Kathleen Kennedy to Receive 2024 Polly Platt Award for Producing at the Austin Film Festival3/6/2024 Written by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say, that producers in Hollywood, sometimes have a bad rap. For we’ve heard countless stories about ones that demand so much and interfere with visions that help to foster a rough ride for filmmakers and talent. But let’s be honest, that isn’t always the norm in the industry. Because for every producer that takes that route, there are countless more than are nurturing and fostering and will in fact, go the extra mile to ensure that a vision is preserved and funded and one particular name that meets that criterion is Kathleen Kennedy. Because over the course of her illustrious career, she’s helped to bring some of Hollywood’s most iconic stories to life and made sure that franchises that people love, continue along, to become truly generational in nature. Which is why it should come as no surprise that the Austin Film Festival is going to honor her later this year with the Polly Platt Award. To properly recognize her tireless efforts to provide the world with amazing stories that captivate, and to properly do this news justice, here are all the details on this prestigious honor, courtesy of the Austin Film Festival. ‘AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL (AFF) announced today the Polly Platt Award for Producing is to be given to iconic producer Kathleen Kennedy, during the 2024 Writers Conference happening October 24 – 27, 2024. Established in 2019, this honor is named after industry pioneer Polly Platt, an early and longtime supporter of AFF. The award is given annually to producers with a keen sense of story, who have a history of fostering new talent. Previous recipients include Lauren Shuler Donner (2023), Dede Gardner (2022), Stephanie Allain (2021), and Sarah Green (2019). On receiving this honor, Kennedy states, “I am deeply honored to receive the Austin Film Festival's Polly Platt Award for Producing. Polly was not only an incredible producer and mentor to so many, with an impact and voice still felt to this day, but also a staunch supporter of the Austin Film Festival and a dear personal friend. Polly attended every year, right up until her passing, and I look forward to celebrating her legacy in October.” Kennedy, previously a recipient of the Academy’s prestigious 2018 Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Producers Guild of America Milestone Award, and an eight-time Academy Award®-nominee, is one of the most successful and respected producers in the film industry today. As President of Lucasfilm, she oversees the company’s three divisions: Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. Kennedy was the producer of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), the highest grossing domestic feature of all time, as well as subsequent Star Wars features Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Kennedy has recently executive produced the Emmy Award-winning Mandalorian series (2019-present) that launched the Disney+ platform as well as The Book of Boba Fett (2021), Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), Andor (2022), Ahsoka (2023) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). Kennedy has produced or executive produced more than 70 feature films, which have collectively garnered 120 Academy Award nominations and 25 wins. Among her credits: Jurassic Park, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, The Sixth Sense, the Back to the Future trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gremlins, The Goonies, Poltergeist, Empire of the Sun, Lincoln, War Horse, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Schindler’s List, The Color Purple, and The Adventures of Tintin. Kennedy has produced the films of directors such as Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Robert Zemeckis, JJ Abrams, Julian Schnabel, Marjane Satrapi, M. Night Shyamalan, Frank Oz, Peter Bogdanovich, and Richard Donner. Kennedy recently received the Fellowship Award, the highest honor that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts can bestow. She is also the recipient of the distinguished CBE award (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and was elected Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. Aside from her executive and producer roles, she was one of the founding Council Members of Hollywood Commission to Eliminate Sexual Harassment and Advance Equality and is currently on the board of the LA Promise Fund, Library of America, and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Prior to joining Lucasfilm in 2012, Kennedy headed The Kennedy/Marshall Company, which she founded in 1992 with director/producer Frank Marshall. In 1981 she co-founded the phenomenally successful Amblin Entertainment with Marshall and Steven Spielberg. Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference, happening October 24 – 27, 2024, will again present over 150 panels on the art, craft, and business of storytelling, featuring a slate of prominent industry professionals working in film, television, and new media. ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE Entering its thirty-first year, Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television, theater, and new media. AFF champions the work of aspiring and established storytellers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of The City of Austin Economic Development Department and Texas Commission on the Arts. The 31st Annual Austin Film Festival will take place October 24 – 31, 2024. All attendees and events are based on permitting schedules and are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Badges and passes are available for purchase online at www.austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 1-800-310-FEST. ABOUT POLLY PLATT AWARD FOR PRODUCING Introduced in 2019, the Polly Platt Award is given to producers with a keen sense of story and who have a history of fostering new talent. Named after the legendary Polly Platt who was instrumental in the early years of Austin Film Festival and was an ardent champion of writers. Past award recipients include Lauren Shuler Donner (2023), Dede Garner (2022), Stephanie Allain (2021), and Sarah Green (2019).’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt There was a time, where festivals were nothing more than a destination for fans of television and film. Wherein one would enjoy new creations and hear the creators of those stories discuss what inspired them to get out there and bring it to life. But in this age of interactivity, just heading to a festival and taking in some shows is no longer enough. For the festival has become a true bastion for creativity, where up and comers can network and find inspiration… and even learn if the festival goes so chooses to offer classes that expand one’s mind, as SeriesFest will going forward. For the premier television festival in the land, recently announced that they have partnered with the creative entity Canva, in an effort to provide creatives with incredible resources to help them bring their story to life… and to help them learn. Since classes that feature some of Hollywood’s best and brightest will be available as part of this initiative, giving rise to a powerful partnership. One that takes what SeriesFest has to offer to a whole new level. For now, it is more than just a celebration of television, but an immersion of it, and well, to help you truly understand how amazing this partnership is going to be, here are all the details on this magnificent union, courtesy of SeriesFest and Canva. ‘SeriesFest, the non-profit organization that champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling, announces a new partnership with Canva focused on helping aspiring and emerging creators prepare for a career in television by providing insights and resources necessary to make headway in the industry. Through a series of virtual and in-person workshops, creators will receive the advice of vanguards in entertainment alongside live creative tutorials, helping to take their careers in television to the next level. The first ever line-up includes three workshops from celebrated industry vets including Grammy and Tony-winning Actor/Writer/Producer Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting, The Little Mermaid, Hamilton), Showrunner/Writer/Producer/Actor