Eric Goldfarb Screens First Feature

Filmmaker Eric Goldfarb returned to his alma mater to screen his first feature film “STU PLUS WHO?” and discussed an insider’s view to living and making it in Hollywood. Goldfarb graduated summa cum laude in 1997 from the University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts.

Students, faculty, and community members thoroughly enjoyed the ‘sneak preview’ screening of Goldfarb’s film “STU PLUS WHO?”

Here are a handful of responses, posted on the film’s FACEBOOK fan page.

Aaron C Jensen said:
Already been talking to friends about the movie. They seem to like just hearing about it, so I bet they would like to watch the film as well.

Brendan Takash:
You guys should start a Twitter account, it's all the rage now! Heartfelt movie, very good! Best of luck to you all!

Andy Lee:
Awesome job guys; I was extremely entertained and inspired.

Michael Hughes:
Just saw it U of A. Great movie. Really fun and very sweet. Would make an awesome date movie. One that the guy can enjoy too, for a change.

Carly Rae Olsson:
I just saw it at U of Arizona also.... Amazing journey of a documentary! Loved it ya'll good job!

Damon Mosier:
I just saw a screening at the University of Arizona and I can't say enough how much I loved this film. The premise almost seemed like a joke to the subjects themselves at the beginning but by the end it really grabs hold of you. This film has a lot of heart and my hat is off to Stu for putting himself out there the way he did. You guys did great and I wish you a lot of luck.

Matt Luber Returns to Campus

Matt Luber, a Hollywood based talent manager and producer will be giving a presentation on campus.

Monday - November 23, 2009
3:00 PM - Marshall Building, Room 211
11:00 AM - Harvill 102
12:30 PM - Harvill 102

A successful talent manager/movie producer, Matt Luber has gained a reputation for cultivating and representing some of the hottest emerging actors, writers, and directors while at the same time maintaining a focus on producing intriguing projects. Matt's clients include Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl), Adam Goldberg (The Unusuals), Steven Moyer (True Blood), Eric Balfour (24), Shane West (ER), and Billy Zane (Samantha Who?).

After graduating in 1993 from The University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts, Matt moved to LA and learned the inside workings of production as an assistant on feature films, including Beverly Hills Cop 3. After being a producer's assistant, he rose quickly to respected manager.

Matt is currently president of Luber Roklin Entertainment. As a producer, Matt executive produced Bride Wars for New Regency, Evan Almighty for Universal, Running Scared for New Line, and Into the Blue for MGM. Matt is currently producing the indie film Janie Jones starring Abigail Breslin.

A special presentation in conjunction with M AR 303: Professional Practices and M AR 373: Producing I: From Pitch Through Financing

This event has been made possible by The Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Stu Plus Who Screening

School of Media Arts Alumnus Eric Goldfarb (BA 97) will be returning to The University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theater to screen his first feature film, “STU PLUS WHO?”

FREE SCREENING OF “STU PLUS WHO?”
Gallagher Theater
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 4pm

Check out their hilarious trailer:

http://stupluswho.com/trailer.php

Goldfarb created “STU PLUS WHO” together with his producing partner Stuart Acher, who will also be present for the screening and Q & A. The Hollywood filmmakers will be posing for the press with their fans and also their 4-year-old Emmy Award.

LaDonna Harris Sneak Preview

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum (second from right)

Acclaimed independent filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) presented a 10-minute work-in-progress of her most recent documentary project, LaDonna Harris: Indian 101, to University of Arizona students and faculty and community members.

Brannum's presentation was a part of the Native Eyes Film Showcase and was sponsored by the Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Barking Water

Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

BARKING WATER

USA, 2009, 85 min, Dir. Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek)

With steady and graceful performances, this story takes viewers for a ride in the backseat of Frankie and Irene’s Indian car, listening to their past and the rhythmic soundtrack that sets the beat for a redemptive road journey. In this sparingly sentimental and achingly poignant film, Harjo claims his place as one of the most truthful and honest voices working in American cinema today.

Excerpt from Sundance Film Festival 2009

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Necessities of Life

Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU’IL FAUT POUR VIVRE)

Canada, 2009,102 min, Dir. Benoit Pilon; In French and Inuktitut with English subtitles

Multi-award-winning Canadian entry to the Academy Awards starring Natar Ungalaaq (The Fast Runner) is an emotionally resonant 1950s period drama that shines a light on a people and culture not often seen on screen. After falling victim to tuberculosis, Tivii, an Inuit hunter and family man, is forced to leave his home to receive treatment in Quebec City where he finds hope again when he forges an unlikely friendship with a young boy. A model of delicate emotional restraint, the handsome pic earns its many lump-in-throat moments.

