Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Film Festival hosts epic love story 'Bride Flight' premiere in Sedona Nov. 8


'Bride Flight'

Tale inspired by true story of the 1953 'Last Great Air Race' debuts in festival's cinema series

A forbidden love, an impossible choice and a secret pact are all the ingredients of the epic award-winning drama “Bride Flight” which will premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Nov. 8 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival’s Tuesday Cinema Series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“Bride Flight” is getting rave reviews from critics and audiences all around the world. Rex Reed from the New York Observer calls the film “lavishly entertaining … fascinating, beautifully acted and magnificently photographed.” Moving Pictures Magazine calls “Bride Flight” a “haunting masterpiece with the power of ‘Doctor Zhivago’!” And the San Francisco Chronicle rates it five stars and calls it “exhilarating!”

Spanning over five decades, “Bride Flight” is inspired by the true story of the 1953 "Last Great Air Race" from London, England to Christchurch, New Zealand.

Eager to escape the damp and suffocating atmosphere of post-war Holland, Dutch beauties Marjorie, Ada and Esther meet each other on the immigration flight to New Zealand, en route to join their future husbands — who are already settled there — for what they hope will be a better life.

On the plane trip overseas — dubbed the “Bride Flight” — the three become fast friends and meet Frank, a young man who is also immigrating to seek a prosperous life in New Zealand. He will come to play a critical role in each of their lives.

In their early years in this new country, their lives become entangled in brief relationships of love, lust and family before losing touch. It is only when the women reunite again fifty years later at Frank’s funeral that they discover how much their lives had become intertwined through their different relationships with Frank.

From the director of the Academy Award-nominated “Twin Sisters”, Ben Sombogaart, comes this epic love story that tells a universal story of forbidden love and secrets held for over half a century.

“The core of the movie for me is that the lives of three women and one man — four intriguing and moving characters — become interwoven,” said Sombogaart. “One important theme is the confrontation with the past. The main characters are in search of happiness. They want to build a new life in a far away country. But they are also fleeing.”

“Just like in my film, ‘Twin Sisters’, they are courageous people who are trying to survive. But can you escape your past? In the end it always catches up with you. That is the tragedy for me.”

“Bride Flight” is a romantic and captivating epic for all ages. Older viewers will recognize the image of the time and the historical facts, younger viewers the experiences of the three twenty year olds. It is a timeless story that touches and moves you, with recognizable emotions and characters. It is about young people in search of adventure, who long for a new beginning, their own existence and who must make important decisions.

The title sponsor for this film premiere event is Events by Showstoppers. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Bride Flight” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Moving and inspiring drama 'Life, Above All' premieres in Sedona Oct. 11


Inspiring drama 'Life, Above All' premieres in Sedona Oct. 11
Award-winning international film debuts in Sedona Film Festival's Tuesday Cinema Series

The award-winning critical and audience sensation “Life, Above All” premieres in Sedona on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the Sedona International Film Festival’s Tuesday Cinema Series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

A touching and inspiring story, “Life, Above All” made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to play at the Toronto International Film Festival and several other prestigious festivals around the world, winning top awards at several of them. It was also selected as the coveted closing night film for the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival.

The film was also South Africa’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the recent Academy Awards.

“Life, Above All” is an emotional and universal drama about a young girl (stunningly performed by first-time-actress Khomotso Manyaka) who fights the fear and shame that have poisoned her community.

Just after the death of her newly-born sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and the truth.

“Life, Above All” captures the enduring strength of loyalty and a courage powered by the heart.

Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz, the film is based on the international award-winning novel Chanda’s Secrets by Allan Stratton.

Like the novel it is based on, “Life, Above All” is a story about children who have to take on responsibilities much too early in life and never get to experience a normal childhood. It is a universal issue that affects children all over the world. The film is a hopeful tale about the power of friendship, solidarity and loyalty.

Roger Ebert praises “Life, Above All” as “pure human drama … with deep human emotions, evoked with sympathy and love.”

Time Magazine raves, “Alone among the films at Cannes, ‘Life, Above All’ was one that had critics cheering like school kids, in a 10-minute standing ovation, and wiping tears from their eyes. It has the high art and big heart of any award-worthy film!”



