The Room a success

Thanks to everyone who made a trek out into the unknown of The Room. We had over 70 people show out which is over double what we had at our first screening. Over 300 spoons were thrown (and picked up by my wife and I) at the screen, five prizes were given away for a trivia contest (A Bill Clinton doll, answering machine, football etc...) and hopefully lots of fans of the experience were made.

If you missed out we will be doing another showing the last Saturday of next month. I'm hoping to show up earlier next time and get a game of "toss the football around" going.

Thanks again for coming.

Arkansas Times Article on the Room Screening

This could be you standing with Tommy Wiseau. Dreamy. (Three belts?)

I couldn't be more pleased with Lindsey Millar's article on The Room. It gives the film context, history, and commentary while remaining surprisingly objective toward a film that usually polarizes its spectators immediately.

Read Millar's write-up here and please come out and support Market Street Cinema as well as the Little Rock Film Festival this Saturday at 9:00pm. The show is only $5 and don't forget to bring your SPOONS.

Edit: Serendipitously the AVCLUB (where I first learned about the Room) actually posted an interview with the elusive Tommy Wiseau! Read after the jump.

Oscar Best Picture Noms expand to 10

There's only one thing I could think of to making the last decade of Oscars even better: More Nominees! Well who knows. But it is interesting that this change could mean a better balance of arthouse and blockbusters as serious contendors. Speculation is that films like The Dark Knight etc... have been underappreciated by the Academy in recent years. The new rule would open up the door for crowd pleasers like UP and who knows maybe even Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Did we not go through this five to ten years ago with Titanic, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings?

Well hopefully everyone who got to host a LRFF sponsored Oscar party last time had fun. It might be tough for us to print the ballots with an extra five slots requiring extra ink and paper.

Cross your fingers for War Eagle's nomination! (any film from this or last year's festival deserves a nom).

For more details check out the rope of silicon article which broke the story.

48 Hour Film Registration open

There's another staple of summer I desperately look forward to: The 48 Hour Film Festival. I've entered the past three years and despite the lack of sleep, stress, and losing a weekend, it is one of the best film experiences you can have. It's just plain fun.

Every year hundreds of people get involved with the local film community. Actors, writers, camera guys, editors, musicians etc... have the chance to get their name and talent on a short film. Not to mention the prize money ($1000) but the Best of the City film screens nation-wide. 

Also please note that the festival is headed by our friend Steve Stone who has worked extremely hard putting the 48 Hour competition together the last few years (as well as the LRFF) without much recognition. So we want to say Thank You Steve for all your hard work!

If you want to sign up you better get a move on. Only a limited amount of teams can participate. Early Bird registration is $135 before July 6th, after it is $155. 

Go here to sign up and for more details: 

http://www.48hourfilm.com/littlerock

Batman. Outside. Free? I'm in

Movies in the Park last week was fantastic and hands down one of the best screenings I've been to. Princess Bride got the attention and laughs it deserves and hopefully opened up a new generation to this cinematic classic.

This Wednesday (June 17th) Batman Begins takes over the Riverfront. I'm so excited I'm considering wearing my Batman mask to the show. We can argue over the best Batman for hours but you have to admit when Christopher Nolan's new sleek, sophisticated and dark Batman first appeared you were secretly squealing in terror and delight. At least Christian Bale's Batman "voice" isn't so bad in this one: "Tell me where she is!" "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

I don't know what the rule is for wearing masks around the park but last year some people dressed up as Jedi's for Empire Strikes Back so I say go for it. See you at sundown.

Eagle Soars for another week but needs your help

War Eagle is being held over for another week in theaters. 

I was lucky to have been snuck into the Friday June 12th Screening of War Eagle at the Rave. I won't tell you who snuck me in but his initials are G.G.... Don't worry I plan on seeing it two or three more times paying full admission!

It had been a while since I've seen the film since its debut at the LRFF last year but I like it even better on the second viewing. There's so many nuances and character humor that you can pick up on. The Rave was packed and it felt like a communal experience watching it with friends and strangers alike, it was almost like sitting home with buddies--everyone was laughing and a large applause broke out at the end credits. 

Our friend Philip Martin moderated a Question and Answer session after the screening with the films producer and mastermind Vincent Insalaco, screenwriter Graham Gordy, actress Paige Reynolds, actors Dan McCabe and Lynsee Provence, and the inspiration for the main characters Vincent Insalaco III and Tim Ballany. 

I have the super low-lit video of the Q and A and will post it as soon as I edit it together but for now just prepare yourself for answers to questions like "How much was the budget?" "Why shoot it in the Ozarks rather than the actual city it took place?" "When does it come out on DVD?" 

Well as Mr. Insalaco said at the Q and A we don't want to even think about DVD release yet. We have to see it in theaters as much as possible and spread the word about this great film.

If you're in Little Rock go see War Eagle at the Rave this weekend on Friday or Saturday at either 7:00 pm or 9:00 pm. Showtimes are subject to change so be sure to call or check with the venue before showing up. 

rave motion pictures

Also if you would like to go to these websites and give the film an A to show your support:

Box Office Mojo Link:   http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wareaglearkansas.htm

 

Yahoo Movies Link:  http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809744105/info

The Room screens again

Hallelujah: The Room, written, directed, and starring Tommy Wiseau will screen again at Market Street Cinema on June 27th at 9:00pm.

