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It’s that time of year again and we have our eye on some selections from Sundance 2020’s film slate and here’s why.
The 40-Year-Old Version / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Radha Blank, Producers: Lena Waithe, Radha Blank, Inuka Bacote-Capiga, Jennifer Semler, Rishi Rijani) — A down-on-her-luck New York playwright decides to reinvent herself and salvage her artistic voice the only way she knows how: by becoming a rapper at age 40. Cast: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin, Reed Birney, Imani Lewis, T.J. Atoms.
Why do we want to see it? Along with the cheeky title, a film about a female 40-year old rapper trying to make it in the music biz is movie gold. And with Lena Waithe attached to this project, this definitely has piqued our interest.
Charm City Kings / U.S.A. (Director: Angel Manuel Soto, Screenwriters: Sherman Payne, Chris Boyd & Kirk Sullivan, Barry Jenkins, Producers: Caleeb Pinkett, Clarence Hammond, Marc Bienstock) — Mouse desperately wants to join The Midnight Clique, the infamous Baltimore dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax, takes 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon finds himself torn between the straight-and-narrow and a road filled with fast money and violence. Cast: Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Teyonah Parris, Donielle Tremaine Hansley, Kezii Curtis.
Why do we want to see it? The cast is enough to grab our attention and having award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins as a screenwriter means this story will have some substance.
Farewell Amor / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ekwa Msangi, Producers: Huriyyah Muhammad, Sam Bisbee, Josh Penn) — Reunited after a 17-year separation, Walter, an Angolan immigrant, is joined in the U.S. by his wife and teenage daughter. Now absolute strangers sharing a one-bedroom apartment, they discover a shared love of dance that may help overcome the emotional distance between them. Cast: Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Zainab Jah, Jayme Lawson, Joie Lee, Marcus Scribner, Nana Mensah.
Why do we want to see it? A compelling story told from the African diaspora from storyteller Ekwa Msangi, who has created a rich history directing short stories and working with African film artists.
Miss Juneteenth / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Channing Godfrey Peoples, Producers: Neil Creque Williams, Jeanie Igoe, James M. Johnston, Toby Halbrooks, Theresa Steele, Tim Headington) — Turquoise, a former beauty queen turned hardworking single mother, prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant, hoping to keep her from repeating the same mistakes in life that she did. Cast: Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, Alexis Chikaeze, Lori Hayes, Marcus Maudlin.
Why do we want to see it? Nicole Beharie. Need we say more?
Nine Days / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Edson Oda, Producers: Jason Michael Berman, Mette Marie Kongsved, Matthew Lindner, Laura Tunstall, Datari Turner) — In a house distant from the reality we know, a reclusive man interviews prospective candidates—personifications of human souls—for the privilege that he once had: to be born. Cast: Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Bill Skarsgård, Tony Hale, David Rysdahl.
Why do we want to see it? Producer Datari Turner brought us A Boy. A Girl. A Dream that premiered in Sundance 2018, we loved it then and we’re excited to see what Nine Days have ahead of us. And you can never go wrong with more Winston Duke in your life.
Sylvie’s Love / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Eugene Ashe, Producers: Nnamdi Asomugha, Gabrielle Glore, Jonathan Baker, Matthew Thurm) — Years after their summer romance comes to an end, an aspiring television producer and a talented musician cross paths, only to find their feelings for each other never changed. With their careers taking them in different directions, they must choose what matters most. Cast: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Wendi Mclendon-Covey, Jemima Kirke.
Why do we want to see it? Because we love Tessa Thompson.
Zola / U.S.A. (Director: Janicza Bravo, Screenwriters: Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris, Producers: Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, Elizabeth Haggard, Dave Franco, Gia Walsh) 2015: @zolarmoon tweets “wanna hear a story about why me & this bitch here fell out???????? It’s kind of long but full of suspense.” Two girls bond over their “hoeism” and become fast friends. What’s supposed to be a trip from Detroit to Florida turns into a weekend from hell. Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Colman Domingo.
