Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett in a scene from ‘Carol.’
Rooney Mara’s Carol co-star Cate Blanchett will present Mara with the Cinema Vanguard Award at the 2016 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The Cinema Vanguard Award is bestowed upon actors “who have forged their own path – taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film.” Previous winners include Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Amy Adams, Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, Nicole Kidman, Christoph Waltz, Vera Farmiga, Stanley Tucci, Peter Sarsgaard, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Ryan Gosling.
“From her scene-stealing turn in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to her outstanding performance in his year’s Carol, Rooney has repeatedly showcased her talents as one of the most gifted actors of her generation,” said Festival Director Roger Durling. “I truly admire the enigmatic and complex nature of her performances. She’s an adept, beguiling actor, and we are proud to present her with this year’s Cinema Vanguard Award.”
Mara’s additional credits include The Social Network, Side Effects, and Pan.
Also set to receive awards at next year’s SBIFF are Black Mass star Johnny Depp with its Maltin Modern Master Award, Room‘s Brie Larson and Brooklyn‘s Saoirse Ronan with the Outstanding Performers Of The Year Award, and Spotlight‘s Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams as an ensemble with its American Riviera Award. Elizabeth Banks, Joel Edgerton, Paul Dano, and Jacob Tremblay will be honored with Virtuoso Awards and Youth‘s Jane Fonda will pick up the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film.
Abby Ryder Fortson, Mark Duplass, and Melanie Lynskey in ‘Togetherness’ (Photo by Melissa Moseley)
HBO’s just unveiled the first teaser trailer for season two of the comedy series Togetherness. The new season will debut on February 21, 2016 with Mark Duplass, Melanie Lynskey, Steve Zissis, and Amanda Peet back in starring roles. The series is written and directed by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass who also serve as executive producers.
The Plot:
Brett (Mark Duplass) and Michelle (Lynskey) are a married couple in their mid-late 30s struggling to adapt their relationship to the pressures of parenthood. Brett’s best friend is Alex (Zissis), an overweight, out-of-work actor debating if he still has a shot at being successful. Alex connects with Michelle’s sister, Tina (Peet), a free spirit grappling with being single and getting older. Each adult fights to sustain his or her own passion without skirting responsibility. As the two couples find themselves living under one roof, ‘Togetherness’ explores the significance behind every day moments.
Ted Danson and Patrick Wilson in ‘Fargo’ (Photo by Chris Large / FX)
If someone asks you for your definition of perfection, simply reply, “Fargo, season 2,” and then drop the mic. Boom! Nailed it. Just when you think FX’s Fargo can’t possibly get any better, up pops episode nine to prove just how very, very wrong you are. Fargo season two is one of the most intelligently written shows on TV and episode nine was shocking, violent, and gloriously brilliant. After the dust settled and the body count was tallied, many of the season’s key players uttered their last lines in what was easily one of the best episodes of television in recent history.
Recap of Fargo Season 2 Episode 9:
So, episode nine starts off completely different than episodes one through eight, with a narrator reading from a history book on Luverne, focusing on the Massacre at Sioux Falls. In order to understand the events of 1979, the narrator tells us it’s necessary to understand Peggy (Kirsten Dunst) and Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons) who were just 29 at the time…
The Rushmore Grocery Store clerk spots Hanzee (Zahn McClarnon) in the woods with a gun and immediately starts dialing the police but he’s a few seconds too late. Hanzee shoots him through the head before he finishes dialing. Grabbing some glue and Hydrogen Peroxide, Hanzee seals the knife wound inflicted by Peggy. Oh, and here he is again; the narrator isn’t through with us yet as he tells the audience we don’t know much about Hanzee other than that he was a Gerhardt man until Dodd pushed him too far. Hanzee steals the store clerk’s car and peels out.
Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), Hank Larsson (Ted Danson), Chief Gibson (Terry Kinney), Captain Jeb Cheney (Wayne Duvall), Ben Schmidt (Keir O’Donnell), and assorted officers don’t think either Peggy or Ed look like they’re worth all the fuss, and Ed tries to explain why Dodd Gerhardt (Jeffrey Donovan) is dead on the floor of the cabin. He says he was going to trade Dodd back to the Gerhardts, and Lou reminds everyone that Hanzee is out there and could be calling in the Gerhardt men to take out Peggy and Ed.
Just then Peggy reveals she stabbed Hanzee in the back with the scissors. And then Ed discloses that his plan worked: he made a deal for Dodd with the Kansas City mob. Ed lets the officers know he’s supposed to have a meeting with Mike Milligan (Bokeem Woodbine) at 8am in Sioux Falls to give him Dodd. Lou wants them in custody now, but Cheney wants the officers to step outside to chat about that. Apparently, their station is corrupt and the Kansas City people are paying off the local cops. So, one option is to wire Ed and get Milligan on tape, and Hank agrees Peggy and Ed are actually doing a better job of bringing down the Gerhardts and KC mob than the cops.
The cops head back inside and Lou tells Ed and Peggy to demand they are taken into custody because he feels responsible for them. That doesn’t sit well with the local cops who kick Lou out but not before he warns Ed and Peggy they’ve been lucky but that can’t continue. Hank opts to stick around and Lou leaves, telling Hank he thinks the whole thing is out of control.
Captain Cheney lays out the plan and Ed and Peggy agree to the wire in exchange for pleading out on lesser charges. Ed agrees if they can get it in writing.
And now we’re back to the faithful narrator with the intriguing voice telling us a different sort of betrayal is happening at the South Dakota/Minnesota crossroads. Mike, who should be dead after his boss sent people to kill him, is on the phone with that same boss working out a new plan.
