Monday 30 November 2020

COMPETITION: Win Trial By Fire on DVD



Trial By Fire  - released on DVD on 7th December

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away on DVD

Synopsis
Based on a true story, Trial By Fire shows the unlikely bond between an imprisoned death row inmate and a mother of two from Houston, Texas, who fights for his freedom while facing staggering odds and a seemingly corrupt system.

Cameron Todd Willingham, a poor, uneducated heavy metal fan with a violent streak and a criminal record, is convicted of arson-related triple homicide in 1992. During his 12 years on death row, Elizabeth Gilbert, an improbable ally, uncovers questionable methods and illogical conclusions in his case, and battles with the state to expose buried evidence that could save his life.

With incredible performances from BAFTA winner Jack O’Connell (’71, Starred Up), Oscar winner Laura Dern (Marriage Story, Big Little Lies) and directed by Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Courage Under Fire), Trial By Fire is a powerful, uncompromising look at the criminal justice system.

Dazzler Media presents Trial By Fire on DVD & Digital from 7th December

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/36jTugU

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 14-12-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Thursday 26 November 2020

Fatima - directed by Marco Pontecorvo in cinemas 29th January 2021


Republic Film Distribution will release FATIMA on 29 January 2021 in cinemas across the UK and on digital platforms.

An uplifting story about the power of faith, based on real-life events, FATIMA is directed by Marco Pontecorvo. The film stars Joaquim de Almeida ("The Hitman's Bodyguard"), Goran Višnjić (Beginners), Stephanie Gil (Terminator: Dark Fate) and Lúcia Moniz (Love, Actually), with Sônia Braga (Aquarius) and Harvey Keitel (The Piano, The Irishman).

In 1917, outside the parish of Fátima, Portugal, a 10-year-old girl and her two younger cousins witness multiple visitations of the Virgin Mary, who tells them that only prayer and suffering will bring an end to World War I. As secularist government officials and Church leaders try to force the children to recant their story, word of the sighting spreads across the country, inspiring religious pilgrims to flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. What they experience will transform their quiet lives and bring the attention of a world yearning for peace.

FATIMA is directed by Marco Pontecorvo (Pa-ra-da, "Game of Thrones") from a script by Pontecorvo, Valerio D'Annunzio and Barbara Nicolosi. Original music is by Paolo Buonvino (Fathers & Daughters, Quiet Chaos) with a new original song performed by Andrea Bocelli. 

The soundtrack for the film is available to download digitally now and is released by Decca Records. - https://amzn.to/2JeaBaS

UK cinema and PVOD release date: 29 January 2021
Running time: 113 Minutes


Wednesday 25 November 2020

Shooting starts on Aml Ameen’s directorial debut Boxing Day

Principal photography has begun on BOXING DAY, the UK's first ever Christmas set romantic comedy starring an all-black cast. BOXING DAY is the directorial debut from British actor-writer Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner, Yardie) who has co-written the screenplay, with Bruce Purnell, and stars as Melvin. The shoot takes place on location across London during November and December.

BOXING DAY features an exciting ensemble including American actress Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder), Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock in her first film role and Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe and BAFTA winning actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies).

BOXING DAY is inspired by the diary of Ameen's life and is a celebration of love and family through a black-British lens. The film follows Melvin (Aml Ameen), a British author living in America who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée Lisa (Aja Naomi King) to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test, as she discovers the world her fiancé has left behind.

Matthew G. Zamias produces with Damian Jones for DJ Films along with Dominique Telson and 2020 BAFTA breakthrough producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor. Aml Ameen acts as producer and Bruce Purnell as co-producer for their new label Studio113. Jones and Gharoro-Akpojotor previously collaborated on 2019's BLUE STORY.

"It is such an honour to be teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures, Film4 and BFI to bring Black British Culture to the world in this universal holiday rom-com. It's long been a dream of mine to capture films that reflect the wonderfully multi-cultural city that raised me while sharing stories from the diary of my life," says Ameen.

Tuesday 24 November 2020

Smiley Face Killers | 2020 | Horror | UK Trailer

 


Every killer has a type…

From the mind of Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, The Final Wish) comes an all-new terrifying killer tale.

When a murderous cult arrives on campus, Jake (Ronan Rubenstein, Orange is the New Black and 9-1-1: Lone Star) finds himself plagued with mysterious messages that lead him and his friends down the rabbit hole towards murder and mayhem.

