Documentary - "Walking in my Sleep by Michael C. Cooney" Premiering at Outside the Box Film Festival

The next must-attend film festival coming up November 8, 9 & 10, 2013 is the Outside the Box Film Festival!

Premiering on November 9, 2013, at 8:30am at the Fox Theater is the inspirational documentary, "Walking In My Sleep by Michael C. Cooney."

Michael C. Cooney is the Founder and President of Exceptional Ability Entertainment. A graduate of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles.

Before his career in film production, writing, and public speaking, he spent ten years working in all facets of the music industry, as well as mentoring at-risk kids.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Michael C. Cooney began his education in a Boston school for the handicapped, but soon became one of the first disabled kids in the United States to break the mainstream barrier. His first book, "Walking In My Sleep," is a memoir about growing up with a disability and has now been turned into the documentary set to Premiere at this year's Outside the Box Film Festival!

Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s89hLWguv8

For more information on the Outside the Box Film Festival, please visit its website at www.bakersfieldfilmfest.com.

One day passes are available for $20
Saturday breakfast mixer — $10 beginning at 8am

Guests to the Festival will have the opportunity to have lunch with actor Joe Mantegna during Saturday’s industry luncheon. Mantenga is the star of CBS's Criminal Minds. He is also notable for his rolls in box office hits such as Three Amigos, The Godfather Part III, Forget Paris, and Up Close & Personal.

Lodging in available at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center for a special $79/night rate.

About Michael C. Cooney
As Founder and President of Exceptional Ability Entertainment, Michael C. Cooney has founded the Exceptional Ability Awards.

He has written a wide collection of reviews and commentaries on music and has worked in film for four years.

In 2010 he traveled to South Korea to speak on disability issues, and today he continues to speak around the world. He lives in Los Angeles.

You can follow Michael C. Cooney on both Facebook and Twitter.

About Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival
The Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival supports and encourages filmmakers, provides networking opportunities, and open dialogue with industry experts, film fans, and attracts local, regional, and national audiences for the annual festival, all while fostering economic, educational, and cultural benefit for the local community.

The OTBBFF hosts competition in four tracks. These include: “Developmental Disabilities Film Track”, “American Veterans Film Track”, “Spiritual Film Track”, and “Mainstream Independent Film Track”. The festival competition is the perfect platform to showcase low to medium budget films and emerging US artists. Each track will provide a forum for features, shorts, and music videos in their respective categories. Generous prizes including cash and post-production packages are awarded to the winning films in each competition category.

The Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival is designed to become a top regional stop for emerging filmmakers and a destination event for cinephiles everywhere.

"OUTLANDER" FIRST LOOK! Sam Heughan as Jamie Frasier

A first look image of Scottish Actor Sam Heughan in character as Jamie Fraser for STARZ and SONY PICTURE TELEVISION’S original series “Outlander.”

Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling novels, the series is currently filming on location in Scotland and will air on STARZ in 2014. 

For more information, go to the Facebook Page, follow @Outlander_Starz on Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ.

Photographer: Ed Miller

Courtesy of: © 2014 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.

New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE Goes COMIKAZE at Stan Lee's Pop-Culture Expo

New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE Goes COMIKAZE at Stan Lee's Pop-Culture Expo

Stephanie Thorpe with fellow producers of  "The Ladies & The Gents" (L)

& At The 1st Annual Geekie Awards (R) - Geekie Awards photo by Albert L. Ortega

Los Angeles, CA – New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE returns to Stan Lee’s Comikaze, teaming up with her partners from the celebrated web series, “The Ladies and the Gents”, revealing insider secrets for creating high-caliber comedy content for the web. Thorpe will also appear on 2 additional panels at the convention: “The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks” with event creator Kristen Nedopak; and “Web Series Creation 101—How Do You Build A Guild?” with moderator Katrina Hill.

With more than 60 episodes of fan-favorite web series “The Ladies & The Gents” under her creative belt, Thorpe is poised to expose her behind-the-scenes experiences on Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 10:00am in room 303AB on the panel “How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web.”