Dennis Harvey, VARIETY

Discussants: Tsianina Lomawaima (Mvskoke Creek) American Indian Studies Program, and Jennie Joe (Navajo), Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Native Eyes Film Showcase

Friday, November 13, 7pm
Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00
This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

MESKANAHK (MY PATH)
Canada, 2005, 9 min

Dir. Kevin Lee Burton (Swampy Cree)
A young man explores the passage from his childhood on a Cree reserve to his life in the city. In Cree with English subtitles.

CLUB NATIVE
Canada, 2008, 78 min

This multi-award-winning film is a candid and deeply moving look at the pain, confusion, and frustration suffered by many First Nations people as they struggle for the right to belong. Through portraits of Mohawk women, Tracey Deer delineates the human cost of rules about blood quantum that determine the lives and loves of the Kahnawake Mohawk.

Discussant: Dr. Sheilah Nicholas (Hopi), Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural
Studies, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Meet filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) and preview her new documentary LaDonna Harris: Indian 101. Discuss the film with her and with Heather Whiteman Runs Him-Oleyte (Crow), joint legal counsel, executive branch, Apsáalooke Nation/Crow.

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Native Eyes Film Showcase Media Literacy Colloquium, 4–6 p.m.
Room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law
Free

Brannum’s documentary film is being made about Comanche activist LaDonna Harris, who led an extensive life of Native political and social activism, and is now passing on her traditional cultural and leadership values to a new generation of emerging Indigenous leaders. Director Julianna Brannum is a Rockefeller Foundation award winning filmmaker.

This program takes place in room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law, 1145 N. Mountain Ave (between Speedway & Helen).

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Julie Janata Presents

Julie Janata, far left, with an Alliance of Women Directors

Julie Janata, an award winning editor/producer, will be making a special presentation in conjunction with M AR 309, History of the Documentary.

JULIE JANATA PRESENTATION
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 2pm
Marshall Building, Room 212

Janata sculpts acclaimed dramas, comedies and music films from hundreds of hours of footage. She imbibes them with all the richness of story and character development she learned while working on Oscar and Emmy winning projects including Bad Boys, Heat, French Kill, The Ghost and The Darkness, The Jackal, and Disclosure. She started her career as a camera operator and Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute, which informs her work to this day.

Janata will present recent documentary work and discuss her career as an editor. She is a member of The Producers Guild and The Editors Guild, and Co-Chair of the Alliance of Women Directors. The Alliance of Women Directors is a coalition of women directors which both provides a community of peers for mutual support, and furthers the art, craft and visibility of women directors in the film and television industry.

This special presentation has been made possible by the Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Lesbian Looks

Laura Harring
is the star of DROOL

Drool (Nancy Kissam, 2009, 86 min)
Loft Cinema
Thursday Nov 5th
7:30pm

Lesbian Looks concludes its 17th season with an exclusive Tucson engagement of Nancy Kissam's offbeat comedy/social satire DROOL.

THELMA AND LOUISE meets THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE in Nancy Kissam's quirky dark comedy about domestic violence, sexual harassment, racism, murder, and the transformative power of cosmetics.

Anora (Laura Harring of MULHOLLAND DRIVE fame) spends her days taking care of abusive husband Cheb and disrespectful teenage kids Tabby and Little Pete. All the while she daydreams about an imaginary romance which embodies everything her marriage is not.

Trouble brews when Anora's new next-door neighbor, the vivacious Imogene Cochran (Jill Marie Jones of GIRLFRIENDS), pops in for coffee. The two women quickly bond to the dismay of her family, and Anora soon realizes that Imogene is the fantasy she has been dreaming of.

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

See the trailer at the Loft Cinema site:
http://www.loftcinema.com/node/1189

Presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, with generous co-sponsorship from UA School of Media Arts, Hanson Film Institute, McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, Gender & Women's Studies, Anthropology, English, Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, Men Against Violence.

Native Eyes Film Showcase 2009

November 12–15, 2009

The 6th annual showcase features an array of contemporary Native American films and discussions with filmmakers. Native Eyes brings the best of new cinema made by the most talented indigenous filmmakers today. This year’s films tell stories of love, memory, activism and culture, and offer provocative ideas about social responsibility, attachment to place and what determines identity. Screenings occur at Grand Cinemas Crossroads, 4811 E Grant Road, $5.00 tickets available at box office beginning Nov 11th. Other, related programs occur at Arizona State Museum and are free.

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Focus on Shawn Florchak

Shawn Florchak, right, with KGUN film critic Jim Ferguson.

The Arizona Daily Star’s Phil Villarreal recently featured Shawn Florchak, a School of Media Arts student, in a profile detailing Florchak’s recent accomplishments.

Florchak was awarded the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and recently completed a short documentary called “The Final Round.” His documentary has its focus on “Centro del Sur,” a boxing gym in South Tucson that was almost shut down. The completed documentary was an integral part of a community effort to keep the boxing gym open, illustrating the power of social issue documentary filmmaking. Florchak enjoys working in the community and recently served as a volunteer for the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Here is a link to the feature article in the “Caliente” section of the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/315054.php

Congratulations to Sean for securing the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and on the completion of his documentary!

