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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 09/29/2023 |
| Running Time: 133 |
| Rated: PG-13 |
| Cast: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson and Allison Janney. |
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| Crew: Director: Gareth Edwards. Producers: Gareth Edwards, Greig Fraser, Kiri Hart, Arnon Milchan, Galileo Mondol, Chidchanok Plodripu, Ace Salvador, Nicholas Simon. Executive Producers: Zev Foreman, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer, Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer. Screenwriters: Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz. Cinematographers: Greig Fraser and Oren Soffer. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
John David Washington ("BlacKkKlansman," "Malcolm & Marie" and "Beckett"), son of Oscar winning actor Denzel Washington, continues to forge his own path and build on his impressive film career.
His latest movie, "The Creator" is a stunning, sci-fi drama from director/screenwriter Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story").
Edwards' futuristic and timely movie centers around the escalation of Artificial Intelligence. A nuclear explosion on the West Coast has led the American military to forcibly react against AI.
However, other countries, notably New Asia, appear more sympathetic and believes humans and AI androids can peacefully co-exist and aren't keen on destroying this sentient form. Joshua (Washington), a tough, ex-special forces agent initially isn't one of them.
Joshua is still reeling because his wife Maya (Gemma Chan, "Don't Worry Darling") is missing and presumably dead. She was somehow linked to the radical AI leader, The Creator/Nimata. This elusive architect of AI has developed a weapon of mass destruction to end the war and obliterate mankind. Now, Josua is assigned by his former commander Colonel Howell (Allison Janney, TV's "Palm Royale") to kill the leader and seize the powerful weapons.
Joshua's mission becomes even more complicated. He discovers the AI weapons aren't machines per se, but in the form of a little girl named Alfie (a terrific performance by newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles). Joshua makes a connection with this kid and realizes he can't possibly kill her. Plus, she has important information that can help him.
That puts Joshua in a bind. Does he obey his orders or be moved by his heart? The inner conflict is palpable.
As this emotional and action-packed movie--which was primarily shot in Thailand--rolls along, viewers will be caught up in the sweeping visuals of the sprawling Southeast Asian jungles, and snow-swept mountains along with the eye-popping special effects involving jet fighters, flying cars, humongous tanks and the startling hole-headed robots.
Although there is an undeniable "Blade Runner" and "District 9" familiarity to "The Creator," director Gareth Edwards, has masterfully crafted the film with nice touches of authenticity, compassion and even spirituality between the characters in this dystopian world.
It's a near perfect balance of emotion and spectacle and Washington sells both quite well.
"The Creator," which reportedly costs a modest $80 million to produce, looks and feels much pricier. It just goes to show, in the right hands, it's possible to do more with less and still create a riveting and outstanding movie like "The Creator."
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For "THE CREATOR"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image... |
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Rated: PG
Opens: 09/29/2023
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 09/29/2023
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Rated: R
Opens: 09/29/2023
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Rated: R
Opens: 09/29/2023
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Rated: R
Opens: 09/22/2023
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 09/15/2023
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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH
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Title: That Man Bolt
Year Released: 1973
Running Time: 103
Production Company: Universal Pictures
Director: Henry Levin and David Lowell Rich
Director of Photography: Gerald Perry Finnerman
Screenwriter: Charles Johnson and Ranald MacDougall
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
REVIEW: Updated Feature--2023
After Fred "The Hammer" Williamson carved out a stellar career as a defensive back in the National Football League with teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs (Williamson played in Super Bowl I), The Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers, Williamson tackled Hollywood and became an...
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NEW ON DVD
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Title: GANGNAM ZOMBIE
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 82
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Soo-sung Lee
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"GANGNAM ZOMBIE"
Full disclosure. I love zombie movies. So, naturally when asked to screen "Gangnam Zombie," I couldn't resist. The title alone piqued my interest.
Directed by Soo-sung Lee ("Memories" and "House With A View"), "Gangnam Zombie," is a low budget, fun and funny horror/comedy with just enough jump scares. It's currently available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD.
"Gangnam Zombie" stars Il-Joo Ji ("Blades of Blood"), Park Ji-yeon ("Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp"), from the chart-topping girl group T-ara, and Cho Kyung-hoon ("North Korean Guys").
