ATLFF '19 Official Selections Now Playing At The Plaza Theatre

Bring in the Fall at the Plaza Theatre with some of our favorites from the 2019 Atlanta Film Festival.

September 13-19

MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, directed by Stanley Nelson

The definition of "cool" can be summed up by the name Miles Davis. The quintessential Renaissance Man known for his restless artistic aesthetic, Davis is widely regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and highly respected figures in music. Having changed the course of music five or six times, Davis remains a fashion and cultural icon, and his globally recognized artwork continues to resonate with multiple generations.

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September 18

IN FABRIC, directed by Peter Strickland

A lonely woman (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), recently separated from her husband, visits a bewitching London department store in search of a dress that will transform her life. She’s fitted with a perfectly flattering, artery-red gown—which, in time, will come to unleash a malevolent curse and unstoppable evil, threatening everyone who comes into its path.

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October 4-10

ALWAYS IN SEASON, directed by Jacqueline Olive

When 17-year-old Lennon Lacy is found hanging from a swing set in rural North Carolina, the trauma of the past bleeds into the present. Despite inconsistencies in the case, local officials quickly rule Lennon’s death a suicide, but his mother, Claudia, believes Lennon was lynched and begins a painstaking fight for justice for her son. A few hundred miles away in Monroe, Georgia, a group of reenactors, including the daughter of a former Ku Klux Klan leader, annually dramatize a 1946 lynching to memorialize the victims and to encourage the community to come forward with information that might bring the perpetrators to justice.

The 2018 Atlanta Film Festival Recap

With it being four weeks since the close of one of the most star-studded, mystical, and down right fun festivals since our inception, we wanted to share some of the highlights that we thought were truly amazing! The 2018 Atlanta Film Festival welcomed over 28,000 attendees with open arms, southern charm, and hospitality. We made it our top priority to ensure that all of our attendees felt at home. Speaking of home, on April 12,  we showcased what we thought best represented our hometown with two phenomenal shorts blocks, SPRING IN MY HOMETOWN and WALKING DISTANCE. 

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Welcome to ATLFF '18

April 13, things kicked off with our Opening Night Presentation: BLINDSPOTTING with the writer/actor duo Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. To open the film, Diggs was presented with the inaugural ATLFF Innovator Award for the boisterous and bold choices he made, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and social commentary.

While here in Atlanta, both Casal and Diggs exclaimed their appreciation for the city and highlighted how they loved the audience's response to the film's overarching theme of identity and gentrification. With Atlanta being one of the countless cities currently undergoing gentrification, this film hit home for many of those in attendance making it the perfect fit for opening night. 

Atlanta Film Society Presents ScreenCraft Writers Summit

To kick off the first weekend of ATLFF, we were home to the ScreenCraft Writers Summit! This featured guests such as Mika Pryce (Creative Executive, Universal Pictures), JJ Klein (Vice President, Current Programming for FX Networks), Wendy Calhoun (TV Writer/Showrunner, NASHVILLE, EMPIRE, STATION 19), and many more. Events/panels included Mentor Sit-Downs, the Pitch Competition, tips on writer's rooms, and anything writer-esque. Pictured above is a panel titled "Georgia Development or Bust." Panelists discussed how Atlanta can become a self-sustainable entertainment industry from pre- to post-production. This think-tank session was what Atlanta needed to see the light at the end of the tunnel being shed by LA and New York. Atlanta is already a well-oiled machine in terms of production, but we still need a little extra coal (tax credits/investors) to push us through to the other side. 

MAYNARD

MAYNARD dropped in for it's Georgia Premiere featuring Maynard III & Wendy Jackson, director Sam Pollard, and the production team. A flood of emotions ran through the crowd as the audience rose for a standing ovation! Maynard Jackson's legacy still lives through the city of Atlanta. There wouldn't have been a(n) Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, or Kiesha Lance Bottoms without Maynard Jackson, thank you. The film later was announced as the 2018 Atlanta Film Festival Audience Award winning feature! 

Jason Reitman

This one is for our Rebel, Jason Reitman, for his daring and off kilter approach to his feature film TULLY. Reitman couldn't shed the smile from his face as he accepted the first ever Rebel Award and went on to mention the how much this film means to him. 

Two flights cancelled, a Canadian ice storm, and scheduling conflicts were not enough to stop this Masterclass. We finally got the chance to sit down and catch up with Jason Reitman and let us say, he's in love with Atlanta. The intimate conversation was filled with personal stories of Reitman's past with his father, Ivan Reitman, his struggles as a director, and how he approaches each project. The Masterclass felt no longer than a ten minute conversation with an old friend.  The Masterclass came to an end with the audience longing for more from Reitman. 