Rafael Casal (Loki, Co-Creator: Blindspotting) , Sue Ann Pien (As We See It), Littleton Road Productions’ Patrick MacManus (Dr. Death, The Girl from Plainville), and Kelly Funke (President, Littleton Road Productions). Applications for the SeriesFest Vanguard program presented by Canva are now open and available via https://seriesfest.com/vanguards. "The Vanguard program is designed to highlight groundbreaking visionaries in the television industry bringing their invaluable insights directly to emerging creatives,” said Randi Kleiner, SeriesFest CEO and co-founder. “We are so proud to partner with Canva on the inaugural program, along with bringing several other new and exciting opportunities to the SeriesFest community." In addition to the Vanguard Workshop, Canva is partnering with SeriesFest to launch the Outstanding Series Format Deck Award, in a new competition rewarding a $5,000 cash prize to the best deck submission created in Canva. Required for all SeriesFest competition categories, the Series Format Deck is an integral part to the pitch process and sale of a series. An effective Series Format Deck introduces a project in a visually exciting and emotionally powerful way. It captures the reader’s imagination, allowing them to see the full scope of the series and embrace the characters. In celebration of the unsung craft of creating a series format deck or series bible, SeriesFest’s partnership with Canva acknowledges the creativity and skill necessary to build the perfect series format deck. Free three month trials of Canva Pro will be given to those creators who apply to select SeriesFest programs, including students, executives, and industry professionals, in an effort to help them on their creative journeys and visually bring their projects to life. Canva will be bringing its platform to SeriesFest Season 10 with a unique onsite activation, live event(s) and special award presentation. Helping to prepare the next generation of storytellers, SeriesFest’s Collegiate Fellows program presented by Canva invites undergraduate students from across the country to apply to attend SeriesFest: Season 10 as a Collegiate Fellow and get a behind-the-scenes view of the TV and episodic industry via curated workshops and discussions, and access to premieres and panels. Submissions are currently open for SeriesFest: Season 10, the award-winning international festival running May 1-5, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Creators can submit for the upcoming festival through January 11, 2024. To register for the Vanguard Workshop, click here: https://seriesfest.com/vanguards. For more information on Canva’s entertainment offerings, click here: https://www.canva.com/entertainment/ ABOUT SERIESFEST SeriesFest, a non-profit organization, champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences. Each June, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres. Follow @SeriesFest on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. ABOUT CANVA Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, documents, websites, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful.' ‘Re: Uniting’ & ‘Finality of Dusk’ Set for Canadian Premieres at the 2023 Whistler Film Festival12/1/2023 Written by John Edward Betancourt It’s festival season, and that means wonderful films are making their debut all across the globe. Some of which, we’ve had the honor of seeing, and reviewing, and breaking down with the cast and crew. Important films in fact, such as Re: Uniting. A powerhouse drama that tackles some stunningly timely topics about life, and it just so happens, that following its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival… it is now set to make its Canadian Debut. For this weekend, it will be screened at the 2023 Whistler Film Festival on Sunday, ahead of its Video on Demand Digital Debut on the 4th, and that’s quite the treat for Canadian audiences. So, they too can enjoy the majesty of this film and spread the word so more can see this moving feature. But it is not the only movie making its Canadian debut this weekend. For the post-apocalyptic drama, Finality of Dusk is also screening at the festival, and that too is another treat for audiences. Since its plot is compelling to say the least, and well… if you’re heading to the festival and if these films have caught your eye, here are all the details on these features and their screening times to help you plan accordingly at this year’s Whistler Film Festival. ‘Pender PR is pleased to announce two highly-anticipated Canadian premieres set for the 2023 Whistler Film Festival. Award-winning director Madison Thomas’ post-apocalyptic drama FINALITY OF DUSK will have its Canadian premiere on Thursday, November 30th at 5:30 pm at Village 8 and acclaimed Vancouver writer/director Laura Adkin’s feature film RE: UNITING has been selected by the festival as a Special Presentation. RE: UNITING will have its Canadian premiere on Sunday, December 3rd at 8:30 pm at the Rainbow Theatre. We are representing some of the best and brightest filmmakers and up-and-coming talent from Canada in our lineup of feature films and the festival will also see a special Work In Progress private screening of Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin's ANGELA'S SHADOW. The Whistler Film Festival runs from Wednesday, November 29, 2023, through Sunday, Dec 3, 2023.’ To learn more about ‘Re: Uniting’, check out our spoiler-free review, and interview with select members of the cast and Laura Adkin, the film’s writer and director, here and here. RE: UNITING, Canadian Premiere Writer/Director Laura Adkin, producer Krista Rand, cinematographer Stirling Bancroft and cast Michelle Harrison, Bronwen Smith, Lennox Leacock & Daphne Bibbings will all be in attendance for the screening. After earning rave reviews during a very successful world premiere at the Austin Film Festival in October, BC-based writer/director Laura Adkin’s highly-anticipated feature film debut RE: UNITING will have its Canadian premiere on Sunday, December 3rd at the Whistler Film Festival as a Special Presentation. The Bowen Island set and shot film is an ensemble drama that has been compared to The Big Chill. The film's all star cast includes Law & Order and Rent's Jesse L. Martin, Michelle Harrison (The Flash), Roger Cross (War For the Planet of the Apes), David James Lewis (Child’s Play), Carmen Moore (Nancy Drew) and Bronwen Smith (Firefly Lane) as six best friends from college who reconnect for their 25 year reunion. When Rachel, played by Michelle Harrison, receives life-changing news, she secretly grapples with her mortality while playing host to her friends who have grown up and gone their separate ways since college. Carrie, a mother of 3, Natalie, a workaholic neurosurgeon, former football star turned sportscaster Collin, and playboy man-child Danny join Rachel and her husband Michael (Jesse L Martin) at their picturesque home on the beautiful and secluded Bowen Island. As soon as they are all together it’s like no time has passed; they laugh, drink and dance the night away. Rachel’s nostalgia is echoed by the group as they realize how much time has gone by, and how much they have all changed. As secrets are revealed, they are forced to change the way they look at their futures. Laura Adkin, born and raised in Vancouver, BC, began her career in the film and television industry almost 20 years ago. She started as an actor then moved behind the camera as a producer, writer and director. As a filmmaker, Laura has produced numerous films that have played in film festivals around the world. Her directorial debut The Goodnight Kiss received the prestigious Bravofact grant and went on to play festivals around the world earning many awards and accolades. Laura was handpicked for a female directors initiative through Disney and was a competition finalist at the Austin Film Festival. Screening Information: SPECIAL PRESENTATION Sunday, December 3rd at 8:30 PM (with select cast & crew in attendance) Rainbow Theatre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 (Inside Whistler Conference Centre) The film will also screen virtually starting on Monday, December 4 FINALITY OF DUSK, Canadian Premiere & Borsos CompetitionKatarina Ziervogel (co-writer), Kyle Irving (EP), Gabby Levesque (DOP) and cast Cherrel Holder, Marika Sila and Chris Dodd will all be in attendance at the Whistler Film Festival.