The title sponsors for this special film premiere are The Verde Valley Sanctuary and Mary Fisher. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Life, Above All” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

'Another Earth' makes Sedona debut in film festival series Oct. 4


Another Earth” explores the realm of speculative fiction while taking us on a journey through the deep and mysterious cosmos within the human heart. The Sedona International Film Festival presents the exclusive Northern Arizona premiere of the film on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

'Another Earth' makes Sedona debut in film festival series Oct. 4
Award-winning breakout hit from the Sundance Film Festival makes Northern Arizona premiere

If you could meet another version of yourself, what would you say? What if you had another chance at a life just like this one, only different? What would lure you, what would scare you; and what, if anything, would stop you?

These questions and more are explored in Mike Cahill’s intimate and provocative feature “Another Earth”. The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the exclusive Northern Arizona premiere of the film on Tuesday, Oct. 4. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“Another Earth” explores the realm of speculative fiction while taking us on a journey through the deep and mysterious cosmos within the human heart. Inside the story’s fantastical concept of an alternate Earth and an unprecedented space quest, lies the stripped down, starkly moving relationship of two people on a far more personal journey — one that navigates through remorse, anger, forgiveness, hope and sheer wonder.

“Another Earth” tells the starkly moving story of Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a brilliant young woman searching for a way to right a terrible tragedy. She lives in a world just like ours, except that suddenly — overnight — a mysteriously similar planet (provisionally dubbed Earth 2) has appeared in the sky, like a giant, reflective mirror hanging over us.

For Rhoda, that strange, eerie planet, and the parallel reality scientists say it promises, is her last hope. Lost after a shocking accident halted her dreams of becoming an astrophysicist, she has no sense of the future. Driven in life only by the need to confront her past, Rhoda ends up at the front door of the man whose life she irrevocably changed: renowned composer John Burroughs (William Mapother).

Both disconnected, mistrustful and full of doubts about who they are, they fall into an unlikely — and risky — love affair. But when Rhoda gets the incredible chance to travel to Earth 2, it will expose the hidden truth between them and raises the question: what if the greatest mystery in the vast unknown is ourselves?

“It is a truly unique film,” says the star of the film Brit Marling. “We were interested in provoking peoples’ imaginations, stirring their sense of wonder. It thrusts you into a world where anything is possible, including an alternate reality of you. The other Earth became a way to hold up a mirror to ourselves, our culture, our world and force a confrontation.”

A breakout hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Another Earth” won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize for the best film as well as the Special Jury Prize for Dramatic Feature.

The title sponsor of this special film premiere is The Verde Valley Archaeology Center. The Center is dedicated to the care and management of archaeological sites and artifacts found throughout the Sedona/Verde Valley area. With classes, lectures, workshops and exhibits, the Center fosters a deeper understanding of human history through the science of archaeology and the cultural materials that remain. The Center opened its doors in Camp Verde this past May with historic display cases provided by the Tuzigoot National Monument and exhibits provided by the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Another Earth” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Romantic comedy 'Young Goethe in Love' premieres in Sedona on Sept. 27


Sparkling cinematography, gorgeous costumes and sets, and ill-fated love — these are the ingredients in Philipp Stölzl’s engaging historical drama “Young Goethe in Love” which makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The film, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival, recreates the early years of Germany’s most famous literary genius: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

Romantic comedy 'Young Goethe in Love' premieres in Sedona on Sept. 27
Film festival presents Arizona debut of charming, intelligent German period comedy

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the exclusive Arizona premiere of the delightful new German romantic comedy “Young Goethe in Love” on Tuesday, Sept 27. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“We are so proud to feature this brilliant, intelligent charmer,” said Sagan Lewis, the film festival’s program director. “It is a comedy that delights the heart and the intellect!”

Sparkling cinematography, gorgeous costumes and sets, and ill-fated love — these are just the ingredients needed to lovingly recreate the early years of Germany’s most famous literary genius: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. Before Goethe wrote the hugely influential “The Sorrows of Young Werther”, he lived its story of love lost.

It is this period of time that is so affectingly covered in Philipp Stölzl’s engaging historical drama “Young Goethe in Love”.

