Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, and Christophe Zajac-Denek in ‘Sasquatch Sunset’ (Photo Credit: Bleecker Street)
In today’s episode of “What the Hell Did I Just Watch?”, we’re going to take a look at what may be the strangest movie of the year, the newest film from the writer-director-brother team of David and Nathan Zellner (Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter), Sasquatch Sunset.
Sasquatch Sunset is about a herd of sasquatches (Tribe of sasquatches? School of sasquatches?) that lives in the woods of North America. The movie is basically a year-in-the-life of the group as they deal with both the basics of daily survival and the encroachment of Man upon their home territories.
That’s it. There’s isn’t much more of a plot to Sasquatch Sunset beyond that. Well, there is a story to it, and even an arc, but all of it seems like it was made more from a basic plot outline than an actual script. From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s a beautifully made movie. The breathtaking Humboldt County locations are wonderfully captured by cinematographer Mike Gioulakis (It Follows, Us, Old) and the images are accompanied by a score from The Octopus Project (who has scored most of the Zellners’ work) that is both folksy and dark. The film has the feel of a nature documentary.
At least, it does to an extent. There’s no overdubbed narration like that which would be found on Nat Geo. In fact, there is no dialogue at all – the bigfoots (Bigfeet?) communicate with grunts and hoots, sort of like gorillas. Speaking of the sasquatches, two are played by A-listers Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road), with Christophe Zajac-Denek (Twin Peaks) and director Nathan Zellner portraying the other two. Not that anyone can tell, as everyone is in heavy sasquatch makeup. That’s a lot of talent to be hiding, especially without any spoken lines, but it really shows what the actors can do with basically just their eyes showing and their bodies moving.
It probably goes without saying that Sasquatch Sunset is a weird little movie. It boils down to being a family drama, with the sasquatches managing through their day-to-day life. Once the intrusion of man is introduced, it turns into a The Gods Must Be Crazy type of scenario, with the hairy beasts being equally confused and threatened by what they are experiencing.
And this leads to some of the more memorable bits in the movie. The first time the family sees their familiar trees painted with the unfamiliar red X that marks them for logging, they don’t know what to make of it. That’s nothing compared to their reaction after they wander a bit from their home and stumble across a logging road. It’s almost like the group is becoming a fish out of water while still in the comfort of their water.
So, on top of being a simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking tale of a family in flux, Sasquatch Sunset has an ecological bend to it. It makes statements, both subtle and heavy-handed, about the concept of Leave No Trace and the deforestation of the American Northwest. For a silly little movie about four sasquatches doing sasquatch things in the woods, it really does make its audience think.
One thing that is worth noting going in is that if it weren’t for the costuming, Sasquatch Sunset would probably earn an X rating. There is full frontal nudity of both genders of Sasquatch, with the males being more…obvious. There’s nothing titillating about it, but it doesn’t quite have the nature documentary feel of the rest of the movie. It’s actually hysterical, in an immature Beavis and Butt-Head kind of way. But yeah. You get to see Bigfoot dong. Uh huh, heh heh.
Ultimately, Sasquatch Sunset is not going to be for everyone. It’s an oddball flick. But it does know its audience, and it gives them what they want. And, at 89 minutes, it gives them just enough of it – no more, no less. There’s laughter, tears, and anger. And who knows? You may even learn a thing or two before it’s done.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: R for bloody images, some sexual content, and full nudity
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Tribeca Film Festival’s 2024 edition will open with Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, directed by festival alumni Trish Dalton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The 23rd Tribeca Festival will run from June 5 – 16 in New York City.
“Each year, the Tribeca Festival reflects our culture, capturing the essence of the present moment. We’re thrilled to showcase our 23rd edition, delving into captivating explorations of artificial intelligence with Demis Hassabis, thought-provoking discussions on the future of democracy, and so much more,” stated Tribeca Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “Storytelling possesses a remarkable ability to bring us together, offering hope in these challenging times. We eagerly anticipate engaging with audiences on difficult yet timely subjects.”
The 2024 festival will include the world premieres of Jazzy with Lily Gladstone and BRATS directed by Andrew McCarthy and starring the Brat Pack. Jenna Ortega, Maya Erskine, Kristen Stewart, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Mike Birbiglia, Neil Patrick Harris, and Liza Minnelli also star in films world premiering at Tribeca.
“In a year of record high submissions, despite industry-wide challenges, and global tumult, our incredible filmmaking community delivered again with some of the most surprising, inspiring, hilarious, galvanizing, boundary-breaking, and downright entertaining work we’ve had the privilege to feature at the festival,” said Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano. “Whether grappling with everything from the crisis of global democracy to the most intimate of human dramas, it was heartening to be reminded of the undeniable power of a great film to illuminate our world.”
13,016 films were submitted for consideration this year, with 103 features selected for inclusion. Among Tribeca’s 2024 lineup are 30 films from first-time filmmakers. Plus, half of the films in competition were directed by women.
2024 Tribeca Film Festival Lineup:
U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION:
Adult Best Friends, (United States) – World Premiere. Inseparable since childhood, levelheaded Katie takes her codependent best friend Delaney on a girls’ trip to break the news that she is getting married. Things do not go as planned. Directed by Delaney Buffett. Written by Katie Corwin, Delaney Buffett. Produced by Marie Nikolova, Delaney Buffett. With Katie Corwin, Delaney Buffett, Zachary Quinto, Cazzie David.
Bitterroot, (United States) – World Premiere. Reeling from a failed marriage and in need of comfort and a new perspective, a middle aged man returns home to take care of his aging mother within the deceptively tranquil landscape of rural Montana. Directed and written by Vera Brunner-Sung. Produced by Ki Jin Kim, Kazua Melissa Vang, Yeej. With Wa Yang, Qu Kue, April Charlo, Gia Vang.
The French Italian, (United States) – World Premiere. A prank on an annoying neighbor escalates to ridiculous heights in this quietly absurd comedy set in the dog-eat-dog world of New York City apartment politics. Directed and written by Rachel Wolther. Produced by Miranda Kahn. With Catherine Cohen, Aristotle Athari, Chloe Cherry, Ruby McCollister.
Griffin in Summer, (United States) – World Premiere. In this coming-of-age comedy, a fourteen-year-old wannabe playwright becomes enamored with a local handyman over the course of summer vacation. Directed and written by Nicholas Colia. Produced by Juliet Berman, Camila Mendes, Rachel Matthews. With Everett Blunck, Melanie Lynskey, Owen Teague, Kathryn Newton.
Jazzy, (United States) – World Premiere. In the follow up to her award-winning film The Unknown Country, filmmaker Morrisa Maltz captures the joys and heartbreaks of childhood friendship as young Jazzy navigates the challenges of growing up on the Oglala Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Directed by Morrisa Maltz. Written by Morrisa Maltz, Vanara Taing, Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Andrew Hajek. Produced by Miranda Bailey, John Way, Natalie Whalen. With Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, Syriah Fool Head Means, Raymond Lee, Lily Gladstone.
The Knife, (United States) – World Premiere. After the mysterious appearance of a stranger in their home, a young Black family must deal with the fallout of their choices, big and small, as a steadfast detective tries to crack the case over the course of one fateful night. Directed by Nnamdi Asomugha. Written by Nnamdi Asomugha, Mark Duplass. Produced by Nnamdi Asomugha, Mark Duplass, Jonathan Baker. With Nnamdi Asomugha, Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King, Manny Jacinto.
The Other, Gold, (United States) – World Premiere. At the end of the day, sometimes an old friend and a bowl of ramen are as good as gold. For one Black TV writer, this is just the beginning as she battles grief and ‘pandemic’ isolation in Little Tokyo while seeking to rekindle her bond with a former BFF. Directed by Sharaé Nikai, David Lassiter. Written and produced by Sharaé Nikai. With Sharaé Nikai, Krista Marie Yu, Amin Joseph, Crystal Lee Brown.
