As a former child dancer, maybe it shouldn’t surprise anyone that 21-year-old Talia Ryder moved so gracefully into singing, directing and acting. But don’t make her choose just one. “I really like making things, whether that’s acting, directing, choreography or all of the above,” she says.
Since her 2020 film debut in the Sundance abortion drama “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” the Indie Spirit nominee has brought her naturalistic acting to “West Side Story,” “Master,” “Do Revenge” and “Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between.” She returns to the festival circuit with “Dumb Money,” Craig Gillespie’s comedy about the 2021 GameStop stock craze, which had a TIFF Gala premiere Sept. 8. and begins its theatrical rollout Sept. 15.
“It was such an insane moment in time,” says Ryder, who was interviewed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. “Everyone was on their phones, and I felt involved in that story — a good friend was pretty invested in it,...
Since her 2020 film debut in the Sundance abortion drama “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” the Indie Spirit nominee has brought her naturalistic acting to “West Side Story,” “Master,” “Do Revenge” and “Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between.” She returns to the festival circuit with “Dumb Money,” Craig Gillespie’s comedy about the 2021 GameStop stock craze, which had a TIFF Gala premiere Sept. 8. and begins its theatrical rollout Sept. 15.
“It was such an insane moment in time,” says Ryder, who was interviewed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. “Everyone was on their phones, and I felt involved in that story — a good friend was pretty invested in it,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
The Polish film industry is embracing variety and high-profile international collaborations, with a slew of new co-productions already generating buzz among buyers and festival programmers. “More and more established filmmakers, who used to look for collaborators in Romania or Hungary, are now coming to Poland — mostly because we are backed by concrete institutions and because there is money,” says producer Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska of Madants, heading to Berlinale’s European Film Market with “Ultima Thule” and Goran Stolevski’s “Housekeeping for Beginners.”
“Our crews speak English and work abroad. We are visible internationally,” she adds.
Madants is also behind James Napier Robertson’s upcoming Polish-Kiwi title “Joika,” one of six international co-productions backed by the Polish Film Institute in 2022. The shingle’s slate includes Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s “Let Me Out” and Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s follow-up to “The Silent Twins,” “Hot Spot.”
“Foreign producers and buyers are actively looking...
“Our crews speak English and work abroad. We are visible internationally,” she adds.
Madants is also behind James Napier Robertson’s upcoming Polish-Kiwi title “Joika,” one of six international co-productions backed by the Polish Film Institute in 2022. The shingle’s slate includes Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s “Let Me Out” and Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s follow-up to “The Silent Twins,” “Hot Spot.”
“Foreign producers and buyers are actively looking...
- 2/19/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Paris-based Petit Film has boarded “Hot Spot” by Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
- 2/19/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome back to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast, I am your host Valerie Complex — assistant editor and film writer at Deadline. Had some technical difficulties so that’s why this latest episode didn’t publish Tuesday, but it’s a new day, and here we are.
On today’s episode, I chat with native New Zealanders actor Cliff Curtis and director Tearapa Kahi about the new film Muru, which had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this year. In the discussion, Curtis and Kahi talk about the incident that inspired Muru, police brutality within the Maori community, and their personal encounters with the police.
Inspired by actual events, Muru is the powerful story of local Police Sergeant “Taffy” Tāwharau who recently returned home to the remote Ruatoki valley to look after his sick father.
Taffy’s father’s close associate, Tame Iti, runs a series of boot camps in the...
On today’s episode, I chat with native New Zealanders actor Cliff Curtis and director Tearapa Kahi about the new film Muru, which had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this year. In the discussion, Curtis and Kahi talk about the incident that inspired Muru, police brutality within the Maori community, and their personal encounters with the police.
Inspired by actual events, Muru is the powerful story of local Police Sergeant “Taffy” Tāwharau who recently returned home to the remote Ruatoki valley to look after his sick father.
Taffy’s father’s close associate, Tame Iti, runs a series of boot camps in the...
- 10/5/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Indonesian thriller ‘Autobiography’ and Mexican documentary ‘Sanson And Me’ among line-up.
Australia’s Adelaide Film Festival (Oct 19-30) has unveiled its first line-up since shifting from a biennial to an annual event, including 12 titles in competition.
This year’s event comprises 129 films, of which 22 world premieres, from more than 40 countries.
The competition features include Indonesian thriller Autobiography, which scooped a Fipresci prize at the weekend after playing in the Horizons strand of the Venice Film Festival. The debut feature of film critic-turned-director Makbul Mubarak is about a young man who keeps house for a retired general, finding himself torn between...
Australia’s Adelaide Film Festival (Oct 19-30) has unveiled its first line-up since shifting from a biennial to an annual event, including 12 titles in competition.
This year’s event comprises 129 films, of which 22 world premieres, from more than 40 countries.
The competition features include Indonesian thriller Autobiography, which scooped a Fipresci prize at the weekend after playing in the Horizons strand of the Venice Film Festival. The debut feature of film critic-turned-director Makbul Mubarak is about a young man who keeps house for a retired general, finding himself torn between...
- 9/12/2022
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Mark Lane appointed new head of worldwide sales and distribution.
UK sales agent Embankment Films has appointed HanWay Films’ Mark Lane as its new head of worldwide sales and distribution, taking over from Calum Gray.
Lane has joined after 13 years at UK sales agent HanWay Films, where he was director of sales.
Gray is leaving Embankment to start his own film industry business venture.
In May of this year, Embankment joined forces with Kevin Loader’s London-based production outfit Free Range Films to create a new umbrella company, Free Range Entertainment.
Lane said: “It’s so refreshing that 2.5 years of...
UK sales agent Embankment Films has appointed HanWay Films’ Mark Lane as its new head of worldwide sales and distribution, taking over from Calum Gray.
Lane has joined after 13 years at UK sales agent HanWay Films, where he was director of sales.
Gray is leaving Embankment to start his own film industry business venture.
In May of this year, Embankment joined forces with Kevin Loader’s London-based production outfit Free Range Films to create a new umbrella company, Free Range Entertainment.