With pressures closing in from all sides, Jake must decide if the cryptic messages are a prank or if his life truly is at risk. As his friends begin to vanish, he realises that he may be the next one in the crosshairs and death is about to come knocking.

YOURS TO OWN DECEMBER 14


The Boss Baby 2: Family Business – Official Trailer (Universal Pictures)

 


In the sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar®-nominated blockbuster comedy, the Templeton brothers—Tim (James Marsden, X-Men franchise) and his Boss Baby little bro Ted (Alec Baldwin)—have become adults and drifted away from each other. Tim is now a married stay-at-home dad. Ted is a hedge fund CEO. But a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach and a can-do attitude is about to bring them together again … and inspire a new family business. 

Tim and his wife, Carol (Eva Longoria), the breadwinner of the family, live in the suburbs with their super-smart 7-year-old daughter Tabitha (Ariana Greenblatt, Avengers: Infinity War), and adorable new infant Tina (Amy Sedaris, Netflix’s BoJack Horseman). Tabitha, who’s at the top her class at the prestigious Acorn Center for Advanced Childhood, idolizes her Uncle Ted and wants to become like him, but Tim, still in touch with his overactive youthful imagination, worries that she’s working too hard and is missing out on a normal childhood. 

When baby Tina reveals that she’s—ta-da!—a top secret agent for BabyCorp on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind Tabitha’s school and its mysterious founder, Dr. Edwin Armstrong (Jeff Goldblum), it will reunite the Templeton brothers in unexpected ways, lead them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover what truly matters. 

Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel also reprise their roles as Ted and Tim’s parents.

Friday 20 November 2020

Sky to release Blithe Spirit in cinemas and on Sky Cinema from 15 January

Sky today announces the acquisition of Blithe Spirit from STUDIOCANAL UK. The film will be released in cinemas and on Sky Cinema on 15 January across the UK and Ireland.

Blithe Spirit, based on the play by Noël Coward, stars Academy Award® and BAFTA winner Judi Dench (Skyfall, Victoria & Abdul) alongside Dan Stevens (Beauty & The Beast, Legion), Leslie Mann (Blockers, The Comedian), and Isla Fisher (Greed, Nocturnal Animals).

Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland, commented: "2021 is going to be a big year for original film at Sky and what better way to kick it off than with Blithe Spirit? Based on the Noël Coward production, this sparkling comedy is full of fun, frolics and an all-star cast. A great way to banish the January blues!"

Blithe Spirit is a riotous reimagining of Noël Coward's classic comedy, about love that just won't die... Best-selling crime novelist Charles (Dan Stevens) is struggling with catastrophic writer's block and a stressful deadline for his first screenplay. His picture-perfect second wife Ruth (Isla Fisher) is doing her best to keep him focussed in the hope of fulfilling her dream of heading to Hollywood. Charles' desperate search for inspiration leads him to invite Madame Arcati (Judi Dench), a medium recently exposed as a fraud, to perform a séance in their home. They all get more than they bargained for when Arcati accidentally summons the spirit of his deceased first wife: the fiery and jealous Elvira (Leslie Mann) who embarks on a mission to kill Charles so she can spend eternity with him which leads to an increasingly comical and deadly love triangle.

Directed by Edward Hall (Downton Abbey, Spooks) and adapted by Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard (Finding Your Feet, Fisherman's Friends) and Piers Ashworth (Fisherman's Friends).

Thursday 19 November 2020

Lost at Christmas - New poster and trailer for this feel-good Christmas film

Lost At Christmas is set in the remote Scottish town of Fort William, on Christmas Eve, when life is turned upside down for Jen (Natalie Clark) and Rob (Kenny Boyle). Suddenly finding themselves heartbroken, single and stranded, they team up to try and reach home 100 miles away to be with their families. "Borrowing" Jen's now ex-boyfriend's classic car, the pair hit the road, but it's not long before the weather turns for the worse forcing them to continue their journey on foot.

Bickering and bonding across the snowy Moors of Glencoe, they eventually arrive at a remote inn where they meet other guests dead set on avoiding the traditional Christmas joy. However, as Christmas Day draws closer, will happiness emerge and draw Jen and Rob together?

