New Beautiful Boy poster with Michael Sheen in HQ

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Exclusive: Maria Bello Talks BEAUTIFUL BOY, NBC’s PRIME SUSPECT and ABDUCTION

Maria Bello has established herself as a very intriguing leading actress, taking on a variety of roles in projects all across the board. She can next be seen in the indie drama Beautiful Boy, about a married couple (Bello and Michael Sheen) on the verge of separation who, after a shocking act of violence committed by their son (Kyle Gallner), are united in their grief. In the fall, she will be playing Detective Jane Timoney in the NBC crime drama Prime Suspect, a re-imagining of the British television hit (starring Helen Mirren) about a tough-as-nails detective who doesn’t know when to quit. On September 23rd, the John Singleton action thriller Abduction starring Taylor Lautner will hit theaters, in which she plays a bad-ass with an amazing fight scene.

At the press day for Beautiful Boy, actress Maria Bello did this exclusive interview with Collider, where she talked about choosing roles very instinctually, how she was drawn to exploring the levels of grief for this role, how much she enjoyed collaborating with co-star Michael Sheen, and that she thinks this is ultimately a hopeful film. She also talked about why she wanted to get involved with another television series with Prime Suspect, working with Peter Berg, who directed the pilot, and how she wants to use every facet of herself in her work and life. Check out what she had to say after the jump:

Question: How did you get involved with this film?

MARIA BELLO: I’m really instinctual when it comes to choosing roles. I read this a year before it actually got made, and just knew immediately that I wanted to do it. It was so well written and had a depth of emotion and understanding of the human condition that you rarely see.

What really drew you to this project?

BELLO: I got this script, probably a year before we made the movie, and just had a gut feeling. It was so well written that I really wanted and needed to do it to explore that. I like the idea of the levels of grief, which I studied a bit before we did the movie. Usually, a parent who loses a child goes through those levels of grief over years. We had to smash it into a week or two weeks of their lives, and had to make sure we weren’t at the same level, in every single scene. Usually, a parent would just be in shock or grief for those two weeks, but I had to make it a little bit more interesting.

Did you have to find ways to emotionally get in touch with this kind of a situation?

BELLO: No. I worked with an incredible actor – Michael Sheen – who’s a genius, and we just played together. It was like two children discovering things and being curious, and out of that, reacting to another actor, out of knowing who the character is. The emotion just is in your body. It happens organically. The emotional part of it was exhausting, going home at the end of the night. But, I have a 10-year-old son and there was homework and cooking dinner, so I had to let it go.

Was it important to you that the film doesn’t show any of the actual shooting, and instead dealt with the aftermath of an event like this?

BELLO: Yeah, because people don’t really deal with grief in movies. We see so many people shot up, but you never see the aftermath. So, this movie isn’t about the shooting or the shooter. It’s about these two disparate people who don’t know each other anymore and don’t know themselves anymore. Through this tragedy, they begin to be honest with each other again, and with themselves.

Did you do any kind of research into what it’s like for people to go through an experience like this?

BELLO: No, I didn’t. I read books on the various stages of grief because I realized that throughout the movie, which only takes place within two weeks, I had to play the gamut of going through the grief process. It usually takes years for a person who loses a child to deal with rage, denial, frustration, sadness and anger. I had to bring them to the character and learn how to play with all of those.

Being a parent, what was it like to put yourself in the skin of somebody going through what these parents go through? Do you draw on your own emotions, or is that a dangerous thing to do, in this case?

BELLO: When I had my son, it was the worst day and the best day of my life because I realized that I will never love someone so much, but I will never be able to keep him from the lessons that he’s meant to learn, in this lifetime. I couldn’t put myself in that situation and think about my son dying. That’s just too much to bear, for any parent to hold onto that, for weeks at a time. So, I drew on other stuff, really. Michael and I knew our characters and trusted each other enough to act off each other and find that emotion together. And, I think that has a lot to do with a script and how well it’s written, and how much it captures the emotion and takes you organically into those feelings. (Director) Shawn Ku also really trusted us to find it.

Did you spend any time thinking about signs that parents could miss, in a situation like this?

BELLO: What’s interesting is that a week before we started shooting, Susan Klebold came out with her first interview ever in O Magazine and talked about it. She talked about how, with an angsty teenager, it’s easy to miss. Most of the teenagers I know are angsty and hate their parents and have issues, and I can understand that it would be difficult to know that your kid is going to go on a shooting spree.

What was Shawn Ku like, as a director? Was he really open to letting you guys do what you needed to do to get to the place you needed to be?

BELLO: He was wonderful, and I think he’s such a brilliant director. It turns out that he and I studied with the same acting teacher, years ago and not at the same time, but we have the same language. So, he was able to direct me in a way that I loved.

What was it like to collaborate with Michael Sheen? Did you spend any time figuring out the relationship between your characters?

BELLO: Yeah, we talked about it before we started filming. We got to know each other and talked about our lives and who these characters were, but we never officially rehearsed. We just got to the set and decided to play. There are some people you just automatically have a connection with and it’s just immediate. He and I had that.

Did you spend any time with the actor who played your son (Kyle Gallner)?

BELLO: No, we didn’t. We met him, and I think he’s really wonderful, but we liked the idea that he was solitary, away and having his own experience, and we were so far away from him.

How was it to work with Alan Tudyk and Moon Bloodgood?

BELLO: They were wonderful, as well. Moon is funny and beautiful. She’s an awesome girl. We got to be friends on that movie. I thought she was a really strong, really lovely woman. They were really good actors.

Do you worry at all about the bleakness of a subject like this attracting audiences to see the film?

BELLO: When I read it, I actually thought it was a beautiful story. There is hope in it, about people getting to be honest with themselves, and coming back together again, and learning who they are and their partner is again. I think there are some glimmers of hope and beauty in it.

What drew you back to television for Prime Suspect and made you want to take on something like that?

BELLO: Prime Suspect really affected my life, when Helen Mirren did it for the BBC. It’s such an iconic character. She’s such a strong, empowered woman. When I read the script, I said no to it for a couple of years. And then, Alex Cunningham wrote the new version and it was so good and so different from the British version. Yeah, she’s a strong, empowered woman, but it takes place in New York City and there’s a real sense of humor about it. It’s a different show, but still has that strong woman who is a good role model for other women.

What makes it different from other crime shows?

BELLO: What I really like is that it’s not a straight procedural. I would not want to do a straight procedural. I would be bored. This is about this character and the characters around her. You will definitely see a lot of cases, but you’ll also see her going home, her boyfriend, her father, her love life and her craziness. You’ll get to see all of her life. It’s about the character.

Do you have to approach a role like this by putting what Helen Mirren did out of your head and not worrying about the pre-conceived notions that people might have?

