When it comes to musicals — be they screen or stage — the Lowell Film Collaborative stands divided. But the LFC half that DOES adore the genre, adores it with great passion. For me, Suzz Cromwell, discovering filmmaker Gary King and his current project, How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song, has been glorious. My music roots run deep — as a high schooler, I was a vocal major at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, and continued vocal studies in Boston at the Berklee College of Music. I also grew up in a culture-dork family who enjoyed going to plays and musicals together as well as film (of course). Watching my father shed silent tears at the end of “Oklahoma” or “Fiddler on the Roof” will always be a vivid memory. I was struck by his transparent man-emotion, and admire him for it to this day. I’m a groupie for “Les Mis” and “Phantom of the Opera” (original casts, please) and loved my frequent trips to the Big Apple to see the latest Broadway bits throughout the 90′s and early 2000′s. Though I feel a bit out of touch with the current musical movement, this important performance genre will always draw me back to my youth and my days as a misfit high school arts-hound.*

There seems to be a bit of this in Gary King as well, and I’m thrilled to see it. I am particularly inspired by his Director’s Statement, which I will share in its entirety:

“How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song is a new feature film musical that we filmed in the summer of 2010. Even though this film celebrates all that I love about Broadway musicals, I attempted to tell the story cinematically by grounding it in the reality of today’s modern world. It will not be your typical “song and dance” musical as the goal of the film is not to be a spectacle, but rather a more intimate tale about an aspiring Broadway songwriter who jeopardizes his relationships and budding career after showing interest in a talented singer. The story is relevant in that it shows the artist’s struggle in today’s time — striving for both creative and financial success.

I am thrilled to make a film in a genre that does not get much recognition anymore and I believe there is an audience out there still hungry for unique musicals. It’s something I hold close to my heart. I grew up watching them with my parents and was always in awe of the sheer talent of the actors on screen. Even back then, I knew there were a lot of moving parts and hard work that went into creating something so entertaining.

In addition to loving the genre, I wanted to showcase talented performers and give them the opportunity to shine. I just find it so inspiring to see people who can sing, dance and act — which is something rarely done on screen nowadays at the truly independent level. So yeah, you can bet there’s gonna be tap dancing in the film.”

You bet I’ll be keeping tabs on King as well as this exciting independent film. It would be a real treat to host a screening here in Lowell should the timing work right — there’s nothing like watching talented, passionate people pursue their dreams, especially if it combines music, dance, soul, and cinema. Best of luck, Gary! Keep us posted!

Learn all you need to know about How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song at JoeSchermannSong.com.

*I should point out, however, that “Glee” is NOT in my vocabulary (!)

We are absolutely fascinated to hear that program staff at the Pollard Memorial Library are screening Joseph Lovett’s documentary Going Blind as part of a day long open house to bring more awareness to vision loss. The event, “See What You’ve Been Missing,” will highlight the library’s newly acquired low-vision equipment which comes to them through the generosity of the Lowell Lions’ Club, the Pollard Library Foundation, and other individuals. Released in 2010, Going Blind will screen from 1:30-3:30PM at the library’s downstairs Meeting Room, which also doubles as their own movie space for these special screenings as well as their monthly independent film series.

ABOUT THE FILM 
Going Blind is a unique documentary film that increases public awareness of sight loss and low vision issues profoundly affecting the lives of more and more people around the world. Director Joseph Lovett has glaucoma, a disease that robs 4.5 million people worldwide of their vision. After years of slowly losing his sight, Joe decides to take action: to investigate how people all over the country respond to vision-loss. His search begins small, with people Joe meets on the streets of his hometown New York City and gradually leads him to places and people around the country, of all different ages and backgrounds. Each has a fascinating story about dealing with the vision loss caused by sight-robbing diseases, infections, and accidents. As a filmmaker, Joe uses the tool he knows best to gather information, to connect with individuals and to find answers to share with the world.

New York-based Filmmaker Joseph Lovett.

As founder of Lovett Productions and a former producer at ABC News 20/20, Joseph Lovett has made filmmaking and video production his life’s work. After leaving ABC, Lovett independently produced and directed a series of specials on AIDS education and awareness, a project and passion that earned him the AIDS Action Foundation AIDS Leadership Award. Since founding Lovett Productions in 1989, Lovett has continued to turn his creative lens on a multitude of health and social issues including cancer survival, global warming, and drug addiction. In 1999, he turned the camera on himself to produce The Accident, a painful and thought-provoking 25-year film journey documenting the early loss of his own parents and its profound effects on his life. With his latest project, Blood Detectives, Lovett will enlighten people to the world of hematology.