Lost at Christmas will bring you in from the cold, lighten your heart and provide the ultimate feel-good Christmas cinema experience.

Lost at Christmas will be released in UK cinemas from 4th December and on Digital from 7th December.

Interview with Jon Ornoy - Producer of All Joking Aside

Canadian producer Jon Ornoy fills us in on his latest film All Joking Aside, now available On Demand, and his upcoming projects including a biopic on a Canadian snooker legend.

All Joking Aside is available now at AppleTV - https://apple.co/35KBT1C


Such an interesting career you have, sir. Tell us, where did it all begin for you?

After moving to Vancouver to attend film school in 1999, I started working on set as a camera assistant after graduation, and continued doing that job for about ten years. That was a great experience for me in terms of the exposure it gave me to the production process from which I learned a lot, and the network of other professionals that I would start drawing on once I began my own filmmaking. I produced and directed my first short "Critical", while working full-time, 70hr weeks on a TV series, and while that was stressful, having almost the entire crew come out to help on their very short, and precious weekends took a lot of pressure off me.


Okay, "Scary Movie 3". Just being on set – what was that like?

That was definitely one of the bigger productions I've worked on, but it was pretty early in my career and I didn't have much responsibility there, so I don't have much in the way of stories unfortunately.


And did you get to meet the legendary Leslie Nielsen?

He was one of my favorite actors growing up so that would've been great, but sadly I never got to meet Leslie Nielsen.


Have you always gravitated towards comedies and comedy in general?

As a viewer, sure, but as a filmmaker not as much, and I think I'd even describe this film as more of a dramedy than an outright comedy. I loved movies like "Naked Gun", "Airplane", and "A Fish Called Wanda" growing up and couldn't get enough Monty Python, but I don't think I've ever made a concerted effort to make comedies myself.


Where did the idea for "All Joking Aside" come from?

I optioned the script from writer James Pickering back in 2016 and we then spent a couple of years working on it together. What really grabbed me the first time I read it was the way Charlie got over the initial embarrassment of being heckled off-stage, and found the courage to go after the guy who humiliated her and turn him into a fan.


I imagine it was quite different working  a feature film to a short – what were some of the first, most noticeable differences?

Everything about making a feature is the same as making a short, there's just a lot more of it. I think that the primary difference when working at the micro-budget level that we were at, is that the favors you're asking just get bigger. When you're only shooting for a weekend, it's not that big a deal to get people to volunteer, but when you've got a three week shoot and you live in a place like Vancouver that has a lot of production going on, it gets much harder to get people to commit when they know they can go get paid properly somewhere else. I'd say that the other major difference is the extent to which you need to plan what's going to happen with your completed feature and how you're going to get it to market. There's very little money to be made with shorts, so usually you just make those to be a calling-card, but with a feature you shift to how you're going to pay your investors back, so that adds a whole new dimension to the marketing and sales.


Have you got the producing bug now? Working on anything else, sir?

I'm happy to keep producing, but my real objective is to direct, so I'm currently developing four projects for myself, including a biopic of unsung Canadian snooker legend "Big" Bill Werbeniuk and a documentary with world champion magician Shawn Farquhar. 
You can follow my work at animalmotherfilms.com


Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Main Trailer


For the first time ever, Wonder Woman 1984 will release in theaters and stream exclusively on HBO Max* on December 25.

Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.

With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.

Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.

Patty Jenkins directed from a screenplay she wrote with Geoff Johns & David Callaham, story by Jenkins & Johns, based on characters from DC. Joining the director behind the scenes are several members of her “Wonder Woman” team, including director of photography Matthew Jensen, Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson (“United 93”) is cutting the film. The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “The Lion King”).



Wednesday 18 November 2020

Cup of Cheer - Trailer - Arrives on digital 7 December

If you've had your fill of the usual festive fare, sit back, switch on the fairy lights and enjoy CUP OF CHEER, a cheeky Christmas cracker to titillate at tinsel time.

Buy from Apple TV - https://apple.co/32VqdqZ

When a big city journalist returns to her small hometown for Christmas in search of a holiday scoop, she literally runs into a down-on-his-luck hot-chocolate shop owner.  It's not long before they begin a picture-perfect, Christmas-movie romance, exactly like all the ones you've seen before...or is it? This laugh-out-loud romp from director Jake Horowitz lampoons every Christmas movie you've ever watched and arrives just in time for the festive season on 7 December 2020 from (Yet) Another Distribution Company.

