TYaS release dates

http://www.fansshare.com/news/twelve-years-slave-starring-brad-pitt-michael-fassbender-gets-release-date/


Published: March 30th, 2013 @ 12:56 AM
By: Merline Erda
20 hours Ago
Twelve Years A Slave starring Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender gets release date

Twelve Years A Slave was expected to be released this year
The movie stars Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt
The official release date for the movie has been confirmed

It seems that there are a few trends going on with Hollywood movies at the moment. There are a number of movies that are being made based on novels, while there is also a few films based on slavery. Now, there is a movie due to be released, which is based on them both.
Brad Pitt is in the movie

The movie Twelve Years a Slave is set to be released later this year and stars Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender. While we are eagerly anticipating the release of Twelve Years a Slave, we still have quite a while to wait, as the movie has now been given an official release date. Twelve Years a Slave will be released on December 27.

Since the previous two movies based on slavery (Lincoln and Django Unchained) both went on to receive Oscar nominations, there is a lot of expectations resting on Twelve Years a Slave. The only other movie currently due to be released on December 27 is Grace of Monaco starring Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly.
Michael Fassbender is also in the film
Michael Fassbender is also in the film

As well as starring Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender, Twelve Years a Slave also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Dano, Scoot McNairy, Quvenzhane Wallis, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson, Garrett Dillahunt, Alfre Woodard, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Twelve Years a Slave is written and directed by Steve McQueen, based on the novel by Solomon Northup and now we know that it will be released on December 27.

http://www.altfg.com/blog/movie/twelve-years-a-slave-release-date/

Release Date for TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE
By Anna Robinson

Twelve Years a Slave will be released in North America on December 27, 2013, domestic distributor Fox Searchlight Pictures has announced. Directed by Steve McQueen, who also co-wrote the film’s screenplay with John Ridley (whose Jimi Hendrix biopic All Is by My Side should come out later this year), Twelve Years a Slave features an extensive cast: McQueen collaborator Michael Fassbender (Hunger, Shame), Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, Garret Dillahunt, Sarah Paulson, Scoot McNairy, Ruth Negga, Dwight Henry, Michael Kenneth Williams, Kelsey Scott, 2013 Best Actress Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild), and veteran Alfre Woodard (Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee for Cross Creek back in early 1984).

Based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave recounts the fate of New York-born free man Northup, who was abducted in Washington, D.C., in 1841, to be sold into slavery at a plantation in the Deep South where he labored for twelve years. Twelve Years a Slave reportedly had a $20m budget — which should make it eligible for both the 2013 Gotham Awards and the 2013 Spirit Awards.

Although the slavery theme makes Twelve Years a Slave sound similar to last year’s Django Unchained, the similarities should end there. Not only the plots of both films are quite different, but Steve McQueen is a filmmaker with a radically different sensibility than Quentin Tarantino’s.

Django Unchained earned Tarantino this year’s Best Original Screenplay Academy Award, in addition to the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Christoph Waltz. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx co-star in Tarantino’s film.

Of note, an American Playhouse TV drama directed by Gordon Parks, Solomon Northup’s Odyssey was aired in 1984. Avery Brooks (Spenser: For Hire, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) played Solomon Northup, while the supporting cast included John Saxon, Joe Seneca, Michael Tolan, Lee Bryant, Petronia Paley, and Rhetta Greene.
Twelve Years a Slave joins Oscar 2013 race

Twelve Years a Slave will open alongside The Weinstein Company’s Grace of Monaco, featuring another real-life figure, Grace Kelly (The Country Girl, To Catch a Thief). Directed by Olivier Dahan, whose La Vie en Rose earned Marion Cotillard the Best Actress Academy Award six years ago, Grace of Monaco stars Nicole Kidman as Kelly aka Princess of Monaco.

Also crammed into the last days in December are Carl Rinsch’s 47 Ronin, a revamped version of the 1940s’ Japanese samurai classic, starring Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki, and Tadanobu Asano; Kenneth Branagh’s thriller Jack Ryan, starring Star Trek‘s Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, and Keira Knightley, and not to be confused with Tom Cruise’s late December 2012 thriller Jack Reacher; and another remake, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring Ben Stiller (who also directed) in the old Danny Kaye role, and supported by Kristen Wiig (apparently in the old Virginia Mayo role), Adam Scott, and Patton Oswalt (probably not in the old Fay Bainter role).