Lane said: “It’s so refreshing that 2.5 years of...
- 7/14/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UK sales and production firm Embankment is teaming up with veteran UK producer Kevin Loader to create new label Free Range Entertainment.
The key shareholders in the company are Embankment’s Tim Haslam and Hugo Grumbar and Free Range’s Kevin Loader.
The combined company will develop, produce, co-produce, sell, and distribute film, TV and “allied” content, while also investing directly into production and working with third party investors and financiers.
Tim Haslam explained: “Free Range Entertainment is a creative hub for like-minded storytellers, writers, directors, and producers; converting IP from inception and development, through to production and commercial global exploitation. The Embankment sales brand will continue.”
Free Range Films was founded by producer Kevin Loader and director Roger Michell in 1996. Following Michell’s untimely passing last September, the production company has decided to embark on a new structural partnership.
The key shareholders in the company are Embankment’s Tim Haslam and Hugo Grumbar and Free Range’s Kevin Loader.
The combined company will develop, produce, co-produce, sell, and distribute film, TV and “allied” content, while also investing directly into production and working with third party investors and financiers.
Tim Haslam explained: “Free Range Entertainment is a creative hub for like-minded storytellers, writers, directors, and producers; converting IP from inception and development, through to production and commercial global exploitation. The Embankment sales brand will continue.”
Free Range Films was founded by producer Kevin Loader and director Roger Michell in 1996. Following Michell’s untimely passing last September, the production company has decided to embark on a new structural partnership.
- 5/9/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Joika’ First Look
Above is your first look at Joika, the pic inspired by the story of American ballerina Joy Womack, which stars Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger. Principal photography is underway on the movie in Poland. Joining the cast are professional ballet dancers including Oleg Ivenko, as well as Tomasz Kot, Charlotte Ubben, Natasha Alderslade, Karolina Gruszka, and Borys Szyc. James Napier Robertson wrote and is directing the movie, producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film, Madants’ Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska Belindalee Hope, and Paul Green. Embankment are representing international sales and co-representing domestic rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Screen Engine/Asi Teams With Louis Chater
Exclusive: Market research firm Screen Engine/Asi has formed an exclusive strategic relationship in media and entertainment with Louise Chater to focus on building its global content and qualitative research business. Reporting to Se/Asi president Bob Levin, Chater will...
Above is your first look at Joika, the pic inspired by the story of American ballerina Joy Womack, which stars Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger. Principal photography is underway on the movie in Poland. Joining the cast are professional ballet dancers including Oleg Ivenko, as well as Tomasz Kot, Charlotte Ubben, Natasha Alderslade, Karolina Gruszka, and Borys Szyc. James Napier Robertson wrote and is directing the movie, producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film, Madants’ Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska Belindalee Hope, and Paul Green. Embankment are representing international sales and co-representing domestic rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Screen Engine/Asi Teams With Louis Chater
Exclusive: Market research firm Screen Engine/Asi has formed an exclusive strategic relationship in media and entertainment with Louise Chater to focus on building its global content and qualitative research business. Reporting to Se/Asi president Bob Levin, Chater will...
- 2/4/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The first image of Diane Kruger and Talia Ryder in ballet-themed feature “Joika” has been unveiled.
James Napier Robertson (“The Dark Horse”) wrote and directs the film, which has started production in Poland.
Embankment are representing worldwide sales and co-representing U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“Joika” is inspired by the true story of Joy Womack, an American prima ballerina who became one of the few Western women to be accepted to – and graduate from – Russia’s punishing Bolshoi Academy school of ballet.
There, Womack encountered mentor Volkova, a mentor who inspired her to jeté, metaphorically-speaking, to extraordinary heights in her career.
Womack has not only given the biopic her blessing but is choreographing its ballet.
Ryder, who has appeared in “West Side Story” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” plays Womack in the feature while Kruger plays Volkova. Ryder is a classically trained dancer, having studied at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and,...
James Napier Robertson (“The Dark Horse”) wrote and directs the film, which has started production in Poland.
Embankment are representing worldwide sales and co-representing U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“Joika” is inspired by the true story of Joy Womack, an American prima ballerina who became one of the few Western women to be accepted to – and graduate from – Russia’s punishing Bolshoi Academy school of ballet.
There, Womack encountered mentor Volkova, a mentor who inspired her to jeté, metaphorically-speaking, to extraordinary heights in her career.
Womack has not only given the biopic her blessing but is choreographing its ballet.
Ryder, who has appeared in “West Side Story” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” plays Womack in the feature while Kruger plays Volkova. Ryder is a classically trained dancer, having studied at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and,...
- 2/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
‘The White Crow’ star Oleg Ivenko joins Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in the cast.
UK sales outfit Embankment has released a first-look image of Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, as production gets underway in Poland.
The New Zealand-Poland co-production is based on the true story of American ballerina Joy Womack, who is also choreographing the film’s ballet. Ryder plays Joy as she enters the difficult world of Moscow’s Bolshoi Academy, and encounters inspirational mentor Volkova (Krüger), with a script by Napier Robertson.
In addition to the previously announced leads, Ukrainian professional...
UK sales outfit Embankment has released a first-look image of Talia Ryder and Diane Krüger in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, as production gets underway in Poland.
The New Zealand-Poland co-production is based on the true story of American ballerina Joy Womack, who is also choreographing the film’s ballet. Ryder plays Joy as she enters the difficult world of Moscow’s Bolshoi Academy, and encounters inspirational mentor Volkova (Krüger), with a script by Napier Robertson.
In addition to the previously announced leads, Ukrainian professional...
- 2/4/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Awards
After being delayed in 2021, The 36th Spanish Academy Goya Awards ceremony will return to its traditional time frame, taking place on Feb. 12 from the Mediterranean coastal city of Valencia. 2022 will be the fourth year in a row the awards will be held outside of Madrid, where the Spanish Academy’s offices are located and where the ceremony had been held since their establishment in 1986.
