporting Characters, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in the Viewpoints section. He plays Nick, one half of an editing duo hired to rework a movie in crisis only, to find himself increasingly consumed with reworking and questioning his own personal life after receiving attention from the film’s flirty starlet. Also in April, Karpovsky will debut as series-regular in the highly anticipated HBO comedy series “Girls”, which marks his second collaboration with Lena Dunham following the critically acclaimed 2010 feature Tiny Furniture. Alex is currently in production on Inside Llewyn Davis, the latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen.

TRT: 83 mins

Screenings:
Friday, April 20th at 6:00pm – Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7 – World Premiere
Sunday, April 22nd at 9:45am – Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 6 – Press & Industry Screening
Monday, April 23rd at 9:00pm – AMC Loews Village 7 – 1 – Public Screening #2
Saturday, April 28th at 2:30pm – Clearview Cineams Chelsea 4 – Public Screening #3

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Spotlight – Ira Sachs’ KEEP THE LIGHTS ON (Music Box Films)

Keep the Lights On chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, friendship, and addiction of two men in New York City. Documentary filmmaker, Erik (acclaimed Danish actor Thure Lindhardt in his first leading role in a U.S. film), and closeted lawyer, Paul (Zachary Booth, Damages) meet through a casual encounter, but they find a deeper connection and become a couple. Individually and together, they are risk takers—compulsive, and fueled by drugs and sex. In an almost decade-long relationship defined by highs, lows, and dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries and dignity while being true to himself.

Keep the Lights On is shot with a grainy beauty that transports us to its late ’90s setting. It resonates with textures of New York City, accentuated by disco beats and a mournful cello, both from musician Arthur Russell’s eclectic catalog. Alumni director Ira Sachs’s fearlessly personal screenplay is anchored by Danish actor Thure Lindhardt, who embodies Erik’s isolation and vulnerability with a gentle presence. Harrowing and romantic, visceral and intellectual,Keep the Lights On is a moving film that looks at love and all of its manifestations, taking it to dark depths and bringing it back to a place of grace.

Keep the Lights On will be released in theaters in September by Music Box Films.

TRT: 101 minutes

Screenings:
Sunday, April 15th at 4:00pm – Tribeca Screening Room , 375 Greenwich St. 2nd Floor – Press & Industry Screening
Wednesday, April 25th at 9:30pm – SVA Theater 1 Silas – New York Premiere
Thursday, April 26th at 6:45pm – Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 8 – Public Screening #2

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Spotlight – Lynn Shelton’s YOUR SISTER’S SISTER (IFC Films)

The fourth feature from Sundance award-winning filmmaker Lynn Shelton (Humpday), Your Sister’s Sister is a tale of grief, romance and sibling rivalry that continues to showcase Shelton’s extraordinary ability to portray human stories with remarkable humor, sensitivity and warmth.

A year after his brother Tom’s death, Jack (Duplass) is an emotionally unstable slacker. When he makes a scene at a memorial party, Tom’s ex-girlfriend Iris (Blunt) offers up her family cabin on an island in the Pacific Northwest so Jack can seek catharsis in solitude. Once there, however, he runs into Iris’ sister Hannah, a lesbian reeling from the abrupt end of a seven-year relationship who finds solace in the affable Tom’s unexpected presence, and the two bond over a long night of drinking. The blurry evening concludes with an awkward sexual incident made worse by Iris’ sudden presence at the cabin the next morning which sets into motion a twisted tale of ever-complicated relationships.

With raw, funny and emotional performances from an all-star cast, Shelton once again honestly explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships while gently poking fun at her characters’ predicaments.

Your Sister’s Sister will be released in theaters June 15th, 2012 following its New York premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.