Mary (Storm Steenson – The Olympus Project, Forbidden: Dying for Love) is a successful journalist who heads back to her charming hometown of Snowy Heights to write an article about the town's world-famous Christmas cheer. When she runs into the sullen but endearing Chris (Alexander Oliver – Freelancer, From the Thunder),the owner of Cup of Cheer, Mary learns that his charming business is going to be shut down on Christmas Eve…and it's her ex-boyfriend that's responsible. Using her big city smarts and her festive spirit, Mary unites the town in an effort to save Cup of Cheer and have the Christmas they've always wanted.

This X-mas rated comedy Cup of Cheer spills over with festive fun.


Monday 16 November 2020

COMPETITION: Win Les Misérables on DVD



Les Misérables  - released on DVD and digital on 30th November

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies to give away on DVD

Synopsis
Ladj Ly’s explosive directorial debut Les Misérables premiered in competition to great acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival winning the Jury Prize and has been nominated for a variety of awards including a Golden Globe and an Academy Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

Inspired by the 2005 Paris riots, and Ladj Ly’s short film of the same name, Les Misérables is a hugely topical provocative insight into the tensions between neighbourhood residents and police.

Stéphane (Damien Bonnard) has recently joined the Anti-Crime Squad in Montfermeil, in the suburbs of Paris, France, where, Victor Hugo set his famed novel “Les Misérables”.  Alongside his new colleagues Chris (Alexis Manenti) and Gwada (Djebril Zonga) - both experienced members of the team - he quickly discovers tensions running high between local gangs. When the trio finds themselves overrun during the course of an arrest, a drone captures the encounter, threatening to expose the reality of everyday life.

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/3363x7x

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 30-11-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

COMPETITION: Win Skyfire on DVD



Skyfire is released on DVD on November 23rd

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies to give away on DVD

Synopsis
Get fired up for the ultimate action-fest Skyfire, a thrilling new disaster movie from lauded director Simon West (Con Air, Expendables 2, Lara Croft:Tomb Raider, Gone in 60 Seconds).

This big-budget thill-ride erupted into Chinese theatres securing the number one box office slot on its opening and now gets its UK premiere on 23 November 2020 courtesy of Patriot Films.

Escape to Tianhuo Island, a beautiful remote paradise…where renowned businessman Jack Harris, played by charismatic screen favourite Jason Isaacs, is about to open a brand new holiday resort. With its breathtaking views overlooking the stunning mountains and the chance to tour the dormant volcano, visitors begin to flock from far and wide to experience the awe-inspiring sights.

But beneath the Island’s beauty lies the ultimate danger…when the mountain decides to wake up, it creates terror in its wake. Will anyone survive the volcanic fallout?

Feel the heat with Skyfire, a gut-churning rollercoaster of explosive action.


Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/2IyNN5U

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 30-11-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Friday 13 November 2020

Sky announces the release of To Olivia, a Sky original, in cinemas and on Sky Cinema in February 2021

Sky today announced the upcoming release of To Olivia, a Sky original, starring Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) as novelist Roald Dahl and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Honour) as his American actress wife Patricia Neal. Based on a true story, the film will be released in cinemas and on Sky Cinema in February 2021.

It's 1962 and Roald Dahl, an eccentric, burgeoning children's author and his wife, Patricia Neal, a glamourous Hollywood movie star, have retreated to the English countryside to bring up their expanding young family. Tragically, their lives are turned upside down by the devastating death of their daughter Olivia and as the couple struggle through the unimaginable loss, their shared grief becomes a source of redemption and strength which changes their lives forever.

Inspiring and heart-warming, To Olivia features an all British cast including Sam Heughan (Outlander), Geoffrey Palmer (Paddington) and Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones), was directed by John Hay (Lost Christmas, There's Only One Jimmy Grimble) and co-written by John Hay and David Logan.

Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland comments:
"We are all familiar with the extraordinary Roald Dahl and Oscar-winning actor, Patricia Neal, but in To Olivia, audiences will discover the true story of the heartache and struggles the outwardly glamorous couple experienced prior to their immense success. I'm thrilled to be working with Atticus Films to bring this brand new British film exclusively to Sky Cinema."