This lively biopic traces the great author's impetuous early years, including his struggle to become a writer despite his father's disapproval, his haphazard pursuit of a law career, and the intense romance with Lotte Buff (played with great vivacity by Miriam Stein).

Alexander Fehling plays Goethe who takes a job clerking for Judge Kester (Moritz Bleibtreu) in a sleepy provincial court after failing his doctorate. Bored with his menial tasks, he continues to defy his father’s wishes by persisting with his writing. Then one day he meets the lovely Lotte. Sparks fly and — as the courtship progresses — love blooms. Suddenly his life has changed and nothing is the same as before.

However, the young lovers are unaware that her father has already promised Lotte’s hand to another man, so their happiness is short-lived. Goethe’s first romantic experience would forever alter the course of the literary world.

Director Phillip Stölzl (“Northface”) returns to the very wellspring of Romanticism — Goethe’s autobiographical masterpiece “The Sorrows of Young Werther” — and conjures up a beguiling and refreshingly innocent period romance.

Critics and audiences are raving about the film and Alexander Fehling’s portrayal of the title character saying “Fehling is perfect in the role of Goethe, giving a sense of energy and a multifaceted intelligence to his portrayal of the young literary genius. He is at the same time magnetic and charming!”




The title sponsor of this special film premiere is Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Young Goethe in Love” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Friday, September 9, 2011

'Burlesque' returns to Sedona in Cinema Under the Stars on Sept. 20


“Burlesque” — starring Cher and Christina Aguilera — is the story of a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to Los Angeles. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory. In honor of the film festival’s seventh anniversary of presenting its Tuesday night series, all tickets to the Sept. 20 outdoor event will be $7.00 each.

'Burlesque' returns to Sedona in Cinema Under the Stars on Sept. 20

Film Festival presents film and concert at Tequa Marketplace to celebrate music and the movies

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Cinema Under the Stars” at Tequa featuring the return of the rousing crowd-pleaser “Burlesque” on Tuesday, Sept. 20. There will be one screening of the film outdoors at the Tequa Marketplace courtyard in the Village of Oak Creek.

A live concert performance compliments of the Celtic Harvest Festival will kick off the evening at 6 p.m. Come early, bring lawn chairs and blankets … and celebrate music and the movies at the festival’s final outdoor film of the season. “Burlesque” will follow the concert at dark.

In honor of the film festival’s seventh anniversary of presenting its Tuesday night series, all tickets to the event will be $7.00 each.

“This is our way of thanking the community and our audience members for their support over the past seven years since we introduced the Tuesday Cinema Series,” said festival director Patrick Schweiss. “This promises to be an extraordinary night of music and film under the beautiful Sedona night skies!”

“Burlesque” — starring Cher and Christina Aguilera — played to rave audience reviews when it premiered last fall.

“The lavish production numbers leave audience members tapping their feet and practically dancing in the aisles, which is why we thought it would be the perfect film finale to our summer outdoor series,” added Schweiss.

Ali (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to Los Angeles. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress for Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Burlesque’s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingénue who vows to perform there someday.

Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician.

With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and a gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Tequa Marketplace restaurants. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and beach towels.

The Celtic Harvest Festival will kick off the evening with a special concert performance. Tramor (Overseas) is the new traditional music project of John Good. John is well known through out the West, South, Midwest and in his native Wales as a multi-instrumentalist, Welsh piper, singer/songwriter, composer and poet. Veteran of many Celtic festivals and concerts, including Estes Park, Chicago, San Diego and Denver, he brings the subtly different flavor of traditional Welsh music to the Phoenix stage. On this occasion he is aided and abetted by mandolin virtuoso Billy Parker.

The title sponsor for the event is Tequa Marketplace. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Burlesque” will be shown outdoors at Tequa Marketplace in “Cinema Under the Stars” on Tuesday, Sept. 20, with a pre-film concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are all $7 each for this special event, and will be available starting at Tequa beginning at 5 p.m. that evening. Cash or checks only.

Tickets can be purchased or reserved in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. State Route 89A, Suite 3A in West Sedona, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Arizona Centennial Film Festival Just Around the Corner!

The Prescott Film Festival is thrilled to add to the festivities surrounding the Arizona Centennial Film Festival with the Arizona Centennial Film Festival, (AZCFF.)

