Though she’s the only writer credited on it, filmmaker Nida Manzoor had a very special writing partner on her debut feature “Polite Society.” The British-Pakistani creator of “We Are Lady Parts” told IndieWire that she co-wrote her film with her younger self — literally.
“I wrote the script over 10 years ago, and it basically got passed on everywhere,” Manzoor said in a recent Zoom interview with IndieWire. “It wasn’t until the success of ‘Lady Parts’ that it sort of became something viable again — for the first time, actually — and it was weird. I really had so much self-doubt around it, because it had gotten nowhere [because it was] just hard to define.”
It’s a question she got used to hearing from potential producers: “How are we going to sell a film that we can’t define?’”
“Polite Society” follows a pair of sisters — Ria (Priya Kansara) and Lena Khan (Ritu Arya), an aspiring stuntwoman and artist,...
“I wrote the script over 10 years ago, and it basically got passed on everywhere,” Manzoor said in a recent Zoom interview with IndieWire. “It wasn’t until the success of ‘Lady Parts’ that it sort of became something viable again — for the first time, actually — and it was weird. I really had so much self-doubt around it, because it had gotten nowhere [because it was] just hard to define.”
It’s a question she got used to hearing from potential producers: “How are we going to sell a film that we can’t define?’”
“Polite Society” follows a pair of sisters — Ria (Priya Kansara) and Lena Khan (Ritu Arya), an aspiring stuntwoman and artist,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Los Angeles, April 18 (Ians) Filmmaker Lena Khan is set to direct the Bollywood comedy ‘Best of the Best’.
The Amazon Studios project, formerly titled ‘For the Culture’, chronicles the highly competitive world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions. Comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his Peabody Award-winning Netflix series ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj’, wrote the project with Prashanth Venkataramanujam to launch their production company, 186K Films, reports ‘Variety’.
Minhaj will also play a role in the film, which Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing, and Ryan Halprin is executive producing.
Additionally, Khan is attached to direct an adaptation of the classic children’s book ‘The Cricket in Times Square’ – about a cricket from New Jersey named Chester who lands in Manhattan after accidentally getting trapped in a picnic basket – for Spyglass.
That project remains in development.
Born in Canada and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Khan graduated...
The Amazon Studios project, formerly titled ‘For the Culture’, chronicles the highly competitive world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions. Comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his Peabody Award-winning Netflix series ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj’, wrote the project with Prashanth Venkataramanujam to launch their production company, 186K Films, reports ‘Variety’.
Minhaj will also play a role in the film, which Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing, and Ryan Halprin is executive producing.
Additionally, Khan is attached to direct an adaptation of the classic children’s book ‘The Cricket in Times Square’ – about a cricket from New Jersey named Chester who lands in Manhattan after accidentally getting trapped in a picnic basket – for Spyglass.
That project remains in development.
Born in Canada and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Khan graduated...
- 4/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Lena Khan (“Flora and Ulysses”) is set to direct the Bollywood comedy “Best of the Best.”
The Amazon Studios project, formerly titled “For the Culture,” chronicles the highly competitive world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions. Comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his Peabody Award-winning Netflix series “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” wrote the project with Prashanth Venkataramanujam to launch their production company, 186K Films. Minhaj will also play a role in the film, which is
Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing, and Ryan Halprin is executive producing.
Additionally, Khan is attached to direct an adaptation of the classic children’s book “The Cricket in Times Square” — about a cricket from New Jersey named Chester who lands in Manhattan after accidentally getting trapped in a picnic basket — for Spyglass. That project remains in development.
Born in Canada and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Khan graduated from UCLA’s School of Theater,...
The Amazon Studios project, formerly titled “For the Culture,” chronicles the highly competitive world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions. Comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his Peabody Award-winning Netflix series “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” wrote the project with Prashanth Venkataramanujam to launch their production company, 186K Films. Minhaj will also play a role in the film, which is
Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing, and Ryan Halprin is executive producing.
Additionally, Khan is attached to direct an adaptation of the classic children’s book “The Cricket in Times Square” — about a cricket from New Jersey named Chester who lands in Manhattan after accidentally getting trapped in a picnic basket — for Spyglass. That project remains in development.
Born in Canada and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Khan graduated from UCLA’s School of Theater,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
A celebration of the achievements of South Asian women was held Saturday in downtown Los Angeles, galvanizing a community to move forward in entertainment and create “space for mainstream wins.”
Sponsored by the Product of Culture and South Asian Women in Entertainment, the luncheon aimed to raise awareness and provide networking opportunities. The South Asian community has particular struggles, including defying religious and societal norms and traditions, transphobia, and sometimes government interference in their native countries.
South Asian women comprise only 0.3% of screen time for television and film, according to event organizers.
“It’s important to build these spaces and celebrate the wins of the largest global diaspora,” said Archana Misra Jain, CEO, Product of Culture.. “What we’re cultivating today is influencing pop culture, empowering a critical mass, and creating the space for mainstream wins. Product of Culture’s cornerstone is to merge content, commerce and culture, while representing...
Sponsored by the Product of Culture and South Asian Women in Entertainment, the luncheon aimed to raise awareness and provide networking opportunities. The South Asian community has particular struggles, including defying religious and societal norms and traditions, transphobia, and sometimes government interference in their native countries.
South Asian women comprise only 0.3% of screen time for television and film, according to event organizers.
“It’s important to build these spaces and celebrate the wins of the largest global diaspora,” said Archana Misra Jain, CEO, Product of Culture.. “What we’re cultivating today is influencing pop culture, empowering a critical mass, and creating the space for mainstream wins. Product of Culture’s cornerstone is to merge content, commerce and culture, while representing...
- 3/12/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor and campaigner Mehwish Hayat (“Ms. Marvel”) and writer-director Lena Khan (“Never Have I Ever”) have been revealed as the first patrons for charity U.K. Muslim Film (Ukmf).
Ukmf works to change perspectives through championing underrepresented talent and voices, both on-screen and behind the camera and also advises the entertainment industry on how to authentically represent Muslims on-screen.
Hayat, whose hit films in Pakistan include “Actor in Law,” “Punjab Nahi Jaungi,” “Load Wedding” and “Chhalawa,” has widely spoken out about human rights abuses on the global stage and has been particularly vocal about the representation of Muslims in mainstream media.
Hayat said: “Representation of Muslims on-screen is something that I have been tirelessly working to highlight for the past few years. Misrepresentation has done untold damage to us and I sincerely believe has fuelled the rise of Islamophobia. With Ukmf, I look forward to working with the industry to...
