| One Night Special Events in
March:
These events are Egyptian Theatre exclusives!
Monday, March 1 - 6:00 PM
We could not be more excited to announce that we are part
of the WE LIVE IN PUBLIC six city screening and interactive discussion on
Monday, March 1 at 6:00 PM. It's an internet date you don't want to miss.
We will be debuting our new hi-tech hook-up that enables us to broadcast thrilling events
at the Egyptian to other places in the world (and check out what audiences elsewhere are
doing). The Pig 'n Whistle restaurant next door to the Egyptian has a special 50% off food
deal from 6:30 - 9:30 PM on Monday nights.
Following a screening of WE LIVE IN PUBLIC (90 min.) we will connect with five
other audiences in theatres around the country, the film's director Ondi
Timoner and the subject of her documentary - the "Warhol of the
Web" himself, Josh Harris and fans on
the internet for a fully interactive discussion on what it means to "live in
public" online in the 21st Century. The early start time is dictated by the time
difference in cities in other time zones, so even if you can't make the screening, we hope
you will join us for the 7:30 PM discussion hosted in person by actress Eliza Dushku ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer,"
"Angel").
Here is some information about the film itself:
Sundance Grand Jury Documentary Prize Winner
# "4 STARS!... This is a remarkable film about a
strange and prophetic man."
-Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
WE LIVE IN PUBLIC, 2009, 90 min., Interloper Films. Ten years in the
making and culled from 5000 hours of footage, the film reveals the effect the web has on
our society, as seen through the eyes of the "Warhol of the Web" aka "the
greatest Internet pioneer you've never heard of", artist, futurist and visionary Josh
Harris. Through his experiments, including a six-month stint living with his girlfriend
under 24-hour electronic surveillance which led to his mental collapse, Harris
demonstrated the price we pay for living in public. Award-winning director Ondi Timoner
(DIG! - which also won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in 2004 - making Timoner the only
director to win that prestigious award twice) documented his tumultuous life for more than
a decade to create a riveting, cautionary tale of what to expect as the virtual world
inevitably takes control of our lives.
Following the screenings, which will play
simultaneously in Vancouver, LA, Denver, Chicago, New York & Atlanta, director Ondi
Timoner & Josh Harris will link up with Los Angeles event host Eliza Dushku
("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel") and NY event host Adrian Grenier
("Entourage") and all the audiences nationwide in theaters and online will have
a live, interactive conversation about living in public.
Buy
Tickets | Official Website | View Trailer | Twitter | Roger
Ebert Review
Friday, March 5 – 7:00 PM
Friday, March 5 – 10:00 PM
[Spielberg Theatre] OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORTS Program. Oscar season is
upon us, and a new crop of excellent short films are in the running for Best Short. Join
us at the Egyptian Theatre for a program of all shorts nominated in the Animation and
Live-Action categories at the 2010 Oscars. Selections include "The
Door," "Instead of Abracadabra," "Kavi,"
"Miracle Fish," "The New Tenants," "French Roast,"
"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," "The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la
Muerte)," "Logorama" and "A Matter of Loaf and
Death."
Screening order:
Animated:
French Roast
La Dama y La Muerte
A Matter of Loaf and Death
Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
Logorama
Live Action:
Kavi
The New Tenants
Miracle Fish
The Door
Instead of Abracadabra
English subtitles if dialogue is other than English. The 7PM program will
repeat at 10 PM. This event is in our small theatre. Advance tickets are recommended. Buy
Tickets
Saturday, March 6 – 10:00 AM
INVISIBLE ART, VISIBLE ARTISTS
Seminar: Presented by American Cinema
Editors (A.C.E.) 150 min. You saw their names in the opening credits. Then you saw
their names in Variety. Now discover how they went from dailies to Oscar-nominated films.
An open discussion with all of this year's Oscar-nominated editors:
Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron (AVATAR)
Julian Clarke (DISTRICT 9);
Bob Murawski and Chris Innis (THE HURT LOCKER)
Sally Menke (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS)
Joe Klotz (PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE).
*All nominees will appear in person subject to availability. Admission is free, first
come, first served.