This year’s ceremony was held with no audience in attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions. Despite the empty auditorium however, the evening was praised by Spanish media and viewers on social media as one of the best in the history of the Goyas, due in no small part to host Antonio Banderas’ presence. Musical performances from local celebrities and at-home acceptance speeches with winners surrounded by friends and family added to the charm of the one of a kind awards.
Aside from welcoming back audiences next year,...
After being delayed in 2021, The 36th Spanish Academy Goya Awards ceremony will return to its traditional time frame, taking place on Feb. 12 from the Mediterranean coastal city of Valencia. 2022 will be the fourth year in a row the awards will be held outside of Madrid, where the Spanish Academy’s offices are located and where the ceremony had been held since their establishment in 1986.
This year’s ceremony was held with no audience in attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions. Despite the empty auditorium however, the evening was praised by Spanish media and viewers on social media as one of the best in the history of the Goyas, due in no small part to host Antonio Banderas’ presence. Musical performances from local celebrities and at-home acceptance speeches with winners surrounded by friends and family added to the charm of the one of a kind awards.
Aside from welcoming back audiences next year,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Diane Kruger will star alongside Talia Ryder (Never Rarely Sometimes Always) in Joika, writer-director James Napier Robertson’s film about elite American ballet dancer Joy Womack.
Ryder is playing Womack (Thomasin McKenzie was previously cast in the role). Kruger will play her tough but inspirational mentor Volkova, a former ballet dancer and the head of the Bolshoi’s training academy.
Sales agent Embankment have closed a raft of pre-sales on the pic: Australia/New Zealand (The Reset Collective), Germany (Square One), Italy (Eagle), Spain (Vertice), Greece (Spentzos), Israel (United King), South Africa (Filmfinity) and Portugal (Nos Lusomundo).
Embankment is co-repping U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group and will continue sales at the Toronto market.
The film is a New Zealand-Polish co-production and is scheduled to shoot in Poland in early 2022. Producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film alongside Anonymous Content, Laurie Ross, Paul Green,...
Ryder is playing Womack (Thomasin McKenzie was previously cast in the role). Kruger will play her tough but inspirational mentor Volkova, a former ballet dancer and the head of the Bolshoi’s training academy.
Sales agent Embankment have closed a raft of pre-sales on the pic: Australia/New Zealand (The Reset Collective), Germany (Square One), Italy (Eagle), Spain (Vertice), Greece (Spentzos), Israel (United King), South Africa (Filmfinity) and Portugal (Nos Lusomundo).
Embankment is co-repping U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group and will continue sales at the Toronto market.
The film is a New Zealand-Polish co-production and is scheduled to shoot in Poland in early 2022. Producers are Napier Robertson and Tom Hern’s Four Knights Film alongside Anonymous Content, Laurie Ross, Paul Green,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Diane Kruger and rising star Talia Ryder are set to don ballet shoes for writer-director James Napier Robertson’s Joika, which has also landed a number of key territory deals and now has a production date in its sights.
Ryder, who broke out in Eliza Hittman’s indie hit and Berlin Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always for Focus Features, will play Joy “Joika” Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two U.S. women — to ever penetrate Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy. She replaces JoJo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie, who was originally attached when the film ...
Ryder, who broke out in Eliza Hittman’s indie hit and Berlin Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always for Focus Features, will play Joy “Joika” Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two U.S. women — to ever penetrate Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy. She replaces JoJo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie, who was originally attached when the film ...
- 9/10/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Endeavor Content has come on board as the global sales agent for “The Panthers,” a music-influenced social justice drama series from New Zealand.
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
- 8/13/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cornerstone is heading to the virtual EFM with New Zealand drama Whina, which stars Siren, Once Were Warriors and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones actress Rena Owen as revered Maori activist and female rights advocate Whina Cooper.
See an exclusive first look image of Owen as Cooper above.
Cornerstone will launch worldwide sales, excluding Australia/Nz, on the film which heralds from writer-directors James Napier Robertson, who directed 2014 festival favorite The Dark Horse, and Paula Whetu Jones (Waru).
Whina (pronounced fee-nah), will see Owen play the role of Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. At nearly 80-years-old Cooper became nationally revered as the ‘Mother of The Nation’ when she led the first Māori Land March over 1,000 kilometers from Te Hapua in the Far North to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island of New...
See an exclusive first look image of Owen as Cooper above.
Cornerstone will launch worldwide sales, excluding Australia/Nz, on the film which heralds from writer-directors James Napier Robertson, who directed 2014 festival favorite The Dark Horse, and Paula Whetu Jones (Waru).
Whina (pronounced fee-nah), will see Owen play the role of Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. At nearly 80-years-old Cooper became nationally revered as the ‘Mother of The Nation’ when she led the first Māori Land March over 1,000 kilometers from Te Hapua in the Far North to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island of New...
- 2/11/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Thomasin McKenzie, a breakout star of “Jojo Rabbit” and also “Leave No Trace” is now going to play American ballet dancer Joy Womack in biopic “Joika.”
Read More: La County Says Film Production Can Resume In Hollywood On Friday
The film, written and directed by James Napier Robertson, is among the projects being sold at the upcoming online Cannes market.
Continue reading ‘Jojo Rabbit’ Actress Thomasin McKenzie To Star In Ballet Drama ‘Joika’ at The Playlist.
Read More: La County Says Film Production Can Resume In Hollywood On Friday
The film, written and directed by James Napier Robertson, is among the projects being sold at the upcoming online Cannes market.
Continue reading ‘Jojo Rabbit’ Actress Thomasin McKenzie To Star In Ballet Drama ‘Joika’ at The Playlist.
- 6/13/2020
- by Rafael Motamayor
- The Playlist
Production will begin in New Zealand in early 2021.
Leave No Trace and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie will star in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, the story of elite American ballet dancer Joy ‘Joika’ Womack.
The film will shoot in New Zealand in early 2021, with New Zealand nationals Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie already in prep.