AZCFF will be held during the AZ Best Fest September 16 – 18th at Hendrix Auditorium, which will be right next door to the Native American Village, on the campus of Prescott Mile High Middle School.

The festival has spent the last few months combing through the approximately 2,500 films and television shows shot in Arizona over the years and came up with an entertaining cross-section of films from the silent era forward. Here are some of the highlights of the festival;

Historic movie posters on display in the lobby: Local film historian Tom Slaback is loaning the festival part of his vast collection of movie posters from Tom Mix to Murphy’s Romance! All the posters are from films made in Arizona. This will be in the lobby of the theatre, and open for viewing whenever the AZCFF is open.

Film commentaries: Several films will have discussions before or after their screenings:
1. Tom Slaback will talk about: The Law and the Outlaw a silent film from 1913, filmed in Prescott and starring Tom Mix
2. Pride of the Bowery filmed in Prescott in 1940 (Much of it filmed downtown Prescott)
3. Arizona Bound filmed in Prescott in 1941

4. Gayle Gardner worked on the film Wanda Nevada and she will take part in a Q&A after the screening of the film

5. Gail Steiger will discuss his film, Ranch Album, after the screening, along with participants from the film. Made in 1987 the film is a snap-shot of ranch life in Yavapai County that year.

Cowboy Poets:
1. Mike Dunn will give the audience a short selection of Cowboy Poetry before the screening of Murphy’s Romance
2. Gail Steiger will also share some of his Cowboy Poetry before the screening of his film, Ranch Album

Books on movie-poster art throughout the years will be given away in between each film

· If you are in the movie Junior Bonner; even as an extra, attend the September 16th screening and be eligible for a drawing for a free 10-pack of tickets to the Prescott Film Festival in Nov!

Tickets are a $5 donation available only at the door.
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL FILM FESTIVAL
Schedule
Friday September 16:
5:00PM
¡Three Amigos! (104 min): 1986; Coronado National Forest, Old Tucson; Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short

7:15PM
The Law and the Outlaw (45 min): 1913; Prescott; Tom Mix; Yavapai County film historian Tom Slaback discussion

8:45PM
Junior Bonner (100 min): 1972; Prescott; Steve McQueen

Saturday September 17:
9:00 AM
Angel and the Badman (100 min): 1947; Sedona, John Wayne

11:15AM
Pride of the Bowery (61 min): 1940; Prescott, Leo Gorcey; Yavapai County film historian Tom Slaback discussion

1:30 PM
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (90 min): 1989; Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale; Keanu Reeves

4:00 PM
3:10 to Yuma (92 min): 1957; Texas Canyon, Triangle T Guest Ranch, Wilcox, Sedona, Old Tucson, Amerind Foundation; Glenn Ford

6:00 PM
Murphy's Romance (107 min): 1985; Florence, Tubac, Tucson; James Garner, Sally Field
Cowboy Poet Mike Dunn, (Preceding film)

8:30 PM
Wanda Nevada (107 min): 1979; Peter Fonda, Brooke Shields, Henry Fonda; Prescott, Page; Gayle Gardner Discussion

Sunday September 18:
12:30PM
Arizona Bound (57 min): 1941; Prescott; Buck Jones; Yavapai County film historian Tom Slaback discussion

2:15 PM
Lust for Gold (90 min): 1949; Superstition Mountains; Glenn Ford

4:15 PM
Ranch Album - 1987 (65 min): Yavapai County, discussion with Producer/Director Gail Steiger, and any participants from the documentary he can "round up" for the discussion
Cowboy Poet Gail Steiger (Preceding film)



CONTACT:
Helen Stephenson
Prescott Film Festival
(928) 448-7209
helen@prescottfilmfestival.com

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Directing Actor Workshop, September 17 &18

Join us at the Zaki Gordon Institute for:


Directing Actors
September 17 & 18, 9am-4pm
DFM105 CRN 32677
Instructor: Shawn Nelson


ACTING COACH TO THE STARS...


Shawn has been one of Hollywood’s top acting coaches for thepast 25 years, and works with acclaimed actors Sela Ward of ‘CSI NY’ (who thanked Shawn when she accepted both of her Emmys for ‘Sisters’ and ‘Once and Again’), Eva Longoria of ‘Desperate Housewives,’ Tamara Taylor of ‘Bones,’ and day time television star Rebecca Budig - Greenlee Smyth on ABC's ‘All My Children!'