Rent Free, (United States) – World Premiere. This freewheeling comedy follows down-on-their-luck Gen Z best friends Ben and Jordan as they mooch off of their friends’ and acquaintances’ hospitality, all while grappling with love, heartbreak and awkward flings. The film’s effortless humor brings forth a fresh exploration on queer male friendship. Directed by Fernando Andrés. Written by Fernando Andrés, Tyler Rugh. Produced by Fernando Andrés, Jacob Roberts, Temple Baker. With Jacob Roberts, David Treviño, Molly Edelman, Neal Mulani.
Sacramento, (United States) – World Premiere. When free-spirited Ricky suddenly reappears in father-to-be Glenn’s life, the two former best friends embark on a spontaneous road trip from LA to Sacramento in Michael Angarano’s original take on the buddy comedy. Directed by Michael Angarano. Written and produced by Chris Smith, Michael Angarano. Produced by Stephen Braun, Chris Abernathy, Eric Fleischman. With Michael Cera, Michael Angarano, Maya Erskine, Kristen Stewart.
Vulcanizadora, (United States) – World Premiere. In this intense tale from provocateur Joel Potrykus, two friends embark on a disturbing mission in the Michigan woods. When their plan unravels, one must face the surreal and unsettling consequences back home. Directed and written by Joel Potrykus. Produced by Ashley Potrykus, Hannah Dweck, Matt Grady. With Joshua Burge, Joel Potrykus, Bill Vincent, Solo Potrykus.
A scene from ‘Hacking Hate’ (Photo Credit: Tribeca Film Festival)
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION:
Antidote, (UK) – World Premiere. With extraordinary access and urgent storytelling, Antidote anchors its timely narrative on whistleblowers and activists who have worked to uncover Vladimir Putin’s deadly regime — and are now facing dangerous and fatal consequences for their courageous actions. Directed and produced by James Jones.
Bad Actor: A Hollywood Ponzi Scheme, (United States) – World Premiere. Wannabe actor Zachary Horwitz was desperate to make it big as a movie star. The only thing stopping him was talent. Bad Actor: A Hollywood Ponzi Scheme is a juicy true story about deception, denial, and the seductive promise of fame and fortune. Directed by Joslyn Jensen. Produced by Ted Speaker, Dan O’Meara, Matthew Cherchio.
Checkpoint Zoo, (Ukraine, United States) – World Premiere. After the Russian invasion, thousands of animals were trapped behind enemy lines at the zoo in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Running out of food and water while facing constant peril from Russian bombs, a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers undertake a daring rescue. Directed and produced by Joshua Zeman. Produced by Zachary Mortensen, Ian Davies, Torquil Jones.
The Debutantes, (United States) – World Premiere. Focusing on the first group of Black debutantes in Canton, Ohio in over a decade, this documentary follows the young women as they unpack the ball’s troubled legacy and chart their path forward, both for tradition and themselves. Directed and produced by Contessa Gayles. Produced by Alyse Shorland, Jannat Gargi, Molly O’Brien.
DRIVER, (United States) – World Premiere. DRIVER is a soulful exploration of resolute female long-haul truck drivers pursuing validation for their hard-earned work as they navigate the oppressive forces in their industry. Employing an intimate lens, Nesa Azimi’s first feature brings the audience into a community of solidarity and self-determination. Directed by Nesa Azimi. Produced by Nesa Azimi, Ines Hofmann Kanna, Nicolas Borel.
Hacking Hate, (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) – World Premiere. Simon Klose’s kinetic and socially-pressing documentary follows award-winning Swedish journalist My Vingren as she goes undercover online as a white supremacist in order to expose a network of neo-Nazis and far-right organizations that are viciously fostering hate speech and extremism on a global scale. Directed by Simon Klose. Produced by Elin Kamlert.
Made in Ethiopia, (United States, Ethiopia, Denmark, UK, Canada, South Korea) – World Premiere. Made in Ethiopia examines China’s increasing impact on Africa through the story of charismatic businesswomen Motto, who is tasked with launching the biggest Chinese industrial zone in Ethiopia. Directed by Xinyan Yu, Max Duncan. Produced by Tamara Dawit, Max Duncan, Xinyan Yu.
New Wave, (United States) – World Premiere. With depth and emotional resonance, Elizabeth Ai’s lively first feature is both an endearingly nostalgic exploration of the defiant Vietnamese new wave music scene, as well as a vulnerable and personal look at the filmmaker and her community’s revisiting of their unexamined past. Directed by Elizabeth Ai. Produced by Elizabeth Ai, Rachel Sine.
Pirópolis, (Chile) – World Premiere. Nicolás Molina’s visually astounding Pirópolis drops the viewer in the fiery port city of Valparaíso, Chile and observes a pack of determined volunteer firefighters as they band together to combat turbulent wildfires ravaging the city. Directed by Nicolás Molina. Produced by Joséphine Schroeder, Francisca Barraza.
Quad Gods, (United States) – World Premiere. As the world’s first all quadriplegic esports gaming team, the Quad Gods are fierce competitors in this captivating story that challenges assumptions about disability, and spotlights the restorative power of resilience, passion and found community. Directed by Jess Jacklin. Produced by Johnny Fego, Jess Jacklin.
Sabbath Queen, (United States) – World Premiere. Sabbath Queen is a remarkable 20 year journey in the life of Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, a 39th generation Orthodox rabbi — and drag queen. Directed and produced by Sandi DuBowski.
Shelf Life, (United States) – World Premiere. Quirky and contemplative, this delectable documentary takes us on a surprising global odyssey into the world of cheese, drawing unexpected parallels between the aging of cheese and the human experience of growing old. Directed by Ian Cheney. Produced by Robyn Metcalfe.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION:
Bikechess, (Kazakhstan) – World Premiere. As Dina, a Kazakh journalist, finds herself disenchanted with reporting inane government initiatives, she balances supporting her activist lesbian sister while navigating a relationship with her married cameraman. Directed and written by Assel Aushakimova. Produced by Antoine Simkine, Almagul Tleukhanova, Christian Fredrik Martin. With Saltanat Nauruz, Assel Abdimavlenova, Shyngys Beibituly, Duisenbek Sydykbekov.
The Dog Thief, (Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, France, Italy) – World Premiere. Martín, an orphan who works as a shoeshine boy, decides to steal the dog of his best client, a lonely tailor he has begun to imagine is his father. Directed and written by Vinko Tomičić Salinas. Produced by Álvaro Manzano Zambrana. With Alfredo Castro, Franklin Aro, Teresa Ruiz, María Luque.
Don’t You Let Me Go, (Uruguay) – World Premiere. Adela has just lost her best friend, Elena, so she boards a magic bus back in time to spend one last beautiful weekend with Elena in a house by the beach. Directed and written by Ana Guevara, Leticia Jorge. Produced by Agustina Chiarino. With Chiara Hourcade, Victoria Jorge, Eva Dans.
Eternal Playground, (France) – World Premiere. It’s the last day of school in Paris and most of first-year music teacher Gaspard’s colleagues are thinking about vacation. But, Gaspard is surreptitiously planning a weekend sleepover in the school with his childhood crew to honor his recently departed twin sister. Directed and written by Pablo Cotten, Joseph Rozé. Produced by Antoine Playoust, Martin Playoust, Nicolas Tzipine. With Andranic Manet, Alassane Diong, Carla Audebaud, Alba-Gaïa Bellugi.
Family Therapy, (Slovenia, Italy, Norway, Croatia, Serbia) – World Premiere. A nouveau riche family finds their life of detached superiority upended when the patriarch’s son from another relationship arrives at the family home, revealing cracks in their staid façade. Directed and written by Sonja Prosenc. Produced by Rok Sečen. With Mila Bezjak, Aliocha Schneider, Marko Mandić, Katarina Stegnar.