Thursday 12 November 2020

Come Away - UK Trailer - Stars Angelina Jolie and David Oyelowo

In cinemas nationwide December 18th, courtesy of Signature Entertainment.

Directed by Brenda Chapman, the Oscar™-winning director and co-writer of Pixar's Brave and written by Kate Goodhill, COME AWAY is a whimsical and inspiring British made live-action fairy-tale, set for release this December. Starring David Oyelowo (Selma), Anna Chancellor (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle), Reece Yates (Les Miserables), Angelina Jolie (Maleficent), Michael Caine (The Dark Knight), and newcomers Keira Chansa and Jordan A. Nash (Aladdin), the film follows the adventures of siblings Alice and Peter who transform into Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland in a bid to help their parents – played by Oyelowo and Jolie - overcome the tragedy of losing their eldest son. Peter and Alice find strength in the power of their imaginations and set off on a real adventure to try and rescue the family - escaping to a destiny of eternal boyhood in the distant isle of Neverland - whilst Alice delves into a world of Wonderland.

COME AWAY is a unique and ingeniously conceived prequel to two of the world's most beloved and enduring pieces of children's literature. In cinemas December 4th.


Wednesday 11 November 2020

Wild Mountain Thyme - Official Trailer and Poster

Written and Directed by
John Patrick Shanley

Starring
Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jon Hamm and Christopher Walken


An epic love story with soaring lyricism, WILD MOUNTAIN THYME is set against the breath-taking landscapes of rural Ireland, where everyone is half mad with loneliness or love, and the weather is terrible.

Anthony and Rosemary are star-crossed lovers, whose families are caught up in a feud over a hotly contested patch of land that separates their two farms.

Anthony (Dornan) always seems to be out in the fields working, worn down by his father's constant belittling. But what really stings is his father's threat to bequeath the family farm to his American cousin Adam. Rosemary (Blunt) at first seems to hold a grudge for having been shamed by Anthony in childhood, but the sparks between them would keep a bonfire blazing through the night. Her mother Aoife strives to unite the families before it is too late.

Just when we think Anthony will pluck up the courage to face up to his repressed feelings, cousin Adam (Hamm) steps in with a plan to sweep Rosemary off her feet, romancing her over a magical 24 hours in Manhattan. But true love is never defeated!

WILD MOUNTAIN THYME coming soon


Tuesday 10 November 2020

Silent Night - In UK Cinemas from 11th December

Starring: Bradley Taylor, Cary Crankson & Frank Harper

Recently released from prison, Mark (Bradley Taylor) attempts to reconnect with his daughter and hopes to give her a Christmas to remember. Struggling to find work, he meets Alan (Cary Crankson), his former cell-mate, who encourages him to return to a life of crime. A decision made easier when Caddy (Frank Harper), a ruthless crime boss, blackmails him into doing one last job.



Lost At Christmas - In UK Cinemas from 4th December

Starring:
Sylvester McCoy (Dr Who),  Natalie Clark (The Last Bus), Kenny Boyle, Sanjeev Kohli, (Still Game) & Clare Grogan (Gregory's Girl)

Lost At Christmas is set in the remote Scottish town of Fort William, on Christmas Eve, when life is turned upside down for Jen (Natalie Clark) and Rob (Kenny Boyle). Suddenly finding themselves heartbroken, single and stranded, they team up to try and reach home 100 miles away to be with their families. "Borrowing" Jen's now ex-boyfriend's classic car, the pair hit the road, but it's not long before the weather turns for the worse forcing them to continue their journey on foot.

Bickering and bonding across the snowy Moors of Glencoe, they eventually arrive at a remote inn where they meet other guests dead set on avoiding the traditional Christmas joy. However, as Christmas Day draws closer, will happiness emerge and draw Jen and Rob together?

Lost at Christmas will bring you in from the cold, lighten your heart and provide the ultimate feel-good Christmas cinema experience.


A Christmas Carol - In UK cinemas and theatres from 4th December

Starring: Simon Russell Beale, Martin Freeman, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Kaluuya and Andy Serkis (voice cast) and  Michael Nunn, Jakub Franasowicz, Russell Maliphant, Karl Fagerlund Brekke, Mikey Boats, Grace Jabbari and Dana Fouras (dancing cast)

A Christmas Carol follows a Victorian family as they prepare a toy-theatre for their annual performance of A Christmas Carol. The audience enters the imagination of one of the children and quickly the cardboard stage transforms to reveal a magical world containing real dancers and stylised sets.  The tale unfolds on screen in a rich tapestry of highly absorbing, haunting and theatrical drama with characters portrayed by dancers and voiced by an eclectic cast of incredible actors. The mix of danced action and spoken narration brings a completely new and exciting dimension to Dickens' characters whilst remaining true to the beauty of his original narrative.
 
