The Oscar-nominated short film Red, White and Blue, which tackles abortion issues in the U.S., will be getting an impact campaign thanks to Level Forward.
The film, directed by Nazrin Choudhury, follows a young mother living paycheck to paycheck who is forced to travel across state lines in search of an abortion.
The campaign will benefit gender justice organizations and abortion access funds, with partners that include Supermajority Ed Fund, Ignite, Vote Mama, Pregnancy Justice, She the People, One Fair Wage, and New York Abortion Access Fund.
The first stakeholder viewing will be held in New York City, at the Metrograph Theater on June 14 followed by a conversation with Choudhury and special guests including Taylor Salditch, executive director of Supermajority Ed Fund, and Chelsea Williams-Diggs, executive director of New York Abortion Access Fund. Host committee members include Abigail E. Disney, Jane Fonda and Mark Ruffalo, among others.
Said Choudhury,...
The film, directed by Nazrin Choudhury, follows a young mother living paycheck to paycheck who is forced to travel across state lines in search of an abortion.
The campaign will benefit gender justice organizations and abortion access funds, with partners that include Supermajority Ed Fund, Ignite, Vote Mama, Pregnancy Justice, She the People, One Fair Wage, and New York Abortion Access Fund.
The first stakeholder viewing will be held in New York City, at the Metrograph Theater on June 14 followed by a conversation with Choudhury and special guests including Taylor Salditch, executive director of Supermajority Ed Fund, and Chelsea Williams-Diggs, executive director of New York Abortion Access Fund. Host committee members include Abigail E. Disney, Jane Fonda and Mark Ruffalo, among others.
Said Choudhury,...
- 6/8/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dozens of top Hollywood creatives and activists have signed an open letter in response to the shuttering of production company Participant — imploring the industry to continue to effect change through film and television as the defunct company once did.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Giamatti is set to join Stephen Colbert for an evening of conversation as part of the second annual North to Shore Festival in New Jersey this June.
The event, set for June 29 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, will raise money for Montclair Film, the New Jersey based arts organization with which Colbert has long been involved, which runs the Montclair Film Festival.
Onstage, the Late Show host and Holdovers star will discuss Giamatti’s long-running screen career. In addition to his recent, Oscar-nominated role in the Alexander Payne-directed film, Giamatti’s film credits include Sideways, his Oscar-nominated role in Cinderella Man and performances in such movies as American Splendor, Barney’s Version, 12 Years a Slave, Straight Outta Compton, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, San Andreas, Planet of the Apes and Saving Private Ryan.
On the small screen, Giamatti spent seven seasons starring in Billions and previously...
The event, set for June 29 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, will raise money for Montclair Film, the New Jersey based arts organization with which Colbert has long been involved, which runs the Montclair Film Festival.
Onstage, the Late Show host and Holdovers star will discuss Giamatti’s long-running screen career. In addition to his recent, Oscar-nominated role in the Alexander Payne-directed film, Giamatti’s film credits include Sideways, his Oscar-nominated role in Cinderella Man and performances in such movies as American Splendor, Barney’s Version, 12 Years a Slave, Straight Outta Compton, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, San Andreas, Planet of the Apes and Saving Private Ryan.
On the small screen, Giamatti spent seven seasons starring in Billions and previously...
- 4/15/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Around 100 hours before the deadline for all Disney shareholders to cast their ballots in the acrid board clash between the Mouse House and activist investor Nelson Peltz, one of the country’s top pension funds just rolled its cannons onto the battlefield.
With 6.7 million shares in Disney, the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) blew a hole late Friday through Bob Iger and supporters’ hard fought efforts to keep the Ike Perlmutter-backed Peltz and a former CFO from gaining seats on the board on April 3.
“CalPERS believes Walt Disney Co. will benefit from fresh eyes on its board of directors and voted its company shares in favor of candidates Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo,” John Myers, chief of the CalPERS Office of Public Affairs, told Deadline today.
While CalPERS says it will also vote for Iger and the likes of ex-Morgan Stanley boss James Gorman for the 12-member board,...
With 6.7 million shares in Disney, the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) blew a hole late Friday through Bob Iger and supporters’ hard fought efforts to keep the Ike Perlmutter-backed Peltz and a former CFO from gaining seats on the board on April 3.
“CalPERS believes Walt Disney Co. will benefit from fresh eyes on its board of directors and voted its company shares in favor of candidates Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo,” John Myers, chief of the CalPERS Office of Public Affairs, told Deadline today.
While CalPERS says it will also vote for Iger and the likes of ex-Morgan Stanley boss James Gorman for the 12-member board,...
- 3/30/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
If Bob Iger were a Marvel superhero, his power would be persuasion. The Disney CEO has long leaned on his ability to convince others of his plans. From film and TV writers, directors and stars, to Disney shareholders, to the company’s own board members, Iger’s track record has been impeccable.
Consider possibly the most important deal he ever led: Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009. While Marvel’s success since then is not in dispute, at the time the idea of Disney chasing young men via the comic book brand was seen as a real risk. In his 2019 memoir The Ride of a Lifetime, Iger recalls how he pitched a skeptical Steve Jobs on the deal.
Jobs, who had sold Pixar to Disney just a couple of years earlier, was Disney’s largest shareholder and a member of the board. He also told Iger that he...
Consider possibly the most important deal he ever led: Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009. While Marvel’s success since then is not in dispute, at the time the idea of Disney chasing young men via the comic book brand was seen as a real risk. In his 2019 memoir The Ride of a Lifetime, Iger recalls how he pitched a skeptical Steve Jobs on the deal.
Jobs, who had sold Pixar to Disney just a couple of years earlier, was Disney’s largest shareholder and a member of the board. He also told Iger that he...
- 3/27/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The current proxy war at Disney has been heating up in the past few months, with more people announcing support for the side that matches with their ideas for the future of the company. While Nelson Peltz has been getting support from outsiders, many notable individuals including Abigail Disney and George Lucas announced that they supported Iger (despite both voicing their grievances with him in the past).
Now, another voice has lent their support to Bob Iger, that being actor and comedian Josh Gad. Gad is perhaps best known as the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen franchise, but he also appeared in the 2017 Live-Action Remake of Beauty and the Beast as LeFou and in 2020’s Artemis Fowl as Mulch Diggums, the Dwarf.
On his personal Instagram account, Gad made the following statement accompanying an image of the Disney CEO: “What this man has done and continues to...
Now, another voice has lent their support to Bob Iger, that being actor and comedian Josh Gad. Gad is perhaps best known as the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen franchise, but he also appeared in the 2017 Live-Action Remake of Beauty and the Beast as LeFou and in 2020’s Artemis Fowl as Mulch Diggums, the Dwarf.
On his personal Instagram account, Gad made the following statement accompanying an image of the Disney CEO: “What this man has done and continues to...
- 3/25/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
In an interesting turn of events, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas publicly supports Disney CEO Bob Iger and the Walt Disney Company board against the activist investor groups trying to obtain board seats. This is highly ironic given that George Lucas was very vocal about how he felt betrayed by Bob Iger. Iger himself even talked about how Lucas felt betrayed in his book.
Now, George Lucas has seemingly put out this statement saying, “Creating magic is not for amateurs. When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago. I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership. When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s...
Now, George Lucas has seemingly put out this statement saying, “Creating magic is not for amateurs. When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago. I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership. When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s...