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Steve-McQueen-Twelve-Years-Slave-Sets-December-Release-Date-36651.html

Steve McQueen's Twelve Years A Slave Sets December Release Date
Author: Katey Rich | published: 2013-03-28 14:22:27

When Michael Fassbender first got international attention as an actor, it was for his gripping lead turn in the Steve McQueen-directed drama Hunger. When Michael Fassbender's private parts got even more international attention, it was for his lead turn in the Steve McQueen-directed drama Shame. And now even though Fassbender is off starring int he likes of Prometheus and X-Men: Days of Future Past, Fassbender is staying loyal to the director who gave him his big break-- and finally we know when the next collaboration between them will be revealed.

Though don't get too excited about Fassbender's performace-- for the first time McQueen is directing a film without Fassbender in the lead, hiring Chiwetel Ejiofor to lead the historical drama Twelve Years A Slave. Based on the true story of Solomon Northrup, a free black man sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War South, Twelve Years A Slave is coming to theaters on December 27, according to a tweet from distributor Fox Searchlight. Ejiofor is playing Northrup, and McQueen has brought in a serious cast to back him up-- Brad Pitt is on board to act as well as produce, rising stars Paul Dano, Adepero Oduye and Scoot McNairy have roles, and even little Quvenzhane Wallis, fresh off her Best Actress nomination, has a role. Fassbender is back with McQueen, of course, and if your heart can handle it, Benedict Cumberbatch has found his way on board as well.

Of course, with a cast that big, we have no idea how everyone fits into the narrative, but that will be just one of the many surprises awaiting us when Twelve Years A Slave arrives in December-- in the thick of awards season, of course. The awards prospects for Shame didn't pan out quite the way most people expected, with Fassbender missing out on a richly deserved Best Actor nomination, but it's good to see Searchlight putting so much faith in Slave, and to see a director McQueen stepping up with a project so ambitious for just his third go-round.

http://www.saratogawire.com/article/1263/130623-solomon-northrup-on-big-screen/

Then and Now, Special Edition: A Major Movie Preview Comes to Saratoga
Solomon Northup comes to the big screen in Saratoga this summer
POSTED BY
Thomas Dimopoulos

June 23 2013

Brad Pitt will make a special appearance on the silver screen in Saratoga Springs this summer when a sneak preview of the film, "12 Years a Slave" is presented on Solomon Northup Day. The movie is based on Northup's book of the same name and is slated for release in December.

Northup lived in Saratoga and worked seasonal jobs playing his violin at area hotels in the early 1840s. While slavery had been abolished in New York in 1828, many other states did not follow suit until two decades later, resulting in a risk for free men like Northup being coerced or kidnapped by slave traders and sent south.

While walking near Congress Park one day in 1841, Northup met two men who offered him a job playing his fiddle in New York City. The promise of a job was a ruse to bring Northup to the southern states, where he was sold into slavery. Northup's autobiography, which covers his time as a slave from 1841-1853, was also the basis for "Solomon Northup's Odyssey," a TV movie which aired on PBS in 1984.

The city's 15th annual Solomon Northup Day will be held July 20, from noon to 4pm, at Filene Hall on the campus of Skidmore College. More than 40 of Northup's descendants, as well as those of his wife, Ann Hampton Northup, are expected to attend the event, said Solomon Northup Day founder Renee Moore. Historical experts of the era will also speak at the event, which is free and open to the public.

The movie was filmed in Louisiana in 2012 and features Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, and Paul Giamatti. Northup is portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
- See more at: http://www.saratogawire.com/article/1263/130623-solomon-northrup-on-big-screen/#sthash.8rX2grCc.dpuf

http://www.flicksandbits.com/2013/08/30/steve-mcqueens-12-years-a-slave-to-get-us-premiere-at-the-ny-film-festival-starring-chiwetel-ejiofor-michael-fassbender/55756/

Steve McQueen’s ‘12 Years A Slave’ To Get US Premiere At The NY Film Festival – Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor & Michael Fassbender

12 years a slave steve mcqueen Steve McQueen’s ‘12 Years A Slave’ To Get US Premiere At The NY Film Festival – Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor & Michael Fassbender

Fox Searchlight is bringing Steve McQueen’s (Hunger, Shame) ’12 Years A Slave’ to the New York Film Festival where it will have its US premiere on October 8th. The period drama and Oscar hopeful world premieres at Toronto as a special presentation on September 6th. The NY Fest just made the announcement, right after we found out officially that the pic had landed one of the “sneak peek” slots at the Telluride Filum Festival – that screening happens tonight.