Saturday, March 6 – 2:30 PM
OSCAR-NOMINATED ART DIRECTORS Seminar:
Presented by the Art Directors Guild and Set
Decorators Society of America (150 min.) The American Cinematheque in
association with the Art Directors Guild and the Set Decorators Society of America
presents a panel discussion with this year’s Academy Award-nominated art directors
and set decorators:
Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg (Art Direction) and Kim Sinclair (Set Direction) for AVATAR
Dave Warren and Anastasia Masara (Art Direction) and Caroline Smith (Set Direction) for
THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS
John Myhre (Art Direction) and Gordon Sim (Set Direction) for NINE
Sarah Greenwood (Art Direction) and Katie Spencer (Set Direction) for SHERLOCK
HOLMES
Patrice Vermette (Art Direction) and Maggie Gray (Set Direction) for THE YOUNG
VICTORIA.
Art Directors Guild President Thomas A. Walsh
will moderate the event. *All nominees will appear in person subject to availability.
Admission is free, first come, first served.
Wednesday, March 10 – 7:30 PM
Los Angeles Premiere! THE HEART IS
A DRUM MACHINE, 2009, Lightyear Entertainment, 74 min. Dir. Christopher
Pomerenke. A host of current top artists and scholars ruminate on the primal human need
for and attraction to music in this elegant new documentary. Includes thoughtful
interviews with Modest Mouse's Issack Brock, Tool's Maynard James Keenan, KCRW's Nic
Harcourt and actor/musicians Elijah Wood, Jason Schwartzman and Juliette Lewis.
The film features the
likes of Wayne Coyne, Jason Schwartzman, Elijah Wood, Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, Britt
Daniel of Spoon, Juliette Lewis, John Frusciante, Maynard James Keenan, and more, all
answering the question "What is Music?" It's an insightful, highly entertaining
film for all kinds of music lovers.
The film was directed by Christopher Pomerenke and produced by the makers of 2006’s Moog.
The Flaming Lips’ Steven Drozd wrote and performed the film’s original score and
covered Elton John’s "Rocket Man" with Maynard James Keenan on vocals. Discussion following with the filmmakers and special guest
musician Heloise Williams of the band Heloise and the Savoir Faire and Page Hamilton of
the band Helmet.
Trailer
| Buy
Tickets
Thursday, March 11 - 7:30 PM
CRIMINALLY UNKNOWN STEVE TESICH
Double Feature: FOUR
FRIENDS, 1981, MGM Repertory, 114 min. Dir. Arthur Penn. Steve Tesich's
largely autobiographical tale of Yugoslavian immigrant (Craig Wasson) and his friends
(Michael Huddleston and Jim Metzler) coming of age in the 1960s, every one of them in love
with Georgia (Jodi Thelen). A richly observed American epic of love and friendship. One of
the most overlooked and misunderstood films of the 1980s. "The best film yet made
about the sixties…. It has the quality of legend, a fable remembered…. For Mr.
Tesich, it is another original work by one of our best young screenwriters."- Vincent
Canby The New York Times.
Trailer
EYEWITNESS, 1981, 20th Century Fox, 103min. Dir.
Peter Yates. Steve Tesich's mystery follows a janitor (William Hurt) who uses what he
knows about a murder to get close to reporter Sigourney Weaver. Steve Tesich's script, is
alive with interesting characters and crackling dialogue. One of the least known, but most
successful character driven mysteries of all time. The final shoot out in the riding
stable is a thing to behold. Also starring Christopher Plummer, James Woods, Steven Hill
and Morgan Freeman. Trailer
| Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 11 – 7:30 PM
Back By Popular Demand! NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD - Spring 2010
Edition. What lies beyond Sundance for you and your film in the wide world of festivals?
For most emerging filmmakers, the goal of launching a film on the
film festival circuit begins with one singular dream: SUNDANCE! But what lies beyond
Sundance for you and your film? In this informative seminar, presented just in time for
"festival season," film festival programmer/film consultant Thomas Ethan Harris
(former Director Of Programming Los Angeles Film Festival and Palm Springs International
Festival Of Short Films) offers filmmakers practical skills to navigating the world of
film festivals to maximum effect.
What are the most significant film festivals and
showcases you should be considering right now before that ultimate Sundance dream fades
and you are left with a very good film with no place to show it?
Discussion Topics to be discussed include:
- A survey of the most important film festivals in both the United
States and the international community.
- A breakdown and discussion of what particular film festivals are
looking for and what individual film festivals respond to as they build their yearly list
of selected films.
- How to strategize the best festival release for your film.