Focus on Eric Goldfarb

School of Media Arts Alumnus Eric Goldfarb (BA 97) will be returning to The University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theater to screen his first feature film, “STU PLUS WHO?”

Check out the hilarious trailer:

http://stupluswho.com/trailer.php

Goldfarb created “STU PLUS WHO” together with his producing partner Stuart Acher, who will also be present for the screening and Q & A.

The film was inspired by the real life experiences of Acher, who won the prize of a trip for two to Jamaica on a game show. A romantic journey of self-discovery features Acher’s subsequent search for the perfectly charming female travel companion. “STU PLUS WHO” features guerrilla style paparazzi footage of Acher’s interactions with Paula Abdul, Courtney Love, Penelope Cruz, and Rosario Dawson.

Goldfarb has won 3 Primetime Emmys for editing “The Amazing Race,” and has had 10 overall nominations for video and sound editing. Goldfarb and Acher will discuss the creation of their feature film and also their experience of working in Hollywood.

FREE SCREENING OF “STU PLUS WHO?”

Gallagher Theater
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 4pm

“STU PLUS WHO?” was produced by Stuart Acher and Eric Goldfarb and runs 78 minutes.

School of Media Arts Alumni Take Home 2009 Emmy Awards

School of Media Arts Alumni Will Holst (BFA 04) and Sooyeon L. Johnston (BMA 96) have emerged victorious at the recent Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 2009 Emmy awards.

Holst earned Emmy awards for "Schools for Sudan" and "Anatomy of Sorrow,” while Johnston received Emmys in three different categories including a feature segment program on photographer Mark Klett, and the programs "Arte 201: Art & Inspirations" and “Retablo: Uncovering the Secrets."

Additionally, former School of Media Arts instructor, Luis Carrión, won an Emmy for the program "Tucson Islamic Community."

For additional information about the prestigious 2009 Emmy Awards of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences go to:

http://uanews.org/node/28223

To see shorts of:

Retablo: Uncovering the Secrets

http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/segments/2009/10/16/kuat-retablo-uncovering-the-secrets/

Tucson Islamic Community

http://ondemand.azpm.org/videoshorts/watch/2008/10/1/kuat-islamic-center-of-tucson/

Congratulations to Will Holst, Sooyeon L. Johnston, and Luis Carrión on their creation of award winning programming.

KUAT broadcasts “Laramie Inside Out”

Professor Beverly Seckinger's documentary, “Laramie Inside Out,” will be broadcast on:

Arizona Public Media (PBS)/KUAT
Friday, October 30 at 11pm.

The film follows the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's 1998 gay-bashing murder in Seckinger's Wyoming hometown.

One reviewer wrote:

“A very personal look at the town and its people. Seckinger's film is an important addition to the narratives that help us understand what happened to Matthew Shepard, why it happened and how that community was affected by the crime.”
—Moises Kaufman
Screenwriter/Director
HBO's The Laramie Project

Professor Seckinger’s documentary is screened in conjunction with "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later — An Epilogue" which was recently performed simultaneously on about 150 stages in all fifty states, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Hong Kong and Australia. The play was performed on Oct. 12, the 11th anniversary of Shepard's death, including the UA’s Centennial Hall.

Please check your local listings and tune into “Laramie Inside Out.”

http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/
http://laramieinsideout.com
http://www.arizonaalumni.com/Alumnus/f09/bev.html

Learn to Write a Script!

Screen Writing Workshop with Marcus De Leon

Fee: $40

* UA Students FREE

(Event Dates: October 24-25)

Noted screenwriter-director Marcus De Leon (HBO’s Walkout) will lead a fun, interactive, intensive two-day screenwriting workshop for participants at all levels. This workshop is open to the general public. In collaboration with the School of Media Arts and the College of Fine Arts.

Native Eyes Film Showcase

Native Eyes Film Showcase

October 24, 2009, 4:00–10:00 p.m. FREE

Native Eyes on the Reservation!


Join us in Topawa, Arizona at the Tohono O'odham Nation Museum and Cultural Center for a fun-filled evening of museum tours, film screening and discussion with the filmmaker, live waila dance concert and food!

4:00 and 5:00 Staff-lead tours of the Tohono O’odham Nation Museum

6:00 outdoor screening: Waila! Making the People Happy

7:15 discussion with filmmaker Daniel Golding (Quechan) and Angelo Joaquin (Tohono O’odham) of the Arizona State Museum

8:00 Waila dance concert with Sound of the Desert, led by Alex Gomez

Food by Ha:san Preparatory and Leadership School available for purchase

What’s Waila? (pronounced y-la)
Waila is an O’odham form of music that embodies polka and Mexican tejano, cumbias and Norteño. It blends European instruments infused with modern-day electric keyboards and guitars with O’odham language and culture. “Waila” is derived from the Spanish word for dance, baila, and sometimes is called chicken scratch.