BELLO: I’m sure some people will be snobby about it and compare it. I could never do what she did. She’s such an unbelievable actress, and one of my role models. But, I can do something different.

Was it important for you to have the action, the drama and the comedy, when this is a show you could be doing for a number of year?

BELLO: Yes. It could go for years and years and years, which I think it will, and I’m hoping it will. So, it had to be a character that I would be excited about exploring.

Is it difficult to find a balance with making her tough, but also not turning off viewers by her being too tough?

BELLO: Yeah. That’s a good question. Alex Cunningham is such a good writer that she found a good balance within the script. You can be feminine and strong, at the same time. You can be a bad-ass and, at the same time, have a vulnerableness when you’re hysterically crying, like most of us girls. You can have a good sense of fashion. You don’t need to dress like one of the boys. She put that all in there, with the great, dark sense of humor, which I love. All the cops I’ve met really have that dark sense of humor.

What does someone like Peter Berg bring to a project like this?

BELLO: He’s the best! Peter Berg is so fun. He’s such a wonderful director ‘cause he loves to play. He just wings the camera around and he’s so quick and really collaborative. He just says, “Come to the set to play. Give us your ideas. Just go.” He really likes actors and trusts actors. He’s wonderful. I’m so happy that he’s my producer and he’s going to direct some episodes. I think we’re a good team. He’s totally normal and funny. He’s a really good man.

What was it about Abduction that appealed to you, and who do you play in the film?

BELLO: I love John Singleton. He’s a wonderful director and a friend, and we’ve always wanted to work together. I loved it. I got to be this bad-ass and have this amazing fight scene, and work with Taylor [Lautner] and Jason Isaacs. We had a blast.

What inspired you to want to be an actor, and are you still as inspired now?

BELLO: I just want to use all of myself, for the rest of my life, in every facet of my life, as long as I live. I just want to put everything out there. Acting and emotionally expressing myself, seeing the world, doing the other work that I do in Haiti, and being a mom are just all very exciting to me. I’m a real curious person. I don’t usually do projects that I’m not excited about, but I have sometimes, and then that’s a real drag.

Collider
xoxo
Carrie

TIME Summer Entertainment Preview 2011

As the mercury rises, here's our guide to what to watch, read, see and hear

Beautiful Boy

A shooting on a college campus leaves 17 people dead, including the killer, whose parents grieve, blame and are blamed. An unwavering view into an almost unimaginable agony, with indelible performances by Maria Bello and Michael Sheen as the mother and father. 6/3 (Limited)

X-Men: First Class

First class? This Marvel prequel — make that pre-prequel, since it antedates most of Wolverine — may suffer from too much class. Genteel Scottish heartthrob James McAvoy plays the young Professor X, and Teutonic-Irish demon lover Michael Fassbender is the man who will become Magneto. Next, expect the pre-pre-prequel, in which the two antagonists are brilliant infants dueling each other from adjacent speeding prams. 6/3

A Better Life

New Moon director Chris Weitz gets serious with a moving drama about the plight of an illegal immigrant (Demián Bichir of Weeds) in Los Angeles who works as a gardener but fosters bigger ambitions for his contemptuous teenage son (José Julián). After the truck Carlos needs to make a living is stolen, father and son unite to search for it. 6/24
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly 

Hallows Part 2

As the movie series comes to an end, prepare for revelations about those last horcruxes, some epic sacrifices and Harry's finally going nose-to-not-nose with the Dark Lord. Saying goodbye will be brutal. 7/15

Bon Iver, Bon Iver by Bon Iver

While 2008's For Emma, Forever Ago could almost be considered a Justin Vernon solo album, the melancholy folk of Bon Iver, Bon Iver showcases other indie musicians, such as saxophonists Michael Lewis and Colin Stetson. 6/21

Time for the rest
xoxo
Carrie

NEW 'Beautiful Boy' clip with Michael Sheen

Beautiful Boy   | Movie Trailer | Review

Reelz Channel 
Vía foforks

~Robstenfan 

Beautiful Boy Clips

Source to watch a second clip
xoxo
Carrie

Beautiful Boy clip starring Michael Sheen and Maria Bello

Michael Sheen and Maria Bello star in Beautiful Boy as a couple who have a strained marriage and sustain a tragedy in the worst way that, ultimately, may save their relationship.

Beautiful Boy promises to be a powerful film and one that will strike a chord with American audiences after a decade of school shootings and the entire emotional and personal catastrophe that ensues afterwards.

Maria Bello and Michael Sheen are parents to a college age child and in our exclusive clip, we see that he is not well emotionally. What happens next changes the lives of thousands of people. Soon after the scene in our clip, their son goes on a shooting spree at his university before turning the gun on himself. Although a major scourge in our society of late, rarely have the news or fictional takes on the subject focused on the family of the shooter -- the hell and shame they go through. It is unrelenting. While dealing with being at the heart of a national tragedy, the couple finds themselves drawn to one another when it seems the world has turned against them.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AND WATCH THE CLIP HERE
Source: Sheknows

-twilightish.com

~Robstenfan

New Michael Sheen Photos

Beautiful Boy Movie Stills and BTS, at the Opening Big Lottery Fund Centre and Big Stitch In

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xoxo
Carrie

New BTS pics & Beautiful Boy Stills

[gossip_dance]

MSonline

`Robstenfan

Beautiful Boy to Show at 2011 Dallas International Film Festival

Beyond announcing the full short and feature films schedule, the 2011 Dallas International Film Festival, running March 31- April 10, 2011, has also announced that Steve James will be the first documentary filmmaker to receive a Dallas Star Award. From the official press release:

The DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac announced today that Academy Award nominee Steve James will be the first documentary filmmaker in the festival’s history to receive the DALLAS Star Award. Also revealed is the full schedule of features and shorts that will be screened throughout the festival’s 11-day run (March 31- April 10, 2010) with the previously announced BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY named as the Opening Night Gala presentation.
In a year where many filmmaking alumni are returning to DALLAS IFF, the trend will be crowned as two-time alum, Steve James will be honored with the DALLAS Star Award courtesy of Neiman Marcus at the DALLAS Film Society Honors on April 8. DALLAS IFF will be celebrating the remarkable achievements that Steve James has made in his career as Producer, Director, Director of Photography and Editor of documentaries. DALLAS IFF featured AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR and NO CROSSOVER: THE TRIAL OF ALLEN IVERSON in 2009 and 2010 respectively, with 2011 showcasing James’ most recent work, THE INTERRUPTERS: an investigation into the stubborn persistence of violence in American cities. This will mark the first year that a documentary filmmaker has received the festival’s prestigious award.
Michael Cain, Chairman of the Dallas Film Society Board of Directors, comments: “For the 13 years that I have been involved in film festivals, a filmmaker that consistently delivers and brings excitement to our audience is Steve James. From the world-renowned HOOP DREAMS that catapulted him into the who’s who list of documentarians, to the personal STEVIE and REEL PARADISE, to most recently unearthing the personalities of those attempting to stop the violence on the streets in Chicago in THE INTERRUPTERS, Steve James has a unique ability to delve into the soul of every character in his films and consume his audience in the process. He has exceptional talent and I am so proud that this year we have the opportunity to put him and his achievements on a pedestal.”
The DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac will kick off on March 31 with the Opening Night Gala encompassing the Dallas Arts District. Following a red carpet entrance, over 1,000 guests will join the festival in paying tribute to two incredible artists: actress Ann-Margret who will receive the DALLAS Star Award and DALLAS IFF founder and Chairman Emeritus, Liener Temerlin. Temerlin’s dedication, enthusiasm and the respect he garners throughout the arts community propelled the DALLAS IFF to being a festival that was instantly labeled as “one to watch”. The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art in partnership with SMU’s Temerlin Advertising Institute are the supporting sponsors for the Temerlin Tribute. Margot and Ross Perot are acting as Honorary Chairs of the Tribute.
Upon conclusion of the tributes, Constance Marks’ BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY will enchant the audience as the featured film of Opening Night. Following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2011, BEING ELMO is fast becoming a festival sensation. Marks chronicles the story of Kevin Clash, the man behind the beloved Sesame Street character, Elmo. Shot over six years and combining archival footage with present day interviews, it is a sincere portrait of a creative genius that will bring smiles, laughter and emotion to the DALLAS IFF audience. This feel-good crowd-pleaser promises to radiate out from Opening Night and carry through the remaining 10 days of the festival.
Senior Programmer Sarah Harris adds: “When I saw this film at Sundance, I knew immediately that Dallas would love it. And when it was just recently confirmed that we could feature it as the Opening Night film, there was a resounding “Yes!” through the office because we wanted the 2011 festival to begin with a feeling of celebration and BEING ELMO will do just that.”
With 157 films representing 26 countries, nine World Premieres and six US Premieres, the DALLAS International Film Festival is heading into its 5th year with a wide-ranging slate of features and shorts that promise to appeal to film-lovers of all age-groups and ethnicities. The lineup is highlighted by highly anticipated new works from festival and independent favorites such as Morgan Spurlock’s THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD, James Marsh’s PROJECT NIM and Miranda July’s THE FUTURE, and is rich with stars including (in alphabetical order) Maria Bello, Russell Brand, Pierce Brosnan, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Coolidge, Catherine Deneuve, Kat Dennings,Gérard Depardieu,Jennifer Garner, Paul Giamatti, Summer Glau, Amber Heard, Helen Hunt, Derek Jacobi, Justin Kirk, Josh Lucas, Ann-Margret, Heather Matarazzo, Helen Mirren, Lou Taylor Pucci, Dennis Quaid, Michael Sheen, Mira Sorvino, Marisa Tomei, John Waters and Carrie Underwood.
Artistic Director James Faust is exceptionally proud of the 2011 line-up: “Our goal this year was to extend the reach of this festival and give Dallas audiences the chance to really examine different cultures through the art of film. We have managed to achieve that with this line-up. There is an eclectic, thought-provoking mix of film genres this year that have only been touched upon in previous years. Whether it is attending the festival and watching just one film or more than 20 films, I urge everyone to enjoy these films with us and celebrate those who dedicate their lives and passion to the art of film.”
The DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac will run March 31 – April 10, 2011. Passes are currently on sale, tickets go on sale March 17. Passes and tickets will be made available via online (www.dallasfilm.org), and phone (214.782.9168).
The full schedule is as follows:
Centerpiece Screenings
BEAUTIFUL BOY (USA) – US PREMIERE
Director: Shawn Ku
In Shawn Ku’s emotional drama, BEAUTIFUL BOY, a married couple on the verge of separation struggle to deal with their own personal loss whilst trying to find refuge from the public and the media after their son commits a mass shooting and kills himself. Starring Michael Sheen, Maria Bello, Alan Tudyk and Moon Bloodgood.
BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY (USA)
Director: Constance Marks
Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.
OK BUCKAROOS (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Patrick Tourville
Patrick Tourville’s documentary OK BUCKAROOS is the story of Jerry Jeff Walker, whose music has led him from the nation’s biggest arenas to hundred-year old honky-tonks. Among those appearing in the documentary are Jerry Jeff Walker and Willie Nelson.