Hunters on a White Field, (Sweden) – International Premiere. Three men go on a hunting trip deep in the Swedish forest. Things start well, but one day all the animals vanish and the forest turns eerily quiet, leaving the men alone as they insist the hunt must continue. Directed and written by Sarah Gyllenstierna. Produced by Maria Larsson Guerpillon, Charlotte Most. With Ardalan Esmaili, Magnus Krepper, Jens Hultén.
Samia, (Germany) – World Premiere. Raised in a Somalia torn asunder by civil war and extremists increasingly gaining a foothold, Samia Yusuf Omar, an assertive, independent young woman, fights to realize her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete. Directed by Yasemin Şamdereli. Written by Yasemin Şamdereli, Nesrin Şamdereli, Giuseppe Catozzella. Produced by Simone Catania, Dietmar Güntsche, Anja Karina Richter. With llham Mohamed Osman, Fathia Mohamed Absie, Fatah Ghedi, Elmi Rashid Elmi.
Some Rain Must Fall, (Singapore) – North American Premiere. Mother and housewife Cai thought having a family was everything, but when she inadvertently injures the grandmother of one of her daughter’s less privileged teammates, her supposedly perfect life descends into chaos. Directed and written by Qiu Yang. Produced by Edmond Yang. With Yu Aier, Di Shike, Wei Yibo, Xu Tianyi.
Swimming Home, (UK, Greece, Netherlands, Brazil) – North American Premiere. The presence of a mysterious houseguest exposes subtle fractures in the marriage between a poet and a war correspondent in this sexy, languid drama set on the stunning, sun-baked Mediterranean coast. Directed and written by Justin Anderson. Produced by Emily Morgan, Andy Starke, Giorgos Karnavas. With Christopher Abbott, Mackenzie Davis, Ariane Labed, Nadine Labaki.
Under the Grey Sky, (Poland) – World Premiere. Based on true events, a Belarusian journalist is arrested after covertly livestreaming brutal government crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators following rigged elections. Her husband, refusing to leave her, also faces recriminations from a regime determined to break them both. Directed and written by Mara Tamkovich. Produced by Katarzyna Ocioszynska. With Aliaksandra Vaitsekhovich, Valentin Novopolskij.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT+
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, (Canada) – World Premiere. For decades the iconic track “Bam Bam” has been a sampled darling within the music industry, creating many new stars along the way. But what do we know of its legendary creator? From Kingston to the world, witness the transcendent stylings and legacy of Sister Nancy. Directed by Alison Duke. Produced by Alison Duke, Ngardy Conteh George. After the Movie: Special performance by Sister Nancy with DJ Gravy.
BRATS, (United States) – World Premiere. Actor/director/writer Andrew McCarthy crisscrosses the country reconnecting with fellow Brat-Packers like Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and more to reflect on what it meant to be in the Brat Pack and how the label impacted their lives, personally and professionally. Directed by Andrew McCarthy. Produced by Adrian Buitenhuis, Derik Murray. An ABC News Studios release. After the Movie: Panel to follow featuring director Andrew McCarthy, other members of the cast, and surprise guests.
Desire: The Carl Craig Story, (Switzerland, UK) – World Premiere. At once a portrait of techno producer Carl Craig and a love letter to his city of Detroit, Desire: The Carl Craig Story lays out the vast backdrop of artists and venues who played a part in the rise of Craig’s massive, genre-defying career. Directed by Jean-Cosme Delaloye. Produced by Dan Wechsler, Andreas Roald. After the Movie: Post premiere musical selection by Carl Craig.
Following Harry, (United States) – World Premiere. Featuring Harry Belafonte, Aja Monet, Aloe Blacc, and Jesse Williams, Following Harry explores the life and legacy of cultural and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte through the stories of those artists and activists carrying on his life’s work dedicated to social justice. Directed by Susanne Rostock. Produced by Frankie Nasso, Edward Zeng, Susanne Rostock. After the Movie: The presentation of the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award with special guests.
Group Therapy, (United States) – World Premiere. Neil Berkeley’s latest is a thoughtful and humorous navigation of personal conversations on mental health. Produced by Kevin Hart, this unique documentary takes the form of a group therapy session led by some of today’s funniest comedians and comic performers. Directed by Neil Berkeley. Produced by Kevin Healey, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Bryan Smiley. After the Movie: A conversation with film subjects Tig Notaro, Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia, London Hughes, Gary Gulman and Atsuko Okatsuka.
Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, (United States) – World Premiere. Award-winning filmmaker Don Hardy explores the life of pioneering songwriter and producer Linda Perry in this intimate and revealing journey. It’s a story of the strength and resilience of a gifted artist, daughter and mother who is finally able to embark on a search to find her own voice. Directed by Don Hardy. Produced by Don Hardy, Shawn Dailey. After the Movie: Special performance by Linda Perry.
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, (United States) – World Premiere. This rapturous documentary steps into the dynamic world of queer stand-up and examines the powerful cultural influence it has had on social change in America. The film combines rare archival materials, stand up performances, and interviews with a show-stopping lineup including Lily Tomlin, Fortune Feimster, Eddie Izzard, and Rosie O’Donnell, to present a definitive history of queer comedy. Directed by Page Hurwitz. Produced by Katherine LeBlond, Page Hurwitz, Wanda Sykes. A Netflix release. Before the Movie: A standup performance featuring stars of the film.
Rebel Country, (UK, United States) – World Premiere. Country music is changing — or maybe it’s returning to its roots. This musical documentary traces the troubled history and inclusive future of the genre with performances from today’s most talented iconoclasts, including Blanco Brown, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and BRELAND. Directed and produced by Francis Whately. After the Movie: A special appearance by platinum selling country music artist BRELAND.
Satisfied, (United States) – World Premiere. An intimate look at the actress Renée Elise Goldsberry; a woman’s struggle to have a family and balance a career, against the backdrop of the hit musical Hamilton. Directed by Chris Bolan, Melissa Haizlip. Produced by Steven Cantor, Jamie Schutz, Chris Bolan. After the Movie: A performance by Renée Elise Goldsberry and special guests.
State of Silence, (Mexico) – World Premiere. A compelling look at the dangerous, continuing risks committed journalists face in Mexico, where reporting on their country’s corruption and “narco politics” has led to the silencing and killing of some of their peers. Directed by Santiago Maza. Produced by Joris Debeij, Abril López Carrillo. After the Movie: A conversation with Mexican journalists Marcos Vizcarra and Maria de Jesus Peters, director Santiago Maza and executive producers Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal.
Dakota Johnson in ‘Daddio’ (Photo Credit: Tribeca Film Festival)
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE:
All That We Love, (United States) – World Premiere. After losing her beloved dog, Emma Gwon embarks on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and reconnection with loved ones in Yen Tan’s touching dramedy that celebrates second chances and the power of family bonds. Directed by Yen Tan. Written by Yen Tan, Clay Liford. Produced by Kelly Williams, Rebecca Green, Theresa Steele Page. With Margaret Cho, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kenneth Choi, Alice Lee.
Bad Shabbos, (United States) – World Premiere. Over the course of one night during an anything-but-typical New York City shabbos, a family get-together takes a turn for the worse in Daniel Robbins’ unique take on the dinner party farce. Directed by Daniel Robbins. Written by Zack Weiner, Daniel Robbins. Produced by Adam Mitchell. With Jon Bass, Kyra Sedgwick, Method Man, Milana Vayntrub.