At the Solversons’ house, Betsy doesn’t seem to be feeling well and has a hard time even using a can opener. Her color is awful and she moves slowly around the kitchen. Molly heads downstairs to show her mom her drawing and finds her sprawled on the floor next to a broken glass. Lou calls home from the grocery store parking lot and the phone just rings and rings. As he hangs up the pay phone, he sees the bullet hole in the store’s window and finds the clerk Hanzee shot, dead behind the counter. Lou checks out the bathroom but Hanzee’s already taken off, and only his wound cleaning supplies remain. Outside, Lou knows Hanzee took a car and he passes that info on to the local cop who pulls up. The cop doesn’t really care about the whereabouts of Hanzee or the dead clerk, he’s there to escort Lou out of town.
Hank’s in the back of Schmidt’s car when Lou radios them that Hanzee is in a red El Dorado. Hank lets Lou know they’re headed to the Motor Motel for the meetup and Lou warns him to watch himself because he feels this isn’t over. The local cops don’t give any weight to Lou’s warning.
The cops ditch their squad cars behind the Motor Motel and bring Ed and Peggy into a motel room, all while Hanzee watches from his perch across the street with his gun aimed at the group. Captain Cheney doesn’t really want Hank’s help either, but he can’t kick him off the case.
Meanwhile back at the Gerhardt house, Bear tells his mom Simone left and hasn’t returned. Ricky from Buffalo says Hanzee’s on the phone and has found Dodd. Hanzee tells Floyd Dodd is still alive and as he’s about to say who has him the faithful narrator cuts in to say that Hanzee’s next words are a matter of debate among historians. No one knows when he decided to betray the Gerhardts. Sure it’s known he executed Dodd, but when did he decide to finish the job? Was it at the redneck bar or back at the Gerhardt house? It could have even been inside of him since he was a kid.
Anyway…Hanzee tells Floyd Mike Milligan and the Kansas City mob have Dodd and that they’re all holding up at a motel in Sioux Falls. Floyd says she’ll be there in a few hours, but he tells her to send Bear and a dozen men and they’ll bring Dodd home. But, Floyd wants to handle this herself.
The local cops settle in and prepare for undercover work that night. Ben’s in the same hotel room as Ed and Peggy, and Ed wants to know if they’re really doing the right thing. Ben doesn’t answer. While Ben’s busy eating chips and watching TV, Peggy whispers to Ed that maybe they can just slip out later while Ben’s sleeping. Ben notices them huddled together and threatens to separate them. Peggy makes small talk and flirts.
Lou’s successfully escorted out of town and pulls over to a phone booth to make a call. He’s distracted by a radio call alerting him they found Constance, Peggy’s boss, dead in a hotel room. Instead of heading into Minnesota, Lou turns around and heads back into South Dakota.
Lou examines the hotel room where Constance was found dead but doesn’t seem to pick up any clues.
At the Motor Motel, Hank steps out to get some air and to check on Ed, Peggy, and Ben. They’re doing fine but Hank wants to explain their rights one more time, however, Ben stops him. He’s in charge, Hank’s not, and that’s that. The rest of the cops sit around in white T-shirts (they’re all supposed to be undercover and white T-shirts is their uniform of choice) discussing the plan for Ed’s meeting with Mike Milligan. The captain tells them to go radio silent. (And you know that will come back to bite them in the butt.)
Late at night, the Gerhardts roll into town, and Lou spies them driving by. Floyd sees him, and Lou races to his squad car. Back at the Motor Motel, some of the cops are sound asleep but Peggy’s awake. The radios are off so no one hears Lou’s warning that the Gerhardts are coming. (Where is the narrator with his reassuring voice when you need him?)
Lou races to the motel. Bear instructs his mom to stay in the truck when they reach the motel. Floyd says she misses them all and Bear says they’ll be together again.
Jean Smart, Angus Sampson, and Zahn McClarnon in ‘Fargo’ season 2 (Photo by Chris Large / FX)
Four officers are playing poker and drinking beer in one of the rooms while one lone cop sits outside on guard duty. Hanzee, Bear, and the Gerhardt gang pull up in five vehicles. Well armed, Hanzee tells them which room is Dodd’s knowing full well Dodd isn’t there. He says Milligan is on the second floor and points out which rooms the Kansas City mob are also in. Of course, we know it’s all a lie and there are officers in each of those rooms.
Bear wants Hanzee to stay at the truck with Floyd while the rest of the men walk up to the motel. The men approach the motel, guns drawn, and see the one cop sound asleep outside. He’s not wearing a uniform so they think he’s with the KC mob. They kill him quickly without using a gun. Hank wakes up at just that moment as the whole Gerhardt crew arrive at the motel room doors.
They stage outside each room and Peggy sees their shadow on the curtains. Bear gives the signal and they crash through the doors, killing cops in room after room – all except for Hank who was awake and armed himself. Bear looks for Dodd but doesn’t find him in the room Hanzee pointed out. Ben takes out two of the men while Ed and Peggy hide in the bathroom. Peggy knocks Ben out when the shooting in the room is over. Hank kills a few of the Gerhardt men and one of the men yells, “They’re cops!”
Back at the vehicles, Floyd turns to Hanzee, realizing they’ve been double-crossed. Hanzee stabs her and she sinks to the ground as Bear and the men continue their shootout. Bear glances over where their cars are parked and sees his mom dead on the ground with Hanzee approaching the motel. Bear screams and Lou, who just arrived, shoots him in the head behind the ear. Bear looks at Lou and then comes charging. Lou keeps shooting but Bear keeps coming. He’s banging Lou’s head on the ground when Hanzee just opens fire on the remaining Gerhardt men and the cops. Bear is strangling Lou when Hanzee makes it up the motel stairs to the second floor and exchanges gunfire with Hank, shooting him in the stomach.
As the gun battle is dying down the narrator finally returns to say, “Then as he killed both friend and foe alike, it became clear that Hanzee was on a mission to find the beautician and her butcher’s assistant husband and silence them once and for all.” Why Hanzee was determined to do this has puzzled historians. A bullet comes through the door as Hanzee approaches the room where Peggy and Ed are holed up.