- 3/19/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Corporate board room proxy battles can be frustratingly unpredictable. Even a company confident in its leadership and strategy cannot afford complacency when someone is seeking to depose board directors. It’s something Disney CEO Bob Iger knows a thing or two about.
The last time Disney faced a full-fledged proxy fight was 20 years ago. More than 40 percent of shareholders voted against the Disney board and its then-ceo, Michael Eisner. The executive lost his chairman title within hours and told the board of his plans to step aside as CEO in mere months.
A turning point in that battle, as Bob Iger recalled in his 2019 memoir, The Ride of a Lifetime, was the decision by the influential Institutional Shareholder Services (Iss) to back the activists. “I remember thinking that it was like we’d entered a conventional war … and now another party had launched nuclear weapons,” Iger wrote of learning about the Iss recommendation,...
The last time Disney faced a full-fledged proxy fight was 20 years ago. More than 40 percent of shareholders voted against the Disney board and its then-ceo, Michael Eisner. The executive lost his chairman title within hours and told the board of his plans to step aside as CEO in mere months.
A turning point in that battle, as Bob Iger recalled in his 2019 memoir, The Ride of a Lifetime, was the decision by the influential Institutional Shareholder Services (Iss) to back the activists. “I remember thinking that it was like we’d entered a conventional war … and now another party had launched nuclear weapons,” Iger wrote of learning about the Iss recommendation,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Descendants of Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney have weighed in on the bid by two activist investment firms to win seats on the board of the Walt Disney Co. — and they’re in Bob Iger’s corner in the fight.
Nelson Peltz, the activist investor who runs hedge fund Trian Partners, is waging a proxy-fight battle to install himself and ex-Disney CFO Jay Rasulo as directors; Peltz’s stated aim is to drive up the price of Disney’s stock. Another investment firm, Blackwells Capital, supports the leadership of CEO Bob Iger and the current board but is urging Disney shareholders to vote for its own three candidates instead of Disney’s or Trian’s nominees.
Disney opposes the candidates put forward by Trian and Blackwells as lacking “the appropriate range of talent, skill, perspective and/or expertise,” and is urging shareholders to vote for its own 12 nominees.
Nelson Peltz, the activist investor who runs hedge fund Trian Partners, is waging a proxy-fight battle to install himself and ex-Disney CFO Jay Rasulo as directors; Peltz’s stated aim is to drive up the price of Disney’s stock. Another investment firm, Blackwells Capital, supports the leadership of CEO Bob Iger and the current board but is urging Disney shareholders to vote for its own three candidates instead of Disney’s or Trian’s nominees.
Disney opposes the candidates put forward by Trian and Blackwells as lacking “the appropriate range of talent, skill, perspective and/or expertise,” and is urging shareholders to vote for its own 12 nominees.
- 3/1/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In two open letters to shareholders of the Walt Disney Company, grandchildren of Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney came out in support of CEO Bob Iger and current management, which is being assailed by two investment firms trying to change the makeup of the company’s board.
“From Mickey and Minnie, to Snow White and Mary Poppins, Disney is not a company that makes widgets – it makes magic,” wrote Roy P. Disney Susan Disney Lord, Tim Disney and Abigail Disney, who has been outspokenly critical of the company in the past. “And it takes a special group of leaders with a deep respect and understanding for this tradition to develop the kinds of incredible experiences – whether in a theme park, at a movie theatre, or in your own home – that touch people’s hearts. Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic.
“From Mickey and Minnie, to Snow White and Mary Poppins, Disney is not a company that makes widgets – it makes magic,” wrote Roy P. Disney Susan Disney Lord, Tim Disney and Abigail Disney, who has been outspokenly critical of the company in the past. “And it takes a special group of leaders with a deep respect and understanding for this tradition to develop the kinds of incredible experiences – whether in a theme park, at a movie theatre, or in your own home – that touch people’s hearts. Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic.
- 2/29/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The grandchildren of Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney are voicing their support for Bob Iger in his board seat battle against Nelson Peltz.
Two separate letters were sent to shareholders Thursday from each set of grandchildren, including Abigail Disney, who has been outspoken against recent Disney practices.
In the letter from grandchildren of Roy O. Disney, which is signed by Abigail and three others, the grandchildren outline the “magic” they experienced at the company throughout their childhoods, and say that Iger can continue that spirit at the company. Meanwhile, they call Peltz one of the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and also one of the “villains” in a Disney story.
“Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic. They understand that the longevity of The Walt Disney Company isn’t only the result of smart business decisions; it is rooted in the...
Two separate letters were sent to shareholders Thursday from each set of grandchildren, including Abigail Disney, who has been outspoken against recent Disney practices.
In the letter from grandchildren of Roy O. Disney, which is signed by Abigail and three others, the grandchildren outline the “magic” they experienced at the company throughout their childhoods, and say that Iger can continue that spirit at the company. Meanwhile, they call Peltz one of the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and also one of the “villains” in a Disney story.
“Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic. They understand that the longevity of The Walt Disney Company isn’t only the result of smart business decisions; it is rooted in the...
- 2/29/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Women's Media Center hosted their 2023 Women’S Media Awards on October 19th at the Whitby Hotel in New York City.
Mariska Hargitay, Fredricka Whitfield, Koritha Mitchell, Emily Ladau, Karen Lincoln Michel and Akila Radhakrishnan.
Credit/Copyright: John Lamparski/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2023 Women’s Media Awards honorees were:
Mariska Hargitay, Fredricka Whitfield, Karen Lincoln Michel, Emily Ladau, Koritha Mitchell, and Akila Radhakrishnan.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton appeared at the gala. Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Board Vice Chair Erica González Martínez, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board member Rebecca Adamson also made appearances at the gala.
The Women’S Media Center 2023 Women’s Media Award Honorees were:
· Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, activist, Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation,...
Mariska Hargitay, Fredricka Whitfield, Koritha Mitchell, Emily Ladau, Karen Lincoln Michel and Akila Radhakrishnan.
Credit/Copyright: John Lamparski/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2023 Women’s Media Awards honorees were:
Mariska Hargitay, Fredricka Whitfield, Karen Lincoln Michel, Emily Ladau, Koritha Mitchell, and Akila Radhakrishnan.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton appeared at the gala. Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Board Vice Chair Erica González Martínez, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board member Rebecca Adamson also made appearances at the gala.
The Women’S Media Center 2023 Women’s Media Award Honorees were:
· Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, activist, Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation,...
- 10/27/2023
- Look to the Stars
The creative team from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will soon be swinging into Colorado to accept an inaugural award at the Denver Film Festival.
The fest today announced a more complete lineup of events, screenings, honorees, special guests, podcasts and more for this year’s installment, scheduled for Nov. 3-12. Plucked to receive the inaugural Denver Film Festival 5280 Award will be the Spider-Verse team. The prize is designed to honor “exceptional cinematic work and collaboration to achieve new heights,” per officials. It will be presented to writers and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, executive producer Bob Persichetti, producer Christina Steinberg and senior animation supervisor Humberto Rosa following a screening of the film on Nov. 7 at the AMC 9 + Co 10.
Anthony Chen, whose credits include Ilo Ilo, Wet Season and Ah ma, has been tapped to receive the Denver Film Festival Excellence in Directing Award following the screening of one of his new films,...