Bang Bang, (United States) – World Premiere. Tim Blake Nelson stars as “Bang Bang” Rozyski, an eccentric retired pugilist obsessed with rectifying the sins of his past. Directed by Vincent Grashaw. Written by Will Janowitz. Produced by Ran Namerode, Angelia Adzic, Cole Payne. With Tim Blake Nelson, Glenn Plummer, Kevin Corrigan, Andrew Liner.
Between the Temples, (United States) – New York Premiere. Ben, a young widower and cantor at the local synagogue, finds a sense of purpose and unexpected connection when Carla, his septuagenarian elementary school music teacher who yearns to become a bat mitzvah, re-enters his life. Directed by Nathan Silver. Written by Nathan Silver, C. Mason Wells. Produced by Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Nate Kamiya. With Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Dolly De Leon, Madeline Weinstein. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Crossing, (Sweden, Denmark, Georgia, Turkey, France) – North American Premiere. Lia, a retired teacher, has promised to find her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her search takes her to Istanbul where she meets Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights and becomes embraced in the local trans community. Directed and written by Levan Akin. Produced by Mathilde Dedye. With Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava, Deniz Dumanli. A MUBI release.
Daddio, (United States) – New York Premiere. New York City. JFK airport. A young woman jumps into the backseat of a yellow taxi toward Manhattan. The cabbie strikes up a conversation, resulting in an epic and remarkable journey. Directed and written by Christy Hall. Produced by Dakota Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Emma Tillinger Koskoff. With Dakota Johnson, Sean Penn. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
The Damned, (UK, Iceland, Ireland, Belgium) – World Premiere. When a ship sinks near her isolated fishing post, Eva must choose: rescue the shipwrecked or survive winter. Guilt ridden, the fishermen believe they are being punished for their choices. Directed by Thordur Palsson. Written by Jamie Hannigan. Produced by Emilie Jouffroy, Kamilla Kristiane Hodøl, John Keville. With Odessa Young, Joe Cole, Rory McCann, Siobhan Finneran.
The Everything Pot, (United States) – World Premiere. A comedy of errors unfolds upon the delivery of The Everything Pot, a wedding gift that inadvertently becomes a Pandora’s box, forcing two couples to reevaluate their respective relationships. Directed, produced and written by Sherise Dorf. Produced by Callie Bloem, Christopher J. Ewing, Sean Patrick Kelly. With Lisa Edelstein, Erik Griffin, James Wolk, Delaney Rowe.
Firebrand, (UK, United States) – North American Premiere. In Tudor England, where court intrigue and the king’s paranoia threaten her survival, Katherine Parr navigates a perilous marriage to the volatile Henry VIII. Directed by Karim Aïnouz. Written by Henrietta Ashworth, Jessica Ashworth. Produced by Gabrielle Tana, Carolyn Marks Blackwood. With Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley. A Roadside Attractions release.
In the Summers, (United States) – New York Premiere. In this poignant debut film, embark on a journey with two sisters as they grapple with their relationship to their well-meaning but troubled father during their childhood summers. Directed and written by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio. Produced by Alexander Dinelaris, Rob Quadrino, Nando Vila. With Rene Perez Joglar, Sasha Calle, Lio Mehiel, Leslie Grace.
Kneecap, (Ireland) – New York Premiere. The band themselves, Kneecap, star in this raucous, sly award-winning musical set in post-Troubles Belfast when the rap trio erupted as a defiant champion of the Irish language and potent symbol of Ireland’s disenfranchised youth. Directed and written by Rich Peppiatt. Produced by Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling. With Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Jj Ó Dochartaigh, Michael Fassbender. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Lake George, (United States) – World Premiere. A pair of misfit oddballs strike a deal too big to pass up — and maybe too good to be true — as they set out on a road trip and redemption story in this dark comedy neo-noir. Directed and written by Jeffrey Reiner. Produced by Jeffrey Reiner, Joey Oglesby, Cleta Ellington. With Shea Whigham, Carrie Coon, Glenn Fleshler, Max Casella.
McVeigh, (United States) – World Premiere. After the Waco siege, an unthinkable plan brews in the mind of army veteran Timothy McVeigh. A psychological thriller based on the harrowing real life events of the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Directed by Mike Ott. Written by Mike Ott, Alex Gioulakis. Produced by Miles Alva, Nicolaas Bertelsen, Monte Zajicek. With Alfie Allen, Brett Gelman, Ashley Benson, Anthony Carrigan.
Memes & Nightmares, (United States) – World Premiere. If one of the most popular memes goes missing from Twitter, would anyone notice? Executive Produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, NBA Twitter King Josiah Johnson seeks an answer, where his journey explores our relationship with ephemeral media, and each other in the digital age. Directed by Charles Todd, Matt Mitchener. Written by Matt Mitchener. Produced by Sheira Rees-Davies, Brock Williams, Benjamin Wiessner. With Josiah Johnson, Jamel Johnson, Mero, Darius Miles.
A Mistake, (New Zealand) – World Premiere. Dr. Beth Taylor is a surgeon at the top of her field, where split-second decisions and millimeter movements can mean the difference between life and death. Christine Jeffs’ edge-of-your-seat medical thriller unpacks the perilous aftermath of a single human error. Directed and written by Christine Jeffs. Produced by Matthew Metcalfe, Christine Jeffs. With Elizabeth Banks, Simon McBurney, Mickey Sumner, Rena Owen.
The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer, (United States) – World Premiere. In this darkly comedic tale, a struggling writer’s life turns bizarre when he befriends a retired serial killer who becomes his unlikely marriage counselor and muse. Directed and written by Tolga Karacelik. Produced by Scott Aharoni, Sinan Eczasibasi, Wren Arthur. With Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, Britt Lower.
Treasure, (Germany, France) – International Premiere. Ruth, a neurotic businesswoman from New York, takes her charmingly stubborn Holocaust survivor father on a journey to Poland to make sense of their family’s past. Directed by Julia von Heinz. Written by Julia von Heinz, John Quester. Produced by Fabian Gasmia, Julia Von Heinz, Lena Dunham. With Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Zbigniew Zamachowski. A FilmNation Entertainment and Bleecker Street release.
The Wasp, (UK) – World Premiere. In this tense, twist-filled psychological thriller, Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer deliver captivating performances as two estranged friends who reunite over tea, only to unveil a dangerous and deceptive plot that will irrevocably alter their lives. Directed by Guillem Morales. Written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. Produced by Maxime Cottray, Nate Bolotin, Sean Sorensen. With Naomie Harris, Natalie Dormer, Dominic Allburn. A Shout! Studios release.
Winter Spring Summer or Fall, (United States) – World Premiere. Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White star in this sweet teen love story about a Harvard-bound girl genius and a laid-back guy who find each other in their final year of high school. Directed by Tiffany Paulsen. Written by Dan Schoffer. Produced by Brad Krevoy, Josh Shader, David Wulf. With Jenna Ortega, Percy Hynes-White, Marisol Nichols, Adam Rodriguez.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY:
1-800-ON-HER-OWN, (United States) – World Premiere. Ani DiFranco was an unmistakable talent that shook the ‘90s alternative music scene. In this vulnerable look at her life today, she struggles to balance artistry with the demands of family. Directed by Dana Flor. Produced by Amy Hobby.
America’s Burning, (United States) – World Premiere. Narrated by Michael Douglas, America’s Burning calls on a remarkable range of expert perspectives from James Carville to Leon Panetta to Amy Chua as macroeconomist David Smick embarks on a searing dive into the precarious state of America’s seemingly unbridgeable economic divide — with a surprisingly optimistic outlook on its future. Directed by David Smick. Produced by Ian Michaels.
Avicii – I’m Tim, (Sweden, United States) – World Premiere. Before there was Avicii, there was just Tim. For the first time through his own words, witness the journey of a shy but prodigious musical talent who would soon become one of the defining artists of his generation. Directed by Henrik Burman. Produced by Björn Tjärnberg.