After an incredible world premiere at the Red Nation Film Festival, FINALITY OF DUSK will have its Canadian premiere at the Whistler Film Festival in BC. Directed by Winnipeg-based International Emmy award- winning writer/director Madison Thomas, this epic feature film was co-written by award-winning Ojibway-Mohawk and Deaf filmmaker Katarina Ziervogel, and was created to offer a full theatrical experience for all audiences, including Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. The sound mix of FINALITY OF DUSK is unique in that you can feel the sound of the film. Katarina participated in the post-sound process to ensure an authentic experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing viewers. The music’s sound was done by Canadian Screen Award winning Sound Designer Daniel Pellerin and the music in the film was done by last years' Variety Top 10 to Watch Justin Delorme. FINALITY OF DUSK stars Inuvialuk actress, content creator, social activist, and current VFS student Marika Sila (The Twilight Zone), Trinidadian-Canadian Cherrel Holder (Burden of Truth) and Edmonton-based Deaf playwright, actor, accessibility advocate, and Governor General Innovation Award finalist Chris Dodd in a riveting journey of survival and resilience set amidst a devastating environmental disaster in a perilous future. The year is 2045. Worldwide environmental devastation has pushed the scattered humans left into the wild spaces. Even in the brush of Manitoba’s prairies, those who remain must wear air filtration masks at all times. Ishkode (played by Marika Sila), a strong-willed Ojibwe woman, meets Niife (played by Cherrel Holder), a Nigerian climate refugee. Having lost her last remaining companion, and with a mask that is rapidly breaking down, Ishkode tries to ditch Niife. Though they don't speak the same language, Niife offers Ishkode her pristine mask for a few hours a day in exchange for food and the safety of an ally. Ishkode’s failing health motivates her to take the deal. The arrangement works, until a Deaf man, Odin (played by Chris Dodd), begins to track the women for their masks. Languages featured include American Sign, Anishinaabemowin, English, Yoruba As a part of the industry conference, Katarina Ziervogel, Cherrel Holder and Chris Dodd from the FINALITY OF DUSK team will also be on a panel called TELLING OUR STORIES - DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION in the Garibaldi Room, Whistler Conference Center on November 30th at 3:00 pm. SCREENING INFORMATION: Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 5:30 pm at Village 8 in Theatre 5 (with select cast & crew in attendance) 4295 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X2 Friday, December 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Village 8 in Theatre 5 (with select cast & crew in attendance) 4295 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X2 The film will also screen virtually starting on Monday, December 4 Written by John Edward Betancourt Ask any aspiring screenwriter or up and coming creative what particular festival they’d love to attend or be featured at, or win a contest they host, and in their list, they’ll mention the Austin Film Festival and with good reason. After all, the AFF is one of the biggest festivals around, and their screenwriting competition is heralded often by writers. For they offer amazing notes and give writers a real chance to launch their careers if they place in the competition. Not to mention, it’s a well-known fact that they celebrate storytelling and want powerful stories for their screening lineup, so having one’s visual story accepted into the AFF, is quite the accomplishment to say the least. If anything, it really is a destination festival for creative minds and well, in the weeks following the festival, one that we here at NTG were honored to cover, people have asked this reporter, if it is indeed as epic as advertised. And well… what better place to answer that question than through a full-on recap of the festival itself, to provide you all with a resounding yes. Because this simply was, an incredible experience through and through, and one of the most creatively fulfilling ones I’ve ever taken part in. Partly because… this festival is as epic as they come. After all, it’s a full week of film premieres and panels, from every genre one can imagine, and that alone is indeed worth the price of admission. But the wonder of this festival goes so much deeper than Ubering about the city and moving from downtown theater to downtown theater to enjoy some amazing movies. This is also a festival, where you get a lot of face time with creative individuals. Since they too are out and about, and eager to take in this showing or that and that brings about all kinds of delightful conversations with people that love the visual medium, that are eager to hear your feedback about their creation and that… is quite amazing. Because it just allows for one to immerse themselves in creativity, and while I was able to get a little more in depth in my conversations through interviews, the fact that writers and directors, and actors were so accessible, period, was just amazing and inspiring really. Because those kinds of conversations really do light a spark in anyone that’s eager to break into the industry and it only excites an audience further and really… that’s the number one thing I took away from this festival. In that, it just exudes creative energy, and that creates an incredible and inviting vibe for anyone in attendance. The kind that is infectious, and really perhaps the best way to describe that vibe… is that the Austin Film Festival is akin to lining up for a movie that you’ve been waiting to see for ages. But that anticipation and that excitement lasts over the course the time you’re there, and every single person you meet has it in their veins as well. Which really does make this a true celebration of storytelling, one that is backed up… by some amazing movies. For I watched a good double digits worth of films for this festival, some in person, some in advance because of the nature of entertainment journalism, but regardless of where I watched it, what I was privy to, was incredible. For every single film, short or series I enjoyed, was made with incredible passion, and that translated into honest and raw stories, and amazing comedies and dramas that were moving and powerful. Giving rise to a festival that truly features some of the best up and comers out there and movies that bring the best out of stars and veterans we know and love and well, in the end… this is simply an amazing festival. One that really has tapped into something special for cinephiles, and television fans and fans of popular culture, and it is one that I now highly recommend and cannot wait to attend again, in 2024. Written by John Edward Betancourt This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movies being covered here wouldn’t exist. Anyone who had the distinct honor of attending the 30th Austin Film Festival, is undoubtedly still reeling from the experience. After all, it was a week filled to the brim with incredible premieres, and moving features, and of course… so many attendees made new friends and new connections and left with their hearts full of what the love the most, great storytelling. For there were just some incredible stories on display, the kind that were indeed up for awards and now… a few days after the festival, the time has come to announce the winners. For the 2023 Jury and Audience Award Winners are in and well… since you’re undoubtedly curious as to who went home with great honors, here are those selections to close out one incredible celebration of storytelling. ‘Going on 30 years, Austin Film Festival (AFF) is the premier Festival to recognize the writer’s contribution to film, television, theatre, and new media, is thrilled to announce the 2023 Film Competition Jury and Audience Award winners alongside the Screenplay Competition winners. This year, there were 11 Jury Award winners, 11 Audience Award winners, and 17 Script Competition winners. The competitions received over 6,000 film submissions and over 11,500 script submissions. THE FOLLOWING FILM JURY AWARDS WERE SELECTED BY CATEGORY Narrative Feature - Sunlight, written by Ailbhe Keogan, directed by Claire Dix Documentary Feature - First We Bombed New Mexico, written by Lois Lipman and Joel Marcus, directed by Lois Lipman Comedy Vanguard Feature - Egghead & Twinkie, written/directed by Sarah Kambe Holland Dark Matters Feature presented by Vertigo Entertainment - Inhabitants, written/directed by Matt McClung Narrative Short - Arman & Elisa, written/directed by Kiyan Agadjani Student Short - Seraphim, written by Joanna Fernandez, directed by Oscar Ramos Documentary Short - Safe Place, directed by Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian Animated Short – Curiosa, written by Matthew Dicky and TessaMoult-Milewska, directed by Tessa Moult-Milewska Produced Digital Series - Thanatos, written/directed by Andrew C. Fisher Enderby Entertainment Filmmaking Fellowship Award - English Tutor, written/directed by Jaho Koo Texas Short Filmmaker Award presented by Aduro Studios and Film - 40Hands, written/directed by Craig Robert Elrod Film Jury winners were selected by jurors including Roy Lee (Barbarian, It, The Ring),Katie Silberman (Booksmart, Set It Up), Ashley Lyle (Yellowjackets), Jade-Addon Hall (20th Century), Carly Wray (Watchmen) and Kemp Powers (Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse). Following each screening, audience members cast their votes for the Audience Awards, recognizing the audience’s Festival favorites among the 2023 film slate. THE FOLLOWING FILM AUDIENCE AWARDS WERE SELECTED BY CATEGORY Marquee Film: American Fiction, written/directed by Cord Jefferson Narrative Feature: Autumn, written/directed by António Sequeira Documentary Feature: Born To Fly, directed by Brennan Robideaux Dark Matters Feature: Wild Eyed and Wicked, written/directed by Gordon Shoemaker Foxwood Comedy Vanguard Feature: For When You Get Lost, written by Jennifer Sorenson, directed by Michelle Steffes Texas Independent Feature: I’ll Be There, written by Cindy McCreery, directed by Andrew Shea Narrative Short: Barely Breathing, written by Neal Reddy, directed by Derek Evans Narrative Student Short: A Conspiracy Man, written by Valerio Ferrara, Alessandro Logli, Matteo Petecca, directed by Valerio Ferrara Documentary Short: Safe Place, directed by Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian Animated Short: Starling, written/directed by Mitra Shahidi Produced Digital Series: Restorage, created by Caleb Davis, E’an Verdugo, directed by E’an Verdugo The 2023 Script Competition winners were chosen from a record field of 11,500 scripts entered in the Screenplay, Digital Series, Playwriting, and Fiction Podcast Competitions. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of industry judges including, Tatiana Suarez-Pico (Hunters, Penny Dreadful, Iron Fist, Snowfall), Christina Hodson (Bumblebee, Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, The Flash), Tripper Clancy (Stuber, I Am Not Okay With This, Die Hart), & Herschel Weingrod (Trading Places, Kindergarten Cop). THE FOLLOWING SCREENPLAY AWARDS WERE SELECTED BY CATEGORY Drama Feature Screenplay Award presented by The Writers Guild of America, East - T-Minus Zero by Troy Anthony Miller and J.R Smith Drama Teleplay Pilot Award - State of the Art by Austin Elliott Drama Teleplay Spec Award - The Great: “Death Becomes Him” by Marguerite Spellman Comedy Feature Screenplay Award - A Forest Through The Trees By Ryan Ederer Comedy Teleplay Pilot Award - Arthur and Lancelot by Victoria Zeutzius Comedy Teleplay Spec Award - What We Do in the Shadows: “The Chupacabra” by Jordan Obey Scripted Digital Series Award - Psychic by Aiden Moretti Fiction Podcast Award - The Crime at Camp Ashwood by Laura Hunter Drago Short Screenplay Award - Good Evening, Marshall (Good Evening, Geraldine) by Jessica Mosher Playwriting Award - The Housing Situation on Neptune by Nijae Draine Horror Screenplay Award presented by Vertigo Entertainment - Paradise by Daniel Byers Sci-Fi Screenplay Award - ROY G. BIV by Sebastian Davis Rooster Teeth Fellowship Awards, BIPOC category - Turn the Heat Up by Helen K Thomas Rooster Teeth Fellowship Awards, Women & Animation category - Ulster by Allison Mick Enderby Entertainment Award - Black Mouth Cur by Kai Kido AMC One-Hour Pilot Award - Blind Mice by Aaron Milus Josephson Entertainment Screenwriting Fellowships - Black Waters by Kate Imy (Feature Film) and The Hellmouth by Francesco Staluppi (TV) The Austin Film Festival ran from October 26 to November 2, 2023 offering Film Festival and Writers Conference programming in-person at various venues around Austin. Next year’s Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference will be held from October 24 to 31, 2024. For more information about the Austin Film Festival and its programming, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com. ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE: Now in its thirtieth year, Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television, theater, and new media. AFF champions the work of aspiring and established storytellers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. AFF is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
It was a busy day at New York Comic Con. For a bevy of announcements were the made to the masses, regarding their favorite television shows and Apple TV+ make sure to get in on the game. For earlier at NYCC 2023, they opted to unveil some new Key Art and the trailer for season four for this beloved and acclaimed show. And well, since you’re eager to see what season four of this series is going to look like, here is that trailer, art, and updated details on season four for you to enjoy, courtesy of Apple TV+ and New York Comic Con. ‘Apple TV+ today revealed the trailer for season four of “For All Mankind,” the hit, critically acclaimed space drama series from Golden Globe nominee and Emmy Award winner Ronald D. Moore and Emmy Award nominees Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert. The 10-episode fourth season will make its highly anticipated global debut on Friday, November 10, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by one new episode weekly every Friday through January 12, 2024. Rocketing into the new millennium in the eight years since season three, Happy Valley has rapidly expanded its footprint on Mars by turning former foes into partners. Now 2003, the focus of the space program has turned to the capture and mining of extremely valuable, mineral-rich asteroids that could change the future of both Earth and Mars. But simmering tensions between the residents of the now-sprawling international base threaten to undo everything they are working towards. The ensemble cast returning for season four includes Joel Kinnaman, Wrenn Schmidt, Krys Marshall, Edi Gathegi, Cynthy Wu and Coral Peña along with new series regulars Toby Kebbell, Tyner Rushing, Daniel Stern and Svetlana Efremova. “For All Mankind” is created by Emmy Award winner Moore, and Emmy nominees Nedivi and Wolpert. Nedivi and Wolpert serve as showrunners and executive produce alongside Moore and Maril Davis of Tall Ship Productions, as well as David Weddle, Bradley Thompson and Seth Edelstein. “For All Mankind” is produced for Apple TV+ by Sony Pictures Television. Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 378 wins and 1,573 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” About Apple TV+ Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices. *Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
It really is safe to say, that convention life is back to normal. For the standard schedule for conventions around the nation is back in full swing and of course, attendance for them is growing once again. Not to mention, big announcements are still happening at these conventions, and well… those are likely the last unique events at conventions. Only because a handful of actors can speak to their upcoming works since the SAG-AFTRA strike is still on, and hopefully they get their well-deserved wages and contract terms soon. So that they can indeed stand before the crowds and talk about their incredible work, the kind that audiences are definitely excited about, especially the crowd in attendance at the New York Comic Con AMC Networks panel today. Because AMC dropped all kinds of goodies and trailers and teasers and news about their upcoming slate and well… here is a roundup of everything we learned about and should be excited about from AMC Networks in the next year. Because they have some amazing shows coming up. ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’
AMC released a bevy of news regarding one highly anticipated TWD Universe show. For we now know that the show will premiere in February 2024, and that Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, and Lesley-Ann Brandt will be joined by Pollyanna McIntosh, reprising her role as Jadis, Terry O’Quinn as Beale, Matt Jeffries as Nat, alongside a new teaser and new photos.
‘Interview with the Vampire’
We received new photos and a first-look scene from season two.
‘Orphan Black: Echoes’
We received a new teaser trailer.
‘Fear the Walking Dead’ – The Final Six Episodes
‘The Waking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’
We came to learn today that Melissa McBride will officially reprise her role as Carol in season two of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, courtesy of ‘The Book of Carol’ coda added to the title, and well, here is the official announcement regarding Melissa’s return, courtesy of AMC Networks.