The panel brings together the prolific producers, directors and cast from the innovative L.A.-based web series, “The Ladies and The Gents”, to share insights and adventures into developing original comedic content for the web that involved over 150 talents. Moderated by Jo Bozarth (The Ladies, The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros), Thorpe will be joined by Steven Lekowicz, Robb Padgett, and Tanya Ihnen (Vampire Zombie Werewolf, Life from the Inside); Avi Glijansky (The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros, The Silverlake Badminton and Adventurers Club); Phil Morris (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Smallville, Justice League-Animated); America Young (BAMF Girls Club, Mask & Cape, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2); and Beth Fisher (Bloom, After Judgment).

Premiering to rave reviews and showcased at the Big Screen Little Screen event earlier this year at SAG, “The Ladies & The Gents” explores the shenanigans during ‘one night, one LA club, two restrooms’ (theladiesandthegents.com). Thorpe is thrilled to be part of such an innovative project, explaining: "It was such a delight to work with this team! We created 20 weeks of original content, 60+ episodes, that mix geek humor with slapstick humor and I'm really proud that we were able to provide a forum for 150 web celebs to showcase their scripts & talents."

Recently, Thorpe appeared as a judge and nominee at the 1st Annual Geekie Awards. She was proud to have two of her series nominated, including “Shelf Life”, which just finished its 4th season (shelflifeseries.com) and “Night of the Zombie King” (goldtheseries.com), in which she’s a series regular. Thorpe’s artistic spirit was also recently showcased in Cupcake Quarterly Magazine, where she appeared in a vintage costume of her favorite “ElfQuest” character (made by the comic’s creator!). Thorpe also writes the new monthly column “Red Carpet Rundown” for Ms. In The Biz Magazine, offering up ways to rock the red carpet with style and fun while on a budget (msinthebiz.com).

Where:  COMIKAZE 2013 – Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Panel 1:  How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web—Sunday, Nov. 3rd  at 10:00am, Room 303AB

Panel 2:  The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks—Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 2:00pm in Room 303AB

Panel 3:  Web Series Creation 101: How Do You Build A Guild?—Friday, Nov. 1st at 2:00pm in Room 304 ABC

ABOUT STEPHANIE THORPE
A growing icon in the New Media scene, Stephanie Thorpe is in demand as an expert panelist & speaker, a host and presenter, a writer & producer, content creator, actress and director. Thorpe recently hit the front page of Variety with producing partner Paula Rhodes when they acquired the film/TV rights to the “ElfQuest” franchise.

They first gained attention for their award-winning cyber-phenom “ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining”, a short live-action production which has gained over 300,000+ views since its debut, earning numerous awards and accolades from film festivals, conventions and the media with over 100 articles and interviews to date (elfquestfantrailer.com).

Thorpe has been a driving force as an actor and producer in numerous web projects (and was stunned to realize she had made 100+ episodes of original web content) including the critically acclaimed After Judgment, Asylum, Babelgum’s Hurtling Through Space, and Tyler Mane’s The Mane Show. Stephanie continues to work in TV/film and garnered Best Actress in a Drama at the NYFilmFest.

She recently starred in the Parsec Award-winning GOLD spin-off Night of the Zombie King (goldtheseries.com), for which she was nominated Best Supporting Actress by IndieIntertube & by the New York Television Festival in 2011, and in the Indie Soap Opera Award nominated series Pairings. Stephanie continues to speak at events around the country, appearing on panels at GeekGirlCon, Emerald City Con, Comikaze, WonderCon and San Diego's Comic-Con (where she humbly accepted the label as one of The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con).

Thorpe has been nominated twice to the Board of Directors for IAWTV, hosted 4 events for the non-profit organization Celebrate the Web and is a founding member of The League of Extraordinary Ladies.

8 DOC SHORTS ON OSCAR'S 2013 SHORTLIST

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that the field of Documentary Short Subject contenders for the 86th Academy Awards® has been narrowed to eight films, of which three to five will earn Oscar® nominations.

Voters from the Academy’s Documentary Branch viewed this year’s 40 eligible entries and submitted their ballots to PricewaterhouseCoopers for tabulation.

