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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 11/07/2025 |
| Running Time: 107 |
| Rated: PG-13 |
| Cast: Zachary Levi, Naya Desir-Johnson,
Sonequa Martin-Green, Garret Dillahunt, Jonathan Lipnicki, Robert Goodman, and Malea Mitchell |
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| Crew: Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh. Producers: Cyrus Nowrasteh, Zachary Levi, Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Paul Griffin, Daryl C. Lefever, John Shepherd, and Derek Williams. Executive Producers: Katelyn Botsch, Ciara, Scott Fort, Sherry Kang, Russell Wilson, and Tony Young. Music: Kathyrn Bostic. Cinematographer: Johnny Derango. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
UNEARTHING A LEGACY: THE REMARKABLE AND TRUE STORY BEHIND "SARAH'S OIL"
Naya Desir-Johnson isn't a household name yet. But with her star turn in the 2023 movie "A Thousand and One," TV's "Pose," and "The Equalizer," and now the critically acclaimed biopic "Sarah's Oil," that's likely to change.
The young and talented actress commands the screen in this riveting drama, directed, co-produced, and co-written by Cyrus and Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh ("The Rescue"). Inspired by Tonya Bolden's 2014 book "Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America," the film brings a remarkable true story to life with style and grace.
Sarah Rector was no ordinary 11-year-old girl. Bright, curious, and wise beyond her years, she carried herself with a confidence that set her apart. Her parents, Rose (Sonequa Martin-Green, TV' s "Boston Blue") and Joe (Kenric Green, "The Walking Dead"), worked hard to raise Sarah and her younger brother, Junior (Adyan Copes, TV's "Saturday Night Live"), with strong values and an unshakable sense of self-worth.
The Rectors were part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and under the Dawes Allotment Act, Sarah was granted 160 acres of land in Glenpool, Oklahoma, in 1913. It was territory initially considered barren and unsuitable for farming. But where others saw worthless soil, Sarah sensed something deeper.
Guided by intuition and a spark of faith in her family's future, she believed the land might hold a secret that could change everything. Her instincts proved right when she crossed paths with oilmen and wildcatters Bert and Mace, played by Zachary Levi ("Shazam! Fury of the Gods") and Mel Rodriguez (TV's "The Residence").
Their partnership with the young girl was as unexpected as it was transformative. In a time when racial divides ran deep, their alliance stood out as a rare act of trust and decency. Together, they uncovered signs that the land might be sitting atop a vast oil reserve, but their discovery drew the attention of men far less noble.
Enter Garrett Dillahunt (TV's "Hightown") as the ruthless oil baron Devnan and his scheming henchmen, who conspire to cheat Sarah and her family out of their newfound fortune.
What follows is a tense and emotionally charged battle, where Sarah must rely on her courage and the unlikely bond, she formed with Bert to confront systemic racism and corporate greed head-on. With the help of a prominent attorney, the trio fights to ensure that justice prevails and that Sarah's rights and her future remain her own.
Director Cyrus Nowrasteh crafts these moments with striking sensitivity, blending historical realism with heartfelt drama. What could have been a simple underdog tale becomes a nuanced portrait of resilience and moral courage.
Thanks to a standout performance by Naya Desir-Johnson, "Sarah's Oil" never loses its emotional core. It's a powerful story of perseverance, justice, and the triumph of spirit over circumstance.
Once everything was signed and finally settled, Sarah began to earn a lucrative income from oil royalties, which made her one of the wealthiest Black girls in the country by age 12. When she turned 18, she had $1 million.
Her family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Sarah lived until 1967, when she died from a stroke at age 65.
"Sarah's Oil" is a testament to the unbreakable will of a young Black girl who changed history. Now that's truly Black Girl Magic.
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.
Watch This Trailer For "SARAH'S OIL" |
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 11/07/2025
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 11/07/2025
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Rated: R
Opens: 10/24/2025
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Rated: R
Opens: 10/17/2025
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Rated: R
Opens: 10/10/2025
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Rated: R
Opens: 10/03/2025
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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH
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Title: SOUNDER
Year Released: 1972
Running Time: 105
Production Company: 20th Century Fox
Director: Martin Ritt
Director of Photography: John A. Alonzo
Screenwriter: Lonne Elder III
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
REVIEW: "SOUNDER"-- A STORY THAT STILL SPEAKS
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Sounder"--back in 1972, when it first came out--at a downtown Los Angeles theater with my older brothers.