Meanwhile, Bear is getting close to killing Lou when an alien spaceship appears overhead and its lights light up the parking lot and motel. The spaceship lowers itself and puts spotlights on Bear and Lou as well as dead bodies in the parking lot. Bear is so distracted by the light that Lou is able to reach his gun and shoot him straight up through the head. After killing Bear, Lou continues to look up into the alien spaceship’s lights.
On the second floor, Hanzee has moved toward the railing and is also fascinated/distracted by the spaceship. Peggy and Ed emerge from the room, and Peggy throws hot liquid in his face. Ed follows that with a punch to the face, knocking Hanzee down. Ed stops to stare at the spaceship as they’re fleeing and Peggy says, “It’s just a flying saucer. We’ve got to go.”
Lou gets up but is disoriented. Hanzee comes to and fires at Peggy and Ed as they escape. The ship flies off and now it’s Hanzee and Lou who are locked in a gun battle. Hanzee runs after Ed and Peggy and Lou’s about to chase after him when he hears Hank yell, “Officer down.” He lets Hanzee leave and helps Hank who isn’t doing well at all. His wound looks horrible.
Just then, the remaining Kitchen brother and Mike Milligan show up at the motel, only to see Floyd and other dead Gerhardt men everywhere. A siren is coming closer so they get back in their car and drive off.
Hank wants to know where Ed and Peggy are and Lou tells him they’re on the run with Hanzee after them. Hank tells him to go and Lou reluctantly does as more squad cars pull into the parking lot.
The 47th NAACP Image Awards nominees have been announced with ABC topping the list in the television categories, Columbia Records leading the pack in the recording categories, and Warner Bros sitting at the top of the movie categories. Winners will be revealed during the 2016 NAACP Image Awards to be held on February 5th and broadcast live on TV One.
The NAACP Image Awards were established to celebrate the “accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.”
“The Image Awards celebrates individuals who model principles of hard work, perseverance, and community empowerment and with the announcement of this year’s nominees the NAACP continues to spotlight the achievements of those in our community,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “We have enjoyed a great collaboration with TV One and look forward to working with them again this year to create a memorable evening of entertainment.”
“The NAACP Image Awards has become more than just a ceremony, but an institution for artists and social justice warriors of color to be recognized and celebrated,” stated Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO, NAACP. “As the Image Awards continues to grow and evolve, the principles of social justice will remain at its core.”
47th NAACP Image Awards Nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Michael B. Jordan
• Misty Copeland
• Pharrell Williams
• Shonda Rhimes
• Viola Davis
TELEVISION
Outstanding Comedy Series
• “black-ish” (ABC)
• “House of Lies” (Showtime)
• “Key & Peele” (Comedy Central)
• “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
• “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• Andre Braugher – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (FOX)
• Anthony Anderson – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Don Cheadle – “House of Lies” (Showtime)
• Dwayne Johnson – “Ballers” (HBO)
• RonReaco Lee – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
• Gina Rodriguez – “Jane The Virgin” (The CW)
• Loretta Devine – “The Carmichael Show” (NBC)
• Tracee Ellis Ross – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Uzo Aduba – “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
• Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (BET)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
• David Alan Grier – “The Carmichael Show” (NBC)
• Laurence Fishburne – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Mike Epps – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
• Miles Brown – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Terry Crews – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
• Anna Deavere Smith – “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
• Danielle Brooks – “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
• Laverne Cox – “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
• Marsai Martin – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Tichina Arnold – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
Outstanding Drama Series
• “Being Mary Jane” (BET)
• “Empire” (FOX)
• “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)
• “Power” (Starz)
• “Scandal” (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
• LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
• Morris Chestnut – “Rosewood” (FOX)
• Omari Hardwick – “Power” (Starz)
• Terrence Howard – “Empire” (FOX)
• Wesley Snipes – “The Player” (NBC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
• Gabrielle Union – “Being Mary Jane” (BET)
• Kerry Washington – “Scandal” (ABC)
• Nicole Beharie – “Sleepy Hollow” (FOX)
• Taraji P. Henson – “Empire” (FOX)
• Viola Davis – “How to Get Away With Murder” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Alfred Enoch – “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)
• Bryshere Y. Gray – “Empire” (FOX)
• Guillermo Diaz – “Scandal” (ABC)
• Joe Morton – “Scandal” (ABC)
• Jussie Smollett – “Empire” (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Cicely Tyson – “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)
• Danai Gurira – “The Walking Dead” (AMC)
• Grace Gealey – “Empire” (FOX)
• Naturi Naughton – “Power” (Starz)
• Regina King – “American Crime” (ABC)
Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• “American Crime” (ABC)
• “Bessie” (HBO)
• “Luther” (BBC America)
• “The Book of Negroes” (BET)
• “The Wiz Live!” (NBC)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Cuba Gooding, Jr. – “The Book of Negroes” (BET)
• David Alan Grier – “The Wiz Live!” (NBC)
• David Oyelowo – “Nightingale” (HBO)
• Idris Elba – “Luther” (BBC America)
• Michael Kenneth Williams – “Bessie” (HBO)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Angela Bassett – “American Horror Story: Hotel” (FX Networks)
• Aunjanue Ellis – “The Book of Negroes” (BET)
• Jill Scott – “With this Ring” (Lifetime)
• LaTonya Richardson Jackson – “Show Me a Hero” (HBO)
• Queen Latifah – “Bessie” (HBO)
Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)
• “Katrina: 10 Years After the Storm” (ABC)
• “News One Now” (TV One)
• “Oprah Prime: Celebrating Dr. King and the Selma Marches 50 Years Later” (OWN)
• “Oprah: Where Are They Now?- Civil Rights Special” (OWN)
• “Unsung” (TV One)
Outstanding Talk Series
• “Melissa Harris-Perry” (MSNBC)
• “Steve Harvey” (Syndicated)
• “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
• “The Talk” (CBS)
• “The Wendy Williams Show” (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series
• “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)