The eight films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

“CaveDigger,” Karoffilms

“Facing Fear,” Jason Cohen Productions, LLC

“Jujitsu-ing Reality,” Sobini Films

“Karama Has No Walls,” Hot Spot Films

“The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life,” Reed Entertainment

“Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall,” Prison Terminal LLC

“Recollections,” notrac productions

“SLOMO,” Big Young Films and Runaway Films

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

BRIDEGROOM A Love Story. Unequaled.

 

BRIDEGROOM tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof. The story of what happened after this accidental death– of how people without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized– is poignant, enraging and opens a window onto the issue of marriage equality and human rights like no speech or lecture ever will.

On the anniversary of Tom’s death, after a year of documenting his own grief, Shane decided to make a video tribute to his partner entitled “It Could Happen to You.” The video went viral and garnered over four million views to date.  Although it was a cathartic process for him and a tribute to the love of his life, more than anything, Shane wanted it to serve as a warning to other LGBT couples, and show the world what can happen when two people are legally barred from having equal rights and equal protections under the law to marry.

Director Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”) compiles a remarkably vast amount of personal footage and photographs, giving the movie an intensely personal edge.  BRIDEGROOM piercingly conveys the imperative of human and civil rights, and makes a plea to open hearts and minds that Tom and Shane’s love is no different than any others. It is a love story, unequaled.

BRIDEGROOM is directed, written and produced by Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”), and produced by Shane Bitney Crone. Virgil Films will release BRIDEGROOM in theatres in Los Angeles on October 18. The film will air on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network on Sunday, October 27 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

"SPINNING PLATES" It's Not What You Cook. It's Why. Opening October 25, 2013

You don't have to be a foodie to thoroughly enjoy Spinning Plates!

Spinning Plates is a fascinating documentary about three extraordinary restaurants and the incredible people who make them what they are.

These amazing restaurants and their stirring stories include an upscale, cutting-edge restaurant in Chicago named the seventh-best in the world, whose chef must battle a life-threatening obstacle to pursue his passion; a 150-year-old family restaurant in Balltown, Iowa that's still standing only because of the unbreakable bond with its community; and a fledgling Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Arizona whose owners are risking everything just to survive and provide for their young daughter.

These unforgettable stories of family, legacy, passion and survival come together to reveal how meaningful food can be, and the power it has to connect us to one another.

It's a celebration of the art and passion of nurturing people, not just feeding them. (Written and directed by Joseph Levy.)

L. A. Opening Day Announcement: "Spinning Plates" Will Open In Los Angeles On Friday, October 25th At The Landmark Los Angeles!

Los Angeles-Based Fashion Brand, Bri Seeley, To Host Fashion Show In Benefit of Step Up Women’s Network

LOS ANGELES, California (16 September 2013) - Bri Seeley, Los Angeles-based fashion designer, will display her Spring/Summer 2014 line, The Silence Collection, at Eden in Hollywood on 10/10/2013. The event is being hosted in benefit of Step Up Women’s Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting women and girls to fulfill their potential.

The Silence Collection highlights Seeley’s signature feminine details, quality craftsmanship, and wearable functionality. Seeley designed the collection using the idea that the Bri Seeley woman does not require words to make a statement - her femininity radiates from every move she makes. The silhouettes are simple yet intriguing. The palette is soft yet expressive. Each piece was created to accommodate the multifaceted lives of Seeley’s clients and can easily be transitioned from day to evening, and business to personal with a modern wearability that women crave.
Seeley is partnering with 15 of Los Angeles’ top fashion and lifestyle bloggers to model the collection on the runway, “We recognize that bloggers are relatable for our customers and are excited to feature a variety of women on the runway ranging from 5’2” to 5’11”,” Seeley said.

The event will kick off a month-long collaboration with Luevo.com, the first product-based crowdfunding platform that connects independent fashion designers with consumers. Luevo was created for consumers to discover and pre-order high quality, exclusive fashion goods. Attendees of Seeley’s 10/10/2013 event will be able to order the Spring/Summer looks straight off of the runway, “When planning the event, it was very important for us to bring real women together in a display of style and technology in one memorable evening. Partnering with Luevo.com was a natural way for our audience to not only see upcoming fashion trends, but purchase them immediately using their everyday technology,” Seeley said.