Why do we want to see it? The infamous Twitter thread that went viral and turned into a movie. OF COURSE, WE WANNA SEE IT. We’re excited to see what Janicza Bravo brings in this wild tale.
Code for Bias/ U.S.A., United Kingdom, China (Director, screenwriter and producer: Shalini Kantayya) — Exploring the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s startling discovery that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, and her journey to push for the first-ever legislation in the U.S. to govern against bias in the algorithms that impact us all.
Why do we want to see it? This real-life documentary has an impact on us all and it’s good to see that a film is being made about this true injustice to people of color.
Spree / U.S.A. (Director: Eugene Kotlyarenko, Screenwriters: Gene McHugh, Eugene Kotlyarenko, Producers: Matthew Budman, Sumaiya Kaveh, John Lang, Eugene Kotlyarenko) — Kurt Kunkle, a rideshare driver thirsty for followers, has figured out a deadly plan to go viral. As his disturbing livestream is absurdly embraced by the social media hellscape, a comedienne emerges as the only hope to stop this rampage. Cast: Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, Kyle Mooney, Mischa Barton, Josh Ovalle. World Premiere
Why do we want to see it? As frequent users of rideshare services, this one seems too close to home to miss, plus it sounds incredibly entertaining.
Happy Happy Joy Joy – The Ren & Stimpy Story / U.S.A. (Directors and Screenwriters: Ron Cicero, Kimo Easterwood, Producer: Ron Cicero) — Exploring the rise and fall of the groundbreaking animated series Ren & Stimpy and its controversial creator, John Kricfalusi, through archival footage, show artwork and interviews with the artists, actors and executives behind the show. Cast: John Kricfalusi, Robyn Byrd, Vanessa Coffey, Chris Reccardi, Richard Pursel, Bobby Lee.
Why do we want to see it? Because Ren & Stimpy was classic Nickelodeon television and its time their documentary story is finally told.
Bad Hair / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Justin Simien, Producers: Julia Lebedev, Angel Lopez, Eddie Vaisman, Justin Simien) — In this horror satire set in 1989, an ambitious young woman gets a weave in order to succeed in the image-obsessed world of music television. However, her flourishing career may come at a great cost when she realizes that her new hair may have a mind of its own. Cast: Elle Lorraine, Vanessa Williams, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Blair Underwood, Laverne Cox.
Why do we want to see it? Let’s see, the creator of Dear White People is directing it, it’s a horror satire about Black hair and it has an impressive cast. Yup, we’re in.
Come Away / United Kingdom, U.S.A. (Director: Brenda Chapman, Screenwriter: Marissa Kate Goodhill, Producers: Leesa Kahn, James Spring, David Oyelowo, Steve Richards, Andrea Keir) — Before Alice found Wonderland, and Peter became Pan, they were brother and sister. When their brother dies in an accident, they seek to save their parents from downward spirals until finally they’re forced to choose between home and imagination, setting the stage for their iconic journeys into Wonderland and Neverland. Cast: Angelina Jolie, David Oyelowo, Jordan Nash, Keira Chansa, Reece Yates, Michael Caine.
Why do we want to see it? Because who doesn’t love to watch a good whimsical tale every now and then?
The 2020 Sundance Film Festival begins January 23–February 2nd.
The post Films We Have Our Eye On at Sundance 2020 appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
It’s that time of year again and we have our eye on some selections from Sundance 2020’s film slate and here’s why.
The 40-Year-Old Version / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Radha Blank, Producers: Lena Waithe, Radha Blank, Inuka Bacote-Capiga, Jennifer Semler, Rishi Rijani) — A down-on-her-luck New York playwright decides to reinvent herself and salvage her artistic voice the only way she knows how: by becoming a rapper at age 40. Cast: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin, Reed Birney, Imani Lewis, T.J. Atoms.
Why do we want to see it? Along with the cheeky title, a film about a female 40-year old rapper trying to make it in the music biz is movie gold. And with Lena Waithe attached to this project, this definitely has piqued our interest.
