Rio's annual film festival is happening this week and one of the more intriguing documentaries debuted this past Sunday. Dancing with the Devil follows the lives of three men caught up in the Brazilian city's violence: drug lord, a police officer and an evangelical pastor.
British Oscar-winning documentary director Jon Blair (Anne Frank Remembered) followed these men for a year to create an intimate and honest look at the drugs and violence that plague Rio. Obviously, a film on this subject is not exactly what the city hoped for after learning they will be the host of the 2016 Olympics, but this documentary may transcend merely finger pointing. After all, Blair was able to gain the trust of drug smugglers and gang members (who actually let him film their faces).
Outside of Blair, I really know very little about this film, but the scenes described by Reuters and the quotes taken from the movie definitely pique my interest. Hopefully, Blair has plans to release Dancing with the Devil worldwide. Read the full article over at Yahoo and you'll be just as interested as I am.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
'Good Hair' Nets Chris Rock a Major Lawsuit
It's only a few days before Chris Rock's documentary Good Hair hits theaters nationwide, but the producer/writer/narrator isn't celebrating much after being hit with a $5 million lawsuit.
Regina Kimball is a documentary filmmaker who released her own hair film, My Nappy Roots, in 2006. According to her, Chris Rock's documentary copies several scenes and ideas from hers- specifically the scenes dealing with hair export to India, the Jheri Curl controversy and the toxicity of chemicals used in hair relaxing treatments. Additionally, it seems both Rock and Kimball claim they were inspired to make their movies because of their daughters' questions about their own hair.
With these similarities and Kimball's accusations that Rock and others viewed her documentary before working on their own, it seems the lawsuit has some legitimate weight to it. Ultimately, these things will work themselves out in court, but this is certainly not the type of press HBO Films wanted right before a major release.
Regina Kimball is a documentary filmmaker who released her own hair film, My Nappy Roots, in 2006. According to her, Chris Rock's documentary copies several scenes and ideas from hers- specifically the scenes dealing with hair export to India, the Jheri Curl controversy and the toxicity of chemicals used in hair relaxing treatments. Additionally, it seems both Rock and Kimball claim they were inspired to make their movies because of their daughters' questions about their own hair.
With these similarities and Kimball's accusations that Rock and others viewed her documentary before working on their own, it seems the lawsuit has some legitimate weight to it. Ultimately, these things will work themselves out in court, but this is certainly not the type of press HBO Films wanted right before a major release.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Love the Beast Trailer
Recently reviewed by one of our newest writers, Eric Bana's documentary, Love the Beast, now has a trailer over at Apple.com. It's definitely worth a watch. Who knows, you may love it as much as our writer!
In case you're a little confused, Love the Beast follows Eric Bana as he explores the meaning of a 25-year-long relationship with his first car, “The Beast”. Filmed over 2 years, this is partly for grease monkeys and partly for those who place their stock in family and friends.
So head on over to Apple.com to see what your missing and then check out the review to really get excited about one of this year's surprise documentaries.
In case you're a little confused, Love the Beast follows Eric Bana as he explores the meaning of a 25-year-long relationship with his first car, “The Beast”. Filmed over 2 years, this is partly for grease monkeys and partly for those who place their stock in family and friends.
So head on over to Apple.com to see what your missing and then check out the review to really get excited about one of this year's surprise documentaries.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Prince of Pop Doc Sells Out
To no one's real surprise, Michael Jackson can still sell out a show. According to the AP, Tickets for the advanced screening of the music documentary Michael Jackson: This Is It sold out within a few hours in Los Angeles.
The advanced screening will take place on October 27th (one day before it opens nationwide) at LA's new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14- which is using the premier for it's grand opening. Thankfully, for us non-LA/more patient types, tickets are still available nationwide. But I have a strong feeling that will change in the near future, so book it on over to Ticketmaster or your local theater to get the hottest documentary tickets around.
For those of you living in a cave, This Is It is directed by Kenny Ortega and draws on hundreds of hours of footage of The Prince of Pop as he prepared for a series of concerts in London. Jackson died on June 25th.
The advanced screening will take place on October 27th (one day before it opens nationwide) at LA's new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14- which is using the premier for it's grand opening. Thankfully, for us non-LA/more patient types, tickets are still available nationwide. But I have a strong feeling that will change in the near future, so book it on over to Ticketmaster or your local theater to get the hottest documentary tickets around.
For those of you living in a cave, This Is It is directed by Kenny Ortega and draws on hundreds of hours of footage of The Prince of Pop as he prepared for a series of concerts in London. Jackson died on June 25th.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Theatrical Releases
Every Friday we now plan to start updating you all with each week's theatrical releases of documentaries. Now, this will not be a perfect process as our beloved genre prefers the limited release schedule instead of a big nationwide or international-wide release. So apologies if a film isn't out in your area, or if you are a filmmaker and we missed the boat on announcing your documentary's big day (if that is the case, please let us know as we try to refine and hone this weekly post).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Capitalism: A Love Story - (73% positive rating) - Plenty of excitement, and controversy, is sure to surround this film from decorated documentarian Michael Moore. This timely film addresses what caused the financial crisis that stopped the world in 2008. Capitalism: A Love Story finds Moore criticizing the government bailout of privately held businesses (Rottentomatoes.com).