Celebrity fashion stylist, Franzy Staedter, will create the looks that can only be described as California lifestyle meets New York chic, “The handbags, jewelry, and shoes will collaborate with the collection to speak to the life of the modern women,” Staedter said.

The official hair and makeup team from the Paul Mitchell Academy will be led by Lyndsay Michelle. Michelle will create updated versions of the classic chignon and cat-eye looks for the runway presentation.

Tickets can be purchased at: http://briseeleyrunway.eventbrite.com

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP TO RELEASE "THE STREAM" ON OCT 18

TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THE MOVIES FOR A GREAT CAUSE

 

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP TO RELEASE "THE STREAM" ON OCT 18

 

A FAMILY COMEDY BENEFITTING BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

 

Knoxville, Tenn. - Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circuit in the United States, today announces the exclusive engagement of a new family comedy "The Stream," a unique film benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This coming-of‐age movie will be released only in select Regal Entertainment Group theatres across the nation on October 18, 2013.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumnus and Ambassador Mario Lopez (Extra!, X Factor), Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl), Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, Super, Six Feet Under) are all featured in “The Stream,” a film set in 1981, that follows the story of five friends who embark on an epic adventure.

All they have to do is follow The Stream and back. With Mom gone for three hours what could possibly go wrong? Encountering bullies, mystical creatures and a nasty storm, the friends will need the force of friendship to prevail. More details are available at www.thestreammovie.com.

"The Stream" was produced by Dreaming Tree Foundation to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Nearly 200 kids from Boys & Girls Clubs around the country received the opportunity to work behind the camera or in the editing bay.  The majority of all producer revenues from theatre, DVD, VOD, TV and other distribution will be given to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support the organization’s youth development programs.

"I wouldn’t be where I am at today if Boys & Girls Clubs of America was not a part of my life," stated Mario Lopez. "It’s important for me to give back to an organization that has given me so much.  And now families can support the work they do simply by taking their kids to the movies starting October 18."

The theatrical release exclusively in Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will be launched with two "blue-carpet” premieres at Regal Union Square Stadium 14 in New York city on October 15 and Regal L.A. Live Stadium 14 in Los Angeles on October 16 with attendance by actors in the film, BGCA teen-filmmakers and BGCA celebrity ambassadors and supporters at both events.

"The filming of ‘The Stream’ was a unique approach to partnering for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and we celebrate the opportunity to expose our Club kids to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film industry while working with some of our most supportive celebrity alumni," said Frank Sanchez, National Vice President of Sports, Entertainment & Alumni Relations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

"Our mission is to positively impact the lives of youth, and this film provides a fun way for the public to support us in accomplishing that. Regal supports the life-changing work of BGCA throughout the year, including opportunities for club members to enjoy movies during the Regal Summer Movie Express."

In addition to Regal’s support as exclusive exhibitor, other benefactors for this film include presenters AT&T and Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, with additional support from Best Buy, ITW, Exelon, Shure Incorporated and Century 21, all of whom sponsored this program because of their commitment to America’s youth. Rainn Wilson added “Just by going to the movies you can make a difference to millions of kids. It’s a unique way to give back and support Boys & Girls Clubs of America and our kids who need it most."

To see the movie trailer and for a list of participating Regal Entertainment Group theatres visit http://www.thestreammovie.com/distribution-press/ or www.REGmovies.com.

About Dreaming Tree Films & Foundation
Since 2002, Dreaming Tree has given thousands of teenagers an authentic Hollywood film experience where they can put their creativity and their confidence into action. But more than just movie magic, Dreaming Tree is about giving youth career skills, life skills and inspiration; inspiring youth to realize their potential and see that any dream is within their reach-all through the lens of film.  More info on The Stream and the Foundation’s other work at http://www.dreamingtreefoundation.org

17th Annual Hollywood Film Festival Unveils Shorts Lineup

Exec Director Jon Fitzgerald also introduces Hollywood Network lineup, CineCause Spotlight, and Gravidi Video Platform for films in the Spotlight.