Ukmf works to change perspectives through championing underrepresented talent and voices, both on-screen and behind the camera and also advises the entertainment industry on how to authentically represent Muslims on-screen.
Hayat, whose hit films in Pakistan include “Actor in Law,” “Punjab Nahi Jaungi,” “Load Wedding” and “Chhalawa,” has widely spoken out about human rights abuses on the global stage and has been particularly vocal about the representation of Muslims in mainstream media.
Hayat said: “Representation of Muslims on-screen is something that I have been tirelessly working to highlight for the past few years. Misrepresentation has done untold damage to us and I sincerely believe has fuelled the rise of Islamophobia. With Ukmf, I look forward to working with the industry to...
- 8/2/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In June 2021, Oscar-nominee and Emmy-winner Riz Ahmed and Pillars Fund’s Kashif Shaikh and Arij Mikati outlined the urgent need for more Muslim representation in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, during an extensive interview with Variety.
The trio announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed the Pillars Artist Fellowship, with a mission to provide resources and mentorship to a group of talented Muslim artists to help them use their talents to change the game in the film and television industries. Today, Pillars Fund, Ahmed and his Left Handed Films banner unveil the inaugural cohort of fellows.
“We spent months getting to know many talented candidates,” stated Shaikh, Pillars Fund’s co-founder and president. “We are honored to work with these incredible artists and are excited to provide them resources to reach even greater heights in the coming year.”
Sponsored by Netflix and Amazon Studios,...
The trio announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed the Pillars Artist Fellowship, with a mission to provide resources and mentorship to a group of talented Muslim artists to help them use their talents to change the game in the film and television industries. Today, Pillars Fund, Ahmed and his Left Handed Films banner unveil the inaugural cohort of fellows.
“We spent months getting to know many talented candidates,” stated Shaikh, Pillars Fund’s co-founder and president. “We are honored to work with these incredible artists and are excited to provide them resources to reach even greater heights in the coming year.”
Sponsored by Netflix and Amazon Studios,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Sonoma International Film Festival celebrates its 25th edition from March 23 to 27 in the Northern California wine country town. More than 120 independent and international films will be screening, including 79 premieres. The festival will open with Sandra Bullock’s “The Lost City” and close with French film “The Butcher’s Daughter.” Jacqueline Bisset will be honored with the Cinematic Excellence award, while Jacques Pepin will be feted with the Culinary Excellence Award at a five-course dinner.
Head to Sonoma Film Festival’s website for more info.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs Reunite to Open SAG Awards
“Hamilton” trio Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. will reunite to open the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sun. Feb. 27.
Following the Tony-winning blockbuster stage show, Diggs, Miranda and Odom Jr. have gone on to other major projects. Diggs stars in “Snowpiercer” and, last year, earned a SAG...
Head to Sonoma Film Festival’s website for more info.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Daveed Diggs Reunite to Open SAG Awards
“Hamilton” trio Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. will reunite to open the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sun. Feb. 27.
Following the Tony-winning blockbuster stage show, Diggs, Miranda and Odom Jr. have gone on to other major projects. Diggs stars in “Snowpiercer” and, last year, earned a SAG...
- 2/25/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The DGA Women’s Steering Committee (Wsc) announces the second cycle of the Wsc Squad mentorship program with its second class of mentees and filmmakers.
Led by Wsc Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The Wsc Squad is made up of a diverse community with the goal of preparing directors for the next step up, as well as forging a ‘sisterhood’ to create genuine connection, collaboration, and camaraderie within the DGA.
The Wsc Squad’s aim is to support and prepare the DGA Women’s Steering Committee members as they seek to advance their directing careers by providing valuable tools and information to strengthen their craft.
The co-chairs of The Wsc Squad select up to ten participants from a pool of applicants. Each participant is paired with one specially-curated-for-them mentor,...
Led by Wsc Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The Wsc Squad is made up of a diverse community with the goal of preparing directors for the next step up, as well as forging a ‘sisterhood’ to create genuine connection, collaboration, and camaraderie within the DGA.
The Wsc Squad’s aim is to support and prepare the DGA Women’s Steering Committee members as they seek to advance their directing careers by providing valuable tools and information to strengthen their craft.
The co-chairs of The Wsc Squad select up to ten participants from a pool of applicants. Each participant is paired with one specially-curated-for-them mentor,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Newly-minted Oscar-nominee and Emmy-winner Riz Ahmed has become just as well known for his activism as for his performances in projects like “Sound of Metal” or “The Night Of.”
Now the actor, musician and producer is taking his fight one step further, by launching a multi-layered initiative for Muslim representation in media, in partnership with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the Ford Foundation and Pillars Fund. Powered by USC Annenberg’s new study on Muslim representation in media — which found that less than 10% of top grossing films from 2017-2019 had a Muslim character on screen, with less than 2% of those characters having speaking roles — the coalition has created the Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion, as well as the Pillars Artists Fellowship, offering selected grantees an unrestricted award of $25,000.
The grantees will also receive mentorship from the fellowship’s advisory board, made up of Muslim artists, including Ahmed, Mahershala Ali, Ramy Youssef,...
Now the actor, musician and producer is taking his fight one step further, by launching a multi-layered initiative for Muslim representation in media, in partnership with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the Ford Foundation and Pillars Fund. Powered by USC Annenberg’s new study on Muslim representation in media — which found that less than 10% of top grossing films from 2017-2019 had a Muslim character on screen, with less than 2% of those characters having speaking roles — the coalition has created the Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion, as well as the Pillars Artists Fellowship, offering selected grantees an unrestricted award of $25,000.
The grantees will also receive mentorship from the fellowship’s advisory board, made up of Muslim artists, including Ahmed, Mahershala Ali, Ramy Youssef,...
- 6/10/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Is there any career more unfairly represented in children’s movies than that of the animal control officer? In the rowdy new Disney Plus original, “Flora & Ulysses,” Flora (Matilda Lawler) is a 10-year-old comic-book savant; Ulysses is her unusually gifted CG squirrel; and overzealous officer Miller (Danny Pudi) is the only thing that stands between this beautiful friendship and a macabre fate for this cutie-patootie super-pet.
Technically, the title duo is only slightly less destructive than your average tornado. Nearly all the movie’s set pieces involve breaking, spilling or otherwise upsetting tidy spaces, which is no doubt fun to watch if you are Flora’s age or younger, and the type of child who likes to play Godzilla with your Lego sets. It’s also somewhat impressive, if you pause to contemplate the task demanded of director Lena Khan, who had to orchestrate such pandemonium (involving lots of...