Shawn has had the honor of coaching Diane Kruger of ‘National Treasure 2’ and ‘Inglorious Bastards,’ Lena Headey of ‘Game of Thrones’ and 'The Sarah Conner Chronicles', Stephen Collins of ‘No Ordinary Family’, Efren Ramirez of ‘Napoleon Dynamite,’ and Adir Kalyan of ‘Rules of Engagement,’ Olivia Wilde of ‘House,’ and entertainment icons such as actor/director Tony Goldwyn, Matthew Fox of the hit ABC show ‘Lost,’ Amanda Bynes of the WB’s ‘What I Like About You,’ as well as legendary actress Ann Margaret, Nastassia Kinski, Jayne Meadows-Allen, actress and supermodel Kathy Ireland, country music star / actor Billy Ray Cyrus, superstar vocalists Gene Simmons, Huey Lewis, Carol Lawrence, Marilyn McCoo, Frankie Valli, and many, many others!


Shawn is a guest lecturer at colleges and film schools and is a member of AEA, AFTRA, SAG and the Directors Guild of America (DGA).


Call 928.649.4276 for more information or visit www.yc.edu to register.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Zaki Gordon Institute Kicks off Fall Semester

(Sedona, AZ) More than 40 students have arrived in Sedona and are already learning
the craft of independent filmmaking. “It’s always exciting to see new students putting
their vision on film,” said Greg Gillespie, Yavapai College’s vice president. “ZGI is an
important part of Yavapai College and the Sedona community. It’s a tribute to the dream of
its founder Dan Gordon.”

ZGI Director Stephan Schultze recently announced his departure for a similar position in
Virginia. “While I’m excited about a new opportunity, I’ll leave a part of me here at ZGI,”
he said. “I’m proud to know that even though I’m making a change, ZGI will continue to
provide an excellent education to each of our students.”

Upcoming ZGI events include:

Screenwriting Workshop
August 27 & 28, 9am-4pm
DFM104 CRN 32674 – Instructor: Dan Gordon
Register at www.yc.edu

Actors Open House
September 9, 2011 from 5pm-8pm
Yavapai College’s Sedona Center for Arts & Technology
Hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.

Film Analysis class DFM101, CRN 31533
Open to the public.
First class meets Sunday, September 11 at 9 a.m

Directing Actors Workshop
September 17 & 18, 9am‐4pm
DFM105 CRN 32677 – Instructor: Shawn Nelson
Register at www.yc.edu

Interview Techniques Workshop
September 17 & 18, 9am‐4pm
DFM111 CRN 32732 – Instructor: Kurt Lancaster, NUA Associate Professor
Register at www.yc.edu

Camera Coverage Workshop
October 7 & 8, 9am-4pm
DFM106 CRN 32684 – Instructor: Stephan Schultze
Register at www.yc.edu

Editing Esthetics Workshop
November 5 & 6, 9am-4pm
DFM107 CRN 32681 – Co-Instructors: Bryan Reinhart and Micah Johnson
Register at www.yc.edu

For more information, please call The Zaki Gordon Institute for Independent Filmmaking
at (928) 649‐4276.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

'These Amazing Shadows' premieres in documentary series finale Sept. 6


'These Amazing Shadows' premieres in documentary series finale Sept. 6
Sedona Film Festival presents a nostalgic tribute to classic movies; meet the film's editor who will be in town to host this special screening

What do the films Casablanca, Blazing Saddles and West Side Story have in common? Besides being popular, they have also been deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and listed on The National Film Registry. “These Amazing Shadows” tells the history and importance of the Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of both film, and indeed the American experience itself.

“These Amazing Shadows” makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Sept 6 as the finale of the Sedona International Film Festival’s eight-week “Docs That Make a Difference” series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

The editor of the film, Alex Calleros, will be in Sedona to host the special event and conduct a Q&A discussion following both screenings.

“Anyone who is interested in movies will love ‘These Amazing Shadows’,” said Sagan Lewis, the film festival program director. “This informative documentary not only entertains — it inspires!”