Click here for complete details on Pollard Library’s “See What You’ve Been Missing” program and be sure to share this important event news with friends and family in your community. As always, our thanks goes out to the Pollard for continuing to host these great film events in Lowell, all at absolutely no cost!

More on Joseph Lovett and Going Blind:
Going Blind turns lens on stories of hope [TheSpec.com]
Meet Joe Lovett, Advocate, Filmmaker, and Director of Going Blind [Vision Aware profile]

Going Blind Trailer from Lovett Productions on Vimeo.

Celebrate the Tsongas Industrial History Center and Lowell Kids Week!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
5:30PM – 7PM  |  Museum adventure at the Boott Cotton Mills
7PM – 9PM  |  FREE screening of Night at the Museum
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
115 John Street, Lowell 

View/download the Official Event Flyer

Our first Lowell film screening of the new year will be presented in partnership with Lowell Kids Week and our good friends at the Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC). Located within the historic Boott Cotton Mills Museum in downtown Lowell, the TIHC is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a great lineup of programs throughout 2012, THIS event included. Though we have indie film hearts, we recognize that Night at the Museum is one of those mainstream, family-friendly comedies that also strikes the mature, off-beat nerve. Adults will note that Ben Stiller is that guy you feel sorry for (think Gaylord Focker, NOT Greenberg), Robin Williams is tempered and genuine (a blessing), and cameos by Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, and Steve Coogan all hit their mark. Even Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney manage good screen time as the wise-cracking museum night-watchmen Stiller is hired to replace. And sentimentality? It’s there, too, and you’ll learn to groove with it instead of shrugging it off. It should be noted that back in the day, Suzz used to work overnights at the Boston Museum of Science for the Museum’s popular Camp-In Program, so this flick is close to her heart for good reason (that giant T-Rex plays tricks on the mind in the dark of night!)

As for kids, they’ll flat out love the film’s fantastical story line, special effects, and Keystone Kops laughs. Three cheers for down ‘n dirty escapism!

Here are full details on the event, courtesy of the TIHC. This info is also in the official event flyer: Explore the museum when it comes alive at night! Solve the mystery of missing mill worker Lyddie Worthen, using a diary to help guide the way. Costumed “mill workers” interact with children, and they and their parents solve the mystery. After enjoying the Boott Cotton Mills Museum adventure, take in the film Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller. 

To register, please email tihc@uml.edu or call 978-970-5080. This presentation is part of the year-long series of events for the 20 anniversary of the Tsongas Industrial History Center, a partnership between UMass Lowell’s Graduate School of Education and Lowell National Historical Park. For more information about all of the events for the 20th anniversary, visit our website uml.edu/tsongas/anniversary or call 978-970-5080.

Just a word of note that the film will be shown in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum Events Center, a grand 75-seat theater with a great screen and good sound system — it’ll be the perfect spot for a fun night with friends and family. The entire evening is FREE admission, so be sure to reserve your seats early! We’re looking forward to seeing a great crowd!

Antony Lane's Twitter page is bursting with support and indie film passion!

British indie filmmaker Antony Lane uses Twitter. A LOT. According to his Twitter profile, Lane has been on Twitter 24/7 since 2009 doing fan fundraising for his zombie/horror film Invasion of the Not Quite Dead. With over 86,000 followers, Lane’s efforts seem to have proven successful as updates have just been released that the film crew is scouting for locations to begin shooting.

To people like us who relish the indie film scene, Lane’s goal is a precious one: to produce the first COMPLETELY Twitter fan-funded horror film. His pleas for donations ignite the reader with mixed caps to stress importance, are intensely frequent, and always read with passionate urgency –“if theres any SUPPORTERS OF FILMMAKERS chasing their dreams ONLINE right now, please check out my FILM PROJECT” and “PLS KEEP those DONATIONS/UPGRADES coming in to my film ‘INVASION OF THE NOT QUITE DEAD’, we are 100% twitter fan funded.” We adore this zest, and continue to be wowed by the seemingly endless supply of energy and enthusiasm that Lane displays to the public. But when you’re trying to reach a monetary goal for your life’s dream, that’s pretty much what it takes.