Providence Effect - (56% positive rating) - Paul J. Adams III, an African-American man with activist roots in the 1960’s civil rights movement moved to Chicago to form a not-for-profit independent school. That was over 30 years ago. Since then, 100% of Providence St. Mel graduates have been accepted to college, half of them, during the last seven years, to first tier and Ivy League colleges and universities. The Providence Effect traces the school’s development from a struggling shoe-string budget dream into a school and a method of teaching that produces not only inspired students, but parents, teachers and administrators dedicated to settling for nothing less than the highest expectations (Rottentomatoes.com).
In Search Of Beethoven - (91% positive rating) - Award-winning filmmaker Phil Grabsky and Seventh Art Productions are back in theaters with a new feature-length biographical film about the life of Ludwig van Beethoven. In Search of Beethoven takes a comprehensive look at the composer’s life through historical research and Beethoven’s biography and letters, but with the emphasis always on the performance, and interpretation, of Beethoven’s music (Rottentomatoes.com).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Capitalism: A Love Story - (73% positive rating) - Plenty of excitement, and controversy, is sure to surround this film from decorated documentarian Michael Moore. This timely film addresses what caused the financial crisis that stopped the world in 2008. Capitalism: A Love Story finds Moore criticizing the government bailout of privately held businesses (Rottentomatoes.com).
Providence Effect - (56% positive rating) - Paul J. Adams III, an African-American man with activist roots in the 1960’s civil rights movement moved to Chicago to form a not-for-profit independent school. That was over 30 years ago. Since then, 100% of Providence St. Mel graduates have been accepted to college, half of them, during the last seven years, to first tier and Ivy League colleges and universities. The Providence Effect traces the school’s development from a struggling shoe-string budget dream into a school and a method of teaching that produces not only inspired students, but parents, teachers and administrators dedicated to settling for nothing less than the highest expectations (Rottentomatoes.com).
In Search Of Beethoven - (91% positive rating) - Award-winning filmmaker Phil Grabsky and Seventh Art Productions are back in theaters with a new feature-length biographical film about the life of Ludwig van Beethoven. In Search of Beethoven takes a comprehensive look at the composer’s life through historical research and Beethoven’s biography and letters, but with the emphasis always on the performance, and interpretation, of Beethoven’s music (Rottentomatoes.com).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Walt & El Grupo Trailer
What an awesome title. Seriously. Bravo. Yes, I know if you read the summary the title basically writes itself, but be honest: how many of you found your interest piqued just by reading Walt & El Grupo? Alas, it is not a buddy-cop movie in the vein of Turner and Hooch, but then again, I'm a firm believer in true stories out shining fictional ones.
But I digress... the film follows Walt Disney and a group of hand selected artists as they travel around South America on a good will tour for the United States way back in 1941. It's a story I've never heard, though it does put a little perspective on why those who don't see the U.S. in a favorable light generally use images of Mickey Mouse in their protests. Either way, as long as Disney company avoided white-washing this documentary I believe it could actually be a quirky little film (and that's a good thing).
Don't believe me? Well check out the trailer for Walt & El Grupo over at Apple. It's already out in theaters in very select cities, but keep an eye out for it as it spreads around the country in the coming weeks.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Documentary Standards Needed?
With all the latest controversy surrounding documentary films (the Supreme Court case involving the anti-Hilary Clinton film, Dole suing a filmmaker for intentionally leaving out necessary findings, etc), there is definitely a growing buzz among the documentary world about the need for standards, or even regulations.
Now, obviously, regulating an industry that, at its core, is of a grassroots basis, could be a conflict of interest, but before you strike up the debate, you should read some interesting research done by American University’s Center for Social Media. It's rather long and perhaps even drab, but for those truly interested in the industry, it is definitely worth the read.
As the report says, "Documentary filmmakers identified themselves as creative artists for whom ethical behavior is at the core of their projects. At a time when there is unprecedented financial pressure on makers to lower costs and increase productivity, filmmakers reported that they routinely found themselves in situations where they needed to balance ethical responsibilities against practical considerations."
Whether your a filmmaker, producer, student, professor or just an avid fan of documentaries, I can easily say this is something to be read and definitely debated. I'd like to hear your thoughts too, so feel free to post your reactions.
Now, obviously, regulating an industry that, at its core, is of a grassroots basis, could be a conflict of interest, but before you strike up the debate, you should read some interesting research done by American University’s Center for Social Media. It's rather long and perhaps even drab, but for those truly interested in the industry, it is definitely worth the read.
As the report says, "Documentary filmmakers identified themselves as creative artists for whom ethical behavior is at the core of their projects. At a time when there is unprecedented financial pressure on makers to lower costs and increase productivity, filmmakers reported that they routinely found themselves in situations where they needed to balance ethical responsibilities against practical considerations."