• “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
• “Shark Tank” (ABC)
• “The Voice” (NBC)
• “Welcome to Sweetie Pies” (OWN)
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
• “Black Girls Rock!” (BET)
• “Family Feud” (Syndicated)
• “Oprahs Master Class” (OWN)
• “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
• “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Mini-series)
• Hudson Yang – “Fresh Off The Boat” (ABC)
• Marcus Scribner – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Marsai Martin – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Miles Brown – “black-ish” (ABC)
• Skai Jackson – “Jessie” (Disney Channel)
Outstanding Host in a News, Talk, Reality, or Variety (Series or Special)
• “Family Feud” – Steve Harvey (Syndicated)
• “Melissa Harris-Perry” – Melissa Harris-Perry (MSNBC)
• “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel ” – Bryant Gumbel (HBO)
• “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” – Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
• “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” – Larry Wilmore (Comedy Central)
RECORDING
Outstanding New Artist
• Andra Day (Warner Bros. Records)
• Judith Hill (NPG Records)
• Jussie Smollett (Columbia Records)
• The Weeknd (Republic Records)
• Yazz (Columbia Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
• Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
• Kendrick Lamar (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope)
• Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records/iamOTHER)
• The Weeknd (Republic Records)
• Tyrese Gibson (Voltron Recordz)
Outstanding Female Artist
• Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• Jazmine Sullivan (RCA Records)
• Jill Scott (Atlantic Records)
• Lalah Hathaway (Hathaway Entertainment/Entertainment One)
• Lauryn Hill (RCA Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
• “Conqueror” – Empire Cast feat. Estelle & Jussie Smollett (Columbia Records)
• “Hamilton: An American Musical” – Original Broadway Cast (Atlantic Records)
• “No Sleeep” – Janet Jackson feat. J. Cole (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• “One Man Can Change The World” – Big Sean feat. Kanye West and John Legend (G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Recordings)
• “Sound & Color” – Alabama Shakes (ATO Records)
Outstanding Jazz Album
• “BrotherLEE Love: Celebrating Lee Morgan” – Terell Stafford Quintet (Capri Records)
• “Dee Dee’s Feathers” – Dee Dee Bridgewater, Irvin Mayfield, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (Okeh)
• “Miles Davis at Newport 1955-1975: The Bootleg Series Vol. 4” – Miles Davis (Columbia/Legacy Recordings)
• “The Complete Concert By The Sea” – Erroll Garner (Legacy Recordings/Octave Music Publishing Corporation)
• The Epic” – Kamasi Washington (Brainfeeder)
Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)
• “A Different Place” – Kim Burrell (Shanachie Entertainment)
• “It’s Personal” – Tina Campbell (Gee Tree Creative)
• “Losing My Religion” – Kirk Franklin (RCA Inspiration)
• “The Gospel According To Jazz – Chapter IV” – Kirk Whalum (Mack Avenue Records, Rendezvous, Top Drawer Records)
• “You Shall Live” – Marvin Sapp (RCA Inspiration)
Outstanding Music Video
• “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd (Republic Records)
• “Freedom” – Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records/iamOTHER)
• “No Sleeep” – Janet Jackson feat. J. Cole (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• “Shame” – Tyrese Gibson (Voltron Recordz)
• “Sound & Color” – Alabama Shakes (ATO Records)
Outstanding Song – Traditional
• “Back Together” – Jill Scott (Atlantic Records)
• “Everytime I’m With You” – Seal (Reprise Records)
• “Feeling Good” – Lauryn Hill (RCA Records)
• “Goodnight Kisses” – Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
• “Let It Burn” – Jazmine Sullivan (RCA Records)
Outstanding Album
• “Beauty Behind the Madness” – The Weeknd (Republic Records)
• “Empire (Original Soundtrack from Season One)” – Empire Cast (Columbia Records)
• “Forever Charlie” – Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
• “Unbreakable” – Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• “Woman” – Jill Scott (Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Song – Contemporary
• “Conqueror” – Empire Cast feat. Estelle & Jussie Smollett (Columbia)
• “Freedom” – Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records/iamOTHER)
• “No Sleeep” – Janet Jackson feat. J. Cole (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• “Unbreakable” – Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation/BMG)
• “You’re So Beautiful” – Empire Cast feat. Jussie Smollett & Yazz (Columbia Records)
Harry Potter‘s Luna Lovegood – Evanna Lynch – had the honor of revealing the opening date of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios Hollywood. Lynch starred in a short video in which the Hogwarts castle is lit up and the opening date of Thursday, April 7, 2016 is confirmed. In addition to announcing the opening date of the Harry Potter world, Universal Studios released the details on what Muggles can expect when they visit the park:
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.
Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”
An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline. The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests will sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.
Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™” will open as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™, and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.
A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.
Alicia Vikander stars as Gerda Wegener in ‘The Danish Girl.’ (Photo Credit: Focus Features)
Alicia Vikander will be recognized with the Rising Star Award at the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival as just announced by festival chairman Harold Matzner. Vikander was selected for the award for her work in The Danish Girl, however she also delivered outstanding performances this year in the sci-fi drama Ex Machina and the romantic drama Testament of Youth.
“In The Danish Girl, Alicia Vikander delivers a superb performance as Gerda Wegener, the wife of transgender pioneer Lili Elbe,” said Matzner. “She projects so much love and pain as she goes on a journey with Lili during an era when there was no precedent for it. Gerda’s own transformation as a character speaks to the story’s themes of courage and self-acceptance. For her astonishing screen presence and masterful performance, we are delighted to present Alicia Vikander with the 2016 Rising Star Award.”
Vikander joins a list of actors who’ve received the Rising Star award that includes Jessica Biel, Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsch, Bryce Dallas Howard, Terrence Howard, Anna Kendrick, Jennifer Lawrence, and Scarlett Johansson. Vikander’s other credits include The Man From U.N.C.L.E., A Royal Affair, Anna Karenina, and Pure.