- The growing importance of community and genre film festivals.
- The importance of your film's press kit and key art.
- The "where," "when" and "how" of
submitting your film.
PLUS!!!
- Secret "insider tips" on submitting your film that will
improve your chances of getting selected!!
- A list of film festivals to AVOID and why!
- Whether you are currently submitting your film to festivals or
whether you are in production on your film or even if you are just prepping or writing
your first film, EVERYONE is encourage to attend this insightful, stimulating and
empowering discussion of film festivals and film festival release strategy.
[Spielberg Theatre] $12
Cinematheque Members, $15 Students/Seniors, $20 General. Buy Tickets
Friday, March 12 – 7:30 PM
World Premiere Double Feature: GONE WITH THE POPE, 1976, Grindhouse
Releasing, 83 min. Writer-director-producer Duke Mitchell stars as Paul, a criminal with
an unholy scheme: to kidnap the pope and charge "a dollar from every Catholic in the
world" as ransom. This deliriously entertaining saga was shot in 1976 but remained
unfinished until 2009. Now fully realized in 35mm! Trailer
MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE (aka THE
EXECUTIONER), 1978, Grindhouse Releasing, 83 min. Duke Mitchell wrote, directed and stars
in this hyper-violent mob movie that plays like THE GODFATHER at half the length and twice
the carnage. An exiled mob leader returns to the U.S. to try to re-establish himself, only
to set off a bloody gangland war. Trailer
| Buy Tickets
Discussion in between films with GONE WITH THE POPE
co-stars Jim LoBianco and John Murgia and cinematographer Peter Santoro and editors Robert
Florio and Bob Leighton. Other guests to be announced!
Sunday, March 14 – 7:30 PM
75th Anniversary! Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Double
Feature: TOP HAT, 1935, Warner Bros. 101 min.
Dir. Mark Sandrich. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers achieve sheer cinematic perfection as a
pair of strangers who meet in a London hotel and are nearly broken apart by confusion over
mistaken identities. Trailer
ROBERTA, 1935, Warner Bros., 106 min. Dir. William
A. Seiter. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make an early appearance together alongside
Randolph Scott and Irene Dunne in this romantic confection set against the backdrop of the
fashion industry. Trailer
| Buy Tickets
Monday, March 15 – 7:30 PM
UNDER THE GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS (93
min.)
"...can be credibly included alongside such canonical
rock-docs as 'Gimme Shelter' and 'Don't Look Back.'" - LA TIMES
In the summer of 2007, shortly after the release of their 6th
album Icky Thump, The White Stripes headed north of their hometown of
Detroit to embark on an ambitious journey across Canada. The plan was to play a show in
every province and territory in Canada, from B.C. to Newfoundland to Nunavut. “Having
never done a tour of Canada, Meg and I thought it was high time to go whole hog…from
the ocean to the permafrost” says Jack White. “We wanted to play out of the way
towns that don’t usually get shows…the shows are better, it’s better for
the people, it’s a better experience, it’s way more unique, something
interesting is going to happen…hopefully.”
This visual and revealing feature length film documenting The White
Stripes' historic Canadian tour and culmination of their 10th Anniversary show. The movie
chronicles the band’s journey all over Canada from the many interesting locales they
experience to the people they meet along the way – from rural bowling alleys, to city
buses, aboriginal tribes and onward. The film captures intimate moments of Jack and Meg
both on and off stage, intimate and personal conversations about their ten years together,
are cannons, raw performances of some of their biggest songs, and even an impromptu
"one note show." Variety
review by Dennis Harvey. The White Stripes official website.
Buy
Tickets Discussion following with the director Emmett Malloy.
Wednesday, March 17 - 7:30 PM
Director Uli Edel and Producer Bernd
Eichinger In Person!
THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, 2008, Vitagraph Films, 155 min. Dir. Uli Edel. Following two previous sold-out weekend engagements and inclusion on John
Waters' Artforum Top Ten Films of 2009 list, THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX is back on
the biggest screen at the Egyptian by popular request. Germany 1967: The children of the
Nazi generation have grown up in the devastation their parents created. They vowed fascism
would never rule again. In their fight for freedom they lost themselves in the cause and
ignited a revolution around the world. Meet the original faces of terrorism, the Baader
Meinhof Group, in this Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated film. Starring Martina
Gedeck (THE LIVES OF OTHERS), Moritz Bleibtreu, Joanna Wokalek (POPE JOAN, NORTH FACE),
Bruno Ganz. Directed by Uli Edel (LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN).