“These Amazing Shadows” is a nostalgic and moving documentary rich with imagery, interweaving clips from America’s most-beloved films (and many rarer treasures) with moving personal tales of how specific films have reflected our culture and changed lives.

The film includes interviews with the Librarian of Congress (Dr. James Billington), famous directors (including Christopher Nolan, John Lasseter, Rob Reiner, John Singleton, Amy Heckerling, and John Waters), producers (Gale Anne Hurd and James Schamus), archivists, admired actors (Tim Roth, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Coyote), and members of the National Film Preservation Board.

“These Amazing Shadows” explores the cultural impact and historical significance of American films and shows us how American cinema is truly our “family album.” The documentary explores why film endures as one of the most important mediums of art and entertainment and describes what is being done to preserve America’s film heritage. It also shows how films create deep emotional connections with audiences.

“American film really transformed the way in which a young nation learned to express itself, express its exuberance, expose its problems, and reflect its hopes,” said Dr, James Billington, the Librarian of Congress: It wasn’t simply a form of entertainment; it was living history — audio-visual history of the Twentieth century.”

For over a century, American movies have forged emotional connections with millions of viewers, providing a portal to our past, defining our present, and imagining our future. American films helped shape a global cultural language, connecting audiences across borders and different belief systems. And, just as our ancient ancestors shared stories to connect and thrive, we too share stories…retelling in our movies the mysterious experience of being alive. “These Amazing Shadows” shows us how movies are part of our history, part of our culture … and part of ourselves.

The Hollywood Reporter calls the film “Inspiring and elegantly assembled”, and Vanity Fair labels it “film montages to end all film montages!” Critics agree that “These Amazing Shadows” is a class act and terribly fun to watch … a film that will make any film geek swoon and will make a film geek out of anyone else!

Join the film’s editor Alex Calleros for a nostalgic look back at movies and the impact film has had on all of us as he joins us here in Sedona for this very special screening and Q&A.

The title sponsor of the event is Turner Classic Movies, whose host Robert Osborne brings classic films to life every week. Osborne has also become a treasured friend of the Sedona Film Festival, bringing a host of classics to the annual festival each year and coming here to share his vast knowledge of film.

The series is made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“These Amazing Shadows” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.


Monday, August 22, 2011

OPEN CALL FOR ACTORS!


Open House at the Zaki Gordon Institute, September 9, 2011

Join us on September 9, 2011 from 5 pm – 8 pm
Meet the new Zaki Gordon Institute filmmakers and get your information into our database. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.

Actors Open House
Yavapai College’s Sedona Center for Arts & Technology

This is a great opportunity to meet the new class of Narrative and Documentary filmmakers. You will get a chance to sit in front of the camera and tell us about yourself. Students then use these video clips as a reference when they are casting their short films.

Call for more information!
Call 928.649.4276 for more information. The Zaki Gordon Institute for Independent Filmmaking is located at Yavapai College’s Sedona Center for Arts and Technology at 4215 Arts Village Drive in Sedona.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

'Happy' makes Northern Arizona premiere in festival series Aug. 30



'Happy' makes Northern Arizona premiere in festival series Aug. 30
The award-winning filmmaking team behind "Genghis Blues" and "Beyond the Call" brings their next film to Sedona in film festival's "Docs That Make a Difference" series

Go on a journey of discovery across five continents to find the keys to happiness in the new film “Happy” which makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The Sedona International Film Festival presents this one-night-only special engagement as the fifth film in its “Docs That Make a Difference” series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“This is one film that everyone should see — it is extraordinary!” says Beverly Hurff, the film festival events coordinator and board member who discovered the film at the Phoenix Film Festival. “Of course, we have all seen material on what causes depression. This film focuses on what makes us happy. You immediately think about — and look at — how your happiness is fulfilled.”
From Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic (“Genghis Blues”) and the production team of “Beyond the Call” comes a new cinematic adventure. “Happy” is a feature-length documentary that leads viewers on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness. The film addresses many of the fundamental issues we face in today’s society: How do we balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our needs for strong relationships, health and personal fulfillment?

Through remarkable human stories and cutting-edge science, “Happy” leads us toward a deeper understanding of why and how we can pursue more fulfilling, healthier and happier lives.