The 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will take place January 1 through 11, 2016. Other honorees will include Cate Blanchett, Johnny Depp, Michael Fassbender, Brie Larson, Tom McCarthy, and Saoirse Ronan.
Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy – Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars – is being adapted for television as a one-hour dramatic series titled Red Mars on Spike. The series is produced by Skydance Television and will be written and executive produced by J. Michael Straczynski (Sense8, Babylon Five), with Vince Gerardis, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Marcia Ross also on board as executive producers. Author Robinson will serve as a consultant on the series.
The network describes the project as their most ambitious to date. Filming’s expected to get underway next summer, and the 10 episode series will premiere in January 2017.
“The heart and soul of Red Mars is about humanity,” stated Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series, Spike. “This group of strangers must find a way to live together and survive under the most daunting conditions mankind has ever faced to become the first living generation of Martians. They will be each other’s greatest source of strength – and if they can’t coexist- the greatest reason for failure.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with Spike to bring Kim Stanley Robinson’s dynamic world of the Mars trilogy to television audiences for the first time ever, particularly in the brilliant creative voice of science fiction legend J. Michael Straczynski,” added Marcy Ross, President of Skydance Television.
Red Mars Plot:
Red Mars follows the first settlers charged with terraforming a mysterious planet, all of whom have competed to be a part of the mission. The series delves into the lives of these relative strangers, cut off from everything they’ve ever known and living in the harshest environment imaginable. Over time, viewers will witness the mind-blowing evolution of humans and technology as they learn to adapt in their inhospitable new home.
Warner Bros Pictures has released a new redband (restricted/not safe for work) trailer for the 2016 action comedy The Nice Guys starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. The film feels like a welcome return to the world writer/director Shane Black explored back in 2005 with the underrated Kiss Kiss Bang Bang starring Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer.
Rated R for violence, sexuality, nudity, language, and brief drug use, The Nice Guys will open in theaters on May 20, 2016.
The Plot:
The Nice Guys takes place in 1970s Los Angeles, when down-on-his-luck private eye Holland March (Gosling) and hired leg-breaker Jackson Healy (Crowe) must work together to solve the case of a missing girl and the seemingly unrelated death of a porn star. During their investigation, they uncover a shocking conspiracy that reaches up to the highest circles of power.
Queen Latifah will lead the cast of Empire creator Lee Daniels’ new dramatic pilot set up at Fox. The untitled music-driven pilot from writer/director Daniels will begin shooting in Atlanta, GA this month. In addition to writing and directing the pilot, Daniels will executive produce along with writer Tom Donaghy, Pamela Oas Williams, and Effie Brown.
Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Queen Latifah is set to play the “owner of an Atlanta beauty salon, with an amazing voice, who will become a surrogate mother to the three girls – even though she doesn’t approve of their musical dreams.” The three young stars of the pilot were recently cast after a nationwide search. Newcomers Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny and Brittany O’Grady will play the members of the girl group that Queen Latifah’s character, Carlotta, mentors.
Here’s the details on the cast and characters, courtesy of Fox:
– Jude Demorest, from Detroit, MI, has landed the role of “Star,” the tough 18-year-old who spent her childhood in and out of foster homes after the death of her mother, and who will do anything to become the star she was named to be.
– Ryan Destiny, from Detroit, MI, has been cast as “Alexandra,” the wealthy 20-year-old who grew up on New York’s Upper East Side, but who, for years, has tried to put her privileged world behind her, so she can make real, authentic music.
– Brittany O’Grady, from Washington, DC, will play “Simone,” Star’s younger sister who dreams of the day Star will return to rescue her from the abusive foster home in which she was placed five years before.
Together, the three will chase their dreams of making it big in the glamorous but cut-throat Atlanta music scene. What will they do to rise to the top?
James Franco and Sarah Gadon in ’11-22-63′ (Photo by Ben Mark Holzberg)
The final feature films to make the 2016 Sundance Film Festival lineup have been announced, representing films in the Premieres, Documentary Premieres, Spotlight, Sundance Kids and Special Events sections. Commenting on next year’s festival selections, Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper said, “The Sundance Film Festival is truly a place for discovery. We have seen an increase in younger audiences in recent years, showing that the next generation of independent film fans is culturally adventurous and drawn to the diverse lineup we offer each year.”
“Many of our selections this year reveal that what resides at the core of captivating stories are fascinating, and at times heroic, characters,” added Trevor Groth, Director of Programming for the Sundance Film Festival. “In shining light on these people, independent filmmakers are doing what they’ve always done best: connecting the dots of human existence with a deeply charged emotional current.”
The 2016 festival will run January 21-31 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Sundance, and Ogden, Utah.
2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERES
A showcase of world premieres of some of the most highly anticipated narrative films of the coming year.