The movie centers around the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Despite it being Christmas Eve, many of the residents of Seoul Korea's Gangnam district are still nervous and on edge since other COVID variants are on the rise. That's certainly reason to be alarmed, but what is really taking shape in the area is even more frightening.
What starts off as a typical workday, turns into much more when several people start exhibiting odd symptoms and quickly get sick.
No one quite knows why, but it appears this sickness can be traced to a theif who was bitten by an infected cat. Suddenly this guy is aimlessly walking the streets and has developed an insatiable desire for raw meat and human flesh.
A group of young people have gathered to watch him stumble along. They aren't willing to try and help him and it's easy to see why. He's a bloody, scary-looking mess. Besides, they'd rather record all his shocking behavior on their cell phones and post it on social media.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-Seok (Il-Joo Ji) is a taekwondo champion struggling to make ends meet and pay the rent from his lame vlog job. That's because his silly boss has run out of ideas for their YouTube channel. So, they all have to lie when the mall's landlord (Jung Yi-joo) comes to collect.
That's the least of their problems because zombies have descended on the mall. Now it's up to Hyeon-Seok to put his martial arts skills to use and protect his love interest Min-jeong (Park Ji-yeon) and others while trying to escape from these vicious zombies.
The special effects in "Gangnam Zombie" are rather limited, but still pretty effective particularly the closeup, bloody shots of all the zombies.
This is one of those movies, that doesn't reinvent the genre in any way, but you'll have a good time watching it with a group of your closest horror film friends.
(Recommended).
Editor's Note: Take a look at the trailer for "Gangnam Zombie" which is currently available on Digital, Blu Ray, and DVD.
"GANGNAM ZOMBIE"
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Title: BONE COLD
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 109
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Billy Hanson
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"Bone Cold," from director/screenwriter Billy Hanson (TV's No Place to Fall") is a low-budget thriller that centers on American Special Ops soldiers/snipers Jon Bryant (Jonathan Stoddard, "Furry Little Christmas") and Marco Miller (Matt Munroe, "White Terror").
Jon and Marco have just returned from a grueling 10-day stint in Afghanistan. Just when it seemed that Jon (Stoddard) could finally spend some quality time with his wife Mel (Jennifer Khloe, TV's "Superman & Lois") and daughter Wendy (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, "Avatar: The Way of Water"), both men are called by their superior, Col. Nathan Bernham (Shaan Sharma, TV's "The Chosen").
There is another mission in Northeastern Ukraine that requires them to take out a corrupt Russian leader. This is supposed be an easy breezy in an out trip, although neither of them wants to do it. Jon and Marco want to know why the other soldiers that initially were sent on the mission couldn't finish the job.
When Jon and Marco finally agree to go, it doesn't take long for them to realize this isn't going to be quick and easy. They are faced with extreme weather and an enemy sniper (Elise Greene, TV's "Shameless") who is on their tails. That's just the beginning of their problems.
Since leaving Afghanistan, Jon has been acting strange and seeing this weird looking creature. But every time Jon tries to show Marco this monster, he can't see him at all. It's like he's not there. It has Marco wondering if Jon is starting to lose it after all these years. As Jon and Marco attempt to hunt this sinister, shape-shifting beast, they soon become the hunted.
"Bone Cold" is a stone-cold little creature feature that also effectively works as a nail-biting psychological drama. It's an impressive big screen directorial debut from Billy Hanson and a worthy entry into the horror film genre.
(Highly Recommended).
WHAT THE BLU-RAY RELEASE INCLUDES: There is a 26-minutes "Making Of-Featurette," a 10-minute gag reel, the film’s trailer, and sneak peeks into Well Go's latest releases, "The Tank" (2:19), "The Siege" (1:49) and "Day Zero." The cast and crew give a glimpse into the ragtag process of making this movie with just a 10-person crew. The participants talk about how the film and story came about, shooting on a minimal budget, filming in freezing cold temperatures of Maine, the camera equipment used, the special effects, the serious themes of the movie, writing the ending, and more. There is also behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producer/writer/director Billy Hanson, producer Jaclyn Amor, co-producer Vanessa Wilson, director of photography Ben Meredith, hair & make-up/production sound Suzan Jones, and stars Matt Munroe (Marco Miller) & Jonathan Stoddard (Jon Bryant). In addition, there is some audition footage of actors Jennifer Koe (Mel Bryant), Shaan Sharma (Col. Nathan Bernham), Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (Wendy Bryant”) and Matt Munroe.