'Melissa McBride is set to reprise her fan-favorite role as “Carol Peletier” as a series regular in the second season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, which was announced at New York Comic Con earlier today. McBride first played “Carol” in The Walking Dead flagship series for eleven seasons alongside Norman Reedus, who stars as “Daryl Dixon” in the spin-off series set in France. The news of McBride’s return to the Walking Dead Universe comes just ahead of the show’s Season One finale on Sunday, October 15 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+, in which she makes an appearance.The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been a ratings success on AMC+ and AMC to become the most-viewed premiere in the history of AMC+ and is pacing to be the most-viewed single series of any show ever on the platform. On AMC, Daryl is a top 15 cable drama for 2023 to date in adults 25-54, joining other AMC series The Walking Dead: Dead City, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, Fear the Walking Dead and Dark Winds in that category. Said McBride: “I’ve known there was much more to be told of Carol’s story as I felt her so unsettled when we last saw her, as she watched her best friend, Daryl, ride away. Apart or (hopefully!) together, their stories run deep, and I’m so excited to continue Carol’s journey here. This team of storytellers have done amazing work to land these two established characters in an entirely new world to them, and I’m loving the discoveries!” Currently in production on Season 2 in France and set to premiere in 2024, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon- The Book of Carol, stars Reedus, McBride, Clémence Poésy, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Laika Blanc Francard, Anne Charrier, Romain Levi andEriq Ebouaney and is executive produced by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival, Jason Richman and Steve Squillante. In The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Daryl (Reedus) washes ashore in France and struggles to piece together how he got there and why. The series tracks his journey across a broken but resilient France as he hopes to find a way back home. As he makes the journey, though, the connections he forms along the way complicate his ultimate plan. Also in the Walking Dead Universe, the second half of the eighth and final season of Fear the Walking Dead returns Sunday, October 22 at 9pm ET/8c on AMC and AMC+ and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, is set to premiere in February 2024. About AMC Networks Inc. AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and the newest addition to its targeted streaming portfolio, the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.' Written by John Edward Betancourt Fall and winter bring with them a great deal of things that we love. For instance, the chill in the air lets us enjoy warm treats that bring us joy, and… there’s beauty to be found everywhere thanks to the changing of the seasons and the leaves. Of course, if you’re a fan of pop culture and popular media and film, there’s more gifts to be found. Since fall movies releases are everywhere to be found and it is above all, festival season. Where film festivals are popping up left and right, and there are quite a few on the horizon, including a special one taking place in Austin, Texas. For November 2nd-12th, 2023 (and online November 13th-19th) the 21st Austin Jewish Film Festival will be taking place. Which is an important festival that looks to promote cultural tolerance and understanding through the wonder of Jewish Film, something that is CRITICALLY important right now, and well… they’ve curated some powerful films for this year’s lineup… which we are happy to share a sampling of with you now. So, you can garner an idea of what this festival offers and perhaps make some plans to check out some of the important stories this festival is going to tell in a few weeks, in person or online. ‘AJFF is proud to announce the schedule of films for the 21st Austin Jewish Film Festival taking place November 2 — 12, 2023. The festival will occur in person at the Dell Jewish Community Center, followed by an online section November 13 — 19. They'll be showing the latest and greatest Jewish films as well as hosting parties and Q&A events with filmmakers from around the globe. Most of the films will have their Texas or Southwest premieres at the festival, and there are at least four US premiere films this year. Check out the Sizzle Reel for 2023. Below is a sampling of the lineup. Follow us and visit our site for the latest information.’ Remembering Gene Wilder Central Texas Premiere Opening Night Film Reception, with drinks, food, and music included. Director: Ron Frank Ron Frank’s affectionate and touching biographical documentary shows us that the full measure of Wilder’s gifts is on display, not only as a comedic actor but also as a writer, director, and a mensch. Told in part through Wilder’s own voice, “Remembering Gene Wilder” is a treat to watch with its generous helpings of film clips from across Wilder’s career. Yes, there are the ever-fresh line readings (“Put…the candle…back!”) and his manic physical antics—but there are also uproarious outtakes from the set of “Young Frankenstein” and poignant home movies from his marriage to Gilda Radner. Get ready to binge-watch Wilder’s whole filmography—you’ll want to, after seeing this tender and eye-opening tribute. The Camera of Doctor Morris Southwest Premiere Directors/ Co-Writers: Itamar Alcalay, Meital Zvieli For decades, Dr. Morris filmed his family. Their lives were captured on 8mm—years of births and deaths, joys and tragedies, dramas and quiet days spent in the sun—all unfolding in the heat of the Israeli desert. Long after his death, the footage is rediscovered. Through the archives of fully lived and filmed lives, combined with recounting from Morris family members themselves, their unusual and absorbing story unfolds. We will have a live-over-Zoom Q&A with the filmmakers after the movie. My Father’s Secret Southwest Premiere Director/Co-Writer: Véra Belmont In the 60s, in Belgium, Michel and his brother Charly lived a happy childhood in their Jewish family. Their father, silent and discreet, did not reveal his past. The two brothers imagine him as a great adventurer, pirate, or treasure hunter….but what is he hiding? We'll present an AJFF interview with writer Michel Kichka after the movie 1341 Frames of Love and War Texas Premiere Director/Writer: Ran Tal, in attendance “The most horrible things are sometimes aesthetic,” says Israel’s most celebrated war photographer Micha Bar-Am. For a year and a half, the acclaimed photo-journalist Micha Bar-Am allowed director Ran Tal to enter his vast archive of negatives. Composed entirely of images that Bar-Am took over more than fifty years, 1341 FRAMES OF LOVE AND WAR reveals the enormous price that comes along with documenting atrocities and wars. 1341 FRAMES provides an intimate portrait of an artist and a meditation on memory, violence and identity. Beyond this narrative tribute, the film offers a unique cinematic, visual, and sensory experience that explores how to imbue still photography with movement on the one hand, while freezing cinematic movement to distill meaning and emotion on the other. It is a complex love letter to the power, beauty, and horror of photographic imagery. Winner of Best Director at the Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival 2023 and nominated for a 2023 Israeli Academy Award for Best Documentary. We will present an AJFF interview with director Ran Tal following the film. Barren Central Texas Premiere Director/Writer: Mordechai Vardi, in attendance Married for four years, Faigi (Mili Eshet), a young Haredi married woman, has still not gotten pregnant. She wishes her husband, Naftali (Yoav Rotman), would agree to fertility treatment, but he prefers to believe their desire for a child will be answered through prayer. After enduring, against her will, a shocking and humiliating ”treatment” for infertility, she finds herself shunned by Naftali, mistrusted by her in-laws, and questioning her role in the only culture she has ever known. Beautifully photographed and acted, this haunting film offers a deep and multifaceted look into an insular community that reveals little to the outside world. Winner of the Best Feature Film Festival du Cinéma Israélien de Paris 2023. We will present an AJFF interview with the director, Mordechai Vardi, after the movie. Less Than Kosher Southwest Premiere Director: Daniel Am Rosenberg At 20, Viv was a promising young singer. At 30, her failing music career has forced her back into her mother”s basement. But when this self-proclaimed “Bad Jew” lands ass-backwards into a job as a Cantor at her family”s synagogue, she’s