I was just a 11-years-old but watching that powerful story unfold on screen left a lasting impression.
I was captivated by the powerful performances of the late, great Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield,...
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NEW ON DVD
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Title: TURA!
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 105
Production Company: Quiver Productions
Director: Cody Jarrett
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
FROM SURVIVOR TO SHOWSTOPPER: HOW TURA SANTANA REWROTE HER OWN STORY
Comedian Margaret Cho co-executive produced and narrates this remarkable and unapologetically raw story of Tura Satana, a woman who didn't just survive the odds, she annihilated them.
Tura! is a powerful and unflinching documentary that pulls no punches in telling the life story of Tura Satana, Born Tura Luna Pascual Yamaguchi, a Japanese-American actress, exotic dancer, and pop culture trailblazer who turned her pain into power.
From surviving a brutal gang rape at just nine years old, to being pushed out of her home as a teen and nearly sold into marriage at the age of 13, Tura's life was defined early by cruelty and betrayal. But rather than be crushed by it, she fought back. She trained in martial arts, became a black belt in karate, and vowed that no man would ever hurt her again.
"Tura!" is about survival, of course, but more than that, it's about the refusal to be a victim.
Tura seemed destined for showbiz. Her father was a silent actor in Japanese films, and her mother was a circus performer of Cheyenne and Scots Irish descent.
The film explores Tura's meteoric rise from the underground club scene, where she worked as a dice girl in Illinois and danced burlesque in New Orleans, to the cult status she earned in Russ Meyer's 1965 exploitation classic "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and director/producer Ted V. Mikels, 1968 sci-fi horror film, "The Astro-Zombies." She wasn’t just playing tough. She was tough. And for an Asian American woman in mid-century America to exude that kind of commanding sexuality and power was unheard of.
The documentary captures her onscreen magnetism and offscreen struggles with equal care, highlighting not only her performances but also the emotional cost of constantly having to fight for respect in an industry and a society that never knew what to do with a woman like her.
Through interviews with filmmaker John Waters, family members, co-stars, and historians, "Tura!" stitches together a complex portrait of a woman who was equal parts myth and flesh. We hear stories of her romantic entanglement with Elvis Presley. He supposedly proposed to Tura, and she turned him down. He insisted she keep the engagement ring. And she did. Tura also had a deep friendship with silent film legend Harold Lloyd.
Audiences experience the chilling accounts of how she tracked down her childhood rapists as an adult, bringing her own version of justice. She was fearless. And yet, the film doesn't shy away from showing the toll it took. There was loneliness, the suicidal lows, the rumors surrounding her violent injuries, and the relentless battles with depression as the industry left her behind.
But what lingers most after the credits roll is her legacy, not just as a cult figure, but as a cultural force. Tura Satana smashed stereotypes and redefined what strength could look like onstage, onscreen, and in life. This documentary doesn't simply celebrate her; it honors her and in such grand and deserving fashion.
With Cho's heartfelt narration, "Tura!" becomes more than a biography. It becomes a rallying cry for women who have had to fight to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Tura wasn't just ahead of her time, she was the time, and finally, the world is catching up. Say her name.
(Highly, Highly Recommended).
Look At This Trailer For "TURA!"
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Title: JUST BREATHE
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 96
Production Company: SHOUT! Studios
Director: Paul Pompa III
Review By: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"JUST BREATHE" EXPLORES THE PRICE OF SECOND CHANCES
Although summer is now officially behind us and fall is settling in, I am giving myself permission for one final indulgence from the summer slate, a gritty little gem of a thriller called "Just Breathe," from SHOUT! Studios.
Written and directed by Paul P. Pompa III in his feature film debut, "Just Breathe" is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that strikes a balance between raw tension and surprising vulnerability.
It centers on Nick Bianco (Kyle Gallner, "Smile 2"), a man fresh out of prison after serving a year for assault. This guy has some serious anger issues. Even his therapist (Sewell Whitney, TV's "Dark Gospels") must wonder if Nick can turn his life around. But Nick seems determined to give it a go and win back his beautiful, girlfriend Mel (a terrific Emyri Crutchfield, "Dark Harvest").
