The Slamdance Film Festival is an annual film festival. It focuses on low-budget independent films and emerging artists. The mantra that it lives by states “By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers.” It is a unique festival which is not similar to others out there because filmmakers fully program the event. It adamantly encourages self-governance among independents and only delivers what filmmakers attend the festival to see. The week-long celebrations take part every January in the astonishingly spectacular snow-capped mountains of Park City in Utah. Four gentlemen were behind its foundation in 1995 namely: Dan Mirvish Peter Baxter Shane Kuhn Jon Fitzgerald They
A Brief History of the Slamdance Film Festival...
A Brief History of the Slamdance Film Festival...
- 11/17/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
The 2016 Illuminate Film Festival, which will take place June 1 – 5, 2016 in Sedona, Arizona has announced the official line up of films for the 3rd annual event. The only film festival of its kind, the Illuminate Film Festival offers a collection of over 20 feature length and short films from around the world, exploring the year’s best in conscious cinema, as well as eye opening and thought provoking panels and conversations that will expand minds and inspire dialogue.
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
More information Here
"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
More information Here
"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
More information Here
"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
More information Here
"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
More information Here
Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
More information Here
"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
More information Here
"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
More information Here
"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
More information Here
"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
More information Here
Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
- 4/18/2016
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Now in its 19th incarnation and once again under new stewardship, the Hollywood Film Festival has (September 23-27) successfully distanced itself from the glossy red carpet pageantry it once was. See good. Do good. Feel good. That's the motto. "It's the community's festival," CEO & Executive Producer Brad Parks and Executive Director Rod Beaudoin said over a lunch interview. They've taken the reins from fest veteran Jon Fitzgerald, whose CineCause acquired the fest in 2014, but who stepped down after two years. This is not a festival bent on luring world premieres or courting acquisitions. The focus is on socially relevant films anchored in causes and calls-to-action. The Hollywood Film Festival team watched over 3,000 films, via filmmaker submission platform Withoutabox, before settling on a program of 20 fiction films, 27 documentaries and 38 shorts. More than half are directed by women. With their festival, Parks and Beaudoin hope to shatter the mythology that...
- 9/23/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Hollywood Film Festival executive director Jon Fitzgerald has announced the event’s winners.
The jury prize for best documentary feature went to Joe Piscatella’s #Chicago Girl, while Shawn Christensen’s Before I Disappear won the jury prize for best narrative feature.
Brendan Calder’s Learning To Float won the jury prize for best documentary short and Edwin Adlam Herod and Drue Pennella’s Fourteen Seeds took best narrative short.
Turning to the Cincecause Spotlight filmmakers, Michael Barnett’s Becoming Bulletproof earned recognition in the documentary category while narrative honours went to Andy Landen’s Sequoia.
As previously announced Harry Belafonte was given the first CineCause ChangeMaker Icon honour earlier this year and his daughter Gina Belafonte spoke on his behalf at the celebration.
The revamped Hollywood Film Festival ran from October 16-19.
The jury prize for best documentary feature went to Joe Piscatella’s #Chicago Girl, while Shawn Christensen’s Before I Disappear won the jury prize for best narrative feature.
Brendan Calder’s Learning To Float won the jury prize for best documentary short and Edwin Adlam Herod and Drue Pennella’s Fourteen Seeds took best narrative short.
Turning to the Cincecause Spotlight filmmakers, Michael Barnett’s Becoming Bulletproof earned recognition in the documentary category while narrative honours went to Andy Landen’s Sequoia.
As previously announced Harry Belafonte was given the first CineCause ChangeMaker Icon honour earlier this year and his daughter Gina Belafonte spoke on his behalf at the celebration.
The revamped Hollywood Film Festival ran from October 16-19.