SOUL SURFER (USA)
Director: Sean McNamara
SOUL SURFER chronicles the inspirational story of surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm following a shark attack and the subsequent trials that she and her family go through in both her physical recovery and her emotional battle to continue surfing. Starring Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood, Kevin Sorbo, Jeremy Sumpter, Ross Thomas, Sonya Balmores Chung and Chris Brochu.
Premiere Series presented by The Macallan
ARTHUR (USA)
Director: Jason Winer
ARTHUR tells the story of a loveable billionaire who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny to keep him out of trouble. Now he faces the challenge of choosing between an arranged marriage to an ambitious corporate executive that will ensure his lavish lifestyle or an uncertain future with the women he really loves. Stars Russell Brand, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Garner.
DAYDREAM NATION (Canada)
Director: Michael Goldbach
DAYDREAM NATION tells the story of a city girl who moves to a small town and becomes entangled in a love triangle between her high school teacher and a stoner classmate. Stars Kat Dennings, Reece Thompson, Kate Bolandand Josh Lucas.
THE FUTURE (USA)
Director: Miranda July
When a couple decides to adopt a stray cat their perspective on life changes radically, literally altering the course of time and space and testing their faith in each other and themselves. Starring Miranda July, Hamish Linklater, and David Warshofsky.
THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (USA)
Director: Morgan Spurlock
Spurlock’s insightful THEGREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD unmasks the marketing process to bring audiences behind closed doors directly into the pitch meetings and marketing presentations that ultimately inform our everyday entertainment decisions.
IRONCLAD (UK/USA)
Director: Jonathan English
In 13th century England, a determined group of Knights Templar defend Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John. IRONCLAD tells the story of the group’s struggles against the King to defend the freedom of their country.Stars Kate Mara, Derek Jacobi and Paul Giamatti.
LANGUAGE OF A BROKEN HEART (USA)
Director: Rocky Powell
A neurotic best-selling author on love writes with the heightened emotional capacity of a woman, but can’t keep girls from leaving him. StarringJuddy Talt, Julie White and Kate French.
LUCKY(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Gil Cates Jr.
Darkly comic LUCKY follows the journey of $36 million Iowan lottery winner Ben Keller as he follows his life-long crush, Lucy St Martin. But can all the money in the world compensate for the fact that Ben is a fledgling serial killer? Stars Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, Jeffrey Tambor and Ann-Margret.
MANGUS! (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Ash Christian
Mangus Spedgwick has had one dream his whole life: He wants to be Jesus in his high school’s annual production of “Jesus Christ Spectacular”. When Mangus loses the role, a road trip and some law breaking ensues as he tries to win back the role. Stars Jennifer Coolidge, Heather Matarazzo, Charles Solomon Jr., Leslie Jordanand John Waters.
PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES (USA)
Director: Andrew Rossi
During the most tumultuous time for media in generations, filmmaker Andrew Rossi gains unprecedented access to the newsroom at The New York Times.
POETRY (Shi) (South Korea)
Director: Chang-dong Lee
A sixty-something woman, faced with the discovery of a heinous family crime, finds strength and purpose when she enrolls in a poetry class. Stars Jeong-hie Yun, Nae-sang Ahnand Da-wit Lee.
POTICHE (France)
Director: François Ozon
When her husband is taken hostage by his striking employees, a trophy wife takes the reins of the family business and proves to be a remarkably effective leader. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieuand Fabrice Luchini.
PROJECT NIM (UK)
Director: James Marsh
A chimpanzee is taken from its mother at birth and raised like a human child by a family in a brownstone on the upper West Side in the 1970s. Featuring Bob Angelini, Bern Cohen, and Reagan Leonard.
SALVATION BOULEVARD (USA)
Director: George Ratliff
A former Deadhead turned born-again Christian finds himself on the run from fundamentalist members of his mega-church who will do anything to protect their charismatic pastor. Stars Greg Kinnear, Ed Harris, Marisa Tomei, Jennifer Connellyand Pierce Brosnan.
Target Narrative Feature Competition
ADIÓS MUNDO CRUEL (Goodbye Cruel World) (Mexico)
Director: Jack Zagha
When a hard-working accountant is let go from his job because of the economic slump, he finds a new way of earning a living: becoming part of a criminal gang. Starring Carlos Alberto Orozco, Mónica Bejarano, JoséMontini, Lourdes Villarreal
BOY WONDER (USA)
Director: Michael Morrissey
After witnessing the brutal murder of his mother, a young Brooklyn boy grows up obsessed with finding her killer. He learns to lead a quiet life as a student by day and as a self-appointed hero by night until his dual lives come dangerously close to colliding. Stars James Russo, Zulay Henao and Tracy Middendorf
JESS + MOSS (USA)
Director: Clay Jeter
A series of vignettes involving memories of companionship and sexual awakening shared by two second cousins, Cast includes Sarah Hagan, Austin Vickers and Haley Strode
PARKED (Ireland, Finland)
Director: Darragh Byrne
A proud man living in his car decides to become a better person after being inspired by a young drug addict. Stars Colm Meaney, Colin Morgan and Milka Ahlroth.
THE PRESENCE (USA)
Director: Tom Provost
Provost’s stunning directorial debut, THE PRESENCE, is a darkly romantic ghost story that follows a woman’s relationship with an apparition in her isolated cabin in Oregon. With the unexpected arrival of the woman’s boyfriend, the spirit’s haunting becomes more obsessive. Starring Mira Sorvino, Shane West and Justin Kirk.
SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS (Canada)
Director: Ed Gass-Donnelly
A modern, gothic tale of crime and redemption about an aging police officer from a small Ontario Mennonite town who hides a violent past until a local murder upsets the calm of his newly reformed life. Stars Martha Plimpton, Peter Stormare and Jill Hennessy.
SURROGATE VALENTINE (USA)
Director: Dave Boyle
A San Francisco indie musician lives a life on the road, navigating friendships and relationships. The film stars Goh Nakamura, Chadd Stoops and Lynn Chen.