Waila! Making the People Happy - Director Dan Golding (Quechan) 2009, (58 min)
The film brings viewers on a journey of musical evolution, introducing the famous Joaquin Brothers, who performed waila across the reservation and took it all the way to Carnegie Hall, as well as some of the younger waila musicians, and explores where the traditions are headed next.

Sound of the Desert
This waila band, led by Alex Gomez, performs in the older style of waila music featuring a dual saxophone combination, in the style of the Joaquin Brothers.

Dan Golding
Dan Golding (Quechan) graduated Cum Laude from San Francisco State University receiving a BA in Film Production and a minor in American Indian Studies. He started Hokan Media Productions in 1997 as a means to produce social issue documentary and narrative films. His films have screened both nationally and internationally. He also teaches hands-on digital filmmaking workshops to at-risk tribal youth, through Hokan Media Digital Filmmaking Academy. Mr. Golding is a traditional singer and is involved in a master apprentice language program with his uncle. His latest film Waila! Making the People Happy, a 30 minute documentary on Chicken Scratch, the contemporary dance music of the southern Arizona Indian tribes, has aired on PBS. He will lead a discussion about the documentary on Sunday at Native Eyes, and will be a presenter for the youth media Saturday program.

Angelo Joaquin Jr.
Angelo Joaquin Jr. (Tohono O'odham) is a program coordinator at the Arizona
State Museum specializing in Native American culture programs. He is a co-founder and director of the annual Waila Festival celebrating this traditional O'odham musical expression. He has organized five Young Waila Musicians Workshops which brought youngsters and elder O'odham together for a day-long immersion session in the music and the culture. He will help plan the music-themed presentations of Native Eyes. He will serve as a discussant for the films and waila dance concert that demonstrates the tradition presented in the film. He will discuss the evolution of this tradition and the role of waila music in the lives of O'odham today.

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

Information about Native Eyes Film Showcase programs in Tucson from November 12–14, 2009, coming.....

Focus on Lindsay Utz

School of Media Arts Alumnus Lindsay Utz (BA 2003) associate produced the season premiere of PBS' FRONTLINE –“Obama’s War” a one-hour long documentary about the war in Afghanistan.

It's a firsthand look at what US and NATO soldiers are up against every day and should be mandatory viewing for anyone interested in the policy debate unfolding in Washington.

Check your local PBS listings for airdates and times.

Additionally, she edited a short documentary for the Frontline website called FRONTLINE DIARY: "Obama's War" which is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a FRONTLINE episode, and includes some great moments that didn't make it into the film. You can find it here after the broadcast:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/

Congratulations to Lindsay and tune into “Obama’s War” and its companion website.

"Good Boy" Screens at Beowulf Alley Theatre

Patrick Roddy's "Good Boy" Screens at Beowulf Alley Theatre

Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 South 6th Ave, between Broadway and Congress in Downtown Tucson, known for its high quality theatrical productions, has added screening equipment to its beautiful 95-seat air-conditioned theatre and, in partnership with the Independent Filmmakers Association of Southern Arizona (IFASA), presents local film artist, Patrick Roddy's, "Good Boy".

Showings will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this weekend event are $5.00 general admission. IFASA members and Beowulf Alley Theatre volunteers and paid subscribers (Season and Flex Pass) will receive a cold drink or snack item from concessions for free.

For more information, see:

http://www.beowulfalley.org

or call (520) 882-0555.

Appropriate for 16 years and older. For information about IFASA, see www.ifasa.net. IndeFliks@the Alley is sponsored by Cox Communications and Pastiche Modern Eatery.

The plot follows a young man who attempts to escape his trapped existence by stealing money from his work and heading to California, hopefully to find a better life. But, he stumbles into an unimaginable world along the way, ruled by a depraved man who controls everything and everyone around him.

Patrick Roddy's (www.patrickroddy.com) third film has won an Accolade Award of Excellence-Feature Film, in addition to two Accolade Awards of Merit (Direction and Lead Actor) and has received very favorable reviews (see below). “Good Boy” is a psychological thriller written by Nicholl Fellowship semifinalist Ken Henderson. Horror star Tiffany Shepis (/Nightmare Man/) plays a key role in the film.


“Good Boy is a stunning film ... couldn't take my eyes off the screen!” FatallyYours.com

“Good Boy is a riveting thriller” 10KBullets.com

“4 out of 4 cigars, it's well written, the acting is great” RogueCinema.com

The IFASA mission is to encourage, build and support a strong local independent film community by promoting the production, exhibition and public awareness of film, digital video and media arts. To achieve this mission, IFASA provides technical assistance, pools resources and talent, and offers educational and networking opportunities for the professional and novice alike.


Beowulf Alley Theatre Company, a 501 (c)(3) organization, is committed to enriching the community and enhancing appreciation of the arts through the production of innovative, invigorating theatre and theatrical education with the highest standards for acting and production.

