Sundance Channel

Interview With Filmmakers Annie and Lisa of SPARKS

Sundance Channel — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:01:14 +0000

Image from SPARKS

Sundance Channel presents SPARKS, an ALL NEW digital series premiering Monday, August 9th. Equal parts absurdist comedy, mystery, and documentary, SPARKS is a web-based serial about humans and technology. The story follows 30 year-old Sarah Sparks in her quest to serve the tech-dependent citizenry of New York as a freelance technologist. Her special "connection" with technology, however, takes her far beyond simple repair jobs, and into both the lives of her clients as well as some of the city's darkest, most chaotic corners. Filmmakers Annie Howell and Lisa Robinson provided us with this digital exchange.

2010 Sundance Award Winners!

Sundance Channel — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:00:58 +0000

Without any adieu the 2010 Sundance Film Festival Award Winners. Also, be sure to check out the rest of our coverage including exclusive interviews and news and gossip from this year's Festival. The Grand Jury Prize: Documentary was presented to RESTREPO, directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington's year dug in with the Second Platoon in one of Afghanistan's most strategically crucial valleys reveals extraordinary insight into the surreal combination of back breaking labor, deadly firefights, and camaraderie as the soldiers painfully push back the Taliban. The Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic was presented to WINTER'S BONE, directed by Debra Granik; written by Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini. An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her missing father while trying to keep her family intact. The World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary was presented to THE RED CHAPEL (Det Røde Kapel) directed by Mads Brügger. A journalist with no scruples, a self-proclaimed spastic, and a comedian travel to North Korea under the guise of a cultural exchange visit to challenge one of the world’s most notorious regimes. Denmark The World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic was presented to ANIMAL KINGDOM, written and directed by David Michôd. After the death of his mother, a seventeen year-old boy is thrust precariously between an explosive criminal family and a detective who thinks he can save him.

Snap! An infamous lensman gets his close-up

Amy Reiter — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:25:31 +0000

SMASH HIS CAMERS, directed by Leon Gast, Oscar-winning director of WHEN WE WERE KINGS

I suppose it's a mark of where celebrity journalism and gossip are today that paparazzo Ron Galella is finally getting the star treatment. For decades, Galella lurked in bushes and staked out buildings, hunkered down in taxis and emerged seemingly out of nowhere to get his shot of celebrities like Sinatra and Warhol, Sophia and Bianca, Michael Jackson, Elvis, and Sundance founder Robert Redford himself. Jackie O, whom he considered his "Mona Lisa," took out a restraining order against him. Brando broke his jaw. Now, Leon Gast, the Oscar-winning director of WHEN WE WERE KINGS, has focused his own cameras on the infamous lensman in his new documentary, SMASH HIS CAMERA, currently showing at the Sundance Film Festival.

A Night that was Worth the Hype

Ryan Kearney — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:48:25 +0000

Maybe because I’d already been to so many Sundance parties, or because I couldn’t imagine the Racquet Club as an awards hall, or because I’m allergic to hype—whatever the reason, I was skeptical about the closing night ceremony.

Festival Updates Spotlight: Bobcat Goldthwait

Sundance Channel — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:30:46 +0000

Faith Salie speaks with director Bobcat Goldthwait and festival attendees on the streets of Park City about his film, WORLD'S GREATEST DAD.

A Final Note on the New Frontier of Film and Technological Art

Ryan Kearney — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 01:16:15 +0000

On the first day of the festival, I praised the exhibits at New Frontier and promised to return to the subject before Sundance ended. Well, the festival is almost over and, while I haven’t had the chance to view all of the exhibits, there are two that deserve special mention.

Festival Updates Interview: FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN

Sundance Channel — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:24:26 +0000

Faith Salie interviews FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN director Oliver Hirschbiegel and actors Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates Interview: MOTHERHOOD

Sundance Channel — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:21:27 +0000

Faith Salie speaks with MOTHERHOOD director Katherine Dieckmann and cast members Uma Thurman and Anthony Edwards in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Interview: CHILDREN OF INVENTION

Sundance Channel — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:28:55 +0000

Faith Salie speaks with CHILDREN OF INVENTION director Tze Chun and cast members Cindy Cheung, Crystal Chiu, and Michael Chen in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates Interview: Chris Rock, GOOD HAIR

Sundance Channel — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:27:43 +0000

Faith Salie interviews GOOD HAIR writer/producer Chris Rock, comedian/actress Sarah Jones, and executive producer Nelson George in the Sundance Channel Studio.

