Latest news with #BleeckerStreet
Los Angeles Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
The Second Annual Croatian International Film Festival is Set to Shine in Sibenik
The shimmering Adriatic coast of Croatia is once again set to transform into a vibrant hub for independent cinema as the Croatian International Film Festival (CIFF) gears up for its highly anticipated second year. Created and spearheaded by Croatian-American actress and producer Ella Mische (and representing the first – and only – women-led film festival in Europe) the CIFF, set within the picturesque seaside town of Sibenik, promises an immersive experience that perfectly mixes some of the best in global filmmaking with the region's enchanting and ancient culture. The event is also sponsored this year by the Croatian National Tourist Board. Mische's inspiration for CIFF stemmed from what she called a 'clear need,' and also a personal connection to her heritage. 'I started the festival two years ago because of two reasons, necessity in the market, and because over the years producers kept calling and wanting to film in Croatia,' she explained. With Croatia burgeoning as this filming hotbed, in part thanks to its star turn as a location in hit vanguard television and blockbuster movies, Mische identified a gap in the business side of film distribution in South Central Europe. 'Here, filmmakers can make a movie and it never really sees the light of day outside three neighboring countries.' Among her goals was to give greater opportunities to this European indie market. But this lack of exposure isn't simply omnidirectional. From the U.S. perspective, Mische noted much enthusiasm from American independent filmmakers who were eager to tap into new European audiences. A representative from Bleecker Street extended a heartfelt thank you for opening American independent film into the region, she recalled. 'It kind of works both ways,' said Mische. 'I think [South Central Europe] is a nice meeting spot for all these movies.' And the excitement is palpable for 2025's CIFF. In addition to drawing VIPs from across the globe, including the former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, the festival has a star-packed attendee list to match its impressive film lineup. CIFF is set to open with 'The Friend,' a highly anticipated film starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray and distributed by the aforementioned Bleecker Street. Tyler Dioli, the production company's president and CMO, will also be on hand to host an informative – and topical – panel titled 'Demystifying Distribution International.' The packed second-year lineup is something Mische described as 'gigantic.' The event will run from noon till midnight each of its four days and feature over 40 movies from all over the world and an awards ceremony on the final evening. CIFF is also offering a rich array of panels and Q&As with actors, directors and writers. A new addition for 2025 is a focus on student talented pupils, ranging from 12 to 13 years old, created a short film called 'The Missing Teacher,' which will premiere at the festival. 'I want to instill positivity, and give hope and opportunity to kids that would never otherwise see it,' Mische said. For Mische, the festival is also a deeply personal endeavor to combine her Croatian heritage and life in New York City into 'something that brings them together.' The immediate and enthusiastic support she received was overwhelming, she said. Croatian-Americans are also flocking to the festival this year, including Counsel General of Croatia in L.A. Ree Pea, as well as Tony Kerum of Tony's Food Service, one of the largest such outfits in the city. 'Honestly, it was the easiest ask – everybody that I've asked, 'Do you want to come be a part of this?' Everybody said yes,' said Mische. Last year, over 50 friends and colleagues from New York and Los Angeles gathered in Sibenik, tying the inaugural festival experience with a sojourn in the beautiful seaside town. The festival's growth in Sibenik has been both organic and impactful. While the first year presented challenges in establishing a new type of film event in Croatia, support from the tourism board has significantly expanded. A notable change this year is the relocation of the main screening venue from a to a picturesque city square. 'It seats 400 people, and it's open air,' Mische said. Other locations include a historic national theater and the town's unique Fortress Barone. The mix of these different venues is something Mische described as 'little vignettes in the city,' offering visitors a de facto tour while they take in the films. Lodging in Sibernik is made easy by the seaside Amerun Hotel. Renovated in 2019, the complex was once a Dominican sanctuary. Hotelier Toni Purko mentioned that during excavation for the remodel, so many precious historic artifacts were unearthed they informed the hotel's design – a feeling that is as much old world as contemporary. Boasting a background as an actor, producer and director, Mische acknowledges the immense undertaking. However, her years of building relationships in the industry have proven invaluable, enabling her to draw top talent and compelling content. While the immediate focus is on a successful event, the festival's future already looks bright, with whispers of even bigger names for next year. All of this hints at a trajectory that could soon see Sibenik join the ranks of globally recognized film festival destinations. Mische, who approaches this responsibility as unflappably as any other role she takes on, did admit being slightly nervous about one important aspect as the festival grows and grows. 'This year, I have to write an opening speech,' she mused. 'Last year, I didn't. I just had little notes.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Paul McCartney, Questlove appear in 'Spinal Tap II' trailer
July 24 (UPI) -- Bleecker Street released the trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Begins on Thursday. The sequel premieres Sept. 12 in theaters. Paul McCartney appears as himself praising Spinal Tap's lyrics as "literature." Questlove appears on Zoom, refusing the join the band as drummer given the fatalities of all previous drummers. Wednesday's first look photos showed Elton John playing on stage with the band. The trailer confirms he joins them for "Stonehenge." The sequel picks up with the surviving Spinal Tap members falling on hard times. David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) now plays with a mariachi band. Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) promotes cryptocurrency. Nigel Tufnel plays with an Irish pub band. Filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follows Spinal Tap on their farewell tour. The trailer also reveals the last minute venue cancelation that landed them the gig. Director Reiner and the cast announced their sequel in 2022. It filmed last year and a teaser was released March 12. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' Trailer: Rob Reiner Gets the Band Back Together 41 Years Later
