ICONS AMONG US in the Big Easy

The team at IndiePix is thrilled about the impending release of ICONS AMONG US: JAZZ IN THE PRESENT TENSE. And to celebrate the availability of this incredible documentary, IndiePix is teaming up with Paradigm Studio, Don Q Rum, and The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation for a free screening of the film in New Orleans, smack in the middle of Jazzfest! Part of the 2010 Sync Up Conference , the Foundation’s yearly economic development program for the Louisiana entertainment industry, the free screening will take place on Thursday, April 29th , 7pm, at the elegant http://www.noma.org/. Select artists featured in the film, Producer John Comerford, and IndiePixer Jason Tyrrell will be there in support of the event. Following the screening will be an exclusive afterparty at the unique New Orleans landmark Preservation Hall" featuring a performance by Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. Stay tuned to the blog for more information, and pre-order your copy of ICONS AMONG US: JAZZ IN THE PRESENT TENSE, now, on IndiePix Films. And if you’ve never been to Jazzfest check the lineup for all the amazing acts surrounding our screening!

New Director's Recap

Each year, New Directors/New Films, a co-presentation of The Museum of Modern Art and The Film Society of Lincoln Center, unveils a brand new line up of fresh faces on the filmmaking scene. The festival is now in its thirty-ninth year, and some pretty historic and esteemed directors including Pedro Almodovar, Kelly Reichardt, Atom Egoyan, Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Sally Potter, John Sayles, Steven Spielberg, Wim Wenders and Wong Kar Wai were all featured as part of New Directors/New Films early in their careers. Add Shirin Neshat and Warwick Thornton to this elite company as their debut features WOMEN WITHOUT MEN and SAMSON & DELILAH were featured at this prestigious festival last month. Both films received standing ovations to sold-out houses. The films rounded out a strong festival lineup including BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK, 3 BACKYARDS, HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER, LAST TRAIN HOME and an eclectic mix of debut features.

In WOMEN WITHOUT MEN, renowned visual artist Shirin Neshat offers an exquisitely crafted view of Iran in 1953, when a British- and American-backed coup removed the democratically elected government. Adapted from the novel by Iranian author Shahrnush Parsipur, the film weaves together the stories of five individual women during those traumatic days, whose experiences are shaped by their faith and the social structures in place. With a camera that floats effortlessly through the lives of the women and the beautiful countryside of Iran, Neshat explores the social, political, and psychological dimensions of her characters as they meet in a metaphorical garden, where they can exist and reflect while the complex intellectual and religious forces shaping their world linger in the air around them. Looking at Iran from Neshat’s point of view allows us to see the larger picture and realize that the human community resembles different organs of one body, created from a common essence. This film won the Silver Lion at the 2009 Venice Film Festival and was also featured at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

SAMSON AND DELILAH live in an isolated world - a remote Aboriginal community in the Australian desert amongst a tiny collection of houses. Day in and day out - everything stays the same and no one seems to care, except for Samson, a cheeky fifteen year-old who yearns for the horizon. Sixteen year-old Delilah takes care of her artist grandmother, who fancies the hopeless Samson as her son-in-law. When Nana passes away, Delilah is held responsible and the customary punishment is harsh. Battered and bruised, Samson comes to Delilah’s rescue, and they steal a car. Even with their newfound freedom, the two teenagers soon discover that life outside the community does not live up to their expectations. This film won the prestigious Camera d’Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for best first feature.

If you missed the festival, don’t worry. Women Without Men is going on a multi-city theatrical run through out the US, while Samson & Delilah is debuting in Europe, with dates in USA TBA. Both films will have their home video release through IndiePix later this year, so continue to check for further updates.

IT CAME FROM KUCHAR Makes Its NYC Debut

This Friday April 9, we are proud to announce the premiere of IT CAME FROM KUCHAR at the Anthology Film Archives in NYC. Celebrating the theatrical debut, director Jennifer Kroot will be in attendance to announce the finalists of the IT CAME FROM YOU short film competition.