WHAT THE BLOOPER REEL INCLUDES: The blooper reel features crazy moments with the cast and crew as they botch their lines and deal with other surprises while trying to film "Bone Cold."
ABOUT WELL GO USA ENTERTAINMENT: Well Go USA Entertainment (www.wellgousa.com) is an Oscar-nominated theatrical and home entertainment distribution label that specializes in bringing the best in action, genre, and independent films from the U.S. and around the world to North America. Well Go titles can be seen across a variety of platforms, including in theaters, on-demand, via DVD and Blu-ray and on television, as well as on mobile and connected devices through martial arts action channel Hi-YAH! (www.hiyahtv.com). Well Go USA Entertainment’s corporate headquarters is in Plano, Texas, with an additional office in Taiwan.
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Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Power Up Edition
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 92
Production Company: Universal Pictures/Home Entertainment
Director: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
LEVEL UP AND OWN THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE "POWER UP EDITION" ON JUNE 13.
Generating over a billion dollars around the world, the biggest film of the year arrives home with all-new bonus features in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie "Power Up Edition" available on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on June 13 in the US and Canada, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Boasting an A CinemaScore and 96 percent Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, the Nintendo and Illumination-produced pop-culture spectacular of the year comes home in a next-level experience, unlocking over 30-minutes of bonus content that is sure to delight all Super Mario Bros. fans.
Showcasing an all-star lineup to voice the iconic pop culture characters, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" stars Chris Pratt ("Jurassic World" franchise), Charlie Day ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and "The Lego Movie"), Anya Taylor-Joy ("Last Night in Soho" and "The Queen's Gambit"), Keegan-Michael Key ("Key & Peele"), Seth Rogen ("Neighbors"), Jack Black ("Kung Fu Panda" franchise) and Fred Armisen ("Wednesday," and "Portlandia").
The movie tells the story of two Brooklyn plumbers who are brothers and best friends: Mario, the brave one with the "let’s-a go" attitude, and the perpetually anxious Luigi, who would prefer to go nowhere. We open with the Super Mario Brothers reckoning with their struggling plumbing business, and wind up in a whirlwind adventure through Mushroom Kingdom. Through their journey, we meet a cast of familiar, lovable characters, ultimately uniting to defeat the power-hungry villain, Bowser. The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes what millions of gamers worldwide have loved for over three decades and levels it up to a new and breathtaking cinematic experience.
But Wait There's More: Bonus Features On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, DVD And Digital:
GETTING TO KNOW THE CAST-- In these short behind-the-scenes pieces we get up close and personal with the stars of the film and learn what they leaned on to inhabit their on-screen persona.
LEVELING UP: MAKING "THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE"-- Bringing one of the world's most beloved video game characters, and the world around him, to life was no easy task! Filmmakers and cast give an in-depth look into the making of the film.
THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE FIELD GUIDE-- Join the cast of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" as they take viewers through the various Power-Ups and Bonuses that appear in the film. This immersive video will allow the cast to interact with custom on-screen graphics as they select a Bonus or Power Up specific to their character and then explain what it does, how to use it and its effects.
"PEACHES" LYRIC VIDEO--Jack Black is known for his big personality and really no one else could play the part of Bowser, so get ready to sing-along to his big musical number as he serenades Princess Peach.
LEADERSHIP LESSONS WITH ANYA TAYLOR-JOY--Let’s face it: being a princess isn’t easy. Thankfully, we have Anya Taylor-Joy, custom graphics and movie clips to give us Princess Peach’s guide to being an awesome leader. We’ll provide some real-life tips and power-ups that kids of all ages can use in their daily lives.
(Recommended).