Pioneering dancer Womack is overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as her double for more demanding sequences.
The production will also utilise new digital technologies to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Napier Robertson and Hern produce through Four Knights Films, with Anonymous Content’s Paul Green,...
Leave No Trace and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie will star in James Napier Robertson’s Joika, the story of elite American ballet dancer Joy ‘Joika’ Womack.
The film will shoot in New Zealand in early 2021, with New Zealand nationals Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie already in prep.
Pioneering dancer Womack is overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as her double for more demanding sequences.
The production will also utilise new digital technologies to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Napier Robertson and Hern produce through Four Knights Films, with Anonymous Content’s Paul Green,...
- 6/11/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Thomasin McKenzie, who starred in “Jojo Rabbit,” will play Joy “Joika” Womack, the American ballet dancer, in James Napier Robertson’s “Joika,” to shoot in New Zealand in early 2021. Embankment has launched worldwide sales and co-reps U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
Kiwi writer-director Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie are already in prep and the production will “utilize innovative digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions,” according to a statement.
Based on Womack’s true story, the film sees McKenzie step into ballet pumps and brave the most competitive dance school in the world: Moscow’s Bolshoi. “Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and spurred on by the passions of first love, Joy’s leap into the unknown touched perfection,” Embankment said.
McKenzie broke out in Debra Granik’s “Leave No Trace” and starred in Taika Waititi’s Oscar winning “Jojo Rabbit.
Kiwi writer-director Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern, and McKenzie are already in prep and the production will “utilize innovative digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions,” according to a statement.
Based on Womack’s true story, the film sees McKenzie step into ballet pumps and brave the most competitive dance school in the world: Moscow’s Bolshoi. “Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and spurred on by the passions of first love, Joy’s leap into the unknown touched perfection,” Embankment said.
McKenzie broke out in Debra Granik’s “Leave No Trace” and starred in Taika Waititi’s Oscar winning “Jojo Rabbit.
- 6/11/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fast-rising actress Thomasin McKenzie, star of Jojo Rabbit and Leave No Trace, is to play American ballet dancer Joy Womack in biopic Joika.
Womack, who is only the second American to graduate from Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, is personally overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as the actress’s double for more demanding sequences.
The film will chart the dancer’s intense training, which tested the limits of her dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and how she was spurred on by the passions of first love. Womack, now 26, went on to become the principal dancer with the Universal Ballet in Korea then returned to America where she dances with the Boston Ballet. ‘Joika’ was the name Womack was given in Russia.
Set to shoot in pandemic-free New Zealand in early 2021, writer-director James Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern and fellow Kiwi McKenzie are already prepping...
Womack, who is only the second American to graduate from Moscow’s infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, is personally overseeing McKenzie’s training and will act as the actress’s double for more demanding sequences.
The film will chart the dancer’s intense training, which tested the limits of her dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, and how she was spurred on by the passions of first love. Womack, now 26, went on to become the principal dancer with the Universal Ballet in Korea then returned to America where she dances with the Boston Ballet. ‘Joika’ was the name Womack was given in Russia.
Set to shoot in pandemic-free New Zealand in early 2021, writer-director James Napier Robertson, producing partner Tom Hern and fellow Kiwi McKenzie are already prepping...
- 6/11/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Leave No Trace breakout and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie is set to play American ballet dancer Joy Womack in James Napier Robertson's Joika, among the new projects being sold at the upcoming online Cannes market.
The film will shoot in Thomasin's native New Zealand — where production is "already safely underway" according to the New Zealand Film Commission — with the filmmakers set to "utilize digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions."
Joika is based on the true story of Joy "Joika" Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two ...
The film will shoot in Thomasin's native New Zealand — where production is "already safely underway" according to the New Zealand Film Commission — with the filmmakers set to "utilize digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions."
Joika is based on the true story of Joy "Joika" Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two ...
- 6/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Leave No Trace breakout and Jojo Rabbit star Thomasin McKenzie is set to play American ballet dancer Joy Womack in James Napier Robertson's Joika, among the new projects being sold at the upcoming online Cannes market.
The film will shoot in Thomasin's native New Zealand — where production is "already safely underway" according to the New Zealand Film Commission — with the filmmakers set to "utilize digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions."
Joika is based on the true story of Joy "Joika" Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two ...
The film will shoot in Thomasin's native New Zealand — where production is "already safely underway" according to the New Zealand Film Commission — with the filmmakers set to "utilize digital technology to navigate ongoing pandemic restrictions."
Joika is based on the true story of Joy "Joika" Womack, one of a handful of foreigners — and only two ...
- 6/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sitting out on a cool evening on a headland high above Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, it is difficult to understand how recent the country’s unpalatable history really is. And the past injustices, combined with the emergence of the New Zealand movie industry onto the world stage at the tail end of the 1990s, means that indigenous and women’s voices in the film industry feel new and urgent.
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
- 11/7/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Hey, "Downton Abbey" fans. It looks like your favorite TV show has now officially become a movie! Focus Features along with Universal Pictures International recently released the very first movie trailer (below) for it! This is definitely a follow-up to the TV show which ended in December 2015. When it ended, the timeline was New Year's Eve 1925. According to the plot information that we were able to dig up for this movie, it will be set in the Autumn of 1927. According to what we saw in this new movie trailer, the estate has had to cut its operating budget. There's a lot less staff on hand. There's no maid, valet or even a nanny! The King and Queen are set to pay the estate a visit. We're also shown that the former head butler Carson shows back up on the scene to lend a helping hand to the estate's operation. The...
- 6/2/2019
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Cliff Curtis.
After appearing in more than 50 films and TV series Cliff Curtis will make his directing debut on a family film based on the true story of a boy whose dog is lost overboard, feared dead.
Produced by William McKegg and Belle Avery, Herbert is one of three films funded by the New Zealand Film Commission.
The others are Mothers of the Revolution, which will chronicle the lasting impact of the Women’s Peace Camp at the UK’s Greenham Common, and Cousins, a drama about three disconnected cousins who spend a lifetime in search of each other.