Technically, the title duo is only slightly less destructive than your average tornado. Nearly all the movie’s set pieces involve breaking, spilling or otherwise upsetting tidy spaces, which is no doubt fun to watch if you are Flora’s age or younger, and the type of child who likes to play Godzilla with your Lego sets. It’s also somewhat impressive, if you pause to contemplate the task demanded of director Lena Khan, who had to orchestrate such pandemonium (involving lots of...
- 2/17/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Don’t let self-professed cynic Flora Buckman fool you: This savvy 10-year-old still has a taste for magic underneath her world-weary outer shell. Tucked alongside all her distaste for things like “hope” — ew — the precocious kiddo (a charming Matilda Lawler) can’t quite shake her obsession with all things comic book and, more precisely, all things superheroic. Recent life events have dinged her optimism a bit, and while it may be easier to move through the world filled with nothing but suspicion, that only means that when good things do happen, they feel really, really good.
Such is the lesson of Lena Khan’s good-hearted “Flora & Ulysses,” a tonally faithful adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name. Screenwriter Brad Copeland has altered some of the book’s dramas, though the overall look and feel of the story remains: Gussied up with the antics of an animated superhero squirrel,...
Such is the lesson of Lena Khan’s good-hearted “Flora & Ulysses,” a tonally faithful adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name. Screenwriter Brad Copeland has altered some of the book’s dramas, though the overall look and feel of the story remains: Gussied up with the antics of an animated superhero squirrel,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The magic Kate Dicamillo imbues within the pages of Flora & Ulysses is infectious. Not only is her book a smart and witty adventure that refuses to shy from the struggles with loneliness everyone faces (young and old), but it also seeks to use wordplay and vocabulary in a fun Phantom Tollbooth kind of way that entertains and educates in equal measure. My worry with Disney’s live-action adaptation was therefore whether or not it could do the material justice since the absurdly hyperbolic nature of the whole always felt better-suited for the imaginative flights of fancy animation provides. Things like Dicamillo switching perspective every couple chapters to her superhero squirrel wouldn’t be easy, but I still looked forward to seeing how director Lena Khan might achieve it anyway.
It sadly doesn’t take long to realize she’ll never actually get that chance, though. Not with the script Brad Copeland has written.
It sadly doesn’t take long to realize she’ll never actually get that chance, though. Not with the script Brad Copeland has written.
- 2/17/2021
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
The new Disney+ film Flora & Ulysses is all about finding hope amidst adversity, and about how acting like a superhero may be challenging, but it’s the kind of challenge worth facing. The film, based on the children’s book of the same name, focuses on a girl named Flora (Matilda Lawler) who befriends a squirrel […]
The post ‘Flora & Ulysses’ Director Lena Khan on the Importance of Superheroes and What It’s Like to Finish a Movie During a Pandemic [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Flora & Ulysses’ Director Lena Khan on the Importance of Superheroes and What It’s Like to Finish a Movie During a Pandemic [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 2/9/2021
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Disney+ has released the trailer and new images for the comedy-adventure ‘Flora & Ulysses’.
The film is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.
The film stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo and Kate McCucci. It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter.
Also in trailers – Can Lara Jean and Peter go the distance? New trailer drops for ‘To All The Boys: Always and Forever’
It premieres exclusively on Disney+ Friday, February 19, 2021.
The post Squirrel Superhero anyone? Disney+ drop new trailer for Flora & Ulysses appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The film is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.
The film stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo and Kate McCucci. It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter.
Also in trailers – Can Lara Jean and Peter go the distance? New trailer drops for ‘To All The Boys: Always and Forever’
It premieres exclusively on Disney+ Friday, February 19, 2021.
The post Squirrel Superhero anyone? Disney+ drop new trailer for Flora & Ulysses appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 1/14/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"Flora and Ulysses" is the new family comedy feature directed by Lena Khan, based on the novel of the same name by Kate Dicamillo, starring Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Danny Pudi, streaming February 19, 2021 on Disney+:
"...'Flora Belle Buckman' bonds with a squirrel named 'Ulysses', who develops unusual intellectual and physically super capabilities after accidentally being sucked into a vacuum cleaner..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Flora Belle Buckman' bonds with a squirrel named 'Ulysses', who develops unusual intellectual and physically super capabilities after accidentally being sucked into a vacuum cleaner..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 1/14/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Name a Hollywood film that has a Muslim woman lead.
Can’t think of one? What about a Muslim women-led comedy directed by a Muslim woman? They are unicorn-rare.
Growing up in the panhandle of Florida, there was not much to do. Watching film and television was the way to cope. Even though the characters were lovable, they always seemed as predictable and mundane as the geography around me. I never thought it would change. Or that I could change it.
I am one of the first hijabi female filmmakers in America. Graduating from Florida State University Film School in the late 2000s allowed me opportunities to create stories I wanted to see and could relate to. I longed for the nostalgic touch of a feel-good movie but with hijabi Muslim women featured as leads. I created four shorts that did tremendously well because people yearned to see a Muslim female story.
Can’t think of one? What about a Muslim women-led comedy directed by a Muslim woman? They are unicorn-rare.
Growing up in the panhandle of Florida, there was not much to do. Watching film and television was the way to cope. Even though the characters were lovable, they always seemed as predictable and mundane as the geography around me. I never thought it would change. Or that I could change it.
I am one of the first hijabi female filmmakers in America. Graduating from Florida State University Film School in the late 2000s allowed me opportunities to create stories I wanted to see and could relate to. I longed for the nostalgic touch of a feel-good movie but with hijabi Muslim women featured as leads. I created four shorts that did tremendously well because people yearned to see a Muslim female story.
- 11/21/2020
- by Iman Zawahry
- The Wrap
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) – the premiere venue for the best annual showcase of independent cinema from India and its Diaspora – announced today a special virtual showcase, the first of its kind, Iffla Over the Years: 17 days celebrating 17 years of Indian cinema. Accessible via the Iffla website (www.indianfilmfestival.org) beginning on June 19 through July 5, 2020, this virtual showcase of over 120 narrative features, documentaries, and short films by festival alumni will be available online either freely or via popular streaming services. Many of these fascinating films have never seen a general release in the U.S.
Iffla Over the Years is the festival’s response to the ongoing uncertainty in the film festival world. To that end, the previously announced 2020 lineup will be moved to 2021 so that filmmakers and audiences can join together and share the festival experience in person.
“We are beyond thrilled to be presenting this online showcase of alumni films,...