Festival Updates Interview: Sophie Barthes of COLD SOULS

Sundance Channel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:58:25 +0000

Faith Salie speaks with COLD SOULS director Sophie Barthes and actor Paul Giamatti in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates Interview: Michael Polish of MANURE

Sundance Channel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:42:14 +0000

Faith Salie interviews MANURE director Michael Polish and cast members Billy Bob Thornton, Tea Leoni, Kyle MacLachlan, Ed Helms, and writer Mark Polish in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Beer O’Clock at the Sundance Channel

Ryan Kearney — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:24:24 +0000

There are myriad ways of judging whether a party is a success or not.

Festival Updates Interview: Robert Siegel of BIG FAN

Sundance Channel — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:25:36 +0000

Faith Salie speaks with BIG FAN writer/director Robert Siegel and actors Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Sarafina FIore, and Gino Cafarelli. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates Interview: John Hindman of ARLEN FABER

Sundance Channel — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:25:05 +0000

Faith Salie interviews ARLEN FABER writer/director John Hindman and cast members Jeff Daniels and Lou Taylor Pucci in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

NO IMPACT MAN has Impact, Man

Ryan Kearney — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:46:20 +0000

NO IMPACT MAN “Caffe Ibis is committed to providing you with an unbeatable fresh and full flavored cup while engaging in environmental and socially responsible practices. Caffe Ibis has been designated as a Green Business.” So reads the side of my coffee cup from a Main Street café. Of course, it also says, “Made with [...]

Meet Shana Feste director of THE GREATEST

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:01:42 +0000

Meet Shana Feste director of THE GREATEST, an official selection in the Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Liz Garbus director of SHOUTING FIRE

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:59:08 +0000

Meet Liz Garbus director of SHOUTING FIRE: STORIES FROM THE EDGE OF FREE SPEECH, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Jeff Lipsky director of ONCE MORE WITH FEELING

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:36:21 +0000

Meet Jeff Lipsky director of ONCE MORE WITH FEELING, an official selection in the American Spectrum Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Nicholas Jasenovec director of PAPER HEART

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:36:16 +0000

Meet Nicholas Jasenovec director of PAPER HEART, an official selection in the Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Gene Rosow & Bill Benenson directors of DIRT! THE MOVIE

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:36:01 +0000

Meet Gene Rosow & Bill Benenson directors of DIRT! THE MOVIE, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Ry Russo-Young director of YOU WONT MISS ME

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:35:08 +0000

Meet Ry Russo-Young director of YOU WONT MISS ME, an official selection in the New Frontier Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Festival Updates Interview: Lee Daniels’ PUSH

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:22:23 +0000

With sheer audacity and utter authenticity, director Lee Daniels tackles PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE and creates an unforgettable film that sets a new standard for cinema of its kind. Watch the Interview after the jump...

Festival Updates Interview: Tom DiCillo, WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:18:06 +0000

Faith salie interviews WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE writer/director Tom DiCillo and The Doors members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Meet Ross Katz director of TAKING CHANCE

Sundance Channel — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:37:08 +0000

Meet Ross Katz director of TAKING CHANCE, an official selection in the Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Festival Updates My Premiere: THE GREATEST

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:04:39 +0000

Writer/director Shana Feste's THE GREATEST, a film participating in the 2009 Sundance Film Festival starring Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan.

Festival Updates Interview: Anne Heche, Ashton Kutcher, Margarita Levieva

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:47:05 +0000

Faith Salie interviews SPREAD cast Anne Heche, Ashton Kutcher, and Margarita Levieva in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

The Revolution is Being Televised, But When Will it be Streamed?

Ryan Kearney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:43:28 +0000

Steven Soderbergh doesn’t care where people see his films—big screen, small screen—just as long as people have a chance to see (and, presumably, pay for) them. To that end, he has struck a deal with IFC Films, the distributor of his two-part biopic CHE, to release the film via video-on-demand. “We’re kind of blocked out [...]

Festival Updates Interview: AMREEKA

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:24:33 +0000

Faith Salie interviews AMREEKA director Cherien Dabis and cast members Nisreen Faour, Melkar Muallem, and Alia Shawkat. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams. AMREEKA DIRECTOR/ SCREENWRITER: Cherien Dabis U.S.A./Canada/Kuwait, 2009, 96 min., color English and Arabic with English subtitles Director Cherien Dabis’s auspicious debut feature, AMREEKA, is a warm and lighthearted film about one [...]

Meet Jay Dipietro director of PETER AND VANDY

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:08:31 +0000

Meet Jay Dipietro director of PETER AND VANDY, an official selection in the Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Dana Perry director of BOY INTERRUPTED

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:09:12 +0000

Meet Dana Perry director of BOY INTERRUPTED, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Eric Daniel Metzgar director of THE REPORTER

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:02:23 +0000

Meet Eric Daniel Metzgar director of THE REPORTER, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Festival Updates Interview: SPRING BREAKDOWN

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:26:23 +0000

Faith Salie interviews SPRING BREAKDOWN director Ryan Shiraki and stars Amy Poehler, Parker Posey, Rachel Dratch, Missy Pyle, and Jane Lynch in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams. SPRING BREAKDOWN DIRECTOR: Ryan Shiraki SCREENWRITERS: Ryan Shiraki, Rachel Dratch U.S.A., 2008, 84 min., color For Judi, Gayle, and Becky, tragically unhip [...]

