MFF 2014 Press Release Addendum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Abbe Harris 908.233.7990 abbe@caramar.net
MFF 2014 PRESS RELEASE ADDENDUM
Opening Night – April 28 7:00 PM Wellmont Theatre
Chef (2014, Jon Favreau) Director Jon Favreau plays a chef who gets fired after clashing with a critic and reinvents himself in a food truck on a cross-country trip.
April 28, 7:00 PM, Wellmont Theater
Centerpice – May 2nd 7:00 PM Montclair Kimberly Academy
Fort Tilden (2014, Sarah-Violet Bliss & Charles Rogers) Winner of the Jury Prize at SXSW, a fresh, biting take on twentysomething culture starring Bridey Elliot and Clare McNulty. In Person: Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, Bridey Elliott, Clare McNulty. May 2, 7:00 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
Closing Night – May 4th 6:30 PM Montclair Kimberly Academy
Wild Canaries (2014, Lawrence Michael Levine) Montclair’s own Sophia Takal stars in this comedic murder-mystery whodunit. In Person: Lawrence Michael Levine, Sophia Takal. May 4, 6:30 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
Comedy
Le Chef (2012, Daniel Cohen) Charismatic French movie star Jean Reno flaunts his comic and culinary chops as a chef trying to save his beloved classic restaurant. April 29, 7:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
The Double (2013, Richard Ayoade) This surreal dramedy tells the story of a man (played by Jesse Eisenberg) driven crazy by the appearance of his doppleganger. May 4, 11:30 AM, Bellevue Theater
I Am Road Comic (2014, Jordan Brady) Filmmaker Jordan Brady finds himself back on the road after two decades, chronicling what makes today’s hottest road comics tick. In Person: Jordan Brady. April 30, 7:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Intramural (2014, Andrew Disney) The Office’s Jake Lacy and SNL’s Kate McKinnon and Beck Bennett lead a terrific comedy cast in this send-up of inspirational sports films. May 4, 4:00 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
Obvious Child (2014, Gillian Robespierre) Comedian Jenny Slate shines as Donna Stern, a 27-year-old standup comedian who faces a difficult decision after a one-night stand. May 2, 9:30 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
The One I Love (2014, Charlie McDowell) Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass play a couple who head to a secluded retreat to regain a sense of fun. May 1, 9:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon (2013, Mike Myers) Mike Myers makes his directorial debut profiling entertainment-industry legend Shep Gordon, who managed the careers of Alice Cooper, Blondie, Luther Vandross, celebrity chefs, and others. May 3, 8:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Witching and Bitching (2014, Alex de la Iglesia) In this zany Spanish horror comedy, a group of bumbling bankrobbers stumble upon a blood-thirsty coven of witches. May 2, 11:59 PM, Bellevue Theater
Women Aren’t Funny (2014, Bonnie McFarlane) NJ based comedian Bonnie McFarlane investigates the long-held stereotype that women aren’t funny. In Person: Bonnie McFarlane, producer Richard Vos. April 29, 7:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Words and Pictures (2014, Fred Schepisi) Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche play a saucy English teacher and an emotional art teacher battling over the importance of words and pictures. April 29, 9:15 PM, Bellevue Theater
Documentary
Advanced Style (2014, Lina Plioplyte) NYC street photographer Ari Seth Cohen captures portraits of older women who exhibit a strong sense of fashion. In Person: Lina Plioplyte, film subject Ilona Smithkin. May 3, 2:15 PM, Bellevue Theater
Art and Craft (2014, Sam Cullman & Jennifer Grausman, Co-director: Mark Becker)
Exploring the 30-year “career” and present-day exploits of a gifted fine-art forger.