Recently moved up from its initial December 27th US release to October 18th following exuberant test screenings, the historical drama, featuring a script by Steve McQueen and John Ridley, stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ruth Negga, Adepero Oduye, Paul Giamatti, Garret Dillahunt, Sarah Paulson, Scoot McNairy, Dwight Henry, Quvenzhané Wallis, Lupita Nyong’o, Alfre Woodard and Michael Kenneth Williams. ’12 Years A Slave’ opens on January 24th in the UK.

Based on the 1853 autobiography of Solomon Northrup, ‘12 Years a Slave’ tells of Northrup’s tragic kidnapping in Washington DC in 1841 where, despite being born a free man, he was forced into slavery at a Louisiana cotton plantation. The official synopsis for ‘Twelve Years A Slave’ can be read below the trailer. Hans Zimmer is providing the score for the film.

12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.

http://sonicshocks.tumblr.com/post/58255028071/film4-titles-and-channel-4-drama-selected-for-toronto


FILM4 titles and Channel 4 drama selected for Toronto International Film Festival

Nine Film4 films and a Channel 4 drama have been selected for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The prestigious festival will see the World Premieres of Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, Roger Michell’s Le Week-End, Richard Ayoade’s The Double, Kevin Macdonald’s How I Live Now and David Mackenzie’s Starred Up, and the North American premieres of Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin (following its forthcoming World Premiere at Venice Film Festival) and Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant.

Southcliffe, Sean Durkin’s critically acclaimed drama commissioned by and currently showing on Channel 4, will receive its international premiere, while Mark Cousins’ A Story of Children and Film and Ben Wheatley’s A Field in England will screen in the Docs and Wavelengths strands respectively.

Tessa Ross, Channel 4 Controller of Film and Drama, said: “We’re incredibly proud of all the filmmakers who’ve been selected for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. It’s always exciting to launch films to audiences for the first time, and never more so when you have a range of work such as this, showcasing bold, distinctive, original storytelling at its very best.”

Toronto International Film Festival takes place between 5th-15th September.

http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2013/08/nola-shot_12_years_a_slave_nam.html#incart_m-rpt-2

NOLA-shot '12 Years a Slave' named opening-night selection of 2013 New Orleans Film Festival
1 / 6
Sarah Paulson left, and Lupita Nyong'o star in director Steve McQueen's New Orleans-shot adaptation of 'Twelve Years a Slave.' (Francois Duhamel / Fox Searchlight)
Mike Scott, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

on August 12, 2013 at 4:31 PM, updated August 12, 2013 at 8:49 PM


The 2013 New Orleans Film Festival will boast a decidedly local feel when it kicks off its 24th edition on Oct. 10. Director Steve McQueen's locally shot adaptation of "12 Years a Slave" -- starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt -- was named the festival's opening-night selection in an announcement this afternoon (Aug. 12).

McQueen's film, which will be screening more than a week before its limited theatrical release, will be the centerpiece of a red-carpet, opening-night event to be held at the newly renovated Civic Theater on O'Keefe Avenue. McQueen is expected to be among those in attendance.

The announcement was made this afternoon (Aug. 12) by the New Orleans Film Society, which organizes the annual eight-day celebration of film. At the same time, it was announced that director Lily Keber's music documentary "Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker" -- about the legendary local piano player / eccentric -- will be the film's closing-night selection.

Film Society Executive Director Jolene Pinder expressed special satisfaction that the films filling both prestigious slots have local roots, in addition to creating early buzz.

"Both of the films were produced in New Orleans and represent the burgeoning film scene in the city," Pinder was quoted as saying in a news release. "We are honored that the New Orleans Film Festival will be the premiere for both films. With these two films bookending the festival, we can showcase both larger productions now calling Louisiana home while also celebrating our indigenous filmmakers."

The rest of the festival's 2013 lineup has yet to be announced.

McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" -- which was produced by Brad Pitt -- is based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free man of color who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. He remained enslaved on a Louisiana plantation for 12 years. The film is being distributed by Fox Searchlight and is seen as a potential award-season contender.