Nick's road to redemption hits a serious snag when he discovers that Chester (Shawn Ashmore, "X-Men" and "Darkness Falls"), his by-the-book parole officer, has also developed feelings for Mel.
What unfolds is a simmering, psychological standoff that threatens not only Nick's freedom but his fragile hope for a second chance.
Pompa's direction of "Just Breathe" is lean but deliberate, creating a moody atmosphere that mirrors Nick's internal turmoil. "Just Breathe" builds its suspense through emotional stakes and complex character dynamics. The film is especially effective in its use of silence and tension-filled pauses, letting scenes breathe--ironically, in contrast to its title--so the drama can unfold organically. These moments allow viewers to feel Nick's situation: one wrong move, one misread signal, and everything he's fought for could come crashing down.
Gallner delivers another exceptional performance. He plays Nick with a simmering vulnerability that makes you root for him, even as his past mistakes loom large.
His chemistry with Crutchfield is particularly meaningful particularly in scenes that explore the fragility of forgiveness. Meanwhile, Ashmore surprises as Chester, bringing a quiet menace to a character who could have easily slipped into cliche. Instead, Ashmore plays him with a layered intensity, making him both a threat and a tragic figure in his own right. Even William Forsythe's ("The Devil's Rejects," and "The Man in the High Castle") small role as Nick's father shines through.
"Just Breathe" isn’t just a battle between two men over a woman, it's a story about accountability, redemption, and the difficult road toward personal transformation.
Pompa's debut suggests a promising voice in the world of indie thrillers, one unafraid to delve into the moral gray areas that define real human conflict.
For anyone looking to savor one more bold cinematic experience from the summer, "Just Breathe" is a breath of fresh air worth taking.
(Highly Recommended).
Watch This Trailer For "JUST BREATHE"
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Title: ROBIN AND THE HOODS
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 100
Production Company: Future Artists Entertainment/Silver Reel
Director: Phil Hawkins
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
PLAYTIME GETS SERIOUS IN THE DELIGHTFUL "ROBIN AND THE HOODS"
Director Phil Hawkins ("Prancer: A Christmas Tale"), along with screenwriters Stuart Benson ("The Theory of Everything") and Paul Davidson (TV's "British Rationals"), delivers a lighthearted and whimsical fantasy adventure with "Robin and the Hoods."
Bursting with heart and imagination, the film which debuts on all major digital platforms Aug. 27, follows Robin (Darcy Ewart, "Prancer: A Christmas Tale"), a bright and spirited young girl who leads a tight-knit group of kids known as "The Hoods."
Together, they spend their days in joyful make-believe battles across a wild patch of land they've dubbed "The Kingdom." But they're not the only ones with a claim. Henry, (Eddison Burch, TV's Dreamland) the leader of his loyal crew the Knights, often challenges their rule.
Robin is sharp, fearless, and especially handy with a makeshift bow and arrow. Her clan is just as clever: Amaya (Gloria Ishikawa, in her debut) is fiercely loyal and quick-thinking, never backing down from a fight or a debate.
Glen (Bruno Edgington-Gibson, also debuting) adds a dose of magic as a livestreaming wizard. He is always ready with a spell or a clever trick when it matters most.
The fun and games take a serious turn when a pushy "realtor" named Clipboard (a funny and villainous Naomie Harris, "Black Bag") shows up with big plans to turn their beloved playground into a modern town leisure center. Clipboard pitches the idea to Robin's parents, but the kids see the truth. If the Kingdom disappears, so does their world of adventure.
Desperate to save it, Robin brings their concerns to the town's well-meaning mayor (Mark Williams, "Dream Hacker," "Harry Potter" franchise), who may not be hearing the full story from Clipboard.
Realizing they can't win this battle alone, Robin and the Hoods attempt the unthinkable: joining forces with their rivals, The Knights.
With help from a quirky, vegetarian witch (Gwendoline Christie, TV's "Game of Thrones" "Severance"), the kids set out on a bold mission to protect their treasured land, but the clock is ticking.
(Recommended).
"Robin and the Hoods" begins streaming on Digital platforms Aug. 27.