The Hollywood Film Festival’s Executive Director Jon Fitzgerald has announced the 23 short films chosen for competition at the annual fest, which kicks off its 2013 season on October 18th at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. With the establishment of new programs, themes and events, Fitzgerald will enhance the mandate of “bridging the gap” between established Hollywood and the film industry, an original mission of the Festival now in its 17th year.

The shorts film programs have been grouped by genres and themes many of which connect back to the Celebrate Hollywood and CineCause Spotlight. Docs – Exploring Culture all offer a rare glimpse into our culture, past, present and future. (Asia One, Do Not Duplicate, Sleeping with Suri), CineCause – Youth and Consequences embrace kids as the future, how we treat them, teach them and respect them will have a direct impact on all of us, for better or for worse. (Children Next Door, School’s Out, Slave Queen), Narrative – Dependency focuses on complicated relationships and for the heroes in this program dependency proves difficult to overcome. (The Bright Side, Cash for Gold, Home, Six Letter Word), European Film Showcase – Transitions offers change as a good thing, but as we see with these characters, their next chapter is full of surprises, some more rewarding than others (Avant Que De Tout Perde, The Golden Bough, Wannabes), Family – Growing Up is all about children and coming of age. From superpowers to imagination, role playing to fighting off bullies, it’s all part of the package. (Learning to Fly, Lucy, The Scenes, The Swimmer), Animation – Adaptation showcases Science achievement and medicine which often converge to push the boundaries for living creatures and their environment (The Collector’s Gift, Day 6011, Feral, Rescue, Vengeance+ Vengeance), Student – Identity Crisis highlight stories about identity. Are we honest with ourselves, and with each other? Who, or what, do we love? (Iris, Home, Josephine & the Roach, Paulie)

Shorts and Feature filmmakers will have an opportunity to participate in the new Hollywood Network® program, sponsored by FilmLA; a series of round table discussions between independent filmmakers and Hollywood industry professionals. “The industry is always looking to discover emerging new talent,” says Fitzgerald. “Hollywood Network® gives both Filmmaker and Executive the opportunity to meet and form relationships through a festival experience.” This is yet another step in HFF efforts to “bridge the gap” between established Hollywood and the global creative community, an original mission of the festival. Selected Industry Participants include: Producer Laura Bickford (Traffic), David Dinerstein along with reps from: Gravidi, Paradigm, Showtime, Preferred Content, CAA, and Chill.

In addition to the onsite opportunities for Arclight audiences to get involved with the causes reflected in the CineCause films, a unique video App – Gravidi (http://gravidi.com) – that offers users hot spots to learn more about projects and related causes, with a donation platform, will support the shorts and features highlighted in the CineCause Spotlight (http://www.causecinema.com). Gravidi, Inc. has developed patented interactive technology with offices in Los Angeles and Baltimore. (Shorts utilizing this platform will include: Asia One, Mountains Will Move, Children Next Door, Schools Out, Running Blind and Slave Queen).

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Hollywood Film Festival bridges the gap between established Hollywood and the global creative community, providing an avenue of discovery for emerging filmmakers.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Festival will initiate a series of meetings between independent filmmakers and industry professionals, through the Hollywood Network program. And with an aim toward promoting philanthropy and social awareness, HFF engineered the “Hollywood Gives Back” project to showcase the industry’s artists who have supported a variety of important causes around the world. CineCause will enable up-and-coming independent artists to be honored alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Networking opportunities rarely get better than this.

Taking place in the heart of the film industry, HFF makes it easy for attending filmmakers to connect with agents, producers, distributors, and other top industry decision-makers. HFF provides all exhibiting filmmakers with VIP Passes, granting access to premieres and screenings at the Festival Submit your film today for the chance to put yourself directly in front of the film industry’s biggest movers and shakers!