"Bayou Maharajah" saw its world premiere earlier this year at the South by Southwest Film Festival but has yet to get a major public exhibition in the city in which Booker made his name.

"I am so honored for 'Bayou Maharajah' to be chosen as the closing-night film," Keber said in a statement. "Though I've shown the film in New York and L.A., this is really the screening I've been looking forward to the most. I feel like this will be James Booker's homecoming event, so what better venue than the lovely Civic Theater."

The 2013 New Orleans Film Festival will run from Oct. 10 to 17 at venues around the city. All-access passes -- which cost $150 (or $125 for film society members) -- will go on sale Thursday (Aug. 15) at the New Orleans Film Society website. General admission for all other festival screenings will go on sale Sept. 30 for film society members and Oct. 7 for nonmembers.

http://theartsyfilmblog.com/2013/08/31/indiewire-news-12-years-a-slave-adds-new-york-to-fall-festival-run/

Indiewire News: ’12 Years A Slave’ Adds New York To Fall Festival Run

Hitting Telluride this weekend to present “12 Years A Slave” (where it’s pretty much guaranteed to sneak preview, apparently today) and then heading to TIFF next week to unspool the movie on Canadian soil, the director will then head to New York City for the New York Film Festival.

The movie will be making its official U.S. premiere at the fest with McQueen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Paul Dano and Alfre Woodard all appearing to present the film. Penned by John Ridley and shot by McQueen collaborator Sean Bobbitt, the film tells the true story of free man Solomon Northup (Ejiofor), who was abducted in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and delivered to slave trader James Burch (Paul Giamatti), bought by gentleman farmer William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and finally sold to cruel and mentally unbalanced cotton grower Edwin Epps (Fassbender), a figure of both horror and pathos who comes to embody the true savagery—and insanity—of slavery.

“12 Years A Slave” opens on October 18th.

http://www.irishpost.co.uk/entertainment/farrell-fassbender-for-london-film-festival

Farrell and Fassbender’s latest to screen at London Film Festival
By Irish Post on September 4, 2013

Colin Farrell stars in Disney’s ‘Saving Mr. Banks’

COLIN Farrell and Michael Fassbender are among the Irish stars who will premiere new films at this year’s BFI London Film Festival.

Belfast-set drama Philomena, director Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave, Saving Mr. Banks and the Coen Brothers’ LLyewn Davis are just a number of the film highlights announced at today’s programme launch.

McQueen’s third movie with Michael Fassbender will particularly entice movie-goers as it receives its European Premiere at the October 9-20 festival.

The film also co-stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt and is set in pre-Civil War United States where Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

The American Express Gala of Stephen Frears’ Philomena sees Steve Coogan and Judi Dench portray the true story of a young Irish mother who was encouraged by nuns to give her infant son for adoption in America.

Two-time IFTA winner Ruth McCabe also features as a fictitious Catholic nun called Mother Barbara.
London Film Festival, Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender, left, in a scene from 12 Years A Slave

On either side of this film adaptation of the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, are two Tom Hanks’ films.

Captain Phillips opens the festival with Hanks in lead – a thriller based on the true story of the hijacking by Somali pirates of the U.S container ship Maersk Alabama.

On the closing end is Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks – it follows the untold story of how Mary Poppins was brought to the big screen – and stars Hanks as Walt Disney alongside Colin Farrell.

Other highlights include Joel and Ethan Coen’s LLewyn Davis – a folk film set in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s – starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake.

The guest list for the festival’s Gala screenings boasts a variety of film talent, including: Tom Hanks, Stephen Frears, Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Steve McQueen, Joel and Ethan Coen, Carey Mulligan, Sandra Bullock and Ralph Feinnes.

The 57th BFI London Film Festival will run from 9-20 October 2013.

http://hamptonsfilmfest.org/features/opening-sunday-centerpiece-and-monday-closing-night-films-announced-for-hiff-2013/


Opening, Sunday Centerpiece, and Monday Closing Night Films Announced for HIFF 2013
September 10, 2013 by Kristin McCracken 1 Comment

With one month until opening night, the Hamptons International Film Festival is proud to announce three key selections for the 21st edition (October 10-14). HIFF 2013 will open on Thursday, October 10, with John Krokidas’s feature debut, Kill Your Darlings, followed by Alexander Payne’s Nebraska as the Sunday Centerpiece film on October 13, with Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave closing the festival on Monday, October 14. All three screenings will take place at Guild Hall of East Hampton.