Black Table, (United States) – World Premiere. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to abolish affirmative action, this film thoughtfully looks back at the largest class of Black students at Yale in the 1990s, the dining table that bonded them, and how their story informs our future. Directed by John Antonio James, Bill Mack. Produced by Katie Taber, John Antonio James, Bill Mack.
The Cranes Call, (France, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Ukraine, United States) – World Premiere. Working with their team at the Clooney Foundation for Justice, Anya Neistat, a brilliant war crimes investigator, joins forces with Solomiia Stasiv, a young Ukrainian woman just entering the field. Together they document atrocities in the fight to bring Russian generals to trial and justice to the Ukrainian people. Directed by Laura Warner. Produced by Evan Williams.
Emergent City, (United States) – World Premiere. When global developers purchase Industry City — a series of connected industrial buildings within a primarily immigrant, working class community in Brooklyn — conflicting views draw battlelines between residents, city officials and master planners as the fate of the city and contemporary urban development hangs in the balance. Directed by Kelly Anderson, Jay Arthur Sterrenberg. Produced by Kelly Anderson, Brenda Avila-Hanna.
I’m Your Venus, (United States) – World Premiere. A moving and timely documentary following the unsolved murder of Venus Xtravaganza, star of the legendary Paris Is Burning as Venus’ two families — biological and ballroom — come together to seek answers and celebrate her legacy. Directed by Kimberly Reed. Produced by Jamie Schutz, Steven Cantor, Mike Stafford.
It Was All a Dream, (United States) – World Premiere. From the personal archives of journalist and filmmaker dream hampton, this visual ode to the golden era of hip-hop provides intimate access to some of rap’s greatest minds, including dream herself. Directed by dream hampton. Produced by Josh Begley, Morgan Willis, Emir Lewis.
Jago: Into the White, (Italy) – World Premiere. A portrait of the artist as a young man — Jago, a sculptor in Naples, works through the days and nights chipping away at his next marble masterpiece: a recreation of one of Michelangelo’s iconic subjects. Directed by Luigi Pingitore. Produced by Stefano Cardillo.
LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, (United States) – World Premiere. Rich with archival gems and Liza Minnelli’s own point of view, Bruce David Klein’s luminous documentary celebrates a young entertainer full of boundless raw talent and the deep, creative relationships with her mentors and influences. Directed by Bruce David Klein. Produced by Bruce David Klein, Alexander J. Goldstein, Robert Rich.
Luther: Never Too Much, (United States) – New York Premiere. Dawn Porter offers an in-depth look into the life and career of Luther Vandross as he overcomes personal and professional challenges to become one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Directed by Dawn Porter.
Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger, (UK) – New York Premiere. Martin Scorsese’s personal journey through the films of Powell and Pressburger, the visionary British filmmakers behind classics like The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, offers a captivating exploration of their genius and enduring influence on cinema. Directed by David Hinton. Produced by Nick Varley, Matt Wells. A Cohen Media Group release.
Pandora’s Code, (United States) – World Premiere. Kyle Vorbach’s documentary, based on his latest novel, delves into the mesmerizing ascent of artificial intelligence, balancing its remarkable capabilities and dark ethical concerns, making for an engaging, thought-provoking exploration of AI’s double-edged sword. Directed and produced by Kyle Vorbach.
Rebel Nun, (United States, UK) – World Premiere. Rebel Nun follows the story of Catholic nun and leading death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean, whose story was first captured in the 1995 film Dead Man Walking. Now, almost 30 years later, filmmaker Dominic Sivyer takes a look at six decades of the life and work of Sister Helen as she continues to be an inspirational force for justice. Directed and produced by Dominic Sivyer. A Universal Pictures Content Group release.
Untitled Casa Bonita Documentary, (United States) – World Premiere. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone launch a hands-on attempt to restore the iconic Colorado “eatertainment” mecca Casa Bonita to its former glory. Directed by Arthur Bradford. Produced by Jennifer Ollman.
S/He Is Still Her/e – The Official Genesis P-Orridge Doc, (United States) – World Premiere. An introduction, conversation and perhaps goodbye to Genesis P-Orridge, who left an astounding and provocative legacy on the worlds of music, art, performance, religion and the occult. A larger-than-life personality that must be experienced to be grasped, Genesis opens up portals to a way of living that transforms and transcends. Directed by David Charles Rodrigues. Produced by David Charles Rodrigues, Bud Johnston.
Skywalkers: A Love Story, (China, Hong Kong, France, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand) – New York Premiere. Battling a global pandemic and a fraying relationship, rooftopping sensations Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus face the ultimate test of their love when scaling the world’s newest super-skyscraper in this visually stunning testament to facing fear and letting go. Directed and produced by Jeff Zimbalist. Produced by Maria Bukhonina, Tamir Ardon, Chris Smith. A Netflix release.
Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play., (United States) – World Premiere. A playful and illuminating self-portrait of writer Jeremy O. Harris as he workshops and mines Slave Play, the provocative play that thrust him into the spotlight, with a new cast of young actors from New York’s William Esper Studio. Directed by Jeremy O. Harris. Produced by Chris Moukarbel. An HBO Documentary Films release.
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple, (United States) – World Premiere. Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple traces Van Zandt’s career as a musician, activist and actor from the clubs of Asbury Park, NJ, to stadiums around the world, to the Bada Bing Club. Directed by Bill Teck. Produced by David Fisher, Robert Cotto, Bill Teck. An HBO Documentary Films release.
They All Came Out to Montreux, (UK) – World Premiere. Utilizing a wealth of archival footage featuring Prince, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis and more, They All Came Out to Montreux is an affectionate story about how Claude Nobs turned his Swiss town into the home for one of the world’s biggest jazz festivals. Directed by Oliver Murray. Produced by Bill Lord.
The Thinking Game, (United States) – World Premiere. The Thinking Game chronicles the extraordinary life of visionary scientist Demis Hassabis and his relentless quest to solve the enigma of artificial general intelligence. Directed by Greg Kohs. Produced by Gary Krieg.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL VIEWPOINTS:
Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara, (New Zealand) – World Premiere. Meet Alien Weaponry, a thrash metal band that sings in the Maori language, as they figure out how to navigate the music industry, culture, family, tour, and each other. Directed by Kent Belcher. Produced by Nigel McCulloch.
Arzé, (Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) – North American Premiere. When the scooter that struggling mother Arzé buys for her son to deliver her homemade pies is stolen, the two take a desperate, kaleidoscopic journey through Beirut in pursuit of the purloined moped. Directed by Mira Shaib. Written by Louay Khraish, Faissal Sam Shaib. Produced by Louay Khraish, Faissal Sam Shaib, Ali Elarabi. With Diamand Abou Abboud, Betty Taoutel, Bilal Al Hamwi.
Boys Go to Jupiter, (United States) – World Premiere. Suburban Florida is transformed into a 3D animated wonderland in this charming deadpan musical comedy from the creator of Art Sqool, featuring a voice cast of alt-comedy all stars. Directed and written by Julian Glander. Produced by Peisin Yang Lazo. With Jack Corbett, Elsie Fisher, Tavi Gevinson, Julio Torres.
Champions of the Golden Valley, (United States, Afghanistan, Germany) – World Premiere. Former Afghan Olympic hopeful Alishah Farhang establishes Afghanistan’s first ever ski club and the annual Afghan Ski Challenge competition in the ancient mountain town of Bamyan, bringing people together in an unlikely but joyful pastime. Directed by Ben Sturgulewski. Produced by Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi.
Color Book, (United States) – World Premiere. Following the passing of his wife, a devoted father is learning to raise his son with Down Syndrome as a single parent. While adjusting to their new reality, the two embark on a journey through Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game. Directed and written by David Fortune. Produced by Kristen Uno, Kiah Clingman, Autumn Bailey-Ford. With William Catlett, Brandee Evans, Terri J. Vaughn, Jeremiah Daniels.