Iffla Over the Years is the festival’s response to the ongoing uncertainty in the film festival world. To that end, the previously announced 2020 lineup will be moved to 2021 so that filmmakers and audiences can join together and share the festival experience in person.
“We are beyond thrilled to be presenting this online showcase of alumni films,...
- 6/20/2020
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Nancy Kwan, Lena Khan, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tiffany Chu were honored with awards during the Asian World Film Festival, which took place Nov. 6-14.
In its fifth year, the Awff teamed up with the Snow Leopard Trust again to raise awareness for the endangered snow leopard and its ecosystem in the high mountains of Asia.
“The World of Suzie Wong” actor Kwan received the Awff Lifetime Achievement Award; Sanada, the Snow Leopard Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award; Chu, the 2019 Snow Leopard Rising Star Award; and Khan took home the Awff American Red Cross/ Tiffany Circle Courage to Dream Award.
Additionally, Suium Sulaimanova accepted the inaugural Hollywood Foreign Press Association Snow Leopard Short Film award for her film “My Friend – My Enemy.”
Other winners of the festival were announced in a closing ceremony hosted by actor and co-founder of Asians in La Nancy Yoon. View the complete list of winners from the...
In its fifth year, the Awff teamed up with the Snow Leopard Trust again to raise awareness for the endangered snow leopard and its ecosystem in the high mountains of Asia.
“The World of Suzie Wong” actor Kwan received the Awff Lifetime Achievement Award; Sanada, the Snow Leopard Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award; Chu, the 2019 Snow Leopard Rising Star Award; and Khan took home the Awff American Red Cross/ Tiffany Circle Courage to Dream Award.
Additionally, Suium Sulaimanova accepted the inaugural Hollywood Foreign Press Association Snow Leopard Short Film award for her film “My Friend – My Enemy.”
Other winners of the festival were announced in a closing ceremony hosted by actor and co-founder of Asians in La Nancy Yoon. View the complete list of winners from the...
- 11/15/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker Lena Khan, who helmed The Tiger Hunter and the upcoming Disney+ movie Flora and Ulysses, has signed with UTA for worldwide representation.
Khan is in post-production on Flora & Ulysses, starring Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz and Matilda Lawler. Based on the popular children’s book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate Dicamillo, the story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical 10-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again. Gil Netter is producing, and Brad Copeland adapted the script.
Khan made her feature directing debut on The Tiger Hunter, which she co-wrote with Sameer Gardezi and Meera Simhan. It stars Danny Pudi as...
Khan is in post-production on Flora & Ulysses, starring Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz and Matilda Lawler. Based on the popular children’s book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate Dicamillo, the story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical 10-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again. Gil Netter is producing, and Brad Copeland adapted the script.
Khan made her feature directing debut on The Tiger Hunter, which she co-wrote with Sameer Gardezi and Meera Simhan. It stars Danny Pudi as...
- 11/14/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for August 2019, including "Batwoman", "Charmed", "Siren" and a whole lot more:
Feature Film
Godfrey
Local Production Company: Godfrey Production Inc.
Director: Ken Mok
Producer: Jason Bourque, Tim Marlowe, JJ Dubois
Aug 06/19 - Sep 09/19
To All The Boys 3
Local Production Company: All The Boys Productions Inc.
Director: Michael Fimognari
Producer: Matt Kaplan, Chris Foss
Jul 15/19 - Aug 20/19
New Media Feature
A Babysitters Guide To Monster Hunting
Local Production Company: Double Double Productions Ulc.
Producer: Ivan Reitman, Amie Karp
Sep 03/19 - Nov 13/19
Christmas Chronicles 2
Local Production Company: Maple Syrup Productions Ulc.
Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: Mark Radclliffe
Sep 23/19 - Dec 19/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 19/19 - Aug 12/19
There's Someone Inside Your House
Local Production Company: Beaver Tail Productions Ulc.
Director: Patrick Brice
Producer: Dan Cohen, James Wan, Michael Clear
Aug...
Feature Film
Godfrey
Local Production Company: Godfrey Production Inc.
Director: Ken Mok
Producer: Jason Bourque, Tim Marlowe, JJ Dubois
Aug 06/19 - Sep 09/19
To All The Boys 3
Local Production Company: All The Boys Productions Inc.
Director: Michael Fimognari
Producer: Matt Kaplan, Chris Foss
Jul 15/19 - Aug 20/19
New Media Feature
A Babysitters Guide To Monster Hunting
Local Production Company: Double Double Productions Ulc.
Producer: Ivan Reitman, Amie Karp
Sep 03/19 - Nov 13/19
Christmas Chronicles 2
Local Production Company: Maple Syrup Productions Ulc.
Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: Mark Radclliffe
Sep 23/19 - Dec 19/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 19/19 - Aug 12/19
There's Someone Inside Your House
Local Production Company: Beaver Tail Productions Ulc.
Director: Patrick Brice
Producer: Dan Cohen, James Wan, Michael Clear
Aug...
- 7/24/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Walt Disney Pictures is looking to embark on a madcap adventure for one of their original film projects destined for Disney+, the subscription-based streaming service set for a November 12 launch in the U.S. that caters to Mouseketeers. Directing Disney's newly-announced motion picture project is Lena Khan, who made a splash with her 2016 directorial debut for The Tiger Hunter, a comedy centered…...
- 6/27/2019
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for July 2019, including "Batwoman", "Siren", "Supergirl" and a whole lot more:
New Media Feature
A Babysitters Guide To Monster Hunting
Local Production Company: Double Double Productions Ulc.
Director: Rachel Talalay
Producer: Ivan Reitman, Amie Karp
Aug 06/19 - Oct 16/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 19/19 - Aug 12/19
TV Movie
Christmas Harmony
Local Production Company: Chp Productions Ltd.
Director: Catherine Cyran
Producer: Greg Malcolm, Vicki Sotheran
Jun 17/19 - Jul 08/19
Killer In The Guest House
Local Production Company: Thriller Productions Inc.
Director: Tony Dean Smith
Producer: Navid Soofi
Jun 17/19 - Jul 03/19
Random Acts Of Christmas
Local Production Company: Jolly Productions Inc.
Director: Marita Grabiak
Producer: Navid Soofi
Jun 17/19 - Jul 08/19
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen
Local Production Company: Ss&s Productions Inc.
Director: David Winning
Producer: Vicki Sotheran, Greg Malcolm
Jul 08/19 - Jul 25/19
Shopping...
New Media Feature
A Babysitters Guide To Monster Hunting
Local Production Company: Double Double Productions Ulc.