Watch This Trailer For "ROBIN AND THE HOODS"
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Title: WHISPER OF THE WITCH
Year Released: 2024
Running Time: 95
Production Company: Well Go USA
Director: Serik Beyseu
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"WHISPER OF THE WITCH"--EVIL NEVER STAYS SILENT
Some things are better left alone. In the supernatural horror film "Whisper of the Witch," arriving on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Aug. 19, a group of teens learns that lesson the hard way.
The Russian psychological thriller from director Serik Beyseu ("Succubus," and "Identity") is set in a remote town and centers around a haunted mansion tied to an ancient pagan spirit.
A brooding detective named Paul Novak--(Artur Beschastnyy), is summoned to investigate the brutal and mysterious death of one of the teens, who appears to have awakened a sinister presence while exploring the long-abandoned estate.
As Paul digs deeper, it becomes clear that the so-called "Witch of Merden Manor" may not be just a local legend, but his own traumatic past may be more entwined with the evil than he ever imagined.
"Whisper of the Witch" borrows from most every spooky, haunted house movie you've seen, but the filmmakers do a good job here providing a slow-burning atmosphere and unsettling sense of dread through eerie visuals, whisper-soft sound design, and dreamlike sequences that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
The mansion itself feels like a living entity, its creaking walls, shadowed corridors, and cold, rotting interiors add layers of fear without over relying on jump scares. The horror here is psychological, creeping in through fractured memories and suppressed guilt.
As the teens begin to fall victim to the ancient curse, the film shifts into a meditation on grief, guilt, and the consequences of disturbing buried trauma both personal and cultural.
Through Beschastnyy's increasingly haunting visions and fragmented recollections, "Whisper of the Witch" becomes less about the literal ghost and more about the metaphorical ones we carry.
The film's final act takes a jarring turn, tying past sins and present horror together.
While the pacing may feel slow for fans of more conventional horror, "Whisper of the Witch" rewards patience with rich symbolism, eeriness, and a haunting conclusion. It is a brooding, artful horror movie and one that proves some spirits don't rest quietly and some wounds never fully heal.
(Recommended).
Take a Peek At This Trailer For "WHISPER OF THE WITCH"
"Whisper of The Witch" is available Aug. 19 on Blu-ray/Digital and DVD.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
CINDY CRAWFORD TO BE HONORED AT HOLOCAUST MUSEUM LA'S ANNUAL GALA
Holocaust Museum LA will honor philanthropist, entrepreneur and supermodel Cindy Crawford and 99-year-old Holocaust survivor Ella Mandel with the "Award of Courage" at the museum's annual gala Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Crawford and Mandel collaborated earlier this year for "Borrowed Spotlight," a widely recognized awareness campaign exemplifying the strength of intergenerational advocacy. Crawford uses her platform to raise awareness about antisemitism, and Mandel shares her powerful testimony and messages of hope with students and public visitors.
Crawford called meeting Ella, who was the only member of her family to survive the Holocaust, "profoundly inspiring." They forged an instant connection as mothers who love life and want to make the world a better place. Arnold Schwarzenegger received the first "Award of Courage" from the museum in 2023.
Holocaust Museum LA shares Cindy's and Ella's goal of building a better future and ensuring survivor stories continue to be told. Currently under construction, the museum's expanded campus--opening in June 2026--will double its existing footprint and increase visitor capacity to 500,000 visitors annually, including 150,000 students. Permanent exhibits will utilize cutting-edge technology to preserve Holocaust survivor testimonies.
KTLA reporter Eric Spillman will serve as gala host.
For more information, visit https://holocaustmuseumla.org/
ABOUT HOLOCAUST MUSEUM LA:
Holocaust Museum LA is the first survivor-founded and oldest Holocaust Museum in the United States and houses the West Coast's largest collection of Holocaust-era artifacts. Since 1961, the museum has carried on the mission of the founding survivors to commemorate those who perished, educate future generations about the Holocaust, and inspire a more dignified and humane world. When open, museum admission is free for all teachers, students and children under 17 and is also free for visitors all day Sunday. A mobile guide to the museum that can be used both on-site and off-site and can be accessed through the Bloomberg Connects app or downloaded on Google Play or the App store.
For more information on Holocaust Museum LA, visit https://holocaustmuseumla.org/.
Photo By: Bryce Thompson.