Darkest Miriam, (Canada) – World Premiere. The fog of grief shrouding Miriam, a branch librarian, begins to lift when she starts a love affair with cab driver Janko. But what’s the deal with the vaguely threatening letters she keeps finding? Directed and written by Naomi Jaye. Produced by Julie Baldassi, Brian Robertson. With Britt Lower, Tom Mercier, Sook-Yin Lee, Jean Yoon.
Era Oculta – Hidden Era, (Mozambique, Germany, Colombia) – World Premiere. In the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique, Rastafari artist Phambi works to support his young son’s education while resiliently navigating the complexities of living an artistic life in a dynamic city. Directed and produced by Carlos Vargas. Written by Carlos Vargas, Franziska Ruess. With Paula Matlombe, Ednora Matlombe, Isac Tivane “Phambi”, Ixon Tivane.
Restless, (UK) – World Premiere. The banal life of a middle-aged empty nester is violently shaken in the blink of an eye when hard-partying — and potentially dangerous — new neighbors move in next door. Directed and written by Jed Hart. Produced by Benedict Turnbull, Iain Simpson, Jens Nielsen. With Lyndsey Marshal, Aston McAuley, Barry Ward, Kate Robbins.
Searching for Amani, (Kenya, United States) – World Premiere. A 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s mysterious murder within the boundaries of one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies. As a ravaging drought encroaches, his quest to find the killer shifts as the collateral damage of a warming world is revealed. Directed by Nicole Gormley, Debra Aroko. Produced by Peter Goetz, Mungai Kiroga, Nicole Gormley.
They’re Here, (United States) – World Premiere. The playful and inventive They’re Here places the viewer within a community of New Yorkers who have had close encounters with UFOs and reexamined their lifestyles as a result. Directed and produced by Daniel Claridge, Pacho Velez.
Witches, (UK) – World Premiere. Elizabeth Sankey’s deeply personal documentary examines the relationship between the cinematic portrayals of witches and the all-too-real experiences of postpartum depression by utilizing footage that spans the entirety of film history alongside heartrending personal testimony. Directed by Elizabeth Sankey. Produced by Manon Ardisson, Chiara Ventura, Jeremy Warmsley.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL MIDNIGHT:
The A-Frame, (United States) – World Premiere. A quantum physicist’s machine opens a portal to a subatomic universe, accidentally discovering a radical cancer treatment. As human trials begin, the stakes rise in this Cronenbergian sci-fi comedy. Directed and written by Calvin Lee Reeder. Produced by Ran Namerode, Angelia Adzic, Cole Payne. With Johnny Whitworth, Dana Namerode, Nik Dodani, Laketa Caston.
Beacon, (United States) – World Premiere. After an ambitious solo trip leaves her shipwrecked on a remote island, a young sailor is rescued by its lone inhabitant: a lighthouse keeper. As the walls of reality begin to vanish and the trust between them unravels, survival becomes a test of grueling proportions. Directed by Roxy Shih. Written by Julio Rojas. Produced by Neil Elman. With Demián Bichir, Julia Goldani Telles. A Fox Entertainment Tideline release.
A Desert, (United States) – World Premiere. While on a road trip, a photographer befriends a young couple whose reckless ways turn his world upside down and into a nightmare in this unpredictable and horror-tinged neo-noir knockout. Directed by Joshua Erkman. Written by Joshua Erkman, Bossi Baker. Produced by Hugues Barbier, Joshua Erkman. With David Yow, Kai Lennox, Sarah Lind, Zachary Ray Sherman.
The Devil’s Bath, (Austria, Germany) – International Premiere. In 18th century Austria, an executed woman has been displayed for all to see. Deeply religious, newlywed Agnes looks upon the woman with pity, but also longing, as her own evil thoughts have begun to arise. Directed and written by Severin Fiala, Veronika Franz. Produced by Georg Aschauer, Ulrich Seidl. With Anja Plaschg, Maria Hofstätter, David Scheid. A Shudder release.
Mars, (United States) – World Premiere. In this outrageous animated comedy, a ragtag group of misfits embark on a wild space adventure to Mars, only to discover they’ve been bamboozled by a billionaire. Directed and produced by Sevan Najarian. Written and produced by Timmy Williams, Zach Cregger, Sam Brown. Produced by Kara Welker, James Bristow, Darren Trumeter. With Trevor Moore, Zach Cregger, Sam Brown, Darren Trumeter.
The Weekend, (Nigeria) – World Premiere. This gripping Nigerian thriller will keep you guessing until the very last moment with its unique take on the age-old question: what’s wrong with the in-laws? Directed by Daniel Emeke Oriahi. Written by Egbemawei Dimiyei Sammy, Vanessa Kanu, Freddie O. Anyaegbunam Jr. Produced by Uche Okocha. With Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey.
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL ESCAPE FROM TRIBECA:
AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead, (United States) – World Premiere. Slasher cinema gets a candy-coated and raucous new spin as a group of young friends staying at an Airbnb are picked off one by one by a killer whose elaborate murder set pieces are inspired by the seven deadly sins. Directed by Marcus Dunstan. Written by Josh Sims, Jessica Sarah Flaum. Produced by John Baldecci, Sarah Donnelly, Kirk Shaw. With Jade Pettyjohn, Jojo Siwa, Jennifer Ens, Ali Fumiko Whitney. A Cineverse release.
Kill, (India) – New York Premiere. A passenger train bound for New Delhi becomes a battleground of close-quarters combat as a pair of commandos square off against 40 invading bandits. Relentless and wildly entertaining, Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s action thriller is the most brutal fight film in years. Directed and written by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. Produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain. With Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala. A Roadside Attractions release.
She Loved Blossoms More, (Greece, France) – World Premiere. Hoping to bring their dead mother back to life, three brothers build a time machine in this visually decadent, bizarre and altogether mesmerizing head-trip. Directed by Yannis Veslemes. Written by Yannis Veslemes, Dimitris Emmanouilidis. Produced by Fenia Cossovitsa, Christos V. Konstantakopoulos. With Panos Papadopoulos, Dominique Pinon.
Voice cast of the animated series ‘Golden Axe’ (Photos Provided by Comedy Central)
Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (The Americans) and Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest) will lend their voices to Comedy Central’s new animated series Golden Axe. Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty), and Carl Tart (Grand Crew) also voice characters in the video game-inspired series.
Star Trek: Lower Decks‘ Mike McMahan and American Dad!‘s Joe Chandler are executive producing and will write the first episode. Chandler’s also confirmed to guide the series as showrunner. Additionally, President/CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. Haruki Satomi, President/COO of Sega Corporation Shuji Utsumi, and Sega’s Toru Nakahara are involved as executive producers, along with Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Toby Ascher.
“In a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s 1989 video game series, Golden Axe follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead,” reads Comedy Central’s synopsis. “Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.”
Golden Axe Cast and Characters:
Matthew Rhys will play Gilius Thunderhead, a grumpy battle dwarf with exceptionally poor hygiene and a chip on his shoulder.
Danny Pudi is Hampton Squib, a naive, inexperienced first-time adventurer who has dreamt of questing his entire life. He hopes his can-do attitude can make up for his inability to actually do stuff.
Lisa Gilroy is Tyris Flare, a fearsome battle sorceress, deadly in a fight and even deadlier with her sharp wit.
Liam McIntyre is Ax Battler, a barbarian warrior with a strict code of honor and sweet golden retriever demeanor. His brawn outweighs his brains, but his heart outweighs his brawn.
Carl Tart is Chronos “Evil” Lait, originally from “Golden Axe III”, is a 100% badass humanoid panther. At least that’s how Chronos describes himself. In reality, he’s uncomfortably cheesy and can’t read a room.