With pantomime season all but cancelled, the dual approach to release is to support both cinema and theatre industries during a time of financial hardship generated by the Coronavirus pandemic. The announcement of a second lockdown has not changed directors David and Jacqui Morris's approach towards such an inherently theatrical film, best enjoyed on the big screen. Both directors see the release and supporting local cinemas and theatres as an inherent part of A Christmas Carol's 2020 release.

A Christmas Carol will be showing in cinemas and theatres nationwide from 4th December. 


Interview with Writer/Director/Actor Leon Le

After hearing of a Vietnamese crook named "the Godfather of Vietnam", filmmaker Leon Le set out to make a noir with a difference. The result? Song Lang, which is available on digital and DVD this week from Breaking Glass Pictures.


Where did the inspiration for this lovely story come from?

From the beginning, I wanted to make a film about cải lương (Vietnamese Traditional Opera). Then I heard about Năm Cam; a notorious Vietnamese mobster called the "Godfather" of Vietnam. Whenever cải lương performers or troupes needed money, he helped them. I liked the idea that art has the power to connect and touch people from all walks of life. Initially, Linh Phung was supposed to be a female cải lương star. I later decided to change it to a male and male relationship. I thought it would be more interesting that way. 


I can guess, and say maybe "Blue Valentine" and "Moulin Rouge", but can you talk about some of your influences for the film?

Visually, a lot of people thinks that Song Lang has very similar visual esthetic to Wong Kar Wai's films. Though I am a huge fan of Wong Kar-Wai's work, I never intended to copy his style. It just so happens that Saigon in the 80s looked very much like Hong Kong (especially when we shot the film almost entirely in the Chinatown district, one of few areas in Saigon remains somewhat untouched). And I have always been drawn to beautiful romantic tragedies of missed opportunities and regret, which are common themes in all Wong Kar Wai's work.  But that's pretty much also the theme of most of the Vietnamese operas.



Did you know much about the Opera scene of the '90s in Saigon?

Not really, since I had moved to the States with my family in 1992. But the 90s was when cải lương's popularity started to decline. It couldn't compete with the wave of videos of Hong Kong and American cinema coming into Vietnam. This is the reason why I chose the 1980's for the film. It's the golden age of cải lương that I was lucky enough to witnessed during my childhood in Saigon.


Was it hard to recreate that era on film?

It's definitely a huge challenge to try to do a period movie of this scale with our modest budget. But this forced us to be more creative in our storytelling. For example, the film's 3:2 ratio was chosen so we won't have to fill a wider frame with larger set pieces, more props, or extras. Luckily, I had an incredible team of production designer, costumes, hair and makeup who were super talented and resourceful. They all were very passionate about the project and worked tirelessly to help bring my vision to life.  


What would you like audiences to take away from the film?

I don't wish to dictate a specific message to my audience. I prefer each audience member to approach the story with their own life experience and form their own opinions. Quick note: due to fans' requests, we are about to release our limited English edition, hardcover photobook Song Lang: Behind the Curtain in November. Fans can go to www.songlangbook.com for more information.


Monday 9 November 2020

HAPPIEST SEASON - Offical Trailer - Starring Kristen Stewart

 


Meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time can be tough. Planning to propose at her family’s annual Christmas dinner - until you realize that they don’t even know she’s gay - is even harder. When Abby (Kristen Stewart) learns that Harper (Mackenzie Davis) has kept their relationship a secret from her family, she begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew.

HAPPIEST SEASON is a festive romantic comedy that hilariously captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy with Victor Garber and Mary Steenburgen

Directed by: Clea DuVall

Available to rent or buy in the UK November 26th.



Friday 6 November 2020

The Hat - New poster and trailer starring starring Jude Law & Raff Law

THE HAT, the directorial debut of Darren Strowger starring Jude Law and Raff Law, has been awarded the 'Spirit of the Festival' award at the 2020 Raindance Film Festival.  Shot during lockdown, THE HAT has an original score was performed by The Who's Pete Townshend.