In Person: Jennifer Grausman, Sam Cullman, Mark Becker. May 3, 12:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Bronx Obama (2014, Ryan Murdock) Louis Ortiz, an unemployed single father in the Bronx, decides his most marketable asset is his uncanny resemblance to the President. In Person: Ryan Murdock, Louis Ortiz. May 4, 4:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus (2013, Madeleine Sackler)
Persecuted in their own country and critically acclaimed abroad, the Belarus Free Theatre risks censorship, imprisonment, and worse. In Person: Madeleine Sackler. May 4, 11:30 AM, Clairidge Cinema
Dinosaur 13 (2014, Todd Douglas Miller) When paleontologist Peter Larson discovers bones of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, it sets off a legal batte. In Person: Todd Douglas Miller, film subject Peter Larson. May 4, 7:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
E Team (2104, Katy Chevigny & Ross Kauffman) When atrocities escalate, Human Rights Watch sends its emergency “E Team” to document abuses. In Person: Ross Kauffman, Katy Chevigny. May 3, 6:15 PM, Bellevue Theater
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2014, Dave LaMattina & Chad Walker)
The 80-year-old puppeteer Carroll Spinney has been behind Sesame Street‘s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. In Person: Dave LaMattina, Chad Walker, film subjects Caroll & Debra Spinney. May 3, 1:00 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014, Brian Knappenberger) A spellbinding portrait of Aaron Swartz, the Internet genius who wound up hounded by government prosecutors. In Person: Brian Knappenberger. May 1, 6:45 PM, Bellevue Theater
Ivory Tower (2014, Andrew Rossi) Endlessly stimulating and provoking, Ivory Tower looks at the crisis of higher education in America. In Person: Director Andrew Rossi interviewed by David Carr. May 3, 3:45 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
No No: A Dockumentary (2014, Jeffrey Radice) Dock Ellis was larger than life in 1970s baseball, notorious for pitching a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. In Person: Jeffrey Radice. May 3, 2:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
The Overnighters (2014, Jesse Moss) Winner of a special jury prize at Sundance, The Overnighters focuses on a Lutheran pastor in a North Dakota boomtown who clashes with his congregation over giving shelter to the homeless. In Person: Director Jesse Moss. May 2, 7:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Through a Lens Darkly (2014, Thomas Allen Harris) A lively cinematic essay on how photography represents black culture, from family snapshots to the art world. In Person: Thomas Allen Harris. May 3, 6:30 PM , Clairidge Cinema
Whitey: The United State of America v. James J. Bulger (2014, Joe Berlinger) Following the Boston trial of the mobster who had a mysterious relationship with the FBI. In Person: Joe Berlinger, cinematographer Bob Richman. May 3, 1:30 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Drama
Belle (2013, Amma Asante) A star-studded cast gather to tell the amazing true story of a Dido Elizabeth Belle, the secret, bi-racial daughter of an 18th century naval officer. April 30, 7:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Beneath the Harvest Sky (2014, Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly) Set in rural Maine, two headstrong teens undertake a dangerous drug-smuggling operation in this beautifully lensed, incredibly moving American narrative. In Person: Aron Gaudet, Gita Pullapilly. May 1, 6:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Bright Days Ahead (2013, Marion Vernoux) Fanny Ardant shines as an elderly married woman who starts an illicit affair with an instructor from her local seniors club in this sexy, French drama. May 4, 1:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Chinese Puzzle (2013, Cédric Klapisch) Romain Duris plays a French writer facing a middle-age crisis who relocates to New York to be closer to his ex-wife and children, giving us an outsider’s view of the city. May 3, 8:15 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Coherence (2014, James Ward Byrkit) A crowded dinner party turns into a desperate and confusing fight for survival when a mysterious comet passes, causing strange events up and down a Los Angeles street in this complex sci-fi mystery. May 4, 8:00 PM Clairidge Cinema
Difret (2014, Zeresenay Berhane Mehari) This Sundance Audience Award winner is based on the true story of a 14-year-old Ethiopian girl who resorts to violence in order to escape being kidnapped into marriage. In Person: Producer Mehret Mandefro. May 2, 7:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Felony (2014, Matthew Saville) Joel Edgerton and Tom Wilkinson star in this hard-boiled Australian thriller about a decorated police officer attempting to cover up his involvement in a brutal traffic accident. April 29, 9:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Ida (2013, Paweł Pawlikowski) When a quiet nun gets a mysterious visit from her estranged aunt, she is thrown into an unexpected journey through the history of Poland.