Produced by Bernd Eichinger (LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN and DOWNFALL). Discussion following with director Uli Edel (LAST EXIT TO
BROOKLYN) and Producer Bernd Eichinger (DOWNFALL). Drawing for BMC prizes and DVD’s
from MPI Media.
Trailer/Official
Website | Buy Tickets
"Now here were some kids who knew how to cause trouble! Hmmm... What should we do
today? Stop the Olympics or blow up a commercial airplane? These radicals made The
Weathermen look like pussies." - John Waters, Artforum "Top 10 Films of
2009 List"
Critic's Pick New York Times
"....A real life thriller ..."
"...mesmerizing story of curdled idealism, one that has been told before but rarely
as well "
-Manohla Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"The equivalent of Steven Soderbergh's 'Che' having a love child with 'The Fast and
the Furious.'"
-Kenneth Turan, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
"The year's best-made and most counter-romantic action thriller."
-Christopher Hitchens, VANITY FAIR
"Explosive, in every possible way. Director Uli Edel
("Last Exit to Brooklyn") is a meticulous alchemist, creating a combustible mix
of suspense, historical fact and dramatic license..."
-Alexis L. Loinaz, METROMIX
Thursday, March
18 – 7:30 PM
World Premiere! SEE WHAT
I'M SAYING: THE DEAF ENTERTAINERS DOCUMENTARY,
2010, Worldplay, 90 min. Director Hilari Scarl captures with humor and sensitivity the
daily struggles and obstacles faced by four uniquely talented deaf entertainers. The first
open-captioned commercial film in American history. Courtyard
preshow includes aerial and special guest artist performances. Rock band POWDER will
perform live after the screening. Filmmakers in person.
Trailer | Official Website | Buy Tickets
March 18-21:
Critic's Buzz Special Screenings:
THE RED RIDING TRILOGY
RED RIDING: 1974, 2009, IFC Films, 105
min. Dir. Julian Jarrold. Inspired by the novels of David Peace, part one of the trilogy
centers on Eddie Dunford (Andrew Garfield), a rookie journalist who returns to his
Yorkshire home town, where ten-year-old Clare Kemplay (a figurative Red Riding Hood, seen
in a red hoodie) has just been abducted. Seeing a possible link to two other local missing
children, Eddie throws himself into a spiriling investigation of child abductions and
murders that leads him to suspect that there’s a terrifying connection between the
perpetrators and the upper echelons of Yorkshire power. With David Morrissey and Rebecca
Hall.
RED RIDING: 1980, 2009, IFC Films, 96
min. Director James Marsh
(MAN ON WIRE) continues the narrative for part two of the trilogy. With the police and
public still baffled that the "Ripper" remains at large and may have inspired a
copycat killer, veteran police officer Peter Hunter (Paddy Considine) is called in from
Manchester to take over the investigation. While struggling with scandal and tragedy in
his personal life, his new theories about the case only incite growing opposition to his
involvement.
RED RIDING: 1983, 2009, IFC Films, 104
min. Dir. Anand Tucker. When yet another young girl is kidnapped, Detective Maurice Jobson
(David Morrissey) notices a number of powerful similarities to the abduction cases he had
investigated back in the ’70s for which a man was convicted and sentenced. Meanwhile,
a reluctant local solicitor, John Piggott (Mark Addy), decides to take up the condemned
man’s cause.
"To view this gritty, gripping series is to enter a devil's
bargain: Watch and you'll never forget." -Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
"…the most striking dramas of this decade, towering
above the usual costume epics and routine police procedurals. Indeed, in their use of
setting and landscape the Red Riding films attain an expressionist naturalism that exceeds
practically anything British cinema has achieved in the past 30 years." - Mark
Fisher, Frieze Magazine
"The brooding soundtrack of 1980 pays subtle tribute to the
music of Throbbing Gristle and Joy Division which colours and informs the novel. The Red
Riding trilogy as a whole is like a piece of post-punk music. It demands to be replayed
many times, and each new viewing reveals more depth and nuance."- Mark Fisher, Frieze
Magazine
Special 'Trilogy' Ticket Price $25 for all three films. For
individual admissions, normal prices apply.
