The American Film Institute (AFI) announced that the world premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me will open the 36th edition of AFI Fest on Wednesday, November 2.
Helmed by Alek Keshishian–who made his groundbreaking directorial debut with the seminal documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare—Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, an Apple Original film, chronicles Emmy and Grammy nominee Selena Gomez’s journey from the heights of unimaginable superstardom through the lows of a very personal crisis and back again.
“I had no interest in making a traditional pop doc,” says Keshishian. “I wanted to show something more authentic and Selena did, too. She has a raw vulnerability that captured me… I had no idea then that it would become a six-year labor of love.”
“AFI is proud to launch AFI Fest 2022 with Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, a film as profoundly powerful as it is personal,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “Selena is a global force in art and entertainment, and we are honored to partner with her, Alek and Apple to shine a light upon her journey in this beautifully crafted celebration of optimism, vulnerability and hopefulness.”
The documentary is produced by Interscope Films and Lighthouse Management & Media.
AFI Fest 2022 will take place exclusively in person in Los Angeles from November 2-6.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More