April 30, 9:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Mother of George (2013, Andrew Dosunmu) Set inside a community of Nigerian immigrants in New York City, this intimate family drama focuses on a married couple as they cope with pressures to have a baby. May 3, 4:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
The Notebook (2014, Janos Szasz) In this elegant, arresting, allegorical, fairy-tale, two young bothers are sent to the countryside to live with their evil, estranged grandmother. May 4, 7:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Palo Alto (2013, Gia Coppola) The debut feature from Gia Coppola, the youngest of the Coppola family, Palo Alto tells interconnected tales from a high school, based on stories by James Franco. May 2, 10:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Pioneer (2013, Erik Skjoldbjærg) A deep-sea diver struggles to uncover the truth about a tragic accident on the ocean’s floor in this conspiracy thriller from Norway. April 30, 9:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Starred Up (2013, David Mackenzie) Winner of several British independent film awards, this hard-hitting, exhilarating prison drama sees a troubled teen reuniting with his father under the most harrowing of circumstances. May 1, 9:15 PM, Bellevue Theater
Venus in Fur (2013, Roman Polanski) A sexy, witty adaptation of David Ives’s acclaimed play starring French greats Matheiu Amalric and Emmanuelle Seigner. May 3, 9:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Family
I Am Eleven (2012, Genevieve Bailey) The filmmaker travels the world interviewing 11-year-olds (including one in NJ) about their opinions on issues both personal and global. In Person: Film subject Kimberly. May 3, 1:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Kidz Shortz Winners (2014, Various) Showcasing the winners of MFF’s annual Kidz Shortz contest for filmmakers in grades 4-12. In Person: Several members of the filmmaking teams. May 3, 11:30 AM, Bellevue Theater
The Wizard of Oz (1939, Victor Fleming) Follow the yellow-brick road with us and celebrate this film’s 75th birthday. We invite you to come dressed as your favorite character! May 4, 11:00 AM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
Focus on Civil Rights
American Promise (2014, Joe Brewster & Michèle Stephenson) The filmmakers document their son and his friend, both from middle-class black families, as they traverse Manhattan schools over 12 years. In Person: Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson . May 4, 11:15 AM, Clairidge Cinema
Brothers on the Line (2012, Sasha Reuther) Walter, Roy, and Victor Reuther rose from being factory shop-floor organizers to become leaders in the United Auto Workers and key figures in civil rights activism. In Person: Sasha Reuther April 30, 9:15 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Freedom Summer (2013, Stanley Nelson) This historical documentary recounts when activists spent the summer of 1964 registering African-American voters in segregationist Mississippi, timed to the 50th anniversary of the movement. May 2, 5:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
A Time for Burning (1965, Bill Jersey) In this Oscar-nominated cinéma vérité classic, an Omaha Lutheran minister stirs controversy trying to persuade his all-white congregation to reach out to black Lutherans. In Person: Bill Jersey. May 4, 3:45 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Music on Film
Finding Fela (2014, Alex Gibney) Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney examines the life of Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat musician who was legendary for his hedonistic lifestyle. In Person: Alex Gibney, producer Jack Gulick, exec producers Steve and Ruth Hendel. May 3, 9:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Frank (2014, Lenny Abrahamson) Michael Fassbender and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in this hilarious offbeat comedy about a down-on-his-luck musician who gets his dream gig playing in a noise rock band run by an eccentric front man with a unique sense of perfection. May 2, 9:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
No Cameras Allowed (2014, James Marcus Haney) As a college student, James Marcus Haney sneaks into music festivals for free and wins himself an invitation to tour with Mumford & Sons in an adventure reminiscent of Almost Famous. In Person: James Marcus Haney. May 3, 9:45 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
We are the Best! (2013, Lukas Moodysson) Swedish auteur Lukas Moodysson (Together) returns to his lighter side with this hilarious and delightful story of three preteen female punks and their antics in 1980s Stockholm. May 3, 7:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
New Jersey Spotlight
1 Way Up in 3D (2014, Amy Mathieson) Sports action documentary about two teen boys drawn to BMX racing, from the Montclair-based producers of the Oscar-winning Inocente. In Person: Producer Albie Hecht, co-producer Alexandra Blaney, exec producer Susan MacLaury. May 4, 3:45 PM, Bellevue Theater
The Abominable Crime (2013, Micah Fink) Exposing the roots of homophobia in Jamaican society, from a director based in Glen Ridge, NJ. In Person: Micah Fink, composer Amanda Harberg. May 3, 4:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Althea (work-in-progress) (2014, Rex Miller) Black tennis great Althea Gibson broke barriers in the 1950s and lived much of her life in Essex County, NJ. In Person: Rex Miller May 1, 7:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Exposed (2013, Beth B) NJ-based director Beth B explores New York’s subculture of burlesque performers. In Person: Beth B, co-producer Sandra Schulberg, cameraman Dan Karlok, co-editor Keith Reamer. May 2, 9:45 PM, Clairidge Cinema
The Front Man (2014, Paul Devlin) NJ rocker Jim Wood has to reassess what success means as he and his wife Christie consider starting a family. In Person: Paul Devlin, film subjects Jim Wood, Christie Wood, and others. May 2, 9:30 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Girl, Adopted (2014, Melanie Judd & Susan Motamed) Directors based in Maplewood, NJ look at a white, Christian family in Arkansas who adopt an Ethiopian teenage orphan and face the complexities of cross cultural adoption. In Person: Melanie Judd, Susan Motamed. April 30, 7:15 PM, Bellevue Theater