TRT: 90 minutes

Screenings:
Monday, April 16th at 4:30pm – Tribeca Film Center, 375 Greenwich St. – Pre-Fest Press Screening
Thursday, April 19th at 9:45am – Chelsea Clearview 6 – Press & Industry Screening
Thursday, April 19th at 6:00pm – BMCC Tribeca PAC – New York Premiere
Sunday, April 22nd at 9:00pm – Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 7 – Public Screening #2
Wednesday, April 25th at 11:30am – AMC Loews Village East – 3 – Public Screening #3

Press Release: Still Images from The Road

THE ROAD

Opening on limited release on May 11th

From Freestyle Releasing and Freestyle Digital Media

Release Date: May 11, 2012 (In theaters/VOD)
Directed by: Yam Laranas
Written by: Yam Laranas, Aloy Adlawan
Starring: Carmina Villaroel, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Barbie Fortenza, Lexi Fernandez, Derick Monasterio, Alden Richards, Louise de los Reyes, and Renz Valerio
Running Time: 110 minutes
Release Markets: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Road/229914433774199
Synopsis: THE ROAD tells the story of a twelve-year-old cold case that is reopened when three teenagers vanish while traversing an infamous and abandoned road. As investigators try to find leads to the whereabouts of the missing teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that spans two decades – a history of abduction, crimes and murders.

Press Release: Cameras Roll on ‘Look of Love’

CAMERAS WILL ROLL ON ARIE POSIN’S “LOOK OF LOVE” STARRING ANNETTE BENING, ED HARRIS, AND ROBIN WILLIAMS

Romantic Drama Rounds Out Cast With Amy Brenneman and Jess Weixler

Los Angeles, CA (April 4, 2012)–Academy Award-nominated actors Annette Bening and Ed Harris, and Academy Award-winner Robin Williams will be joined by Amy Brenneman and Jess Weixler in Arie Posin’s romantic drama LOOK OF LOVE. Posin is directing the project that he co-wrote with scribe Matthew McDuffie. Mockingbird Pictures’ Julie Lynn and Bonnie Curtis are producers. Principal photography begins shooting in Los Angeles on April 9.

The majority of financing for the project was found in Dallas, Texas, where Curtis and Lynn previously sourced funds for the critically acclaimed ALBERT NOBBS, which earned three Academy Award nominations this past season including Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Glenn Close.

LOOK OF LOVE is the story of a widow named Nikki (Bening) who, several years after the loss of her husband Garrett, meets a man named Tom (Harris) who looks exactly like her deceased spouse. Suddenly, a flood of old feelings rush back to her and she realizes she’s met the love of her life….again. The film is a romantic story filled with humor, surprise, and reflections on the mystery of love. Weixler will play Bening’s daughter in the picture.

Goya Award-winning Antonio Riestra is the Director of Photography. Jeannine Oppewall is production designer while Judianna Makovsky is costume designer; both of whom have been nominated for multiple Academy Awards.

CAA/WME are co-representing North American rights. Exclusive Media is handling international sales and will be actively selling the title at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.

In 2007, Jess Weixler was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Acting at Sundance Film Festival, as well as the Rising Star Award at the Hampton’s International Film Festival for her work in the motion picture TEETH. Weixler graduated from the prestigious Julliard School of Drama where she created an impressive list of classical and contemporary roles. She starred in Studio Dante’s production of SAFE and the Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre production of STAY. Most recently, Jess wrapped production on Jason Katim’s new NBC pilot “County”, starring opposite Jason Ritter. In 2011, Jess wrapped production on the following feature projects: SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME with Nick Offerman and Keith Paulson (which premiered at SXSW last month), FREE SAMPLES with Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Ritter (premiering this month at the Tribeca Film Festival), THE NORMALS with Bryan Greenberg, and LUMPY with Justin Long and Tyler Labine. Weixler’s additional selected feature credits include THE BIG BAD SWIM, PETER AND VANDY, and ALEXANDER THE LAST.

Bening has been nominated for four Academy Awards for performances in THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, BEING JULIA, AMERICAN BEAUTY, and THE GRIFTERS. Harris has also received four Oscar nominations for work on films THE HOURS, POLLOCK, THE TRUMAN SHOW, and APOLLO 13. Williams won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in GOOD WILL HUNTING, and has received three nominations for work in THE FISHER KING, DEAD POETS SOCIETY, and GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM.

ABOUT EXCLUSIVE MEDIA
Exclusive Media is a major force in the production and international distribution arena. Recent production titles include the box-office hit THE WOMAN IN BLACK, starring Daniel Radcliffe, and George Clooney’s THE IDES OF MARCH, produced by Smokehouse Pictures and co-produced by Exclusive Media with Cross Creek Pictures.