“We are thrilled to welcome such gifted filmmaking artists and their equally incredible films as part of our 21st edition,” said HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson. “This will be a banner year in film, and we are privileged to share with our loyal audiences out East.”

Artistic Director David Nugent adds, “Each of these three films presents an insightful look at America, both contemporaneously and historically, as well as urban and rural. These artists have each made unique films that we are so proud to share with our audiences in the Hamptons.”

Kill Your Darlings

Opening Night: October 10, 2013
Dir. John Krokidas
(Expected in attendance: John Krokidas, Dane DeHaan)
Based on true events, director and co-writer John Krokidas recounts the pivotal year that changed Allen Ginsberg’s life forever, providing the spark for him to ignite his creative revolution. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall, Elizabeth Olsen, Ben Foster, and Jack Huston.
Sony Pictures Classics will release Kill Your Darlings on October 16, 2013.

Nebraska
Nebraska

Sunday Centerpiece Film: October 13, 2013
Dir. Alexander Payne
Bruce Dern and Will Forte star in the latest film from Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants). After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America.
Paramount Vantage will release Nebraska on November 22, 2013.

12-YEARS-A-SLAVE
12 Years A Slave

Closing Night Film: Monday, October 14, 2013
Dir. Steve McQueen
After directing Hunger and Shame, Steve McQueen’s latest film is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist, played by Brad Pitt, forever alters his life.
FOX Searchlight Pictures will release 12 Years A Slave on October 18, 2013.

The 21st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival takes place October 10–14. Passes and packages are on sale now. Follow HIFF on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Filed Under: Home Page Feature

http://oneroomwithaview.com/2013/09/16/7-films-you-should-see-at-the-2013-bfi-london-film-festival/


7 Films You Should See At The 2013 BFI London Film Festival
September 16, 2013 · by davidjhbrake · in Features. ·

With the opening of the 57th BFI London Film Festival fast approaching, we take a quick look at the films we’ll definitely be covering this year.

12-years-a-slave

12 Yrs

Dir: Steve McQueen

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano & Benedict Cumberbatch

Writer: John Ridley

This is the one. This is the bandwagon to jump on. The front runner. The people’s champion. 12 Years A Slave looks a dead cert for this year’s Oscar nominations and, most likely, awards.

Shockingly, it’s one of the few films in American cinema that actually looks into the slave trade as its lead subject. More than this, early buzz suggests it’s not merely a saccharine push for awards. Steve McQueen and co are here to reveal the horrors of slavery.

12 Years A Slave is based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, who was abducted and sold into slavery.

Following its standing ovation premiere at Toronto, it seems Ejiofor has a Best Actor nomination in the bag, with Fassbender’s turn as a violent and racist preacher heading to a field of Best Supporting Actor nods too.

This film boasts one of the best casts in modern years too with supporting players including the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Michael K Williams, and Brad Pitt.

Although McQueen’s work is often hard to digest, this project is undeniably exciting and definitely one to watch.

PhilomenaPhilomena words

Dir: Stephen Frears

Cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan and Michelle Fairley

Writers: Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope

Usually when comedic actors turn serious, they can end up with egg on their face. Audiences are unprepared for the sudden shift in persona and never truly take the comedian’s ‘acting’ project seriously. However after Steve Coogan’s success as bringing Alan Partridge to the big screen earlier this year, he’s set to release a potential jewel of a film in the form of Philomena.

Co-written by Coogan and adapted from the true story of Martin Sixsmith’s “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee”, the film sees world-weary political journalist Martin Sixsmith pick up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

Despite the potentially over-emotional story line, Philomena could be a real hit in this country and hopefully in the US. In the vain of the recent trend of British acting greats reflecting on their lives (see: Quartet and The Last Exotic Marigold Hotel), the film will play well with older audiences. More than this with Judi Dench taking the lead as Philomena, the film’s spine is strong. Coogan himself admitted he had to “raise his game” in the presence of the acting legend.

Therefore, this is one sweet little number that could give its viewers quite a loving glow.

All is Lost picAll Is Lost wordsDir: J. C. Chandor

Cast: Robert Redford

Writer: J. C. Chandor

Following his phenomenal debut Margin Call, J. C. Chandor’s follow-up is an equally ambitious and impressive project – All is Lost.

