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    Sundance Films Are Coming To A Screen Near You

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1624 Views
    This photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Bill Hader, left, and Kristen Wiig, in a scene from the film, "The Skeleton Twins," directed by Craig Johnson. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute, Reed Morano)

    By Sandy Cohen, Entertainment Writer

    PARK CITY, Utah (AP) --

    Most of the 117 feature films screening at this year's Sundance Film Festival were missing just one thing: Distribution.

    As a showcase for independent cinema, the Sundance festival shows movies made outside the studio system through private financing. Without studio distribution, the festival is often the only place to see these films.

    But distributors and exhibitors come to the festival in droves, looking for hot properties that will resonate with moviegoers across the country and around the world.

    Below is a list of some of the films that found distribution at Sundance and will be coming to theaters (or computer screens) near you:

    — "Whiplash," director Damien Chazelle's debut feature starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, was picked up by Sony Pictures Classics for distribution in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

    — "Wish I Was Here," the film Zach Braff co-wrote, directed and stars in with Kate Hudson, Mandy Patinkin, Josh Gad and Ashley Greene, will be distributed in North America, Poland and South Africa by Focus Features.

    — "I Origins," an existential drama by writer-director Mike Cahill that stars Michael Pitt and Brit Marling, found worldwide distribution with Fox Searchlight Pictures.

    — "The Skeleton Twins," which reunites "Saturday Night Live" alums Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, was acquired by three companies: Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions will handle U.S. distribution and Sony Pictures Worldwide is taking care of international territories.

    — "God's Pocket," John Slattery's directorial debut starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Richard Jenkins, Christina Hendricks and John Turturro, was picked up by IFC Films for U.S. audiences.

    — "Calvary," writer-director John Michael McDonagh's dramedy about a well-meaning priest, will reach U.S. theaters and some international territories thanks to Fox Searchlight Pictures.

    — "Cooties," starring Rainn Wilson, Elijah Wood and Jack McBrayer, secured North American distribution through Lionsgate.

    — "Land Ho!" a road-trip comedy about Reykjavik nightlife, will reach worldwide audiences through Sony Pictures Classics.

    — "Dinosaur 13," a documentary about the discovery of the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex, was picked up by Lionsgate and CNN Films for North American distribution.

    — "Cesar's Last Fast," a documentary about Cesar Chavez's 36-day water-only fast to draw attention to the plight of farm workers, will air on TV in English and Spanish thanks to Pivot and Univison News.

    — "Sepideh: Reaching for the Stars," a documentary about an Iranian girl who wants to be an astronaut, is available in the U.S. and Canada on iTunes.

    — "MITT," Greg Whiteley's documentary about the former Republican presidential candidate, will premiere on Netflix on Friday.

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    Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunite For “Nosferatu”

    Tuesday, December 24, 2024

    When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he'll often jump at the chance to do it again.

    The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. "If it's good, you come back," Dafoe said plainly.

    The pair spoke about Eggers' adaptation of "Nosferatu" that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making "The Lighthouse" — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.

    The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

    Q: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw "The Witch." What did you say?

    DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.

    Q: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?

    DAFOE: Well, if it's good, you come back. When I saw "The Witch," I thought, "Wow, this is a film about a period that I'm not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It's rooted. It's my story. I'm with these people."

    That's quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they're always pointing to themselves. They're always sending messages. They're always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, "Who does this? I gotta see this guy." And then I had a wonderful experience in "The Lighthouse" and I played a part that was really fun in "The Northman." So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say,... Read More

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