Charm City Kings / U.S.A. (Director: Angel Manuel Soto, Screenwriters: Sherman Payne, Chris Boyd & Kirk Sullivan, Barry Jenkins, Producers: Caleeb Pinkett, Clarence Hammond, Marc Bienstock) — Mouse desperately wants to join The Midnight Clique, the infamous Baltimore dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax, takes 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon finds himself torn between the straight-and-narrow and a road filled with fast money and violence. Cast: Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Teyonah Parris, Donielle Tremaine Hansley, Kezii Curtis.
Why do we want to see it? The cast is enough to grab our attention and having award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins as a screenwriter means this story will have some substance.
Farewell Amor / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ekwa Msangi, Producers: Huriyyah Muhammad, Sam Bisbee, Josh Penn) — Reunited after a 17-year separation, Walter, an Angolan immigrant, is joined in the U.S. by his wife and teenage daughter. Now absolute strangers sharing a one-bedroom apartment, they discover a shared love of dance that may help overcome the emotional distance between them. Cast: Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Zainab Jah, Jayme Lawson, Joie Lee, Marcus Scribner, Nana Mensah.
Why do we want to see it? A compelling story told from the African diaspora from storyteller Ekwa Msangi, who has created a rich history directing short stories and working with African film artists.
Miss Juneteenth / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Channing Godfrey Peoples, Producers: Neil Creque Williams, Jeanie Igoe, James M. Johnston, Toby Halbrooks, Theresa Steele, Tim Headington) — Turquoise, a former beauty queen turned hardworking single mother, prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant, hoping to keep her from repeating the same mistakes in life that she did. Cast: Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, Alexis Chikaeze, Lori Hayes, Marcus Maudlin.
Why do we want to see it? Nicole Beharie. Need we say more?
Nine Days / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Edson Oda, Producers: Jason Michael Berman, Mette Marie Kongsved, Matthew Lindner, Laura Tunstall, Datari Turner) — In a house distant from the reality we know, a reclusive man interviews prospective candidates—personifications of human souls—for the privilege that he once had: to be born. Cast: Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Bill Skarsgård, Tony Hale, David Rysdahl.
Why do we want to see it? Producer Datari Turner brought us A Boy. A Girl. A Dream that premiered in Sundance 2018, we loved it then and we’re excited to see what Nine Days have ahead of us. And you can never go wrong with more Winston Duke in your life.
Sylvie’s Love / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Eugene Ashe, Producers: Nnamdi Asomugha, Gabrielle Glore, Jonathan Baker, Matthew Thurm) — Years after their summer romance comes to an end, an aspiring television producer and a talented musician cross paths, only to find their feelings for each other never changed. With their careers taking them in different directions, they must choose what matters most. Cast: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Wendi Mclendon-Covey, Jemima Kirke.
Why do we want to see it? Because we love Tessa Thompson.
Zola / U.S.A. (Director: Janicza Bravo, Screenwriters: Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris, Producers: Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, Elizabeth Haggard, Dave Franco, Gia Walsh) 2015: @zolarmoon tweets “wanna hear a story about why me & this bitch here fell out???????? It’s kind of long but full of suspense.” Two girls bond over their “hoeism” and become fast friends. What’s supposed to be a trip from Detroit to Florida turns into a weekend from hell. Cast: Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Colman Domingo.
Why do we want to see it? The infamous Twitter thread that went viral and turned into a movie. OF COURSE, WE WANNA SEE IT. We’re excited to see what Janicza Bravo brings in this wild tale.
Code for Bias/ U.S.A., United Kingdom, China (Director, screenwriter and producer: Shalini Kantayya) — Exploring the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s startling discovery that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, and her journey to push for the first-ever legislation in the U.S. to govern against bias in the algorithms that impact us all.
Why do we want to see it? This real-life documentary has an impact on us all and it’s good to see that a film is being made about this true injustice to people of color.