Tickets and Showtimes: https://www.arclightcinemas.com/movies/festivals/hollywood-film-festival

Mary Pickford - Celebration of Silent Film

FROM 1928 – THE HEIGHT OF THE SILENT FILM ART

Two special nights of silent classics introduced by silent film historian and preservationist Kevin Brownlow

Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Mary Pickford Foundation

THE CROWD - Tuesday, October 22

Featuring a print restored under the supervision of Kevin Brownlow with a stereo musical score composed by Carl Davis.

One of the most powerful and personal films of the American cinema, produced when silent film had reached its pinnacle of visual storytelling, “The Crowd” offers a stylized view of modern life through the eyes of a young New Yorker determined to fulfill his own imagined destiny despite the intervening foibles of everyday life. Romantic, timeless and heartbreaking, “The Crowd” dispels the stereotypes of the “limitations” of silent film on every level.

Starring Eleanor Boardman and James Murray. Produced and directed by King Vidor. Written by John V.A. Weaver and Vidor. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. 35mm, silent, black-and-white, 98 min.

THE STUDENT PRINCE IN OLD HEIDELBERG - Thursday, October 24

Featuring a print restored under the supervision of Kevin Brownlow with a stereo musical score composed by Carl Davis.

Heightening the full romantic power of the silent screen with the unique “Lubitsch” touch, “The Student Prince” offers beautiful cinematography, playful and subtle performances from Novarro and Shearer, and a touching story of a young prince who falls in love with an innkeeper’s daughter in an enchanting film whose pictures are, indeed, worth a thousand words.

Starring Norma Shearer and Ramon Novarro. Produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Written by Hans Kraly, based on the book Karl Heinrich by Wilhelm Meyer-Förster and the operetta The Student Prince by Dorothy Donnelly and Sigmund Romberg. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. 35mm, silent, black-and-white, 105 min.

Kevin Brownlow received an Honorary Award from the Academy in 2010 and is widely regarded as the preeminent historian of the silent film era. His books include The Parade’s Gone By…; The War, the West, and the Wilderness; Hollywood: The Pioneers; Behind the Mask of Innocence; David Lean and Mary Pickford Rediscovered. His documentaries include “Hollywood”; “Unknown Chaplin”; “Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow”; “Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius”; “D.W. Griffith: Father of Film”; “Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic”; and “Garbo.” Most famous among his many silent film restoration projects is Abel Gance’s 1927 epic “Napoleon.”

76 COUNTRIES IN COMPETITION FOR 2013 FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OSCAR®

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – A record 76 countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 86th Academy Awards®.  Moldova and Saudi Arabia are first-time entrants; Montenegro is submitting for the first time as an independent country.