Target Documentary Feature Competition
BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY (USA)
Director: Constance Marks
Description under Centerpiece screenings
ELEVATE (USA) ?
Director: Anne Buford
From rural Senegal to American Prep schools, ELEVATE documents the basketball journey of four particularly tall African teenagers with NBA dreams.
THE GREATER GOOD (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE ?
Directors: Chris Pilaro, Kendall Nelson
Pilaro and Nelson’s THE GREATER GOOD looks behind the fear, hype and politics that polarize people into emotionally charged pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine camps.
NORMAN MAILER: THE AMERICAN (USA)
Director: Joseph Mantegna
Mantegna documents the life and times of controversial, celebrated post-WWII American writer Norman Mailer as told through the people who knew him personally.
PROSECUTOR (Canada) – US PREMIERE ?
Director: Barry Stevens
A fascinating story with extraordinary inside access, PROSECUTORfollows the Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo through the first trials of the newly formed International Criminal Court. Featured interviews include Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Mahmood Mamdani, Ben Ferencz, Silas Chekera, Sir Geoffrey Nice.
WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE (USA)
Director: Alex Dawson, Greg Gricus
WILD HORSE, WILD RIDEfollows a handful of unforgettable characters who set out on a 100-day quest to tame a totally wild mustang for a Texas competition. This stunning documentary highlights the profound bond between people and animals.
ZERO PERCENT (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE ?
Director: Timothy Skousen
Skousen gives his audience rare access within the walls of the Sing Sing Correctional facility. The inmates experience the power of education while going through a rigorous college program called Hudson Link – with astounding statistical results.
Target Filmmaker Awards:Awarded to one film each in the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature Competition, as selected by the respective juries. Each winning film will receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize from Target.
Documentary Showcase
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MCKINLEY NOLAN (USA, Cambodia, Vietnam)
Director: Henry Corra
Private McKinley Nolan vanished forty years ago in Vietnam on the Cambodian frontier. In 2006, retired US Army Lt. Dan Smith, revisiting the battlefields of his youth, may have encountered the elusive McKinley, alive. So began a journey into the heart of darkness.
THE INTERRUPTERS (USA) ?
Director: Steve James
THE INTERRUPTERS tells the moving and surprising story of dedicated individuals who try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they, themselves once employed.
IT’S ABOUT YOU (USA)
Director: Ian Markus, Kurt Markus
The film follows the personal journey of singer/songwriter John Mellencamp through his tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson in the summer of 2009.
MISS REPRESENTATION (USA)
Director: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
An exploration of the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America and a challenge of the media’s limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman. Features Condoleezza Rice, Margaret Cho, and Katie Couric.
World Cinema presented by Stella Artois
13 ASSASSINS (Jûsan-nin no shikak) (Japan)
Director: Takashi Miike
As the era of the samurai winds to a close, a sadistic young lord uses his powerful political ties to commit heinous atrocities against the common people. A group of noble samurai seeks to slay the tyrannical lord before he seizes control of the entire country. Stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yusuke Iseya.
AMONG US (Änglavakt) (Sweden)
Director: Johan Brisinger
An accident overthrows Ernst and Cecilia’s well-ordered life, and when Cecilia meets a mysterious stranger with exceptional gifts their lives changes in an unexpected way. Stars Michael Nyqvist, Izabella Scorupco and Tcheky Karyo.
ARMADILLO (Denmark)
Director: Janus Metz Pedersen
A group of Danish soldiers arrive at Armadillo, an army base in the southern Afghan province of Helman situated less than a kilometer away from Taliban positions. ARMADILLO probes into the psychology of young men in the midst of a senseless war whose victims are primarily local villagers.
BLOOD OF EAGLES (Darah garuda – Merah putih II)(Indonesia) – US PREMIERE
Director: Yadi Sugandi, Conor Allyn
Thrilling, action-packed story of guerillas who band together to fight for Indonesia’s independence against the Dutch in the 1940’s. Stars Doni Alamsyah, Ario Bayu and Atiqah Hasiholan.
MAMAS & PAPAS (Czech Republic)
Director: Alice Nellis
The film tells four stories of married couples at turning points in addressing issues of life concerning desired fertility and unwanted parenthood. Stars Zuzana Bydzovská, Filip Capkaand Martha Issová.
THE RUNWAY (Ireland, Luxembourg)
Director: Ian Power
Inspired by true events, the citizens of Ireland’s County Cork come to the aid of a South American pilot who has crash-landed in their town. Starring Kerry Condon, James Cosmoand Demián Bichir.
SHE DESERVED IT (Sie hat es verdient) (Germany)
Director: Thomas Stiller
Driven by anger and jealousy, a 17-year-old girl and her friends torture and eventually kill an innocent classmate in cold blood. Starring Renate Delfs, Martin Feifel and Veronica Ferres.
Latino Spotlight
BY DAY AND BY NIGHT (De dia y de noche) (Mexico)
Director: Alejandro Molina
The government divides the population through an enzyme implanted into DNA so that bodies become regulated by sunlight and darkness, creating inhabitants of the day and others of the night. Stars Sandra Echeverría, Marius Biegai and Manuel Balbi.
HERMANO (Venezuela)
Director: Marcel Rasquin
Two brothers with different dreams and goals are given the opportunity to tryout for the city’s best soccer team until tragedy strikes, forcing them to decide what is most important. Starring Eliú Armas, Beto Benites and Gonzalo Cubero.
LAVOE, THE UNTOLD STORY (Puerto Rico) – US PREMIERE
Director: Anthony Felton
Based on the life story of the great salsa singer Hector Lavoefrom Ponce Puerto. Stars Raúl Carbonell, Patricia Manterolaand Joana Vargas.
OCTOBER (Octobre) (Peru)
Director: Daniel Vega Videl, Diego Vega Videl
A quiet moneylender is brought together with his devout neighbor over a newborn baby, the fruit of his relationship with a prostitute who has disappeared. Stars Bruno Odar, Gabriela Velásquezand Carlos Gassols.
India Spotlight presented by MetroPCS
AUTUMN (India) – US PREMIERE
Director:Aamir Bashir
Rafiq and his family are struggling to come to terms with the loss of his older brother Tauqir, a tourist photographer, who is one of the thousands of young men who have disappeared since the onset of the militant insurgency in Kashmir. Stars Mohammad Amir Naji, Shahnawaz Bhatand Shamim Basharat.
LBW (Life Before Wedding) (USA, India)
Director: Praveen Sattaru
No two people may react alike to the same situation. LIFE BEFORE WEDDING is an attempt to tell a story we might have heard from our friends or has happened to one of them. Starring Nishanti Evani, Chinmayi Ghatrazuand Rohan Gudlavalleti.
MUMBAI DIARIES (Dhobi Ghat) (India)
Director: Kiran Rao
A drama following intersecting lives, emotions and situations in the diverse city of Mumbai. The film stars Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar and Monica Dogra.
ROBOT (Endhiran) (India)
Director: S. Shankar
The most expensive production in Indian history, a gifted scientist constructs an equally gifted robot who sets out into the world for the first time with some unexpected and mind-blowing consequences. Starring Rajnikanth, Aishwarya Raiand Danny Denzongpa.
Texas Competition presented by MPS Studios Dallas
APART (USA)
Director: Aaron Rottinghaus
Linked by a rare psychological disorder, two tragically star-crossed characters delve into the dark and twisted catastrophic events of their past in order to make sense of their lives. Stars Joey Lauren Adams, Chris Binumand David Born.
FIVE TIME CHAMPION (USA)
Director: Berndt Mader
A young scientist’s natural curiosity leads him to discover some inconvenient truths about those around him, creating a struggle to hold his family together.Starring Ryan Akin, Justin Arnoldand Jill Blackwood.
THE LEGEND OF HELL’S GATE: AN AMERICAN CONSPIRACY (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Tanner Beard
The film relives the story of how the expeditions and encounters of three outlaws through historical 1870s Texas were remembered for a lifetime. It is thestory of how ‘Hell’s Gate’ at Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas came to have it’s name. Stars Summer Glau, Eric Balfour, Lou Taylor Pucciand Henry Thomas.
OK BUCKAROOS (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Directed by: Patrick Tourville
Details listed under Centerpiece screenings
RAINBOWS END (USA)
Director: Eric Hueber
After receiving an invitation to record music with The Legendary Stardust Cowboy from Mars, a handful of East Texas natives set out West to fulfill their dreams. Features William Neal Edwards III, Brian Birdwell and Legendary Stardust Cowboy.
TRAVELING (USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Rachel Shepherd
Three people who have never really had a family find that connection on a road trip to Austin. The cast includes Reece Rios, Melissa Odom and McKaley Miller.
WUSS (USA)
Director: Clay Liford
A high school teacher who faces constant ridicule after he’s repeatedly beaten up by several of his own students teams up with another student to fight back. Starring Nate Rubin, Alicia Anthonyand Ryan Anderson.
Grand Jury Prize – Texas I MPS Studios Texas Filmmaker Award
Awarded to a film in the Texas Competition, as selected by the Texas Jury. This competition encourages and promotes Texas filmmaking by showing both short and feature films shot in Texas. The winning film will receive $20,000 in cash, goods and services from MPS Studios.

