Hollywood’s biggest night (that isn’t the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards) is coming up, with the 96th Academy Awards taking place this Sunday, March 10. Of course, many Oscar-nominated filmmakers began their careers in independent film. So! This week we’re taking a look back at some of the best Film Independent moments from this year’s Oscar nominees. First up: Oppenheimer composer Ludwig Göransson brings Black Panther to Beverly Hills.
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Entering the Film Independent Presents special event An Evening With Ludwig Göransson on January 15, attendees to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills found a stage set with multiple instruments arranged for performance. Chatting before the show, a fellow composer agreed that the scene seemed to set up for African percussion, some sort of guitar band and a string section (which turned out to be a quintet.) The eclectic mix of instruments seemed a good...
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Entering the Film Independent Presents special event An Evening With Ludwig Göransson on January 15, attendees to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills found a stage set with multiple instruments arranged for performance. Chatting before the show, a fellow composer agreed that the scene seemed to set up for African percussion, some sort of guitar band and a string section (which turned out to be a quintet.) The eclectic mix of instruments seemed a good...
- 3/8/2024
- by Aaron Gilmartin
- Film Independent News & More
In 2009, Sally Menke, the splicer extraordinaire who cut her way to film industry prominence as Quentin Tarantino's most trusted collaborator, wrote, "Editors are the quiet heroes of movies and I like it that way." I emphatically agree and disagree with this observation. On one hand, the best film editing is seamless; watching a movie should be an entrancing experience, and it's the editor's job to not break the spell. Yes, there are singular, medium-altering cuts (the entire Odessa Steps sequence in Sergei Eisenstein's silent classic "Potemkin;" the blowing out of a match whisking us off to the desert in David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia;" the bone-to-spaceship transition in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Opera"), but they're grand gestures deftly woven into the fabric of the movie. They pull you deeper into their worlds, not take you out of them.
Watch enough movies, however, and you become attuned to certain editorial rhythms.
Watch enough movies, however, and you become attuned to certain editorial rhythms.
- 1/9/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams talks to high-profile Black women in a hybrid documentary/animation based on Dr Ibram X Kendi’s landmark book
Dr Ibram X Kendi first published Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America in 2016 and it’s since had many forms, though this 92-minute film might be the most heart-poundingly persuasive yet. Alongside Ava DuVernay’s Academy Award-winning 13th and Elvis Mitchell’s delightfully idiosyncratic Is That Black Enough for You?!? it also solidifies Netflix’s reputation as a home for worthwhile Black history documentaries.
The film’s particular innovation is to privilege Black women’s perspectives on the history of American racism, and with the exception of Kendi himself, every expert commentator here is a Black woman. It’s an undeniable coup to have legendary movement leader Angela Davis included, though she doesn’t say much. More memorable are contributions...
Dr Ibram X Kendi first published Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America in 2016 and it’s since had many forms, though this 92-minute film might be the most heart-poundingly persuasive yet. Alongside Ava DuVernay’s Academy Award-winning 13th and Elvis Mitchell’s delightfully idiosyncratic Is That Black Enough for You?!? it also solidifies Netflix’s reputation as a home for worthwhile Black history documentaries.
The film’s particular innovation is to privilege Black women’s perspectives on the history of American racism, and with the exception of Kendi himself, every expert commentator here is a Black woman. It’s an undeniable coup to have legendary movement leader Angela Davis included, though she doesn’t say much. More memorable are contributions...
- 11/9/2023
- by Ellen E Jones
- The Guardian - Film News
HBO Max’s The Janes was among the top winners at the 44th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards on Wednesday, with the film — centered on a pre-Roe v. Wade abortion network in Chicago — taking home best documentary as well as best social issue documentary.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) presented the Documentary category winners during a live ceremony at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform powered by Vimeo, the second of a two-night celebration. The News category winners were announced in a ceremony held at the Palladium on Wednesday.
Scheduled presenters at the Thursday night Docs ceremony included HBO Documentary & Family Programming’s Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, reporter Jelani Cobb, Nothing Compares director Kathryn Ferguson, NPR host and Is That Black Enough for You?!? writer-director Elvis Mitchell, Doc NYC co-founder Thom Powers and National Geographic correspondent Mariana van Zeller.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) presented the Documentary category winners during a live ceremony at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform powered by Vimeo, the second of a two-night celebration. The News category winners were announced in a ceremony held at the Palladium on Wednesday.
Scheduled presenters at the Thursday night Docs ceremony included HBO Documentary & Family Programming’s Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, reporter Jelani Cobb, Nothing Compares director Kathryn Ferguson, NPR host and Is That Black Enough for You?!? writer-director Elvis Mitchell, Doc NYC co-founder Thom Powers and National Geographic correspondent Mariana van Zeller.
- 9/29/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LL Cool J, Gretchen Rhodes, Mick Fleetwood and Lukas Nelson are among several artists performing in the #MauiStrong livestream event benefiting those impacted by the Maui wildfires.
The event, hosted by Kcrw’s Elvis Mitchell and Jimmy Jam, will be streamed live Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et on Ziggy Marley’s YouTube channel. Other celebrities participating include Marley, Benny Uyetake, Fred Armisen, Gretchen Rhodes, Kai Lenny, Matthew Pinfield, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ryan Bingham, Sarah McLachlan, Skunk Baxter, Slim Jim Phantom, Stewart Copeland and Uncle George Kahumoku Jr.
All funds raised will support the Maui Strong Fund, which provides recovery aid for people and areas devastated by the Maui wildfires, and MusiCares, an organization that supports the music community through preventive, emergency, and recovery programs.
According to the event’s press release, “The livestream will cast a spotlight on stories of local heroism and the rich history and challenges...
The event, hosted by Kcrw’s Elvis Mitchell and Jimmy Jam, will be streamed live Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et on Ziggy Marley’s YouTube channel. Other celebrities participating include Marley, Benny Uyetake, Fred Armisen, Gretchen Rhodes, Kai Lenny, Matthew Pinfield, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ryan Bingham, Sarah McLachlan, Skunk Baxter, Slim Jim Phantom, Stewart Copeland and Uncle George Kahumoku Jr.
All funds raised will support the Maui Strong Fund, which provides recovery aid for people and areas devastated by the Maui wildfires, and MusiCares, an organization that supports the music community through preventive, emergency, and recovery programs.
According to the event’s press release, “The livestream will cast a spotlight on stories of local heroism and the rich history and challenges...
- 9/7/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's official — the prolific auteur and cinema-obsessed filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino, has set what he claims will be his final feature film. According to sources at The Hollywood Reporter, Qt's 10th feature will be entitled "The Movie Critic." The mag expects that the filmmaker's new script could be sent out to studios and other potential backers as soon as this week, and filming will likely begin this year.
Details are still as sketchy as Stuntman Mike but allegedly, the film will be set in late '70s Los Angeles and revolve around a female protagonist. What /Film does know is that late last year, Tarantino revealed to critic Elvis Mitchell that the film will be an entirely new and original story.