In case you missed the boat on this exciting comp, here is what you missed out on... Over the course of the last 8 weeks we reached out to the American public offering the chance to not only win a FLIP camera, but also distribution when IT CAME FROM KUCHAR is released on DVD in June. Contestants were asked to create ‘Kuchar-esque’ inspired short films, which were uploaded onto the Kuchar Short Film Competition Website and voted on by the general public daily. The top 20 most voted for films were then cut down to 10, as voted by a panel of specialists (IndiePix elite) and then from there we handed over all voting rights to the Kuchar Brothers themselves. So on Friday at 7pm the winner will be announced! Though the Kuchar Brothers will no longer be able to attend this exclusive event, director Jennifer Kroot and special guests will be on hand to announce the winning film.

We would like to thank everyone who entered, for not only entertaining us with your original, quirky and wonderful films, but also for taking the time to enter. Please stay tuned, as this is only the beginning of many more exciting competitions to come!

And now for the top 10 finalists, all of which have won a FLIP Camera and the chance to see their film on the silver screen, and on DVD!

Congratulations…

Untitled (Egg Replacer)
Salomeow
Phobia!
Heartspeak
Whimsellica's Grand Inheritance
Pierre’s Insecurity
Exquisite Dead Thing
Stupid Junkie Faggot
Toy Punk Story
Nuts

Look forward to seeing you all on Friday! Tickets available through the IndiePix BoxOffice
If for some reason you are unable to attend Friday’s premiere, the winner will be announced live via Facebook and twitter so stayed tuned!

IT CAME FROM KUCHAR screens at the Anthology Film Archive:

Friday 9th - 7PM, 9PM
Saturday 10th - 5PM, 7PM and 9PM
Sunday 11th - 5PM, 7PM, 9PM
Monday 12th - 7PM, 9PM
Tuesday 13th - 7PM, 9PM
Wednesday 14th - 7PM, 9PM
Thursday 15th - 7PM, 9PM

Check out the events section for more information on screenings in your town!

SXSW 2010 Recap

10 Kick-Ass Films from SXSW that aren't called Kick-Ass!

SXSW can best be described as a goth chick at a débutante ball. In a wash of grandiose, pomp and circumstance type films festivals, she's furiously unpretentious, utterly bold, and everyone's secretly got the hots for her. Running rampant in Austin, SXSW has erupted onto the festival scene by supplying its patrons with a non-stop rush of cinematic experiences which could easily be termed “vital”, “thought-provoking” and “frickin' bad-ass” in the same breath. Sundance may bestow a laurel upon its selections, but SXSW tattoos their films with a fiery brand which, if nothing less, guarantees audience satisfaction.

I have never seen a collection of films which was so diverse and eclectic, but also so universally enjoyable. And, believe me, I saw the collection. With a small army on hand, IndiePix was able to cover over 50 films while still promoting live performances by Califone and live score screenings of their film, ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS. I personally took in 29 features and 4 shorts programs and still found myself hungry for more.

With 145+ films on the list, I missed out on several key works such as the grand prize winning TINY FURNITURE, but here is a quick list of 10 must see films, fresh out of Texas.

PELADA – The last documentary I saw at SXSW has stuck with me the longest, and for good reason. A young couple of failed professional soccer players sets out on a global search for the perfect pick-up game, hunting amidst Bolivian prisons and African slums (I counted around 20 countries visited) and, in so doing, revealing the passionate heart of the beautiful game. But PELADA is so much more that a soccer film. It is many parts travelogue, coming of age tale, love story and a joyous embrace of sport, play and how a universal game could very well be a universal language.

WORLD PEACE AND OTHER 4TH GRADE ACHIEVEMENTS – I had high expectations for Chris Farina's exciting documentary, and all of them were blown away. John Hunter, a gifted and passionate educator has created a classroom exercise which challenges youngsters to take country of fiction nations, complete with all the problems of the modern world from war, to oil, to global warming. They must deal with serious conflicts, think in new ways and deal with real consequences in their efforts to find that elusive goal: World Peace. With remarkable access to the students and their process, Chris Farina reveals how we can do so much more to stimulate and educate the minds of tomorrow.