Environmental Competition in partnership with Earth Day Dallas
BHOPALI (India) ?
Director: Van Maximilian Carlson
In 1984 the world’s worst industrial disaster devastated and contaminated thousands in Bhopali, India, prompting victims to fight for justice and corporate responsibility, which has long been ignored. BHOPALI explores the ongoing struggle for justice against the Union Carbide plant. Starring Saiba Babu, Salam Babuand Rashida Bee.
IF A TREE FALLS: A STORY OF THE EARTH LIBERATION FRONT (USA) ?
Director: Marshall Curry
A rare behind-the-curtain look at the Earth Liberation Front, the radical environmental group that the FBI calls America’s “number one domestic terrorist threat”.
THE PIPE (Ireland)?
Director: Risteard O Domhnaill
A small Rossport community has taken on the might of Shell Oil and the Irish State. The discovery of gas off this remote coastal village has led to the most dramatic clash of cultures in modern Ireland and when the citizens look to their state to protect their rights, they find that the government has put Shell’s right to lay a pipeline over their own.
Family Friendly presented by Bright Realty
COOPER & THE CASTLE HILLS GANG(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Sam Ditore
Anaction-packed, family-friendly story that takes lead character “Cooper” on a quest to help Castle Hills’ favorite grandpa, “Mr. Wilson,” find something he has lost. The film’s cast includes rising child star Kyle Kirk as Cooper and JB Edwards as Mr. Wilson.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS (USA)
Director: Matthew Kallis
With theater kids struggling to gain attention next to lavishly funded high school sports, a town in Pennsylvania began hosting the Freddy Awards to give the theater kids one night of the year to take center stage. Features John Andreadis, Frank Anoniaand Shelley Brown.
THE PERFECT GAME (2009) (USA)
Director: William Dear
Based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.The film stars Clifton Collins, Jr., Cheech Marin and Moises Arias.
RED DOG (Australia) – US PREMIERE
Director: Kriv Stenders
Based on the legendary true story, RED DOG is about a dog that united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master. Stars Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylorand Keisha Castle-Hughes.
SNOWMEN (USA)
Director: Robert Kirbyson
Inspired by real events, this warmhearted adventure follows 10-year-old Billy and his misfit friends on a winter quest to set a Guinness World Record through a comedic series of stunts that eventually threaten their very lives. The film stars Bobby Coleman, Josh Flitterand Ray Liotta.
Midnight Series
THE LAST CIRCUS (Spain, France)
Director: Álex de la Iglesia
While in the midst of the brutal Spanish Civil War,a “Happy” circus clown is interrupted mid-performance and forcibly recruited by militia into battle against National soldiers, where he single handedly massacres an entire platoon. THE LAST CIRCUS follows the story of the clown’s son and raises the curtain on a twisted tale of love, revenge, and psychopathic clowns. Starring Carlos Areces, Antonio de la Torreand Carolina Bang.
THE OREGONIAN (USA)
Director: Calvin Lee Reeder
THE OREGONIAN follows the experiences of an Oregon woman who enters a nightmarish unknown after suffering a brutal car accident.The film stars Lindsay Pulsipher, Robert Longstreet, Matt Olen and Lynne Compton.
THE WARD (USA)
Director: John Carpenter
A disheveled and disoriented girl sets fire to an abandoned farmhouse and is sent to a psychiatric ward without knowing why or how she got there. She soon discovers that THE WARD has a dark secret at its core that freezes the other girls into silence and she’s determined to get out, even if it’s alone. Stars Amber Heard, Lyndsy Fonsecaand Danielle Panabaker.
Special Presentation
GIANT (1956) (USA)
Director: George Stevens
GIANT is a sprawling epic covering the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates. The story of their family and its rivalry with cowboy and Jett Rink unfolds across two generations. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudsonand James Dean.
GUN HILL ROAD (USA)
Director: Rashaad Ernesto Green
An ex-con returns home to the Bronx after three years in prison to discover his estranged wife and his teenage son exploring a sexual transformation that will put the fragile bonds of their family to the test. Starring Judy Reyes, Isiah Whitlock Jr.and Esai Morales.
HOOK (1991) (USA)
Director: Steven Spielberg
20th anniversary celebration of Spielberg’s classic. When Capt. Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.
A KISS AND A PROMISE (USA)
Director: Phillip Guzman
In a quiet Ontario town, a small Bed and Breakfast dwells with a perverse secret whose harmony is disrupted when a young girl’s body is found on the edge of town. Stars Mick Rossi, Natasha Gregson Wagnerand Sean Power.
LITTLEROCK (USA)
Director: Mike Ott
A sleepy Los Angeles suburb and its shiftless young residents are seen through the eyes of two Japanese tourists in this intimate evocation of a small town in Southern California where everyone’s talking but no one really understands. Stars Atsuko Okatsuka, Cory Zachariaand Rintaro Sawamoto.
MORNING (USA)
Director: Leland Orser
MORNING navigates five days in the life of an American couple immediately following the accidental death of their child. Stars Jeanne Tripplehorn, Laura Linneyand Leland Orser.
THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL (1985) (USA)
Director: Peter Masterson
Carrie Watts is living the twilight of her life trapped in an apartment in 1940′s Houston, Texas with a controlling daughter-in-law and a hen-pecked son. TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL tells the story of Mrs. Watt’s success escape and last trip home. Starring Geraldine Page, John Heardand Carlin Glynn. Screened as part of The Horton Foote Festival.