The fest today announced a more complete lineup of events, screenings, honorees, special guests, podcasts and more for this year’s installment, scheduled for Nov. 3-12. Plucked to receive the inaugural Denver Film Festival 5280 Award will be the Spider-Verse team. The prize is designed to honor “exceptional cinematic work and collaboration to achieve new heights,” per officials. It will be presented to writers and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, executive producer Bob Persichetti, producer Christina Steinberg and senior animation supervisor Humberto Rosa following a screening of the film on Nov. 7 at the AMC 9 + Co 10.
Anthony Chen, whose credits include Ilo Ilo, Wet Season and Ah ma, has been tapped to receive the Denver Film Festival Excellence in Directing Award following the screening of one of his new films,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ariana Grande, Guillermo del Toro, Padma Lakshmi, Roxane Gay, Gabrielle Union, Sandra Cisneros, Amanda Gorman, Margaret Cho and Ron Perlman are among the signatories of an open letter calling on creative communities in Hollywood and beyond to leverage their voices to stop book bans.
Upwards of 175 actors, musicians, authors, comedians, reality stars, models, media personalities, academics, activists and more have signed the open letter spearheaded by Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton and published Tuesday via public advocacy organization and political action committee MoveOn Political Action.
LeVar Burton
The letter encourages signatories and readers to address challenges at the local level across U.S. school districts, while calling out book bans as “restrictive behavior” that is “antithetical to free speech and expression.” It also underscores the “chilling effect” these bans can have “on the broader creative field.”
“We cannot stress enough how these censorious efforts will not end with book bans,...
Upwards of 175 actors, musicians, authors, comedians, reality stars, models, media personalities, academics, activists and more have signed the open letter spearheaded by Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton and published Tuesday via public advocacy organization and political action committee MoveOn Political Action.
LeVar Burton
The letter encourages signatories and readers to address challenges at the local level across U.S. school districts, while calling out book bans as “restrictive behavior” that is “antithetical to free speech and expression.” It also underscores the “chilling effect” these bans can have “on the broader creative field.”
“We cannot stress enough how these censorious efforts will not end with book bans,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem — the Co-Founders of The Women’S Media Center — have announced the honorees for the 2023 Women’s Media Awards, to be held on Thursday, October 19th, at the Whitby Hotel in New York City.
The Women’S Media Center 2023 Women’s Media Award Honorees are:
Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, activist, Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, will be honored with the Wmc Sisterhood is Powerful Award. Fredricka Whitfield, CNN News anchor, will be honored with the Wmc Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. Karen Lincoln Michel, President of Ict, formerly Indian Country Today, and President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media, will be honored with the Wmc Carol Jenkins Award. Emily Ladau, Disability Rights Activist, author of Demystifying Disability, will be honored with the Wmc Progressive Women’s Voices Impact Award. Koritha Mitchell, award-winning author, cultural critic, literary historian, professor of English, will...
The Women’S Media Center 2023 Women’s Media Award Honorees are:
Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, activist, Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, will be honored with the Wmc Sisterhood is Powerful Award. Fredricka Whitfield, CNN News anchor, will be honored with the Wmc Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. Karen Lincoln Michel, President of Ict, formerly Indian Country Today, and President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media, will be honored with the Wmc Carol Jenkins Award. Emily Ladau, Disability Rights Activist, author of Demystifying Disability, will be honored with the Wmc Progressive Women’s Voices Impact Award. Koritha Mitchell, award-winning author, cultural critic, literary historian, professor of English, will...
- 9/5/2023
- Look to the Stars
On July 15th, the independent film community’s rowdy, activist uncle, Mark Ruffalo, tweeted a call to action: “How about we all jump into indies now? Content creators create a film & TV-making system alongside the studio & streaming networks? So there is actual competition. Then we just do what we always do — create great content & they can buy it, or we take it out ourselves & We share in those sales.”
I say, “Hell yeah, Uncle Mark!” From where I stand, strike season is the perfect time to answer his call by making a short film. For those of you asking, “am I really allowed to make a short film under strike rules?” or “what about standing in solidarity with my SAG-AFTRA and WGA friends?” Both organizations have very clear parameters on what is and is not allowed but for now yes, you can and you should make short films right now.
I say, “Hell yeah, Uncle Mark!” From where I stand, strike season is the perfect time to answer his call by making a short film. For those of you asking, “am I really allowed to make a short film under strike rules?” or “what about standing in solidarity with my SAG-AFTRA and WGA friends?” Both organizations have very clear parameters on what is and is not allowed but for now yes, you can and you should make short films right now.
- 8/24/2023
- by Clay Pruitt
- The Wrap
“I woke up one day and realized that, just by virtue of being born lucky, I had so much more than everyone else,” says Abigail Disney. “And I don’t think I’ve slept well since I figured that out.”
Disney, the granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has used her considerable means to make the world a better place since the ‘90s, backing a string of non-profits and producing documentaries that shine a light on societal injustices. These have included Pray the Devil Back to Hell,...
Disney, the granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has used her considerable means to make the world a better place since the ‘90s, backing a string of non-profits and producing documentaries that shine a light on societal injustices. These have included Pray the Devil Back to Hell,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Striking writers now have a new punching bag: Bob Iger.
After telling CNBC’s David Faber Thursday that the labor situation is “very disturbing” and how the Hollywood unions aren’t being realistic about the current financial climate, WGA picketers went postal on social media by pointing out the massive pay disparity between the Disney CEO and most working writers today.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC from Sun Valley, Idaho, Iger addressed the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and his ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Though his digs at DeSantis were lauded — he called the governor’s claims that Disney is sexualizing children “preposterous and inaccurate”— he lost the Tinseltown rank and file when he said “this is the worst time in the world” to walk off the job.
“I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation...
After telling CNBC’s David Faber Thursday that the labor situation is “very disturbing” and how the Hollywood unions aren’t being realistic about the current financial climate, WGA picketers went postal on social media by pointing out the massive pay disparity between the Disney CEO and most working writers today.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC from Sun Valley, Idaho, Iger addressed the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and his ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Though his digs at DeSantis were lauded — he called the governor’s claims that Disney is sexualizing children “preposterous and inaccurate”— he lost the Tinseltown rank and file when he said “this is the worst time in the world” to walk off the job.
“I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation...
- 7/13/2023
- by Lynette Rice and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has acquired North American rights to Body Parts, a documentary that takes a critical look at the way Hollwood shoots sex scenes.
Kristy Guevara-Flanagan directed and Helen Hood Scheer produced the feature that “traces the evolution of ‘sex’ on-screen,” according to a release, “exposing the uncomfortable realities behind some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history and celebrating the bold creators leading the way for change.”
The documentary, which held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, includes interviews with actors Jane Fonda, Rosanna Arquette, Rose McGowan, Emily Meade and Alexandra Billings, directors Karyn Kusama and Angela Robinson, and TV show creators David Simon and Joey Soloway. Those industry insiders “provide a nuanced look at how different bodies––sizes, abilities, races, genders, and sexualities––are seen on screen and how the mechanisms of filmmaking center the male perspective. The film also follows the...
Kristy Guevara-Flanagan directed and Helen Hood Scheer produced the feature that “traces the evolution of ‘sex’ on-screen,” according to a release, “exposing the uncomfortable realities behind some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history and celebrating the bold creators leading the way for change.”
The documentary, which held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, includes interviews with actors Jane Fonda, Rosanna Arquette, Rose McGowan, Emily Meade and Alexandra Billings, directors Karyn Kusama and Angela Robinson, and TV show creators David Simon and Joey Soloway. Those industry insiders “provide a nuanced look at how different bodies––sizes, abilities, races, genders, and sexualities––are seen on screen and how the mechanisms of filmmaking center the male perspective. The film also follows the...