To be fair, that's not exactly a surprise — a precious few of Tarantino's prior works can be said to have been adaptations of existing material, despite the director always...
Details are still as sketchy as Stuntman Mike but allegedly, the film will be set in late '70s Los Angeles and revolve around a female protagonist. What /Film does know is that late last year, Tarantino revealed to critic Elvis Mitchell that the film will be an entirely new and original story.
To be fair, that's not exactly a surprise — a precious few of Tarantino's prior works can be said to have been adaptations of existing material, despite the director always...
- 3/14/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
The 2023 NAACP Image Awards winners list is full of big names, including Beyoncé, Angela Bassett, and the cast of "Abbott Elementary." The annual award show announced this year's pool of nominees on Jan. 12, recognizing talent, creativity, and trailblazers across film, television, music, streaming, podcasts, literature, and social justice. "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" led the pack with a whopping 12 nominations, snagging wins for the dynamic cast, soundtrack, and Rihanna's original end-credits song, "Lift Me Up," as well as wins for filmmaker Ryan Coogler, costume designer Ruth Carter, and hairstylist Camille Friend.
Trailing behind the Marvel blockbuster was Gina Prince-Bythewood's film "The Woman King" and "Abbott Elementary" leading the TV race; both projects earned nine nominations each. Other notable individuals among the winners list include Beyoncé, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis, Nia Long, Will Smith, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Tems, Silk Sonic, Kid Cudi, Quavo, and Offset.
This year,...
Trailing behind the Marvel blockbuster was Gina Prince-Bythewood's film "The Woman King" and "Abbott Elementary" leading the TV race; both projects earned nine nominations each. Other notable individuals among the winners list include Beyoncé, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis, Nia Long, Will Smith, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Tems, Silk Sonic, Kid Cudi, Quavo, and Offset.
This year,...
- 2/26/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast, Quinta Brunson and Keke Palmer are among the winners from the third night of the NAACP Image Awards‘ non-televised ceremonies.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which led all the nominees heading into the week’s ceremonies, took the award for best ensemble cast in a motion picture.
Abbott Elementary creator and star Brunson won the award for best breakthrough creative in television. Brunson has been collecting awards for her hit comedy, including an Emmy for best comedy series writing, a Golden Globe for best actress in a TV series — musical or comedy and a Television Critics Association Award for individual achievement in comedy. For best breakthrough creative in motion pictures, Ericka Nicole Malone (Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story) took home the honor.
Other winners during night three included Palmer for best character voice-over performance in a film for her role as Izzy Hawthorne in Lightyear,...
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which led all the nominees heading into the week’s ceremonies, took the award for best ensemble cast in a motion picture.
Abbott Elementary creator and star Brunson won the award for best breakthrough creative in television. Brunson has been collecting awards for her hit comedy, including an Emmy for best comedy series writing, a Golden Globe for best actress in a TV series — musical or comedy and a Television Critics Association Award for individual achievement in comedy. For best breakthrough creative in motion pictures, Ericka Nicole Malone (Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story) took home the honor.
Other winners during night three included Palmer for best character voice-over performance in a film for her role as Izzy Hawthorne in Lightyear,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The legendary RZA joins hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man With The Iron Fists (2012)
Cut Throat City (2020)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Cooley High (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Car Wash (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Grease (1978)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Dennis Cozzalio’s best of 2020
The Devil You Know (2022)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
The Beastmaster (1982)
Porky’s (1981)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Carmen Jones (1954)
An American In Paris (1951)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Is That Black Enough for You?!?...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man With The Iron Fists (2012)
Cut Throat City (2020)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Cooley High (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Car Wash (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Grease (1978)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Dennis Cozzalio’s best of 2020
The Devil You Know (2022)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
The Beastmaster (1982)
Porky’s (1981)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Carmen Jones (1954)
An American In Paris (1951)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Is That Black Enough for You?!?...
- 2/14/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
February is Black History Month, and with such a wide array of streaming options, there’s no shortage of options for learning about Black heritage and celebrating Black excellence.
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
- 2/9/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Brandon Harris—an educator, programmer, author, producer, director, executive as well as a longtime contributing editor at Filmmaker—has curated a series at Metrograph in commemoration of Black History Month. Entitled “Strange Fruit,” the series features an impressive slate of titles spanning several decades, from Pierre Chenal’s black and white Argentine drama Native Son to Billy Woodberry’s seminal L.A. Rebellion film Bless Their Little Hearts. The opening night selection, which played on Sunday, February 5, was Elvis Mitchell’s NYFF-premiering essay film Is That Black Enough for You?!? Several special screenings have also been programmed, including Del Lord’s 1927 silent film Topsy and Eva […]
The post Brandon Harris Curates “Strange Fruit” Series at Metrograph in Honor of Black History Month first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Brandon Harris Curates “Strange Fruit” Series at Metrograph in Honor of Black History Month first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/9/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Brandon Harris—an educator, programmer, author, producer, director, executive as well as a longtime contributing editor at Filmmaker—has curated a series at Metrograph in commemoration of Black History Month. Entitled “Strange Fruit,” the series features an impressive slate of titles spanning several decades, from Pierre Chenal’s black and white Argentine drama Native Son to Billy Woodberry’s seminal L.A. Rebellion film Bless Their Little Hearts. The opening night selection, which played on Sunday, February 5, was Elvis Mitchell’s NYFF-premiering essay film Is That Black Enough for You?!? Several special screenings have also been programmed, including Del Lord’s 1927 silent film Topsy and Eva […]
The post Brandon Harris Curates “Strange Fruit” Series at Metrograph in Honor of Black History Month first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Brandon Harris Curates “Strange Fruit” Series at Metrograph in Honor of Black History Month first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/9/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Writer Alex Tse discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The 23rd annual Black Reel Awards took place Monday, February 6th, with “The Woman King” leading the field, snagging six awards including Best Picture. BAFTA nominee Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s historical epic is inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was close behind with five wins.
Special honorary award winners were Angela Bassett (Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award), Effie T. Brown (Vanguard Award), Debra Martin Chase (Oscar Micheaux Impact Award) and Kerry Washington (Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award).
The Black Reel Awards, or the “Bolt”, is an annual American awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (Faaaf) to recognize the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film industry, as assessed by the Foundation’s voting membership.
Special honorary award winners were Angela Bassett (Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award), Effie T. Brown (Vanguard Award), Debra Martin Chase (Oscar Micheaux Impact Award) and Kerry Washington (Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award).
The Black Reel Awards, or the “Bolt”, is an annual American awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (Faaaf) to recognize the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film industry, as assessed by the Foundation’s voting membership.
- 2/7/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The NAACP today revealed the nominees for its 54th annual NAACP Image Awards, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Woman King leading the film side and Abbott Elementary and the now-ended Black-ish topping TV.
The group also set up an all-female race for its Entertainer of the Year award. The five-way tussle for that marquee category will be among Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya.
The hardware will be handed out during the February 25 ceremony that will air live on BET.