Agnus Dei / France, Poland (Director: Anne Fontaine, Screenwriters: Sabrina N. Karine, Alice Vial, Pascal Bonitzer) — 1945 Poland: Mathilde, a young French doctor, is on a mission to help World War II survivors. When a nun seeks her assistance in helping several pregnant nuns in hiding, who are unable to reconcile their faith with their pregnancies, Mathilde becomes their only hope. Cast: Lou de Laâge, Agata Kulesza, Agata Buzek, Vincent Macaigne, Joanna Kulig, Katarzyna Dabrowska. World Premiere
Ali & Nino / United Kingdom (Director: Asif Kapadia, Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton) — Muslim prince Ali and Georgian aristocrat Nino have grown up in the Russian province of Azerbaijan. Their tragic love story sees the outbreak of the First World War and the world’s struggle for Baku’s oil. Ultimately they must choose to fight for their country’s independence or for each other. Cast: Adam Bakri, Maria Valverde, Mandy Patinkin, Connie Nielsen, Riccardo Scamarcio, Homayoun Ershadi. World Premiere
Captain Fantastic / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Matt Ross) — Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and re-enter society, beginning a journey that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent. Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, George MacKay, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, Ann Dowd. World Premiere
Certain Women / U.S.A. (Director: Kelly Reichardt, Screenwriter: Kelly Reichardt based on stories by Maile Meloy) — The lives of three woman intersect in small-town America, where each is imperfectly blazing a trail. Cast: Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, James Le Gros, Jared Harris, Lily Gladstone. World Premiere
Complete Unknown / U.S.A. (Director: Joshua Marston, Screenwriters: Joshua Marston, Julian Sheppard) — When Tom and his wife host a dinner party to celebrate his birthday, one of their friends brings a date named Alice. Tom is convinced he knows her, but she’s going by a different name and a different biography—and she’s not acknowledging that she knows him. Cast: Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates, Danny Glover. World Premiere
Frank & Lola / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Matthew Ross) — A psychosexual noir love story—set in Las Vegas and Paris—about love, obsession, sex, betrayal, revenge and, ultimately, the search for redemption. Cast: Michael Shannon, Imogen Poots, Michael Nyqvist, Justin Long, Emmanuelle Devos, Rosanna Arquette. World Premiere
The Fundamentals of Caring / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Rob Burnett) — Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road, finding hope, friendship, and Dot in this funny and touching inspirational tale. Cast: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, Megan Ferguson, Frederick Weller. World Premiere. CLOSING NIGHT FILM
The Hollars / U.S.A. (Director: John Krasinski, Screenwriter: Jim Strouse) — Aspiring New York City artist John Hollar returns to his Middle America hometown on the eve of his mother’s brain surgery. Joined by his girlfriend, eight months pregnant with their first child, John is forced to navigate the crazy world he left behind. Cast: John Krasinski, Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Charlie Day. World Premiere
Hunt for the Wilderpeople / New Zealand (Director and screenwriter: Taika Waititi) — Ricky is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive in this heartwarming adventure comedy. Cast: Julian Dennison, Sam Neill, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House, Oscar Kightley. World Premiere
Indignation / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: James Schamus) — It’s 1951, and among the new arrivals at Winesburg College in Ohio are the son of a kosher butcher from New Jersey and the beautiful, brilliant daughter of a prominent alum. For a brief moment, their lives converge in this emotionally soaring film based on the novel by Philip Roth. Cast: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond, Danny Burstein, Ben Rosenfield. World Premiere
Little Men / U.S.A. (Director: Ira Sachs, Screenwriter: Mauricio Zacharias) — When 13-year-old Jake’s grandfather dies, his family moves back into their old Brooklyn home. There, Jake befriends Tony, whose single Chilean mother runs the shop downstairs. As their friendship deepens, however, their families are driven apart by a battle over rent, and the boys respond with a vow of silence. Cast: Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Paulina Garcia, Theo Taplitz, Michael Barbieri. World Premiere
Love & Friendship / Ireland, France, Netherlands (Director and screenwriter: Whit Stillman) — From Jane Austen’s novella, the beautiful and cunning Lady Susan Vernon visits the estate of her in-laws to wait out colorful rumors of her dalliances and to find husbands for herself and her daughter. Two young men, handsome Reginald DeCourcy and wealthy Sir James Martin, severely complicate her plans. Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Xavier Samuel, Emma Greenwell, Tom Bennett, Stephen Fry. World Premiere
Manchester by the Sea / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Kenneth Lonergan) — After his older brother passes away, Lee Chandler is forced to return home to care for his 16-year-old nephew. There he is compelled to deal with a tragic past that separated him from his family and the community where he was born and raised. Cast: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, Kyle Chandler. World Premiere
Mr. Pig / Mexico (Director: Diego Luna, Screenwriters: Augusto Mendoza, Diego Luna) — On a mission to sell his last remaining prize hog and reunite with old friends, an aging farmer abandons his foreclosed farm and journeys to Mexico. After smuggling in the hog, his estranged daughter shows up, forcing them to face their past and embark on an adventurous road trip together. Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, José María Yazpik, Joel Murray, Angélica Aragón, Gabriela Araujo. World Premiere
Sing Street / Ireland (Director and screenwriter: John Carney) — A boy growing up in Dublin during the ’80s escapes his strained family life and tough new school by starting a band to win the heart of a beautiful and mysterious girl. Cast: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Aidan Gillen, Mark McKenna. World Premiere
Sophie and the Rising Sun / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Maggie Greenwald) — In a small Southern town in the autumn of 1941, Sophie’s lonely life is transformed when an Asian man arrives under mysterious circumstances. Their love affair becomes the lightning rod for long-buried conflicts that erupt in bigotry and violence with the outbreak of World War ll. Cast: Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Lorraine Toussaint, Takashi Yamaguchi, Diane Ladd, Joel Murray. World Premiere. SALT LAKE CITY GALA FILM
Wiener-Dog / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Todd Solondz) — This film tells several stories featuring people who find their life inspired or changed by one particular dachshund, who seems to be spreading comfort and joy. Cast: Greta Gerwig, Kieran Culkin, Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn, Julie Delpy, Zosia Mamet. World Premiere
DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES:
Renowned filmmakers and films about far-reaching subjects comprise this section highlighting our ongoing commitment to documentaries.
