THE LEAST OF THESE Sees Family Detention Overhaul Cross Obama’s Desk

This month, the New York Times ran a cover story detailing an announcement of major changes to the United States family detention policy, and an IndiePix film was right in the middle of the conversation. President Obama’s first directive in the overhaul was to stop sending families to the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, the former medium-security prison near Austin, Texas that is the subject of the documentary THE LEAST OF THESE.

This outcome is the direct result of this unique collaboration, bringing together the power of advocacy, grassroots organizing, litigation, education, and cinema to bring about real and lasting change. Huge congratulations go out to Directors Clark and Jesse Lyda, Producer Marcy Gariott, Vanita Gupta of the ACLU, Michelle Brane of the Women’s Refugee Commission, and immigration attorney Barbara Hines for their ceaseless efforts on behalf of the immigrant families affected by these policies. Click Here for the complete New York Times article.

IndiePix at Independent Film Week

September brings along one of our favorite indie film events of the calendar year, IFP's Independent Film Week! A festival, market, and lab all rolled into one, it's an amazing opportunity for filmmakers and distributors to connect, and IndiePix's own Jason Tyrrell and Mark DeFrancis will be there, pitching and screening and meeting from the 19th to the 24th. With works in progress, writers with scripts hunting for financing, and finished films looking for the right home, the guys are looking forward to catching the next wave of films getting ready for the festival circuit, and possibly finding a true diamond in the rough!

Have a project at the market? Like to take a meeting with IndiePix? E-mail info@indiepix.net for availability.

IN A DREAM Comes to HBO and the Brooklyn Museum

After a multi-city theatrical run, In a Dream, the story of the stunning work and troubled family life of Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar made its broadcast debut on HBO2 on Wednesday, August 19th. In the vibrant, bohemian neighborhood of South Philadelphia, Isaiah Zagar, an eccentric, tormented artist covered 50,000-square feet of concrete with tile and mirror mosaics. His son, Jeremiah, provides an inside look at his father, their family life and the shocking revelations of his father’s infidelity. HBO2 is available in Hi-Definition (where offered by your local cable or satellite provider). For additional screening times of the film, please go to www.HBO.com.

In celebration of its HBO debut, In A Dream also enjoyed a special screening at the Brooklyn Museum on Sunday, August 23rd. Jeremiah and his family were all on hand for a Q&A and revealed an exclusive installation by Isaiah himself. Thanks to all who came out to this great event and be sure to check in with us over the next couple of weeks as we prepare to release the collector's edition of the DVD! The DVD will be available on September 29th and will feature extras such as an alternate ending, deleted scenes, music videos and much more! The jacket has been designed using pieces of renowned artist Isaiah Zagar’s etchings and is truly a work of art unto itself. Pre-book and add it to your cart now while supplies last! And don't forget to enter the promotional code "DREAM" at check-out for an exclusive 20% discount!

NYILFF Report

The 10th Annual New York International Latino Film Festival brought a vivid and inspiring range of films to Chelsea for a week highlighting not only the finest in Latino film making, but also a great diversity of voices and styles within a group which has become too varied to be lumped together as simply Latino. Celebrating this explosion of talent, NYILFF afforded IndiePix faithfuls Whit Rothe, Alanna Raben, and Mark DeFrancis all took a mini-vacation across town which involved over 30 hours of films including The Least of These, an IndiePix release who had a dynamite screening. What with all of this coverage, we managed to catch many of the winners, but there are other films which we believe absolutely deserved mention. Here is a look at some of the best that NYLIFF had to offer.

Stages- The Best Documentary winner has every right to claim this title. From what I saw, this poignant piece by the Meerkat Media Collective is just the kind of inspiring cinema any festival would be proud to have in its arsenal. The film itself follows the inception, rehearsal and performance of a collective theatrical work created and staged by a group of elderly Puerto Rican women and inner city youths, none of whom are actors or performers. At times humorous and at others heartbreaking, Stage's greatest strength lies in its eclectic and fascinating characters as they struggle with self expression and the emancipating power of art. What ensues is a careful look at the silent division between young and old which can only be illuminated through the perspective of other and makes for mesmerizing film.