The Black Panther sequel scored 12 noms to lead the pack, with The Woman King second at 10. Abbott Elementary, fresh off its Golden Globe triumph, scored nine nominations to Black-ish‘;’s seven. ABC topped all networks/distributors with 28 noms.
“This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and diverse experiences that have resonated with many in our community, and we...
The group also set up an all-female race for its Entertainer of the Year award. The five-way tussle for that marquee category will be among Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya.
The hardware will be handed out during the February 25 ceremony that will air live on BET.
The Black Panther sequel scored 12 noms to lead the pack, with The Woman King second at 10. Abbott Elementary, fresh off its Golden Globe triumph, scored nine nominations to Black-ish‘;’s seven. ABC topped all networks/distributors with 28 noms.
“This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and diverse experiences that have resonated with many in our community, and we...
- 1/12/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Quentin Tarantino has saved cinema, and now he’s saving Netflix’s “Kaleidoscope” — at least in order for it to make sense.
The non-linear series starring Giancarlo Esposito has fascinated audiences since its New Year’s premiere, with its eight episodes charting the story of a 70-billion bond heist during Hurricane Sandy. With the robbery 24 years in the making, the series bounces back and forth between timelines, showing the thieves in various intervals including six months post-heist. Created by Eric Garcia (screenwriter of 2010’s “Repo Men”), the series is also executive produced by Ridley Scott.
Yet Netflix is looking to another auteur to explain the series. On Twitter, Netflix unveiled various color-coded maps for episode guides to best understand “Kaleidoscope,” including one suggestion to approach the show like “a Quentin Tarantino film.” See below.
“I came up with a bunch of different orders to watch ‘Kaleidoscope’ in so you don’t have to,...
The non-linear series starring Giancarlo Esposito has fascinated audiences since its New Year’s premiere, with its eight episodes charting the story of a 70-billion bond heist during Hurricane Sandy. With the robbery 24 years in the making, the series bounces back and forth between timelines, showing the thieves in various intervals including six months post-heist. Created by Eric Garcia (screenwriter of 2010’s “Repo Men”), the series is also executive produced by Ridley Scott.
Yet Netflix is looking to another auteur to explain the series. On Twitter, Netflix unveiled various color-coded maps for episode guides to best understand “Kaleidoscope,” including one suggestion to approach the show like “a Quentin Tarantino film.” See below.
“I came up with a bunch of different orders to watch ‘Kaleidoscope’ in so you don’t have to,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The Black Film Critics Circle has voted The Woman King its Best Film of 2022, Danielle Deadwyler Best Actress for Till and Brendan Fraser as Best Actor for The Whale. Gina Prince-Bythewood won Best Director for The Woman King.
Bfcc co-president Mike Sargent revealed the winners Thursday after votes were cast and tabulated in New York City at the organization’s annual meeting December 17.
Recognizing achievements in theatrical motion pictures, the Bfcc awarded prizes in 13 categories. Special Signature awards were also given to industry pioneers and rising stars, with Davis winning the Pioneer Award, Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul‘s Adamma Ebo winning Rising Star and Nanny director Nikyatu Jusu winning Special Mention.
“2022 has been a banner year for films by and starring people of color. The fact that we have films from multiple countries in multiple genres and their success has amplified a significant shift that actors like...
Bfcc co-president Mike Sargent revealed the winners Thursday after votes were cast and tabulated in New York City at the organization’s annual meeting December 17.
Recognizing achievements in theatrical motion pictures, the Bfcc awarded prizes in 13 categories. Special Signature awards were also given to industry pioneers and rising stars, with Davis winning the Pioneer Award, Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul‘s Adamma Ebo winning Rising Star and Nanny director Nikyatu Jusu winning Special Mention.
“2022 has been a banner year for films by and starring people of color. The fact that we have films from multiple countries in multiple genres and their success has amplified a significant shift that actors like...
- 12/22/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Black Reel Awards has revealed its nominations for their 23rd Annual ceremony.
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, about the warrior women of the country of Dahomey, and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, about a superhero from the fictional African nation of Wakanda and a memorial to Chadwick Boseman, are tied at 14 nominations.
Two other films joined the ranks of double-digit nominations: MGM’s Till and A24’s The Inspection.
Independent studio A24 garnered 11 nominations across all categories. However, Amazon Studios landed a record three nominations in the Outstanding Independent Film category for Master, Nanny, and Emergency. Perennial powerhouse, Disney Studios nabbed the most nominations for a studio with 15.
Viola Davis landed her sixth Outstanding Actress nomination for her work in The Woman King, becoming the most recognized individual in the Actress category in Black Reel Award (Bolts) history. At the same time, director Elegance Bratton received...
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, about the warrior women of the country of Dahomey, and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, about a superhero from the fictional African nation of Wakanda and a memorial to Chadwick Boseman, are tied at 14 nominations.
Two other films joined the ranks of double-digit nominations: MGM’s Till and A24’s The Inspection.
Independent studio A24 garnered 11 nominations across all categories. However, Amazon Studios landed a record three nominations in the Outstanding Independent Film category for Master, Nanny, and Emergency. Perennial powerhouse, Disney Studios nabbed the most nominations for a studio with 15.
Viola Davis landed her sixth Outstanding Actress nomination for her work in The Woman King, becoming the most recognized individual in the Actress category in Black Reel Award (Bolts) history. At the same time, director Elegance Bratton received...
- 12/16/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
This history of Blaxploitation cinema, dispatches from the front lines of war, adventurous volcanologists, portraits of legendary artists, and a group of jackasses that repeatedly hit each other in the balls—just a few of the subjects and stories this year’s documentaries brought us. With 2022 wrapping up, we’ve selected the features that left us most impressed. If you’re looking for where to stream them, check out our handy guide here.
All That Breathes (Shaunak Sen)
Move over, Sandra Bullock—there’s a new Bird Box in town. The only film to have collected prizes at both Sundance and Cannes, Shaunak Sen’s taut, tender documentary has a healing power that’s sourced straight from its subjects: two brothers in Delhi who have devoted their lives to saving the Black Kite—a majestic, medium-sized, hypercarnivorous raptor of the air—from going extinct in Delhi’s fatally-polluted skies. Set...
All That Breathes (Shaunak Sen)
Move over, Sandra Bullock—there’s a new Bird Box in town. The only film to have collected prizes at both Sundance and Cannes, Shaunak Sen’s taut, tender documentary has a healing power that’s sourced straight from its subjects: two brothers in Delhi who have devoted their lives to saving the Black Kite—a majestic, medium-sized, hypercarnivorous raptor of the air—from going extinct in Delhi’s fatally-polluted skies. Set...
- 12/9/2022
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Quentin Tarantino’s second book, Cinema Speculation, is as hard to put down as his “novelization” of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. His film education began at age 7, when he quickly warmed to the violent R-rated movies he makes today. Now, the mission for this interview was not to get Tarantino to rehash controversies for soundbites — like answering yet again what he wished he could have done to stop Harvey Weinstein’s predatory path or talking about his next film. Tarantino’s also keeping his multi-ep TV series plan quiet, the one he dropped on Elvis Mitchell. He did say he would only...