Editor's Note: Information used in this report obtained from the Holocaust Museum LA publicity department.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
PARAMOUNT PICTURES ANNOUNCES "REGRETTING YOU" OPENING NIGHT FAN EVENT
To celebrate the cinematic experience, Paramount Pictures will give moviegoers the ultimate fan opportunity to see "Regretting You" in theatres at an "Opening Night Movie Event" on Oct. 23.
Fans will see it first at synchronized showtimes across the country: 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT, 6 p.m. MT and 5 p.m. PT as part of an exclusive theatrical attraction that includes an in-person Q&A with director Josh Boone and cast members Allison Williams, Dave Franco and Mason Thames.
The event will also include a special introduction from Mckenna Grace featuring a musical performance by Hannah Cohen, whose music is featured in the film, followed by a screening of "Regretting You."
The "A Night of No Regrets Fan Event" festivities will be unveiled at 8 p.m. ET hosted live from the AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City and streamed live on the big screen nationally to over 500 participating theatres.
Ticketholders seeing "Regretting You: A Night of No Regrets" at the "Opening Night Fan Event" will also see additional bonus content and will receive exclusive merchandise including a heart charm necklace with "No Regrets" inscription by star Mckenna Grace, 12"x18" collector's art print and 5" x 7" custom sticker pack created for fans attending this one-night event – while supplies last.
Tickets for "A Night of No Regrets Fan Event" and general "Regretting You" tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets for the "Regretting You: A Night of No Regrets Opening Night Fan Event," and to find participating theatre listings in your area, go to regrettingyoumovie.com/seeitfirst and fandango.com/RegrettingYouANightofNoRegrets. General tickets are also available at regrettingyoumovie.com.
Tickets for all shows also on sale at exhibitors' websites & mobile apps, third party ticketing platforms and at participating theatre box offices nationwide.
Paramount Pictures' President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, said "There is tremendous excitement from fans for the upcoming release of "Regretting You." We're thrilled to reward loyal fans nationwide with the chance to see this very special motion picture with their friends on the big screen and help commemorate the experience with special giveaways designed just for them."
Based on the bestselling book, "Regretting You" introduces audiences to Morgan Grant (Allison Williams) and her daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace) as they explore what's left behind after a devastating accident reveals a shocking betrayal and forces them to confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover each other. "Regretting You" is a story of growth, resilience, and self-discovery in the aftermath of tragedy, also starring Dave Franco and Mason Thames with Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald.
ABOUT PARAMOUNT, A SKYDANCE CORPORATION:
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Filmed Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com.
Editor's Note: Information used in this article provided by Paramount Pictures publicity department.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
THE 14TH ANNUAL MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL HONORS RUNS OCT. 17-26
The Montclair Film Festival's 2025 Honors, the festival's annual awards, will be held Oct. 17-26, in Montclair, NJ. Montclair Film is honored to welcome New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy as the Honorary Chairs on opening night--Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.--for the 2025 Montclair Film Festival.
The Governor and First Lady will be honored for their contributions to the legacy of filmmaking in New Jersey, and their enduring support for filmmakers, artists, and producers seeking a home for their creative work. Also on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at The Wellmont Theater, the festival will recognize Nicolas Britell with the 2025 Composer Award. Britell will participate in a post-screening Q&A, discussing his score for the festival' s 2025 Opening Night film "Jay Kelly."
On Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. at The Wellmont Theater, the festival will pay honor Spike Lee with the 2025 Filmmaker Tribute. Lee will be presented with the award after an in-depth conversation moderated by Stephen Colbert, discussing his legendary career as one of our leading cinematic artists, with a special focus on Lee's latest work "Highest 2 Lowest" and for his transcendent, urgent, and transformational contributions to the art of cinema,
Also on Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. at MKA Upper School, the festival will present Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group Co-Chair and CEO Pamela Abdy with the 2025 Visionary Award. Abdy will be honored after an in-depth conversation, moderated by Montclair Film Artistic Director Tom Hall, with a focus on her outstanding career as a creative executive, with a special focus on her company's 2025 slate of No. 1 box office hits, which include "A Minecraft Movie," "Sinners" Apple's "F1," Final Destination: Bloodlines, "Weapons," "The Conjuring: Last Rites" as well as the upcoming "One Battle After Another."