thrown into a wild ride of illicit affairs, drug trips, tense family drama, self discovery, and some serious Jewish bops. Winner of the Best Film at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2023. Canadian creator/actress/singer Shaina Silver-Baird will be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. My Daughter My Love U.S. Premiere Director/Writer: Eitan Green, in attendance Shimon, a 70-year-old widower, travels to Paris to visit a childhood friend. He stays with his daughter and discovers that her marriage is falling apart. He decides to help. In the process, he finds out that he and his daughter share both dreams and desires of which they had been previously unaware. Nominated for 2023 Israeli Academy Awards for Best Actor (Sasson Gabbay), Best Supporting Actor, and Best Script. We will present an AJFF interview with director Eitan Green following the film. Vishniac Texas Premiere (FREE EVENT) Director: Laura Bialis Director Laura Bialis and producers Nancy Spielberg and Roberta Grossman take us on a journey through the various chapters in the life of photographer Roman Vishniac. He was difficult, flamboyant, and brilliant. Photographer and scientist Roman Vishniac captured iconic images of Jewish life – from the cafes of pre-war Berlin to the shtetls of Eastern Europe — all before fleeing Nazi Germany to reinvent himself in America. His daughter Mara reconstructs his dramatic life, complicated relationships, and breathtaking legacy. Tale of Four Minorities Texas Premiere Director/Writer: David Deri, in attendance In the fall of 2019, Filmmaker David Deri-Barkai began documenting four families, parents and their children – his secular gay family in Tel Aviv, a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox family in Beit Shemesh, a Muslim family in Taibeh, and a Jewish religious family in the Ofra settlement (West Bank). The pandemic that broke out a few months later, along with the lock-downs, fears, and social unrest that followed, created unprecedented family and national pressure. While for some, their belief is a source of strength, others confront doubts, and rifts are deepening—but a fascinating dialogue and surprising alliances are created. Israeli director David Deri will be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. Irena’s Vow Texas Premiere Director: Louise Archambault Warsaw, 1939: when the Nazis invade Poland, nurse Irena Gut (Sophie Nélisse) is displaced and forced to work in support of the German war effort, eventually assigned to run the home of a Nazi commandant (Dougray Scott). Instead of following the path of least resistance and gambling on her status and ethnicity to keep her safe, Gut risks everything to save a dozen Jewish refugees from persecution and murder, sheltering them under her boss’s nose. The Story of Annette Zelman Central Texas Premiere Director/Writer: Philippe Le Guay, in attendance The Romeo and Juliet of 1942. She was Jewish. He was Catholic. Annette and Jean wanted to get married, but Jean’s parents were opposed. Annette Zelman was reported to the Gestapo by her fiancé’s father with devastating consequences. Based on a true story, which is the subject of authors Heather Dune Macadam and Simon Worrall’s new non-fiction book, ”Star Crossed: A True WWII Romeo and Juliet Love Story in Hitlers Paris.” Director Philippe LeGuay is traveling from France to be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. He will be joined by author Heather Dune Macadam who wrote the new book ”Star Crossed” about the story on which the film is based. Judas Texas Premiere Director: Dan Wolman, in attendance Based on the best-selling novel by Amos Oz, which tells the story of Shmuel Ash who takes a job as companion to the elderly Gershom Wald. The two grapple about Jesus’ humanity and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the subject of Shmuel”s thesis. Things get complicated when Shmuel falls in love with Wald”s widowed daughter-in-law, Atalia. A tangle of relationships that also touches on the issues of the roots of anti-Semitism, the origins of the Jewish-Arab conflict, and the complex reality in Israel. Israeli director Dan Wolman will be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. SHTTL Southwest Premiere Director/Co-Writer: Ady Walter A filmmaker returns from Kyiv to his rural village to marry the love of his life. He is expected to marry the rabbi’s daughter, which disrupts the balance of the whole town. In one unflinching shot, this film presents a day in the life of a Jewish village before it disappears. SHTTL is the story of the inhabitants of a Yiddish Ukrainian village at the border of Poland, 24 hours before the Nazi invasion, known as Operation Barbarossa. Today, there are no such villages in existence; the production fully reconstructed a traditional “Shtetl” outside of Kyiv, which is planned to be turned into a museum. Winner of the Best Feature Film at the Berlin Jewish Film Festival 2023 and the Audience Award at the Rome Jewish Film Festival 2023. Lead actor Moshe Lobel will be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. Only in Theatres Austin Premiere Director/Writer: Raphael Sbarge, in attendance Over four generations, the Laemmles—a close-knit Jewish family—have dedicated themselves to supporting, innovating, and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign and film to the Los Angeles area for 75 years and popularizing independent films, documentary films, and their makers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated. We'll present an AJFF interview with film subject Greg Laemmles and director Raphael Sbarge after the movie. No Name Restaurant
Southwest Premiere Closing Night Film with Reception, drinks, food, and live entertainment included. Co-Directors/Co-Writers: Stefan Sarazin, Peter Keller Two men, three religions, one camel, and a mission: An unorthodox comedy. Alexandria, Egypt. To save the once largest Jewish community in the world from being shut down, Ben, an ultra orthodox Brooklyn Jew, is sent out to be the desperately needed tenth man for the ceremonies of Pesach. Having missed his plane and been kicked off the bus in the Sinai desert, his last hope is Adel, a grumpy Bedouin looking for his camel. When their car breaks down, it becomes a matter of their very survival. Lead actor Luzer Twersky will be at the festival to present the film and conduct a Q&A. Written by John Edward Betancourt Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist. One of the most exciting aspects of hitting the home stretch in our wait to attend a film or television festival… is the sheer excitement that hangs over the fact, it is near, and that we will be treated to something quite special. Because at last, our creativity and imagination will be fed and fed well, through programming that we either lose ourselves within or are in awe of when it comes to the masterful story presented to us and we simply need that, and we cannot wait to experience it. But of course, for that excitement to reach its peak, there’s one other key element we require. Specifically… we need the complete schedule, to properly plan for the feast ahead and well… that latter element is precisely why anyone planning to attend the Austin Film Festival is as excited as can be. For earlier today, the AFF released its complete schedule and now, attendees can prepare for every single moment of the festival and the incredible stories this festival provides. And well, since you’re undoubtedly ready to feel that same excitement and make your own plans for the festival ahead… here is that schedule and all the details on the films that will await us, when we assemble in Austin to enjoy this incredible celebration of creativity in a month’s time. AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS FULL SCHEDULE FOR ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL AND WRITERS CONFERENCE PROGRAM INCLUDES JEFF NICHOLS’ THE BIKERIDERS, JACK HUSTON’S DAY OF THE FIGHT, CORD JEFFERSON RECEIVING THE WRITER’S WRITER AWARD, AND MUCH MORE Austin Film Festival (AFF), the premier film festival recognizing writer’s and filmmaker’s contributions to film, television, and new media, supports creatives at all levels, including its support for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in their ongoing strike efforts. For 30 years, AFF has been a platform for open discussion, a place where the screenwriting community comes together to pass on experience, craft, and the writers’ journey from script to screen. Today AFF announced its entire slate of programming for the 30th Anniversary Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference, happening October 26 – November 2, 2023. Highlights from the program include a screening of Jeff Nichols' acclaimed new film The Bikeriders. The film tells the story of the rise of a Midwestern motorcycle