Trailer | Buy
Tickets | Official Site
Thurs, March 18 - 7:30 PM
RED RIDING: 1974
Friday, March 19 - 7:30 PM
RED RIDING: 1980
Saturday, March 20 - 5 PM
RED RIDING: 1974
Saturday, March 20 - 7:30 PM
RED RIDING: 1980
Saturday, March 20 - 9:30 PM
RED RIDING: 1983
Sunday, March 21 - 4 PM
RED RIDING: 1983
Friday, March 19 – 7:30 PM
Perry Henzell has been called "the most important filmmaker to emerge from the
Caribbean." His landmark film THE HARDER THEY COME was responsible for introducing
Reggae music to the world. With unique insight, visual sense and original thinking, he
forever changed the way we look at things. Through his films, stage plays, and novels, the
worldwide impact of his work continues to grow. The American Cinematheque salutes the
memory of Perry Henzell with an evening dedicated to his feature films.
Double Feature: West Coast Premiere!
NO PLACE LIKE HOME, 2006, IFM, 95 min.
Dir. Perry Henzell. Following the success of THE HARDER THEY COME, Perry Henzell directed
part two of his Jamaican trilogy, which follows New York producer Susan as she ventures
into the Jamaican countryside (reversing the country-to-city trajectory of the first film)
in search of a runaway actress. After working on the film throughout the 1970s, Henzell
discovered that the footage had been lost; fortunately, it was found 30 years later, and
now Henzell's follow-up to his breakthrough classic can be seen on the big screen! With
music by Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals and Peter Tosh and
introducing Grace Jones and P.J. Soles. Trailer
New 35mm Print! THE HARDER THEY COME, 1972, International Films,
120 min. The world’s first contact with Jamaica and reggae music, before Bob Marley
broke big and England fell in love with the sound. Originally released by Roger Corman it
became a midnight movie sensation and inspired The Clash’s "The Guns of
Brixton". Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff stars as a country boy IVAN who travels to the
big city with dreams of recording a song. Turning to a life of crime in desperation Ivan
achieves his dream of being famous as his song becomes a big hit and he is Jamaica's most
wanted man. Director Perry Henzell’s masterpiece uses this odyssey as the basis for a
forceful study of corruption of all kinds, all set to a fantastic soundtrack, it feels at
times like a musical TAXI DRIVER. Trailer
| Buy Tickets
6:30 - Courtyard Pre-Screening Reception.
Party to celebrate Perry Henzell and ... "The Harder They Come" star Jimmy Cliff
on his induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. DJ Baby Ace mixing the classics. Meet
and greet. Prize give-a-ways. Brought to you by Universal Music Enterprises and Red Stripe
Beer.
Discussion between films
with Justine Henzell (Perry's daughter), producer David Garonzik, P.J. Soles (actress),
Arthur Gorson (friend and producer), Roger Steffens (reggae historian) and special
surprise guests. Moderated by Wayne Jobson.
Saturday, March 20
Historic Tour
& FOREVER HOLLYWOOD
10:30 AM Egyptian Theatre Historic Tour
11:40 AM FOREVER HOLLYWOOD
For the total “Old Hollywood” experience
take a docent-led tour of the legendary 1922 Egyptian Theatre. See what it would have been
like to be in a Grauman stage show with a visit to the dressing rooms and singers' boxes.
Check out our state-of-the-art projection booth and more! Discover the painstaking
restoration work and the marriage of modern technology with a landmark of Hollywood
history. Tours will start promptly at 10:30 AM at the box office. Tours are
approximately 60 min. Add the
Hollywood history film FOREVER HOLLYWOOD (55 min.) following the tour. Wear your walking
shoes! You will see the old dressing rooms, the singer's boxes and the projection booth
(not normally included on our tours). Reservations are not required, we have room for
everyone. You can check our website or our voicemail for emergency cancellations.
Tours will be held rain or shine. Tickets: Tour & movie FOREVER HOLLYWOOD: $10. Buy Tickets
Sunday, March 21 LA MARATHON today,
check street
closures.
