In Contention

Tag: Facing Ali

  • AMPAS announces doc feature short list, ‘Anvil,’ ‘Capitalism’ snubbed

    The CoveYou can check out the full press release here.  The list of 15 competing titles as follows:

    • “The Beaches of Agnes,” Agnès Varda, director (Cine-Tamaris)
    • “Burma VJ,” Anders Østergaard, director (Magic Hour Films)
    • “The Cove,” Louie Psihoyos, director (Oceanic Preservation Society)
    • “Every Little Step,” James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo, directors (Endgame Entertainment)
    • “Facing Ali,” Pete McCormack, director (Network Films Inc.)
    • “Food, Inc.,” Robert Kenner, director (Robert Kenner Films)
    • “Garbage Dreams,” Mai Iskander, director (Iskander Films, Inc.)
    • “Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders,” Mark N. Hopkins, director (Red Floor Pictures LLC)
    • “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, directors (Kovno Communications)
    • “Mugabe and the White African,” Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey, directors (Arturi Films Limited)
    • “Sergio,” Greg Barker, director (Passion Pictures and Silverbridge Productions)
    • “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman, directors (Freedom Song Productions)
    • “Under Our Skin,” Andy Abrahams Wilson, director (Open Eye Pictures)
    • “Valentino The Last Emperor,” Matt Tyrnauer, director (Acolyte Films)
    • “Which Way Home,” Rebecca Cammisa, director (Mr. Mudd)

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  • Studio FYC sites on the march

    A Serious ManIt’s that time of year, when studios roll out their awards-centric websites for films in play.  You get screening info, news and notes, reminders of how AMAZING their films are (with critical quotes to back it up), goodies like screenplays and such, etc.  It’s a good way to see how wide the net is cast during the season (since any and everything gets a “For Your Consideration” blurb), but I’ve always found it’s a good way to revisit the year’s films.

    First up, Universal Pictures has put together its standard assemblage hawking “Public Enemies,” “Bruno,” “Funny People” and “It’s Complicated.” Skimming through the “Public Enemies” section I was instantly reminded that Elliot Goldenthal’s score was actually quite wonderful and could be a sleeper to watch in a field that is notorious for its insularity.  You can even skim through tracks in a dedicated section and download the screenplay.

    “Funny People” has a similar set-up, with score toggling, the script, etc., while “Bruno” has no script to offer.  But you can listen to the raved out score again if you wish.  The “It’s Complicated” section has material to come and only mentions “in all categories” as it pertains to FYC business.

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