Jammed (2014, Yedidya Gorsetman) In this romantic comedy, a filmmaker enlists her uptight boyfriend to help her document a weekend long jam festival where her ex-boyfriend vies for attention. In Person: Yedidya Gorsetman, producer Josh Itzkowitz, writer Mark Leidner, actors David Bly, Leah Rudick, Chris Roberti. May 4, 5:45 PM, Bellevue Theater
Landfall (2013, A.D. Pearson) After super storm Sandy approaches and devastates the beach communites of the Jersey Shore, a dedicated group of residents struggle to rebuild their lives. In Person: A.D. Pearson, producer Corinne Ruff. May 4, 11:45 AM, Bellevue Theater
A Life Outside (2014, Catherine Brabec) New Jersey surfing legends reminisce and celebrate their fifty year obsession with finding the perfect swell down the shore. In Person: Catherine Brabec. May 3, 6:00 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Men of the Cloth (2013, Vicki Vasilopoulos) NJ filmmaker Vicki Vasilopoulos profiles three master tailors who fear their traditions may die with them, along with a younger apprentice who seeks to preserve the knowledge. In Person: Vicki Vasilopoulos, film subject Joe Genuardi. May 4, 2:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Next Year Jerusalem (2014, David Gaynes) Eight residents of a nursing home take the last great adventure of their lives by travelling to Israel. In Person: David Gaynes, producer Jessica Wolfson. May 4, 1:45 PM, Clairidge Cinema
One: A Story of Love and Equality (2014, Becca Roth) A NJ-based lesbian filmmaker travels to North Carolina in the lead up to the vote on the most restrictive marriage amendment in the country. In Person: Becca Roth, producer Melina Marini. April 29, 9:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
A Place To Become (2014, Allison Bonner Shillingford) Eight Montclair women share stories of their hometown from earlier in the 20th century when they belonged to the YWCA for African-American women and girls. In Person: Allison Bonner Shillingford, several film subjects, and others. May 3, 4:30 PM, Clairidge Cinema
The Rule (2014, Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno) Discover how St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark achieves success with inner-city African-American and Latino teenage males. In Person: Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno, special guests. April 29, 6:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Tricked (2013, John-Keith Wasson & Jane Wells) Pimps, prostitutes, johns and cops analyze the state of the sex trade on American streets. In Person: Jane Wells, film subjects Danielle Douglas, Anthony Favale (NYPD Vice). May 3, 4:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
Two Pints Lighter (2013, Matthew John Lawrence) A nerdy vampire attempts to give up his taste for blood to win the punk rocker he’s falling in love with on the Jersey Shore. In Person: Matthew John Lawrence, producer Michael Lawrence. May 3, 10:30 PM, Bellevue Theater
Unorthodox (2013, Anna Wexler and Nadja Oertelt) A rebellious young Orthodox Jewish woman explores her reasons for severing ties to her family by following other teens as they travel to Israel. In Person: Anna Wexler, Nadja Oertelt. May 4, 5:45 PM, Clairidge Cinema
White, a Memoir in Color (2012, Joel Katz) A multi-generational memoir about a white family’s relationship with race through their adoption of two African American children. In Person: Joel Katz. May 3, 11:30 AM Clairidge Cinema
Movie Love
The Dog (2013, Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren) Al Pacino portrayed him in Dog Day Afternoon. Now discover the actual John Wojtowicz who really did rob a Brooklyn bank in 1972 to finance his lover’s sex reassignment surgery. In Person: Director Frank Keraudren. May 2, 7:15 PM, Clairidge Cinema
Network (1976, Sidney Lumet) This retrospective screening of the TV news satire Network will be followed by a conversation between Stephen Colbert and Dave Itzkoff, author of the new book Mad As Hell. In Person: Dave Itzkoff, Stephen Colbert. May 3, 6:30 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
What is Cinema? (2013, Chuck Workman) From the creator of numerous montage sequences at the Academy Awards, this documentary interviews legendary filmmakers as they try to answer the question, “What is cinema?” In Person: Chuck Workman. May 3, 11:45 AM, Clairidge Cinema
Shorts Program
New Visions from MSU (2014, Various) Discover the great filmmakers of tomorrow currently training at Montclair State University. In Person: Members of the various filmmaking teams. May 2, 7:00 PM, Bellevue Theater
NJ Shorts: Documentaries (2014, Various) Three short films illustrate the idea of exploring and understanding history. In Person: Members of the various filmmaking teams. May 4, 4:30 PM, Clairidge Cinema
NJ Shorts: The Unexpected (2014, Various) These six short films take us to places we would never expect. In Person: Members of the various filmmaking teams. May 4, 7:45 PM, Bellevue Theater
NJ Shorts: Love – For Better or Worse (2014, Various) Five short narrative films explore the ins and outs of love. In Person: Members of the various filmmaking teams. May 1, 9:15 PM, Clairidge Cinema
In Conversation
Homegrown: A Conversation with Kristen Connolly & Ben Rosenfield
Actors Kristen Connolly (House of Cards) and Ben Rosenfield (Boardwalk Empire) both grew up in Montclair and now return to discuss their craft. In Person: Actors Kristen Connolly, Ben Rosenfield. May 2, 7:30 PM, Audible Lounge
Patrick Wilson & Friends
Patrick Wilson, star of stage and screen, interviews an esteemed colleague (to be announced) about their work. In Person: Patrick Wilson, special guest. May 4, 12:00 PM, Montclair Art Museum
Julie Taymor & Stephen Colbert In Conversation
Tony Award-winning director and Academy Award-nominated director Julie Taymor discusses working on stage and screen with Stephen Colbert. In Person: Julie Taymor, Stephen Colbert. May 4, 1:30 PM, Montclair Kimberley Academy
What is Kevin Smith Thinking?