club, and stars Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy. Nichols (Mud, Midnight Special) will be in attendance and will be taking part in a live Q&A after the screening. The Closing Night film will be Jack Huston’s Day of the Fight, which stars Michael C. Pitt, Nicolette Robinson, John Magaro, Anatol Yusef, Steve Buscemi with Ron Perlman and Joe Pesci. Huston’s directorial debut is a redemptive journey through past and present of a once celebrated boxer on the day of his first fight since leaving prison. Huston will be present for a Q&A following the screening. The film program for the 30th Festival includes the world premieres of the drama Re: Uniting, the uplifting Texas film ImPossible, and The Problem with People, written by and starring Paul Reiser, who will be in attendance and speak at the Writers Conference. AFF is proud to program two films whose scripts placed in the second round or above in previous AFF Screenplay Competitions, Don’t Tell Larry and Last Straw. AFF will be hosting a costumed retrospective of Iron Man 3 with writer/director Shane Black leading a discussion on the film’s creation post screening. Other films scheduled include The Promised Land, Sunlight, Studio One Forever, a screening of the pilot episode of the upcoming Paramount+ original series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, executive produced by Oscar® nominee Taylor Sheridan, Chad Feehan, who also created the show for television, and series lead David Oyelowo. Austin Film Festival is also celebrating the launch of its new Writer’s Writer award, a natural addition to AFF’s other accolades, which honor both established storytellers with accomplished bodies of work, and emerging storytellers with an impressive new voice. Austin Film Festival is thrilled to present Cord Jefferson with the inaugural Writer's Writer award. An Emmy-winning writer who worked on visionary shows including Watchmen, Succession, The Good Place, and Master of None, Cord’s remarkable foray into features with new film American Fiction has cemented him as a singular talent of 2023. Austin Film Festival also revealed today the full Writers Conference schedule, which will take place the first four days of the Festival, October 26-29. Also scheduled to appear at this year’s Conference are Dan Erickson, Tracy Oliver, Damon Lindelof, Lauren Shuler Donner, Lee Eisenberg, Celine Song, Karyn Kusama, Charmaine DeGraté, Nicole Perlman, Meg LeFauve, Joanna Calo, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski. Find out more about AFF’s 2023 feature slate below or see the entire schedule for the Festival and Writers Conference online at www.austinfilmfestival.com. Marquee Features: Saltburn - USA/UK OPENING NIGHT SELECTION Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell In Attendance: Emerald Fennell The Trap - UK CENTERPIECE SELECTION/WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Lena Headey In Attendance: Lena Headey Day of the Fight - USA CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION Writer/Director: Jack Huston In Attendance: Jack Huston The Bikeriders - USA Writer/Director: Jeff Nichols In Attendance: Jeff Nichols American Fiction - USA Writer/Director: Cord Jefferson In Attendance: Cord Jefferson Problem With People – USA/Ireland WORLD PREMIERE Writers: Paul Reiser, Wally Marzano-Lesnevich Director: Chris Cottam In Attendance: Paul Reiser, Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, & Chris Cottam The Holdovers - USA Writer: David Hemingson Director: Alexander Payne All of Us Strangers - UK Writer/Director: Andrew Haigh Finestkind - USA Writer/Director: Brian Helgeland In Attendance: Brian Helgeland Not an Artist – USA WORLD PREMIERE Writers: Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher, Matt Walsh Directors: Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher Smoking Tigers - USA Writer/Director: So Young Shelly Yo In Attendance: So Young Shelly Yo Bucky F*cking Dent – USA Writer/Director: David Duchovny Chestnut - USA Writer/Director: Jac Cron Fingernails - USA Writer/Director: Christos Nikou Last Straw - USA Writer: Taylor Sardoni Director: Alan Scott Neal Lawmen: Bass Reeves - USA Writer/Creator: Chad Feehan Director: Christina Alexandra Voros The Promised Land – Denmark Writer: Nikolaj Arcel, Anders Thomas Jensen Director: Nikolaj Arcel Monster – Japan Writer: Yûji Sakamoto Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu Robot Dreams – Spain Writer/Director: Pablo Berger Scab Vendor - USA Directors: Lucas de Barros, Mariana Robles Thome The Disappearance of Shere Hite – USA Director: Nicole Newnham Narrative Features Grapefruit - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Chase Joliet Autumn - Portugal WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: António Sequeira Bolt from the Blue - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Jack Martin Christmess - Australia WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Heath Davis Invaders from Proxima B – USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Ward Roberts The Highest Brasil - Ireland WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Jeremy Curl Re: Uniting – Canada WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Laura Adkin Midnight at the Paradise - Canada Writer: Bill Robertson Director: Vanessa Matsui Secret Art of Human Flight - USA Writer: Jesse Orenshein Director: H.P. Mendoza Summer of Violence - USA Writer/Director: Nicki Micheaux Sunlight - Ireland Writer: Ailbhe Keogan Director: Claire Dix The Battle - Brazil Writer/Director: Vera Egito Documentary Features: Born To Fly – Sweden NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Director: Brennan Robideaux Studio One Forever - USA Director: Marc Saltarelli The Philadelphia Eleven - USA Director: Margo Guernsey This Is Not Financial Advice - USA Directors: Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci First We Bombed New Mexico - USA Writer: Joel Marcus Director: Lois Lipman Home Is A Hotel - USA Director: Kevin Wong Susan Feniger. FORKED – USA Director: Liz Lachman Aitamaako'tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun - Canada Director: Banchi Hanuse Dark Matters: Wild Eyed and Wicked - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Gordon Shoemaker Foxwood Inhabitants – USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Matt McClung The Veil - USA Writer/Director: Cameron Beyl Jonah - Canada Writers: Trevor Vandelac, Ben Van Kleek Director: Ben Van Kleek Unfinished Business from Beyond – Mexico NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Writer: Eduardo Espindola Director: Ian Martin Cannibal Mukbang - USA Writer/Director: Aimee Kuge Comedy Vanguard: Don't Tell Larry - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writers/ Directors: Greg Porper, John Schimke For When You Get Lost - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer: Jennifer Sorenson Director: Michelle Steffes Soweto Blaze - South Africa WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Brad Katzen Egghead & Twinkie - USA Writer/Director: Sarah Kambe Holland Villains Inc. - USA Writers: Matt Moen, Jason Gray, Jeremy Warner Director: Jeremy Warner Sour Party - USA Writers/Directors: Amanda Drexton, Michael A. Drexton All the Wrong Ingredients – USA Writer/Director: Nicholas Livanos Texas Features: I'll Be There - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer: Cindy McCreery Director: Andrew Shea The Stars At Night - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writer/Director: Elizabeth Buckley ImPossible - USA WORLD PREMIERE Writers: Brandon Lewis, Seckita Lewis Director: Seckita Lewis Home Free - USA Writer: Lenny Barszap Director: Aaron Brown ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE Entering its thirtieth year, Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television, theater, and new media. AFF champions the work of aspiring and established storytellers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. This project is supported in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The 30th Annual Austin Film Festival will take place October 26 – November 2, 2023. All attendees and events are based on permitting schedules and are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Badges and passes are available for purchase online at www.austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 1-800-310-FEST. Austin Film Festival is supported by the following sponsors: Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Writers Guild of America, East, Writers Guild of America, West, John Paul & Eloise DeJoria, Texas Association of Film Commissions, Bogle Family Vineyards, Too Far Media, and University of Texas Department of Radio-Television-Film. Written by John Edward Betancourt This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being covered here