Eat That Question—Frank Zappa in His Own Words / France, Germany (Director: Thorsten Schütte) — This entertaining encounter with the premier of sonic avant-garde is acidic, fun-poking, and full of rich and rare archival footage. This documentary bashes favorite Zappa targets and dashes a few myths about the man himself. World Premiere
Film Hawk / U.S.A. (Directors: JJ Garvine, Tai Parquet) — Trace Bob Hawk’s early years as the young gay child of a Methodist minister to his current career as a consultant on some of the most influential independent films of our time. World Premiere
LO AND BEHOLD, Reveries of the Connected World / U.S.A. (Director: Werner Herzog) — Does the internet dream of itself? Explore the horizons of the connected world. World Premiere
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures / U.S.A. (Directors: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato) — This examination of Robert Mapplethorpe’s outrageous life is led by the artist himself, speaking with brutal honesty in a series of rediscovered interviews about his passions. Intimate revelations from friends, family, and lovers shed new light on this scandalous artist who ignited a culture war that still rages on. World Premiere
Maya Angelou And Still I Rise / U.S.A. (Directors: Bob Hercules, Rita Coburn Whack) — The remarkable story of Maya Angelou — iconic writer, poet, actress and activist whose life has intersected some of the most profound moments in recent American history. World Premiere Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, directed by Spike Lee. (Photo Courtesy of the Sundance Film Festival)Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall / U.S.A. (Director: Spike Lee) — Catapulted by the success of his first major solo project, Off the Wall, Michael Jackson went from child star to King of Pop. This film explores the seminal album, with rare archival footage and interviews from those who were there and those whose lives its success and legacy impacted. World Premiere
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You / U.S.A. (Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady) — How did a poor Jewish kid from Connecticut bring us Archie Bunker and become one of the most successful television producers ever? Norman Lear brought provocative subjects like war, poverty, and prejudice into 120 million homes every week. He proved that social change was possible through an unlikely prism: laughter. World Premiere. DAY ONE FILM
Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper / U.S.A. (Director: Liz Garbus) — Gloria Vanderbilt and her son Anderson Cooper each tell the story of their past and present, their loves and losses, and reveal how some family stories have the tendency to repeat themselves in the most unexpected ways. World Premiere
Resilience / U.S.A. (Director: James Redford) — This film chronicles the birth of a new movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators, and communities using cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction, and disease. These professionals help break the cycles of adversity by daring to talk about the effects of divorce, abuse, and neglect. World Premiere
Richard Linklater—dream is destiny / U.S.A. (Directors: Louis Black, Karen Bernstein) — This is an unconventional look at a fiercely independent style of filmmaking that arose in the 1990s from Austin, Texas, outside the studio system. The film blends rare archival footage with journals, exclusive interviews with Linklater on and off set, and clips from Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Boyhood, and more. World Premiere
Under the Gun / U.S.A. (Director: Stephanie Soechtig) — The Sandy Hook massacre was considered a watershed moment in the national debate on gun control, but the body count at the hands of gun violence has only increased. Through the lens of the victims’ families, as well as pro-gun advocates, we examine why our politicians have failed to act. World Premiere
Unlocking the Cage / U.S.A. (Directors: Chris Hegedus, Donn Alan Pennebaker) — Follow animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. By filing the first lawsuit of its kind, Wise seeks to transform a chimpanzee from a “thing” with no rights to a “person” with basic legal protection. World Premiere
SPOTLIGHT
Regardless of where these films have played throughout the world, the Spotlight program is a tribute to the cinema we love.
Cemetery of Splendor / Thailand (Director and screenwriter: Apichatpong Weerasethakull) — A lonesome middle-aged housewife tends to a soldier with sleeping sickness and falls into a hallucination that triggers strange dreams, phantoms, and romance. Cast: Jenjira Pongpas, Banlop Lomnoi, Jarinpattra Rueangram.
Embrace of the Serpent / Colombia (Director: Ciro Guerra, Screenwriters: Ciro Guerra, Jacques Toulemonde Vidal) — This blistering, poetic story is inspired by the original journals of scientists Theodor Koch-Grünberg and Richard Evans Schultes, who meet lone survivor Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman. Over 40 years, they develop a friendship while traveling through the Colombian Amazon in search of the sacred, psychedelic yakruna plant. Cast: Jan Bijvoet, Brionne Davis, Antonio Bolivar, Nilbio Torres, Miguel Dionisio Ramos.
Green Room / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jeremy Saulnier) — This wickedly fun horror-thriller tells a story about the owner of a neo-Nazi club who squares off against an unsuspecting but resilient young punk band after they witness a horrific act of violence. Cast: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat, Joe Cole, Callum Turner, Patrick Stewart.
Land of Mine / Denmark (Director and screenwriter: Martin Zandvliet) — At the end of World War II, a group of young German POWs captured by the Danish army are forced to defuse and clear landmines from the Danish coastline with no training. Inspired by real events, the film exposes the untold story of one tragic moment in Denmark’s history. Cast: Roland Møller, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Louis Hofmann, Joel Basman, Emil Belton, Oskar Belton. U.S. Premiere The Lobster / Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, France (Director: Yorgos Lanthimos, Screenwriters: Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou) — In a dystopian near future, single people are obliged to find a mate in 45 days or else be transformed into an animal of their choice and be released into the woods. Cast: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly, Olivia Colman.
Maggie’s Plan / U.S.A. (Director: Rebecca Miller, Screenwriters: Rebecca Miller, based on a story by Karen Rinaldi) — A young woman’s determination to have a child catapults her into a nervy love triangle with a heart-throb academic and his eccentric critical-theorist wife. Cast: Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, Travis Fimmel.
Miles Ahead / U.S.A. (Director: Don Cheadle, Screenwriters: Don Cheadle, Steven Baigelman) — Inspired by events in Miles Davis’s life, this is a wildly entertaining, impressionistic, no-holds-barred portrait of one of twentieth-century music’s creative geniuses. Cast: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Lakeith Lee Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg.
Rams / Iceland (Director and screenwriter: Grímur Hákonarson) — In a remote Icelandic farming valley, two brothers who haven’t spoken in 40 years have to come together to save what’s dearest to them—their sheep. Cast: Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Theodór Júlíusson.
Viva / Ireland (Director: Paddy Breathnach, Screenwriter: Mark O’Halloran) — In contemporary Cuba, a father and son struggle to escape from each other’s expectations, duty, and the burden of past sins. Cast: Héctor Medina, Jorge Perugorría, Luis Alberto García.
SUNDANCE KIDS
This section of the Festival is especially for our youngest independent film fans. Programmed in cooperation with Utah Film Center which presents the annual Tumbleweeds Film Festival, Utah’s premiere film festival for children and youth.