- 10/20/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
When the 18th Annual Hollywood Film Festival relaunches October 16-19 with 30 features at the ArcLight Hollywood, it won't be the one you're used to. The new festival under the direction of Executive Director and CineCause founder Jon Fitzgerald boasts a brand new focus and identity. It's legit. Earlier this year, CineCause, which 47-year-old fest veteran Fitzgerald (Slamdance, AFI, Santa Barbara and Abu Dhabi) founded in 2010 to connect social impact movies and related causes, acquired the fest from founder Carlos de Abreu, who hired Fitzgerald as Executive Director of the 2013 Hollywood Film Festival. He increased attendance by an estimated 10%-15%. Meanwhile Dick Clark Productions also bought Abreu's glitzy fall awards season sidebar, the Hollywood Film Awards, which have nothing to do with this new festival. Abreu's former festival never quite found its niche, lacking legitimacy and picking mediocre films....
- 10/2/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Hollywood Film Festival executive director Jon Fitzgerald announced the strand that rounds out the programme as the festival’s October 16-19 dates draw closer.
Celebrate Hollywood recognises “films shot in Hollywood, or which reference show business.”
The seven titles are: Becoming Bulletproof by Michael Barnett (Us Premiere); Alex Of Venice (pictured) by Chris Messina; Sister by David Lascher; The Dramatics (A Comedy) by Scott Rodgers; The Toy Soldiers by Erik Peter Carlson; Time Lapse by Bradley King and B P Cooper; and You Must Be Joking by Jake Wilson.
Hff will also pay tribute to a filmmaker in the CineCause Spotlight category “who successfully demonstrates the power of film to create change.”
“Celebrate Hollywood provides opportunity to pay homage to the motion picture capital and its impact on entertainment,” said Fitzgerald. “As the festival grows and becomes more relevant in the community, and as incentives continue to be given for filmmaking in Hollywood, we expect...
Celebrate Hollywood recognises “films shot in Hollywood, or which reference show business.”
The seven titles are: Becoming Bulletproof by Michael Barnett (Us Premiere); Alex Of Venice (pictured) by Chris Messina; Sister by David Lascher; The Dramatics (A Comedy) by Scott Rodgers; The Toy Soldiers by Erik Peter Carlson; Time Lapse by Bradley King and B P Cooper; and You Must Be Joking by Jake Wilson.
Hff will also pay tribute to a filmmaker in the CineCause Spotlight category “who successfully demonstrates the power of film to create change.”
“Celebrate Hollywood provides opportunity to pay homage to the motion picture capital and its impact on entertainment,” said Fitzgerald. “As the festival grows and becomes more relevant in the community, and as incentives continue to be given for filmmaking in Hollywood, we expect...
- 9/30/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Jon Fitzgerald and his team at the reboot Hollywood Film Festival with its emphasis on socially conscious films have unveiled the line-up of features by first-time directors.
The roster includes the world premiere of Pancakes by Yasu Shibuya, the previously announced world premiere of My Name Is Water by Justin Arana and the Us premiere of
Also set to screen in Horizons are: Shawn Christensen’s Before I Disappear; Andy Landen’s Sequoia Sister by David Lascher; Time Lapse by B.P. Cooper and Bradley King and Alex Of Venice (pictured) by Chris Messina; The Dramatics by Scott Rodgers; and You Must Be Joking by Jake Wilson.
“New talent continues to be the lifeblood of Hollywood,” said Fitzgerald. “Horizons is a natural fit in providing a platform for emerging directors to be on the industry’s radar.”
The Hollywood Film Festival will run from October 16-19. To see the full line-up visit the official website.
The roster includes the world premiere of Pancakes by Yasu Shibuya, the previously announced world premiere of My Name Is Water by Justin Arana and the Us premiere of
Also set to screen in Horizons are: Shawn Christensen’s Before I Disappear; Andy Landen’s Sequoia Sister by David Lascher; Time Lapse by B.P. Cooper and Bradley King and Alex Of Venice (pictured) by Chris Messina; The Dramatics by Scott Rodgers; and You Must Be Joking by Jake Wilson.
“New talent continues to be the lifeblood of Hollywood,” said Fitzgerald. “Horizons is a natural fit in providing a platform for emerging directors to be on the industry’s radar.”
The Hollywood Film Festival will run from October 16-19. To see the full line-up visit the official website.
- 9/8/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The re-launched Hollywood Film Festival (Hff), now under the auspices of Slamdance co-founder Jon Fitzgerald’s philanthropic CineCause, will run from October 16-19.