Festival director Elliot Grove said of the award-winning short film, "Raindance is thrilled to declare THE HAT as the recipient of the Spirit of the Festival Award. Not only was The Hat made during Lockdown, what Darren has done is pioneered a new and disruptive model for financing charitable causes. Using named talent coupled with 'indie-sized' budgets - the profits from the films will be donated to charity. In the case of The Hat - the profits will be donated to teen cancer charities. Raindance is excited to be involved in this exciting venture."

THE HAT is the first in a planned series of shorts to benefit these cancer charities. In an unprecedented move any profits from streaming revenue will also go directly to the charities. As we enter this second phase of lockdown these charities are in dire need of fundraising. Director Darren Strowger also added ,"In the UK there has been a significant drop in funds for teen cancer charities due to the Pandemic, if this shortfall is not made up it could mean that they could be forced to reduce their support for teenagers with cancer. This is a dreadful situation for young people's mental, emotional, and physical health while going through cancer, at a time when they are immunocompromised during this Pandemic.'

THE HAT was due to receive its World Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival on 6th November 2020, but due to the national guidelines, this has now been moved to December 2020. 

Thursday 5 November 2020

Silent Night - New Poster and Trailer - Starring Bradley Taylor, Cary Crankson, Nathaniel Martello-White, Joel Fry and Frank Harper.

Written and directed by Will Thorne, the independent British feature, set at Christmas, stars Bradley Taylor, Cary Crankson, Nathaniel Martello-White, Joel Fry and Frank Harper.
 
The film will be released theatrically from 11th December, before arriving across digital download platforms from 14th December, and on DVD from 28th December.
 
Recently released from prison, Mark (Bradley Taylor) attempts to reconnect with his daughter and hopes to give her a Christmas to remember. Struggling to find work, he meets Alan (Cary Crankson), his former cell-mate, who encourages him to return to a life of crime. A decision made easier when Caddy (Frank Harper), a ruthless crime boss, blackmails him into doing one last job.

My Summer as a Goth - Poster and Trailer

Sometimes you have to go to the dark side to see the light.

From director Tara Johnson-Medinger, and starring award-winning actor Natalie Shershow ("Leverage", "American Vandal"), My Summer as a Goth is a coming-of-age story about the sometimes painful—often entertaining—search for identity and love in adolescence.

After the sudden death of her father, 16-year-old, Joey Javitts is sent to stay with her eccentric grandparents while her author mother promotes her latest novel. Joey promptly falls for the beguiling Goth boy next door, Victor, and is transformed by him and his merry band of misfits in black.

Set in present-day Portland, My Summer as a Goth navigates Joey's relationships with her new friends, her family and herself, and will resonate with anyone who survived the social alienation of adolescence—and that first summer heartbreak.

Natalie Shershow, Jack Levis, Fayra Teeters, Jonas Israel, Jenny White, Carter Allen, Eduardo Reyes, Rachelle Henry, Lorraine Bahr, Michael Biesanz, Sophie Giberson and Sarah Overman star.

My Summer as a Goth is written by Brandon Lee Roberts & Tara Johnson-Medinger.  Tara Johnson-Medinger, Brandon Lee Roberts, Gary Nolton, Megan Johnson, & Kymberley Franklin produce.

123 Go Films will release My Summer as a Goth on DirecTV and other On Demand platforms on November 10, 2020.


Gerard Johnson's MUSCLE, a psychological thriller dripping in sweat, tears and testosterone, in Cinemas and Video on Demand 4th December

Synopsis:
From acclaimed writer-director Gerard Johnson (Hyena, Tony) comes a psychological thriller that's dripping in sweat, tears and testosterone…

Muscle is the story of Simon (Cavan Clerkin, The Last Kingdom, The Capture) an unhappy, unambitious office worker whose life is gradually taken over by Terry (Craig Fairbrass, Villain, Rise of the Footsoldier) his new, hands-on personal trainer who reveals himself to be more committed, and more dangerous, than Simon could have ever imagined.

Simon isn't living the life he wants. He's tired of his dead-end job at a call centre – and he isn't even any good at it. He and his girlfriend are painfully drifting apart, he's sick of his life and it's time to make a change and hit the gym. But everything spins out of control when he draws the attention of Terry, who offers to coach him, and quickly becomes his boss, friend and roommate. Soon, Simon finds himself trapped in a self-destructive spiral with every aspect of his life resting in Terry's hands, and no way out.