Amanda Beatson and McKegg wrote the screenplay for Herbert, adapted from the book Herbert the Brave Sea Dog by Robyn Belton.
The book recounts the day 10-year-old Tim Snadden’s dog Herbert fell off a boat into the treacherous waters of French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds. Those on the boat...
After appearing in more than 50 films and TV series Cliff Curtis will make his directing debut on a family film based on the true story of a boy whose dog is lost overboard, feared dead.
Produced by William McKegg and Belle Avery, Herbert is one of three films funded by the New Zealand Film Commission.
The others are Mothers of the Revolution, which will chronicle the lasting impact of the Women’s Peace Camp at the UK’s Greenham Common, and Cousins, a drama about three disconnected cousins who spend a lifetime in search of each other.
Amanda Beatson and McKegg wrote the screenplay for Herbert, adapted from the book Herbert the Brave Sea Dog by Robyn Belton.
The book recounts the day 10-year-old Tim Snadden’s dog Herbert fell off a boat into the treacherous waters of French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds. Those on the boat...
- 3/14/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Cliff Curtis and Taika Waititi at the Nz premiere of ‘Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen’.
Cliff Curtis has more 50 screen credits as an actor but he is just as passionate about his role as a producer and executive producer – and he may soon direct his first feature.
“My interest in trying to understand my trade and craft took me behind the camera,” Curtis tells If on the line from his home in Rotorua. “When I got into producing I discovered there is a totally different aspect of my brain and how I think about things.
“With acting you are expected to play to the crowd and to be gregarious. I have that part to my nature but there is another part where I’m very private and I like to spend time on my own, isolated and within my head.
”As a producer you are there at the genesis of the project,...
Cliff Curtis has more 50 screen credits as an actor but he is just as passionate about his role as a producer and executive producer – and he may soon direct his first feature.
“My interest in trying to understand my trade and craft took me behind the camera,” Curtis tells If on the line from his home in Rotorua. “When I got into producing I discovered there is a totally different aspect of my brain and how I think about things.
“With acting you are expected to play to the crowd and to be gregarious. I have that part to my nature but there is another part where I’m very private and I like to spend time on my own, isolated and within my head.
”As a producer you are there at the genesis of the project,...
- 2/28/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Russell Crowe got his big break in 1992 in a crazy, violent, and controversial Australian skinhead indie film called Romper Stomper. I was blown away by this movie when I first saw it and Crowe gave such an amazing terrifying performance. He played a neo-Nazi skinhead in the film named Hando. If you've never seen this movie before, it's definitely worth checking out.
According to THR, the film's creator Geoffrey Wright is now adapting his movie into a limited run TV series. It seems like the kind of story that would work great for series. Here's a description of what the series will entail:
The high stakes crime drama/political thriller explores the human face of extremism, picking up on the prescient themes and story of Wright’s classic film, following a new generation of the activist right, its anti-fascist counterparts and the multicultural fabric of a country that they threaten to tear apart.
According to THR, the film's creator Geoffrey Wright is now adapting his movie into a limited run TV series. It seems like the kind of story that would work great for series. Here's a description of what the series will entail:
The high stakes crime drama/political thriller explores the human face of extremism, picking up on the prescient themes and story of Wright’s classic film, following a new generation of the activist right, its anti-fascist counterparts and the multicultural fabric of a country that they threaten to tear apart.
- 8/1/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Drive-in movie theaters are pretty much a thing of the past, with barely any around still surviving. But that doesn't mean they can't be re-envisioned into something new and exciting for movie fans nowadays. A new movie theater concept is being built right now in Nashville, Tennessee called the August Moon Drive-In, as reported by Variety. The cinema is situated in a "40,000-square-foot, air-supported dome, complete with simulated starry sky" and features seats in modified classic cars along with food service and a full bar. Best of all, the screen they're using will supposedly be "the largest non-imax movie screen in North America". The new cinema will be located at the intersection of James Robertson Parkway and Interstate 24 (link to Google Maps), near Nashville's Nissan Stadium in the city's downtown. Here's a look at the main concept art they've released for the August Moon Drive-In to get a better idea...
- 2/7/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Chicago – The narrow genre of chess movies (“Searching for Bobby Fischer,” “Pawn Sacrifice”) gets a New Zealand entry, the appropriately titled “The Dark Horse.” The film is a showcase for the performance of Cliff Curtis as the title character, abiding with mental instability and his own redemption.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Cliff Curtis is notable because he takes what could have been a very showy or inert interpretation of mental illness, and brought a particular energy that exposed the trials of the character, based on a true life New Zealand chess champion (nicknamed the “Dark Horse”). He plays the role on the edge of nerve racking, which makes his assignment to bring a rag-tag bunch of ne’er do wells to a state chess tourney less precious, and more goal oriented. The story has both horrifying and charming moments, and oddly they work in tandem, and never clash.
Genesis (Curtis) has just been released from an institution,...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Cliff Curtis is notable because he takes what could have been a very showy or inert interpretation of mental illness, and brought a particular energy that exposed the trials of the character, based on a true life New Zealand chess champion (nicknamed the “Dark Horse”). He plays the role on the edge of nerve racking, which makes his assignment to bring a rag-tag bunch of ne’er do wells to a state chess tourney less precious, and more goal oriented. The story has both horrifying and charming moments, and oddly they work in tandem, and never clash.
Genesis (Curtis) has just been released from an institution,...
- 4/19/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Genesis Potini was definitely one of the most interesting persons out of the chess lore.
The story of Potini was a chess advisor to children who led a local New Zealand chess club to many tournaments and championships. However, he faced many adversities, including family issues with a violent gang and controlling his bipolar disorder.
Director James Napier Robertson brought his story to The Dark Horse on to the big screen in this inspirational and emotionally driven drama about the late and lovable chess advisor from New Zealand.
The film stars Cliff Curtis (Fear The Walking Dead) in one of his best dramatic performances of his career.