CineCause acquired Hff earlier this year after Fitzgerald served as executive director in 2013.
According to a press release the goal of the event going forward will be to showcase socially-conscious films and grow into a leading festival “without the help of typical glitz and glamour”, celebrating creative artists, activists and industry leaders who support causes around the world.
“The word Hollywood is synonymous with celebrity and glamour,” said Fitzgerald. “But Hollywood is filled with people who care about global problems and who recognise the power of celebrity, cinema and storytelling and how this power can help create change.”
“Many of Hollywood’s celebrities back important causes and several will participate in our festival this year. Sharon Stone produced My Name Is Water. Emma Thompson executive produced and narrates Sold [pictured], which stars Gillian Anderson and David Arquette...
CineCause acquired Hff earlier this year after Fitzgerald served as executive director in 2013.
According to a press release the goal of the event going forward will be to showcase socially-conscious films and grow into a leading festival “without the help of typical glitz and glamour”, celebrating creative artists, activists and industry leaders who support causes around the world.
“The word Hollywood is synonymous with celebrity and glamour,” said Fitzgerald. “But Hollywood is filled with people who care about global problems and who recognise the power of celebrity, cinema and storytelling and how this power can help create change.”
“Many of Hollywood’s celebrities back important causes and several will participate in our festival this year. Sharon Stone produced My Name Is Water. Emma Thompson executive produced and narrates Sold [pictured], which stars Gillian Anderson and David Arquette...
- 8/27/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Socially-conscious films bearing the names of Sharon Stone, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson will take center stage at the 18th annual Hollywood Film Festival, which will run from Oct. 16-19 at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. Jon Fitzgerald, whose advocacy organization CineCause acquired the festival from its founder Carlos de Abreu earlier this year, is planning to remake the festival by focusing on social activism. The film line-up includes the world premiere of the documentary My Name is Water, about a college students search for answers, written and directed by Justin Arana and produced by Stone; Sold,
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- 8/27/2014
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CineCause has acquired The Hollywood Film Festival with plans to continue promoting socially conscious art with a wide selection of festival events that include screenings, panels, technology demos, and presentations. The CineCause Founder and CEO Jon Fitzgerald is no stranger to festivals as a co-founder of Slamdance in 1995 and director of various festivals, including AFI, Santa Barbara, Abu Dhabi, and Topanga. “We see this as a natural progression for the CineCause mission as well as a next phase opportunity to establish a new legacy," said Fitzgerald with respect to the acquisition.The Festival will host a Global Summit for Good to bring industry players, social change agents, and creative artists together to discuss the new directions of cause-based media. Fitzgerald talked to the L.A. Times of the importance of highlighting socially conscious media, saying, "It's truly going to be anchored by social-impact cinema and the idea of film as a tool to create.
- 4/1/2014
- by Melina Gills
- Indiewire
Salt Lake City, Utah -- 1995. A group of young filmmakers don't get their features into Sundance. That's the line we've heard countless times before. Rejection, dejection, deflation... where's a guiding light? Where to go? So much hard work after so much hard work and for what? Well, for Peter Baxter, Dan Mirvish, Paul Rachman, Jon Fitzgerald and Shane Kuhn, plus a handful of other co-conspirators that showed up in the city up the road from the home of Sundance in Park City, they had something... with stacks of reels, their cherished finished films, a hope and an idea: "Anarchy in Utah", a new film festival that championed the Diy gumption the American Indie scene had been built on. Their fate was in their own...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 1/17/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Slamdance cofounder Peter Baxter isn't shy when discussing the origins of his indie-minded festival. After being rejected from Sundance, Baxter and fellow passed-over filmmakers Dan Mirvish, Jon Fitzgerald and Shane Kuhn decided to inject the film festival scene with punk spirit. The quintet spent time, money, blood, sweat, and tears on their films -- how could they walk away without screening them for audiences? So in 1995, they held the first Slamdance, subtitled, "Anarchy in Utah." "There was a bit of 'there goes the neighborhood' when we started," Baxter says of the first festival. ''We didn't have much
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- 1/13/2014
- by Matt Patches
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Festival, Jon Fitzgerald, has announced the festival's 2013 award winners. Hollywood Film Festival ran from Friday, October 18 to Sunday October 20 in Hollywood and has in its 17th year continued to aspire to screen and celebrate narrative and short films from around the world. This year's festival screened 50 feature films, documentaries and shorts all together representing 12 countries and also placed added emphasis on social impact documentaries supported by CineCause and Hollywood Gives Back. The Hollywood Film Festival included the world premieres of "Friends of Mine," "Life Inside Out," "Drew, The Man Behind the Poster" as well as the U.S. premieres of "Red Robin" and "Autumn Wanderer." Check out the festival's award categories and their winners below: Narrative Award (for Best Narrative Feature) Winner: Autumn Blood directed by Markus Blunder (Austria) High in the mountains, a widowed mother...