Sons of Cuba- Boxing is the sport for film. Not only does it set up the plight of the individual whose courage and determination are stronger that any fist, but the process is so similar to great story telling. Years of dogged and thankless preparation are tested by the lighting quick flashes of climax which define the entire struggle's worth. Sons of Cuba follows the rigorous training of youth boxing as they suffer to refine themselves into the finest athletes they can be. Set against the backdrop of Fidel's Cuba, the film documents with clarity and intimacy boys who endure and rise above pressures usually reserved for only the strongest of grown men. The film features both a moving journey and some knockout boxing sequences with a climax which is nothing short of inspiring.

Crude- The documentary of the evil corporation versus the little guy is by no means a new or untapped premise, but rarely will you find one so honest and in depth as Crude. Following the struggle of two men, one a boisterous and passionate lawyer from New York and the other a determined Ecuadorian advocate (the ultimate little guy) as the struggle to bring Chevron to make restitution for the despicable destruction of the native villages of Ecuador through unsafe oil extraction. What Crude does that sets it apart is get past the corporate code of silence and provide a fascinating if not revolting account of the arguments and justifications companies like Chevron used to keep the bottom line strong. Filled with music, film craft and even an appearance from Sting, Crude is just the sort of mixture of art and advocacy that documentary film needs.

Calle 13: Sin Mapas- This film chronicles the Puerto Rican Reggae-ton group's journey through the South American countryside. Much like the Beatles who went to India in the 1960s, the group grew weary of the endless tours and sought to get in touch with their spirituality. The result is a fascinating look at the true culture behind the region, and Calle 13's on-screen transformation as they grow to realize their place in the universe.

El Regalo De La Pachamama- Toshifumi Matsushita's idyllic and visually stunning piece took the audience award with the story of the last salt caravans which use llamas to navigate the harsh terrain of the Andes. The story follows a young boy leaving childhood behind as he accompanies his father out of his secluded village and into the wide world to trade the salt of his home to those who cannot access the precious mineral. As they slowly venture from town to town, we see a pattern of camaraderie and cooperation between the peoples of the Andes which allows them to survive. Though a dramatic film, Matsushita has captured a very real last grasp at traditional lifestyle and values which are coming under the assault of a faster paced and more aggressive modern world. Though at times overly didactic and preachy, El Regalo combines the beauty of a land with the beauty of a people and gives us all something to consider about where we are headed and what valuable traits we may be leaving behind.

Shorts

Dish- This short shocking story of one Emo kid's sexual awakening is all about the disarmingly bold and crude dialogue which marks the young characters. Two great performances carry this simple but all too modern story of high school gossip, peer pressure and ultimately the strength to be your own man. Director Brian Harris Krinsky should be commended for so concisely holding the mirror up to nature.

Red Mesa- This film is just plain gorgeous. Filled with passionate characters and raw visuals which can't be forgotten, Red Mesa makes Director Ilana Lapid someone to keep a look out for in the future. Like most great shorts, the story is a simple one: star-crossed lovers from two sides of the border who are destined for conflict. But Lapid wraps this tale in such a warm and loving embrace, both visually and contextually, that you feel like you might be happy watching the story of paint drying, provided she filmed it.

The Book of the Border- A film which I am proud to say is now available at IndiePix, this film captures the subject of the US-Mexico border with both grace and clarity. Perhaps the most popular subject at NYILFF, I think Book surpasses many larger films in quickly and movingly dissecting and analyzing the plight of a family which got stuck with 1 leg over the fence of immigration. Director Andre Torres-Vives gets the the most out of both his performers and his lens to add more drama and heartbreak than most film maker's can pack into a feature.

Concerto- A top shelf performance by David Zayas (Dexter, Oz) combined with gripping tension and sweet release make for a moving and engrossing short from Director Filippo Conz. Following the path of a tortured homicide detective who is struggling to deal with the horrors around him, Concerto employs misdirection and mystery to carry its audience through to a stirring climax.