Romany Malco Masterclass

Atlanta didn't welcome Romany Malco, Romany Malco welcomed Atlanta. Romany's gregarious and warm nature filled the Plaza on this Monday afternoon. As he took the stage, the comedian within couldn't be suppressed. His personality is unmatched as he fluidly bounced from his career lull to a conversation about confusing effort with achievement. Malco had many gems of wisdom and life lessons hidden behind his pungent jokes, which kept the audience in tears, but members soon circled back around to the realization of the truth in his words.

Creative Conference

Creative Conference is a way to connect with panelists, other festival attendees, while obtaining information to either further a(n) filmmaker's/actor's career or delve into what makes a film, a film.  On April 17, Auditions and Casting Calls (SAGIndie) was one of 40 panels of CC (Creative Conference) featuring George Pierre, Jessica Fox, Joy Pervis, and Mystie Buice. Each panelist had their dos and don'ts for actors looking for representation and work in the Atlanta market. 

The Psychology of the Lens, the Actor/Director Relationship, Speed Dating Meets Career Day, and a myriad of other panels at CC brought in attendees from all across the globe to share their ideas and engage with panelist working in the industry. 

Amber Nash Masterclass

Amber Nash was the perfect close to the 2018 Masterclass series. From a degree in psychology to voicing Pam Poovey on FX’s Emmy Award-winner Archer, Nash was thrilled to share her transition as well as keeping the audience engaged with her whit and charm. Interestingly enough Nash took improv classes at the same venue (Dad's Garage) where her Masterclass took place—cue nostalgia. 

HEARTS  BEAT LOUD 

On April 20, after a quick stop at Majestic Diner for a peach milkshake, Bret Haley and Kiersey Clemons came just in time to premiere HEARTS BEAT LOUD to an eager Atlanta audience. Before the screening, Kiersey Clemons was presented with the Phoenix Award as a symbol of her burgeoning career as she rises up from the ashes into stardom. While on stage Clemons's and Haley's relationship showcased the importance of a relationship between a director and an actor, reminiscent of big brother, little sister. Clemons' performance in the film exhibited an untapped side of the actress that we're glad we were able to experience. We only have one question for you Kiersey, when's the album coming? 

Awards Brunch Recap

Best Narrative Feature — WIND TRACES

Narrative Feature - Special Jury Prize — DISAPPEARANCE 

Best Documentary Feature — MAN MADE

Documentary Feature — THEY CALL US WARRIORS 

Best Narrative Short — FOR NONNA ANNA

Best Documentary Short — ZION

Best Animated Short — FUNDAMENTAL

Filmmaker-to-Watch — Connor Simpson for KUDZU

Georgia Film — STILL 

WonderFilm Award presented by WonderRoot — WALLS OF HOPE

Audience Awards

Audience Award Feature — MAYNARD

Audience Award Short — COLOR BLIND

Closing Night Presentation: EIGHTH GRADE

Our Closing Night Presentation: EIGHTH GRADE, needless to say was everything we could ask for from a film. Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher kept everything... Gucci. EIGHTH GRADE is Bo Burnham's directorial debut and it is a stark contrast from his previous works, harping on Burnham's refreshing ability to tell a phenomenal story as a filmmaker. The film encompasses Burnham as a whole featuring comedy grounded in reality through the lens of an adolescent girl. Burnham's respect and trust in Elsie Fisher was shown throughout the film as well as on stage as the two shared moments with audience about the origin of the term "Gucci." The two worked as a team to bring EIGHTH GRADE to life. 

Day 10

Day 10, the final day of the Atlanta Film Festival came with victories and a range of heart and emotions. Pictured above are the conclusion to a couple of films; here's director Jimena Montemayor Loyo shortly after receiving her award for Best Narrative Feature for WIND TRACES (left) and the subjects of MAN MADE sharing a moment on stage after being awarded Best Documentary Feature (right). 

ATLFF '15 Hit "Frame by Frame" Returns to Atlanta in October, Get Your Tickets Now!

"Frame by Frame," the debut feature from filmmakers Alexandra Bombach and Mo Scarpelli, was an official selection in both the Documentary Feature and New Mavericks competitions at ATLFF '15. One of the most moving audience experiences at this last festival, we are so happy that "Frame by Frame" is returning to Atlanta on October 6th at AMC Parkway Pointe!

In 1996, the Taliban banned photography in Afghanistan. When the US invaded after 9/11, the regime toppled, the media blackout disappeared, and a promising industry began to emerge. Using cinema verité and secret, never-before-seen archival footage shot under Taliban rule, this documentary follows four Afghan photojournalists fighting to reclaim their nation's identity by capturing the truth.