Egyptian Theatre Historic Tour & FOREVER HOLLYWOOD
10:30 AM Behind The Scenes Tour
11:40 AM FOREVER HOLLYWOOD
 For
the total “Old Hollywood” experience take a docent-led tour of the
legendary 1922 Egyptian Theatre. See what it would have been like to be in a Grauman stage
show with a visit to the dressing rooms and singers' boxes. Check out our state-of-the-art
projection booth and more! Discover the painstaking restoration work and the marriage of
modern technology with a landmark of Hollywood history.
Add the Hollywood history film FOREVER HOLLYWOOD (55 min.)
following the tour.
Tours will start promptly at
10:30 AM at the box office. Tours are approximately 60 min. Wear your walking shoes!
You will see the old dressing rooms, the singer's boxes and the projection booth (not
normally included on our tours). Reservations are not required, we have room for everyone.
Tours will be held rain or shine. Tickets:
$5. Tour & movie FOREVER HOLLYWOOD: $10. Buy Tickets
Wednesday, March 24
– 7:30 PM
Double Feature: THE THIRD MAN, 1949, Rialto Pictures, 93 min. Dir. Carol
Reed Orson Welles excels as homicidal charmer Harry Lime, whose estranged paramour (Alida
Valli) remains loyal to him and whose old best friend (Joseph Cotten) cannot bring himself
to believe the awful truth. With a timeless, darkly humorous script by novelist Graham
Greene. View trailer
THE FALLEN IDOL, 1948, Rialto Pictures, 95
min. Graham Greene once again supplied the story and screenplay for this psychological
mystery directed by Carol Reed. Bobby Henrey is the 8-year-old son of the French
ambassador in London. Left alone for the weekend, Bobby is the only witness when the
housekeeper dies from a fall of ambiguous motive. Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 25 - 7:30 PM
[Spielberg Theatre] ALL
DOC'D OUT: A DOCUMENTARY SURVIVAL GUIDE: Learn how to keep your film alive
and thriving in the competitive world of nonfiction distribution, exhibition and film
festivals from a panel of industry professionals including Amy Halpin, Program Manager, Fiscal Sponsorships and Grants,
International Documentary Association Agi Orsi, Producer, DOGTOWN AND THE ZBOYS, RIDING
GIANTS. Jon Reiss, Author, Think Outside The Box Office; Producer/Director, BOMB
IT, BETTER LIVING THROUGH CIRCUITRY. Marina Zenovich, Producer/Director, ROMAN POLANSKI:
WANTED AND DESIRED, WHO IS BERNARD TAPIE?
Non-fiction filmmaking has been a
centerpiece of the American film industry for most of our new millennium. Whether this
resurgence can be attributed to the dominance of reality-based television, new found
artistic and technical liberties or to some good old-fashioned monetary gain, there is now
a vast new playing field for today's documentary filmmaker.
The American Cinematheque's Film
Seminar Series presents a documentary film panel discussion which takes a close look at
where the future of non-fiction film production, distribution and exhibition is headed in
an uncertain market that is now glutted with documentary films.
With an accent on ALTERNATIVE and CREATIVE approaches to producing,
financing and distributing documentary films, ALL DOC'D OUT: THE ULTIMATE DOCUMENTARY
SURVIVAL GUIDE focuses its attention on three primary foundations of non-fiction
filmmaking:
1. CONCEPT/SUBJECT CHOICE, FORMAL DESIGN, FILMMAKING TRENDS
What are the most viable subject trends in documentary filmmaking
today?
What is the current landscape like for "the political doc"
(Michael Moore-approach), "the historical doc" (Ken Burns-approach), "the
environmental doc" (Al Gore-approach), "the shock doc" (Nick
Broomfield-approach), "the personal doc" (Terry Zwigoff-approach), and "the
auteur doc" (Errol Morris-approach)? What are the current filmmaking stylistic
trends? Where are they headed? Does the film festival world favor certain non-fiction
subject approaches and styles over others? Is there a primary documentary filmmaking
style/form today? What filmmaking stylistic/formal concerns should a new documentary
filmmaker be aware of when making his/her first film? What are the most important artistic
and financial considerations you should make before shooting your documentary?
2. CONTEMPORARY FINANCING
In terms of the conceptual stages of making a documentary, what do
both documentary organizations who provide grants and documentary financing producers look
for in a documentary that is seeking investment? Is financing an American documentary
always from a "patchwork" of sources?
Given the collapse of the world's financial institutions, it looks
like financing your new non-fiction film has some very challenging times ahead.
What new methods of financing documentaries can we foresee in the
future?