Lesbian Looks

LESBIAN LOOKS LAUNCHES 17TH ANNUAL FILM SERIES THIS FRI OCT 9

Straightlaced: How Gender’s got us all Tied Up (Debra Chasnoff, 2009)
Pariah (Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper, 2007)
Gallagher Theater, UA Student Union
7:30pm
FREE

Lesbian Looks opens its 17th season this Friday night with the Arizona premiere of the documentary STRAIGHTLACED: HOW GENDER’S GOT US ALL TIED UP, by Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff.

From girls confronting popular messages about culture and body image to boys who are sexually active just to prove they aren't gay, the students in STRAIGHTLACED illustrate the toll that deeply held stereotypes and rigid gender policing have on all of our lives.

" A rare gem that provides a forum for young people to speak eloquently about the courage it takes to break out of the box, live authentic lives, and stand up for justice."
—Bruce Cohen, Oscar-winning Producer of MILK

"As in Chasnoff's previous recent works, the film is remarkable for the candor with which its subjects speak - in this case, teens discussing their frustrations with gender roles and stereotypes."
—The San Francisco Chronicle

“ It lifts kids up to make them realize that it's okay to be who you want to be."
—Carlos Garcia, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District

" ...a work of huge importance, that is both challenging and accessible."
—London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Also screening: PARIAH, a beautifully shot, award-winning coming-of-age drama about a lesbian teenager unsuccessfully juggling multiple identities to avoid rejection from her friends and family.

"Rees' jaw-droppingly good PARIAH continues to reel in awards. Rees shows stellar talent in both writing and directing with her story of a Bronx high school girl uncertainly trying to explore multiple identities."
—Charlie Olsky, Indiewire

Friday's screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Lesbian Looks is presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, and co-sponsored by the School of Media Arts, the Hanson Film Institute, the McLelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, the University Library and Center for Creative Photography, the School of Anthropology, the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies, the Department of English, the Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, and Men Against Violence

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

Focus on Alum Dirk Van Fleet

Dirk Van Fleet is a School of Media Arts Alumnus (BFA 1997) and also the Producer and Editor of the documentary “Dig Comics!”

Van Fleet will be presenting his film at the Tucson Film & Music Festival on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30am at the Crossroads Cinema on Grant and Swan.

The documentary “Dig Comics!” asks the question, “Is the American art form of comics dying?”

Comic creators, retailers, and historians weigh in on what why the popularity of comics has waned over the past five decades and whether it's too late to reverse the trend. The battle is on to get America to Dig Comics!

This is a rare opportunity to see this documentary and to query one of its makers. The School of Media Arts is proud to be a supporter of The Tucson Film & Music Festival and we wish Dirk Van Fleet a very warm welcome back to Tucson.

www.digcomics.com

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

Lost Dream at the Rialto

School of Media Arts Alum Mae Nekoba (BA 2000) will be presenting her film “Lost Dream” on Sunday, October 11th at 9:00pm at the historic Rialto Theatre.

“Lost Dream” has its focus on two college students, Perry and Giovanni, who develop a delicate friendship based on their mutually destructive behavior. Perry, the son of a corrupt Congressman, is tormented by his position in society. Giovanni, distraught by a troubled childhood, has lost his desire to live. Together, they challenge each other's existence in search of salvation.

“Perry and Giovanni could be any two kids in the world,” said filmmaker Nekoba. “Many college students will be able to identify with their struggle.”

“Lost Dream” stars “Twilight’s” Michael Welch and “Melrose Place's” Shaun Sipos. Michael Welch will be present for the screening and participate with Nekoba during the Q & A. “Twilight” fans . . . this is your chance to ask a rising star and filmmaker questions about the process of making a film.

“Who is this kid!?” Nekoba asked during the casting session. “There is something about him that I like!”

To purchase your tickets for “Lost Dream” please visit:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

And for more information about the film:

www.lostdreamfilm.com

The School of Media Arts is a proud supporter of the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Focus on Alum Allison Vanore

School of Media Arts alumnus Allison Vanore (BFA MAR 2004) will be returning to Tucson to present the short film “Junkyard” which she produced. “Junkyard” has its focus on a young boy standing up to a tyrannical and abusive junkyard owner.

The ‘no dialogue’ short was directed by another alum, Michael Skvarla.

Allison said, “It was a reunion shoot, where nine School of Media Arts alumni worked together.”

“Junkyard” will be screening as a part of the shorts section at the Crossroads Cinema on Swan and Grant, on Saturday, October 10th at 1:30pm.

Purchase tickets online at:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

The School of Media Arts is proud to support the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival and we would like to applaud the successful completion and screening of “Junkyard.” Congratulations Allison.

The World Premiere of “Nightingale”

University of Arizona alumnus Stephanie Lucas will present her short film “Nightingale” during the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival. Stephanie graduated in 1996 with a BA in English and served as the Director of Photography on the short.