The plot sees an unnamed man (Robert Redford) wakes to find his yacht having collided with a shipping container, and must stare death in the face as he attempts to stay afloat and alive.

Never fear though, it’s not simply Life of Pi without a tiger. Chandor knows how to write/direct a phenomenal film and Redford looks set to give us a tour de force performance as he holds the stage alone. There’s even rumours of Oscar nods for the Sundance Kid – it’s a long shot but if he’s as good as everyone’s saying in Venice, you never know…

All is Lost looks set to deliver a simple and compelling idea with aplomb and could be a dark horse for awards season.

Don JonDon Jon wordsDir: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore

Writer: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of those talented guys who the world envies. He can sing. He can act. He can dance. He can draw. He looks like James Dean’s lost cousin. With Don Jon, he’s set to utilise three skill sets to deliver the alternative take on the rom-com with Don Jon.

The film sees Don Jon (JGL), a New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love, Barbara (Scarlett Johansson).

The trailer is pumped full of energy and looks like it will be a big hit with younger audiences. JGL is always a charming lead and as seen in 50/50, he can deliver the softer notes in his performances.

Although it wants to poke fun at the rom-com genre, the plot seems set to follow the traditional rom-com format. Nevertheless, it’s definitely one-to-watch and it’ll be great to see how JGL handles his first full length feature.

Armstrong LieThe Armstrong Lie WordsDir: Alex Gibney

Alex Gibney makes more documentaries than I’ve had hot meals. That being said, his documentaries are much better than my hot meals.

Gibney won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary at last year’s LFF for the gut punching Mea Maxima Culpa. This year, he returns with an insight into the Lance Armstrong scandal as he trained for his 8th Tour de France. Considering how much is still unseen/unknown and the level of deceit perpetuated by our lead antagonist, Gibney will hopefully shed some light onto cycling’s darkest hour.

As already mentioned, Gibney and his production company, Jigsaw Productions, produces almost 2 documentaries a year. With this comes the inevitable hit and miss ratio. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room & the Oscar-winning Taxi to the Dark Side are definite hits whereas Magic Trip and Gonzo! left a lot to be desired.

Nevertheless, The Armstrong Lie should provide a glimmer of insight into the tangled web of lies Armstrong has spun over the last two decades and this new documentary will be interesting to see what it answers, and what still needs to be answered over the coming years.

Spectacular NowThe Spectacular NowDir: James Ponsoldt

Cast: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley and Kyle Chandler

Writers: Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber

Ever since The Spectacular Now got a standing ovation at this year’s Sundance festival, it’s been on my radar. It’s another adaptation of a teen bestseller book for sure but it looks set to be another film to join the special cannon of next gen John Hughes films.

When I say this, it does not include Hughes blinding optimism, that’s the Easy A’s accomplishment; The Spectacular Now follows Hughes in its understanding of today’s youth. The energy, the undying sense of hope, living in the now. Although it has darker nuances, The Spectacular Now – like The Way, Way Back looks set to make a film about young people using young people and understanding them.

The story sees hard partying, social king, high-school senior Sutter (Miles Teller) see his world turned upside down by the “nice girl” Aimee (Shailene Woodley).

Teller and, in particular, Woodley actually look like they could be 16 and this alone makes it one to watch. Word on the street (as it were) says they’re both phenomenal and that this film is a real triumph.

Seeing it at the festival is not a necessity as it’ll be on general release just 5 days after it’s shown at the Festival, but the film itself is a must-see.

Captain PhillipsCaptain Phillips words

Dir: Paul Greengrass

Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener and Barkhad Abdi

Writer: Billy Ray

Ignoring Green Zone, Paul Greengrass is a top notch director, who consistently delivers thrilling and heart-wrenching adventures whether through the hands of Jason Bourne or via the bravery of the passengers of United 93. Captain Phillips looks to continue this trend as it blends the elements of these films to tell the true story of Richard Phillips.

The film follows Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) who was taken hostage by Somali Pirates during the Maersk Alabama hijacking in 2009. Set on an incontrovertible collision course off the coast of Somalia, Phillips and Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse, the youth who led the pirates, will find themselves paying the human toll for economic forces outside of their control.