- 11/22/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
If you wish to be a writer, write. Quentin Tarantino has always considered himself a writer first and a filmmaker second. With his long-rumored tenth and final film on the horizon, and his newfound life as a family man, Tarantino is finally starting to wind down the purring motors of his director mind in order to transition to a more sedentary lifestyle as an author. Speaking to Rolling Stone's Peter Travers when his ninth film,"Once Upon A Time in Hollywood," was nominated for 10 Oscars in 2020, Tarantino shared his vision for the next phase of his career.
"I kind of feel this is the time for the third act [of my life] to just lean a little bit more into the literary, which would be good as a new father, as a new husband," he reflected. "I can be a little bit more of a homebody, and become a little bit more of a man of letters.
"I kind of feel this is the time for the third act [of my life] to just lean a little bit more into the literary, which would be good as a new father, as a new husband," he reflected. "I can be a little bit more of a homebody, and become a little bit more of a man of letters.
- 11/18/2022
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is making the rounds to promote his nonfiction novel “Cinema Speculation” and, while speaking with Elvis Mitchell during the book tour (via IndieWire) in NYC, dished out some tiny details about the script for his tenth and final film.
Read More: Quentin Tarantino Has TV Limited Series Coming In Early 2023, No Plot Details Yet
The writer/director revealed that the untitled project would come from an “original script” rather than being an adaptation like his fantastic film “Jackie Brown,” which Tarantino adapted/reimagined from the Elmore Leonard crime novel, “Rum Punch.” However, he was once tempted to adapt Lenoard’s book “Stick” but has since moved away from that idea.
Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Says Final Film Will Be An Original Script & Muses About Tackling Marvel’s WWII Comic ‘Sgt. Nick Fury & His Howling Commandos’ at The Playlist.
Read More: Quentin Tarantino Has TV Limited Series Coming In Early 2023, No Plot Details Yet
The writer/director revealed that the untitled project would come from an “original script” rather than being an adaptation like his fantastic film “Jackie Brown,” which Tarantino adapted/reimagined from the Elmore Leonard crime novel, “Rum Punch.” However, he was once tempted to adapt Lenoard’s book “Stick” but has since moved away from that idea.
Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Says Final Film Will Be An Original Script & Muses About Tackling Marvel’s WWII Comic ‘Sgt. Nick Fury & His Howling Commandos’ at The Playlist.
- 11/18/2022
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Quentin Tarantino’s final film will be a wholly original work, says the auteur.
During Tarantino’s “Cinema Speculation” book tour in New York City, the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” writer/director revealed during a discussion with Elvis Mitchell that he was tempted to adapt Elmore Leonard’s “Stick” for the big screen. Tarantino previously adapted Leonard’s “Rum Punch” and reimagined it as “Jackie Brown.”
“Stick” also inspired the Cliff Booth character in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” played by Oscar winner Brad Pitt.
Instead Tarantino’s “magnum opus” will be an entirely original work, which seems to rule out a third “Kill Bill” movie that has been long-rumored.
Tarantino announced in 2020 that he was looking to retire as a director and cap off his film career at the number 10. The “Reservoir Dogs” filmmaker teased a “mic drop” movie, with ideas ranging from “Kill Bill 3” to a Spaghetti Western,...
During Tarantino’s “Cinema Speculation” book tour in New York City, the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” writer/director revealed during a discussion with Elvis Mitchell that he was tempted to adapt Elmore Leonard’s “Stick” for the big screen. Tarantino previously adapted Leonard’s “Rum Punch” and reimagined it as “Jackie Brown.”
“Stick” also inspired the Cliff Booth character in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” played by Oscar winner Brad Pitt.
Instead Tarantino’s “magnum opus” will be an entirely original work, which seems to rule out a third “Kill Bill” movie that has been long-rumored.
Tarantino announced in 2020 that he was looking to retire as a director and cap off his film career at the number 10. The “Reservoir Dogs” filmmaker teased a “mic drop” movie, with ideas ranging from “Kill Bill 3” to a Spaghetti Western,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
According to iconic film critic Pauline Kael, Quentin Tarantino borrowed the opening credits for “Jackie Brown” from filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.
While Tarantino has been open about his admiration for Almodóvar, especially his Nc-17 rated “Matador,” the auteur revealed that Kael told him the “Jackie Brown” credits was so similar to Almodóvar’s work that “it needed quotations around it,” the “Pulp Fiction” Oscar winner said during the New York City stop on his “Cinema Speculation” book tour.
Moderator Elvis Mitchell, a friend and critic, reminisced with Tarantino about a dinner in Cannes during which he encouraged the director to call Kael after decades of admiring her work. The duo then called Kael from a payphone.
While their conversation with Kael ranged across a variety of films, Tarantino shared the “Jackie Brown” comment fondly, and said Mitchell told him meeting Kael in person would be like “meeting a bird” despite her...
While Tarantino has been open about his admiration for Almodóvar, especially his Nc-17 rated “Matador,” the auteur revealed that Kael told him the “Jackie Brown” credits was so similar to Almodóvar’s work that “it needed quotations around it,” the “Pulp Fiction” Oscar winner said during the New York City stop on his “Cinema Speculation” book tour.
Moderator Elvis Mitchell, a friend and critic, reminisced with Tarantino about a dinner in Cannes during which he encouraged the director to call Kael after decades of admiring her work. The duo then called Kael from a payphone.
While their conversation with Kael ranged across a variety of films, Tarantino shared the “Jackie Brown” comment fondly, and said Mitchell told him meeting Kael in person would be like “meeting a bird” despite her...
- 11/17/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Quentin Tarantino concluded a mini book tour for his collection of essays and musings, “Cinema Speculation,” at The Town Hall in New York City on Wednesday night, after dates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Austin. Hosted by Elvis Mitchell, the event was a free-flowing conversation about film critics (he always finds time to salute the late Pauline Kael), classics like “Taxi Driver,” and comic books.
When the topic came to new projects, the director made a surprising announcement. Tarantino has long stated that when he makes his 10th movie (i.e. his next one) it will be his last. But television is fair game. Indeed, he intends to shoot an eight-episode series sometime next year.
For which network or streaming service? Unknown! Based on a pre-existing property? Unknown! Is this a deal set up already, or is he just spitballing? Unknown! But it is exciting nonetheless. Tarantino was pressed for details by Mitchell,...
When the topic came to new projects, the director made a surprising announcement. Tarantino has long stated that when he makes his 10th movie (i.e. his next one) it will be his last. But television is fair game. Indeed, he intends to shoot an eight-episode series sometime next year.
For which network or streaming service? Unknown! Based on a pre-existing property? Unknown! Is this a deal set up already, or is he just spitballing? Unknown! But it is exciting nonetheless. Tarantino was pressed for details by Mitchell,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
It looks like Quentin Tarantino is headed back to the small screen before directing his tenth – and allegedly final – movie, with Tarantino himself revealing during a chat with Elvis Mitchell this week that he’s getting set to shoot a brand new TV project sometime next year.