“Nightingale,” an impressionistic portrait, explores the distant relationship between a man and his wife as things come to a surreal boiling point.

“Nightingale” has its world premiere on Saturday, October 10th, at 1:30pm, at the Crossroads Cinema on Grant and Swan.

You can purchase tickets online at:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

The School of Media Arts is a proud sponsor of the Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Alumni Reception

On Thursday, September 24th, the College of Fine Arts and School of Media Arts hosted a reception in Los Angeles for UA Alumni in the Entertainment Industry. Former students and faculty reconnected, networked, and enjoyed luscious “Oak Fire” Pizza. The event was generously co-sponsored by the Hanson Film Institute, the Tucson Film Office, and the UA Alumni Association.

Media Arts Alum Mae Nekoba

"Lost Dream" star Michael Welch

Mae Nekoba will be premiering her film, “Lost Dream” at the Tucson Film & Music Festival on Sunday, October 11 at 9:30pm at the historic Rialto Theatre. “Lost Dream” stars “Twilight’s” Michael Welch and “Melrose Place's” Shaun Sipos. Mae Nekoba is a School of Media Arts Alumnus and graduated in 2000.

We are excited to announce that Mae will be presenting her film together with (teens and “Twilight” fans purchase your tickets now!) “Twilight” star Michael Welch. Both Mae and Michael will be present for the Q & A following the screening.

Congratulations to Mae and welcome back to Tucson!

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

School of Media Arts Sponsors TFMF

The School of Media Arts is delighted to be a sponsor of the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival. The Director of the TFMF is a School of Media Arts Alumnus, Michael Toubassi (BA 95) who returns every October to bring music, films, and performance art to the Old Pueblo.

“Largo” will be the festival’s Opening Night film, and “The Sweet Lady With the Nasty Voice” will be the Centerpiece selection for the 5th annual event taking place October 8-12, 2009. The festival, known for bringing compelling cinema and music to Tucson, boasts a line-up of all Arizona film premieres at this year’s event. Wanda Jackson will also treat festival-goers to an exclusive live concert at PLUSH.

Largo
Directed by Mark Flanagan & Andrew Van Baal, and executive produced by Paul Thomas Anderson, “Largo” is a performance-driven look at the storied Hollywood nightclub that has showcased the many talented performers that appear in the film, including Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Zach Galifianakis, Flight of the Conchords, Jon Brion, Andrew Bird, Grant-Lee Philips and many others.

Largo
Friday, Oct 9, 2009 at 7PM
The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd. www.loftcinema.com
Tickets $5, $1 off for Loft members and students.

The Sweet Lady With The Nasty Voice
In the 1950s, Wanda Jackson kicked open the door for women in rock and roll, and empowered female rockers to be in control, to be sexy, and to write their own songs. The film takes you from the beginning of Jackson’s legendary career at age 16 to the present day, where Jackson still tours nightly. Featuring never-before-seen footage of Jackson’s concerts with rock icons Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Directed by Vinnie Kralyevich.
*Special guest appearance by Wanda Jackson for a Q&A following the screening.

The Sweet Lady With The Nasty Voice
Saturday October 10, 2009 5:30pm
Crossroads Cinema, 4811 E. Grant Rd.
Tickets $5

Wanda Jackson will also perform Saturday night live in concert at PLUSH, 340 E. 6th Street on 4th Avenue. Tickets for the show are included with the purchase of the all-access festival badge ($40), or are $15 at the door. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to see the “Queen of Rockabilly” live on stage!

The all-access TFMF badge is $40 and available now at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/10008

Badge holders will have free entry to all film and music events at TFMF. Individual tickets for the screenings and music events will be available at the venues on the day of the show.

For more on the festival, please visit: http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

Media Arts Alumni Present Work

We are happy to announce the return of six University of Arizona School of Media Arts Alumni as they present their work at the upcoming Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Michael Skvarla, Writer/Director, Junkyard (Short), Allison Vanore, Producer, Junkyard (Short), Chelsea Coles, Director, Bipolar Bear Mania by Holy Rolling Empire (MV), Mae Nekoba, Producer, Lost Dream (feature), Dirk Van Fleet, Producer/Editor, Dig Comics! (Short), and Michael Toubassi, Producer/Editor, Saint Conformity by Giant Sand (MV) will all be participating in Q & A’s following the screening of their films at the upcoming Tucson Film & Music Festival. The School of Media Arts is also a supporter of the festival.

The 5th annual event will take place October 8-12, 2009 at various venues throughout Tucson, AZ.

Among the selection of World, U.S. and regional premieres, this year’s film highlights include Director Jim Granato’s “D tour,” documenting the poignant story of indie rock band Rogue Wave and its drummer’s quest for a new kidney; the North American Premiere of “Berlin Playground” by award-winning filmmaker Claudia Lehmann; and Closing Night Film “Rock Prophecies,” featuring rock photography guru Robert M. Knight, directed by John Chester. These films join the previously announced Opening Night Film “Largo,” and the Centerpiece feature “The Sweet Lady with the Nasty Voice,” featuring rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson, who will also perform live on Saturday, October 10th at PLUSH.