Community Showcase
MORE TO LIVE FOR (USA)
Director: Noah Hutton
Three men who share prolific accomplishments are all shaken by cancer and become dependent upon the one vital bone marrow match that could save them. Starring Michael Brecker, Seun Adebiyiand James Chippendale.
SLANT 45 (USA) ?
Director: Mark Birnbaum
As North Texas prepared to host one of the world’s largest sporting events, more than 44,000 children coordinated neighborhood clean-ups, a hospital toy drive, anti-graffiti campaigns, food drives and more.
AGE OF DRAGONS (USA)
Director: Ryan Little
Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick, is recreated in a world where Captain Ahab and his crew search for a Great White Dragon. Stars Danny Glover, Vinnie Jonesand Corey Sevier.
KATRINA’S SON (USA) – Short
Director: Ya’Ke Smith
When a young boy loses his grandmother during Hurricane Katrina, he travels to San Antonio, Texas, in search of the mother who abandoned him years earlier. Stars Michael Cantu, Skudr Jonesand Nadine Mozon.

Shorts Competition
8 (USA)
Director: Julie Gould, Daniel Laabs
A daughter spends the anniversary of her father’s death with her mother, whotries to impart significant aspects of her deceased husband’s life onto their one and only daughter. Stars Logan Soul Gould, Julie Gould.
39-A: A TRAVEL TALE OF INTERMINABLE (USA)
Director: Evan Mather
A family’s 1981 vacation to the Kennedy Space Center is chronicled in exquisite detail through an autobiographical mash-up of Super-8 home movies, vibrant animated cartography and Dutch pidgin-speak.
8 BITS (France)
Director: Valere Amirault, Sarah Laufer, Jean Delaunay, Benjamin Mattern
The story of a fight between an 8-bit superhero and a high-def boss, in a retro-gaming world.
ALL FLOWERS IN TIME (Canada, USA)
Director: Jonathan Caouette
ALL FLOWERS IN TIME is about shape-shifting personalities who infect young children with an evil signal in the form of a Dutch TV show, making girls and boys believe they can now become other people and monsters.Starring Chloe Sevigny, Joshua Caouette, and Kika Childe.
BAD DADS (USA)
Director: Derek Westerman
A son tries desperately to form a relationship with his chronically absent father. Stars Michael Ceraand Will Hines.
CLOSED FOR STORM: SIX FLAGS NEW ORLEANS (USA)
Director: Teddy Smith
Six Flags New Orleans was closed for Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It never reopened. This video takes us on a tour of the park as it stands 5 years later.
COLD SORE (Australia)
Director: Matt Bird
After kissing a stranger, Jenna wakes up to discover a nasty lesion on her lip that is due to a more sinister cause than a simple cold sore. Stars Saskia Burmeister, Henry Nixonand Peter McAllum.
CRAZY BEATS STRONG EVERY TIME (USA)
Director: Moon Molson
An African-American twenty-something finds his Nigerian-immigrant stepfather passed out drunk in their apartment building hallway and is manipulated by a friend into murdering him. Stars Dante E. Clark, E.J. Bonillaand Shawn Andrew.
DEEPER THAN YESTERDAY (Australia)
Director: Ariel Kleiman
After three months submerged underwater, several men have become savages and one fears that losing perspective may mean losing himself. Stars Eldar Atakulov, Jeremy Blissand Leonid Gankin.
EX-SEX (USA)
Director: Michael Mohan
A one night stand between two people who used to be in love (or so they thought). Stars Kristen Rileyand Jacob Womack.
GRANDPA’S WET DREAM (USA, Japan)
Director: Chihiro Amemiya
A 75-year-old Japanese man has been acting in adult videos for 15 years without telling his family. Stars Shigeo Tokuda.
GREEN CRAYONS (Canada)
Director: Kazik Radwanski
An elementary school parable involving Xavier and Liam, two 7-year olds that are moulded by their actions following a classroom spitting incident. Starring Raj Manav, Kaiden Williams and Cynthia Crofoot.
THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE (Canada)
Director: Trevor Anderson
Trevor drops his camera from Edmonton’s High Level Bridge in memory of those who have jumped.
THE HUNTER AND THE SWAN DISCUSS THEIR MEETING (USA)
Director: Emily Carmichael
A Brooklyn couple have dinner with a hunter and his girlfriend, a magical swan woman; it doesn’t go well. Starring Brendan Donaldson, Ryan Linkand Lauren Sharpe.
JUST ABOUT FAMOUS
Director: Matt Mamula, Jason Kovacsev
JUST ABOUT FAMOUS chronicles the lives of celebrity tribute artists, the few who have had the fortune or curse of looking like the most recognizable people on the planet. Featuring Gary Alan, John Allen and Tim Biancalana.
THE LEGEND OF BEAVER DAM (Canada)
Director: Jerome Sable
When a ghost story around the campfire awakens an evil monster, it’s up to nerdy Danny Zigwitz to be the hero and save his fellow campers. Also starring L.J. Benet, Sean Cullenand Rick Miller.
THE LONG LONELY WALK (UK)
Director: Leon Chambers
Thestory of three individuals: a bomb disposal expert, a young boy and an elderly woman, as they each take the brave steps towards a life-defining moment. Stars Callum Francis, Kirsty Hickeyand Nitin Kundra.
NARCISSISM & ME (USA)
Director: Blair Rowan
Adarkly comedic story of Ivan Carrol, an intensely unhinged man isolated from reality and trapped in an infinite loop of perverse fantasy, murderous intent, and worthless therapy. Starring Chris Gardner, Laura Stoneand Richard L. Olsen.
THE PACT (USA)
Director: Nicholas McCarthy
As a woman struggles to come to grips with her past in the wake of her mother’s death, an unsettling presence emerges in her childhood home. Stars Jewel Staite, Sam Balland Heather Habeck.
PIONEER (USA)
Director: David Lowery
A father tells his little boy the most epic bedtime story ever. Stars Myles Brooks and Will Oldham.
PROTECT THE NATION (Germany, South Africa)
Director: C.R. Reisser
A young boy begins to question himself when faced with the unexpected kindness of a stranger during a wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Also starring Treasure Bulose, Allen Cebekhuluand Thabo Mbatha.
SASQUATCH BIRTH JOURNAL 2 (USA)
Director: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner
An unprecedented peek at the mysteries of nature.
A SEIZURE BY NATHAN JONES (USA)
Director: Charles Son
Drawn from the actual fragmented memories of one man, A SEIZURE BY NATHAN JONES is the reconstruction of a seizure from beginning to end.Starring Fernando Gallegos andNathan Jones.
TUSSILAGO (Sweden)
Director: Jonas Odell
The story of the former girlfriend of West German terroristNorbert Kröcher, who was arrested for having planned to kidnap the Swedish politician Anna-Great Leijon.
WAITING ROOM (USA)
Director: Robert Machoian, Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck
WAITING ROOM chronicles the mundane and not so mundane moments in ones life. Also starring Bruce Graham, Suzette Grahamand Daniel Welburn.
WORST ENEMY (USA)
Director: Lake Bell
WORST ENEMY is a comedy about a lame lady named Wooly who is plagued with insecurity and jailed by the full body girdle that she purchases after being wooed by a television advertisement. Starring Michaela Watkins, Matt Walshand Lindsay Sloane.
Grand Jury Prize – Short
Awarded to a film in the Shorts Competition, as selected by the Shorts Jury.
Shorts Before Features
THE PUNCHLINE (USA)
Director: Jeremy Bartel
A struggling comedian finally gets his punchline.
NEAL (USA)
Director: Geoff McGee
A polaris pool cleaner named Neal goes rogue on an innocent couple who just want to take a late night swim in their pool. Stars Jaden Roberts, Ryan Harper Grayand Teresa Valenza.
Student Shorts Competition
THE BINDING OF ISHMAEL (Singapore, USA)
Director: Taofik Kolade
A young man questions the meaning of family duty when he is thrust into the violent rift between his father and brother. Stars Fadly Awaludin, Faroukh Dawood and Qayyum Borhan.
THE BIRDS UPSTAIRS (USA)
Director: Christopher Jarvis
Frustrated attempts to bear children overwhelm the lives of an aristocratic, avian couple in the early nineteenth century.
FIRECRACKER (Fatakra) (USA)
Director: Soham Mehta
Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Today, three years and a recession later, his wife and son join him. Stars Samrat Chakrabarti, Meena Serendib and Ritik Goyal.
FRAN’S DAUGHTER (USA)
Director: Eric Martin
A story about a woman who learns she may have been switched at birth. Starring Amy Peterson, Ann Benson and Jennifer Christopher.
LOFT (USA
Director: Elizabeth Wood
An unsatisfied woman tries to discover the excitement she longs for by inviting a guy from her block into her loft one night while her boyfriend is away. Starring Joanne Tucker, Evan Silverman and Eden Marryshow.
MY FIRST CLAIRE (USA)
Director: Lou Howe
Eleven-year-old Teddy is confused as his parents are getting divorced and his friends are discovering girls. But when his new babysitter arrives he sets out to learn a thing or two about the opposite sex. Stars Toni Wynne, Brandon Killham and Miles Fisher.
THE ROBBERY (Australia, Canada)
Director: Johnny Ma
Ben, a small time thief with revenge on his mind, plans an elaborate fake robbery in order to murder his estranged father for a life insurance claim. Stars Adam Boys, Kellie Walters and Stephen Peacocke.
Grand Jury Prize – Student
Awarded to a film in the Student Competition, as selected by the Student Jury
TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Video Contest??
High school and college students from across Texas have been competing to win $30,000 in cash and grants in the TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Student Film Contest. The students were challenged to create a video demonstrating their view of the future of energy.
The finalists in the high school category are:

• Olivia Pich
  “The Aftermath,” Garland High School
• Kassidy Testut
  “Looking Out for Texas,” Richardson High School
• Christian Vasquez
  “I Want to Make You Happy,” Booker T. Washington High School

The finalists in the college category are:

• Aaron Carolina
  “After the Dark,” UT Arlington
• Dylan Voisard
  “Zephyr,” University of North Texas
• Katherine Yarbrough
  “Queen Kill-A-Watt,” Art Institute of Dallas

All videos can be seen at http://www.txu.com/studentfilmcontest

Animation Competition presented by REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT
THE BOY WHO WANTED TO BE A LION (UK)
Director: Alois Di Leo
Max is a seven-year-old deaf boy growing up in the 1960s who sees a lion for the first time on a school trip to the zoo.
JUPITER ELICIUS (USA)
Director: Kelly Sears
A haunted meteorologist dreams of storms that are a lot closer and farther away than he thought.
LIPSETT DIARIES (Canada)
Director: Theodore Ushev
LIPSETT DIARIES is a descent into the maelstrom of anguish that tormented Arthur Lipsett, a famed Canadian experimental filmmaker who died at 49.
LOVE PATATE (France)
Director: Gilles Cuvelier
LOVE PATATE is about some French fries, a love triangle, a potato with a scar, a huge nose, North of France and a bunny.
PATHS OF HATE (Poland)
Director: Damian Nenow
A short tale about the demons that slumber deep in the human soul and have the power to push people into the abyss of blind hate, fury and rage.
SOMETHING LEFT, SOMETHING TAKEN (USA)
Director: Ru Kuwahata, Max Porter
A vacationing couple encounters a man they believe to be the Zodiac Killer.
STANLEY PICKLE (UK)
Director: Vicky Mather
STANLEY PICKLE never goes outside. He likes to play with his clockwork
toys and every night his mother kisses him goodnight.
Grand Jury Prize-Animation presented by REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT
The Grand Jury Prize is awarded to the film in the Animation Competition as selected by a panel of jurors from REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT along with the 2011 Texas Avery Animation Award recipient. The winner will receive an NFR copy of 2011 Autodesk Maya, furnished by Autodesk.
The films marked with a ? are eligible for the first ever Silver Heart Award
The Silver Heart Award is a new award for the 2011 DALLAS International Film Festival. The award will be bestowed on an individual or film for their dedication to fighting injustices and/or creating social change for the improvement of humanity. The winner of the Silver Heart Award will receive a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the Embrey Family Foundation.
The recipients of the following 2011 DALLAS International Film Festival awards will receive Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling software bundles from Entertainment Partners: Environmental Visions Filmmaker Award, Grand Jury Prize Animation, Grand Jury Prize Short, Grand Jury Prize Student and our Audience Award winners for best documentary, narrative feature and short film.

filmthreat
xoxo
Carrie

Beautiful Boy Trailer: A Harrowing Drama With a Different POV

Usually when movies tackle a teenage murder or school shooting, most of the focus is understandably given to the victims and their families. But one thing I've always wondered about is the gunman's parents and the guilt they're left to live with. The upcoming filmBeautiful Boy shifts the story to their perspective
Michael Sheen and Maria Bello star as a couple whose lives are rocked after receiving the news that their 18-year-old son opened fire at his college, killing students and faculty members before turning the gun on himself. His actions leave the mother and father completely bewildered: what did they do wrong? Was their son a bad person? It creates a strain on them not only as parents but on their marriage as well, as they try to understand their son's behavior and grieve his death. The trailer looks heavy to say the least, but it appears the film also has a message of hope, which should make it more palatable. Take a peek after the jump.

BuzzSugar
xoxo
Carrie

Larry Richman's Favorite Indie Films from 2010

My Top Picks of 2010 - The Best Indies of the Year
There's no doubt in my mind that this year's overall crop of films was better than in 2009. But I've managed to narrow down the list to 16 as I did last year. I've also selected two documentaries and 15 Honorable Mentions. 

These are the festivals I attended this year:

Slamdance Film Festival 
Sundance Film Festival 
SXSW Film Festival 
Gen Art Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival 
Los Angeles Film Festival
ACEFEST 
Toronto International Film Festival 
Fantastic Fest 
Philadelphia Film Festival 

I saw approximately 175 films at those festivals, from which I selected 63 movies collectively as Top Picks. This list comes from that universe of favorites. 

Here are my Top Picks of 2010 (countries of origin in parentheses). Titles link to their respective reviews:


Narratives (in alphabetical order):

Beautiful Boy (US)
Black Swan (US)
Brotherhood (US)
Cherry (US)
Every Day (US)
Girlfriend (US)
Hesher (US)
It's Kind of a Funny Story (US)
The Kids Are All Right (US)
Let Me In (US/UK/Sweden)
The Myth of the American Sleepover (US)
The Runaways (US)
Skateland (US)
Stake Land (US)
Waiting for Forever (US)
Welcome to the Rileys (US)
pronetworks for the rest of the article
xoxo
Carrie