Director: Rachel Talalay
Producer: Ivan Reitman, Amie Karp
Aug 06/19 - Oct 16/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 19/19 - Aug 12/19
TV Movie
Christmas Harmony
Local Production Company: Chp Productions Ltd.
Director: Catherine Cyran
Producer: Greg Malcolm, Vicki Sotheran
Jun 17/19 - Jul 08/19
Killer In The Guest House
Local Production Company: Thriller Productions Inc.
Director: Tony Dean Smith
Producer: Navid Soofi
Jun 17/19 - Jul 03/19
Random Acts Of Christmas
Local Production Company: Jolly Productions Inc.
Director: Marita Grabiak
Producer: Navid Soofi
Jun 17/19 - Jul 08/19
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen
Local Production Company: Ss&s Productions Inc.
Director: David Winning
Producer: Vicki Sotheran, Greg Malcolm
Jul 08/19 - Jul 25/19
Shopping...
- 6/24/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Matilda Lawler has landed the titular role of Flora in the Disney+ original film Flora & Ulysses, which has Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz attached to play the parents. Based on the popular children’s novel, Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, by Kate Dicamillo, the adaptation is being directed by Lena Khan. Gil Netter is producing.
Brad Copeland, who wrote the forthcoming animated film, Spies in Disguise, adapted the script. The story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
The role marks Lawler’s first studio project. She recently made her...
Brad Copeland, who wrote the forthcoming animated film, Spies in Disguise, adapted the script. The story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
The role marks Lawler’s first studio project. She recently made her...
- 6/18/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: How I Met Your Mother alum Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz from TV’s Parks and Recreation have signed on for lead roles in Flora & Ulysses, the film adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel, Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. Set to stream on the upcoming Disney+ platform, the film is being helmed by up-and-coming filmmaker Lena Khan, who is directing from a screenplay by Brad Copeland.
Released in 2013, Dicamillo’s novel sold over 1.2 million copies, earned the Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature, and has been published in over 20 languages worldwide.
The story follows the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora, who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
Released in 2013, Dicamillo’s novel sold over 1.2 million copies, earned the Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature, and has been published in over 20 languages worldwide.
The story follows the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora, who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
- 6/13/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for June 2019, including "90210", "Project Blue Book", "Altered Carbon" and a whole lot more:
New Media Feature
Coffee & Kareem
Local Production Company: Coffee Break Productions Inc.
Director: Michael J.E. Dowse
Producer: Ed Helms, Michael Falbo, Dan Clarke
Apr 22/19 - Jun 04/19
Operation Christmas Drop
Local Production Company: Ocd Productions Inc.
Director: Martin Wood
Producer: Steve McGlothen
May 22/19 - Jun 28/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 17/19 - Aug 16/19
TV Movie
All Summer Long
Local Production Company: Anchor Road Productions Ltd.
Director: Peter DeLuise
Producer: Harvey Kahn
Jun 03/19 - Jun 24/19
Darrow And Darrow 4 - Burden Of Proof
Local Production Company: Darrow 4 Productions Inc.
Director: Michael Robison
Producer: Jamie Goehring, Kevin Leslie
Jun 03/19 - Jun 21/19
Mystery 101: Movie 3 - Words Can Kill
Local Production Company: MU3 Productions Inc.
Director: Andy Mikita
Producer: Jamie Goehring,...
New Media Feature
Coffee & Kareem
Local Production Company: Coffee Break Productions Inc.
Director: Michael J.E. Dowse
Producer: Ed Helms, Michael Falbo, Dan Clarke
Apr 22/19 - Jun 04/19
Operation Christmas Drop
Local Production Company: Ocd Productions Inc.
Director: Martin Wood
Producer: Steve McGlothen
May 22/19 - Jun 28/19
The Main Event
Local Production Company: Main Event Movie Inc.
Director: Jay Karas
Producer: Ian Hay
Jun 17/19 - Aug 16/19
TV Movie
All Summer Long
Local Production Company: Anchor Road Productions Ltd.
Director: Peter DeLuise
Producer: Harvey Kahn
Jun 03/19 - Jun 24/19
Darrow And Darrow 4 - Burden Of Proof
Local Production Company: Darrow 4 Productions Inc.
Director: Michael Robison
Producer: Jamie Goehring, Kevin Leslie
Jun 03/19 - Jun 21/19
Mystery 101: Movie 3 - Words Can Kill
Local Production Company: MU3 Productions Inc.
Director: Andy Mikita
Producer: Jamie Goehring,...
- 5/28/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Exclusive: Karen David is the latest to be thrown into the world of zombie survival in AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead. The Galavant actress has been added as a series regular on The Walking Dead spinoff for season 5.
Considering it is The Walking Dead universe (would it be called the Deadiverse?) not much can be said about the forthcoming season. While a lot has been kept tightly under wraps, David will be playing a character named “Grace.” My guess is she will be hunting some zombies while dealing with her own personal demons — but that’s just me.
David has also appeared on numerous TV shows including the CW’s freshman series Legacies as well as Barry and Once Upon a Time. On the film side, she starred alongside Danny Pudi in Lena Khan’s The Tiger Hunter as well as Jaraad Virani’s upcoming film In Heaven’s Hands.
Considering it is The Walking Dead universe (would it be called the Deadiverse?) not much can be said about the forthcoming season. While a lot has been kept tightly under wraps, David will be playing a character named “Grace.” My guess is she will be hunting some zombies while dealing with her own personal demons — but that’s just me.
David has also appeared on numerous TV shows including the CW’s freshman series Legacies as well as Barry and Once Upon a Time. On the film side, she starred alongside Danny Pudi in Lena Khan’s The Tiger Hunter as well as Jaraad Virani’s upcoming film In Heaven’s Hands.
- 3/5/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The past five years have given Mpac’s Hollywood Bureau a renewed sense of hope. We’ve seen an unprecedented increase in Muslim characters and storylines on screen, even from major studios. When Mahershala Ali won the Oscar for supporting actor in 2017 for “Moonlight,” he became the first Muslim to ever do so. On Feb. 24, there’s a chance he will take home his second Oscar for “Green Book.” 2017 also marked a milestone when two Muslim presenters were featured in the broadcast: Dave Chappelle and Kumail Nanjiani. Nanjiani returned this year to co-present the Oscar nominations with Tracee Ellis Ross.
As someone who has long watched the Oscars, the sight of three stars who shared my faith onstage on Hollywood’s biggest night was something that I had always hoped for and knew in my heart was possible. It is a moment that I carry with me as I think about the road ahead.