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Title: The Black Phone
Year Released: 2022
Running Time: 103
Production Company: Universal/Blumhouse
Director: Scott Derrickson
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"THE BLACK PHONE"
Without a doubt, the horror film "The Black Phone" will rank high on my Top 20 Movies List for 2022. The film, which stars a wickedly entertaining Ethan Hawke is directed and co-written by Scott Derrickson who collaborated with Hawke on 2012's "Sinister."
"The Black Phone" is based on the 2004 short story by Stephen King's son, Joe Hill and is set during the 1970s in a suburban, Colorado town. Hawke plays against type as an evil, masked child serial killer known as "The Grabber."
Although "The Black Phone" pays homage to classic horror films like "It" and "Halloween," there is a refreshing and distinctive vibe to it that is far from predictable and every bit of eerie.
"The Grabber" (Hawke) is on the prowl for young boys. He drives a black van with the logo “Abracadabra” on it and goes to schools and parks, hoping to lure his next victim with his magic tricks. This lunatic dresses in garish clothing and carries around black balloons and some kind of spray that makes kids unconscious after he grabs and tosses them inside the van.
Meanwhile, Finney Shaw (Mason Thames, "Evel") and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw, "The Mitchells vs. The Machines" and "A Christmas Wish"), are good, smart kids. Not only do they have to fear "The Grabber," but also their abusive and alcoholic father Terrence (Jeremy Davies, TV's "The Rookie" and "FBI"). Their dad hasn't been the same since their mother died. Now, he finds more comfort in drinking. He is easily agitated by most everything Finney and Gwen do around the house and often yells at them for no good reason. He's quick to use his belt too.
Gwen has a special gift. Not only can she sound off a slew of profanities with the best adult, but she also has these very realistic and vivid dreams that often come true. It's too bad Finney isn't as brave as she is because he's constantly bullied at school.
When Finney's baseball friend Bruce (Tristan Pravong, "Forever and a Day") is the first to go missing, Gwen has a bad feeling. It gets worse as more neighborhood boys disappear including Robin (newcomer, Miguel Cazarez Mora) a karate kid who rescued Finney from getting a beat down and who became his best friend.
Then while walking home, Finney runs into "The Grabber.” He asks Finney if he wants to see a magic trick. Finney starts talking to the guy. No Finney. Don't talk to strangers. Run. Within seconds, “The Grabber” covers him in balloons and throws him in the van.
When Finney awakes, he is in a dark basement with a locked door and barred window. A black dial-up wall phone that is not connected, somehow rings and soon Finney is talking with the "ghosts" of the previous victims. Although they weren't successful, they offer various tips for Finney on how to escape from "The Grabber."
However, all of Finney's attempts at escaping—and he mightily tries nearly everything--initially fail. He’s convinced he’ll never get away even as two of the city's top detectives, Miller (Troy Rudeseal, "Halloween Kills") and Wright (E. Roger Mitchell, "A Jazzman's Blues") are working around the clock to find “The Grabber.” Fortunately, they get a big asset from Gwen who has had a vivid dream that may lead directly to the house where Finney is.
Nearly every minute of this movie is suspenseful. The last 40 minutes are particularly exciting, and the jump-scares are well earned including a head-splitting scene involving a humorous James Ransome ("It Chapter Two") who plays Max, the brother of "The Grabber."
Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw will get my "Critics Choice Awards" vote for best young actors because they are excellent. However, it is Hawke's ghastly performance that will make you never want to talk to strangers.
(Highly Recommended).
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
TICKETS FOR THE SCI FI ACTION THRILLER “THE CREATOR” ON SALE NOW
Advance tickets for 20th Century Studios' "The Creator," the epic sci-fi action thriller directed by Gareth Edwards, are now available for purchase at Fandango or wherever tickets are sold.
"The Creator," which stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles and Allison Janney, opens exclusively in theaters Sept. 29.
"The Creator" is set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war…and mankind itself.
Joshua and his team of elite operatives’ journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory, only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child (Voyles). The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, with a screenplay by Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz from a story by Gareth Edwards.
The producers are Gareth Edwards, p.g.a., Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan. The executive producers are Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer, and Zev Foreman.