- 10/21/2013
- by Ramzi De Coster
- Indiewire
Hollywood, California, August 15, 2013 – - The Hollywood Film Festival (Hff) launches the Hollywood Network® program with a strong line-up of industry professionals, with representatives across all platforms participating, from the studio arena to the independents, from the agencies to digital media. The growing roster of participants includes execs from Roku, Paradigm, Showtime, Preferred Content and CAA. Executive Director Jon Fitzgerald will oversee the initiative. One of the core missions of Hff has always been to “bridge the gap” between Hollywood and the global creative community. The Festival will take this concept to the next level with the new Hollywood Network® program. With film presentations taking place in the heart of Hollywood, the Festival presents a valuable screening platform for independent filmmakers, while providing for access to the studios and industry at large. This program will initiate a series of meetings between independent filmmakers and Hollywood industry professionals. “The Festival team looks...
- 8/15/2013
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
L.A. Film veteran Nancy Collet will be the Festival Producer of the Posh Resort La Costa's first film festival. With her as a consultant is her former AFI boss, Jon Fitzgerald who has also been brought in to run the Hollywood Film Festival. We wish them both luck!!
The first annual La Costa Film Festival will make its grand debut October 24-27, 2013 at the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa, it was today announced by festival founders Michael and Ruby Callihan, of the nonprofit La Costa Dreams, Inc. In addition, as of today, the festival is accepting film submissions via Without A Box. The regular deadline is June 15; the late deadline is July 15.
The La Costa Film Festival will deliver a new cultural experience to North San Diego County, integrating a series of film screenings, panels, retrospectives and gala events in celebration of the art and impact of motion pictures. All net proceeds of the festival will go to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
The annual event will showcase some of the most engaging international documentaries, narrative features, and short films of the past year and present them in a variety of unique local venues. The Opening Night Gala will feature a red carpet and a screening under the stars, on the beautiful grounds of the La Costa Resort and Spa. Additional screenings will be offered at the nearby, luxurious La Costa Cinepolis Theaters, as well as the spacious Ruby G. Schulman Theater, at the Carlsbad Dove Library next door to the Resort. Film enthusiasts may join in Q&As and mingle with participating filmmakers as well as celebrity guests at numerous intimate parties where all pass-holders are welcome.
In recognition and celebration of the La Costa area’s love of sport, in particular the world-class championship golf and tennis that the Resort is known for, the La Costa Film Festival will feature a special competition focusing on sports-themed films.
There will also be a special shorts competition for local high schools, offering them the opportunity to exhibit their talent and to participate in the festival. The winning school will receive a cash prize to support its film program.
“We have been amazed by how many people living around La Costa have Hollywood connections,” said festival co-founder Ruby Callihan. “So, when we began to share our dream, they all said, ‘yes, let’s bring Hollywood to the beach!’”
Adds co-founder Michael Callihan, “La Costa Resort & Spa used to have these glamorous pictures of Hollywood celebrities, throughout the hotel. Every time I glanced at them, I felt the mystique of a different era. Wouldn’t it be magical, I thought, if we could recreate that same experience, but this time blend in the relaxed luxury of La Costa. What a perfect location for a true destination film festival.”