Whether your a filmmaker, producer, student, professor or just an avid fan of documentaries, I can easily say this is something to be read and definitely debated. I'd like to hear your thoughts too, so feel free to post your reactions.
Friday, September 4, 2009
French Filmmaker Murdered
Longtime journalist and documentary filmmaker Christian Poveda was found murdered this past week by local police in El Salvador. He had been shot in the head. Already his death has been decried by the country's ministers as an investigation is well under way.
Poveda may not be a well known director throughout the world, but his work has won respect and recognition in various festivals. His most recent documentary La Vida Loca highlighted the violent gang members sent back to El Salvador after serving time in U.S. prisons. Not just exclusively a filmmaker, Poveda spent his 30 year career working for various news outlets, including Time and Newsweek magazines.
The Associated Press has a brief but interesting article on the murder, Poveda's career and even a few quotes from the man in connection with the El Salvador gangs. Certainly his death is a tragedy, especially as he appeared to be a fearless investigator for truth. La Vida Loca was already completed and I personally hope his work is featured in more festivals as a tribute to the man and to the stories he uncovered.
Poveda may not be a well known director throughout the world, but his work has won respect and recognition in various festivals. His most recent documentary La Vida Loca highlighted the violent gang members sent back to El Salvador after serving time in U.S. prisons. Not just exclusively a filmmaker, Poveda spent his 30 year career working for various news outlets, including Time and Newsweek magazines.
The Associated Press has a brief but interesting article on the murder, Poveda's career and even a few quotes from the man in connection with the El Salvador gangs. Certainly his death is a tragedy, especially as he appeared to be a fearless investigator for truth. La Vida Loca was already completed and I personally hope his work is featured in more festivals as a tribute to the man and to the stories he uncovered.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Limited Run for MJ's Documentary
Director Kenny Ortega's documentary on the final days of Michael Jackson's life is now set to hit theaters October 28th (two days earlier than previously announced). Sony Pictures announced the change and the surprise two-week limited run right before the weekend. Tickets for those eager to catch the opportunity will be released September 27th.
Titled This is It (after the name of Michael Jackson's planned concert series), the documentary will use select behind-the-scenes footage to detail the legendary singer's final month or so. There is also a rumor that some of the footage will be available in 3-D (which just might make this the first 3-D documentary ever). Ortega took on the role of director after originally working with Jackson as the concert's choreographer.
The choice for a limited release is beyond me, but it's Sony's film and I'm sure they plan to squeeze as much out of the hundreds of hours of footage they have as possible. Head over to the New York Times or US Magazine for a few more details on this documentary.
(It also wouldn't hurt to start praying that this isn't just a money making ploy...)
Titled This is It (after the name of Michael Jackson's planned concert series), the documentary will use select behind-the-scenes footage to detail the legendary singer's final month or so. There is also a rumor that some of the footage will be available in 3-D (which just might make this the first 3-D documentary ever). Ortega took on the role of director after originally working with Jackson as the concert's choreographer.
The choice for a limited release is beyond me, but it's Sony's film and I'm sure they plan to squeeze as much out of the hundreds of hours of footage they have as possible. Head over to the New York Times or US Magazine for a few more details on this documentary.
(It also wouldn't hurt to start praying that this isn't just a money making ploy...)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Stone's Secret History
Legendary director Oliver Stone is known just as well for his successful films (Wall Street, Platoon, Born on the 4th of July) as he is for his failures (W, Nixon, JFK), so it is with great trepidation that I bring news to you of his recently announced documentary series airing on Showtime sometime next year.
Reuters reports that Stone will be producing (and most likely directing) a 10 part documentary series about unknown but influential moments in U.S. history. According to Reuters, "topics for this new [series] will range from the reasons behind the Cold War with the Soviet Union, U.S. President Harry Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, and changes in America's global role since the fall of Communism."
While this sounds like a potentially fascinating documentary series there are two red flags to be aware of: 1) Oliver Stone has on occasion 'filled in the blanks' of history to create a more interesting story; 2) Showtime, while certainly improving it's original programming, is not close to the level of HBO and I wonder how such a major project fell into their laps.
All that said, I'm still curious to see this series as I'm a firm believer that when Oliver Stone is on his game, he's one of the best directors of his time.
Reuters reports that Stone will be producing (and most likely directing) a 10 part documentary series about unknown but influential moments in U.S. history. According to Reuters, "topics for this new [series] will range from the reasons behind the Cold War with the Soviet Union, U.S. President Harry Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, and changes in America's global role since the fall of Communism."
While this sounds like a potentially fascinating documentary series there are two red flags to be aware of: 1) Oliver Stone has on occasion 'filled in the blanks' of history to create a more interesting story; 2) Showtime, while certainly improving it's original programming, is not close to the level of HBO and I wonder how such a major project fell into their laps.
All that said, I'm still curious to see this series as I'm a firm believer that when Oliver Stone is on his game, he's one of the best directors of his time.
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