As someone who has long watched the Oscars, the sight of three stars who shared my faith onstage on Hollywood’s biggest night was something that I had always hoped for and knew in my heart was possible. It is a moment that I carry with me as I think about the road ahead.
- 2/22/2019
- by Sue Obeidi
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, a film about a white lion named Charlie is getting a U.S. release, 3 Arts makes a key hire and Gravitas buys the documentary “Mosul.”
Release Date
Ledafilms Entertainment Group has set an April 12 release for the family adventure film, “Mia and the White Lion,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Shot over the course of three years, the film centers on a willful young girl named Mia whose family decides to leave London to manage a lion farm in South Africa. She bonds with a white lion cub named Charlie but become distraught by the thought that he could be in harm and sets out on a journey across the South African savanna in search of another land where Charlie can live out his life in freedom.
French director Gilles De Maistre shot the film at the Welgedacht Reserve in South Africa. The film...
Release Date
Ledafilms Entertainment Group has set an April 12 release for the family adventure film, “Mia and the White Lion,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Shot over the course of three years, the film centers on a willful young girl named Mia whose family decides to leave London to manage a lion farm in South Africa. She bonds with a white lion cub named Charlie but become distraught by the thought that he could be in harm and sets out on a journey across the South African savanna in search of another land where Charlie can live out his life in freedom.
French director Gilles De Maistre shot the film at the Welgedacht Reserve in South Africa. The film...
- 2/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran literary manager and producer Stacey Lubliner has joined 3 Arts Entertainment. She brings with her feature film clients including Hillary Seitz (Insomnia), Leo Matsuda (Zootopia), Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter), Matt McConkey (Heathers), Josie McGibbon & Sara Parriott (Runaway Bride) and Shamar White (Valor).
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts, and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit,” the company’s management committee said in a statement. “We’re grateful to have her join us.”
Lubliner has spent the past few years at Gotham Group as a manager and producer. She began her career at ICM, where she spent eight years with the Motion Picture Literary Group. Lubliner then transitioned from agent to producer at Lime Orchard Productions, where she was president for four years and worked with features including A Better Life, which earned Demian Bichir an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts, and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit,” the company’s management committee said in a statement. “We’re grateful to have her join us.”
Lubliner has spent the past few years at Gotham Group as a manager and producer. She began her career at ICM, where she spent eight years with the Motion Picture Literary Group. Lubliner then transitioned from agent to producer at Lime Orchard Productions, where she was president for four years and worked with features including A Better Life, which earned Demian Bichir an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- 2/5/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Former agent and film producer Stacey Lubliner has joined 3 Arts Entertainment as a literary manager and producer.
Coming over from the Gotham Group, where Lubliner worked as a manager and producer, she brings Hillary Seitz (Insomnia); Leo Matsuda (Zootopia); Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter); Matt McConkey (Heathers); Josie McGibbon and Sara Parriott (Chicken Little, Runaway Bride); and Shamar White (Valor) as part of her roster.
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit. We’re grateful to have her join us,” 3 Arts' management committee said ...
Coming over from the Gotham Group, where Lubliner worked as a manager and producer, she brings Hillary Seitz (Insomnia); Leo Matsuda (Zootopia); Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter); Matt McConkey (Heathers); Josie McGibbon and Sara Parriott (Chicken Little, Runaway Bride); and Shamar White (Valor) as part of her roster.
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit. We’re grateful to have her join us,” 3 Arts' management committee said ...
Former agent and film producer Stacey Lubliner has joined 3 Arts Entertainment as a literary manager and producer.
Coming over from the Gotham Group, where Lubliner worked as a manager and producer, she brings Hillary Seitz (Insomnia); Leo Matsuda (Zootopia); Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter); Matt McConkey (Heathers); Josie McGibbon and Sara Parriott (Chicken Little, Runaway Bride); and Shamar White (Valor) as part of her roster.
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit. We’re grateful to have her join us,” 3 Arts' management committee said ...
Coming over from the Gotham Group, where Lubliner worked as a manager and producer, she brings Hillary Seitz (Insomnia); Leo Matsuda (Zootopia); Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter); Matt McConkey (Heathers); Josie McGibbon and Sara Parriott (Chicken Little, Runaway Bride); and Shamar White (Valor) as part of her roster.
“Great writers are the hallmark of 3 Arts and we know Stacey and her clients are a perfect fit. We’re grateful to have her join us,” 3 Arts' management committee said ...
In today’s film news roundup, Disney is developing “Flora and Ulysses” for its streaming service, Luke Wilson’s “The S—heads” gets distribution and Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” rounds out its cast.
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
- 6/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
"I only wish to live up to my father's example..." An official Us trailer has debuted for an indie coming-of-age comedy titled The Tiger Hunter, starring young actor Danny Pudi best known from "Community". Pudy plays Sami Malik, a young Indian boy who comes to America in the 1970s in order to impress his crush back home, as well as his father, a legendary tiger hunter. But of course he ends up working a low-end job and meets some wacky friends who he hopes will convince them of his success, even if it's not entirely true. The entire cast includes Rizwan Manji, Jon Heder, Karen David, Kevin Pollak, Sam Page, Anand Desai-Barochia, and Parvesh Cheena. This looks oddly charming and amusing in a quaint way. Enjoy. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Lena Khan's The Tiger Hunter, direct from YouTube: The Tiger Hunter is the story of Sami Malik...
- 8/8/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Updated, 8:48 Am: Shout! Factory has set a September 22 release date for The Tiger Hunter and released a poster and trailer (watch it above). Lena Khan's comedy will open in New York, Los Angeles and select major markets. Previously, April 25: Lena Khan's comedy feature, The Tiger Hunter has been acquired by the Shout! Factory for all distribution avenues in North America, including theatrical. Written by Sameer Gardezi and directed by Khan (who co-wrote), the film is a…...
- 7/27/2017
- Deadline
Red Sea Media handles international sales.
Shout! Factory has acquired North American rights from Red Sea Media to writer-director Lena Khan’s comedy The Tiger Hunter.
The film centres on Sami Malik, a young Indian who travels to America in the 1970s to become an engineer.
When Sami’s plans fall through, he takes a low-end job and joins a gang of oddball friends in the hopes of convincing his childhood sweetheart that he is more successful than he truly is, or perhaps ever could be.
Danny Pudi, Jon Heder, Rizwan Manji, Karen David, Sam Page, Iqbal Theba, and Parvesh Cheena star with Michael McMillan and Kevin Pollak.