If you have talked to me in the past five months you know that I am an obsessed "The Room" devotee. I will not rest until it plays sold out crowds in every city for the rest of my life. My first city of torment is finally happening: Little Rock.

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a film in the theater that I had to seriously try to regain composure for health reasons. During the screening of The Room I had to squeeze the sides of my head from all the blood pressure going to my brain. Like Ricky Gervais touts on his podcast "I'm going to burst." It's like a brain freeze from drinking a Slurpee too fast. I just get caught up in the film's endless humor and absurdity.

I've seen the film about five times now and for some reason I actually look forward to seeing it on a regular basis, like Breaking Bad (only in the same category of addictiveness not quality).

Well if you're totally loss and have no idea what I'm talking about or you want to get "laugh migraines" like me here's some tips and tricks and factoids about the Room that will hopefully get you to see this masterpiece.

Here's the bewildering trailer with the passion of Tennessee Williams?:


A very necessary and funny guide how to participate in The Room:



And finally how The Room has changed lives:



I will post more about this phenomenon as we get closer to the screening but for now mark it off on your Calendar (June 27th, 9:00pm: Market Street Cinema) and depending on how big of a group we get we'll try to do it each month! I feel like I'm sitting on top of an atomic bomb waiting for it to explode.

AETN presents LRFF showcase

The Little Rock Film Fest has teamed up again with our friends at AETN to put together a diverse gamut of short films that range across the globe to right here in Arkansas. The show will air on AETN this Sunday, June 14th at 10:30 pm. So set your TiVo accordingly. Here's the press release:

LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL AND AETN PRESENT

 

FILM⊙GARDEN

A COLLECTION OF INDEPENDENT SHORT FILMS

 

PRESS RELEASE                                                                                    JUNE 11, 2009

 

 After much touted success, and now entering its 4th year of existence, the Little Rock Film Festival, will present a special one-hour, retrospective program, to air on AETN this Sunday, June 14th, 2009 at 10:30 PM.  The program, will give audiences statewide a second chance to view a collection of independent short films that were screened during the five day event held in Little Rock last month.  The line-up will include material from across the country and abroad, including a local film produced by filmmakers Nick Rogers and Graham Gordy of Arkansas.  The four films in this weeks program range from approximately 5 minutes in running time to longer presentations in excess of 20 minutes.

 Miracle Investigators. Led by veteran Father Dominic and his rookie partner Father Justin. The pair judge authenticity of miracles and bust the spiritual criminals who dare disagree in a 70s cop show style.  Written and directed by Jeremy Dehn.

 The Last Page.  Jason Adams is a writer, struggling to find the perfect line to finish his latest story. His chronic case of writer's block prompts his girlfriend to suggest he take a break and get inspired. A simple walk to the liquor store goes awry. He is catapulted into a bizarre series of events. Handcuffed, battered, and left with only one shoe - Jason ponders the relevance of finishing the last page. Director, Kevin Acevedo.

 The Littlest Greyhound.  A story about acceptance and belonging. Ewen, a Scottish Terrier living with two Greyhounds, wishes he were more like his taller, faster companions. He gradually comes to the realization that their differences are not all that meaningful, and they are, after all, his pack.  Director, Kelsey Montauge.

 Home Field Advantage. Semi-lovable loser Brian is an ambitionless country boy still living off his teenage glory days. When he learns that his sassy high school sweetheart Cassie is returning from the Big City to marry her baseball pitcher boyfriend, he crashes the reception with a drunken challenge. In this touching sports comedy, manhood and self-respect are decided by three blazing fastballs. Director, Graham Gordy.

 Founders of the festival remain enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing to cultivate film production in Arkansas and underscore the importance of the short film medium as legitimate content in its own right, in addition to being, a stepping stone for production of feature films.  "It should be remembered that the Academy Awards (AMPAS) annually bestow the "Oscar" on deserving filmmakers within this category. " says Jamie Moses, co-founder of the Little Rock Film Festival. "Each short  in Sunday's program includes material that we hope will bring entertainment value and illuminate the craft of storytelling in this form." 

 For more information can be found at  www.LittleRockFilmFestival.org & www.AETN.org. 

 

War Eagle this Friday

Let me reiterate, it is very important that we get everyone we know to go out and see War Eagle. It's in limited release right now and whether it gets a wider release or not depends on how well it does in select cities. Sadly film distribution and exhibition is a numbers game and no matter how much awards or critical praise the film gets, only box office receipts will determine its destiny. 

With the recent Film Incentives Bill passing it is crucial that every film from Arkansas get ample publicity and success. The success of films like War Eagle and Slumberland (2009 Made in Arkansas Winner) will be a catalyst for the film industry in Arkansas. If War Eagle becomes a success then other distributors and production companies would be more likely to set up shop here or invest in local films. 

So again I urge everyone to get everyone they know and go see War Eagle this Friday and see it multiple times if possible. The economy is bad, but movies provide a great escape and War Eagle is a wonderful film and great story to escape into. 