wouldn’t exist. As we continue to inch closer to this year’s Austin Film Festival, our excitement for the festival only continues to grow. After all, we now have the first wave of screenings in hand, and we are all pouring over them and are eager to deeply examine the incredible films this festival is going to be host to. Because everyone knows that the AFF only brings the best to the table and that makes this wait akin to Christmas Eve in many ways and well… our long sleepless night to open the presents the AFF is offering, became far more unbearable earlier today. For the Austin Film Festival more or less jingled sleigh bells in the dead of night, by announcing, it’s second wave of screenings. Which gives us more to pour over and savor and eagerly await, and today’s announcement also made it known, that another important contributor to the industry will be celebrated, since Damon Lindelof will be honored this year for his work in film and television. And well, since you’re eager to learn more about what honor Damon will receive and what movies are in the second wave of screenings, here is all of that information… courtesy of the Austin Film Festival. AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS SECOND WAVE OF SCREENINGS, PLUS ANNOUNCES DAMON LINDELOF TO RECEIVE OUTSTANDING TELEVISION WRITER AWARD Second Wave of films include the world premieres of Wild Eyed And Wicked and Christmess, plus screenings of The Holdovers, All of Us Strangers, and Fingernails. ‘Austin Film Festival (AFF), the premier film festival recognizing writer’s and filmmaker’s contributions to film, television, and new media, supports creatives at all levels, including its support for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in their ongoing strike efforts. For 30 years, AFF has been a platform for open discussion, a place where the screenwriting community comes together to pass on experience, craft, and the writers’ journey from script to screen. Today AFF announced its second wave of screenings to be included in their 2023 film slate, taking place Thursday, October 26 – Thursday, November 2. AFF announced today Emmy Award-winner Damon Lindelof will be honored with the Outstanding Television Writer Award at the 30th Anniversary Festival. AFF is recognizing Lindelof for his acclaimed body of work. In 2004, he partnered with J.J. Abrams to create Lost. Lindelof then worked as a writer and producer on Star Trek, Prometheus, World War Z and Tomorrowland. Returning to TV, Lindelof spent three seasons showrunning HBO’s critically-acclaimed The Leftovers and the award-winning HBO limited series Watchmen. Austin Film Festival is also welcoming a wide slate of films including Alexander Payne’s newest comedy film The Holdovers, Andrew Haigh’s highly acclaimed romantic drama All of Us Strangers, and retro-futuristic romantic film Fingernails by Christos Nikou. In addition, AFF will be world premiering Gordon Shoemaker Foxwood’s fantasy-horror Wild Eyed and Wicked, the Australian comedy Christmess, and the North American premiere of the delightfully amusing ghost story Unfinished Business from Beyond from Mexico. AFF will also be hosting the superhero parody Villains Inc. starring Colin Mochrie and Jeff Bryan Davis of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the documentary First We Bombed New Mexico, which traces the radiation effects of the Oppenheimer-Trinity test on residents in New Mexico. AFF SECOND WAVE: THE HOLDOVERS (USA) - Focus Features Written by: David Hemingson Directed by: Alexander Payne Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa Synopsis: From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, The Holdovers follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during the holiday break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). ALL OF US STRANGERS (UK) - Searchlight Pictures Written/Directed by: Andrew Haigh Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy Synopsis: One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor Harry, which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam is preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the suburban town where he grew up, and the childhood home where his parents, appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. FINGERNAILS (USA) - Apple Original Films Written/Directed by: Christos Nikou Cast: Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Luke Wilson, Annie Murphy Synopsis: Anna and Ryan have found true love. It’s been proven by a controversial new technology. There’s just one problem: Anna still isn’t sure. Then she takes a position at a love testing institute and meets Amir. WILD EYED AND WICKED (USA) Written/Directed by: Gordon Shoemaker Foxwood Synopsis: Lily Pierce is sick of being haunted. She decides to reconnect with her estranged father, a disgraced history professor, and learn how to draw upon a time of steel and blade when armor-clad knights rode out and dueled their monsters to the death. World Premiere CHRISTMESS (Australia) Written/Directed by: Heath Davis Synopsis: Fresh out of rehab, a washed-up actor - Chris Flint (Steve Le Marquand) - takes a job as a suburban strip mall Santa Claus where he encounters his long-estranged daughter. With the support of his kind and caring sponsor - Nick (Darren Gilshenan) - and a young, sharp tongued, musician in recovery named Joy (Hannah Joy of indie rock darlings Middle Kids) Chris sets about staying sober in order to win his daughter’s forgiveness for Christmas. World Premiere UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM BEYOND (Mexico) Written by: Eduardo Espindola Directed by: Ian Martin Synopsis: In a haunted apartment building, a once-successful investigator has to reunite with his daughter to solve a paranormal mystery and regain his credibility as a writer and a parent. All this, while they try to escape from the terrible creature that haunts the place, killing the tenants one by one... North American Premiere SOUR PARTY (USA) Written/Directed by: Amanda Drexton, Michael A. Drexton Synopsis: Sour Party follows Gwen and James, two broke 30-something Angelenos, on a quest to scrounge money from a collection of low lives and failed artists in order to show up at Gwen’s sister’s baby shower with a proper gift…from the registry. VILLAINS INC (USA) Written/Directed by: Jeremy Warner Synopsis: After the death of their villainous boss, low-level hench people Beatrix, Cain, and Harold are left destitute living in an abandoned grocery store. Not content with the situation they find themselves in, Beatrix is determined for them to strike out on their own and take over the world by any means necessary. FIRST WE BOMBED NEW MEXICO (USA) Directed by: Lois Lipman Synopsis: A formidable Hispanic cancer survivor bangs on the corridors of power to fight for compensation and an apology for Native and Hispanic communities in New Mexico whose land and water was radiated by the Trinity Bomb... The story that Oppenheimer leaves out. ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE Entering its thirtieth year, Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television, theater, and new media. AFF champions the work of aspiring and established storytellers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. This project is supported in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The 30th Annual Austin Film Festival will take place October 26 – November 2, 2023. All attendees and events are based on permitting schedules and are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Badges and passes are available for purchase online at www.austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 1-800-310-FEST. Austin Film Festival is supported by the following sponsors: Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Writers Guild of America, East, Writers Guild of America, West, John Paul & Eloise DeJoria, Texas Association of Film Commissions, Bogle Family Vineyards, Too Far Media, and University of Texas Department of Radio-Television-Film ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING TELEVISION WRITER AWARD Introduced in 2000, the Outstanding Television Writer Award highlights the artistic achievements and contributions of television creators and their importance in shaping the landscape of serialized storytelling. Past award recipients include David Chase (2000), Marta Kauffman (2016), Norman Lear (2015), Keenen Ivory Wayans (2017), and Stephen Merchant (2022). ABOUT THE WRITERS’ WRITERS AWARD The new Writer’s Writer Award will be given to a singular talent already recognized within the industry and by their peers, whose latest project has illustrated their versatility across mediums, elevated the trajectory of their career, and propelled them forward to join a new class of storyteller.’ |
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