GOOGLE BABY – Redefining the term “modern”, this film spans the globe to bring a truly amazing and unbelievable journey of life in our times. Doron, an Israeli entrepreneur, aids a homosexual couple who cannot afford an American surrogate mother, by outsourcing the task to, of course, India. Taking an egg from Texas (after a considerable screening process) and sperm from Israel, they are combined at a clinic in India where another woman brings the child to term. Director Zippi Brand Frank brilliantly tells the story of this unique conception from beginning to end, showing that, though the technology has strange new possibilities, they will always be guided by the human desires for life and love.

THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS – My inner-nerd was my outer-nerd for two hours, and I loved it. Director Alexander O. Philippe has gathered the adoration and angst of the Star Wars generation and put together for a showdown between betrayed fans and the man who, supposedly, “raped their childhood”. The film charts Lucas' meteoric rise and fall with interviews from both celebrities and fanatics alike, cataloging every grievance from Greedo to Jar-Jar. But the film goes beyond Star Wars itself to ask a more universal question: If you make a piece of culture history, does it still belong to you the creator, or to the culture that embraces it?

LEMMY – “If a nuclear bomb went off, there'd be nothing left but Lemmy and cockroaches.” Believe it. This immensely entertaining look at Motorhead lead vocalist and bass player Lemmy Kilmister takes on many sides of a complicated and fascinating persona to provide fans with so much more than his hard-rockin' image. An incredible slew of celebrity interviews and hilarious anecdotes are mixed with a look at the rock-god's history and, of course, his own hilarious and poignant take on his legend. From start to finish, directors Wes Orshoski & Greg Olliver get everything right in one of the best rockumentaries ever made.

PHILLIP THE FOSSIL – This riveting portrait of an over-hill, hyper-macho loser trying to sort out his life was a real surprise at SXSW. Director Garth Donovan and lead actor Brian Hasenfus (winner of this years best actor award) have created a truly lovable, if not despicable, character to build their story around. Cutting grass and selling steroids by day, Phillip is pushing middle age, but refusing to grown-up and get on with his life. If this sounds familiar, its because you've seen 300 annoying indie films about the quarter-life crisis and 20's angst; but this one is thankfully different. Donvoan upends this genre with a riveting script, great cinematography and performances which challenge you to love this great, American douchebag.

THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER – Remember when you were a teen and everything seemed to have such crucial, world-altering importance? Director David Robert Mitchell has captured the grandeur, sadness and exuberance of youth through his subtle yet moving take on the great rite of passage that is the sleepover. A fabulous youth cast (winners for best ensemble cast) never falters and never falls into type roles, each with startling believability which immerses the audience right up to the credits. If you had a youth, then this movie will speak to it. Simple as that.

THE ORANGE – It is well documented elsewhere that I love short films with a special fervor, so here is one worth mentioning. It's 3 minutes long and can be readily seen on the YouTube if you like. In fact, go watch it now and come back. An Orange is given the power to rule the world. Not much more I can say about that, but you really need to see it to believe it. Hats off to good short film and to director Nick Fox-Gieg for this little segment of deliciousness.

MARWENCOL – The big winner for documentary film has a pretty strong case to make. Jeff Malmberg has been rightfully commended for seeking out an documenting a truly fascinating character which the world would otherwise never have known. Mark Hogencamp, an budding cross-dresser, is beaten within inches of his life outside of a bar in rural New York and permanently damaged both physically and psychologically. In order to deal with the pain and anger he feels, Mark erects a 1/6th scale town in his backyard, using WWII collectibles, and and dreams up and alternate reality to play out his emotional turmoil. His dedication to this unique pursuit is so absolute, that audience cannot help fall in love with his truly beautiful and honest person. When focused by the expert directors eye of Malmberg, a genuine and moving story unfolds which I will never forget.