Spree / U.S.A. (Director: Eugene Kotlyarenko, Screenwriters: Gene McHugh, Eugene Kotlyarenko, Producers: Matthew Budman, Sumaiya Kaveh, John Lang, Eugene Kotlyarenko) — Kurt Kunkle, a rideshare driver thirsty for followers, has figured out a deadly plan to go viral. As his disturbing livestream is absurdly embraced by the social media hellscape, a comedienne emerges as the only hope to stop this rampage. Cast: Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, Kyle Mooney, Mischa Barton, Josh Ovalle. World Premiere
Why do we want to see it? As frequent users of rideshare services, this one seems too close to home to miss, plus it sounds incredibly entertaining.
Happy Happy Joy Joy – The Ren & Stimpy Story / U.S.A. (Directors and Screenwriters: Ron Cicero, Kimo Easterwood, Producer: Ron Cicero) — Exploring the rise and fall of the groundbreaking animated series Ren & Stimpy and its controversial creator, John Kricfalusi, through archival footage, show artwork and interviews with the artists, actors and executives behind the show. Cast: John Kricfalusi, Robyn Byrd, Vanessa Coffey, Chris Reccardi, Richard Pursel, Bobby Lee.
Why do we want to see it? Because Ren & Stimpy was classic Nickelodeon television and its time their documentary story is finally told.
Bad Hair / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Justin Simien, Producers: Julia Lebedev, Angel Lopez, Eddie Vaisman, Justin Simien) — In this horror satire set in 1989, an ambitious young woman gets a weave in order to succeed in the image-obsessed world of music television. However, her flourishing career may come at a great cost when she realizes that her new hair may have a mind of its own. Cast: Elle Lorraine, Vanessa Williams, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Blair Underwood, Laverne Cox.
Why do we want to see it? Let’s see, the creator of Dear White People is directing it, it’s a horror satire about Black hair and it has an impressive cast. Yup, we’re in.
Come Away / United Kingdom, U.S.A. (Director: Brenda Chapman, Screenwriter: Marissa Kate Goodhill, Producers: Leesa Kahn, James Spring, David Oyelowo, Steve Richards, Andrea Keir) — Before Alice found Wonderland, and Peter became Pan, they were brother and sister. When their brother dies in an accident, they seek to save their parents from downward spirals until finally they’re forced to choose between home and imagination, setting the stage for their iconic journeys into Wonderland and Neverland. Cast: Angelina Jolie, David Oyelowo, Jordan Nash, Keira Chansa, Reece Yates, Michael Caine.
Why do we want to see it? Because who doesn’t love to watch a good whimsical tale every now and then?
The 2020 Sundance Film Festival begins January 23–February 2nd.
The post Films We Have Our Eye On at Sundance 2020 appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
If you’re in fandom online you know one thing is always true whenever your fave tweets: that there will be someone in the replies saying “Come to Brazil!!!” I myself have learned a bit of Portuguese seeing my con livetweets instantly translated for what has to be the most enthusiastic country on social media.
Studios and stars are actually starting to really listen to those pleas in recent years and this weekend it was Brazil that got a visit from Kevin Feige himself to share footage of The Eternals, which will bow this time next year in theaters. The Marvel Head Honcho was on hand for Comic Con Experience in Brazil, also known as CCXP, and brought his A-game.
According to Feige speaking to the ecstatic crowd: “This is raw footage, just pulled out of the camera,” which is very cool…the less cool part for us stuck up in the cold wastes of North America is that it won’t be available online. Feige not only showed the Eternals Footage, but there were also sneaks and stills from Falcon and The Winter Soldier, as well as WandaVision.
Feige also revealed the She-Hulk and Moon Knight might be hitting screens sooner than expected.
And just in case you thought Marvel was the only major presence at the con, Warner Brothers and DC are making big waves there as well. Yesterday was all about Birds of Prey, with many of the cast on hand and tomorrow CCXP will be the site of the worldwide debut of the trailer for Wonder Woman 1984 tomorrow. But we got a teaser of that today at least!