According to Variety, Tarantino told the crowd while out promoting his new non-fiction book Cinema Speculation that he’s looking to shoot an eight-episode television series in 2023.
Tarantino is of course mostly known as a film director, but this wouldn’t be the first time he’s applied his unique vision to the small screen. Tarantino directed an episode of “E.R.” back in 1995, you may recall, and he later directed two episodes of “C.S.I.” in 2005.
On a related note, it was reported this past February that Tarantino would be directing Timothy Olyphant in a couple episodes of “Justified: City Primeval,” an upcoming...
According to Variety, Tarantino told the crowd while out promoting his new non-fiction book Cinema Speculation that he’s looking to shoot an eight-episode television series in 2023.
Tarantino is of course mostly known as a film director, but this wouldn’t be the first time he’s applied his unique vision to the small screen. Tarantino directed an episode of “E.R.” back in 1995, you may recall, and he later directed two episodes of “C.S.I.” in 2005.
On a related note, it was reported this past February that Tarantino would be directing Timothy Olyphant in a couple episodes of “Justified: City Primeval,” an upcoming...
- 11/17/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Nostalgia fuels Quentin Tarantino’s career, as his movies bear the DNA of his obsessions, be it blaxploitation (“Jackie Brown”), Shaw Brothers classics (“Kill Bill”) or the Los Angeles of his youth (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”).
Yet the last few years have marked a turning point for the auteur. Instead of letting his movies do the talking, Tarantino has embraced more of a professorial role. In July, he launched the podcast “Video Archives” with former video store co-worker and “Pulp Fiction” co-writer Roger Avary, in which the pair pick random selections from their former rental place (the inventory of which Tarantino bought once they shuttered) and analyze them. It’s a joy to hear motormouthed Tarantino shoot the shit with an old friend who can break him out of filibuster.
On Nov. 1, Tarantino released a more formal analysis of film with his first non-fiction book, “Cinema Speculation.” Structured as essays mixed with memoir,...
Yet the last few years have marked a turning point for the auteur. Instead of letting his movies do the talking, Tarantino has embraced more of a professorial role. In July, he launched the podcast “Video Archives” with former video store co-worker and “Pulp Fiction” co-writer Roger Avary, in which the pair pick random selections from their former rental place (the inventory of which Tarantino bought once they shuttered) and analyze them. It’s a joy to hear motormouthed Tarantino shoot the shit with an old friend who can break him out of filibuster.
On Nov. 1, Tarantino released a more formal analysis of film with his first non-fiction book, “Cinema Speculation.” Structured as essays mixed with memoir,...
- 11/17/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
After the release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and his claim that he would be ending his career with ten films, movie fans started to anticipate what Quentin Tarantino’s final film would be. He has been long rumored to helm an off-shoot Star Trek film. He has also talked about making a sequel to Kill Bill with Beatrix being hunted down by Vivica A. Fox’s character’s daughter from the first movie.
In a surprising turn, news has now just come out that the prolific director is now set to make his major television debut with a limited series in which he will be directing. As the auteur makes his Cinema Speculation book tour, he recently spoke with documentary filmmaker Elvis Mitchell in New York when he made this announcement, IndieWire reports.
Unfortunately, that is all that is currently known about his project. Tarantino is no stranger to television,...
In a surprising turn, news has now just come out that the prolific director is now set to make his major television debut with a limited series in which he will be directing. As the auteur makes his Cinema Speculation book tour, he recently spoke with documentary filmmaker Elvis Mitchell in New York when he made this announcement, IndieWire reports.
Unfortunately, that is all that is currently known about his project. Tarantino is no stranger to television,...
- 11/17/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
What's next for Quentin Tarantino? How about a TV series? The filmmaker is out there promoting his excellent new book "Cinema Speculation," and while appearing during an event for the book he dropped the news that he plans to shoot a TV series next year. This won't be Tarantino's first time working in TV — in the past, he helmed episodes of "ER" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," but this will be his first full series.
As is always the case with news like this, we should probably take this with a grain of salt just for now, or at least tamper our excitement. It's not that Tarantino isn't being honest, it's more that he sometimes gets announced to be involved with projects that never really materialize (remember that "Star Trek" movie he was supposed to make?). Sometimes, life gets in the way of your plans, even if you're Quentin Tarantino.
As is always the case with news like this, we should probably take this with a grain of salt just for now, or at least tamper our excitement. It's not that Tarantino isn't being honest, it's more that he sometimes gets announced to be involved with projects that never really materialize (remember that "Star Trek" movie he was supposed to make?). Sometimes, life gets in the way of your plans, even if you're Quentin Tarantino.
- 11/17/2022
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Famed film director Quentin Tarantino is making plans to jump to the small screen as he shared plans for a new TV series. The man known for titles such as Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Reservoir Dogs teased his project Wednesday, November 16 during an event in New York City surrounding the release of his new book Cinema Speculation. Hosted by Elvis Mitchell (Is That Black Enough for You?), TV Insider was on site for the conversation during which Tarantino let it spill that he’s working on an eight-episode series tentatively set to shoot in 2023. He wouldn’t add any additional details, keeping mum about the topic beyond the very revealing tease. Meaning, it’s unclear if he’d be directing, writing, or producing, or doing all three. Despite being best known for his films, Tarantino’s no stranger to television as he famously directed an...
- 11/17/2022
- TV Insider
Considering the purely entertaining reads that are Quentin Tarantino’s first pair of books—his expansion of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and the recently released Cinema Speculation—it’s certainly fine by us for the director to take his time on announcing any plans for his 10th and final film. However, novel-writing isn’t the only thing keeping the filmmaker busy.
While at the last stop on his book tour for Cinema Speculation, at New York City’s Times Square venue The Town Hall, Tarantino revealed he has written an eight-part limited series he plans to shoot next year. While he was tight-lipped about sharing any more details (even cheekily shouting a “f*ck y’all” to a lively audience cheering for more information), he defiantly confirmed this new project would not count as his final film.
Along with mentioning that he wrote a play prior to the...
While at the last stop on his book tour for Cinema Speculation, at New York City’s Times Square venue The Town Hall, Tarantino revealed he has written an eight-part limited series he plans to shoot next year. While he was tight-lipped about sharing any more details (even cheekily shouting a “f*ck y’all” to a lively audience cheering for more information), he defiantly confirmed this new project would not count as his final film.
Along with mentioning that he wrote a play prior to the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Quentin Tarantino may be eyeing his final film, but also his first TV show.
The Oscar-winning “Pulp Fiction” auteur is confirmed to be helming an upcoming eight-episode limited series. Tarantino broke the news during his “Cinema Speculation” book tour in New York City while in discussion with Elvis Mitchell, whose documentary “Am I Black Enough For You?” premiered on Netflix earlier this year. Tarantino’s series will premiere in early 2023.
IndieWire has reached out to Tarantino or comment.