The 2013 submissions are:
Afghanistan, "Wajma – An Afghan Love Story," Barmak Akram, director;
Albania, "Agon," Robert Budina, director;
Argentina, "The German Doctor," Lucía Puenzo, director;
Australia, "The Rocket," Kim Mordaunt, director;
Austria, "The Wall," Julian Pölsler, director;
Azerbaijan, "Steppe Man," Shamil Aliyev, director;
Bangladesh, "Television," Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, director;
Belgium, "The Broken Circle Breakdown," Felix van Groeningen, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, "An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker," Danis Tanovic, director;
Brazil, "Neighboring Sounds," Kleber Mendonça Filho, director;
Bulgaria, "The Color of the Chameleon," Emil Hristov, director;
Cambodia, "The Missing Picture," Rithy Panh, director;
Canada, "Gabrielle," Louise Archambault, director;
Chad, "GriGris," Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, director;
Chile, "Gloria," Sebastián Lelio, director;
China, "Back to 1942," Feng Xiaogang, director;
Colombia, "La Playa DC," Juan Andrés Arango, director;
Croatia, "Halima’s Path," Arsen Anton Ostojic, director;
Czech Republic, "The Don Juans," Jiri Menzel, director;
Denmark, "The Hunt," Thomas Vinterberg, director;
Dominican Republic, "Quien Manda?" Ronni Castillo, director;
Ecuador, "The Porcelain Horse," Javier Andrade, director;
Egypt, "Winter of Discontent," Ibrahim El Batout, director;
Estonia, "Free Range," Veiko Ounpuu, director;
Finland, "Disciple," Ulrika Bengts, director;
France, "Renoir," Gilles Bourdos, director;
Georgia, "In Bloom," Nana Ekvtimishvili and Simon Gross, directors;
Germany, "Two Lives," Georg Maas, director;
Greece, "Boy Eating the Bird’s Food," Ektoras Lygizos, director;
Hong Kong, "The Grandmaster," Wong Kar-wai, director;
Hungary, "The Notebook," Janos Szasz, director;
Iceland, "Of Horses and Men," Benedikt Erlingsson, director;
India, "The Good Road," Gyan Correa, director;
Indonesia, "Sang Kiai," Rako Prijanto, director;
Iran, "The Past," Asghar Farhadi, director;
Israel, "Bethlehem," Yuval Adler, director;
Italy, "The Great Beauty," Paolo Sorrentino, director;
Japan, "The Great Passage," Ishii Yuya, director;
Kazakhstan, "Shal," Yermek Tursunov, director;
Latvia, "Mother, I Love You," Janis Nords, director;
Lebanon, "Blind Intersections," Lara Saba, director;
Lithuania, "Conversations on Serious Topics," Giedre Beinoriute, director;
Luxembourg, "Blind Spot," Christophe Wagner, director;
Mexico, "Heli," Amat Escalante, director;
Moldova, "All God’s Children," Adrian Popovici, director;
Montenegro, "Ace of Spades - Bad Destiny," Drasko Djurovic, director;
Morocco, "Horses of God," Nabil Ayouch, director;
Nepal, "Soongava: Dance of the Orchids," Subarna Thapa, director;
Netherlands, "Borgman," Alex van Warmerdam, director;
New Zealand, "White Lies," Dana Rotberg, director;
Norway, "I Am Yours," Iram Haq, director;
Pakistan, "Zinda Bhaag," Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, directors;
Palestine, "Omar," Hany Abu-Assad, director;
Peru, "The Cleaner," Adrian Saba, director;
Philippines, "Transit," Hannah Espia, director;
Poland, "Walesa. Man of Hope," Andrzej Wajda, director;
Portugal, "Lines of Wellington," Valeria Sarmiento, director;
Romania, "Child’s Pose," Calin Peter Netzer, director;
Russia, "Stalingrad," Fedor Bondarchuk, director;
Saudi Arabia, "Wadjda," Haifaa Al Mansour, director;
Serbia, "Circles," Srdan Golubovic, director;
Singapore, "Ilo Ilo," Anthony Chen, director;
Slovak Republic, "My Dog Killer," Mira Fornay, director;
Slovenia, "Class Enemy," Rok Bicek, director;
South Africa, "Four Corners," Ian Gabriel, director;
South Korea, "Juvenile Offender," Kang Yi-kwan, director;
Spain, "15 Years Plus a Day," Gracia Querejeta, director;
Sweden, "Eat Sleep Die," Gabriela Pichler, director;
Switzerland, "More than Honey," Markus Imhoof, director;
Taiwan, "Soul," Chung Mong-Hong, director;
Thailand, "Countdown," Nattawut Poonpiriya, director;
Turkey, "The Butterfly’s Dream," Yilmaz Erdogan, director;
Ukraine, "Paradjanov," Serge Avedikian and Olena Fetisova, directors;
United Kingdom, "Metro Manila," Sean Ellis, director;
Uruguay, "Anina," Alfredo Soderguit, director;
Venezuela, "Breach in the Silence," Luis Alejandro Rodríguez and Andrés Eduardo Rodríguez, directors.

The 86th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

NEW CASTING DIRECTORS BRANCH ELECTS THREE TO ACADEMY BOARD OF GOVERNORS

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Three members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ newly created Casting Directors Branch have been elected to the Academy Board of Governors.

The first-time governors are David Rubin, who is elected to a three-year term; Bernie Telsey, who is elected to a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy, who is elected to a one-year term.

“The addition of these exceptional professionals to our Board is another positive step toward making our organization more inclusive and more reflective of the broader industry,” Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said.  “We welcome them, their ideas and their insights wholeheartedly.”