.@WonderWomanFilm trailer tomorrow. See it first, live streamed at https://t.co/7aFGGP2gUV #WW84 pic.twitter.com/c97pISonrB
— Wonder Woman (@DCWonderWoman) December 7, 2019
(Via: The Hollywood Reporter. Image: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Here’s a few other things we saw today:
- In other trailer news, we got a look at Ryan Reynolds in the video game comedy Free Guy.
Guy walks into a trailer… #FreeGuy pic.twitter.com/2eyLFsXlw7
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 7, 2019
- If you’re excited for The Witcher on Netflix, take a listen to some of the very cool music from the new show. (via CBR)
- Please join us in crying over this “Friendship” Rise of Skywalker featurette.
- Add Reno 911 to the endless revival list. (via Variety)
- The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina part 3 (aka season 2) has a release date! January 24!
knock knock knock on the gates of hell. see you Jan 24, witches. pic.twitter.com/YDStIZbP94
— Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (@sabrinanetflix) December 7, 2019
- And guess what! Video games and online chats are hunting ground for sexual predators? Ya don’t say! (via The New York Times)
Well, that’s what we saw today. We’ll be here waiting until tomorrow…still thinking about giant Olaf…until then…
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More than a decade has passed since J.K. Rowling wrapped up the Harry Potter series, but fans worldwide continue to celebrate the Wizarding World in books, films, and culture.
With the holidays around the corner, it’s a great time to surprise your favorite Potterhead with the most magical gift. From Hogwarts House dinnerware to spellbinding remotes, these Harry Potter-themed gifts will wow all the Muggles on your list.
Harry Potter Remote Control Wand
Harry Potter Remote Control Wand (Photo Credit: Amazon)
We can’t do magic spells, but this Harry Potter Remote Control Wand comes close enough. Just swish and flick to turn on electronic devices with infrared remote control, like your Blu-ray player, stereo, or TV. You can program up to nine gestures to switch channels, adjust the volume, and more right from your couch.
Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set
Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set (Photo Credit: Amazon)
Have the ultimate duel with this Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set. It’s replicated like the one in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone book, and comes with 32 chess pieces, a playing board, and storage pouches for hours of competitive play.
Harry Potter The Knight Bus Lego Set
Harry Potter The Knight Bus Lego Set (Photo Credit: Amazon)
What’s better than a transit bus? The Knight Bus of course. You can build the magical vehicle with this Harry Potter Knight Bus Lego Set, which comes complete with Hedwig, a shrunken head, Stan Shunpike, Ernie Prang, and Harry Potter mini figures. Just remember to hold on tight.
Hogwarts Alumni Unisex T-Shirt
Harry Potter Hogwarts Alumni T-Shirt (Photo Credit: Amazon)
Hogwarts graduates rejoice: we’ve found the perfect swag for your post-spell school days. This Harry Potter Hogwarts Alumni T-Shirt features the Hogwarts crest and four houses. Wear this to brunch, gym, and basically anywhere to show off your wizarding school spirit.
World of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Game
Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Game (Photo Credit: Amazon)
Have the ultimate game night with this Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Game. Get your squad together and test your knowledge of all the Harry Potter movies. With 1,800 questions spanning The Dark Arts and Magical People, you’ll be mastering all things wizardry in no time.
Funko 5 Star: Harry Potter Vinyl Figure
Funko 5-Star: Harry Potter Vinyl Figure (Photo Credit: Amazon)
If you’re a fan of collectibles, this Funko 5-Star Harry Potter Vinyl Figure makes the cut. You can display these cute Harry Potter and Hedwig figures with your other spellbinding goods at home.
More at Geek.com:
- Geek Gift Guide 2019: Best Gaming, Tech, and Media Gifts
- Best Baby Yoda Gifts for ‘The Mandalorian’ Fan in Your Life
- The Best Gifts For Pokémon Fans