Tarantino recently partnered with Netflix to release 2015 film “The Hateful Eight” in episodes. As for his forays into television, Tarantino previously was credited for “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” episodes based on his film with Robert Rodriguez. He also wrote and directed two episodes of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2005, and helmed one episode of “E.R.” in 1995, as well as playing a character on a two-parter of “Alias.”
The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood...
The Oscar-winning “Pulp Fiction” auteur is confirmed to be helming an upcoming eight-episode limited series. Tarantino broke the news during his “Cinema Speculation” book tour in New York City while in discussion with Elvis Mitchell, whose documentary “Am I Black Enough For You?” premiered on Netflix earlier this year. Tarantino’s series will premiere in early 2023.
IndieWire has reached out to Tarantino or comment.
Tarantino recently partnered with Netflix to release 2015 film “The Hateful Eight” in episodes. As for his forays into television, Tarantino previously was credited for “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” episodes based on his film with Robert Rodriguez. He also wrote and directed two episodes of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2005, and helmed one episode of “E.R.” in 1995, as well as playing a character on a two-parter of “Alias.”
The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood...
- 11/17/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Quentin Tarantino has disclosed that he has plans to step back into television, looking to shoot an eight-episode series in 2023. The film director shared news of the project Wednesday night while promoting his new book, “Cinema Speculation,” at a New York event hosted by Elvis Mitchell.
The filmmaker wasn’t forthright with narrative or production details around the project. Tarantino has worked in television before, directing two episodes of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2005. Since then he has flirted with venturing back, with reports emerging in February that the director was in talks to helm installments of FX’s “Justified” revival.
The N.Y. conversation covered a lot of ground, with Tarantino touching on other projects he’s circled over the years. The writer-director shared that he wrote a play before “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” was completed. He also stated that he was approached to do a rewrite...
The filmmaker wasn’t forthright with narrative or production details around the project. Tarantino has worked in television before, directing two episodes of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2005. Since then he has flirted with venturing back, with reports emerging in February that the director was in talks to helm installments of FX’s “Justified” revival.
The N.Y. conversation covered a lot of ground, with Tarantino touching on other projects he’s circled over the years. The writer-director shared that he wrote a play before “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” was completed. He also stated that he was approached to do a rewrite...
- 11/17/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis Mitchell’s new Netflix documentary Is That Black Enough You?!? is a whirling exploration of a specific slice of Black movie history. Its main point of interest is the 1970s and its borders. The moment of Blaxploitation, Melvin Van Peebles, liberation politics, Pam Grier, Ali/Frazier, Lady Sings the Blues, and on and on. Mitchell, a longtime film critic, formerly of the New York Times and elsewhere, is not merely sifting through this history for history’s sake, even as the broad backbone of this film is a year-by-year accounting of the decade.
- 11/16/2022
- by K. Austin Collins
- Rollingstone.com
Elvis Mitchell has been one of America’s great critics, interviewers, and pop culture historians for over 25 years, and with his new Netflix documentary, “Is That Black Enough for You?!?,” he proves he’s a world class filmmaker as well. An engagingly personal yet rigorously analytical and completely original crash course in ’70s cinema, “Is That Black Enough for You” covers all the important actors and filmmakers lily-white New Hollywood retrospectives like “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls” left out: Sidney Poitier, Ossie Davis, Melvin van Peebles, Diahann Carroll, Diana Ross, and so, so many more. As Mitchell told IndieWire, there was one clear advantage to his past as a journalist: “When I teach film, I always say there used to be two reasons to go to film school, to have access to films and to have access to equipment. So I had one of those things going for me. I’d...
- 11/14/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
This week’s New to Streaming column is sponsored by Sara Dosa’s Fire of Love, now streaming on Disney+, courtesy of National Geographic Documentary Films.
Fire of Love (Sara Dosa)
In a bond forged over mutual fascination (or obsession) with the mysteries of volcanoes, Katia and Maurice Krafft dedicated their lives to discovering everything they could about these natural phenomena. Forces of both awe-inspiring wonder and tragic disaster, Sara Dosa’s archival documentary Fire of Love gracefully captures this extreme dichotomy while also getting to the heart of what drove this couple to abandon a routine, domesticated lifestyle and literally sacrifice their lives in the mission to save others. In telling their devotion to one of the natural world’s most dangerous forces,...
This week’s New to Streaming column is sponsored by Sara Dosa’s Fire of Love, now streaming on Disney+, courtesy of National Geographic Documentary Films.
Fire of Love (Sara Dosa)
In a bond forged over mutual fascination (or obsession) with the mysteries of volcanoes, Katia and Maurice Krafft dedicated their lives to discovering everything they could about these natural phenomena. Forces of both awe-inspiring wonder and tragic disaster, Sara Dosa’s archival documentary Fire of Love gracefully captures this extreme dichotomy while also getting to the heart of what drove this couple to abandon a routine, domesticated lifestyle and literally sacrifice their lives in the mission to save others. In telling their devotion to one of the natural world’s most dangerous forces,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
A comprehensive, personal, and kaleidoscopic look at representation, Elvis Mitchell’s Is That Black Enough For You?!? is a passionate and loving walk through film history framed by Blaxploitation cinema of the 1970s. Written, directed, and narrated by the master conversationalist, curator, film scholar, and cultural critic, this is a densely packed visual essay told through film clips, archival materials, and interviews with Black stars of multiple eras who speak to the influence of this sub-genre on their lives and careers.
Borne from the notion that America was in a freefall spiral circa 1968, a new kind of subversive independent cinema arrived on the scene, forcing Hollywood to compete and adapt. Mitchell notes landmarks of representation along with the way—including Robert Downy Sr.’s Putney Swope, an experimental comedy set in the world of advertising,, and Martin Ritt’s The Great White Hope starring James Earl Jones.
Black Enough is...
Borne from the notion that America was in a freefall spiral circa 1968, a new kind of subversive independent cinema arrived on the scene, forcing Hollywood to compete and adapt. Mitchell notes landmarks of representation along with the way—including Robert Downy Sr.’s Putney Swope, an experimental comedy set in the world of advertising,, and Martin Ritt’s The Great White Hope starring James Earl Jones.
Black Enough is...
- 11/9/2022
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Elvis Mitchell delivers a vivid history of African American cinema, ranging from the unsung heroes of Hollywood’s golden age to the thrills of Blaxploitation
The title of Elvis Mitchell’s tremendous study of black American cinema is taken from Ossie Davis’s 1970 Blaxploitation buddy cop comedy Cotton Comes to Harlem, based on the Chester Himes novel, about a bale of cotton discovered in Harlem, of all the unlikely places: a bale which hides misappropriated cash and is of course a satirical symbol of oppression. Different characters wisecrack: “Is that black enough for you?”, riffing subversively on authenticity in the power struggle.
With a dense and fascinating mass of clips and interviews with figures in the movies such as Whoopi Goldberg, Zendaya, Samuel L Jackson and Laurence Fishburne, Mitchell fights back against cultural erasure and amnesia: there is a rich and vivid history of African American cinema which blossomed in Hollywood’s pioneering golden age,...