Long renowned as a playground for the rich and famous, the La Costa Resort and Spa is proud to host this groundbreaking event, with its newly remodeled rooms and over 50 million dollars in renovations. “We applaud the Callihans for bringing this new cultural experience to the Carlsbad community. La Costa Resort and Spa’s long-standing Hollywood connections and picturesque setting make this an ideal location for the festival, “ adds La Costa Resort and Spa VP & General Manager, Paul McCormick.
CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Brad Holland, said, “With little fanfare or commotion, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has become a vital part of Carlsbad’s social safety net. In fact, we recently celebrated 60 years of impacting lives! We are grateful to be a beneficiary of the La Costa Film Festival, and are excited to have an event of this caliber enrich our community.”
For more information on the inaugural La Costa Film Festival, visit www.lacostafilmfestival.org. For sponsorship information, contact Michael Callihan at (619) 300--4577, or Michael[a]lacostafilmfestival.org.
About La Costa Dreams, Inc.
La Costa Dreams, Inc. was founded in January 2013, by La Costa residents Michael and Ruby Callihan. The nonprofit Carlsbad Corporation aspires to deliver a new cultural experience to the La Costa community, through a greater appreciation of the art of film making, and by bringing the arts and culture to the families and children of North County. The La Costa Film Festival will showcase the very best examples of quality documentaries, feature narratives, shorts, and each will be presented in a variety of exciting local venues.
About La Costa Resort And Spa
Founded in 1965, and almost as quickly, a who's who of the rich and famous flocked to the La Costa Resort and Spa to play the courses and courts, and to unwind at what was the first U.S. resort to offer a full-service spa. And although times have changed, the tradition of excellence continues to strengthen with every new guest. A $50 million renovation has turned La Costa Resort and Spa into nothing short of a nature inspired sanctuary meticulously and stylishly fitted with redesigned rooms, facilities and grounds. The Spa at La Costa, long a retreat for wellness seekers, has recently been named the #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa Magazine and Travel + Leisure’s #4 Spa in North America. Golf's highest accolades are also sure to follow as resort guests and members play on the fully re--designed, international recognized Champions Course. La Costa Resort and Spa is again Southern California's premier resort destination.
The first annual La Costa Film Festival will make its grand debut October 24-27, 2013 at the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa, it was today announced by festival founders Michael and Ruby Callihan, of the nonprofit La Costa Dreams, Inc. In addition, as of today, the festival is accepting film submissions via Without A Box. The regular deadline is June 15; the late deadline is July 15.
The La Costa Film Festival will deliver a new cultural experience to North San Diego County, integrating a series of film screenings, panels, retrospectives and gala events in celebration of the art and impact of motion pictures. All net proceeds of the festival will go to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
The annual event will showcase some of the most engaging international documentaries, narrative features, and short films of the past year and present them in a variety of unique local venues. The Opening Night Gala will feature a red carpet and a screening under the stars, on the beautiful grounds of the La Costa Resort and Spa. Additional screenings will be offered at the nearby, luxurious La Costa Cinepolis Theaters, as well as the spacious Ruby G. Schulman Theater, at the Carlsbad Dove Library next door to the Resort. Film enthusiasts may join in Q&As and mingle with participating filmmakers as well as celebrity guests at numerous intimate parties where all pass-holders are welcome.
In recognition and celebration of the La Costa area’s love of sport, in particular the world-class championship golf and tennis that the Resort is known for, the La Costa Film Festival will feature a special competition focusing on sports-themed films.
There will also be a special shorts competition for local high schools, offering them the opportunity to exhibit their talent and to participate in the festival. The winning school will receive a cash prize to support its film program.
“We have been amazed by how many people living around La Costa have Hollywood connections,” said festival co-founder Ruby Callihan. “So, when we began to share our dream, they all said, ‘yes, let’s bring Hollywood to the beach!’”
Adds co-founder Michael Callihan, “La Costa Resort & Spa used to have these glamorous pictures of Hollywood celebrities, throughout the hotel. Every time I glanced at them, I felt the mystique of a different era. Wouldn’t it be magical, I thought, if we could recreate that same experience, but this time blend in the relaxed luxury of La Costa. What a perfect location for a true destination film festival.”
