Film independent at lacma

Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for Project Involve 2021. This year marks the 28th iteration of Project Involve. The free nine-month program is for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, animators, programmers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds. During the program, participants meet one-on-one with film industry mentors, create short films, attend master workshops taught by top film professionals and industry networking events. “Having triumphantly navigated this past year, the Project Involve team is prepared, very pleased and extremely excited to welcome the 2021 Project Involve Fellows into the Film Independent family” said Francisco Velasquez, Associate Director, Project Involve. Related Story Independent Spirit Awards Breaks Tradition During Pandemic, Will Take Place Thursday Before Oscars Project Involve alumni include Lulu Wang ( The Farewell ), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams ( … [Read more...] about Film Independent Unveils Filmmakers For Project Involve 2021

BREAKING: The Film Independent Spirit Awards will also move after AMPAS selected Sunday April 25 as the new 2021 ceremony date for the Oscars. The annual event which lauds independent movies always takes place the day before the Oscars on Saturday afternoon at the beaches near the Santa Monica Pier. “The Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2021,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent in a statement this afternoon. “Additionally, we will recognize films that were released between January 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021 in acknowledgement of the unique challenges the world of cinema, and the world as a whole, is currently experiencing.” Similar to the Oscars, pics released during that 14-month span are eligible at the Independent Spirits. Last year, motion pictures made for under $22.5M were eligible. Female directors came up big at this year’s ceremony held back in February with Lulu Wang’s The Farewell winning best feature, … [Read more...] about Film Independent Spirit Awards To Take Place On April 24 After Oscars Shift

Get ready for what looks to be a really funny Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, which will keep us in stiches for some time. The show, which will not be live from the Santa Monica Beach this year due to Covid, has tapped SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor to host this year’s 2021 edition. Villaseñor, who cut her teeth on the stand-up circuit here in Los Angeles, and was further propelled by being a semifinalist on the 2011 edition of America’s Got Talent before landing on the SNL cast, is famed for her impersonations of such celebrities as Owen Wilson, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and more. This year’s show will be airing on Thursday, April 22, on IFC and AMC+ at 10PM ET, breaking tradition as the Spirits typically take place on the Saturday afternoon before Sunday’s Oscars. Related Story 'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Rise In 18-49 Demo With Host Dan Levy Said Blake Callaway, Executive Director, IFC … [Read more...] about ‘SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor To Host Film Independent Spirit Awards; Org To Feature Directors Close-Up Series

South by Southwest Conference and Festivals have revealed the full program for the 28th edition of the SXSW Film Festival — and it will all take place online March 16-20. As previously reported , the documentary Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil is set to open the fest while the Charli XCX quarantine docu Alone Together will serve as the film fest closer. Keeping in line with the films about musicians, Mary Wharton’s Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free will make its World Premiere as a centerpiece film. “It’s been a year unlike any we’ve experienced, first marked by the cancellation of SXSW 2020,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “We feel privileged to have been able to pivot to SXSW Online and present a fantastic treasure trove of programming, including a pared down and wonderful selection of films that we know will delight, entertain and move our attendees. SXSW Online will bring attendees a multifaceted event that speaks to so many areas of creativity in one … [Read more...] about SXSW Film Festival Unveils Full Lineup; Charli XCX Quarantine Feature To Close Fest; Tom Petty Docu Set As Centerpiece

The nonprofit Ghetto Film School has announced that Abby Pucker , director of strategic initiatives and partnerships at Madison Wells, has joined their board. Ghetto Film School (GFS) was founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. It has locations in New York City, Los Angeles and London. Pucker’s addition to the board marks the culmination of her sustained efforts to promote Ghetto Film School and its students. In November, Pucker helped organize The Melissa Rucker Fellows Fund, which raised over $80,000 to cover the cost of the 3-year Ghetto Film School Fellows Program for two students. Related Story Ghetto Film School Hosts Annual Celebrity Table Read For Student Films Pucker’s career experiences span across the intersection of tech, media, and culture. In her current role at independent entertainment company Madison Wells, Pucker leads all efforts to craft the company’s overall strategy. She is … [Read more...] about Abby Pucker Added To Ghetto Film School Board Of Directors