This is a Gathr screening, so if you don't get your ticket ahead of time, then the screening won't happen! Just 90 tickets are needed for the screening to take place and it will be the best $11.50 you'll spend on a film all month!

FRAME BY FRAME
Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 7:30 PM
AMC Parkway Pointe 15

Get Your Tickets for the Theatrical Premiere of ATLFF '15's "Imba Means Sing!"

"Imba Means Sing," directed by Danielle Bernstein, was one of the most highly attended film events at the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival. After a sold-out screening and concert at the Rialto Theatre back in March, we are pleased to share that "Imba Means Sing" will play at Tara Cinemas 4 on Thursday, August 20!

Follow Moses and Angel, members of the Grammy-nominated African Children's Choir from Uganda, on their journey to obtaining an education despite extreme poverty. Against the odds, Moses dreams of becoming a pilot and Angel is determined to become the first female President of Uganda. Along with the choir, Moses and Angel travel to different international venues to bring awareness to the importance of education for all children—regardless of the lack of resources—through their love of music.

Get your tickets now before "Imba Means Sing" sells out again!

IMBA MEANS SING
Thursday, August 20, 2015, 7:30 PM
Tara Cinemas 4

Become an ATLFF Member to see Sundance Winner "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" Weeks Early!

As part of our year-round programming, the Atlanta Film Festival and Fox Searchlight proudly present an exclusive members-only screening of narrative feature film "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award winner, on Tuesday, May 26th!

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
USA, 2015, English, 104 minutes 
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Nick Offerman, Connie Britton, and Molly Shannon

Up until senior year, Greg has maintained total social invisibility. He only has one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time—when not playing video games and avoiding Earl’s terrifying brothers— making movies, their own versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics. Greg would be the first one to tell you his movies are f*@$ing terrible, but he and Earl don’t make them for other people. Until Rachel. Rachel has leukemia, and Greg’s mom gets the genius idea that Greg should befriend her. Against his better judgment and despite his extreme awkwardness, he does. When Rachel decides to stop treatment, Greg and Earl must abandon invisibility and make a stand. It’s a hilarious, outrageous, and truthful look at death and high school.

This is an exclusive screening open only to ATLFF members and special guests! To attend, sign up to be a member today!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

GSU Student Film Festival to Screen Jury Selections at the High Museum

The Georgia State University Student Film Festival (GSUFF) is pleased to announce details of its 5th annual presentation. Celebrating the hard work and artistry of GSU students, the three-day event takes place April 27-28 and April 30th.

“The GSU Student Film Festival is at once an annual celebration of GSU student filmmaking and a valuable educational experience for our student filmmakers,” said GSUFF Director Daniel Robin, Assistant Professor of Film and Video Production in the GSU Department of Communication. “We want to share the diverse creative voices from our film production courses while also giving the students an opportunity to understand what it means to show their films outside of the safety net of the classroom.”

On Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28, all submissions will be screened at the Cinefest Theater, GSU’s student-run movie theater, beginning at 5:00 PM both days. The top films will then be selected by a jury and screened at the High Museum of Art’s Hill Auditorium on Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 PM.

Following the screening at the High, awards will be presented for Best Fiction Film, Best Experimental Film, Best Documentary Film, and Special Jury Selection.

All admission is free and open to the public.

Don't miss local film premiere "D'artagnan is the Champion" this weekend at The Plaza!

"D'artagnan is the Champion" is an independent comedy documentary made in and around Atlanta. It follows rescue horse D'artagnon from his roots in the inner city of Atlanta to his current status as a fancy show horse living at a kid's equestrian camp on the outskirts of town.

Bumbling first time director Missy Palmer (along with friends Lynn and Leah of Ellenwood Equestrian) travel around town interviewing all of the characters who claim to have had a hand in D'artagnan's upbringing. This tall tail includes a bundle of local characters—downtown Atlanta buggy drivers, renowned black cowboys, a prize winning bull fighter, Amish horse Shorty Pimp, and an overweight pig named Princess.

Palmer has also produced several other features by Atlanta filmmakers, including "Great World of Sound" by Craig Zobel and this year's ATLFF hit "The Unwanted" by Bret Wood. Her second career is playing the role of Marzipan in the web toon "Homestarrunner." 

Come support local filmmaking and ATLFF alumni at the premiere of "D'artagnon is the Champion" this Sunday May 18th, at 4:00 PM at The Plaza Theater! A pre-party with the cowboys, horses, cast and crew takes place at Magick Lantern (750 Ralph McGill Blvd.) beginning at 2:00 PM. The Athens Cowboy Choir will do a brief performance at The Plaza before the film starts. Admission is free!