Long renowned as a playground for the rich and famous, the La Costa Resort and Spa is proud to host this groundbreaking event, with its newly remodeled rooms and over 50 million dollars in renovations. “We applaud the Callihans for bringing this new cultural experience to the Carlsbad community. La Costa Resort and Spa’s long-standing Hollywood connections and picturesque setting make this an ideal location for the festival, “ adds La Costa Resort and Spa VP & General Manager, Paul McCormick.
CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Brad Holland, said, “With little fanfare or commotion, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has become a vital part of Carlsbad’s social safety net. In fact, we recently celebrated 60 years of impacting lives! We are grateful to be a beneficiary of the La Costa Film Festival, and are excited to have an event of this caliber enrich our community.”
For more information on the inaugural La Costa Film Festival, visit www.lacostafilmfestival.org. For sponsorship information, contact Michael Callihan at (619) 300--4577, or Michael[a]lacostafilmfestival.org.
About La Costa Dreams, Inc.
La Costa Dreams, Inc. was founded in January 2013, by La Costa residents Michael and Ruby Callihan. The nonprofit Carlsbad Corporation aspires to deliver a new cultural experience to the La Costa community, through a greater appreciation of the art of film making, and by bringing the arts and culture to the families and children of North County. The La Costa Film Festival will showcase the very best examples of quality documentaries, feature narratives, shorts, and each will be presented in a variety of exciting local venues.
About La Costa Resort And Spa
Founded in 1965, and almost as quickly, a who's who of the rich and famous flocked to the La Costa Resort and Spa to play the courses and courts, and to unwind at what was the first U.S. resort to offer a full-service spa. And although times have changed, the tradition of excellence continues to strengthen with every new guest. A $50 million renovation has turned La Costa Resort and Spa into nothing short of a nature inspired sanctuary meticulously and stylishly fitted with redesigned rooms, facilities and grounds. The Spa at La Costa, long a retreat for wellness seekers, has recently been named the #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa Magazine and Travel + Leisure’s #4 Spa in North America. Golf's highest accolades are also sure to follow as resort guests and members play on the fully re--designed, international recognized Champions Course. La Costa Resort and Spa is again Southern California's premier resort destination.
- 6/4/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Hollywood Film Festival® announces some new initiatives to “bridge the gap” between Hollywood and the global creative community. These include their new Hollywood Network® program, a screening event meant to initiate meetings between independent filmmakers and Hollywood industry professionals; combining sister organization Hollywood Gives Back with CineCause for the CineCause Spotlight section; and offering a select number of short films exclusively online. Submit your film today! HollywoodFilmFestival.com “I’m very excited to have the chance to build on the success of the Hollywood Film Festival, and look forward to incorporating these new elements,” Jon Fitzgerald, Festival’s Executive Director, said in a statement. “Filmmakers will have opportunities to expand their connections, leverage entertainment to recognize important causes and broaden their reach to the online community, here in the film capital of the world.” The festival runs from October 17-21 at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. Be Discovered in Hollywood.
- 5/24/2013
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
The 17th Annual Hollywood Film Festival (Hff), hailed by “Variety” as “the ultimate networking opportunity” and by The New York Times as “the first mandatory stop in the awards season.” A long-standing and well-respected celebration of the very finest in big-screen storytelling, Hff presents promising filmmakers with countless opportunities to network with the industry’s top executives and brightest stars. It’s no wonder so many winners of Hff have secured representation and distribution deals through outlets including HBO, Miramax, IFC, 7th Art Releasing, Indican, and Starz, among others. Jon Fitzgerald is the new Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Festival. In the last ten years, Hff has seen a total 96 Oscar nominations and 32 Academy Awards presented its official selections and to the honorees of the Hollywood Film Awards, Hff’s companion event. Hff awards are covered by print and online media, as well as by cable and network television stations the world over.