El Ladroncito- Yamin Segal's short coming of age parable could be considered a “little guy” even in the world of short film. The story telling is simple but effective, and the story of the young boy who struggles and succumbs to the temptations of crime evoke the great master strokes of De Sica's “Bicycle Thief”. Not bad. While not the most visually stunning piece, El Ladroncito reminds us that a camera and great story all the a sensational film requires.

Quase Todo Dia- My goodness Portuguese is beautiful. This little short parable about the struggles of a child of divorce tossed between two parents with their own agendas is so real and so honest that it hurts. Director Gandja Monteiro paints Rio just the way it should be, with color and light in which believable characters play out a moving tale about responsibility and tragedy.

Dandelion Dharma- Though we just couldn't get behind this short film as a whole, there were are so many great moments of humor and delight in Veronica DiPippo's short tribute to women everywhere who have had to endure the heartbreak of “Mr. Wrong”, that we just had to include it. Dandelion Dharma hilariously tells the fantastic story of a trio of empowered and experienced ladies who help a young woman though a harsh break-up. No one can doubt DiPippo's skill with a story our a camera and, while Irreverent humor and tight special effects had us rolling in the aisles, a lengthy and over wrought ending left this film just out of reach.

Winner's List

BEST FILM, PRESENTED BY HBO®
INSIDE A CHANGE - Director: Rik Cordero

CINELATINO AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD: BEST DOCUMENTARY NYILFF BEST DOCUMENTARY
STAGES - Director: Meerkat Media Collective

BEST SHORT
LALO – Director: Daniel Maldonado

CINELATINO AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD: BEST PICTURE
EL REGALO DE LA PACHAMAMA – Director: Toshifumi Matsushita

IndiePix Celebrates Constitution Day

The 17th of September is Constitution Day, marking the 222nd Anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The last ten years have seen a number challenges made to our civil liberties, ironically most often in the name of preserving them. This Constitution Day, celebrate the rights guaranteed by the Founding Fathers by learning about what they are and what you can do to help defend them. The documentaries in this collection all explore different aspects of Consitutional policy and how it affects the lives of citizens and those who come here seeking asylum.

In The End Of America, best-selling author Naomi Wolf outlines the disturbing parallels between the policies of the Bush Adminstration after 9/11 and those of Fascist Regimes of the past. In recognizing the methodical steps governments take toward "closing an open society," Wolf hopes to inspire citizens to action and work to keep America free.

The Least of These looks at the deplorable conditions inside the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, where families of immigrants await the result of asylum hearings. The closing Hutto Center has become President Obama's first step toward reforming immigration. And the Emmy-nominated Sentenced Home follows the story of three Cambodians who, despite having lived in the U.S. since childhood, are deported and sent back home under U.S. anti-terror laws.

To browse through our collection in its entirety, please go to: IndiePix Constitution Day Collection.

IndiePix Crosses the Globe for Controversial MIFF

The Melbourne International Film Festival took place in Melbourne, Australia from July 24th to August 9th, screening over 200 films from more than 50 countries. IndiePixer Jason Tyrrell was in attendance, taking in films, panels and participating in the annual Accelerator Program - a mentorship fast-track for a select group of young Aussie and Kiwi filmmakers. Aside from the usual celebratory drama of a major festival, this year's edition had some unexpected added drama. Early in the festival the official website was breached, and subjected to continuing hacker attacks for the duration. 150 films that were still available to fest-goers were listed as sold out, and a giant Chinese flag and message destroyed all other functionality for the better part of a day. Turns out this was one individual giving voice to what became a massive boycott by the Chinese government, a response to MIFF's premiere of the documentary THE 10 CONDITIONS OF LOVE. The film follows exiled leader Rebiya Kadeer's fight in support of independence for China's 10 million Uighurs, an ethnic minority under extreme pressure in the People's Republic. China blames Kadeer for recent violence between Uighurs and Han Chinese.

Though the festival did screen the film without incident, seven Chinese films withdrew from the festival, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry publicly voiced their extreme displeasure. All of this raises an interesting question about the role of festivals in art and politics, and whether the intervention of governments should be tolerated.