How creative can producers get in their efforts to find money to
make non-fiction films? Given the weakened state of the dollar, is European financing on
the rise for American documentary filmmakers or is this just a potential for narrative
filmmakers? Is the "internationally co-financed" film going to come back into
style?
3. NEW FORMS OF DISTRIBUTION/EXHIBITION
What does the landscape for documentary film/video distribution look
like today verses 5 years ago? What are the biggest changes in what a documentary will
find for itself in terms of theatrical distribution, DVD sales or broadcast (television,
cable TV, internet) play? How does film festival exhibition enhance or hurt a
documentary's distribution potential?
When do I bring on a sales agent? When do I bring on a publicist?
Are sales generated through self-distribution better today than sales that can be
generated by a DVD distribution company? What are the "best" DVD distribution
companies for non-fiction films? How have the new potentials of VOD (Video On Demand)
changed and enhanced the marketing of documentaries? Do DVD/VOD sales/licensing really
make up for the financial losses filmmakers now take with the relatively small advances
they are offered for theatrical and broadcast distribution? What is the best distribution
strategy or plan to have today to maximize sales? Does the contemporary documentary
filmmaker have to settle for greater exposure for his/her film and take a financial loss?
ALL DOC'D OUT: THE ULTIMATE DOCUMENTARY FILM SURVIVAL GUIDE is sure
to enhance your understanding of the competitive world of non-fiction filmmaking,
financing and distribution. Whether you have just finished your film or whether you are in
pre-production and preparing to shoot your film or even if you are just in the conceptual
stages of making your first film,
ALL DOC'D OUT is sure to be an invaluable resource and a rewarding
glimpse into the state of documentary filmmaking in the United States.
Moderated by Film
Consultant Thomas Ethan Harris. $12 Cinematheque Members, $15 Students/Seniors, $20
General. Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 25 – 7:30 PM
Dan O'Bannon Tribute: When
filmmaker Dan O'Bannon died in December at the age of
63, the American genre cinema lost one of its most entertaining, unique voices. The
Cinematheque pays tribute to O'Bannon with two of his best films, DARK STAR and THE
RESURRECTED.
Double Feature: Director’s Cut World Premiere! THE RESURRECTED, 1992, Scotti Brothers Picture
Distribution, 108 min. Dir. Dan O’Bannon. Private detective John March (John Terry)
investigates the mysterious activities of Charles Dexter Ward (Chris Sarandon), an
occultist obsessed with finding the secret to resurrecting the dead. It soon becomes
apparent that Ward is using his neighbors as guinea pigs. Dan O'Bannon was
working on the film, but was not able to finish it before he died. It is a
never-before-seen work print.
Rare Archival Print! DARK STAR, 1974, Jack H. Harris Enterprises, 83 min.
Director John Carpenter’s first feature is a hilariously lo-fi space epic about a
shaggy-dog crew stuck on a spaceship with an alien that resembles a walking beach ball and
a thinking time-bomb intent on blowing itself to smithereens. Co-screenwriter Dan
O’Bannon co-stars as Pinback.
View trailer | Buy Tickets
Friday, March 26 – 7:30 PM
MAD MAX, 1979, MGM Repertory, 88 min. Dir. George
Miller. Mel Gibson stars in the nihilistic road-rage sci-fi action film about violent car
gangs taking over the highways. With daring car chases and a grim sadistic tone
reminiscent of spaghetti Westerns.
View trailer
MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR, 1981, Warner
Bros., 94 min. Hockey mask-wearing Lord Humungus whips his speed-freaks into a frenzy,
while Road Warrior Mel Gibson tries to save the remnants of civilization in director
George Miller’s lean, mean, thrill machine.
View trailer
MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME, 1985, Warner
Bros., 107 min. Max (Mel Gibson) finds himself among a group of children being oppressed
by matriarchal uber-capitalist Tina Turner.