The Eagle Huntress / U.S.A. (Director: Otto Bell) — Step aside, Daenerys and Katniss—Aisholpan is a real-life role model on an epic journey in a faraway world. Follow this 13-year-old nomadic Mongolian girl as she battles to become the first female to hunt with a golden eagle in 2,000 years of male-dominated history. World Premiere
Little Gangster / Netherlands (Director: Arne Toonen, Screenwriter: Lotte Tabbers) — Rik Boskamp wants a life where he’s not constantly bullied. When he and his family move, the people in their new town think his father is a Mafia boss, and everybody treats them with respect—until a bully from Rikkie’s past turns up. How long can he keep up his lie? Cast: Thor Braun, Henry Van Loon, Rene Van ‘T Hof, Meral Polat, Fedja Van Huêt, Maas Bronkhuyzen. North American Premiere
Snowtime! / Canada (Directors: Jean-François Pouliot, François Brisson, Screenwriters: Normand Canac-Marquis, Paul Risacher) — To amuse themselves during their winter break from school, the kids in a small village have a massive snowball fight. But what starts out as pure youthful fun and enthusiasm deteriorates into a more serious conflict as the children learn the role that love and friendship play in their lives. Cast: Sandra Oh, Ross Lynch, Angela Gallupo, Lucinda Davis, Don Shepherd, Sonja Ball. North American Premiere
SPECIAL EVENTS
One-of-a-kind moments highlighting new independent works that add to the unique Festival experience. An evolving section, this year includes episodic work, short films and live post-screening discussions.
11.22.63 / U.S.A. (Director: Kevin Macdonald, Screenwriter: Bridget Carpenter, Executive Producers: J.J. Abrams, Stephen King, Kevin Macdonald, Bridget Carpenter, Bryan Burk) — On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy was killed, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? Take a journey to find out in this genre-busting, epic new nine-hour event series. The Festival will debut the two-hour premiere of the series, followed by an extended Q&A. Cast: James Franco, Sarah Gadon, Daniel Webber, George MacKay, Josh Duhamel, Chris Cooper. World Premiere
Behind the Scenes of Anomalisa / U.S.A. (Directors: Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson, Screenwriter: Charlie Kaufman) — Michael Stone—husband, father and respected author—is crippled by the mundanity of his life. On a business trip, he checks into the Fregoli Hotel. He’s amazed to discover a possible escape from his desperation in an unassuming woman, who may or may not be the love of his life. The Festival will present a screening of the film followed by a Q&A with the creators. Separately, they will speak on a Festival panel explaining their creative process and how they brought their extraordinary film to life. Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan, David Thewlis.
Chelsea Does / U.S.A. (Director: Eddie Schmidt) — This four-part documentary series features Chelsea Handler as she explores topics of personal and universal fascination: marriage, racism, Silicon Valley, and drugs. The Festival will premiere one installment of the series with clips from the other three installments, followed by an extended Q&A with Chelsea Handler, Director Eddie Schmidt, and Executive Producer Morgan Neville. World Premiere
The Girlfriend Experience / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Lodge Kerrigan, Amy Seimetz, Executive Producers: Steven Soderbergh, Philip Fleishman, Lodge Kerrigan, Amy Seimetz, Gary Marcus, Jeff Cuban) — Law student Christine Reade is introduced to the world of transactional relationships in this original anthology series. Providing “The Girlfriend Experience” (an emotional and sexual relationship offered at a high price) gives Christine a rush of control and intimacy, but she soon finds herself juggling two very different lives. The Festival will premiere four episodes of the series, followed by an extended Q&A. Cast: Riley Keough, Paul Sparks, Mary Lynn Rajskub, James Gilbert, Kate Lyn Sheil. World Premiere
The New Yorker Presents / U.S.A. (Executive Producers: Alex Gibney, Kahane Cooperman, Showrunner: Kahane Cooperman) — A groundbreaking new series that brings America’s most award-winning magazine, The New Yorker, to the screen with documentaries, short narrative films, comedy, poetry, animation, and cartoons from the hands of acclaimed filmmakers and artists. The Festival will premiere the first two episodes of the series, followed by an extended Q&A. World Premiere
O.J.: Made in America / U.S.A. (Director: Ezra Edelman) — This is the story of O.J. Simpson, one of the most polarizing people of the twentieth century, and the city in which he lived for much of his life, Los Angeles. The film explores Simpson’s rise and fall, centered around two of America’s greatest fixations—race and celebrity. The Festival will premiere the full 7.5-hour documentary, followed by an extended Q&A. World Premiere
The Skinny / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jessie Kahnweiler) — Follow feminist and wannabe YouTube star Jessie as she struggles to live, love, and get over her bulimia. The Festival will premiere six 10-minute episodes, followed by an extended Q&A with Kahnweiler. Cast: Jessie Kahnweiler, Illeana Douglas, Spencer Hill, Ryan Pinkston, Megan Ferguson, Sadie Calvano. World Premiere
United Shades of America / U.S.A. (Executive Producers: Jimmy Fox, W. Kamau Bell, Star Price) — Political comedian W. Kamau Bell explores the racial subcultures of America. In this original series premiere, he uses humor to challenge Klansmen looking to rebrand their message. The screening will include an extended Q&A. World Premiere
Harry Potter‘s Luna Lovegood – Evanna Lynch – had the honor of revealing the opening date of 
Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy – Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars – is being adapted for television as a one-hour dramatic series titled Red Mars on Spike. The series is produced by Skydance Television and will be written and executive produced by J. Michael Straczynski (Sense8, Babylon Five), with Vince Gerardis, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Marcia Ross also on board as executive producers. Author Robinson will serve as a consultant on the series.
The Lobster / Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, France (Director: Yorgos Lanthimos, Screenwriters: Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou) — In a dystopian near future, single people are obliged to find a mate in 45 days or else be transformed into an animal of their choice and be released into the woods. Cast: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly, Olivia Colman.