The title of Elvis Mitchell’s tremendous study of black American cinema is taken from Ossie Davis’s 1970 Blaxploitation buddy cop comedy Cotton Comes to Harlem, based on the Chester Himes novel, about a bale of cotton discovered in Harlem, of all the unlikely places: a bale which hides misappropriated cash and is of course a satirical symbol of oppression. Different characters wisecrack: “Is that black enough for you?”, riffing subversively on authenticity in the power struggle.
With a dense and fascinating mass of clips and interviews with figures in the movies such as Whoopi Goldberg, Zendaya, Samuel L Jackson and Laurence Fishburne, Mitchell fights back against cultural erasure and amnesia: there is a rich and vivid history of African American cinema which blossomed in Hollywood’s pioneering golden age,...
- 11/9/2022
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
November is traditionally when things cool down outside but heat up when it comes to movies and television and 2022 is no exception.
On the TV front, the month sees the return of some old favorites like Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest and Netflix’s The Crown and some intriguing new shows, including a big movie star’s first venture into the medium. Meanwhile, theaters are starting to fill up with awards-season movies,...
November is traditionally when things cool down outside but heat up when it comes to movies and television and 2022 is no exception.
On the TV front, the month sees the return of some old favorites like Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest and Netflix’s The Crown and some intriguing new shows, including a big movie star’s first venture into the medium. Meanwhile, theaters are starting to fill up with awards-season movies,...
- 11/7/2022
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
Film connoisseur, cultural critic, and master conversationalist Elvis Mitchell crafts a kaleidoscopic yet personal history of Black cinema with his feature film debut Is That Black Enough For You?!? Both a personal reflection on the power of representation and a celebration of entrepreneurial independent filmmaking, it has just wrapped a short festival run and is now in limited theatrical release before its Netflix debut on November 11—where Mitchell recommends the film as a companion to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, releasing the same day.
The Film Stage: I had seen your film on Saturday night at the Montclair Film Festival and really loved it. It’s such a personal work and I wanted to ask about growing up in Detroit, seeing the films you chronicle here, and how that informed your vast career.
Elvis Mitchell: It’s hard for me to grasp being personal just because I want to get as much information in as possible.
The Film Stage: I had seen your film on Saturday night at the Montclair Film Festival and really loved it. It’s such a personal work and I wanted to ask about growing up in Detroit, seeing the films you chronicle here, and how that informed your vast career.
Elvis Mitchell: It’s hard for me to grasp being personal just because I want to get as much information in as possible.
- 11/3/2022
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Click here to read the full article.
As a critic and scholar, Elvis Mitchell has spent his career writing about film. With the doc Is That Black Enough for You?!?, he tried his hand at making one himself.
The documentary, which will screen at AFI Fest before heading to Netflix on Nov. 11, is part visual essay and part academic deep dive into the Black cinema of the 1970s and the contribution of Black filmmakers and creatives to that decade of moviemaking. An achievement in archival work, the doc, which counts David Fincher and Steven Soderbergh as producers, deftly moves through works by Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks Jr. and Sidney Poitier and films including Blacula, Shaft and Coffy, among a dizzying amount of others. “For audiences quick to dismiss or asleep to the contributions of Black filmmakers,” THR‘s Lovia Gyarkye wrote in her review, “this is required viewing.”
Ahead of its AFI Fest bow,...
As a critic and scholar, Elvis Mitchell has spent his career writing about film. With the doc Is That Black Enough for You?!?, he tried his hand at making one himself.
The documentary, which will screen at AFI Fest before heading to Netflix on Nov. 11, is part visual essay and part academic deep dive into the Black cinema of the 1970s and the contribution of Black filmmakers and creatives to that decade of moviemaking. An achievement in archival work, the doc, which counts David Fincher and Steven Soderbergh as producers, deftly moves through works by Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks Jr. and Sidney Poitier and films including Blacula, Shaft and Coffy, among a dizzying amount of others. “For audiences quick to dismiss or asleep to the contributions of Black filmmakers,” THR‘s Lovia Gyarkye wrote in her review, “this is required viewing.”
Ahead of its AFI Fest bow,...
- 11/2/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Historian and critic Elvis Mitchell talks about his revealing Netflix documentary that focuses on an often forgotten era
I’m worried about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The original, released to great fanfare in 2018, was such a hit across the board – with critics, at the box office, as a cultural force – that it seems all the sequel can do is let down, especially in this economy. Never mind that this is a major studio franchise with a keen global audience we’re talking about here. Black Panther is still a Black film, a label that always makes for disproportionately higher stakes.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Black western or a Black musical comedy like Sister Act or a Black action franchise like Creed or a comic book film like Black Panther,” says the esteemed film historian Elvis Mitchell. “They’re still first and foremost Black movies. That’s the genre.
I’m worried about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The original, released to great fanfare in 2018, was such a hit across the board – with critics, at the box office, as a cultural force – that it seems all the sequel can do is let down, especially in this economy. Never mind that this is a major studio franchise with a keen global audience we’re talking about here. Black Panther is still a Black film, a label that always makes for disproportionately higher stakes.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Black western or a Black musical comedy like Sister Act or a Black action franchise like Creed or a comic book film like Black Panther,” says the esteemed film historian Elvis Mitchell. “They’re still first and foremost Black movies. That’s the genre.
- 10/29/2022
- by Andrew Lawrence
- The Guardian - Film News
Like a department store that pulls out its winter holiday items weeks before All Hallows' Eve, Netflix isn't going to let a little thing like the calendar stop it from bombarding its subscribers with Christmas movies in November. That's not to say the streamer's exclusive yuletide rom-coms are all bad — quite the opposite, in fact (consider this your friendly reminder to finally watch "Single All the Way" this year).
Fortunately, if films like "Falling for Christmas" (aka the long-awaited Lindsay Lohan Netflix Christmas movie) aren't your bag, there are plenty of other options on the service to choose from that month. Perhaps you'd be more inclined to watch "Slumberland," Francis Lawrence's fantasy film adaptation of Winsor McCay's classic "Little Nemo in Slumberland" comic strips starring Jason Momoa as a shaggy-furred half-man, half-animal with mountain goat horns and an impeccably flamboyant fashion sense? You could also go for the...
Fortunately, if films like "Falling for Christmas" (aka the long-awaited Lindsay Lohan Netflix Christmas movie) aren't your bag, there are plenty of other options on the service to choose from that month. Perhaps you'd be more inclined to watch "Slumberland," Francis Lawrence's fantasy film adaptation of Winsor McCay's classic "Little Nemo in Slumberland" comic strips starring Jason Momoa as a shaggy-furred half-man, half-animal with mountain goat horns and an impeccably flamboyant fashion sense? You could also go for the...