Latino-Review sat down with Robertson at a press day this week. We talked about in-depth about Genesis Potini, issues in his life and placing Curtis in one of the toughest roles of his career.
The Dark Horse will be in theaters for limited release tomorrow.
The story of Potini was a chess advisor to children who led a local New Zealand chess club to many tournaments and championships. However, he faced many adversities, including family issues with a violent gang and controlling his bipolar disorder.
Director James Napier Robertson brought his story to The Dark Horse on to the big screen in this inspirational and emotionally driven drama about the late and lovable chess advisor from New Zealand.
The film stars Cliff Curtis (Fear The Walking Dead) in one of his best dramatic performances of his career.
Latino-Review sat down with Robertson at a press day this week. We talked about in-depth about Genesis Potini, issues in his life and placing Curtis in one of the toughest roles of his career.
The Dark Horse will be in theaters for limited release tomorrow.
- 3/31/2016
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
Read More: Toronto Review: Cliff Curtis Excels as a Chess Master in 'The Dark Horse' From director James Napier Robertson, "The Dark Horse" brings an inspiration true story based on the life of Genesis 'Gen' Potini, which itself inspired the documentary of the same name. Cliff Curtis stars as Potini Cliff Curtis, a Maori speed-chess champion seeking redemption and a new purpose in life despite his struggles with bipolar disorder. Upon his release from an institution, he is released into the custody of his brother, the leader of a street gang planning the initiation of Gen's teenage nephew, Mana. When Gen volunteers to coach young members of the Eastern Knights chess club, Mana is inspired to bring hope to the children of the club and turn his life around. "The Dark Horse," which has won numerous festival awards, including the Audience Award at Rotterdam and San Francisco, will...
- 2/11/2016
- by Kristen Santer
- Indiewire
Director Brad Furman's "The Infiltrator," starring Bryan Cranston as undercover U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur, who infiltrated major drug cartels—including Pablo Escobar's—in the 1980s, will hit theaters August 31, 2016. (The film also co-stars Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Yul Vazquez, and Amy Ryan.) It's one of three titles distributor Broad Green added to its 2016 calendar today. Read More: "Broad Green Will Turn Bestseller 'Orphan Train' Into Movie" The others are "Last Days in the Desert" (May 13), from "Albert Nobbs" director Rodrigo Garcia, which stars Ewan McGregor as both Jesus and the Devil (yep, you read that right) in a struggle over the fate of an ordinary family; and writer/director James Napier Robertson's "The Dark Horse" (Apr. 1) a biopic of chess champion Genesis Potini. Read More: "John Ridley to Direct L.A. Riots Film for Broad Green and Imagine, Brian...
- 11/20/2015
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Dark Horse star Cliff Curtis on Genesis Potini: "He is like a work of art, really." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
At the Broad Green Pictures luncheon, organised by Peggy Siegal for the star of James Napier Robertson's The Dark Horse, I was seated next to Cliff Curtis, who physically looks nothing like the man he portrays. Curtis was first seen on the big screen in Jane Campion's The Piano and worked with David O. Russell on Three Kings and on Niki Caro's Whale Rider, opposite Academy Award nominee for Best Actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes.
In The Dark Horse, a large figure, wrapped in a colorful patchwork blanket, walks in the pouring summer rain in the middle of a small-town street somewhere in New Zealand. Drawn as if by magical forces into a shop displaying a chessboard, the obviously disturbed man sees a flyer on the wall, advertising something called The Eastern Knights.
At the Broad Green Pictures luncheon, organised by Peggy Siegal for the star of James Napier Robertson's The Dark Horse, I was seated next to Cliff Curtis, who physically looks nothing like the man he portrays. Curtis was first seen on the big screen in Jane Campion's The Piano and worked with David O. Russell on Three Kings and on Niki Caro's Whale Rider, opposite Academy Award nominee for Best Actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes.
In The Dark Horse, a large figure, wrapped in a colorful patchwork blanket, walks in the pouring summer rain in the middle of a small-town street somewhere in New Zealand. Drawn as if by magical forces into a shop displaying a chessboard, the obviously disturbed man sees a flyer on the wall, advertising something called The Eastern Knights.
- 10/12/2015
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The New Zealand Film Commission has named the recipients of its one-off business development scheme Boost, with total funding of more than $NZ450,000.
The scheme is designed to accelerate the slates of active producers and to enable screen businesses to move films more quickly into production.
Applicants were invited to apply for $NZ50,000 - $NZ130,000 per business. At least 50 per cent of the money must be allocated to third party development costs and the commission expects the entire amount to be spent within 12-18 months.
The recipients are Jump Film and Television, Centron Pictures, Pop Film, Four Knights Film and Firefly Films.
Making the announcement at the Big Screen Symposium conference, Nzfc CEO Dave Gibson, said that screen companies in New Zealand are growing in number and scale and he expects the five Boost companies will contribute to this growth.
Founded by Robin Scholes, Jump Pictures is completing Lee Tamahori...
The scheme is designed to accelerate the slates of active producers and to enable screen businesses to move films more quickly into production.
Applicants were invited to apply for $NZ50,000 - $NZ130,000 per business. At least 50 per cent of the money must be allocated to third party development costs and the commission expects the entire amount to be spent within 12-18 months.
The recipients are Jump Film and Television, Centron Pictures, Pop Film, Four Knights Film and Firefly Films.
Making the announcement at the Big Screen Symposium conference, Nzfc CEO Dave Gibson, said that screen companies in New Zealand are growing in number and scale and he expects the five Boost companies will contribute to this growth.
Founded by Robin Scholes, Jump Pictures is completing Lee Tamahori...
- 10/11/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The 3-week long Seattle International Film Fest 2015 has wrapped up and the coveted Golden Space Needle Awards have all been taken home. The big winner of the dramatic prizes was New Zealander James Napier Robertson's The Dark Horse (pictured) which took home Best Feature and Best Actor (Cliff Curtis) audience awards. The Best Documentary award went to Jason Zeldes's Romeo Is Bleeding about a poet amidst a gang war in Richmond, CA. Other films to take home top prizes include Liza, The Fox-Fairy, The Great Alone, and Chatty Catties which won the Grand Jury Prize Awards for Best New Director, Best Documentary and Best New American Film (respectively). It was a great festival. Let us know if you made it and what you loved....
