Cinema Greens Grounds Host Southern Thriller

At the 40th ATLFF in April of this year, Cinema Greens—a film and television source for plant and location rentals and 2016 ATLFF sponsor—awarded a locations package to one lucky filmmaker. Tristan Kharvari won three shooting days on the extensive acreage and versatile Cinema Greens setting. 

"The Cinema Greens Prize propelled a novel project," says Tristan Kharvari, writer and director of THREE THINGS BEFORE I LEAVE. "Initially, I sought to alter a current script that would fit the Cinema Greens ranch. But after seeing it in person, I decided it would be fun to create a new story based on the location. The house has paranormal history associated with it, prompting me to write "Three Things Before I Leave." The isolated location, rustic vibe, and historic graveyard are perfect elements for a southern thriller. Not often does a crew of minority filmmakers get free range to create on grounds such as these."

The cast and crew begins filming on the Ranch October 7th. To find out more information about the project or how you can support Tristan and his vision, visit igg.me/at/threethingsfilm. 

ATLFF '16 Jury & Audience Award Winners Announced!

Photo: Border Union Photography

2016 Jury Award Winners

• Narrative Feature Jury Award - HUNKY DORY (directed by Michael Curtis Johnson)
• Documentary Feature Jury Award - DRIVING WITH SELVI (directed by Elisa Paloschi)
• Documentary Feature Special Jury Award - JUANICAS (directed by Karina Garcia Casanova)
• Narrative Short Jury Award - THUNDER ROAD (directed by Jim Cummings)
• Documentary Short Jury Award - KRAINA (directed by Christina Tynkevych)
• Animated Short Jury Award - SHELL ALL (directed by Zaven Najjar)
• Music Video Jury Award - "Dove" performed by Pillar Point (directed by Jacob Krupnick)
   
• Filmmaker-to-Watch Award - ZELOS (directed by Thoranna Sigurdardottir)
• New Mavericks Award (presented by SPANX & The Sara Blakely Foundation) - DRIVING WITH SELVI (directed by Elisa Paloschi)
• Southern Spotlight Award (presented by Cineverse) - QUE SERA (directed by Robyn Hicks)
• Seed&Spark Award (for Crowdfunded Films) - EAT WHITE DIRT (directed by Adam Forrester) and THE NEW ORLEANS SAZERAC (directed by James Martin)

2016 Audience Award Winners

• Audience Award Feature - THE FOUNDERS (directed by Charlene Fisk & Carrie Schrader)
• Audience Award Short - HOTEL CLERMONT (directed by Heather L. Hutson)

Chad Hartigan, Sherri Shepherd, Erica Ash, Taylour Paige and Stella Meghie to Walk the ATLFF '16 Red Carpet for Closing Night!

We have a star-studded red carpet planned for Saturday night, April 9th. Don't forget to get your tickets for JEAN OF THE JONESES and Closing Night Presentation, MORRIS FROM AMERICA now!

Writer/director Stella Meghie (winner of the 2011 ATLFF Screenplay Competition) and stars Sherri Shepherd, Erica Ash and Taylour Paige will walk the red carpet after the 5:15 PM screening of JEAN OF THE JONESES. Writer/director Chad Hartigan will walk the red carpet prior to Closing Night presentation MORRIS FROM AMERICA at 7:30 PM. Hartigan also stars in HUNKY DORY, which screens on Sunday, April 10th. Get your tickets to see these stars now!

JEAN OF THE JONESES

directed by Stella Meghie
Canada/USA, 2016, English, 82 minutes

Saturday, April 9, 2016, 5:15 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Writer-director Stella Meghie's feature revolves around the troubled Jones family, one of whom dies at the start of the movie. When the paramedic who answers their 911 call falls for rambunctious Jean, the courtship goes south during a calamitous Jones funeral. This screenplay won the 2011 ATLFF Screenplay Competition.

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MORRIS FROM AMERICA

directed by Chad Hartigan
USA/Germany, 2016, English/German, 91 minutes

Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

A heartwarming and crowd-pleasing coming-of-age comedy with a unique spin, “Morris from America” centers on Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas, in an incredible breakout performance), a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Craig Robinson), to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a complete fish-out-of-water—a budding hip-hop star in an EDM world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin. Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.

After Party: Every ticket purchased comes with admission to our opening night party, located at Music Room. Live entertainment, superb libations, and catering will be provided.

ATLFF '16 Encores announced! Here's what gets a second screening on Sunday, April 10th...

Don't miss second screenings of these ATLFF '16 sold-out hits! "The Arbalest," "Frankenstein Created Bikers," "In Pursuit of Silence" and the COTTON shorts block join our Award-winning Short Films for Encore Sunday, made possible by Film Festival Collective presented by XFINITY.