- 4/12/2013
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
This year, with the appointment of Fest veteran Jon Fitzgerald as Executive Director of the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Festival, films that matter will have an opportunity to be showcased in the heart of Hollywood. Fitzgerald will be working closely with festival founder Carlos de Abreu, and will be in charge of development, artistic direction, programming, marketing and overall Festival management, as well as the Hollywood Gives Back® Project. Hollywood Gives Back® with CineCause, will be showcasing the other side of Hollywood, celebrating the Industry’s creative artists who have supported causes around the world. These efforts will be presented through the CineCause Spotlight section of the Festival, connecting social impact films with related causes. The Hollywood Gives Back® mandate is to give a voice to the voiceless through the visual and new mediums, highlighting social and human conditions worldwide, and recognizing people and organizations that have contributed to the...
- 3/24/2013
- by Hollywood News Team
- Hollywoodnews.com
Slamdance co-founder Jon Fitzgerald has been named executive director of the 17th annual Hollywood Film Festival, founder Carlos de Abreu announced on Wednesday. "Jon's experience in the online, film festival and worldwide film communities will be a great asset to the growth and new direction of our Festival," Abreu said in a statement. Also read: AFI Sets Nov. 7 for 2013 Film Festival Fitzgerald was one of four co-founders of the Slamdance Film Festival -- an annual showcase of independent cinema that takes place in Utah during the same time as the Sundance Film...
- 3/20/2013
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
The Hollywood Film Festival has named Jon Fitzgerald as Executive Director of the 17th annual event. Fitzgerald will be in charge of development, artistic direction, programming, marketing and overall festival management. Prior to coming on board, he launched in 2012 CineCause, a philanthropic platform connecting socially relevant films to related causes, and served as the co-founder and former executive director for Slamdance, AFI Fest, Santa Barbara and Abu Dhabi film festivals, among others. In addition to his hire, the festival announced some new initiatives to "bridge the gap" between Hollywood and the global creative community. These include their new Hollywood Network program, a screening event meant to initiate meetings between independent filmmakers and Hollywood industry professionals; combining sister organization Hollywood Gives Back with CineCause for the CineCause Spotlight section; and offering a select number of short films exclusively online. "I’m very excited to have...
- 3/20/2013
- by Nigel M. Smith
- Indiewire
The Hollywood Film Festival announces the appointment of Fest veteran Jon Fitzgerald as Executive Director of the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Festival. “Jon’s experience in the online, film festival, and worldwide film communities will be a great asset to the growth and new direction of our Festival,” said Carlos de Abreu, founder of the Hollywood Film Festival. As a co-founder and former executive director of Slamdance, AFI Fest, Santa Barbara and Abu Dhabi film festivals among others. In addition, in 2012 he launched CineCause, a philanthropic platform, connecting socially relevant films to related causes. Fitzgerald will be working closely with festival founder Carlos de Abreu, and will be in charge of development, artistic direction, programming, marketing and overall Festival management, as well as the Hollywood Gives Back® Project. Submit Your Film Today! Great Networking Opportunities The Festival is excited about the integration of several new components for the 2013 edition, led by Fitzgerald.
- 3/20/2013
- by Vitale Morum
- Hollywoodnews.com
The Slamdance Film Festival which takes place each year in Utah at the same time as the Sundance Film Festival has just announced its program for the 2011 edition. The festival was founded in 1995 by Dan Mirvish, Jon Fitzgerald, Shane Kuhn and Peter Baxter and has since become a year-round organization championing emerging filmmaking talent and their new work. The aim is to provide what its supporters consider a truer representation of independent filmmaking).
The fest has earned a solid reputation for premiering films by first-time writers and directors working within the creative confines of limited budgets. Festival discoveries have included directors such as Christopher Nolan (Memento), Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball) and Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite).
The 17th annual fest will screen 10 narrative films and eight documentary features in competition from Jan. 21-27. Fourteen of the movies are world premieres. As part of this year’s festival theme — “All Is...
The fest has earned a solid reputation for premiering films by first-time writers and directors working within the creative confines of limited budgets. Festival discoveries have included directors such as Christopher Nolan (Memento), Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball) and Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite).
The 17th annual fest will screen 10 narrative films and eight documentary features in competition from Jan. 21-27. Fourteen of the movies are world premieres. As part of this year’s festival theme — “All Is...
- 12/7/2010
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
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