Khan and Sameer Gardezi wrote the screenplay and the The Red Sea Media production premiered at last year’s 32nd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Red Sea Media handles international sales.
Megha Kadakia, Khan and Nazia Khan produced, while Alan Pao, Pudi and [link...
Shout! Factory has acquired North American rights from Red Sea Media to writer-director Lena Khan’s comedy The Tiger Hunter.
The film centres on Sami Malik, a young Indian who travels to America in the 1970s to become an engineer.
When Sami’s plans fall through, he takes a low-end job and joins a gang of oddball friends in the hopes of convincing his childhood sweetheart that he is more successful than he truly is, or perhaps ever could be.
Danny Pudi, Jon Heder, Rizwan Manji, Karen David, Sam Page, Iqbal Theba, and Parvesh Cheena star with Michael McMillan and Kevin Pollak.
Khan and Sameer Gardezi wrote the screenplay and the The Red Sea Media production premiered at last year’s 32nd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Red Sea Media handles international sales.
Megha Kadakia, Khan and Nazia Khan produced, while Alan Pao, Pudi and [link...
- 4/25/2017
- ScreenDaily
Visual Communications (Vc), the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, announced the Opening, Closing and Centerpiece film programs for the upcoming 32nd edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (Laapff) running April 21-28, 2016. This annual film celebration will be presented across Los Angeles from Little Tokyo to Downtown Los Angeles to Koreatown and to West Hollywood featuring 140 films from over 20 countries.
Vc will celebrate 32 years as Southern California’s largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind. The Laapff launches the pre-celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month through this year’s slate of over 130 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors from over 20 countries. For over three decades, the Festival has presented nearly 5,000 films and shorts by Asian American and Asian international artists.
Opening this year’s Festival at the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo is the World Premiere of dramatic comedy "The Tiger Hunter" from an amazing new director Lena Khan. The film centers upon Sami Malik (Danny Pudi of NBC TVs - "Community"), a young South Asian man who travels to America to become an engineer in order to impress his childhood crush and live up to the legacy of his father — a legendary tiger hunter back home. When Sami's job unexpectedly falls through and he ends up living in a tiny co-op with two oddball roommates, he must resort to constructing an elaborate charade with the misfit accomplices in hopes of convincing his sweetheart that he's far more successful than he truly is...or perhaps ever could be. As Sami tries to pull off the farce of a lifetime, what ensues is a series of adventures involving outlandish schemes, an arch-nemesis in an absurd office environment, and a somewhat functional Dodge Charger with a character of its own. Together, although their plans may contradict each other with terrible consequences, Sami and his rag-tag group must work together while meeting the usual host of obstacles — the "usual," that is, if back-alley brawls, trips to prison, or catastrophic LSD-related misunderstandings are just your usual, everyday fare. The film also stars Rizwan Manji, Jon Heder, Karen David, Kevin Pollak, Sam Page and Iqbal Theba.
Jonathan Hua Lang Lim’s powerful drama "Pali Road" starring Michelle Chen, Sung Kang, Elizabeth Sung and Jackson Rathbone will close out the eight - day film extravaganza at the Directors Guild of America on April 28, 2016. "Pali Road" centers on Lily (Michelle Chen), a Chinese doctor doing her residency in a Hawaiian hospital under Dr. Kayne (Sung Kang). She had fallen in love with schoolteacher Neil (Jackson Rathbone) — at least this is what she remembers. But after a terrible car accident, Lily wakes up to discover, in horror, a married life with Dr. Kayne, that includes a 5-year-old son she has never seen. With everyone around her denying Neil's existence, Lily begins to question her own sanity, but memories of Neil force her to embark on a journey to retrace her past and discover the truth.
The Laapff Centerpiece offering this year is the moving and insightful documentary "Tyrus" from director Pamela Tom which brings the life of Chinese American painter,production illustrator, lithographer, and kite builder Tyrus Wong to the big screen. Wong is best known for his concept art for Walt Disney's feature animated film Bambi. His strikingly beautiful concept paintings and sketches continue to influence the work of generations of animators and production designers. "Tyrus" celebrates not only the beauty of his art, but reveals to a larger audience a lesser known part of the Chinese American experience — that of its artists and creators.
“We are excited and proud to present these three films as our celebrations,” states Vc Executive Director Francis Cullado. “Having Lena Khan’s "The Tiger Hunter" as our opening, Jonathan Lim’s "Pali Road" as our closing night, and Pamela Tom’s "Tyrus" as our centerpiece film certainly highlights the amount of Asian American directorial talent out there. The big word this year in Hollywood has been ‘diversity’ and the Festival is one of the ways we address this issue at Visual Communications and for our community. For us, it’s not just about diversity – it’s about inclusivity. We will be releasing more of the Festival line up in the next week and everyone will be able to celebrate inclusion and diversity on the screen, as it should be.”
For program information, a complete listing of sponsors and partners, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.vconline.org/festival or contact Visual Communications at (213) 680-4462. Tickets are available to the general public on Monday, March 21st. The Festival is proud to be partnering with our following screening venues across Los Angeles:
●Aratani Theatre @ Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – Little Tokyo 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Tateuchi Democracy Forum @ Japanese American National Museum – Little Tokyo 111 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Downtown Independent – Downtown La (Dtla) 251 S. Main Street, (between 3rd and 2nd Streets), Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Cgv Cinemas – Koreatown – Mid-Wilshire 621 Western Avenue (between 6th Street and Wilshire Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90005 ●The Great Company – Downtown La (Dtla) 1917 Bay Street (between Wilson and Mateo Streets), Los Angeles, CA 90021 ●Directors Guild of America – West Hollywood7920 Sunset Blvd. (at Hayworth), West Hollywood, CA 90046...
Vc will celebrate 32 years as Southern California’s largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind. The Laapff launches the pre-celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month through this year’s slate of over 130 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors from over 20 countries. For over three decades, the Festival has presented nearly 5,000 films and shorts by Asian American and Asian international artists.