Exclusive Media’s current production slate also includes Ron Howard’s epic RUSH starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl and produced with production partners Cross Creek Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, Working Title, Brian Grazer, and Revolution Films; END OF WATCH, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick and America Ferrera; SO UNDERCOVER, starring Miley Cyrus; SNITCH, starring Dwayne Johnson and Susan Sarandon in post-production; THE QUIET ONES, to be directed by John Pogue; and BONESHAKER, to be produced with Cross Creek Pictures.

Recent titles from Exclusive Media’s documentary film division, Spitfire Pictures, include the Academy Award® winner UNDEFEATED, released through The Weinstein Company, and Martin Scorsese’s award-winning GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, produced by Martin Scorsese, Nigel Sinclair and Olivia Harrison.

Additionally, Exclusive Media represents the international rights to a number of high profile third party productions which currently include THERESE from producers Mickey Liddell and William Horberg, starring Jessica Lange, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton and Oscar Isaacs; OUTRUN from writer/director Dax Shephard who also stars with Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper and Tom Arnold; the ensemble DISCONNECT also produced by Horberg and Liddell with Jennifer Hilton; and Sundance favorite ROBOT & FRANK starring Frank Langella.

Exclusive Media is a vertically integrated global film entertainment company, founded in May 2008 with the backing of the strategic investment group Cyrte Investments. Exclusive Media develops, finances, produces, markets and distributes prestige and talent-driven commercial and documentary feature films on a global basis.

Exclusive Media is run by a five-member executive board with Nigel Sinclair as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Guy East as Co-Chairman, Simon Oakes as Vice Chairman and President of Hammer, Marc Schipper as Chief Operating Officer, and Randy Hermann as Chief Financial Officer. Supporting the executive board in both the operational management and strategic expansion of the business is a strong team of highly skilled professionals who have a broad range of complementary experience.

Exclusive Media’s development and production activities operate through three specialist labels: UK-based Hammer, for genre titles; Spitfire Pictures, for documentary features; and the flagship label Exclusive Media, for all other feature film production.

Exclusive Media’s international sales & distribution division maintains a strong marketing presence and represents the group’s in-house productions plus its growing library of more than 550 titles, as well as actively acquiring third-party feature films to further strengthen its international distribution slate.

Press Release: Freestyle Enters VOD Deal with Feature Films for Families

FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA ENTERS EXCLUSIVE VOD DEAL WITH FEATURE FILMS FOR FAMILIES

Los Angeles, CA(April 5, 2012)– Freestyle Digital Media LLC (FDM) announces today that they have entered into a partnership with Feature Films for Families to distribute their library on VOD. The agreement was brokered by Susan Jackson, CEO of Freestyle Digital Media, and Cyndi Menegaz, Director of Acquisitions and Corporate Development of Feature Films for Families.
Established in 1988, Feature Films for Families produces and distributes uplifting and entertaining movies that are suitable for all ages and strengthen positive values while containing no profanity, vulgarity, sexual content or graphic violence. Recent productions include THE VELVETEEN RABBIT with Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt and Ellen Burstyn and SLOW MOE with Scotty Leavenworth and Amanda Michalka.
“We are delighted to be handling Feature Films for Families’ library which has an impressive DVD sales history and contains some classic gems of quality, wholesome family entertainment,” said Jackson. “They will be a great fit for our distribution pipeline.”
Freestyle Digital Media’s recent slate of releases includes DEADHEADS, the acclaimed horror-comedy from directors Brett and Drew Pierce, SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS starring Mandy Moore and directed by Jonathan Newman, and TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN directed by Stuart Beattie, which also marked the first feature film debut on Facebook back in February and the first of many planned Freestyle Digital Media and Freestyle Releasing theatrical/VOD day and date releases.

About Freestyle Digital Media:
Freestyle Digital Media, LLC was launched in November 2011 by its CEO Susan Jackson who is Co-President and founder of independent theatrical distributor Freestyle Releasing, LLC and North American sales company Turtles Crossing, LLC. Freestyle Digital Media supplies quality commercial film and TV content directly to all US VOD/SVOD rental DVD/Kiosks and theaters using the latest cloud-based technologies to automate digital workflow. Freestyle’s goal is to provide fresh, well-marketed commercial product and stay on the cutting edge of the ever-compressing windows to ensure that their partners benefit from a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location. Jackson has partnered in FDM with Steve Harnsberger and Mark Borde. Harnsberger is FDM’s Executive Vice President of Business Development and Borde is the company’s EVP of Theatrical Distribution.