ABOUT 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS:
20th Century Studios is an Academy Award-winning producer of feature films for both theatrical and streaming release. It is home to such iconic franchises as "Avatar," "Alien," "Planet of the Apes," "Predator," "Die Hard," and "Kingsman" and creator of hit films including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "The Greatest Showman," "The Martian," and "Ford v Ferrari" and "Free Guy." It also launched the successful "Deadpool" and "X-Men" film series, Oscar-winner "West Side Story" and 2022's "Prey."
Recent releases include the horror-thriller "The Boogeyman" and the Oscar-winning box-office smash "Avatar: The Way of Water." Previously known as 20th Century Fox prior to becoming a part of The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Studios is recognized for its incredible 80-year legacy.
It is the studio that brought the world the first six "Star Wars" films, in addition to standouts from across the decades, including "Miracle on 34th Street," "All About Eve," "The King and I," "The Sound of Music," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Princess Bride," "The Abyss," "Edward Scissorhands," "Home Alone," "My Cousin Vinny," "Speed," "Cast Away," "Moulin Rouge!," "Minority Report," "Gone Girl" and "The Revenant."
Watch this trailer for "THE CREATOR"
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
"DISNEY'S "HAUNTED MANSION" ON DISNEY+ OCT. 4
"Haunted Mansion," the film inspired by the classic theme park attraction, will begin streaming on Disney+ and arrive at digital retail on Oct 4.
The frighteningly fun adventure, which opened in theaters July 28, is directed by Justin Simien and features an all-star ensemble cast including: LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Daniel Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.
New and returning customers looking to enjoy Disney’s latest film can subscribe to Disney+ Basic (with ads) for $1.99/month for three months by visiting www.disneyplus.com through Sept. 20.
Fans can also add the movie to their digital collection on Oct. 4 when "Haunted Mansion" becomes available to buy from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, with exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus content.
"Haunted Mansion" is the story of a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help them rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film's producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
ABOUT DISNEY+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content.
With unprecedented access to Disney's long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service, as part of the Disney Bundle in the U.S. that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, or as part of Combo+ in Latin America with Star+, the standalone general entertainment and sports streaming service in the region. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
Editor's Note: Information used in this report obtained from Disney+ publicity.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
"SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES: VERTICAL CINEMA" EXHIBIT AT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES NOV. 12 THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2024
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will present: "Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema," an exhibition that reorients standard perceptions of making and watching movies.
Located in and inspired by the museum's double-height Hurd Gallery, "Shifting Perspectives" offers a viewing experience featuring a 20' high x 3' wide screen, which can be viewed from both the second and third floors of the museum. The exhibit runs from November 12, 2023 through August 4, 2024.
"Shifting Perspectives" honors the spirit of experimentation in cinema and draws connections between the earliest days of moving pictures to contemporary filmmakers. The exhibition also posits the essential question: What is considered cinematic?
In addition to debuting films by three Southern Californian filmmakers, the exhibition explores the roots of vertical cinema—dating back to the 1890s; the ways in which filmmakers optimize the format to create experimental work; and the contemporary proliferation of vertical filmmaking using portable smart devices. The exhibition, consists of 25 short films.
For the first time, the museum has commissioned films intended for exhibition, inviting three local filmmakers to use a vertical format to explore the topography of a region that is generally perceived to be horizontal—much like cinema itself.
These films will weave multi-layered narratives showcasing the vibrancy of Southern California through the unique intensity of a vertical frame. Marking the world premiere of these films, "Shifting Perspectives" features a desert dreams in red by Zaina Bseiso, Dusty Tapes by Fox Maxy, and black man fly by Walter Thompson-Hernandez, addressing complementary natural elements: the land, water, and sky of Southern California, respectively.
"We are so thrilled to collaborate with Fox, Zaina, and Walter on their new films, which explore the evolving relationships between people and their environments," said Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel. "Vertical cinema" is a rarefied yet historical aspect ratio, and the format is something people employ on their phones daily to share with the world on social media."