- 10/20/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The 2022 edition of the Indie Memphis Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday, October 19, with a robust lineup that features buzzy festival titles, local gems and an exciting assortment of repertory programming. More specifically, the opening night film is Phil Bertelsen’s The Picture Taker, serving as the centerpiece selection is Indie Memphis alum Elegance Bratton’s The Inspection and closing out this year’s fest is Elvis Mitchell’s documentary Is That Black Enough For You??? Other program highlights are Alice Diop‘s recently-added Saint Omer, Nikyatu Jusu‘s Nanny (featured in our Fall 2022 Issue, along with fellow Indie Memphis selections Aftersun and […]
The post 5 Questions for Indie Memphis’s New Executive Director Kimel Fryer first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post 5 Questions for Indie Memphis’s New Executive Director Kimel Fryer first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 10/18/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The 2022 edition of the Indie Memphis Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday, October 19, with a robust lineup that features buzzy festival titles, local gems and an exciting assortment of repertory programming. More specifically, the opening night film is Phil Bertelsen’s The Picture Taker, serving as the centerpiece selection is Indie Memphis alum Elegance Bratton’s The Inspection and closing out this year’s fest is Elvis Mitchell’s documentary Is That Black Enough For You??? Other program highlights are Alice Diop‘s recently-added Saint Omer, Nikyatu Jusu‘s Nanny (featured in our Fall 2022 Issue, along with fellow Indie Memphis selections Aftersun and […]
The post 5 Questions for Indie Memphis’s New Executive Director Kimel Fryer first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post 5 Questions for Indie Memphis’s New Executive Director Kimel Fryer first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 10/18/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Click here to read the full article.
It happens every few decades, each time more reverentially than the last: declarations of Black art’s existence. There are whispers of a renaissance, talk of watershed moments. Certain demographics rush to celebrate its arrival, and those allergic to trends (or with a memory longer than a decade) dutifully remind that it’s always been here. Chatter about representation, necessity, meaning and craft is run through until it fizzles. And then we do it again.
Elvis Mitchell’s Is That Black Enough for You?!?, which premiered at the New York Film Festival and lands on Netflix Nov. 11, is the kind of work that tries to free us from this purgatory of intellectual relitigation. The documentary — dense and considered — examines the impact and legacy of Black films released during the late 1960s to late 1970s, a decade remembered for the proliferation of Blaxploitation flicks.
It happens every few decades, each time more reverentially than the last: declarations of Black art’s existence. There are whispers of a renaissance, talk of watershed moments. Certain demographics rush to celebrate its arrival, and those allergic to trends (or with a memory longer than a decade) dutifully remind that it’s always been here. Chatter about representation, necessity, meaning and craft is run through until it fizzles. And then we do it again.
Elvis Mitchell’s Is That Black Enough for You?!?, which premiered at the New York Film Festival and lands on Netflix Nov. 11, is the kind of work that tries to free us from this purgatory of intellectual relitigation. The documentary — dense and considered — examines the impact and legacy of Black films released during the late 1960s to late 1970s, a decade remembered for the proliferation of Blaxploitation flicks.
- 10/12/2022
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When discussing representation, we emphasize the necessity of Black people living in this moment and seeing themselves onscreen. But in the past, Black audiences had a much stronger need to visualize a different, more prosperous future in the wake of the violent realities of Jim Crow, segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. They needed to see a world where Black people were allowed to meet their full potential as artists, thinkers, and craftspeople.
In the opening lines of the new documentary “Is That Black Enough for You?!?,” director Elvis Mitchell speaks of his grandmother, remarking that “movies changed the way she dreamed.” For people in her generation, those dreams could be life-changing.
But most of the faces she saw onscreen at the movies were white. For the Black cinephile in the early years of Hollywood, projecting oneself onto characters was necessary. And yet, there were filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux and,...
In the opening lines of the new documentary “Is That Black Enough for You?!?,” director Elvis Mitchell speaks of his grandmother, remarking that “movies changed the way she dreamed.” For people in her generation, those dreams could be life-changing.
But most of the faces she saw onscreen at the movies were white. For the Black cinephile in the early years of Hollywood, projecting oneself onto characters was necessary. And yet, there were filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux and,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Jourdain Searles
- Indiewire
“Fuck you. I’m going to Paris,” the unflinching words spoken by screen legend Harry Belafonte, is just one of the many telling soundbites in Elvis Mitchell’s directorial debut “Is That Black Enough For You?!?” Mitchell, a film critic by trade, is entering the filmmaking space to bring a fascinating documentary that blends his personal filmgoing memories with the game-changing history of Blaxploitation cinema for an astute survey of the latter’s form and function.
Continue reading ‘Is That Black Enough For You?!?’ Review: Elvis Mitchell’s Doc Is An Imperative Guide Through ’70s Black Cinema [NYFF] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Is That Black Enough For You?!?’ Review: Elvis Mitchell’s Doc Is An Imperative Guide Through ’70s Black Cinema [NYFF] at The Playlist.
- 10/10/2022
- by Robert Daniels
- The Playlist
The title of Elvis Mitchell’s documentary “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” is a rallying cry heard in Ossie Davis’ “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” and it reflects the exuberant tone of this very wide-ranging, essayistic tribute to the Black-centered movies of the 1970s.
Mitchell describes his intentions on the soundtrack and says that this film is an examination of how “one decade forever changed the movies and me.” Though we never see him on screen, it is Mitchell’s voice guiding us throughout, and that voice is never less than lively, witty and provocative.
Premiering at the New York Film Festival on its way to Netflix, “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” runs 135 minutes and takes in an enormous amount of material; Mitchell’s insights into any particular film or subject have to be both brief and acute, and this suits Mitchell perfectly, because he has always been a...
Mitchell describes his intentions on the soundtrack and says that this film is an examination of how “one decade forever changed the movies and me.” Though we never see him on screen, it is Mitchell’s voice guiding us throughout, and that voice is never less than lively, witty and provocative.
Premiering at the New York Film Festival on its way to Netflix, “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” runs 135 minutes and takes in an enormous amount of material; Mitchell’s insights into any particular film or subject have to be both brief and acute, and this suits Mitchell perfectly, because he has always been a...
- 10/10/2022
- by Dan Callahan
- The Wrap
In “Is That Black Enough for You?!?,” Elvis Mitchell’s highly pleasurable and eye-opening movie-love documentary about the American Black cinema revolution of the late ’60s and ’70s, Billy Dee Williams, now 85 but still spry, tells a funny story about what it was like to play Louis McKay, the dapper love object and would-be savior of Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues.”
The year was 1972, and African-American audiences had rarely (if ever) been given the chance to gawk at a movie star of color who was not just this sexy but this showcased for his sexiness. Louis was like Clark Gable with a dash of Marvin Gaye; when he was on that promenade stairway, Williams says, with a chuckle, that he just about fell in love with himself. That’s how unprecedented the whole thing was. The actor recalls how the lighting was fussed over (we see a shot...
The year was 1972, and African-American audiences had rarely (if ever) been given the chance to gawk at a movie star of color who was not just this sexy but this showcased for his sexiness. Louis was like Clark Gable with a dash of Marvin Gaye; when he was on that promenade stairway, Williams says, with a chuckle, that he just about fell in love with himself. That’s how unprecedented the whole thing was. The actor recalls how the lighting was fussed over (we see a shot...
- 10/10/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
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