- 11/29/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Whatever you think of “The UnRedacted,” a documentary (formerly called “Jihad Rehab”) that got blacklisted after its Sundance premiere and has now been championed by publications from The New York Times to The Atlantic, you have to agree that its director, Meg Smaker, is a fighter.
And now she wants an Oscar nomination.
The film, a deep examination of five men who were jailed and tortured in Guantanamo after fighting for al-Qaeda and other extremist groups and then sent to Saudi Arabia for rehabilitation, prompted a head-spinning reaction at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
Smaker had spent years winning permission from Saudi Arabia to make the film, and more years winning the trust of the men in the film, four Yemenis and a Saudi. The documentary broke new ground in examining the reasons these men were drawn to jihad, and received strong reviews. “This is a movie for intelligent...
And now she wants an Oscar nomination.
The film, a deep examination of five men who were jailed and tortured in Guantanamo after fighting for al-Qaeda and other extremist groups and then sent to Saudi Arabia for rehabilitation, prompted a head-spinning reaction at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
Smaker had spent years winning permission from Saudi Arabia to make the film, and more years winning the trust of the men in the film, four Yemenis and a Saudi. The documentary broke new ground in examining the reasons these men were drawn to jihad, and received strong reviews. “This is a movie for intelligent...
- 11/23/2022
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Bob Iger, who was reinstalled as CEO of the Walt Disney Co. yesterday, will be eligible to receive up to 27 million in each of the two years he is under contract to lead the company.
The compensation targets covering Iger’s new contract window, from November 20, 2022, through December 31, 2024, were disclosed today in an SEC filing. The exact amount of Iger’s pay ultimately will depend on a host of factors, including how the company performs as well as his own progress toward financial targets.
The reinstallation of Iger in the top job, which he held for 15 years before ceding the role to company veteran Bob Chapek, has stunned the media industry and the larger business community. While some CEOs, among them Howard Schultz at Starbucks and Steve Jobs at Apple, have successfully returned to their alma maters, encores are hardly the norm. In the shakeup last night, Chapek was ousted...
The compensation targets covering Iger’s new contract window, from November 20, 2022, through December 31, 2024, were disclosed today in an SEC filing. The exact amount of Iger’s pay ultimately will depend on a host of factors, including how the company performs as well as his own progress toward financial targets.
The reinstallation of Iger in the top job, which he held for 15 years before ceding the role to company veteran Bob Chapek, has stunned the media industry and the larger business community. While some CEOs, among them Howard Schultz at Starbucks and Steve Jobs at Apple, have successfully returned to their alma maters, encores are hardly the norm. In the shakeup last night, Chapek was ousted...
- 11/21/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Women’S Media Center hosted their 2022 Women’S Media Awards on November 17th at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.
Wmc 2022 Women's Media Award Honorees
Credit/Copyright: Dave Kontinsky/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2022 Women’s Media Awards honorees were: Andrea Mitchell, Robin Roberts, Mariana Ardila Trujillo, Loretta J. Ross, Salamishah Tillet, Loreen Arbus, and Maria Martinez.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton gave remarks at the gala. Wmc Co-Founder Jane Fonda, Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Co-Chair Emerita and Board Member Pat Mitchell made special appearances via Zoom. Farai Chideya, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board Member Erica González Martínez made appearances at the gala.
The Women’s Media Center opened the Women’s Media Awards with a special Wmc Solidarity...
Wmc 2022 Women's Media Award Honorees
Credit/Copyright: Dave Kontinsky/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2022 Women’s Media Awards honorees were: Andrea Mitchell, Robin Roberts, Mariana Ardila Trujillo, Loretta J. Ross, Salamishah Tillet, Loreen Arbus, and Maria Martinez.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton gave remarks at the gala. Wmc Co-Founder Jane Fonda, Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Co-Chair Emerita and Board Member Pat Mitchell made special appearances via Zoom. Farai Chideya, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board Member Erica González Martínez made appearances at the gala.
The Women’s Media Center opened the Women’s Media Awards with a special Wmc Solidarity...
- 11/21/2022
- Look to the Stars
Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem — the Co-Founders of The Women’S Media Center — announce the honorees for the 2022 Women’s Media Awards, to be held on Thursday, November 17th, at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.
The Women’S Media Center 2022 Women’s Media Award Honorees are:
· Andrea Mitchell, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent, host of MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports, and author of Talking Back … to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels, will be honored with the Wmc Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award.
· Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, President of Rock’n Robin Productions, and best-selling author of multiple books, will be honored with the Wmc Visible and Powerful Award.
· Mariana Ardila Trujillo, lawyer, professor, one of the leaders in the successful decriminalization of abortion in the country of Colombia, and newly appointed Transitional Justice Director of the Ministry of Justice and Law in...
The Women’S Media Center 2022 Women’s Media Award Honorees are:
· Andrea Mitchell, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent, host of MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports, and author of Talking Back … to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels, will be honored with the Wmc Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award.
· Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, President of Rock’n Robin Productions, and best-selling author of multiple books, will be honored with the Wmc Visible and Powerful Award.
· Mariana Ardila Trujillo, lawyer, professor, one of the leaders in the successful decriminalization of abortion in the country of Colombia, and newly appointed Transitional Justice Director of the Ministry of Justice and Law in...
- 11/14/2022
- Look to the Stars
Why is there still no end to the Korean War? Deann Borshey Liem has no answers, but she does film a potential solution: a peaceful women’s march across the demilitarized zone (Dmz) separating North (Dprk) and South Korea (Rok). In “Crossings”, she follows Korean American activist Christine Ahn. Liem witnesses how Ahn amasses a group of thirty notable women, including Nobel Peace laureates, philanthropists, and activists like Mairead Maguire, Abigail Disney, and Gloria Stienem, in 2015. She and her camera crew patiently document the group’s historic journey from Pyongyang to Seoul, with their ultimate goal to cross the border at the historic Joint Security Area. The future of peninsular peace, Ahn argues, lies in the hands of women like themselves.
“Crossings“ is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival
Understandably, the delicate geopolitics of the Koreas haunts the group from the beginning of their journey. The Rok...
“Crossings“ is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival
Understandably, the delicate geopolitics of the Koreas haunts the group from the beginning of their journey. The Rok...
- 11/12/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Independent filmmaker Nina Menkes can hardly believe that her new documentary “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power” about the gendered politics of shot design is causing a stir.
The film is being released in theaters starting Friday via Kino Lorber at the Laemmle in the Los Angeles area and at Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City, with a national rollout to follow.
“We’ve had a lot of rave reviews, but we’ve also been attacked and it’s unbelievable to me that women would attack this film,” Menkes, who also teaches film production at California Institute of the Arts, told The Wrap. “It’s just like the whole way of cinema being based on these kinds of beautiful, fragmented female bodies seems to be like something people are dying to defend.”
The documentary’s premise is that male and female actors are often shot in very different ways regardless of the context,...
The film is being released in theaters starting Friday via Kino Lorber at the Laemmle in the Los Angeles area and at Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City, with a national rollout to follow.
“We’ve had a lot of rave reviews, but we’ve also been attacked and it’s unbelievable to me that women would attack this film,” Menkes, who also teaches film production at California Institute of the Arts, told The Wrap. “It’s just like the whole way of cinema being based on these kinds of beautiful, fragmented female bodies seems to be like something people are dying to defend.”