These screenings already sold out once, so don't hesitate to get your tickets in advance!

AWARD-WINNING SHORTS

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 12:30 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

Catch the Oscar-qualifying winners of the Narrative Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short Jury Prizes, plus the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award Winner and other winning short films.

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IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 2:45 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

As much a work of devotion as it is a documentary, “In Pursuit of Silence” is a meditative exploration of our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives. In our race towards modernity, amidst all the technological innovation and the rapid growth of our cities, silence is now quickly passing into legend. From causing aggressive behavior to hundreds of thousands of heart attacks around the world, there is no aspect of human life that noise does not infringe upon. Silence as a resource for respite and renewal from the sensory onslaught of our modern lives is now more important than ever before.

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COTTON Shorts Block - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 5:00 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

Hardy and tight-knit. Presented in partnership with Homespun, a series crafted by Atlanta Film Society Filmmakers-in-Residence Jon Watts & Brantly Watts. Featuring "Hotel Clermont," "The New Orleans Sazerac" and "Eat White Dirt."

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FRANKENSTEIN CREATED BIKERS - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 7:30 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

An outlaw biker finds himself addicted to a diabolical substance and hunted by a grenade-tossing femme fatale, bounty hunters, law enforcement, a rival motorcycle gang, mutations and a topless stripper hit squad.

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THE ARBALEST - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 7:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

"The Arbalest" is a confessional recount of the reclusive private life of Foster Kalt, the world-renowned inventor of the Kalt Cube. The strange reflection pieces together strange events and romantic obsessions that compound in a disturbing invention despite his ten-year vow of silence. —My Nguyen

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Pinewood Atlanta Presents A Conversation with William H. Macy and Production Panel on Sunday, April 10th

Pinewood Atlanta Studios Presents the Production Panel and A Conversation with William H. Macy at the 40th Anniversary Atlanta Film Festival

The 40th Anniversary Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is pleased to announce a partnership with Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Pinewood) that will bring key educational Creative Conference programming to the 2016 event. On Sunday, April 10, 2016, ATLFF and Pinewood will host A Conversation with William H. Macy. Immediately following, Pinewood Atlanta Presents the Production Panel will feature four established filmmakers with previous or current productions on the Pinewood lot. Pinewood Atlanta Studios is a full service film and entertainment studio complex comprised of 11 sound stages on 700 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia USA, just south of Atlanta.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for the Atlanta film industry as we experience rapid growth in both independent and big-budget studio production. With four decades of experience, the continued mission and responsibility of the Atlanta Film Festival is to provide enriching programming that will support our film community in sustaining this growth,” said Christopher Escobar, Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Festival. “We are pleased to have the support of esteemed community partners like Pinewood Atlanta Studios to share in this goal. Our partnership with Pinewood will bring two distinctive educational opportunities to the 2016 Creative Conference that provide exclusive glimpses into filmmaking at the prestigious studio complex.”

“We are proud to support the Atlanta Film Festival and thrilled to be supporting the growth of the film industry in Georgia. There has never been a better time to film in Atlanta” said Kevin Bar, Sales Executive for Pinewood Atlanta Studios.

ATLFF and Pinewood will present A Conversation with William H. Macy at 10:00AM on Sunday, April 10 at 7 Stages Theatre, located at 1105 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Pinewood Atlanta Presents the Production Panel will also take place on Sunday at 7 Stages at 11:00AM. ATLFF 2016 festival badges (prices range) and individual tickets to both Creative Conference events ($10) are available now.

Pinewood Atlanta Studios is part of the Pinewood Studios Group, one of the leading providers of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, Pinewood’s studios have an impressive heritage and have been home to some of the most successful features films and TV shows ever made.

In 2014, Marvel’s Ant-Man was the first production to shoot on the newly constructed Atlanta lot. The film went on to open at #1 at the box office and grossed more than $519 million worldwide the following year. On May 6, 2016, the second Marvel production made at Pinewood Atlanta, Captain America: Civil War, will be released in theaters around the world. Sony’s Passengers, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, wrapped up production at Pinewood Atlanta in early 2016; making way for production of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which is currently underway.

The Atlanta Film Festival kicked off 10 days of events on Friday, April 1, 2016 that will continue through Sunday, April 10, 2016. In addition to more than 150 film screenings and over a dozen special events, the 40th Anniversary event will feature nearly 40 Creative Conference educational events. Previously announced Creative Conference programming includes the Master Class Series featuring discussions with Oscar-winning documentary producer James Moll (Foo Fighters: Back and Forth, ATLFF 2016’s Mully), Broadway vet Shuler Hensley, director Victor Nunez (Ulee’s Gold, Ruby in Paradise) and director James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now, The End of the Tour).

