 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Ghost Bird (Website)
Directed by Scott Crocker
In theaters September 2010!
Set in a murky swamp overrun with birders, scientists, and reporters, Ghost Bird explores the limits of certainty, the seductive power of hope, and how one phantom woodpecker changed a sleepy Southern town forever.
Extinction means that a species has ceased to exist forever. The term is meant to be definitive and final. But what happens if an extinct species isn't really dead? In 2005, scientists announced that the Ivory-billed woodpecker, a species thought to be extinct for 60 years, had been found in the swamps of Eastern Arkansas. The story was celebrated around the world as the rediscovery of a lifetime. It prompted the largest recovery effort ever undertaken for a lost species. Millions of dollars poured in from the government as ornithologists and birders flooded the area. Along the way, the town of Brinkley, Arkansas - itself on the brink of extinction - was transformed by the hope, commerce and controversy surrounding the bird. But continued credible sightings by expert birders were coupled with a mysterious absence of evidence. And five years later, the Ivory-bill remains as elusive as ever. Ghost Bird brings the Ivory-bill's blurry rediscovery into focus revealing our uneasy relationship with nature and the increasing uncertainty of our place within it.
85 Minutes. DVD available at www.ghostbirdmovie.com
Soundtrack features The White Stripes, The Pixies, The Black Keyes, and The Black Heart Procession
"Crocker has turned a bird-watching tale into a multilayered story that will fascinate practically everybody in Ghost Brid, a witty, wistful documentary."
The New York Times
Sinner (Website)
Directed by Marc Benardout
Cast Nick Chinlund, Georgina Cates, Brad Dourif, Michael Rodgers
Hidden away in small town America, in an anemic parish on the brink of bankruptcy, Father Anthony Romano (Nick Chinlund) finds himself at a mid-career crisis in the wake of personal conflicts and widespread scandals that have left the Catholic church an anathema to so many. When his subordinate attacks Lil (Georgina Cates) - a grifter who preys on celibate priests - Father Anthony intervenes with the police and reluctantly provides Lil asylum in his rectory. Soon, Anthony's private world is invaded when Lil discovers a secret he has carefully hidden from his diocese and parishioners. SINNER is the story of one Catholic priest's attempt to redeem his vocation and regain his integrity through a modern day Mary Magdalene.
88 Minutes. DVD available at sinnerthemovie.com
"The entire cast is great, as is Marc Benardout's entire production of Sinner. This is a helluva tight film that is bound to stir plenty of conversation. From one sinner to another - May “Sinner” rule!"
Eric Campos, Film Threat
Produced by Matson Films
Towncraft focuses on the fifth anniversary of Max Recordings, an independent record label in Little Rock, the 12 main bands on the label, and the history of Little Rock as an influential indie-Rock city for the past 15 years. Run by a group of close friends, Max Recordings has grown into a significant label on the indie-Rock scene. Their focus on homegrown Arkansas rock bands is unique in the music industry and has served as a vibrant center of the city’s culture ever since.
View the most recent stories, images, and more.
104 Minutes. An Internet first: Released simultaneously in theaters, on DVD, and on the Internet. Now available on DVD.
"A rich and personal documentation of the universal elements that are at the heart of DIY scenes that happen worldwide."
SYNC Magazine
SNOW BLIND (Website • Myspace)
Directed by Chris Scott
Produced by Chris Scott, David Schiavone
Featuring Hannah Teter, JJ Thomas, Brent Meyer, Rob Bak, Jeff Meyer
Red Sky Pictures Inc. and SnoCountry have partnered to produce a feature film documentary about the history, culture, and lifestyle of snowboarding. The film covers the birth of snowboarding, the evolution of it into an Olympic sport, and the passionate participants, thrill seekers, and competitors that make it what it is today - the most extreme of counter-culture. The film follows several young competitiors that are on the brink of success and the lengths they will go to win. It also documents the everyday enthusiasts, the top pros in the world, the most extreme riders, the marketers, the manufacturers, and most of all, the passion behind all of them. This film is about the spirit of the mountains and the ultimate culture behind the people that ride them.
Featuring Music by The Prodigy, The Donnas, Orbital, Carl Cox, Ronnie Size, GZA
100 Minutes. Coming soon on DVD.
THE WORLD'S BEST PROM (Website • Trailer • Podcast • Myspace)
Directed by Ari Vena, Chris Talbott
Produced by Ian Rosenberg, Chris Talbott
Once a year, prom mania grips the entire population of Racine, Wisconsin. The city's extravagant celebration begins with a rowdy parade where students compete for the most outrageous form of transportation, driving fire engines, 18-wheelers, even riding elephant-back through the city streets. Prom-goers from seven city high schools converge on one citywide prom to make red carpet entrances bombarded by the flash of cameras and screams from bleachers filled to capacity. Meanwhile, in sports bars and living rooms across the city, residents keep their eyes glued to the live television coverage of the spectacular event. If the Academy Awards were moved to the heartland, this is what it would resemble.
80 Minutes. Available on DVD.
"Prom captures their adolescent insight with wit and compassion. In cheddar's heartland, you might expect this full-on embrace of cheese, but you'll be surprised to find yourself cheering along."
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
IT'S ALL GONE PETE TONG (Website • AOL • Myspace)
Directed by Michael Dowse
Produced by Allan Niblo, James Richardson
Music by Lol Hammond
Cast Paul Kaye, Beatriz Batarda, Kate Magowan, Mike Wilmot
Based on the life of legendary DJ Frankie Wilde, IT’S ALL GONE PETE TONG is a hilarious and powerful look at the delirious European club culture. Paul Kaye, portraying Frankie Wilde, turns in an award-winning performance. Directed by breakout director Michael Dowse (FUBAR), the film features interviews with world-famous DJs including Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Lol Hammond and Paul van Dyk.
Rated R. 90 Minutes. Available on DVD.
Featuring Music by Pete Tong, Beta Band, Depeche Mode, Afterlife, Ferry Corsten, The Beach Boys, Schwab, Deep Dish, Juggernaut, Shapeshifters, Scent, Jaydee, Reflekt, and Orbital
"This funky hipster fairy tale about a modern-day Beethoven (comedian Paul Kaye even has the hair for the part) works whether unspooled as fact or fiction. Like Trainspotting, it's as perversely amusing as it is genuinely harrowing — and it's got a much more danceable soundtrack."
Entertainment Weekly