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/9/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Read More: Exclusive: Seattle Film Fest Programs 6 American Indies in Catalyst Lineup The 2015 Seattle International Film Festival (Siff) has announced its set of winners. The festival, which is in its 41st year, ran for 25 days and featured 450 movies, representing 92 countries. An eclectic collection of films of all genres screened at Siff, in addition to a handful of revivals that were played in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation. Read on below for the list of winners: Golden Space Needle Audience Awards Audience Award for Best Film: "The Dark Horse," directed by James Napier Robertson (New Zealand). "The Dark Horse" explores triumph through hardship as a genius New Zealand chess player who suffers from bipolar disorder pays forward his chess expertise to young and underserved people in his community. Audience Award for Best Documentary: "Romeo is Bleeding," directed by...
- 6/8/2015
- by Meredith Mattlin
- Indiewire
The awards were presented at a ceremony and breakfast held at the Space Needle. The 25-day festival, which began May 14, featured 450 films representing 92 countries, including 49 World Premieres (23 features, 26 shorts), 51 North American Premieres (33 features, 18 shorts), 18 Us Premieres (7 features, 11 shorts), and 720 Festival screenings and events. Read More: Seattle Film Fest Books Scorsese, Greenaway, "The Overnight," "Inside Out," "54" and More Siff 2015 Golden Space Needle Audience Awards Siff celebrates its films and filmmakers with the Golden Space Needle Audience Awards. Selected by Festival audiences, awards are given in five categories: Best Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Short Film. This year, nearly 90,000 ballots were submitted. Golden Space Needle Award - Best Film The Dark Horse, directed by James Napier Robertson (New Zealand 2014) First runner-up: Inside Out, directed by Pete Docter...
- 6/8/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Seattle International Film Festival has announced the winners of the 41st annual event. The event, held this year over 25 days beginning May 14, saw entrants from 92 countries, with 750 screenings during the event. New Zealand feature The Dark Horse, from director James Napier Robertson, took two Audience Awards, for Best Picture and Best Actor; Documentary Romeo is Bleeding, directed by Jason Zeldes also took home two prizes, the Audience Award for documentary, and a…...
- 6/7/2015
- Deadline
- 6/7/2015
- by Sasha Stone
- AwardsDaily.com
James Napier Robertson’s “The Dark Horse,” an inspirational fact-based New Zealand drama starring Cliff Curtis as chess champion Genesis Potini, has been named the best film of the 2015 Seattle International Film Festival, Siff organizers announced on Sunday. The 25-day festival screened 450 films, with more than 90,000 votes submitted by audience members. It is the largest and most well-attended film festival in North America. Runner-up films included Pixar’s “Inside Out” and the Sundance sensation “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” Also Read: Paul Feig, Melissa McCarthy's 'Spy' to Open Seattle International Film Festival The audience award for best documentary went to.
- 6/7/2015
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
James Napier Robertson’s acclaimed New Zealand drama picked up a couple of honours as the 2015 Seattle International Film Festival came to a close.
The 25-day festival kicked off on May 14 and featured 450 films representing 92 countries and featured 49 world premieres.
Siff 2015 Golden Space Needle Audience Awards
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Film
The Dark Horse by James Napier Robertson
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Documentary
Romeo Is Bleeding by Jason Zeldes
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Director
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Me And Earl And The Dying Girl
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Actor
Cliff Curtis, The Dark Horse
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Actress
Nina Hoss, Phoenix
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Short Film
Even The Walls, directed by Sarah Kuck, Saman Maydáni
Lena Sharpe Award For Persistence Of Vision
Frame By Frame by Mo Scarpelli, Alexandria Bombach
Siff 2015 Competition Awards
Siff 2015 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Liza, The Fox-Fairy...
The 25-day festival kicked off on May 14 and featured 450 films representing 92 countries and featured 49 world premieres.
Siff 2015 Golden Space Needle Audience Awards
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Film
The Dark Horse by James Napier Robertson
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Documentary
Romeo Is Bleeding by Jason Zeldes
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Director
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Me And Earl And The Dying Girl
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Actor
Cliff Curtis, The Dark Horse
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Actress
Nina Hoss, Phoenix
Golden Space Needle Award - Best Short Film
Even The Walls, directed by Sarah Kuck, Saman Maydáni
Lena Sharpe Award For Persistence Of Vision
Frame By Frame by Mo Scarpelli, Alexandria Bombach
Siff 2015 Competition Awards
Siff 2015 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Liza, The Fox-Fairy...
- 6/7/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Broad Green Pictures, a film production and distribution company founded last year by Gabriel and Daniel Hammond, has announced its first slate of films to hit theaters throughout 2015. In addition to the first round of releases, Bgp is also on board for Terrence Malick's "Knight of Cups," "Voyage of Time" and an untitled project starring Ryan Gosling and Rooney Mara. In addition to revealing their new logo, Broad Green also announced the acquisition of James Napier Robinson's "The Dark Horse," which is an, "inspiring and emotionally-charged true story based on the life of charismatic and brilliant chess champion, Genesis Potini. Despite his own struggles, he found the courage to lead and discovered his purpose of passing his gift on to the children of his community." The first round of releases for the company is listed below: "Eden" Director Mia Hansen-Løve’s affecting trip into the 90s Parisian electronic dance.
- 4/9/2015
- by Elizabeth Logan
- Indiewire
Their Tiff purchasing blitz wasn’t exactly over and done with. After Samba, 99 Homes and Eden, Broad Green Pictures have now added a touch of New Zealand in James Napier Robertson’s The Dark Horse. Yesterday, the distrib released their inaugural release slate with Mia Hansen-Løve’s latest being pushed out of the nest first — you can view the half dozen releases after the jump.