Save the Date: Sundown Series begins Wednesday, April 30

The Atlanta Film Festival is partnering with the Westside Provisions District to present the Sundown Series. Beginning just before sundown on the last Wednesday of each month—April through July—the Sundown Series will celebrate the best the South has to offer in art, music, food and film. The first date is Wednesday, April 30th. Come join us for free outdoor films and more! We will have more info

Blood Simple - Death and Texas

When deciding what story would be most fitting for their low-budget debut feature, the Coen Brothers claim to have taken a very pragmatic approach - a seedy erotic noir-tinged thriller seemed like the best way to make a mark with very little resources. Both the high passions of the lustful leads and the sweaty machinations of their grimy antagonists lent themselves to stylistic flourishes that would immediately signal the Coens as a filmmaking duo to be taken very seriously.

Drawing equal inspiration from James M Cain and EC Comics, the film is intensely atmospheric, all neon, sweat, and blood. It was while serving as Assistant Editor on his friend Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead that Joel got the idea for he and his brother to self-finance a feature of their own, and indeed the older brother's time in the trenches of low-budget horror flicks shows in such details as the seemingly invincible Loren Visser's stalking of Abby through the film's climax, or the grisly fate of Julian Marty (whose overall battering throughout the film is the first example of the typically beset Coen lead character, a progenitor of Jerry Lundergaard and Larry Gopnik). 

Indeed, many of the Coens' hallmarks are very much present in their debut. Hapless would-be criminal masterminds instigating and then being overrun by plots that become much too complex and chaotic for them to navigate.  Colorfully venal, yet compellingly likable supporting characters. And perhaps most importantly, a very specific sense of tone and place. The backwoods Texas of Blood Simple may be one that is indebted more to the illusory cultural construction of the Lone Star State than to any tangible reality, just as the plot takes all of the necessary tropes of the genre (a macho loner with a blemished past, the jealous restaurant/bar owner with the sex-pot wife who has long since grown tired of him, the seedy, low-rent private eye) and turns them on their heads and making them new all over again by fleshing them out in ways somehow both broad and incredibly detailed. 

Not every aspect of the Coens' style is fully formed just yet. Some of the actors seem stuck somewhere between stylization and realism, and the line readings sometimes work towards accentuating the more baroque moments rather than downplaying and contextualizing them within the heightened reality. Equally refined later on would become the stylistic nuances - while there are hints of humor both black and absurd here, it feels a bit more tentative than in later efforts.  Yet these are nothing more than the blips of a very assured pair of artists taking the first step towards translating their vision into cinematic reality (and indeed by their next feature, the madcap Raising Arizona, everything would be quickly locked right into place). As the opening statement of a career, and as a rough map of everything that would follow, Blood Simple is nothing less than one of the most remarkable debut films of all time.

Blood Simple screens tonight at 9:30, and again Sunday at 1:00, as a part of our Fall Focus on Directors. don't forget, Festival members get into all screenings in this series for free. Buy tickets in advance or at the door.

Christopher Sailor is the Programmer of Education for the Atlanta Film Festival. He also waxes cinematic at chrissailor.com

Spielberg at AFI

Apropos of tonight's screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind at 9:30 at the Plaza Thetre, here is a selection of clips from an AFI seminar held by Steven Spielberg shortly after the film's release.

In the first clip, Spielberg talks about the importance of getting the film's groundbreaking special effects just right, and how his original concept of the mother-ship featured in the film's climax had to change for the better of the movie.

Next up is a quick breakdown of his process with actors, particularly in a film in which they spend a large deal of time interacting with elements that will not be added until much later.

Followed by a glimpse into his storyboarding process.

And finally, on what it was like to work with co-star (and future Focus on Directors subject) Francois Truffaut (all the more poignant due to the fact that the legendary auteur's life would be cut tragically short a mere six years hence).

The major take-away from all of these clips is not only the remarkable level of procedural assurance held by such a young director (only 32 years old at the time), but the fact that a big part of that process was being open to the changing demands of the film as it evolved over time, as well as an openness to the input of his collaborators. It's this looseness and fluidity, filtered at all times through an unshakable vision of the final product and dedication to the story above all else, that made Spielberg's films so successful dramatically - paving the way for their immense popularity. They were more than spectacle-delivery systems - they were stories about real people experiencing the spectacle along with the audience.

 Close Encounters screens as part of our Fall Focus on Directors tonight at 9:30 at the Plaza Theatre, followed by an encore showing Sunday afternoon at 1:00.

- cs

 Christopher Sailor is the Programmer of Education with the Atlanta Film Festival. He also waxes cinematic at  chrissailor.com.