“Happy” takes the viewer from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the mountains of Bhutan. Listen to the wisdom of a Kolkata rickshaw driver, the compassion of a volunteer of Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and the knowledge of some of the world’s leading happiness researchers.

Witness as middle school students applaud the bravery of their classmates during a moving presentation on bullying. “Happy” combines real-life human drama and science to provide insights into the mysteries of happiness.

In 2005, director Tom Shadyac (Liar Liar, Patch Adams, Bruce Almighty) handed Roko Belic a New York Times article entitled “A New Measure of Well-Being from a Happy Little Kingdom”. The article ranked the United States 23rd on its list of happiest countries. Shadyac — himself dissatisfied with his luxurious Beverly Hills lifestyle — asked Belic to make a documentary investigation into the origins of human happiness and why the U.S. ranks so low. This simple inquiry led to a global exploration of happiness research.

“Happy” was developed under the Creative Visions Foundation, a non-profit organizations which supports creative activists who use the power of media and the arts to affect positive change in the world. Belic has been filming “Happy” for the past four years and has attracted well-known experts such as Ed Diener, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Richard Davidson, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and others. Marci Shimoff, best-selling author of Happy For No Reason and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul, narrates the film.

Wadi Rum Production films are a collaboration between two Academy Award-nominated brothers Roko and Adrian Belic. Sedona Film Festival has been proud to feature both of their previous productions: “Genghis Blues” (nominated for an Oscar) and “Beyond the Call”, which screened on five continents and won more than 70 international awards.

The title sponsors for this event are Studio Live and Sedona Performers Guild. A pre-film concert by Vismaya (Ingrid Hagelberg) will open both shows. The renowned international singer, songwriter and composer will perform a selection of jazz and cabaret songs to celebrate happiness through song around the world. She will be accompanied by Allen Ames. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the sounds of these incredible performers.

The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Happy” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Film Festival presents 'Marathon Boy' in documentary series Aug. 23


Film Festival presents 'Marathon Boy' in documentary series Aug. 23

Powerful, acclaimed film makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona; an unforgettable hero's journey that rivals any dramatic thriller

A coach and a slum boy are united by a dream and divided by the world in the powerful, award-winning new documentary “Marathon Boy” which makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Aug. 23. The Sedona International Film Festival presents this special engagement as the fourth film in its “Docs That Make a Difference” series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

Critics and audiences agree that “Marathon Boy” is one of the top documentaries of the year. Variety Magazine calls the film “epic, artistic and even archetypal”. The Hollywood Reporter says “Marathon Boy” is “an unforgettable documentary that rivals any thriller.”

“Marathon Boy” is the dynamic epic story of a four-year-old boy who is plucked from the slums of India by his coach and trained to become India's greatest runner, but what starts as a real Slumdog Millionaire turns into the stuff of film noir: a tale of greed, envy and broken dreams.

Budhia Singh’s life reads like a Bollywood movie scripted by Dickens. Born in India, next to a railway track, abused and beaten by an alcoholic father, he is sold at the age of three by his impoverished mother to a street hawker. Destined to lead a desperate existence as a beggar, Budhia is then rescued by a concerned local judo coach, who runs an orphanage for slum children.

It doesn’t take long for Budhia to reveal his remarkable talent for running. Biranchi seizes the opportunity to do something much more symbolic for India’s poor, as he has done so many times for other slum children in the judo arena. He embarks on a mission to turn Budhia into a running phenomenon.

Within six months, Budhia has run twenty half-marathons. Within a year, he has run 48 full marathons. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Budhia is still only four years old.

He’s become the darling of the masses, an Indian icon, and is mobbed everywhere he goes. Now Biranchi is convinced that he has the potential to become India’s greatest runner and first Olympic marathon champion.

But with the fame comes the controversies. At the end of his record-breaking 65 km run, he collapses. With the world’s eyes on them and an international storm brewing, the Indian government decides to intervene, accusing the coach of cruelty, and threatening to take his newly-adopted son into care.

Is Biranchi effectively enslaving the boy for his own gain? Has Budhia merely traded slum squalor for sporting slavery? Or is Biranchi the man who saved Budhia from a desperate future, a man who loves Budhia as his own son?