SKELETONS – You have to appreciate a film which doesn't take its audience for fools. Nick Whiefields surreal and mysterious film is a joy to unravel as clever dialogue and sharp performances slowly reveal a supernatural world which is anything but clichéd. The film follows two bickering salesman who's job of “cleaning skeletons out of people's closets” is much more than it first appears. I won't spoil this film with any more plot, but just trust me when I say that this is a rare gem; a unique journey filled with humor, tension and pathos; all while challenging audiences think where so many films do not.

FUNERAL SINGERS and Califone Storm SXSW

In the middle of March, upcoming IndiePix release ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS screened to rave reviews at Austin’s SXSW Film Festival. And with director Tim Rutili’s post-rock outfit Califone on hand for three shows during music week, audiences were treated to screenings featuring a live performance of the film’s score. Both screenings took place at the infamous Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, two of the greatest cinematic venues that Team IndiePix has ever come across. With packed houses and fantastic sound, the crowds were treated to singularly memorable screenings, and unique Q&As (which featured Tim and the rest of the band, Executive Producer Glen Sherman, lead actor Angela Bettis, and actor/editor Kevin Ford). Join our Fanpage to see tons of reviews and photos from the shows, and be sure to visit the website for free music and information about upcoming events!

FUNERAL SINGERS Sing and Screen Across New York

ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS, and indie rockers Califone took New York by storm in the last week of March, with show at Brooklyn’s Bell House and a screening with live score at the IFC Center in the West Village. On March 30th, Califone (Tim Rutili, Joe Adamik, Jim Becker, and Ben Massarella) took the stage in front of the thrilled Park Slope crowd, and tore through a set of old favorites and several highlights off the new album. After a short break they came back with an extra-long encore that featured a couple extended improvisations and the title track from ‘All My Friends are Funeral Singers’. The longtime fans were more than satisfied, and the newcomers to Califone got a taste of what’s made this band one of the best reviewed groups of the last decade.

Many of those at the Bell House show could be seen the next night in the full house at the IFC Center, where the band rolled through their live score performance of ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS. Press and theatergoers alike were riveted by the spot-on performance, and the great Q&A that followed. The group got a huge laugh out of one audience member pointing out a green pen/blue pen continuity gaffe, which writer/director Tim Rutili tried to resolve by replaying the film (not a chance!). Then a rare treat followed, when another audience member requested a song and Califone played an impromptu encore. The night concluded with an afterparty at the eerily appropriate pub The Slaughtered Lamb, where IFC-ers, IndiePixer’s, Califone, fans and friends got to mingle and share stories about what went down. Special thanks to both venues for being so accommodating. Check out Zimbio for a gallery of images from the screening, and stay tuned to the IndiePix Blog and all FUNERAL SINGERS sites for pictures and video from the Brooklyn rock show!

April Acquistions Announcement

IndiePix is thrilled to announce the latest films added to our 2010 slate. On the narrative side, catch the modern allegory about American greed VEGAS: BASED ON A TRUE STORY, by acclaimed Iranian-American director Amir Naderi. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2008, and then crossed the world at some of the most prestigious international festivals, including Pusan, Tribeca, CineVegas, Vancouver and Vienna. VEGAS takes place far from the glittering strip of casinos and night life, where the greed of Sin City shows it’s dark side. A happy but flawed family living on the desert outskirts learns of a forgotten fortune that may be buried beneath their home. Their lives take a disastrous turn as the film explores just how far people are able and willing to go when faced with the prospect of easily acquired wealth. IndiePix has picked up the film for theatrical, Broadcast, home video and digital distribution across North America, and will launch the release in the fall. The deal was negotiated by Jason Tyrrell of IndiePix, Lauren Neal of Cinetic, and the film’s Producer, Abou Farman.