With searing energy, incredible performances and a new soundtrack by the legendary THE THE, Muscle is the most original, must-see British film of the year.

Dazzler Media presents Muscle in Selected Cinemas and Video on Demand from 4th December


Tuesday 3 November 2020

Chilling Spanish Horror, Ropes, set for UK release

Fresh from it's screening at Manchester's Grimmfest, where it won Best Feature Film and Best Actress, Ropes will be available on iTunes, Amazon and Google from 19th November.

With her sister's death still very recent, Elena, a young quadriplegic, has retired to a country house along with her father. There she has the help of Author, a Belgian Shepherd service dog. But the animal who is supposed to be her best friend has contracted a strange disease… and has turned into her worst enemy.

Smart Dog's Dom Williams was delighted with the news of the films release "There are some outstanding genre titles are coming from Spain right now. Horror is an international language and the themes in Ropes are universal – so we're thrilled that this title will get the UK release it deserves.".



REVIEW: Finding Steve McQueen - Heist Comedy Starring Travis Fimmel, William Fichtner, Rachael Taylor & Forest Whitaker

Review by Jon Donnis
Finding Steve McQueen is a Heist comedy starring Travis Fimmel, Travis plays the character of Harry Barber, as he tells his girlfriend Molly (Rachael Taylor) the story of how years earlier he was involved in a heist to steal $30m from President Richard Nixon.

As crazy as this sounds, this is actually based on a true story.

Also featuring Forest Whitaker as the detective investigating the case, you swap between the present and the past as the story is told.

This is a fun film, a comedy, a heist movie, but ultimately a love story, whereby telling the truth becomes the ultimate price you pay.

Although a relatively short film with a run time of about 90 minutes, you never feel like it should be any longer or any shorter, it really its it bang on the nail.
A special mention needs to be made about the soundtrack, this really stood out to me, and I almost found myself singing along to some of the classic songs, everything from T-Rex to Marvin Gaye.

A fun film that I highly recommend. - 8/10

By Jon Donnis

Finding Steve McQueen will be available on Digital Download from 16th November

Voodoo Apocalypse - Cops, Kung FU, Masked Wrestlers & Zombies come together in a tribute to 70s grindhouse

Munro Films has confirmed the release of their insane, action packed thriller, Voodoo Apocalypse. The tribute to 70s grindhouse will be available on Digital Download from 9th November and will be available across iTunes, Amazon, Google, Microsoft with more to be confirmed.

After disappearing for five years, detective Charlie Vargas returns to Los Angeles to avenge the death of his former partner. Along with White Chocolate, a young detective with a chip on his shoulder, the two enter a world of Black Magic, Zombies and Mexican Wrestling, in search of the infamous drug trafficker and murderer, Jimmy Vanilla.
 
Voodoo Apocalypse will be available on Digital Download from 9th November


Director: Vasni J. Ramos
Cast: José J. Ramallo, Sergio G. Ramos
Distributor: Munro Films
Digital Platforms: iTunes, Amazon, Google, Microsoft. 
Rating: 15
Runtime: 95 Minutes


Monday 2 November 2020

THAT CLICK, the story of Hollywood photographer Douglas Kirkland, out now on digital platforms

Synopsis:
From Marilyn Monroe to Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio, Douglas Kirkland has photographed the Hollywood elite for more than 60 years.  This is his incredible untold story…

A man at the cutting edge of fashion, photojournalism and portraiture, photographer to the stars Douglas Kirkland has, with his camera, portrayed over sixty years of pop culture. Famed for his legendary shoots with Hollywood favourites including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie and the stars of over 150 motion pictures - The Sound of Music, Moulin Rouge, Titanic and The Great Gatsby to name a few - Kirkland's unique style and approach have resulted in hundreds of beautiful, immortal images that still influence the world today, decades after that first fateful click of the camera.

That Click takes a closer look into the astonishing career of one the most important photographers of the last century, from his very first assignments at Look magazine in the 50's to Vanity Fair in the present, featuring interviews with Sharon Stone, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Williams, Baz Luhrmann, Andy Garcia and many more.

Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents That Click out now on digital download