The documentary’s premise is that male and female actors are often shot in very different ways regardless of the context,...
- 10/21/2022
- by Brenda Gazzar
- The Wrap
Try as she might to prove her debut film “Sell/Buy/Date” has no agenda, that’s the one place Sarah Jones’ performance falters. From the many dynamic characters she plays, it’s clear the virtuosic performer and playwright can sell just about anything — except neutrality. A charming onscreen presence whose varied personas bustle with verve, Jones uses the contours of her one-woman show to explore her feelings about the sex industry with a faux-journalistic approach. Though her impressive character work and earnest approach are endearing, the film is a confused jumble of ideas that never comes together. Written and directed by Jones with a story assist by David Goldblum,
Interviewing activists, porn stars, and the occasional celebrity friend, Jones enlists a random assortment of contacts to aid her understanding of the complex issue, few of whom are experts in the field beyond their own lived experience. She purports to...
Interviewing activists, porn stars, and the occasional celebrity friend, Jones enlists a random assortment of contacts to aid her understanding of the complex issue, few of whom are experts in the field beyond their own lived experience. She purports to...
- 10/15/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Abigail Disney’s documentary and feature production company Fork Films, which is behind such projects as “Crip Camp” and her recent doc “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” is shutting down, TheWrap has learned.
A spokesperson for the company told TheWrap that fewer than 10 roles were ultimately eliminated. However, staff was informed of the decision to shutter the company back in February and had been working to wind the company down by the end of September. Further, individual stakeholders, collaborators and filmmakers were informed of the decision as of July.
Several staffers will remain to complete working on the rollout of their most recent film “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” over the coming months, according to the spokesperson. Disney plans to continue making films, the spokesperson adds.
Also Read:
‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales’ Review: Disney’s Magic Kingdom Takes a Hit in Sobering Documentary
Disney,...
A spokesperson for the company told TheWrap that fewer than 10 roles were ultimately eliminated. However, staff was informed of the decision to shutter the company back in February and had been working to wind the company down by the end of September. Further, individual stakeholders, collaborators and filmmakers were informed of the decision as of July.
Several staffers will remain to complete working on the rollout of their most recent film “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” over the coming months, according to the spokesperson. Disney plans to continue making films, the spokesperson adds.
Also Read:
‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales’ Review: Disney’s Magic Kingdom Takes a Hit in Sobering Documentary
Disney,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Abigail Disney has shut down Fork Films, the documentary and feature film company behind “Crip Camp,” “One Child Nation” and “The Tale,” a drama about sexual abuse that starred Laura Dern.
As part of the closure, fewer than 10 positions have been eliminated. Abigail, a filmmaker and philanthropist, is also the granddaughter of Roy Disney, the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company.
A spokesperson for Fork Films said the staff was notified of the closure in February, and have been working to wind down the company by Sept. 30, 2022. Disney’s most recent film, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which she co-directed with Kathleen Hughes, debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and was recently released digitally. The film examines the issue of economic inequality and ballooning CEO compensation packages. The movie made headlines as Disney drilled down on the employment and union practices at the theme parks run by The Walt Disney Company.
As part of the closure, fewer than 10 positions have been eliminated. Abigail, a filmmaker and philanthropist, is also the granddaughter of Roy Disney, the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company.
A spokesperson for Fork Films said the staff was notified of the closure in February, and have been working to wind down the company by Sept. 30, 2022. Disney’s most recent film, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which she co-directed with Kathleen Hughes, debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and was recently released digitally. The film examines the issue of economic inequality and ballooning CEO compensation packages. The movie made headlines as Disney drilled down on the employment and union practices at the theme parks run by The Walt Disney Company.
- 10/3/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
This review originally ran in conjunction with the film’s world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
A couple of years ago, Bob Iger, at the time the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, got an email from Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and the grandniece of Walt Disney. Abigail was disturbed by the fact that Iger had made 66 million the previous year while many Disneyland employees lived below the poverty line; Iger replied that he shared her concern but it was the fault of the government, and referred her to the human resources department, which defended its treatment of Disney employees.
More recently, she sent Iger another email. “Dear Bob,” it read. “You didn’t seem to understand my email, so I made this movie.”
“This movie” is “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which premiered on Monday at the virtual 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
A couple of years ago, Bob Iger, at the time the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, got an email from Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and the grandniece of Walt Disney. Abigail was disturbed by the fact that Iger had made 66 million the previous year while many Disneyland employees lived below the poverty line; Iger replied that he shared her concern but it was the fault of the government, and referred her to the human resources department, which defended its treatment of Disney employees.
More recently, she sent Iger another email. “Dear Bob,” it read. “You didn’t seem to understand my email, so I made this movie.”
“This movie” is “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which premiered on Monday at the virtual 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
- 9/30/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Dctv Firehouse Cinema – the impressive new venue for documentary film exhibition in Manhattan – will dedicate its lobby tonight in honor of late documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud.
Renaud’s brother, Craig Renaud, will emcee the private event alongside Dctv co-founder and co-executive director Jon Alpert. Additional family and friends of Renaud are expected at the tribute, which will include a presentation of excerpts from the director’s films, and a discussion of his work with guest speakers.
Renaud was on assignment in Ukraine in March for Time studios when a vehicle he was riding in came under fire from Russian forces at a checkpoint near Irpin, just outside of Kyiv. He was killed and another occupant of the car, photojournalist Juan Arredondo, was injured.
Brent Renaud, 1971-2022
“Migration under desperate circumstances, the focus of Mr. Renaud’s last project, was a recurring theme for him,” The New York Times reported...
Renaud’s brother, Craig Renaud, will emcee the private event alongside Dctv co-founder and co-executive director Jon Alpert. Additional family and friends of Renaud are expected at the tribute, which will include a presentation of excerpts from the director’s films, and a discussion of his work with guest speakers.
Renaud was on assignment in Ukraine in March for Time studios when a vehicle he was riding in came under fire from Russian forces at a checkpoint near Irpin, just outside of Kyiv. He was killed and another occupant of the car, photojournalist Juan Arredondo, was injured.
Brent Renaud, 1971-2022
“Migration under desperate circumstances, the focus of Mr. Renaud’s last project, was a recurring theme for him,” The New York Times reported...
- 9/30/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
For 50 years, the nonprofit documentary production company Dctv has been at the forefront of producing socially conscious nonfiction cinema on a grassroots scale. That mission extended last week to the realization of a longstanding goal with the opening of the Firehouse Cinema, a single-screen theater exclusively dedicated to showing documentary films located at Dctv’s Lower Manhattan headquarters, in the same old firehouse that co-founders Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno have worked for decades.
Alpert has leaned into the building’s history, outfitting the concession stand with the front of an old fire truck, working with firefighters to make movies for an upcoming firefighter film festival, and even populating descriptions of his goals during an interview with firehouse puns.
“We wanted a place where documentaries weren’t tagging along in the caboose,” he told IndieWire. “They were in the engine car.” Later, he added: “We are six rungs above the...
Alpert has leaned into the building’s history, outfitting the concession stand with the front of an old fire truck, working with firefighters to make movies for an upcoming firefighter film festival, and even populating descriptions of his goals during an interview with firehouse puns.
“We wanted a place where documentaries weren’t tagging along in the caboose,” he told IndieWire. “They were in the engine car.” Later, he added: “We are six rungs above the...