Despite the title sounding similar to Sky1 comedy, this film could be a real barnstormer. With Tom Hanks having recharged his acting batteries through a stint on Broadway, he looks set to produce a engrossing turn as the captured captain.

Hanks himself is set to attend the festival as Captain Phillips opens the festival and with Saving Mr Banks – the true story of how Mary Poppins reached the big screen – closing it. In all honesty, this is a true coup for the LFF and is a great way to open this year’s festival.

GravityGravity words

Dir: Alfonso Cuaron

Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris

Writers: Alfonso Cuaron and Jonas Cuaron

Last but by no means least, we have Gravity. This is the one you should queue around the block for. This is the one that all the sci-fi fans have been waiting for since the genre became cool again 18 months ago. Gravity is going to be one helluva ride.

Gravity sees Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) work together in the emptiness of space as they try to survive after an accident leaves them adrift…

The plot alone sounds unbelievably terrifying and engaging. It’s a personal nightmare to be left drifting in space with no gravity to keep your ass on the ground. The trailers have only supported this nightmare further highlighting the true horror of being left adrift in space with no-one there to save you for a nail biting 90 minutes.

Gravity has been held back on numerous occassions yet finally Warner Bros have played their hand in the hope of Oscar glory. It’s a long shot but many critics in Toronto & Telluride – where it’s already dazzled – suggest it could go all the way with noms for both leads and cinematography seemingly nailed on.

Gravity is the one you should absolutely book.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=524358250974132&set=pb.108210532588908.-2207520000.1380397208.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F1040755_524358250974132_329993892_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc3%2F1240134_524358250974132_329993892_n.jpg&size=1400%2C933

Amsterdam Film Week

"We are very happy and excited to announce that 12 Years A Slave (Steve McQueen) will open Amsterdam Film Week 2013 on 28 October. Details about the full programme will be announced soon, so keep an eye on our website and Facebook page! Tickets available 2 October @ www.amsterdamfilmweek.com !”

http://lajolla.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/san-diego-film-festival-opens-with-12-years-as-a-slave

San Diego Film Festival Opens with '12 Years as a Slave"

Opening night party will be at Bang Bang in Downtown
Posted by Alexander Nguyen , October 02, 2013 at 07:00 PM

The 12th annual San Diego Film Festival is scheduled to get underway Wednesday with a screening of "12 Years as a Slave," followed by an opening night party.

The five-day event, put on by the nonprofit San Diego Film Foundation, will include more than 100 films from 55 countries.

“12 Years as a Slave” chronicles a pre-Civil War free black man who is kidnapped in New York and sold into slavery. The movie, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Gaslamp Reading Theater, 701 Fifth Ave., stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt.

The opening night party is at 9 p.m. at Bang Bang, 526 Market St.

On Thursday, producer-director Judd Apatow will receive the festival’s Visionary Filmmaker award at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Apatow is known for the comedies “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

The festival, which runs through Sunday, will also feature panels on critics, young actors and the business side of filmmaking.

— City News Service

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/post/3828/where-to-see-12-years-a-slave/

Where to see 12 YEARS A SLAVE
Cameron Cook October 2, 2013

We're just around the corner from releasing 12 YEARS A SLAVE, Steve McQueen's epic drama starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and newcomer Lupita Nyong'O in career-defning roles. Here's a list of where the movie will be opening this October 18--and don't worry if you don't see your city, more will be added in the weeks to come. Make sure to check out the official 12 YEARS A SLAVE Facebook page for even more tidbits from the movie, and learn more about Solomon Northup's journey at 12YearsASlave.com. 12 YEARS A SLAVE opens NATIONWIDE on November 1st, 2013.



OCTOBER 18:

Los Angeles
Cinemark Baldwin Hills
Arclight Hollywood
The Landmark (TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW)

New York
AMC Empire 25
Lincoln Plaza
Regal Union Square

Chicago
AMC River East (TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW)
Landmark Century Centre
Cinemark Evanston 18
Showplace Icon

Washington, D.C.
Regal Gallery Place
Landmark Bethesda Row
Majestic Silver Springs

Atlanta
Regal Atlantic Station (TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW)
AMC Phipps Plaza
Landmark Midtown
AMC Southlake Pavilion

Toronto
Varsity


OCTOBER 25 (Theaters TBD--more cities to be added soon)
Boston
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Detroit
Houston
Philadelphia
Baltimore