Jacqueline Stewart, Director and President of the Academy Museum, said, "We hope "Shifting Perspective" draws attention to this simultaneously ubiquitous and niche form of cinematic expression and encourages audiences, especially younger visitors, to experiment and discover the many facets of moving images."
The commissioned films will be shown alongside historical chronophotographic films--on loan from La Cinemathèque française—by Étienne Jules Marey & Co. made between 1891–1902, plus experimental vertical films by Joost Rekveld and HC Gilje, commissioned by Sonic Arts in 2013 and 2017, respectively.
In the Hurd Gallery's vestibule, "Shifting Perspectives" offers a platform for young filmmakers, showcasing 15 new films created by Ghetto Film School students from all five districts in Los Angeles County. Ghetto Film School is a nonprofit film organization whose mission is to educate, develop, and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers.
These students responded to the prompt of cultural preservation and creative placemaking, acting as cultural storytellers by documenting the city's diverse and thriving tapestry through their lived experiences in specific communities.
Student filmmakers include Alyse Arteaga, Ciara Zoe, Jessica Muñoz, Octavia Anderson, Diego Aquino, Aidan Bae, Niko Baur, AhaNah Chapman, Kian Cloma, Matthew Cotom, Sundiata Enuke, Xochilt Garcia, Memo Mora, O.C., and Ogechi Onyenechehe.
ABOUT THE COMMISSIONED FILMMAKERS:
ZAINA BSEISO is a filmmaker and curator interested in diasporic relations to land, mysticism and hope. Her work has screened at DOK Leipzig, Curtas Vila do Conde, Images, and RIDM among others. Her first feature "All That Is Solid," currently in postproduction, has been supported by Sundance, Sandbox films, and BAVC Media. She was born to Palestinian parents, raised in Cairo, and is currently based in Los Angeles. She is a programmer at the Points North Institute and cofounder of Bahia Colectiva.
FOX MAXY is based in San Diego. She is a Payómkawish and Iipay filmmaker from the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians. Maxy's work has screened at Sundance, TIFF, MoMA, Rotterdam, and BlackStar Film Festival among other places. In 2020, COUSIN Collective supported the director with her first grant. In 2022, Maxy was named as Sundance Institute's Merata Mita Fellow. She’s also a Vera List Center Borderlands Fellow. In 2023, she premiered her first feature length film, "Gush," at Sundance. Currently, she is working on her second feature about mental health.
WALTER THOMPSON-HERNANDEZ was born and raised in Los Angeles. His short film, "If I Go Will They Miss Me," won the Sundance 2022 US Fiction narrative short film prize. He was recently named one of Filmmaker Magazine's 25 New Faces of Film. He is currently in postproduction for his first narrative feature, "The Sky Was Blue," filmed entirely in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema" is the first Academy Museum exhibition to engage a cross-departmental curatorial collective. It was initiated by Jessica Niebel and organized by a curatorial collective including: Andrew Acedo, Sarin Cemcem, Esme Douglas, Jessica Niebel, Marty Preciado, Agnes Stauber, and Stephanie Sykes.
Photo Credits: (Left) film still, a desert dreams in red (2023), Zaina Bseiso, Academy Museum Foundation; (center) film still, Dusty Tapes (2023), Fox Maxy, Academy Museum Foundation; (right) film still, black man fly (2023), Walter Thompson-Hernández, Academy Museum Foundation.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURES:
The Academy Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. The museum advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano, the museum's campus contains the restored and revitalized historic Saban Building—formerly known as the May Company building (1939)—and a soaring spherical addition. Together, these buildings contain 50,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, two state-of-the-art theaters, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, and beautiful public spaces that are free and open to the public. These include: The Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, which houses the Spielberg Family Gallery, Academy Museum Store, and Fanny’s restaurant and cafe.
The Academy Museum exhibition galleries are open seven days a week, with hours Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8pm.
Photo Credits: (Left) film still, a desert dreams in red (2023), Zaina Bseiso, Academy Museum Foundation; (center) film still, Dusty Tapes (2023), Fox Maxy, Academy Museum Foundation; (right) film still, black man fly (2023), Walter Thompson-Hernández, Academy Museum Foundation.
Editor's Note: Information used in this report obtained from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
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