On Oct.18, at 7 p.m. at The Wellmont Theater, the festival will honor screenwriter Will Tracy with the 2025 Screenwriter Award following a screening of Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia," based on a screenplay by Mr. Tracy.
On Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. at The Bellevue Theatre, the festival honors director Shih-Ching Tsou with the 2025 Breakthrough Director following a screening of her new film "Left-Handed Girl," which has been selected as Taiwan's country's submission for the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.
On Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Bellevue Theatre, the festival honors directors Mark Oberhaus and Laura Poitras with the 2025 David Carr Award For Truth In Non-Fiction Filmmaking for their film "Cover-Up". Each year, the Montclair Film Festival honors the legacy of New York Times reporter and longtime Montclair resident David Carr by presenting an award to an outstanding film that honors Mr. Carr's passion for the truth and his commitment to great journalism.
The full 2025 Montclair Film Festival program, including the 2025 Competition Films, will be announced on Sept. 26.
Tickets for the Montclair Film Festival events go on sale on Sept. 29 at 10:00 a.m. for Montclair Film Members and Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. for the public. Tickets for all events will be available at montclairfilm.org.
ABOUT HONORARY CHAIRS GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY & FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY:
Since taking office in 2018, Governor Murphy has focused on building a stronger and fairer New Jersey for every family. A major hallmark of the Murphy Administration has been revitalizing New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in innovation, including a focus on making New Jersey a leading location for film, television, and digital production, enacting a new incentive program that has attracted billions of dollars in investments to New Jersey since 2021.
Born in 1965, Tammy Snyder Murphy is a native of Virginia and a graduate of the University of Virginia. As First Lady, Tammy has been energized and inspired traveling the state and meeting New Jerseyans to hear their concerns, utilizing her experience in the private and nonprofit sectors to work through policy ideas and solutions. First Lady Murphy's leadership and commitment to film and the arts provided critical support for arts institutions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. For their contributions to the legacy of filmmaking in New Jersey, and their enduring support for filmmakers, artists, and producers seeking a home for their creative work, Montclair Film is proud to welcome Governor Philip Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy as the Honorary Chairs of the 2025 Montclair Film Festival.
ABOUT SPIKE LEE:
Academy Award winner Spike Lee and his iconic body of storytelling has made an indelible mark on filmmaking and television. He recently released his latest movie, "Highest 2 Lowest," his fifth film with Denzel Washington via A24. The film is currently streaming globally on AppleTV+. He previously directed "Da 5 Bloods" for Netflix. In 2018, the visionary filmmaker co-wrote and directed the Academy Award-nominated and critically acclaimed hit feature "BlacKkKlansman," which won the Oscar for "Best Adapted Screenplay." His career spans over 30 years and includes: "She's Gotta Have It," "School Daze," "Do the Right Thing," "Mo' Better Blues," "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," "Crooklyn," "Clockers," "Girl 6," "Get on the Bus," "He Got Game," "Summer of Sam," "Bamboozled," "25th Hour," "She Hate Me," "Inside Man," "Miracle at St. Anna," "Red Hook Summer," "Old Boy" and "Chi-Raq." Lee's outstanding feature documentary work includes the double Emmy Award-winning "If God Is Willing" and "Da Creek Don't Rise," a follow up to his HBO documentary film "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" and the Peabody Award-winning "A Huey P Newton Story."
In the Television arena, his Netflix original series "She's Gotta Have It," ran two seasons on the platform. The series was a contemporary update of his classic film. Lee is also known for his legendary Air Jordan TV commercials and marketing campaigns with Michael Jordan for Nike. In 1997, he launched the advertising agency Spike DDB, a fully integrated agency with a focus on trendsetter, cross-cultural, and millennial audiences. He recently directed new additions to the Capital One "Road Trip" national campaign featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Charles Barkley.
In addition to his films, TV series, and commercials, Lee has directed a number of music videos and shorts for artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Public Enemy, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Hornsby, Miles Davis, and Anita Baker. Spike was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2015 for his lifetime achievement and contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he is a tenured Professor of Film and Artistic Director. Lee's production company 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks is based in Brooklyn, NY.