Gist: Starring Cliff Curtis, this is a true story based on the life of a charismatic, brilliant but little-known New Zealand Hero and chess champion – Genesis Potini, aka Gen.
Worth Noting: Robertson’s little known directorial debut is 2009′s I’m Not Harry Jenson.
Do We Care?: We’d normally not be inclined to see anything that groups feel-good, underdogs, chess and biopic elements, but Variety’s Peter Debruge appears to be a solid supporter calling this, “a stunning yet subtle Cliff Curtis performance,...
Gist: Starring Cliff Curtis, this is a true story based on the life of a charismatic, brilliant but little-known New Zealand Hero and chess champion – Genesis Potini, aka Gen.
Worth Noting: Robertson’s little known directorial debut is 2009′s I’m Not Harry Jenson.
Do We Care?: We’d normally not be inclined to see anything that groups feel-good, underdogs, chess and biopic elements, but Variety’s Peter Debruge appears to be a solid supporter calling this, “a stunning yet subtle Cliff Curtis performance,...
- 4/9/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Upstart Broad Green has acquired the James Napier Robertson-directed The Dark Horse, a fact-based drama about chess champ Genesis Potini, for its first slate. It has yet to date that film or the three Terrence Malick titles it acquired or the Sarah Silverman Sundance pic I Smile Back but has slotted a bunch of others: Eden, June 19: Mia Hansen-directed pic about an affecting trip into the ’90s Parisian electronic dance movement experienced through the eyes of DJ groups…...
- 4/8/2015
- Deadline
Broad Green Pictures has announced its inaugural 2015 theatrical slate as well as a slew of release dates, a new acquisition and a shiny new logo. Bgp has closed a deal for James Napier Robertson’s “The Dark Horse” with Seville Pictures International, which will be joining the upcoming slate listed below. The film is described as an inspiring and emotionally charged true story based on the life of charismatic and brilliant chess champion Genesis Potini. Despite his own struggles, he found the courage to lead and discovered his purpose of passing his gift on to the children of his community.
- 4/8/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
The company has picked up Us rights from Seville Pictures International to James Napier Robertson’s festival favourite starring Cliff Curtis as the New Zealand chess prodigy and youth leader Genesis Potini.
Broad Green also announced dates for its previously announced maiden release slate.
Eden will open on June 19, 10,000Km on July 10, Learning To Drive on August 21, A Walk In The Woods on September 2, Break Point on September 4 and 99 Homes on September 25.
Samba, the trio of Terrence Malick films including Knight Of Cups, and I Smile Back will be dated in due course.
Broad Green also announced dates for its previously announced maiden release slate.
Eden will open on June 19, 10,000Km on July 10, Learning To Drive on August 21, A Walk In The Woods on September 2, Break Point on September 4 and 99 Homes on September 25.
Samba, the trio of Terrence Malick films including Knight Of Cups, and I Smile Back will be dated in due course.
- 4/8/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
★★★★☆ There's a precipice that lies just out of frame throughout James Napier Robertson's absorbing drama, The Dark Horse (2014). It represents different things to different characters, but they are all skirting its edge precariously, lending an air of danger to what is ostensibly a conventional underdog/mentorship story. Inspired by the real life of speed-chess player Genesis Potini, the film's focus may be his nascent affiliation with the Eastern Knights chess club, but raging around that are torrents of tensions both familial and psychological. Hung on the hulking shoulders of Cliff Curtis, the film intertwines the game - both on and off the board - with ideas of masculinity and traditional Maori mythology.
- 4/2/2015
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
A southern Iowa casino janitor makes a five-to-six-hour-long walk to work each day, a part of his commitment to staying employed at his $9 hourly job and taking care of his wife and adopted grandson. "When you've got a family and you've got a job, you've got to be able to support your family and keep your job. The two most important things I can think of," Steve Simoff said humbly of his earnest trek along the interstate, where he's well-known to state troopers and other drivers who occasionally give him a lift, according to the Des Moines Register. Simoff, 61, wears...
- 3/4/2015
- by Andrea Billups
- PEOPLE.com
A southern Iowa casino janitor makes a five- or six-hour-long walk to work each day, a part of his commitment to staying employed at his $9 hourly job and taking care of his wife and adopted grandson. "When you've got a family and you've got a job, you've got to be able to support your family and keep your job. The two most important things I can think of," Steve Simoff said humbly of his earnest trek along the interstate, where he's well-known to state troopers and other drivers who occasionally give him a lift, according to the Des Moines Register.
- 3/4/2015
- by Andrea Billups
- PEOPLE.com
James Robertson will no longer be a target in his own neighborhood. After his story went viral, the Detroit area man who used to walk 21 miles to get to and from work each day received a new car and $350,000 in donations. Unfortunately, his marathon-length walk and inability to afford a car weren't his only problems: His neighborhood was dangerous. That never became more clear than when a man was charged last week in the killing of an 86-year-old man who disappeared in December following a $20,000 lottery win, the Detroit Free Press reports. After meeting with Detroit police, crime-prevention specialists offered Robertson somewhere safer to live,...
- 2/13/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- PEOPLE.com
While Sam Smith and Beck dominated the 57th annual Grammy Awards, they were hardly the only winners Sunday night. From Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament (and Eddie Vedder, using his pseudonym "Jerome Turner") scoring Best Recording Package to Beyoncé taking home Best Surround Sound Album, here is the full rundown of all the Grammy winners.
Record of the Year
Sam Smith – "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)"
Steve Fitzmaurice, Rodney Jerkins & Jimmy Napes, producers; Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes & Steve Price, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer Label: Capitol Records; Publishers: Sony...
Record of the Year
Sam Smith – "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)"
Steve Fitzmaurice, Rodney Jerkins & Jimmy Napes, producers; Steve Fitzmaurice, Jimmy Napes & Steve Price, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer Label: Capitol Records; Publishers: Sony...
- 2/8/2015
- Rollingstone.com
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