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Pinewood Atlanta presents: A Conversation with William H. Macy

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 10:00AM — 7 Stages Theater

William H. Macy is an Oscar® and Golden Globe nominee, a SAG and Emmy Award–winning actor, and a director and writer in theater, film and television. He currently stars in the Showtime series “Shameless”. His many film credits include Seabiscuit, The Cooler, Magnolia, Boogie Nights, Jurassic Park III and Fargo. Macy is currently prepping for production of his 3rd directorial project, Krystal, on the Pinewood Atlanta lot.

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Pinewood Atlanta presents: The Production Panel

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 11:00AM — 7 Stages Theater

Join a panel of filmmakers assembled by Pinewood Atlanta Studios for an educational discussion on filming at the Atlanta studios in Fayetteville, Georgia. Expected participants include:

• Camille Friend – Hair Designer ("The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 & 2," "Miles Ahead," "Captain America: Civil War")

• Simon Hatt – Associate Producer (Marvel’s "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel’s "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2")

• Christopher Townsend – Visual Effects Supervisor (Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Iron Man 3," "Captain America: The First Avenger") 

• Will Greenfield – Producer/Production Manager ("Krystal," "Loving," "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea") 

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James Gunn and Michael Rooker to bring GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY to ATLFF '16!

Directed by James Gunn
USA, 2014, English, 121 minutes

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 4:00PM — Plaza Theater, Main

JAMES GUNN

A presentation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will be immediately followed by a Q&A with James Gunn and Michael Rooker.

From Marvel, the studio that launched the epic franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes an unlikely new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy.  The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands into the cosmos when brash space adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) steals a coveted orb and becomes the object of a relentless bounty hunt. To evade his enemies, Quill forges an uneasy truce with Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a gun-toting raccoon; Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid; the deadly assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana); and the revenge-driven Drax (Dave Bautista). But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb, he must rally his ragtag band of misfits for a desperate battle that will decide the fate of the galaxy.

Filmmaker James Gunn began making movies at the age of twelve growing up in St. Louis, Missouri. While attending Columbia University in New York, Gunn wrote the screenplay for his first cult hit, the feature-film Tromeo & Juliet. He went on to write and direct dozens more including The Specials, Slither and Super. In March of 2004 Gunn became the first screenwriter in cinema history to write back-to-back #1-for-the-weekend box office hits, with the critically-acclaimed, re-imagined Dawn of the Dead (3/19/04). Slither, Gunn’s feature-film directorial debut starring Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks, is currently featured on Rotten Tomatoes as one of the “Top Ten All–Time Best Reviewed Horror Films.” The film, which he also wrote, was named “The Best Horror film of 2006” by Rue Morgue Magazine, and Gunn won a Saturn Award and a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for his work. In 2008, Gunn launched the “PG Porn” web series for Spike.com. The series paired mainstream actors and porn stars in comedy shorts and has since become one of the most profitable web series of all time. Gunn wrote and directed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which grossed over $750 million dollars worldwide making it one of the top grossing and best reviewed films of 2014.  He is currently directing the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, from a script he also wrote. 

Michael Rooker portrays blue-skinned alien ‘Yondu Udonta’ in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and is known as the character fans loved to hate on AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, as ‘Merle Dixon.’ Rooker has thrilled fans for decades with complex portrayals of characters audiences can’t help but cheer on despite their dark personas. He made his film debut in 1986 playing the title role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, a film based on the confessions of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. He has since appeared in numerous films including Mississippi Burning, Sea of Love, Days of Thunder, JFK, Cliffhanger, Tombstone, Mallrats, Rosewood, The 6th Day, and Jumper. He and Gunn have been a longtime collaborators on productions including Slither, Super, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the upcoming sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.  

Production on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is currently underway at Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios.

Rob Burnett's THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING Opens the 40th Atlanta Film Festival TONIGHT!

Make sure you have your tickets or festival badge ASAP, so you don't miss out on Opening Night presentation, THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING, tonight, April 1st! Five-time Emmy winner Rob Burnett will be here for his film which stars Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING

directed by Rob Burnett
USA, 2016, English, 93 minutes

Friday, April 1, 2016, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Having suffered a tragedy, Ben's life is on hold. In need of work, he becomes a caregiver, where he is put through his paces by his first client, Trevor, a hilarious 18-year-old from England with muscular dystrophy. Instead of bowing to Trevor's irreverent tactics, Ben treats Trevor in a way no caregiver has ever done before: without kid gloves. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, the two bond through humor in a way only broken people can. They hit the open road on a trip that takes them through the majestic pines of the Pacific Northwest, the foothills of Idaho and Montana, and finally through the open plains of the American Southwest. Along the way, they find some other lost souls, including a 21-year-old runaway who is the sexiest girl Trevor has ever seen in person and not on TV. Ben and Trevor’s journey is a touching, laugh-out-loud tale of two unlikely friends finding hope against all odds.