ABOUT PAMELA ABDY:
Pamela Abdy serves as Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, encompassing Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. WBMPG continues to build on its legacy of iconic feature franchises and world-class cinema, working across all genres with both established and emerging talent – in front of and behind the camera – to deliver the industry's most diverse slate of films for a global audience. Abdy serves as Co-Chair and CEO with Michael De Luca, sharing oversight of the Studio's global theatrical production, marketing, and distribution operations.
In addition to her Motion Picture Group responsibilities, Abdy, along with De Luca, has curatorial oversight of WBD's TCM (Turner Classic Movies) network, in partnership with filmmakers Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.
Since joining Warner Bros. in 2022, Abdy has overseen hits such as "A Minecraft Movie," "Sinners," "Final Destination: Bloodlines," "Weapons," "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," "Dune: Part Two," "Wonka," and the record-shattering global phenomenon "Barbie." Prior to joining Warner Bros., Abdy served as MGM's Motion Picture Group President, overseeing development, production and post-production for all MGM and Orion films.
She oversaw Sarah Polley's Academy Award Best Picture-nominated "Women Talking" which earned Polley the Academy Award for "Best Adapted Screenplay," Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci," starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver; Paul Thomas Anderson's Academy Award Best Picture-nominated "Licorice Pizza," which marked the studio's first such nomination since "Rain Man" won in 1988; "Creed III," starring and directed by Michael B. Jordan; Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan's "Adam's Family 2;" and Ron Howard's "13 Lives," which was nominated for three SAG Awards.
ABOUT NICHOLAS BRITELL:
Three-time Academy Award–nominated, Grammy- nominated, and Emmy-winning composer, pianist, and producer Nicholas Britell continues to push the boundaries of musical storytelling while captivating audiences globally with his moving compositions. Described by The New York Times as "the composer at the frontier of movie music," Britell has achieved renown in such projects as HBO's Emmy-winning series "Succession," Barry Jenkin's Academy Award "Best Picture" winner "Moonlight," and his follow-up, the critically acclaimed "If Beale Street Could Talk." His collaborations with Academy Award winner Adam McKay have resulted in numerous powerful scores, including those for the Oscar-nominated films "The Big Short," "Vice" and "Don’t Look Up."
Other notable projects include his Emmy- nominated score for Barry Jenkins's "The Underground Railroad," his Emmy-nominated score, main title theme, and Ghorman anthem for Lucasfilm's Star Wars series "Andor," and his well-loved scores for Netflix's "The King," starring Timothee Chalamet, and Disney's "Cruella," starring Emma Stone. Britell has the distinction of winning World Soundtrack Awards for Film Composer of the Year, Television Composer of the Year, and Discovery of the Year, as well as the award for "Best Original Song Written for a Film." Having studied at Juilliard and Harvard, Britell continues his passion for artistic development through his current affiliation with the Juilliard School as Creative Associate and Executive Creative Director of the Juilliard Film Score Lecture Series.
A Steinway Artist, Britell has in recent years performed at London's Barbican Hall with the London Contemporary Orchestra, at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and at the San Francisco Symphony's SoundBox series.
ABOUT WILL TRACY:
Will Tracy was a writer and executive producer on the HBO series "Succession," where he won three Emmy awards, as well as a WGA award for writing the episode "Tern Haven." He was part of the inaugural writing staff of "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," winning three Emmys, and created the HBO limited series "The Regime."
Will is also the former Editor in Chief of The Onion. In features, he co-wrote and executive produced "The Menu" for Searchlight Pictures and was a producer on HBO Films' "Mountainhead" More recently, Will wrote "Bugonia" for Focus & CJ Entertainment which stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons with Yorgos Lanthimos directing.
ABOUT MONTCLAIR FILM:
Montclair Film, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to transform lives and communities through the power of film and filmmaking. Montclair Film is home to the Montclair Film Festival, multi-screen cinemas The Clairidge and The Bellevue, and numerous community events and educational programs throughout the year.
The 14th Annual Montclair Film Festival will take place from Oct. 17-26. All programs are made possible with funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Montclair Film provides unique and meaningful ways to engage with diverse, creative, and sophisticated audiences and seeks sponsors for its signature film festival and year-round film, education, and community programs that attract more than 100,000 annual attendees and generate more than 900 million media impressions yearly. For more information about Montclair Film, visit www.MontclairFilm.org.
Editor's Note: Information used in this report obtained from the Montclair Film Festival publicity department.
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