Music festivities kick off Friday, October 9th at Hotel Congress with the TFMF Opening Night Party Extravaganza. Art collective Parasol Project will transform the hotel into “Pueblo Noir,” a cinematically themed installation and vaudeville spectacular, featuring live music by Le Chat Lunatique and MarchFourth Marching Band.

This year, TFMF will continue its tradition of delivering exclusive live performances from the musicians featured in the festival’s film and music video programs. Seattle’s These Arms are Snakes (“Red Line Season” Music Video-rama) will perform Friday, October 9th at PLUSH; and Ghiant, from the World Premiere comedy “Bicycle Lane,” will take the stage at PLUSH on Sunday evening. Local music highlights include Juarez and The El Camino Royales. For set times and venues, please refer to the attached concert schedule or go to: http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

TFMF badge holders will have access to all film and music events. Individual tickets range from $5 to $15 and will be available at the venues on the day of the show. The all-access TFMF badge is $40 and available now at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/10008

The comprehensive film lineup follows below. For more detailed info on this year’s films, please visit the Official TFMF website or contact Mark Tillman @ Hype (mark@hypeworld.com) or TFMF @ Tucson Film & Music Fest

2009 Tucson Film & Music Festival Selected Films:

*All films are Arizona Premieres unless otherwise noted

A Detroit Thing West Coast Premiere (Q&A with filmmakers)
Featuring Kid Rock, Howling Diablos and more!
Berlin Playground (Hans Im Glück) US Premiere
Bicycle Lane World Premiere (Q&A with filmmakers)
Cruzando *Spanish subtitles (Q&A with filmmakers)
D tour (Q&A with Director Jim Granato)
Featuring Rogue Wave, Nada Surf, Ben Gibbard and more!
I Need That Record! Southwest Premiere
Largo Opening Night Film

Featuring performances by Aimee Mann, Grant-Lee Philips, Zach Galfianakis, Flight of the Conchords, Andrew Bird and more!

Lost Dream Southwest Premiere (Q&A with filmmakers)
Starring Michael Welch (Twilight) and Shaun Sipos (Melrose Place ‘09)
Mellodrama Southwest Premiere (Q&A with Director Diana Dilworth)
No Good Reason Southwest Premiere
One Man In The Band West Coast Premiere
Featuring Thomas Traux, Duracell, Ninki V and Dennis Hopper Choppers
Pocket Full of Soul
Back to the Basics: The Story of Luckenbach, TX SW Premiere
(Q&A with Back to the Basics director David Elkins)
Rock Prophecies Closing Night Film
Story of legendary rock photographer Robert M. Knight
Such Hawks Such Hounds
Featuring High on Fire, Dead Meadow, Earthless, Sleep and more
The Heart is a Drum Machine (Q&A with filmmakers)
Featuring Elijah Wood, MGMT, Penelope Spheeris, Jason Schwartzman, John Doe, Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Juliette Lewis and more!
The Sweet Lady With The Nasty Voice Centerpiece Film
(Q&A with the film’s star, rockabilly music legend Wanda Jackson!)
This Is Spinal Tap! Late Night Cult Classics!
Till You’re Told To Stop Southwest Premiere
Starring James Blunt (Q&A with filmmakers)
Art Imitates Life - Shorts Program (Q&A with filmmakers)

• Arc of a Bird Tucson Premiere
• Junkyard Regional Premiere
• Magellan Regional Premiere
• Nightingale World Premiere
• Old Grace Southwest Premiere
• Pigeon: Impossible
• The Cello
• Worth Tucson Premiere

Music Video-rama
Featuring videos for Fleet Foxes, Holy Rolling Empire, These Arms Are Snakes, Oren Lavie, The Bird and The Bee and more!

About TFMF:
The Tucson Film & Music Festival (TFMF) celebrates the past, present and future of the Tucson, Arizona music and filmmaking scene, showcasing music-related content, International music artists, and films and filmmakers with a connection to the Southwest. TFMF has screened over 100 films since its inception in 2005. Now in its fifth year, TFMF boasts an attendance of over 3,000 filmgoers and has screened several Arizona and World premieres including Anvil! The Story of Anvil by Sacha Gervasi, “The Criterion Collection” Border Radio by Allison Anders, Adventures of Power by Ari Gold, Hell on Wheels by Bob Ray, and Scott Walker: 30 Century Man by Stephan Kijak. The music festival has featured over 120 bands including Calexico, MC Lars, Fishbone, Doo Rag, Friends of Dean Martinez, John Doe, The Supersuckers, Kirsten Hersh, Giant Sand and more! Last year’s musical highlights included smash performances by Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, The Sibleys, Gram Rabbit, Tom Walbank, Marianne Dissard, ytcracker, and The Gold Brothers.