View trailer | Buy Tickets
Saturday, March 27 - 7:30 PM
[Spielberg Theatre] 9 ICONS IN 90 MINUTES: Before
Blue-Ray, before VHS, there was 8mm film. The Spielberg Theatre at the Egyptian is proud
to present seven classic early short films, including "Rudolph Valentino and
His 88 American Beauties," "Mabel and Fatty Viewing the World’s Fair at San
Francisco," "Max Learns to Skate" featuring
international superstar Max Linder, "Teddy at the Throttle"
starring a young Gloria Swanson, "The Masquerader" starring and
directed by a young Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith's "Sweet and
Twenty" and "The Mothering Heart." Buy Tickets
Saturday, March 27 – 3:00 PM
CHARLES BEAUMONT: THE SHORT LIFE OF TWILIGHT
ZONE’S MAGIC MAN, 2009, JaSunni Productions, 110 min. Dir. Jason Brock.
Charles Beaumont was one of the primary writers on the TV series THE TWILIGHT ZONE, but
fell prey to a mysterious illness that ended his life when he was 38. This documentary
pays tribute to an underrated artist and includes interviews with Roger Corman, writers
Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison, and others who knew or admired Beaumont’s work.
View trailer
Following: “Your Three Minutes are Up” 2009, 14min.Discussion following the film with authors Ray Bradbury, George Clayton
Johnson, William F. Nolan, John Tomerlin, Richard Matheson (schedule permitting), editor
and producer Sunni Brock and director Jason Brock moderated by Marc Scott Zicree.
Booksigning of THE BLEEDING EDGE AT 2:00 pm with panel members. Buy
Tickets
Saturday, March 27 – 7:30 PM
Double Feature: THE INTRUDER (aka I HATE YOUR GUTS), 1962,
Filmgroup, 80 min. Dir. Roger Corman. William Shatner plays a racist agitator traveling
the South to foment tension against newly-court-ordered school desegregation. With
on-location authenticity, Charles Beaumont’s terse script and convincing
performances, the film still packs a wallop today.
BURN, WITCH, BURN (aka NIGHT OF THE
EAGLE), 1962, MGM Repertory, 90 min. Dir. Sidney Hayers. Professor Norman Tayler (Peter
Wyngarde) discovers his scholastic success is due to voodoo spells cast by his wife (Janet
Blair). When he forces her to give up her spells, the demonic forces of darkness descend.
Adapted by screenwriters Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson from Fritz Leiber’s
novel Conjure Wife. Buy Tickets
Sunday, March 28 – 7:30 PM
LOGAN'S RUN, 1976, Warner Bros., 120 min. Dir.
Michael Anderson. Life in the future is a dream filled with pleasurable pursuits. The only
catch: Once you turn 30, you're eliminated. Michael York plays an expert at catching
people who try to flee the system - a system he gradually comes to question. View trailer
Discussion following with writers William F. Nolan and
George Clayton Johnson, moderated by Marc Scott Zicree. All ticket holders will be
eligible for a drawing for a signed issue of Logan’s Run: Last Day, courtesy of
Bluewater Comics. Buy Tickets
Wednesday, March 31 – 7:30 PM
Double Feature: EDDIE PRESLEY, 1992, Eddie Productions, 106 min.
Dir. Jeff Burr. Living in a van off Hollywood Boulevard, tortured Elvis impersonator Eddie
Presley gets another shot at stardom when the owner of a dumpy club offers him a gig. The
only question is whether Eddie can overcome his own demons and achieve his showbiz dream.
Based on the play by star Duane Whitaker, it’s a modest masterpiece of heartfelt
independent cinema, shot on a shoestring. With Clu Gulager, Roscoe Lee Browne, Chuck
Williams, Ted Raimi and Lawrence Tierney. Cameos by Quentin Tarantino and Bruce Campbell!
View trailer
TOGETHER & ALONE, 1998, 50th
Street Films, 84 min. Dir. Duane Whitaker. Joe Unger gives the performance of a lifetime
in this portrait of Los Angeles at night. Echoes of Robert Altman, but it's far from the
world of THE PLAYER. These are struggling artists are a lot further down the Hollywood
food chain. Actor-writer Duane Whitaker (PULP FICTION) makes his directorial debut with
this low-budget ensemble gem. Also starring Joe Estevez, John Bishop, Casey Siemaszko, Tim
Thomerson and Mariah O'Brien. Following: a behind the scenes tribute to the late great
Lawrence Tierney on the set of Eddie Presley, "Tierney’s Tyranny”, 1992, 11
min. Discussion in between films with Jeff Burr, Duane
Whitaker, Joe Unger, Daniel Roebuck, Joe Estevez, Chuck Williams, John Bishop, Willard
Pugh, and Clu Gulager. Buy Tickets
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