The 10-episode season is produced by CBS’s Eye Animation Productions, Sony Pictures Television, and Original Film. Titmouse is the series’ animation studio, with Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio and Ben Kalina executive producing.
‘For All Mankind’ poster (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Apple TV+ is expanding the world of For All Mankind. The streaming service announced the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama has been renewed for season five. Plus, Apple TV+ has greenlit the spinoff series, Star City.
Star City comes from For All Mankind creators Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore. Nedivi and Wolpert serve as showrunners on both series.
“Our fascination with the Soviet space program has grown with every season of For All Mankind,” stated executive producers Wolpert and Nedivi. “The more we learned about this secret city in the forests outside Moscow where the Soviet cosmonauts and engineers worked and lived, the more we wanted to tell this story of the other side of the space race. We could not be more excited to continue building out the alternate history universe of For All Mankind with our partners at Apple and Sony.”
For All Mankind‘s first four seasons were executive produced by Wolpert, Nedivi, Moore, and Maril Davis. Additional executive producers include David Weddle, Bradley Thompson, Seth Edelstein, and Kira Snyder. Nedivi, Wolpert, Moore, and Davis executive produce Star City.
“With each new season, For All Mankind continues to build out a fascinating world and capture global audiences through high-quality storytelling that has been so skillfully developed by Ron, Matt, and Ben,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+. “There is so much to explore, and we, along with our partners at Sony, can’t wait to dive into this next chapter of the engrossing For All Mankind universe.”
Tyner Rushing and Joel Kinnaman in ‘For All Mankind’ season 4 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Star City and For All Mankind Descriptions, Courtesy of Apple TV+:
A robust expansion of the For All Mankind universe, Star City is a propulsive, paranoid thriller that takes us back to the key moment in the alt-history retelling of the space race — when the Soviet Union became the first nation to put a man on the moon. But this time, we explore the story from behind the Iron Curtain, showing the lives of the cosmonauts, the engineers, and the intelligence officers embedded among them in the Soviet space program, and the risks they all took to propel humanity forward.
The latest season of For All Mankind rocketed the series 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. It’s now 2003, and 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 toward.
Zak Bagans and his team of paranormal investigators – Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley – return for Ghost Adventures season 29, premiering on May 15, 2024 on Discovery Channel. The new season will kick off with a visit to Torrey, Utah for an investigation into skinwalker sightings.
“This season begins with one the most surreal investigations we’ve ever done,” said Bagans. “The activity the team and I witnessed in and around Torrey, Utah, was terrifying. There is an incredibly old and intense energy permeating the area that has created a vortex of paranormal activity of both the human and non-human kind.”
Season 29 will also include visits to an Arizona hotel plagued by poltergeists and Los Angeles Hospital’s first-ever paranormal investigation. New episodes of season 29 air on Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT.
Jay Wasley, Aaron Goodwin, Zak Bagans, and Billy Tolley in ‘Ghost Adventures’ season 29 (Photo Credit: Discovery Channel)
Ghost Adventures Season 29 Details, Courtesy of Discovery Channel:
“On a quest to document proof of the afterlife, the Ghost Adventures crew travels to haunted locations where they meet with locals, eyewitnesses and experts to piece together the haunted history of each site. Using the latest scientific gadgets and technology, they initiate an immersive lockdown investigation to capture physical evidence of the paranormal and gain a better understanding of each supernatural mystery.
In the two-hour season opener, ‘Skinwalker Invasion,’ Bagans and the team head to the remote town of Torrey, Utah, where disturbing reports of Skinwalker sightings have left a family in fear. Treading upon sacred ground, with the help of Native American practitioners, they explore whether the recent appearance of these deadly shape-shifting creatures is a result of the misuse of Native American artifacts or if they were summoned. Investigating the area’s buildings and natural foothills, they find themselves caught in a battle between dark spirits and an ancient energy.”
Drew and Jonathan Scott star in ‘Backed By The Bros.’ (Photo Courtesy of HGTV)
Drew and Jonathan Scott are adding to their roster of renovation programs with HGTV’s Backed By The Bros. series. The 10-episode season premieres on June 5, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT and follows the brothers as they assist struggling property investors.
“We look for people who need our help to reach their full potential as property investors and who we can benefit the most,” said Jonathan. “If we don’t think our services will be enough, we won’t back them.”
“We have a lot on the line, too. Our time, reputation, and resources, which are not unlimited,” added Drew. “We are here to support, not take the reins.”
The home renovation and real estate experts also serve as executive producers. Scott Brothers Entertainment produces the new series.
“In every episode of Backed By The Bros, Drew and Jonathan will consider two potential real estate investments. After assessing the properties and meeting the owners, they will decide who to back with their full suite of support. Offering their expert mentorship, project management capabilities, trusted trade contacts, a team of designers and a warehouse full of construction materials, furniture and décor, Drew and Jonathan will bring every resource to the table,” reads HGTV’s synopsis. “The Brothers are ready to help the investors avoid pitfalls, but there’s no guarantee they will listen. Protégés may push back or go rogue, but if they make the right decisions, they’ll get the best return on their investment.
In the season premiere, Drew and Jonathan will review a troubled renovation project in North Hollywood that’s already more than $100,000 in the hole, as well as a detached garage in Burbank that the owners hope to transform into a rental unit. While only one will receive the backing opportunity, the other will still reap the benefits of the Brothers’ consultation and invaluable advice.”
Backed By The Bros. joins their roster of shows streaming on Max that includes Property Brothers: Forever Home, Brother vs. Brother, and Celebrity IOU.
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in ‘Hacks’ season 3 (Photograph by Courtesy of Max)
Max’s critically acclaimed, incredibly addictive Hacks ended season two with Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) back on top and riding a wave of success after the release of her TV special. The dynamic duo of comedy legend Deborah and struggling comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) found the perfect outlet to showcase Deborah’s evolution as an entertainer and as a person. Audiences ate up the TV special, and it lit a fire under Deborah’s career. How did she react? By firing Ava.
Season three picks up a year after the season two finale. Deborah’s career is still on fire, and Ava has moved on with her life in LA. However, even with the passage of time, emotions are still raw as the new season premieres on May 2, 2024.
Hacks co-creator, co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer Jen Statsky describes the separation as a way to keep Deborah and Ava’s relationship from growing stagnant.
“This idea of separating them would be a next step in their relationship where Deborah would do something that was partly altruistic, partly her being a little bit scared of the closeness that she felt for Ava, and falling back into old ways.
But then this year apart would allow them to reach new career heights, which you see in the premiere episode. They’re both doing better than ever. Deborah is doing better than ever, even though […] she’s now doing so well she doesn’t have to work as hard for it. Ava is doing amazing, even though she’s been in couples therapy. So how good could the year be?” explained Statsky during an LA press conference hosted by Max.
Statsky continued: “But then like this would make it so that okay, now they’ve both reached these new incredible heights of their career and yet they realize they still need each other. Deborah needs Ava to push her. Ava needs Deborah because there is a spark that she doesn’t get from anyone else. And so, for us, that point of where they separated was always very intentional, because we wanted them to kind of go off in their separate ways to realize what they were missing in each other.”
Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ season 3 (Photo Courtesy of Max)
Does Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?
According to Jean Smart, even a year apart doesn’t keep Deborah and Ava from falling back into familiar patterns once they get back together.
“I love the way they got back together, because it just felt completely right, just this kind of fake politeness for five minutes and then they start to insult each other. […] But, I mean, I think it was good that they were both off enjoying their lives and accomplishing things that they wanted to accomplish,” explained Jean. “And I’m sure thinking about each other. I mean I had an excuse to say, ’Oh, well, it’d be better for her if I don’t call her.’ But you know, I do think Deborah was a bit altruistic. I think she was trying to do what was right for Ava.”