Our second Acquisition of the month is a touching documentary detailing an often-overlooked population: blind and visually impaired teenagers. THE EYES OF ME, director Keith Maitland’s festival favorite (IFP, SXSW, AFI Dallas) details a year in the lives of four blind teenagers at the Texas School for the Blind. Chas, Denise, Isaac and Meagan are dealing with all the normal issues in teen life, independence, depression, first love, and decisions about the future, while also coping with a handicap that most people can’t even fathom. So how do you see yourself, when you can’t see at all? THE EYES OF ME began airing nationally on PBS’ award-winning Independent Lens program in March, and will be available across America later this year. Additionally, the film is available for institutional and educational screenings through PBS’ Community Cinema program. Check out the film’s website, and the IndiePix blog for information on upcoming screenings and release dates. The deal was negotiated by Jason Tyrrell of IndiePix, and Keith Maitland, the film’s Director, Co-Producer and Editor.

The Conversation with Scott Kirsner

Scott Kirsner is a leading writer, blogger, speaker, and panel discussion moderator on the topic of the future of entertainment. His blog, which is always interesting, is at CinemaTech and he has published a book of short case studies on using contemporary techniques to build an audience for your work as a filmmaker or artist (Friends, Fans, and Followers). Last year about this same time, he organized the first conference on this general subject which he called “The Conversation” and it was held in San Francisco. This year the conference was in New York City.

On a bright, brisk Saturday morning two weeks ago, a sold out crowd of 100 gathered at a conference room at Columbia University to have a conversation among themselves, on topics organized by Scott and suggested by attendees as well. It was a great cross section of the film community in New York City, and IndiePix was pleased to have helped as a sponsor, attendee and promoter of the event.

We have one blog post up now on the opening panel discussion, moderated by Scott, which was terrific. You can read the post and see the video at http://blog.indiepixfilms.com/. Ira Deutchman's opening remarks were thought provoking: "We need to come to terms with the contradictions of a marketplace that simultaneously gets more accessible by the day, and more difficult by the day." This may be our next blog post!

Check out the wrap up here!

April Festival Preview

The month of April blooms with several significant film festivals, which IndiePix will be attending and/or keeping tabs on for the latest and greatest festival films. First on tap is the Sarasota Film Festival which brings an outstanding program of films to Florida from the 9th through the 18th. IndiePixer Jason Tyrrell will be at the festival for the second half, in support of our two entries WOMEN WITHOUT MEN (in competition) and ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS. We’ve heard nothing but the best from this sunny, star-studded fest in the past, and are excited to be bringing two of our favorite films to the party!

Also that week is the National Association of Latino Independent Producers Annual Conference, now in it’s 10th year. IndiePix Director of Acquisitions Jason Tyrrell will be in Santa Monica taking part in the conference Latino Media Market, hunting for the projects everyone will be talking about in the years to come. One standout from last year’s market was THE MYTH OF TIME which went on to several prominent film festivals, including a screening as part of the 2009 IFP Independent Filmmaker labs in conjunction with Rooftop Films.

Also in early April is the prestigious Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, which continues it’s longstanding run in historic downtown Durham, North Carolina. Some early standouts from the festival, which runs from April 8th to the 11th include Steven Soderbergh’s AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE, about monologist Spalding Gray, BORN SWEET, from Academy Award-winner Cynthia Wade, KINGS OF PASTRY from renowned doc team Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker, Robin Hessman’s Sundance and New Directors/New Films favorite MY PERESTROIKA, and SXSW Special Jury Prize-winner from Rebecca Richman Cohen WAR DON DON. Good luck to all the friends of IndiePix bringing their work to this dedicated documentary fest!

Back on the homefront, the always exciting Tribeca Film Festival returns to lower Manhattan on the 21st. IndiePix will be out in force to cover the fest that screened two of our Studios Titles in 2009 ENTRE NOS, and P-STAR RISING. Tribeca entries IndiePix is excited to catch on the big screen include THE SENTIMENTAL ENGINE SLAYER, by rocker Omar Rodriguez Lopez of The Mars Volta, the taut thriller MONOGAMY (Dana Adam Shapiro - MURDERBALL), JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK by IndiePix alums Rikki Stern and Annie Sundberg, ROAD, MOVIE, the latest exciting vision from the burgeoning Indian independent cinema community, and special screenings and conversations in honor of old favorites BIG and MEMENTO. Looking forward to a great month of festival screenings. See you at the movies!