- 9/28/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Last Thursday, a stone’s throw from the former headquarters of Larry Flynt’s Hustler empire, a trove of thirsty teenage influencers, A-listers such as Dustin Hoffman and rock stars including Muse’s Matt Bellamy were queueing up to walk the red carpet at a movie premiere.
This wasn’t, however, the latest Marvel launch or an Oscar-bait opening. It was the re-release of a 13-year-old music documentary about a previously relatively unknown heavy metal band from Canada.
Anvil!: The Story of Anvil, a tale of hope and heavy metal, has been having quite the encore.
The film, directed by Sacha Gervasi, has been re-released by Utopia for a new generation of kids that seem willing to get in the pit for its heartwarming message: never give up.
‘Railway Children,’ Anvil, Abigail Disney & ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ – Specialty Preview
“It’s chaotic magic,” Gervasi tells Deadline the morning...
This wasn’t, however, the latest Marvel launch or an Oscar-bait opening. It was the re-release of a 13-year-old music documentary about a previously relatively unknown heavy metal band from Canada.
Anvil!: The Story of Anvil, a tale of hope and heavy metal, has been having quite the encore.
The film, directed by Sacha Gervasi, has been re-released by Utopia for a new generation of kids that seem willing to get in the pit for its heartwarming message: never give up.
‘Railway Children,’ Anvil, Abigail Disney & ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ – Specialty Preview
“It’s chaotic magic,” Gervasi tells Deadline the morning...
- 9/26/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The sequel to a beloved British family film, a heavy metal re-release, an Apple title from TIFF and Abigail Disney’s takedown of the American Dream populate the specialty film weekend in a market that may have found sturdier footing ahead of awards season and amid a dearth of blockbuster fare.
“I think there’s a lot we should be celebrating,” said Kyle Greenburg, marketing and distribution chief of Utopia. Its release, with Abramorama, of the latter’s restored 2009 doc Anvil!: The Story of Anvil rocked a 16K gross, or 8K per screen, from two single-show premiere events ahead of a one-day run coming Tuesday on 200 screens including AMC and Regal theaters and top arthouses. It played Thursday night in LA at the Saban Theatre, with Anvil performing live alongside Scott Ian of Anthrax, followed by a Q&a moderated by Steve-o. Last week, Peter Dinklage hosted a screening...
“I think there’s a lot we should be celebrating,” said Kyle Greenburg, marketing and distribution chief of Utopia. Its release, with Abramorama, of the latter’s restored 2009 doc Anvil!: The Story of Anvil rocked a 16K gross, or 8K per screen, from two single-show premiere events ahead of a one-day run coming Tuesday on 200 screens including AMC and Regal theaters and top arthouses. It played Thursday night in LA at the Saban Theatre, with Anvil performing live alongside Scott Ian of Anthrax, followed by a Q&a moderated by Steve-o. Last week, Peter Dinklage hosted a screening...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In a marvelous development for cinephiles in and around NYC, as well as the lifeblood of documentary filmmaking itself, a new home dedicated to non-fiction cinema has opened. Firehouse: Dctv’s Cinema for Documentary Film, located at 87 Lafayette Street in Chinatown, curates first-run, repertory, masterclasses, family programming, and more. As the theater––an evolution of Dctv’s documentary production and film education centers founded in 1972––opens its doors, we’re pleased to exclusively debut their in-theater bumper.
Kicking off with Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes’ The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, which explores America’s profound inequality crisis, their forthcoming lineup also includes Reid Davenport’s I Didn’t See You There, Nina Menkes’ Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power, along with works by Ondi Timoner, Sky Hopinka, and more.
The space features a 67 fixed-seat theater (with wheelchair spaces and companion seating), which is Ada accessible, boasting 4K projection, 7.1 surround sound, and interactive features to connect audiences worldwide,...
Kicking off with Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes’ The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, which explores America’s profound inequality crisis, their forthcoming lineup also includes Reid Davenport’s I Didn’t See You There, Nina Menkes’ Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power, along with works by Ondi Timoner, Sky Hopinka, and more.
The space features a 67 fixed-seat theater (with wheelchair spaces and companion seating), which is Ada accessible, boasting 4K projection, 7.1 surround sound, and interactive features to connect audiences worldwide,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
With a last name known round the world, Abigail Disney is using the full might of that recognition to fight for economic justice. Most people first became aware of the filmmaker and philanthropist when she called out the company’s then-ceo Bob Iger in a 2019 viral Twitter thread, in which she pulled no punches to call out his “insane” salary, which that year was 1,424 times the average Disney employee’s. When her remarks went viral, she saw an opportunity to tell the story of American income inequality and corporate greed the best way she knew how — in a film.
Taking a personal approach to what, for her, is a very personal issue, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” follows Disney and her activist work over the course of two years. Directed by Disney and Kathleen Hughes, the film, which debuted at Sundance in January, covers a wide range of topics,...
Taking a personal approach to what, for her, is a very personal issue, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” follows Disney and her activist work over the course of two years. Directed by Disney and Kathleen Hughes, the film, which debuted at Sundance in January, covers a wide range of topics,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Founded in 1972, Dctv (Downtown Community Television Center) has the distinction of being one of the rare permanent cinema landmarks in NYC. Housed in a striking firehouse on Lafayette Street in Chinatown, the non-profit media center has long been the one of the most prominent documentary production and film education centers in the country. After a storied legacy of hosting various educational programs, folding-chair screenings, master classes, panel discussions and Chinatown-specific community events, on its 50th anniversary the building will now finally house its own specialized cinema. “We don’t make films for ourselves, we make films for people to see […]
The post “A Club You’ve Always Wanted To Be a Part Of”: Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes on Dctv Firehouse Cinema’s Inaugural Film The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “A Club You’ve Always Wanted To Be a Part Of”: Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes on Dctv Firehouse Cinema’s Inaugural Film The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/22/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Manhattan’s Downtown Community Television Center celebrated the opening of the media arts center’s long-anticipated nonprofit, 67-seat movie theater, Firehouse: Dctv’s Cinema for Documentary Film, on Tuesday.
The only movie theater in New York City dedicated to screening documentaries, Firehouse is an official Academy Award-qualifying theater that will screen first-run films and curated programs.
On Sept. 23, Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes’ self-distributed “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” about the growing inequalities in America and better pay for Disneyland cast members, will be the inaugural docu to play at Firehouse cinema. The week-long screening will serve as the film’s qualifying run in New York. Disney is set to appear in person for opening weekend Q&As.
Abigail Disney, Jon Alpert and Kathleen Hughes attend Firehouse Dctv’s Cinema for Documentary Film ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Disney said,...
The only movie theater in New York City dedicated to screening documentaries, Firehouse is an official Academy Award-qualifying theater that will screen first-run films and curated programs.
On Sept. 23, Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes’ self-distributed “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” about the growing inequalities in America and better pay for Disneyland cast members, will be the inaugural docu to play at Firehouse cinema. The week-long screening will serve as the film’s qualifying run in New York. Disney is set to appear in person for opening weekend Q&As.
Abigail Disney, Jon Alpert and Kathleen Hughes attend Firehouse Dctv’s Cinema for Documentary Film ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Disney said,...
- 9/21/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Clearly, "Don't Look Up" really gave director Adam McKay something to think about. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has donated 4 million to Climate Emergency Fund, as well as joined its board of directors — marking the largest personal donation the foundation has received since its founding in 2019.
"The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding, civil, non-violent, disruptive activism," McKay said in a statement, according to Deadline. "We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps. I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off the rapidly worsening impact of the climate crisis."