After Party: Every ticket purchased comes with admission to our opening night party, located at Paris On Ponce. Live entertainment, superb libations, and catering will be provided.

ATLFF '16 Opening Night Presentation and Party is Presented by SIM Digital.

Winner Announced for ATLFF '16 Filmmaker-to-Watch Award

The Atlanta Film Festival established the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award in 2014 to give our Kickstarter Backers Jury—a segment of contributors to our annual Kickstarter campaigns—the opportunity to spotlight a filmmaker from whom they're excited to see more. This year, they selected "Zelos" director Thoranna Sigurdardottir as their 2016 Filmmaker-to-Watch!

"Winners like 'Zelos' continue to surprise us but really shouldn't. With a Backers Jury representing such varied backgrounds, it's a marvel and joy that Thoranna's film resonated so strongly across the board. We're so pleased to elevate 'Zelos' and recognize this New Maverick's accomplishment!" said Senior Shorts Programmer Christina Humphrey.

Congratulations to Thoranna! Check out her reaction:

Having worked in film production for the last nineteen years, Thoranna was born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland and is now based in Los Angeles. "Zelos" is featured in the WOOL shorts block and screens Saturday, April 2 at 12 PM at The Plaza Theatre. The film is also designated as a New Mavericks selection.

Zelos | directed by Thoranna Sigurdardottir, USA, 14:58
A competitive mother orders a clone to outshine her flawless friend, but soon realizes she purchased an unbeatable rival.

Big Freedia to Headline Free SOUND + VISION Event at Ponce City Market

We are excited to announce that Big Freedia will headline SOUND + VISION at Ponce City Market on April 7th. The New Orleans-based performer and star of Fuse's "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce" is a high profile addition to the already wildly-popular event.

Grand Prize Winners From Last Year, Culture Culture, Wrenn and Sam Burchfield are also set to perform. Additionally, Jason Drakeford and Thomas Nybo's virtual reality short film "Interrupture" will have its World Premiere at SOUND + VISION.

Though the Atlanta Film Festival is celebrating a 40th anniversary this year, SOUND + VISION has reached a benchmark of its own—this being its 5th year. Moving from The Goat Farm Arts Center for the first time, SOUND + VISION is ATLFF's signature mid-week event that joins together live music, art installations and experimental film for one larger-than-life experience. The newly opened Ponce City Market will host the event that is presented in partnership with Flux Projects and sponsored by MailChimp.

This event is FREE and open to the public! It all starts at 7:00 PM.

All-Access, Filmmaker, Industry and Producer Badge-holders will have access to a private VIP lounge on the roof.

You Can Find Me in the A: EDBI Festival Preview

MORE THAN MUSIC: SENEGAL

With less than one week until the 40th anniversary #ATLFF, we can hardly contain our excitement! Tuesday night at Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge, we're sharing it with you. Join us for our monthly Eat, Drink & B-Indie event presented by Stella Artois for a look into our local lineup and the filmmakers behind it!

Artist minds behind features, shorts, virtual reality and art installations will be present with trailers and screening details. Become familiar with ATLFF alumni just two days before we kick off the best part of our year!

Guest appearances include:

Babacar Ndiaye — More Than Music: Senegal [STEEL block]
Brian Lonano and Victoria Cook — Gwilliam [STEEL + WOOL blocks]
James Martin & Jen West — The New Orleans Sazerac [STEEL + COTTON blocks]
Brit Wigintton & Grey Clawson — Violet [STEEL block]
Robyn Hicks — Que Sera - Atlanta Film Festival World Premiere [RUBY block]
Russell Sheaffer & Aaron Smith — On Surgery [COPPER block] + It's So Easy (The Mechanism of Power) Installation at 7 Stages

James Bickert — Frankenstein Created Bikers World Premiere
Jason Drakeford — Interrupture [5th annual SOUND + VISION]
Phoebe Brown, Charlene Fisk & Carrie Schrader — The Founders film World Premiere at Atlanta Film Fest

Brent Costin — The Brint Koston Show [Pilot Case Study panel]

As always, Eat, Drink & B-Indie is FREE and open to the public! The first 40 attendees of age will receive a drink ticket for a free Stella Artois. 

See you in the A!