Check out more from the New York Times.

IndiePix Fall Movie Preview

September is upon us, and as the city thankfully cools off the IndiePix release schedule heads up with a new batch of exciting titles. Here’s a small taste of some of the standout films coming your way this fall on IndiePix DVD, Burn-to-Own, VOD and in retail stores!

September

IN A DREAM – Pre-order is now open for the multiple award-winning documentary about Philadelphia mural artist Isaiah Zagar, his passion for his art and his family, and his dark descent into a debilitating nervous breakdown. Directed by Isaiah’s son, Jeremiah Zagar, IN A DREAM features music by The Books, Explosions in the Sky, Efterklang and Kelli Scarr, and was included on the AMPAS Shortlist for Best Documentary of 2008.

THE LEAST OF THESE - This documentary takes a penetrating look at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, a former medium-security prison used to house immigrant families awaiting deportation or asylum hearings. But more than that, it’s a true success story of activism and the democracy at work – the Obama administration recently announced a reversal of policy that will close Hutto forever! This new retail edition DVD will be packed with extras, including an all new epilogue, deleted scenes, panel discussions, and excerpts from festival events at the New York International Latino Film Festival and SXSW!

October

HORI SMOKU SAILOR JERRY - Before Kat Von D, before Ed Hardy, there was Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. The godfather of American Tattoo, Sailor Jerry would come to symbolize the masculine ethos of a time when thousands of enlisted men spent their shore leave in the red light district of Hawaii, with a single purpose in mind: to get “Stewed, Screwed and Tattooed.” Packed with incredible interviews with modern masters Don Ed Hardy and Mike Malone and remarkable photographs and archival footage, HORI SMOKU SAILOR JERRY explores the past, present and future of the global tattooing phenomenon.

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS – A Geek Tragedy – Rock crushes Scissors. Paper covers Rock. Scissors cut Paper. Can Purity beat Commerce? By founding the World Rock Paper Scissors Society, the Walker brothers sought to turn a child’s game into a good-natured competitive sport. But when Rock Paper Scissors fanatics converge on the World RPS Championships, they’re caught between big business, talk show pundits, Playmate mascots, and a battle of good versus evil. Coming to IndiePix just in time for the latest edition of the RPS Championships!

THE ART STAR AND THE SUDANESE TWINS - Winner, Best Editing World Documentary, Sundance Film Festival. Explore the art and life of mixed media artist Vanessa Beecroft in this visually lavish, controversial documentary by award-winning filmmaker Pietra Brettkelly. Vanessa Beecroft operates in the world of high art and high society, but when recent trips to Africa inspire her to adopt orphaned Sudanese twins Madit and Mongor Akot, her life is torn apart. This complex and inspiring documentary looks at the western world’s desire to ‘save’ the children of Africa, and the sometimes selfish, always complicated reasons for these actions.

November

EVERGREEN - This heartfelt drama directed by Enid Zentelis premiered at Sundance in 2004 and was nominated for the grand jury price. Endearing to critics and audiences alike during it’s extensive festival and theatrical run (the film was the first feature widely distributed by satellite, opening in 115 AMC theaters) the incredible cast features Cara Seymour (ADAPTATION, GANGS OF NEW YORK), Gary Farmer (DEAD MAN, SMOKE SIGNALS), Oscar Nominee Bruce Davison (LONGTIME COMPANION, X-MEN 1 & 2), and Emmy award-winner Mary Kay Place (THE BIG CHILL, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH).

WHO IS KK DOWNEY? - We are scant months away from the IndiePix release of the film Variety called “The Real thing…a truly funny movie.” The first feature by Canadian comedy troupe Kidnapper Films follows the footsteps of groups like The State and Kids in the Hall into the depths of hilarious vulgarity. An unconventional examination of media hype and hipster ideology, WHO IS KK DOWNEY? will surely realign your thoughts about what an indie film can be! Check in with the blog and our upcoming newsletters for more on this incredible title!