The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.  The addition of the Casting Directors Branch was approved by the Board in July of this year.

Home Movie Day And Hollywood Home Movies IV

Two events - One unforgettable day

The Academy presents two unique events celebrating amateur filmmaking! In the afternoon, everyone is invited to bring in their personal home movies and watch them on the big screen. In the evening, the Academy will present specially selected home movies and footage from Hollywood's Golden Age.

HOME MOVIE DAY
Home Movie Day is a worldwide celebration of amateur films and filmmaking, coordinated by the Center for Home Movies. Home Movie Day in Los Angeles is October 12 at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater. Angelenos are invited to share their family films in an open screening from noon to 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring in home movies for condition evaluation and projection by trained archivists. Visit homemovieday.com/losangeles for details.

HOLLYWOOD HOME MOVIES IV
The home movie craze extended to Hollywood stars and directors who captured their families and friends, as well as behind-the-scenes activities on set. The Academy Film Archive houses a wide variety of such films and will present a selection of excerpts at the evening program, Hollywood Home Movies IV, including footage of Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Billie Burke, Marlene Dietrich, Walt Disney (shown above on a one-inch scale steam train, 1948), Mitzi Gaynor, Betty Grable, Cary Grant, Jean Harlow, Shirley Jones, Florenz Ziegfeld and more.

In addition to intimate glimpses of celebrities at work and play, the program includes 1935 footage of Atlantic City, Satchel Paige pitching in an exhibition game at Los Angeles’ Wrigley Field, Billy Gilbert’s USO troupe performing during World War II, and the wrap party for “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Don’t miss this entertaining evening of unique, rarely screened footage.

GIFF Announces LA Event Location

 The GI Film Festival Announces Second Annual Los Angeles Film Fest November 1-2, 2013, to be held at The Walt Disney Studios

‘Sundance for the Troops’ to Feature ‘Best of GIFF’ Film Screenings, New Premieres and Workshops Dedicated to Helping Military Veterans Find Success in Entertainment

Arlington, Virginia – The GI Film Festival, a community partner of the Hollywood studio-driven “Got Your Six” military support campaign and the nation’s only military film festival, announced today that it will host its second annual GI Film Festival Los Angeles, November 1-2, 2013 at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA.

GIFF, a 501c3 non-profit organization described as “Sundance for the Troops,” preserves the stories of veterans through film, television and training. GIFF LA will feature “best of GIFF” award-winning film screenings from previous GIFF festivals, new film premieres from military veteran filmmakers and workshops dedicated to helping military veterans find success in entertainment.

“This is a proud moment for the festival, and the hundreds of filmmakers who have contributed their creative work in service of the arts and our country,” said GI Film Festival co-founder Brandon Millett. “We are so honored to bring the GI Film Festival to one of the most storied and accomplished studios in the history of Hollywood.”

GI Film Festival events provide an exceptionally diverse line-up of programming, covering all branches of service, every major conflict, and every major film genre while addressing a variety of issues of concern to the veteran community, including post-traumatic stress, homelessness, and unemployment.

GIFF LA 2013 will be conducted in collaboration with Disney’s “Heroes Work Here” Veterans initiative, dedicated to providing employment and volunteer opportunities for veterans as well as financial sponsorship to support veterans’ education.

Film Line-up:  Click here for more details on GIFF LA, including the film line-up (http://gifilmfestival.com/gi-film-festival-los-angeles/).

Sponsorship:  Some sponsorship opportunities remain. Interested companies and organizations can click here for more details (http://gifilmfestival.com/become-a-giff-sponsor/). Or contact info@gifilmfestival.com.

Tickets: GIFF LA tickets are now on sale at www.gifilmfestival.com.

Partners for the GIFF LA event include: Got Your Six, American Legion Post 43, Veterans in Film and Television, Operation Gratitude, and Operation Home Front, among others. The GIFF LA Host Committee is chaired by Steven Dunning of NBC Universal with actor and military veteran Mark Valley serving as the Honorary Co-Chair.