Festival Updates Interview : LYMELIFE

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:22:22 +0000

Faith Salie interviews LYMELIFE director Derick Martini and cast members Jill Hennessy, Emma Roberts, and writer Steven Martini. LYMELIFE DIRECTOR: Derick Martini SCREENWRITERS: Derick Martini, Steven Martini U.S.A., 2008, 93 min., color Scott Bartlett (Rory Culkin) is a typical 15-year-old boy growing up in late-1970s Long Island. His suburban existence is primarily marked by a [...]

Meet Michel Orion Scott director of OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:12:15 +0000

Meet Michel Orion Scott director of OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Emily & Sarah Kunstler directors of WILLIAM KUNSTLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:48:19 +0000

Meet Emily & Sarah Kunstler directors of WILLIAM KUNSTLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Festival Updates Interview : WHY WE LAUGH

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:23:09 +0000

Faith Salie interviews WHY WE LAUGH director Robert Townsend and executive producer Jeff Clanagan in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates – Interview: ART AND COPY director Doug Pray

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:14:29 +0000

Faith Salie interviews ART AND COPY director Doug Pray with legendary ad man George Lois in the Sundance Channel Studio. Presented by Honda, The Power of Dreams.

Festival Updates – My Premiere: Humpday

Sundance Channel — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:00:09 +0000

Writer/Director Lynn Shelton's film HUMPDAY, a film participating in the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Greg Barker director of SERGIO

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:04:49 +0000

Meet Greg Barker director of SERGIO, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. SERGIO DIRECTOR: Greg Barker U.S.A., 2008, 94 min., color Based on the biography Chasing the Flame by Samantha Power, Sergio is the story of the United Nation’s go-to guy. A cross between James Bond and Bobby [...]

Meet Natalia Almada director of EL GENERAL

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:02:41 +0000

Meet Natalia Almada director of EL GENERAL, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Festival Updates My Premiere: MARY AND MAX

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:53:20 +0000

Follow director Adam Elliot's film MARY AND MAX to the opening night of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Watch the video after the jump...

Festival Updates: AFGHAN STAR

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:23:24 +0000

Faith Salie interviews AFGHAN STAR director Havana Marking and host of 'Pop Idol' in Afghanistan Daoud Seddiqi. INTERVIEW is presented by Honda, the Power of Dreams.

Real Madmen Make Even Reagan Look Good

Kim Masters — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:33:38 +0000

ART & COPY is a slick documentary about the genuis ad men and women who created such iconic campaigns as "Got Milk?", "Think Different" (Apple), and Nike's "Just Do It." "Sundance gets a lot of grief about getting too commercial and selling out," director Doug Pray said in introducing the film. "I just want to warn you guys--there's ads in my movie."

Meet John Requa & Glenn Ficarra directors of I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:17:42 +0000

Meet John Requa & Glenn Ficarra directors of I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS, an official selection in the Premiers Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Pamela Yates director of THE RECKONING

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:44:37 +0000

Meet Pamela Yates, director of THE RECKONING, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. THE RECKONING DIRECTOR: Pamela Yates U.S.A., 2009, 100 min., color Spanish/French/Swahili/ Acholi/Lingalla with English subtitles Late in the twentieth century, in response to horrific atrocities igniting increasingly around the world, more than 60 countries united [...]

Meet R.J. Cutler director of THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Sundance Channel — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:43:49 +0000

Meet R.J. Cutler director of THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Menstrual Humor from the Stars of SPRING BREAKDOWN

Ryan Kearney — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:20:41 +0000

Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey at the Sundance Channel Studio Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch, director Ryan Shiraki, Parker Posey, Jane Lynch and Missi Pyle squeezed onto the Sundance Channel studio’s couch this afternoon, ostensibly to discuss their movie SPRING BREAKDOWN, but instead it became a game of comedic one-upmanship. [...]

Meet Louie Psihoyos director of THE COVE

Sundance Channel — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:16:04 +0000

Meet Louie Psihoyos director of THE COVE, an official selection in the Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Meet Cary Joji Fukunaga director of SIN NOMBRE

Sundance Channel — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:56:44 +0000

Meet Cary Joji Fukunaga director of SIN NOMBRE, an official selection in the Dramatic Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. SIN NOMBRE DIRECTOR/ SCREENWRITER: Cary Joji Fukunaga U.S.A./Mexico, 2008, 96 min., color Spanish with English subtitles It’s almost impossible to believe that SIN NOMBRE is Cary Joji Fukunaga’s feature debut; its storytelling is so [...]