Central Arkansas Theaters- Tickets On Sale Now!

LITTLE ROCK

• Rave Motion Pictures
• 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza Drive
  Little Rock, AR 72210
  (501) 687-0499
• www.ravemotionpictures.com
• SPECIAL SCREENING:  Friday June 12th, 7:00pm- Cast and Crew Present
  

HOT SPRINGS

• Carmike Central City 10
• 909 HIGDON FERRY ROAD
  Hot Springs , AR 71901
  Phone: (501) 624-7823
• www.carmike.com
  

CONWAY 

• Carmike Cinema 6 (Faulkner)
• 3 FAULKNER PLAZA
  Conway , AR 72032
  Phone: (501) 329-2755
• www.carmike.com
  

More Information: 
 
The trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xxDhfutAU

Press release: 
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=85745&catid=2

Sunday films at the Clinton School

Our friends and partners at Clinton School of Public Service and Movies in the Park are teaming up to bring us two great social and political documentaries, The U.S. vs. John Lennon and We Believe: Chicago and its Cubs. 

As an obsessive Beatles/John Lennon fan I can tell you that the doc is worth watching (there's a lot of bad films about Lennon out there). U.S. is a look back at Lennon's  journey from rocker to activist as told by the talking heads of journalists and politicians who saw it up close. 

Believe is the story of the Chicago Cubs and its relationship to the city of Chicago. Besides great anecdotes from the locals and uber-fans of the team the film features many celebrities such as Hugh Hefner, Bonnie Hunt, Billy Corgan who chime in on their charming and undying support of the team. 

John Scheinfeld, award-winning writer and producer, who directed the film, will be in attendance for the screening and available to discuss the film. The U.S. vs. John Lennon plays at Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 p.m. and We Believe: Chicago and its Cubs will play the same day at 5:00 p.m.

Kassim hits theaters this Friday

Shame on you if you did not see the touching documentary Kassim the Dream. If you're in New York no worries because it opens June 5th-11th at the IFC Center on 6th Ave. Director Kief Davidson and Kassim Ouma will be on-hand after the screenings on June 5th and 6th to do a Q & A. You can get your tickets for the event at www.ifccenter.com or at the box office.

We're always proud of the films in our program that get theatrical releases and distribution deals so it's very important that we support these films in the box office or on DVD.

For more information: www.kassimthedream.com

2009 Movies in the park continues

We hope everyone had a good time at the Movies in the Park and LRFF showing of Field of Dreams to closeout the festival and kickoff the 2009 Movies in the Park series. This Summer Little Rockers can now mark off two hours after sunset each Wednesday. The popular Movies in the Park starts off this year with John Hughes' Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Movies in the Park is always full of fun, (usually family friendly*) free entertainment. The lineup is generally full of great summer fare, save some real stinkers (Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps?). Highlights of past park lineups include the amazing JAWS (which should be played every year), Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones, and Karate Kid. Basically they're playing most 20-somethings' childhood favorites out on the screen. Movies in the Park Tips from a 5th year veteran:  Get there Early. Just because you're friends call you to say no one's at the park and sunset isn't for another hour is no reason not to show up early. Parking is always tough on the Riverfront, and Movies in the Park night just adds to that. Also it's difficult to convince someone a patch of grass is taken.  Bring a chair or blanket. Most people sit on the grass and you don't want to get ants or a dirty bum. Some people opt for the amphitheater seating but it's much more fun and communal in the grass. A foldable umbrella chair (because no one uses lawn chairs anymore) with cup-holder  is preferable but a large quilt or blanket is better for big groups or for that "picnic" feel. Snack and Drinks. The park usually has bottles of water, cokes, ice cream, and popcorn but that can get expensive. I'm sure you can bring alcohol so a six-pack or a nice bottle of wine goes great with an outdoor flick. Last year we brought a box of pizza over from Iriana's which was perfect until our friends showed up.   Lastly, keep the talk down. This is more of a polite suggestion than a tip because it seems every time we go there's always a group of chatty Cathys. Nothing's wrong with getting excited about Ellen Page's witty banter or wisecracking at Will Ferrell's yellow hat but save it for the conversation at IHop after the show. 2009 lineup: June 3 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off June 10 - The Princess Bride June 17 - Batman Begins June 24 - Shrek the Third July 1 - When Harry Met Sally July 8 - The Bourne Supremacy July 15 - Curious George July 22 - Juno July 29 - The People's Choice

Died Young, Stayed Pretty gets NPR blurb

We just got a message from the director of Died Young Stayed Pretty, Eileen Yaghoobian, that Peter Rainer, film critic for Christian Science Monitor and NPR contributor says this about her film: 

"raw -- an outlaw movie about outlaw artists"

We applaud Eileen and her film on getting this great write-up! This might not seem like much but in the world of independent film a great blurb or one-sheet quote from a respected critic could make or break a film. Remember how Siskel & Ebert's helped one (or two should I say?) little Arkansan's film, One False Move? 

If this film comes to your town make sure you get some friends together and go see it. Help push the underground above ground, like groundwater tables or something.

See our original post on this film.