August 30, 2016 | POV’s daily list of essential reading for the documentary and independent filmmaking community.
A Documentary Focusing On The Perfection In Japanese Denim
“Like many Black Americans I was introduced to the perfection of Japanese denim by Hip-Hop. After I heard Jay Z say “these ain’t Diesel, these is Evisu” on the Just Blaze produced, Blueprint 2 bonus track Show You How in 2002, I started investigating denim brands. Last week I had the pleasure of watching a documentary about my mild obsession- Weaving Shibusa by filmmakers Devin Leisher, Erik Motta and Mehdi Ahmadi.” – Larry Harris Jr.
Read more | The Huffington Post »
‘This Is Warfare on Our Doorstep’: What Life Is Really Like Inside A London Gang
A new documentary will offer uncompromising access into the workings of some of London’s most brutal and notorious street gangs, using footage shot by the young people who operate within this world. Filmmaker Paul Blake gave cameras to gang members and let them record themselves. What they shot was more shocking, and personal, than he expected.
Read more | The Guardian »
NYFF54 Shorts Programs and New Section: Explorations
There’s even more to discover at this year’s New York Film Festival with the introduction of Explorations, a new section featuring bold selections from the vanguard of contemporary cinema, as well as the always popular Main Slate shorts programs. The new section kicks off with six features, and this year’s festival also showcases 23 shorts in five programs as part of the NYFF Main Slate.
Read more | Film Society of Lincoln Center »
Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ Star and Comedic Icon, Dies at 83
Gene Wilder, who regularly stole the show in such comedic gems as “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stir Crazy,” died Monday at his home in Stamford, Conn. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said he died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.
Read more | Variety »
Huma Abedin Separates From Anthony Weiner, and Provides the Year’s Best Documentary With a Real-Life Sequel
When Weiner premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, it captured a public family coming apart at the seams. Now, with Anthony Weiner’s third sexting scandal and spouse Huma Abedin announcing their separation, that process is complete — and the documentary earns ever greater resonance as it foreshadows a collapse that has now come to fruition.
Read more | IndieWire »
Virtual reality gets starring role at Venice film festival
Venice, first of the big autumn film festivals, is the most glamorous, attracting big stars to Europe’s most beguiling location. But this year, virtual reality technology could steal the limelight from all the talent posing on the Rialto.
Read more | The Guardian »
Upcoming festivals and deadlines
This Week
- 73rd Venice International Film Festival 8/31 – 9/10
- Deadline: IDFA Crossmedia Forum 9/1
- Deadline: Fusion Project Earth Documentary Challenge 9/1
Next Week
- Open Call: Tribeca Film Festival Submissions 9/6
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 9/8-18
- Late Deadline: POV Digital Lab in LA and SF 9/9
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