Following Budhia's roller-coaster journey over five years, “Marathon Boy” is a Dickensian tale of greed, corruption, and broken dreams set between the heart-racing world of marathon running, the poverty-stricken slums, and the political intrigue of a modernizing India.

Nothing is what it seems in Budhia and Biranchi's riveting story, and filmmaker Gemma Atwal continually shifts viewer identification to tell both a shocking story of opportunism and exploitation, but also a touching portrait of an authentic bond between a parent and child.

The series is made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Marathon Boy” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.


Film Festival and City of Sedona team up to present free film Sunday, Aug. 21


Film Festival and City of Sedona team up to present free film Sunday, Aug. 21

Award-winning filmmakers return to Sedona for the Northern Arizona premiere of "Freedom";

Enjoy incredible new documentary, thought-provoking discussion and learn about the city's sustainability efforts


The Sedona International Film Festival is partnering with the City of Sedona Sustainability Commission and the Community Plan’s Citizen Steering Committee to present a free film and discussion on Sunday, Aug. 21. The event will feature the Northern Arizona premiere of “Freedom” — a powerful and entertaining film about sustainability and living a “green” lifestyle. There will be one matinee screening of the film at 3:00 p.m. at the brand new, state-of-the-art Sedona Performing Arts Center at Red Rock High School.


“Freedom” is the follow-up film to the Oscar short-listed and Sundance and Sedona Film Festival award-winner “Fuel” which played to rave audience and critical reviews. Filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell will be in town to host the film and discussion, and the “Freedom” bio-diesel bus will also be on display for audience members to tour and explore in an interactive display.

Members of the City of Sedona Sustainability Commission will talk about Sedona’s sustainable efforts and our future in greening the city.


In the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Louisiana native Josh Tickell and his wife Rebecca take an international journey to investigate alternatives to fossil fuels.


“Freedom” offers an array of green solutions. We learn about biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, plug-in hybrids and other sustainable technologies that could fulfill our transportation needs. With insightful and inspirational interviews with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former NATO Commander Wesley Clark, singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, international author Deepak Chopra and actors Ed Begley, Jr., Michelle Rodriguez and Amy Smart, “Freedom” invites people to not just get mad, but get motivated.


Above all, “Freedom” calls for a revolution in how we live. Inevitably we must shift the types of houses and cities we live in. We must rethink the way we work and change the way we treat each other and the planet. And — most importantly — we must transform ourselves.


The Sedona premiere of “Freedom” is part of a nearly four-month North American Clean Energy Tour with a focus on displacing gasoline with renewable alternatives. The Freedom Bus will be in Sedona for the screening, parked in front of the Sedona Performing Arts Center. With 18 solar panels, an E85 bio-fuel engine and power generator, energy efficiency, wind, solar and water displays and much more, the Freedom Bus is a rolling, clean energy laboratory and green mobile entertainment system.


Filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell will be in Sedona to offer tours of the Freedom Bus, present the film and host a Q&A discussion following the screening.


The Sedona Sustainability Commission is a group of nine local volunteers, chosen by the Sedona City Council, to serve as an advisory board on issues related to environmental sustainability for our city. The commission was formed in 2010 and began holding monthly meetings in January. Although new, the commission is passionate and dedicated to preserving Sedona’s beauty and bringing positive and thoughtful sustainability programs to our city. The public is welcome to attend its monthly meetings. More information will be available at the “Freedom” screening event.


The Community Plan’s Citizen Steering Committee will share information about the New Community Plan update process and how citizens can be involved in this important effort. The Citizen Steering Committee for the new Community Plan will present a brief summary of the project, of ideas heard from the public to date, and a preview of opportunities for residents to make their thoughts known. These will include some workshops to be held soon on specific topics, and the "Party in a Box" which equips residents to host small meetings with friends to give their own input.


“Freedom” will be shown at the Sedona Performing Arts Center at Red Rock High School on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 3:00 p.m. All tickets are free of charge and can be reserved in advance by calling 928-282-1177 or visiting the film festival office at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3 in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.

For more information about the City’s Sustainability Commission or the Community Plan’s Steering Committee, contact the Community Development Department at 928-282-1154 or visit www.SedonaAZ.gov.