Opening this year’s Festival at the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo is the World Premiere of dramatic comedy "The Tiger Hunter" from an amazing new director Lena Khan. The film centers upon Sami Malik (Danny Pudi of NBC TVs - "Community"), a young South Asian man who travels to America to become an engineer in order to impress his childhood crush and live up to the legacy of his father — a legendary tiger hunter back home. When Sami's job unexpectedly falls through and he ends up living in a tiny co-op with two oddball roommates, he must resort to constructing an elaborate charade with the misfit accomplices in hopes of convincing his sweetheart that he's far more successful than he truly is...or perhaps ever could be. As Sami tries to pull off the farce of a lifetime, what ensues is a series of adventures involving outlandish schemes, an arch-nemesis in an absurd office environment, and a somewhat functional Dodge Charger with a character of its own. Together, although their plans may contradict each other with terrible consequences, Sami and his rag-tag group must work together while meeting the usual host of obstacles — the "usual," that is, if back-alley brawls, trips to prison, or catastrophic LSD-related misunderstandings are just your usual, everyday fare. The film also stars Rizwan Manji, Jon Heder, Karen David, Kevin Pollak, Sam Page and Iqbal Theba.
Jonathan Hua Lang Lim’s powerful drama "Pali Road" starring Michelle Chen, Sung Kang, Elizabeth Sung and Jackson Rathbone will close out the eight - day film extravaganza at the Directors Guild of America on April 28, 2016. "Pali Road" centers on Lily (Michelle Chen), a Chinese doctor doing her residency in a Hawaiian hospital under Dr. Kayne (Sung Kang). She had fallen in love with schoolteacher Neil (Jackson Rathbone) — at least this is what she remembers. But after a terrible car accident, Lily wakes up to discover, in horror, a married life with Dr. Kayne, that includes a 5-year-old son she has never seen. With everyone around her denying Neil's existence, Lily begins to question her own sanity, but memories of Neil force her to embark on a journey to retrace her past and discover the truth.
The Laapff Centerpiece offering this year is the moving and insightful documentary "Tyrus" from director Pamela Tom which brings the life of Chinese American painter,production illustrator, lithographer, and kite builder Tyrus Wong to the big screen. Wong is best known for his concept art for Walt Disney's feature animated film Bambi. His strikingly beautiful concept paintings and sketches continue to influence the work of generations of animators and production designers. "Tyrus" celebrates not only the beauty of his art, but reveals to a larger audience a lesser known part of the Chinese American experience — that of its artists and creators.
“We are excited and proud to present these three films as our celebrations,” states Vc Executive Director Francis Cullado. “Having Lena Khan’s "The Tiger Hunter" as our opening, Jonathan Lim’s "Pali Road" as our closing night, and Pamela Tom’s "Tyrus" as our centerpiece film certainly highlights the amount of Asian American directorial talent out there. The big word this year in Hollywood has been ‘diversity’ and the Festival is one of the ways we address this issue at Visual Communications and for our community. For us, it’s not just about diversity – it’s about inclusivity. We will be releasing more of the Festival line up in the next week and everyone will be able to celebrate inclusion and diversity on the screen, as it should be.”
For program information, a complete listing of sponsors and partners, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.vconline.org/festival or contact Visual Communications at (213) 680-4462. Tickets are available to the general public on Monday, March 21st. The Festival is proud to be partnering with our following screening venues across Los Angeles:
●Aratani Theatre @ Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – Little Tokyo 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Tateuchi Democracy Forum @ Japanese American National Museum – Little Tokyo 111 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Downtown Independent – Downtown La (Dtla) 251 S. Main Street, (between 3rd and 2nd Streets), Los Angeles, CA 90012 ●Cgv Cinemas – Koreatown – Mid-Wilshire 621 Western Avenue (between 6th Street and Wilshire Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90005 ●The Great Company – Downtown La (Dtla) 1917 Bay Street (between Wilson and Mateo Streets), Los Angeles, CA 90021 ●Directors Guild of America – West Hollywood7920 Sunset Blvd. (at Hayworth), West Hollywood, CA 90046...
- 4/5/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles has announced the juries and additional programming for the upcoming 14th edition, which runs April 6-10 in Hollywood.
Three films have been added to the line-up on April 10, including Lena Khan’s feature debut The Tiger Hunter, and a community screening of Sami Khan’s Khoya.
A restored version of Sujata, provided by the National Film Archive Of India, will screen as a tribute to director Bimal Roy on the 50th anniversary of his death.
The jury for the 2016 Narrative Film Competition includes:
· Shonali Bose, film-maker (Margarita, With A Straw & Amu);
· Shalini Dore, Variety; and
· Alesia Weston, international consultant to independent film-makers and film festivals.
The jury for the 2016 Short Film Competition includes:
· Rizwan Manji, actor (Jim Jarmusch’s upcoming Paterson);
· Aldo Velasco, director and editor (Chittagong); and
· Laura Nix, documentary film-maker (The Yes Men Are Revolting).
As previously announced, the festival will open with Angry Indian Goddesses (pictured) and the...
Three films have been added to the line-up on April 10, including Lena Khan’s feature debut The Tiger Hunter, and a community screening of Sami Khan’s Khoya.
A restored version of Sujata, provided by the National Film Archive Of India, will screen as a tribute to director Bimal Roy on the 50th anniversary of his death.
The jury for the 2016 Narrative Film Competition includes:
· Shonali Bose, film-maker (Margarita, With A Straw & Amu);
· Shalini Dore, Variety; and
· Alesia Weston, international consultant to independent film-makers and film festivals.
The jury for the 2016 Short Film Competition includes:
· Rizwan Manji, actor (Jim Jarmusch’s upcoming Paterson);
· Aldo Velasco, director and editor (Chittagong); and
· Laura Nix, documentary film-maker (The Yes Men Are Revolting).
As previously announced, the festival will open with Angry Indian Goddesses (pictured) and the...
- 3/31/2016
- ScreenDaily
Before she sang “Galavaaant” across the castles and fields of England, actress Karen David was filming in London for Atul Malhotra’s Brit Indie film Amar, Akbar & Tony. Amar, Akbar & Tony are three best friends who all are from different backgrounds. It is about the camaraderie and love between these three friends through trials, tribulations, predicaments they face and the happy times as they grow up and come of age.
In the comedy/drama, Karen plays the mysterious character of Meera, but that is all we know! What we do know is that according to director Atul, she has done an incredible job.
Stacey got the chance to catch up with Karen and had a fun, fabulous chat about the challenges playing Meera, what she thinks is so special about this Indie film and more! Enjoy!
I know when we last talked, you were telling me that filming was in the middle of your wedding?...
In the comedy/drama, Karen plays the mysterious character of Meera, but that is all we know! What we do know is that according to director Atul, she has done an incredible job.
Stacey got the chance to catch up with Karen and had a fun, fabulous chat about the challenges playing Meera, what she thinks is so special about this Indie film and more! Enjoy!
I know when we last talked, you were telling me that filming was in the middle of your wedding?...
- 4/15/2015
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
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