Additionally, Disney heir and activist Abigail Disney also announced that she is set to make a 200,000 commitment to Climate Emergency Fund. "Past generations have failed us, and now it's up to us to take swift action to avert climate disaster," Disney said,...
"The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding, civil, non-violent, disruptive activism," McKay said in a statement, according to Deadline. "We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps. I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off the rapidly worsening impact of the climate crisis."
Additionally, Disney heir and activist Abigail Disney also announced that she is set to make a 200,000 commitment to Climate Emergency Fund. "Past generations have failed us, and now it's up to us to take swift action to avert climate disaster," Disney said,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
Clips Round-Up: The American Dream And Other Fairy Tales Shows Disney's Dark Side & More [Exclusive]
(Welcome to SlashClips, a series where we bring you exclusive clips from hot new Digital, Blu-ray, and theatrical releases you won't see anywhere else!)
In this edition:
The American Dream and Other Fairy TalesDigSection 8Railway ChildrenFor Walter and JosiahThe American Dream And Other Fairy Tales
First up, we have an exclusive clip from Abigail E. Disney's documentary "The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales," which explores income inequality through the lens of her family's namesake theme park. Co-directed by Disney (daughter of Roy E. Disney and an heir to the company) and Kathleen Hughes ("The Armor of Light"), the film is now playing in Orlando and New York. It will hit additional markets and VOD on September 23, 2022.
Here is the official synopsis:
Abigail Disney looks at America's dysfunctional and unequal economy and asks why the American Dream has worked for the wealthy, yet is a nightmare for people born with less.
In this edition:
The American Dream and Other Fairy TalesDigSection 8Railway ChildrenFor Walter and JosiahThe American Dream And Other Fairy Tales
First up, we have an exclusive clip from Abigail E. Disney's documentary "The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales," which explores income inequality through the lens of her family's namesake theme park. Co-directed by Disney (daughter of Roy E. Disney and an heir to the company) and Kathleen Hughes ("The Armor of Light"), the film is now playing in Orlando and New York. It will hit additional markets and VOD on September 23, 2022.
Here is the official synopsis:
Abigail Disney looks at America's dysfunctional and unequal economy and asks why the American Dream has worked for the wealthy, yet is a nightmare for people born with less.
- 9/20/2022
- by Max Evry
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Adam McKay is taking another public step in the fight against climate change.
Following his climate disaster-inspired film Don’t Look Up, the director announced on Tuesday that he has pledged 4 million to the Climate Emergency Fund, which gives out grants to environmental activists. A longtime activist himself, this is McKay’s largest donation ever, on any issue, as well as the largest personal donation in Climate Emergency Fund history. McKay has also joined the board of directors of Climate Emergency Fund, where he will help support strategic decision-making and fundraising.
“The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding civil, non-violent, disruptive activism. We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps,” McKay said in a statement. “I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off...
Adam McKay is taking another public step in the fight against climate change.
Following his climate disaster-inspired film Don’t Look Up, the director announced on Tuesday that he has pledged 4 million to the Climate Emergency Fund, which gives out grants to environmental activists. A longtime activist himself, this is McKay’s largest donation ever, on any issue, as well as the largest personal donation in Climate Emergency Fund history. McKay has also joined the board of directors of Climate Emergency Fund, where he will help support strategic decision-making and fundraising.
“The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding civil, non-violent, disruptive activism. We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps,” McKay said in a statement. “I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off...
- 9/20/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Adam McKay, who directed last year’s climate-change satire Don’t Look Up, has donated 4 million to Climate Emergency Fund and joined its board of directors. It’s the largest personal contribution since the fund was founded in 2019.
“The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding, civil, non-violent, disruptive activism,” the Oscar-winning filmmaker said. “We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps. I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off the rapidly worsening impact of the climate crisis.”
Adam McKay Made ‘Don’t Look Up’ Because Climate Crisis Is Not Years Away, “It’s Right Now” – Contenders Film: The Nominees
The fund was formed in 2019 as a bridge between philanthropy and climate activism. Per its website, Cef has funded more than 90 organizations and trained 22,000-plus climate activists, disbursing more than 4 million this year alone.
“The Climate Emergency Fund is unique in their commitment to funding, civil, non-violent, disruptive activism,” the Oscar-winning filmmaker said. “We are past time for politeness, past time for baby steps. I am proud to support their efforts and call on others to join me in doing everything we can to stave off the rapidly worsening impact of the climate crisis.”
Adam McKay Made ‘Don’t Look Up’ Because Climate Crisis Is Not Years Away, “It’s Right Now” – Contenders Film: The Nominees
The fund was formed in 2019 as a bridge between philanthropy and climate activism. Per its website, Cef has funded more than 90 organizations and trained 22,000-plus climate activists, disbursing more than 4 million this year alone.
- 9/20/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been a good year for several documentary filmmakers who sought and found distribution for independently made projects at major festivals. But for many nonfiction helmers, this year’s festival circuit hasn’t proven to be as fruitful as it once was.
Pre-pandemic, streaming services went to film fests to fill their slates, but now with media conglomerates consolidating, brands merging, and Netflix tightening its wallet, film fest documentary shopping sprees have slowed down. On top of mergers and economic unease, there’s been an increase in streamers like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple, and Disney either pre-buying docus or commissioning their own nonfiction projects.
Some of this year’s fest favorites were commissioned docus, including Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes’ ‘The Janes” (HBO), W. Kamau Bell’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” (Showtime), Rory Kennedy’s “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” (Netflix), and Ron Howard’s “We Feed People...
Pre-pandemic, streaming services went to film fests to fill their slates, but now with media conglomerates consolidating, brands merging, and Netflix tightening its wallet, film fest documentary shopping sprees have slowed down. On top of mergers and economic unease, there’s been an increase in streamers like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple, and Disney either pre-buying docus or commissioning their own nonfiction projects.
Some of this year’s fest favorites were commissioned docus, including Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes’ ‘The Janes” (HBO), W. Kamau Bell’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” (Showtime), Rory Kennedy’s “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” (Netflix), and Ron Howard’s “We Feed People...
- 9/15/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Cullen Douglas’ feel-good documentary “Billy Flanigan: Happiest Man on Earth” has landed at Good Deed Entertainment. The film will debut in theaters Oct. 1 before its on-demand release Oct. 7.
A Disney World performer since 1982, Billy Flanigan became a national sensation during the pandemic. After Disney parks shut down, he embarked on a 7,000-mile bike ride across the country, delivering live musical performances (or “Flanigrams”) to brighten peoples’ days. Out of the spotlight, however, Flanigan struggled to come to terms with his sexuality. The documentary delves into his life and career, using archival footage and candid interviews to tell his story.
“Someone magical who just always comes when they need to be there,” one interview subject describes him as in the trailer, which you can watch below.
“My job at Disney has just been the most incredible journey, so I wake up every day and I think I am,” Flanigan reflects at the end of the video.
A Disney World performer since 1982, Billy Flanigan became a national sensation during the pandemic. After Disney parks shut down, he embarked on a 7,000-mile bike ride across the country, delivering live musical performances (or “Flanigrams”) to brighten peoples’ days. Out of the spotlight, however, Flanigan struggled to come to terms with his sexuality. The documentary delves into his life and career, using archival footage and candid interviews to tell his story.
“Someone magical who just always comes when they need to be there,” one interview subject describes him as in the trailer, which you can watch below.