From Clerks to AMC’s Comic Book Men, Kevin Smith is a provocateur, a pop culture junkie, and a very funny man. He shares his wit and insights in a wide-ranging conversation. In Person: Kevin Smith, AMC executive Joel Stillerman. May 4, 3:00 PM, Montclair Art Museum
Michael Moore & Dangerous Docs
Oscar-winning director Michael Moore makes his third MFF visit interviewing a distinguished group of documentary filmmakers. In Person: Michael Moore, special guests. May 4, 5:00 PM, Montclair Art Museum
Writing and Directing with Nelson George
Writer and director Nelson George shares clips from his work-in-progress about the black ballet dancer Misty Copeland; and talks about his new book on the history of Soul Train. In Person: Nelson George. May 3, 12:00 PM, Audible Lounge
Editing with Sam Pollard & Lewis Erskine
Two acclaimed editors – Sam Pollard and Lewis Erskine – share tales of solving story problems. In Person: Sam Pollard, Lewis Erskine. May 3, 1:30 PM Audible Lounge
Producing with Lisa Cortes
Lisa Cortes’s career spans helping to launch Def Jam and producing Precious. She shares her expertise in producing bold projects. In Person: Lisa Cortes. May 3, 3:00 PM, Audible Lounge
Free Panels
Filmmaking in New Jersey – Why aren’t more films and TV shows produced in New Jersey? In this conversation, key stakeholders discuss the factors including more competitive tax incentives in other states. In Person: Sony Pictures Classics Co-President and Co-founder Tom Bernard, producer Carol Cuddy and others. April 29, 7:30 PM, Audible Lounge
The New Golden Age of TV – Television dramas command more serious attention from critics and audiences than ever before. This conversation explores where the field is headed. In Person: AMC executive Joel Stillerman, others. April 30, 7:30 PM, Audible Lounge
Masters of Horror & Suspense: Why We Love Scary Movies – Mark Fitzmartin shows clips from a variety of PG-13 horror and suspense films to show how directors tap into our primal fears. May 3, 1:15 PM, Montclair Public Library
Digital Distribution and the Filmmaker – Noted area filmmakers take us inside the process of getting their independent films funded, produced, and distributed. May 3, 4:15 PM, Montclair Public Library
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Film School – Chuck Workman, head of SUNY Purchase’s Film School and director of What is Cinema? leads a panel discussion about film school. In Person: Chuck Workman. May 3, 2:45 PM, Montclair Public Library
Special Presentations
Filmmaker Party – The Filmmaker Party puts you in the room with people whose work you’ve enjoyed on the big screen: directors, producers, screenwriters, actors, comedians, documentarians, distributors and more. If you love the movies, this is the place to be. May 3, 9:00 PM-1:00am, Audible Lounge
House Party – Named with a wink to the 1990 hit movie—this party celebrates black films at the festival, co-presented by the Blackhouse Foundation. Come ready to eat, drink, dance, and party. May 2, 9:00 PM-Midnight, The Loft
The New York Time’s Op-Docs (2014, Various) A premier showcase for documentary shorts, the Op-Docs editors share favorites on the big screen. In Person: Andy Rosenthal, Jason Spingarn-Koff, special guests May 4, 2:30 PM, Clairidge