Tag Archives: sundance

First-ever Sundance London Short Film Competition Winner Announced.

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EXTRANJERO WINS FIRST-EVER SUNDANCE LONDON SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Film by Daniel Lumb and Crinan Campbell from north London to screen at Sundance London

Extranjero, a five-minute film from Daniel Lumb and Crinan Campbell, was announced today as the winner of the Short Film Competition at the first-ever Sundance London film and music festival, 26-29 April at The O2. The film will screen as part of the official Short Film programme at the festival and is available for immediate viewing here.

Extranjero, shot over just two days, gives the viewer a unique and unusual take on immigration as it follows a refugee trying to run from his past as well as the confusion in his own mind. Lumb, 32, from north London, and Campbell, 31, also from north London, met as flat mates six years ago and submitted the short film after friends encouraged them to.

Launched in November 2011, the Short Film Competition, a collaborative effort with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Ravensbourne, invited UK-based filmmakers to enter original pieces between three and five minutes in length around the theme ‘Story of Our Time.’ In addition to Extranjero, finalists for the competition were: Bonsai, by Ben Williams; Two Doors Down, by Scott Ward; The Story of Our Time, by Sam Gould; and This Film Was Shot on Digital, by Ian Waldron Mantgani.

Lumb said: “Extranjero is quite an experimental film. We wanted to comment on people you don’t really know about, and Extranjero was the result. Winning the competition is a dream for both us. As film geeks it’s amazing to be associated with Sundance.”

Trevor Groth, Director of Programming for the Sundance Film Festival, said: “The jury was struck by the high level of craft and ingenuity in the submissions. Filmmakers embraced the theme ‘Story of Our Time’ and created wonderfully diverse and entertaining films. Ultimately the jury selected Extranjero for its commanding cinematic storytelling and arresting visuals that offer an alternate perspective on an imperative global issue.”

Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council added: “We are delighted to support Sundance London, and this competition will help showcase our local filmmakers to the world. The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a wealth of locations that includes everything from industrial warehouses, the largest expanse of parkland in London, historic buildings and a wealth of riverfront locations. The rich diversity of locations makes Royal Greenwich an ideal backdrop to film and have attracted productions as diverse as Children of Men and Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Previously announced events and performances for Sundance London include: a rare intimate concert performance by Placebo; Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird performing Maxinquaye; a performance by Rufus and Martha Wainwright following the world premiere of Lian Lunson’s film about the music of their mother, folk singer Kate McGarrigle; and screenings of 14 feature-length and eight short films from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A.

Sundance London, supported by Presenting Partner Sony Entertainment Network, takes place 26-29 April at The O2. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.sundance-london.com.

SUNDANCE LONDON: FILM PROGRAMME UNVEILED FOR INAUGURAL EVENT

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London can never have enough film festivals, and the film legend that is Robert Redford has brought Sundance to our door. I am so excited.

14 Films Make Their UK Premieres, 26-29 April at The O2

London, 7 March 2012 — Sundance Institute and The O2 announced today the programme of 14 narrative and documentary feature films that will make their UK premieres at the inaugural Sundance London festival, taking place at The O2 from 26-29 April. These films premiered in January at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah – the premier independent film festival in the United States.

“I welcome the opportunity to see how people in the UK experience these films,” said Robert Redford, President and Founder of Sundance Institute. “While they are American productions they speak to universal experiences and global challenges.”

He went on to add, “Sundance London also is the perfect opportunity to continue our long-time commitment to growing a broader international community around new voices and new perspectives.”

John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “Sundance London grew out of our desire to help American independent filmmakers expand their reach, and we are happy that these 14 filmmakers are joining us on this adventure. Their participation has helped us to not only create a programme for Sundance London that reflects the diversity of our film festival in Park City, but also that helps build an enduring legacy of American stories that speak to international audiences.”

Alex Hill, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer of AEG Europe, owners of host venue The O2, adds: “All at The O2 are very excited that the inaugural Sundance London film and music festival is nearly upon us. The 14 films which Sundance Institute is bringing to London reflect the strength, depth and breadth of American independent cinema that showcased earlier in the year at the Sundance Film Festival. They complement an exciting music component with performances from Tricky and Placebo, and our opening night event An Evening With Robert Redford and T Bone Burnett. In what is arguably the world’s most culturally diverse city, The O2 is proud to be hosting such a prestigious festival.”

In addition to film screenings, Sundance London will host live music performances and events each evening, including the previously announced Opening Night event An Evening With Robert Redford And T Bone Burnett, Placebo in concert and Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird performing Maxinquaye. Also on offer to Sundance London audiences will be unique opportunities to attend panels and hear guest speakers talk about the part they play in making films, documentaries and the role of music in modern cinema.

Forthcoming announcements include the festival’s short film programme, special events and additional music performers.

Programme information and ticket packages are available at www.sundance-london.com. Individual tickets will be on sale in early April.

Oscar-Nominated Restrepo To Broadcast On National Geographic

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Oscar-nominated for Best Documentary Feature, Restrepo will have an encore broadcast on National Geographic.

With the Grand Jury Prize Winner for Documentary at Sundance already behind it, the film chronicles the deployment of U.S. Troops stationed at one of the most dangerous outposts in Afghanistan.

Following the announcement by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences,  National Geographic Channel (NGC) will screen the film on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The film will air in its entirety, unedited and with limited commercial interruption.

A. O. Scott from The New York Times said: ‘This one is exceptional. An outstanding new documentary. It’s a fantastic movie. See it!”

SYNOPSIS

Restrepo is a feature-length film by award-winning photojournalist Tim Hetherington and journalist/author Sebastian Junger that chronicles the deployment of U.S. troops in the Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous outposts in Afghanistan. The movie focuses on a remote 15-man outpost, Restrepo, named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. This is an entirely experiential film. The cameras never leave the valley, there are no interviews with generals or diplomats. The only goal is to make viewers feel as if they have just been through a 94-minute deployment. This is war, full stop. The conclusions are up to you.