“My job at Disney has just been the most incredible journey, so I wake up every day and I think I am,” Flanigan reflects at the end of the video.
- 9/15/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Dctv’s new documentary-dedicated theater, “Firehouse: Dctv’s Cinema for Documentary Film,” will open its doors Sept. 23. Located in Dctv’s historic Chinatown firehouse building in New York, the nonprofit theater will begin its opening week with an exclusive screening of Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes’ “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.”
“I’m so excited that my new documentary, ‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,’ will kick off the opening of Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema,” Disney said in a statement. “I can’t wait to meet the first audiences who will be enjoying and shaping this vital new addition to New York City’s arthouse film scene.”
In addition to “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” Firehouse will also run such documentaries as Reid Davenport’s “I Didn’t See You There” and Nina Menkes’ “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power,” which premiere Sept. 30 and Oct. 21 respectively.
“The documentary form...
“I’m so excited that my new documentary, ‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,’ will kick off the opening of Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema,” Disney said in a statement. “I can’t wait to meet the first audiences who will be enjoying and shaping this vital new addition to New York City’s arthouse film scene.”
In addition to “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” Firehouse will also run such documentaries as Reid Davenport’s “I Didn’t See You There” and Nina Menkes’ “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power,” which premiere Sept. 30 and Oct. 21 respectively.
“The documentary form...
- 8/26/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
"The Disney company is ground zero of the widening inequality in America." An official trailer has debuted for the searing documentary film titled The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, which originally premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. This is definitely the film that Disney does not want you to see because it shatters their perfect image as this fairytale company that makes all your (and your kids') dreams come true, primarily by underpaying workers and exploiting labor worldwide for their greedy gain. Dr. Abigail E. Disney looks at America's dysfunctional and unequal economy and asks why the "American Dream" only seems to work for the wealthy, yet is a nightmare for people born with less. Using her family's story, Disney explores how this systemic injustice took hold and imagines a way toward a more equitable future. I saw this at Sundance and highly recommend this film to every last American.
- 8/22/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Abigail E. Disney is holding a magnifying glass to the company founded by her family in the first trailer for “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.” Through the lens of the Happiest Place on Earth, the documentary, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, examines the wealth disparity between the rich and the poor in the United States.
“The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” was directed by Kathleen Hughes and Abigail Disney, whose grandfather Roy O. Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt Disney. In addition to her work as a documentary filmmaker, she is a social activist who has been working to illuminate the systemic injustice of America’s worker economy. She’s been openly critical of The Walt Disney Company’s pay practices and has long called for wage equality.
“A custodian would have to work for 2,000 years to make what [former Disney CEO] Bob Iger makes in one,...
“The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” was directed by Kathleen Hughes and Abigail Disney, whose grandfather Roy O. Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt Disney. In addition to her work as a documentary filmmaker, she is a social activist who has been working to illuminate the systemic injustice of America’s worker economy. She’s been openly critical of The Walt Disney Company’s pay practices and has long called for wage equality.
“A custodian would have to work for 2,000 years to make what [former Disney CEO] Bob Iger makes in one,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
After being stymied in a political run for governor as a Democrat, Nick Kristof is doubling back to the New York Times as a journalist. But his return to his columnist gig is marked by a tangled web of journalistic and financial conflicts.
New York Times journalists are strictly prohibited from participating in overt political activity and giving. But Kristof has yet to formally wind down the campaign infrastructure from his failed bid to become Oregon governor. His campaign Pac, Nick for Oregon, has recently been donating tens of thousands...
New York Times journalists are strictly prohibited from participating in overt political activity and giving. But Kristof has yet to formally wind down the campaign infrastructure from his failed bid to become Oregon governor. His campaign Pac, Nick for Oregon, has recently been donating tens of thousands...
- 8/3/2022
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
In a unanimous vote among Disney’s board of directors Tuesday, the company leadership has opted to extend CEO Bob Chapek’s contract for three years, beginning July 1, 2022 until 2025. His deal was set to expire in February 2023.
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses – from parks to streaming – not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength,” Susan Arnold, chairman of the board, said in a statement Tuesday. “In this important time of growth and transformation, the Board is committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob’s leadership is key to achieving that goal. Bob is the right leader at the right time for the Walt Disney Company, and the Board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”
Also Read:
Abigail Disney Poised to Mount Shareholder Battle Over...
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses – from parks to streaming – not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength,” Susan Arnold, chairman of the board, said in a statement Tuesday. “In this important time of growth and transformation, the Board is committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob’s leadership is key to achieving that goal. Bob is the right leader at the right time for the Walt Disney Company, and the Board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”
Also Read:
Abigail Disney Poised to Mount Shareholder Battle Over...
- 6/28/2022
- by Brandon Katz and Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
This week on TheWrap-Up podcast, TheWrap sits down with “Elvis” director, co-writer and producer Baz Luhrmann to discuss his epic biopic, while TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman talks about the week’s biggest headlines and stories with podcast guest co-host and TheWrap assistant managing editor for audience Adam Chitwood.
The interview with Baz Luhrmann touches on why he wanted to tell Elvis Presley’s story in the first place. “I took it on not to do a biopic but I always thought Elvis would be this great canvas to explore America, because he’s sort of at the center of everything in the 50s, 60s and 70s,” Luhrmann said.
The “Moulin Rouge!” filmmaker also revealed that the project started to coalesce when he learned more about Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, played in the film by Tom Hanks, and drew inspiration from “Amadeus” to make him a major part of the story.
The interview with Baz Luhrmann touches on why he wanted to tell Elvis Presley’s story in the first place. “I took it on not to do a biopic but I always thought Elvis would be this great canvas to explore America, because he’s sort of at the center of everything in the 50s, 60s and 70s,” Luhrmann said.
The “Moulin Rouge!” filmmaker also revealed that the project started to coalesce when he learned more about Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, played in the film by Tom Hanks, and drew inspiration from “Amadeus” to make him a major part of the story.
- 6/24/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The Sundance Institute has announced details about the incoming group of Women at Sundance | Adobe Fellows. The eight recipients of the fellowship work across disciplines and stood out for their boundary-pushing work in fiction, documentary, and episodic.
All eight fellows will receive bespoke support throughout the year, including mentorship from the Sundance Institute and Adobe executives, two skill-building workshops, referrals to career development opportunities, coaching, a 6,250 cash grant, introductions to industry contacts and advisors, a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and a one-year membership to Sundance Collab. Each of the fellows has already participated in a Sundance Institute Lab or program relevant to their career path.
Created in 2020, the fellowship was formed by the Institute and Adobe around a shared commitment to champion underrepresented voices. Filmmakers are nominated from across Sundance Artist Programs including the Documentary Film Program, the Episodic Program, the Feature Film Program, the Indigenous Program, and Women at Sundance.
All eight fellows will receive bespoke support throughout the year, including mentorship from the Sundance Institute and Adobe executives, two skill-building workshops, referrals to career development opportunities, coaching, a 6,250 cash grant, introductions to industry contacts and advisors, a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and a one-year membership to Sundance Collab. Each of the fellows has already participated in a Sundance Institute Lab or program relevant to their career path.
Created in 2020, the fellowship was formed by the Institute and Adobe around a shared commitment to champion underrepresented voices. Filmmakers are nominated from across Sundance Artist Programs including the Documentary Film Program, the Episodic Program, the Feature Film Program, the Indigenous Program, and Women at Sundance.
- 6/21/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
imdb.1eye.us, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.