Hannah Einbinder teased that Ava may have had a much more difficult time adjusting to this forced separation. “While Ava was thriving, certainly, it seems like it was a really heavy weight on her conscious always, when there’s just that one person who is just weighing on your mind. I think Ava’s life, obviously, when we first see her, it’s incredibly together,” offered Einbinder. “But I just think there’s like always that little missing piece without Deborah for her.”
Fans can expect a shift in the dynamic between mentor Deborah and her protégé Ava in season three. Rather than Ava being the one who needs Deborah, season three finds Deborah being the more dependent of the two.
“That’s true. That’s the first time we’ve seen that, really,” said Smart. “Yeah, because Deborah’s at a point where she’s had this great special and everything, but now it’s like, ‘Well, now what do I do? Do I go back to Vegas and do a second-rate club or what do I do? Do I do another bad sitcom?’”
Einbinder believes Ava has shown real personal growth over Hacks‘ three seasons, much of which is attributable to hanging around with Deborah. Deborah isn’t the best role model, but her work ethic is worthy of replicating.
“I think from just between Deborah and Ava, there has been a push and pull of like is Deborah the perfect example for Ava? Maybe in some ways no, but there are a lot of lessons about hard work and cutting your teeth that Deborah has imparted upon Ava. And I think she went into the series kind of in a place of like why is this happening? Why me? I’m getting like canceled. I can’t work.
She’s coming from a place of like not having a lot of strong relationships. And I think through their relationship, Ava is learning about hard work and just like determination and persevering through failure, something she didn’t really deal with much. As it was established, obviously, in the first season, Ava kind of got plucked off the internet and was like a writer pretty quickly, very successful, very young. So, I think she’s had to kind of deal with a wakeup call in that sense,” said Einbinder.
Einbinder added: “She’s always had the spirit of like kind of being a little bit of a contrarian. And she’s kind of settled into that role with Deborah. And I think just having to grow and go through life and go back to LA and right the wrongs that she maybe was a part of in like some of the earlier seasons. She has some good reconciliations with people that she maybe wasn’t respectful towards or really like a solid friend to. […] Still Ava, you know. We love her, we love her.
[…] So I credit a lot of her growth to this relationship. But also, you know, I think maybe she’s learning a couple things from this relationship that are maybe…sometimes they make each other better, but they also make each other worse.”
Dylan Gelula, Jordan Gavaris, Mark Indelicato, Jean Smart, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, and Megan Stalter in ‘Hacks’ season 3 (Photo Courtesy of Max)
The Challenges of Shotting Hacks Season 3
The group made it through the Covid-19 pandemic, the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, and Jean Smart’s health scare as a team. Asked during the press conference about the bonds formed coming through such tough times together, Smart replied, “I mean when you go through personal things with people that you work closely with, it does really bond you. And the fact that we work with people who are so incredibly talented, who are also every bit as kind and as nice as they are talented, it’s such a gift. And you think, ‘Well, why can’t it always be that way?’ It should always be that way. But we are, I feel, extraordinarily fortunate in the group of people that we have.”
Hannah Einbinder agreed.
“Yeah, I mean we make a show about the specific depth of the love shared between people who laugh together and it’s kind of meta, because that’s like what we do every day. We are actively doing the thing that we are making this piece of art about. And there is no greater bond than the one between like funny people who collaborate,” said Einbinder. “And it is our love language. And it’s how we deal with everything. And it has, I think, probably gotten us through everything that’s happened. And yeah, the love is real.”
Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) stars as a real estate tycoon whose world is rocked when he’s forced into bankruptcy in Netflix’s A Man in Full first trailer. The six-episode limited series comes from David E. Kelley who serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
“When Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker (Daniels) faces sudden bankruptcy, political and business interests collide as he defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace,” reads Netflix’s synopsis.
Poster for Netflix’s ‘A Man in Full’
In addition to Daniels, the limited series stars Tom Pelphrey (Ozark) as Raymond Peepgrass, Diane Lane (Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans) as Martha Crocker, Lucy Liu (Elementary) as Joyce Newman, William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) as Wes Jordan, and Aml Ameen (I May Destroy You) as Roger White. The cast also includes Sarah Jones (For All Mankind) as Serena Crocker, Jon Michael Hill (61st Street) as Conrad Hensley, and Chanté Adams (A League of Their Own) as Jill Hensley.
A Man in Full is based on The New York Times bestselling novel by the late Tom Wolfe. Regina King directed episodes one, five, and six, and also serves as an executive producer. Episodes two, three, and four were directed by executive producer Tommy Schlamme. Additional executive producers include Matthew Tinker and Alexandra Wolfe, with Thomas Wolfe receiving a posthumous executive producer credit.
CBS’s Fire Country returns after a two-week break with an episode that finds Three Rock on the outs with the community. Season two episode seven will air on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT. Marie Jamora directs and Sara Casey and Manuel Herrera wrote the script.
Max Thieriot leads the cast as Bode, Billy Burke plays Vince, Kevin Alejandro is Manny, and Diane Farr is Sharon. Stephanie Arcila stars as Gabriela, Jordan Calloway is Jake, and Jules Latimer plays Eve.
“A Hail Mary” Plot: The future of Three Rock is in jeopardy as public opinion of the camp grows increasingly negative.
Fire Country stars Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining a prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. It’s a high-risk, high-reward assignment, and the heat is turned up when Bode is assigned to the program in his rural hometown, where he was once a golden all-American son until his troubles began.
Five years ago, Bode burned down everything in his life, leaving town with a big secret. Now he’s back, with the rap sheet of a criminal and the audacity to believe in a chance for redemption with Cal Fire.
It’s been 54 years since The Beatles’ Let It Be last screened, and Disney+ is now set to introduce the documentary to a new generation of fans. Filmmaker Peter Jackson and his Park Road Post Production team restored the film to its original luster, with Disney+ setting a May 8, 2024 premiere.
“Let It Be was ready to go in October/November 1969, but it didn’t come out until April 1970. One month before its release, The Beatles officially broke up. And so the people went to see Let It Be with sadness in their hearts, thinking, ‘I’ll never see The Beatles together again. I will never have that joy again,’ and it very much darkened the perception of the film,” says director Michael Lindsay-Hogg.
Lindsay-Hogg continued: “But, in fact, how often do you get to see artists of this stature working together to make what they hear in their heads into songs? And then you get to the roof, and you see their excitement, camaraderie, and sheer joy in playing together again as a group and know, as we do now, that it was the final time, and we view it with the full understanding of who they were and still are and a little poignancy. I was knocked out by what Peter was able to do with Get Back, using all the footage I’d shot 50 years previously.”
Jackson’s Emmy Award-winning three-part documentary series aired in 2021 and generated renewed interest in the iconic band. Following its debut, Apple Corps asked Jackson and his team to restore Let It Be from its original 16mm negative.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Michael’s movie, Let It Be, has been restored and is finally being re-released after being unavailable for decades,” stated Peter Jackson. “I was so lucky to have access to Michael’s outtakes for Get Back, and I’ve always thought that Let It Be is needed to complete the Get Back story. Over three parts, we showed Michael and The Beatles filming a groundbreaking new documentary, and Let It Be is that documentary – the movie they released in 1970.
I now think of it all as one epic story, finally completed after five decades. The two projects support and enhance each other: Let It Be is the climax of Get Back, while Get Back provides a vital missing context for Let It Be. Michael Lindsay-Hogg was unfailingly helpful and gracious while I made Get Back, and it’s only right that his original movie has the last word…looking and sounding far better than it did in 1970.”
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr starred in the original film and served as executive producers. Neil Aspinall produced, and Anthony B Richmond was the director of photography.