For more on the festival, please visit: http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards Scholarship

Broadcast Film Critics Association awards scholarship to University of Arizona Media Arts Student.

The Broadcast Film Critics Association has established a scholarship to promote the art and practice of broadcast film criticism. The BFCA is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing 199 television, radio and online critics and was founded in 1995. They present the Critics’ Choice award annually to honor the finest in cinematic achievement.

University of Arizona Media Arts Student Shawn Florchak is the first recipient of the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association scholarship and has been awarded $3,000.

Jim Ferguson is an alumnus of the University of Arizona with a Masters degree in Education. Ferguson is currently a film critic for KGUN and is one of five board members of the national and prestigious Broadcast Film Critics Association, consisting of over 250 members.

Ferguson will serve as a mentor and arrange for Florchak to attend advanced screenings with press and film critics, a week and half before films are released to the general public.

“Due to my Media Arts training, I have a keen eye for what I am watching.” Florchak said. “Writing about film is a natural step.”

Florchak will be reviewing movies to air on the University of Arizonas’ Channel (Cox Channel 16 and Comcast Channel 76) and KAMP Student Radio (1570 AM).

“This is a little known scholarship opportunity,” said Florchak. “I would encourage students to apply in the springtime.”

The Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship application will be listed on the University of Arizona School of Media Arts website in time for fall 2010 deadlines:

http://web.cfa.arizona.edu/mediaarts/

Lesbian Looks Film Series

LESBIAN LOOKS LAUNCHES 17TH ANNUAL FILM SERIES FRI OCT 9



Straightlaced: How Gender’s got us all Tied Up (Debra Chasnoff, 2009)
Pariah (Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper, 2007)
Gallagher Theater, UA Student Union
7:30pm
FREE

Lesbian Looks opens its 17th season with the Arizona premiere of STRAIGHTLACED: HOW GENDER’S GOT US ALL TIED UP, by Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff.

From girls confronting popular messages about culture and body image to boys who are sexually active just to prove they aren't gay, the students in STRAIGHTLACED illustrate the toll that deeply held stereotypes and rigid gender policing have on all of our lives.

" A rare gem that provides a forum for young people to speak eloquently about the courage it takes to break out of the box, live authentic lives, and stand up for justice."
—Bruce Cohen, Oscar-winning Producer of MILK

"As in Chasnoff's previous recent works, the film is remarkable for the candor with which its subjects speak - in this case, teens discussing their frustrations with gender roles and stereotypes."
—The San Francisco Chronicle

“ It lifts kids up to make them realize that it's okay to be who you want to be."
—Carlos Garcia, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District

" ...a work of huge importance, that is both challenging and accessible."
—London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Also screening: PARIAH, a beautifully shot, award-winning coming-of-age drama about a lesbian teenager unsuccessfully juggling multiple identities to avoid rejection from her friends and family.

"Rees' jaw-droppingly good PARIAH continues to reel in awards. Rees shows stellar talent in both writing and directing with her story of a Bronx high school girl uncertainly trying to explore multiple identities."
—Charlie Olsky, Indiewire

Lesbian Looks is presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, and co-sponsored by the School of Media Arts, the Hanson Film Institute, the McLelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, the School of Anthropology, the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies, the Department of English, the Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, and Men Against Violence

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

New Issue of Canted is Up!

A group of our brilliant students have created and maintained "Canted Magazine" online for about a year now.

Check out their newest issue!

2nd Annual School of Media Arts Cocktail Reception

Thursday, Sep 24th, the College of Fine Arts and School of Media Arts will host a reception in Los Angeles for UA Alumni in the Entertainment Industry. The event, hosted by UA Media Arts Alumni/William Morris Endeavor agents Michael Cooper, Brad Slater and Troy Zien, is co-sponsored by the Hanson Film Institute, the Tucson Film Office, and the UA Alumni Association.

Email Enedina for more information and to be added to our invitation list.

Join our Facebook Group to find out more!

Spring MAR Online Newsletter!

Chelsea Coles visits Kathy Rivers at KXCI

Chelsea Coles visited KXCI on Tuesday afternoon to speak with Cathy Rivers about I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN.

I'll update soon w/ an audio clip.

Austin Counts covers IDIWS for Tucson Weekly's City Week

Films by Students!
by Austin Counts

If you were unable to make it to the Sundance Film Festival in January and won't be flying out to France for Cannes this week, don't worry. The UA's School of Media Arts has got you covered.

Student-film showcase I Dream in Widescreen is back with its latest installment of film shorts, music videos and commercials that were written, produced and directed by some of the brightest minds in the Media Arts bachelor's degree program.

"This is a great opportunity for film students to showcase their work for their friends and family," says Meg Askey, of the UA School of Media Arts. "There are very few film schools in the country that do this, and we're proud to be one of them."
read more online >>