Spinal Tap is tapping back into the music scene, 40 years later. The highly-anticipated sequel 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' reunites director Rob Reiner with stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer for a revival of the beloved mockumentary about a faux band. The official synopsis reads: 'Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary 'This Is Spinal Tap,' the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (McKean, Guest, and Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert. 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favorite metal gods as they contemplate mortality — and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn't join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll.' More from IndieWire 'The Serpent's Skin' Review: Alice Maio Mackay Conjures 'The Craft' with Kissing in Vivid Demon Drama 'BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young' Review: Emotional K-pop Doc Is Often Dynamite, but Lacks Depth The titular group has infamously been deemed 'England's loudest and most punctual band,' with the sequel set during their reunion after a 15-year hiatus for one final concert. Elton John, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood will appear as themselves in the film. Paul Shaffer, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls, Fran Drescher, Don Lake, John Michael Higgins, Nina Conti, Griffin Matthews, Kerry Godliman, and Chris Addison will also star in the Bleecker Street feature. Distributor Bleecker Street is also re-releasing a newly-restored edition of the 1984 original film back in to theaters this summer. That new version will also hit digital and streaming platforms, making it the first time the film has been available digitally in years. Reiner told IndieWire that 'Spinal Tap' was almost never made in the first place. 'We went to every single studio and got turned down everywhere,' Reiner said during the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast. 'Nobody wanted it. We went from studio to studio with a 16mm film can under our arms.' Thankfully, the sequel to the hit film was an easier sell: 'It's a tiny bit slicker, because Marty Di Bergi [the director played by Reiner in the original] has seen all the reality television shows and all these four-part and six-part docs,' Reiner said of the meta experience filming 'Spinal Tap II,' adding, 'But I wanted to try to do it pretty much the way we did the first one.' Bleecker Street will release 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' in theaters on Friday, September 12. Check out the trailer below. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Geek Tyrant
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES Trailer Brings the Band Back for One More Hilarious Encore — GeekTyrant
Break out your amps and crank it to eleven, after 41 years, Spinal Tap is back! Bleecker Street has dropped the first trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues , the sequel to the cult classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap . And yes, the band still rocks… kind of. The original film, directed by Rob Reiner, spoofed the wild excess and drama of rock bands in the 1980s, with Reiner playing a documentary filmmaker chronicling the fictional British metal band Spinal Tap on a chaotic North American tour. The genius of the film came from its deadpan delivery and pitch-perfect satire of the era's music documentaries. Now, over four decades later, Reiner is back in the director's chair, and in front of the camera, alongside Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls). These guys are older, maybe wiser, but still hilariously out of touch in the best way possible. The sequel catches up with the band as they prepare for a reunion concert in New Orleans, a gig they only landed because Stormy Daniels canceled. The trailer teases plenty of ridiculous band drama, questionable decisions, and yes, a killer cameo from Elton John jamming out with Spinal Tap. The band is also facing one of their most notorious problems, drummers. In true Spinal Tap fashion, they're on the hunt for yet another one. The new footage suggests things haven't changed much for the guys, so expect disasters , meltdowns, and hilarious hijinks. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues hits theaters on September 12, and it looks like this encore is going to be gloriously loud and completely ridiculous. Watch the trailer below and tell us if you're ready to turn it up to 11 again?
UPI
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Paul McCartney, Questlove appear in 'Spinal Tap II' trailer
1 of 5 | Paul McCartney, seen performing in Orlando, Florida in 2022, appears in "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues." File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo July 24 (UPI) -- Bleecker Street released the trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Begins on Thursday. The sequel premieres Sept. 12 in theaters. Paul McCartney appears as himself praising Spinal Tap's lyrics as "literature." Questlove appears on Zoom, refusing the join the band as drummer given the fatalities of all previous drummers. Wednesday's first look photos showed Elton John playing on stage with the band. The trailer confirms he joins them for "Stonehenge." The sequel picks up with the surviving Spinal Tap members falling on hard times. David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) now plays with a mariachi band. Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) promotes cryptocurrency. Nigel Tufnel plays with an Irish pub band. Filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follows Spinal Tap on their farewell tour. The trailer also reveals the last minute venue cancelation that landed them the gig. Director Reiner and the cast announced their sequel in 2022. It filmed last year and a teaser was released March 12.