With all that being said, we’d love nothing more than for you to go out to Antony Lane’s Twitter page and project website and experience his determination first hand. And please feel free to support his campaign, especially if the horror genre is your bag. But no matter the end product (and we’re certain it’s gonna be mighty entertaining), Lane has brought the importance of independent film and the ongoing power of social media to the forefront. He’s also allowing all of us to play a part in his dream, and that’s a very special thing indeed.

Learn all you need to know about Antony Lane and his fan-funded film project Invasion of the Not Quite Dead via his campaign video below or by visiting Indywood.co.uk. And if you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow Lane or check in on his progress at @IndywoodFILMS.

UK journalist Neil White enjoys a crunchy movie snack.

We’re huge fans of the wonderful Neil White, though we’ve never met and never spoken. Well, by phone at least. The wonder of Twitter brought us together as it has so many millions of film buffs the world over. Neil is a special guy — in 2011, his goal was to watch EVERY FILM released in the UK that year. And not just watch them, but throw in his two cents on the flicks as well via his movie review blog. Now renamed everyfilmin2012 to reflect the new year, Neil’s site is up and running with the first 20+ films already there and reviewed. Below is Neil’s introduction to the 2012 project, taken straight off his blog:

“So, here it is, boys and girls, the 2012 challenge to see every film released in the UK. Last year, I wasn’t really prepared for the quest so pretty much winged it for the first month. This resulted in me being to far behind when I got a game plan together. I intend this year to be different. Fortunately, I am now known to quite a lot of movie folk and they are helpful in sending me more and more screeners (preview DVDs). Without these, everyfilm would fail. Anyway, last year I wasn’t quite clear on my parameters, so here’s my rules and regs this time:

- Any film which is released in the UK and appears at any cinema for more than three days must be seen.
- I will continue to review one-off screenings, if I see them but one-offs will not count on the must-see list.
- I will also attempt to get DVD recordings of movies which have appeared without sub-titles so I can give reviews later in the year. They will, however, not appear on the not-seen list.

All clear? Well, maybe not, but I can assure you of a blog with more reviews of new releases than any other in the UK. However, do not fret if you want to read a release of a 2011 film…they are still available on everyfilmin2011.com
So away we go…enjoy the ride.”

We know you’re probably quite curious about who in their right mind would attempt such a thing. Luckily, the UK press have given Neil a lot of coverage, thus we’re all able to learn more about the man behind the challenge — for starters, he’s from Chilwell in Nottingham and is a journalist with the Derby Telegraph. Be sure to read the stories we’re sharing below to get more info on Neil, and if you’re up on Twitter, you can keep up with him there @everyfilmin2012. And for all you fellow Lowellians who might be reading this, Neil’s favorite film of 2011 was The Fighter. BooYah!

Steady on, film friend, and much luck to you from this side of the pond!

Learn more about Neil’s challenge and a bit about Neil himself:
“Film buff attempts to watch every UK release in 2011” — (BBC Nottingham, Feb. 25, 2011)
“Film critic vows to watch every 2012 UK cinema release” — (BBC News, England, Dec. 23, 2011)
“The midlife crisis that turned into a 600-film odyssey” — (The UK Independent, Dec. 28, 2011)

The final chapter of the award-winning trilogy of documentaries on accused killers Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley will air this Thursday at 9PM on HBO. Known as the West Memphis 3, Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were freed last summer after spending 18 years in prison. Their story was passionately told in two films, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders and Robin Hood Hills (1996) and Paradise Lost 2: Revelations (2000) — this week’s airing of Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory — directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, creators of the first two films – marks the cinematic end to the story and the closing of this haunting case.

ABOUT THE FILM
HBO Documentary Films’ Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory, the conclusion of the award-winning trilogy that spawned a world-wide movement to free three convicted men – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley – known as The West Memphis 3, tells the complete story of one of the most notorious child murder cases in U.S. history. Provocative and timely, the film chronicles stunning new developments, culminating in the startling and unexpected conclusion just a few months ago, when Echols, who was on death row, and Baldwin and Misskelley, who were serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, were finally freed from prison after more than 18 years. “Almost 20 years and three films ago, HBO’s Sheila Nevins sent us on this journey to document the terrible murders of three innocent boys and the subsequent circus that followed the arrests and convictions of Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley,” says filmmaker Joe Berlinger. “To see our work culminate in the righting of this tragic miscarriage of justice is more than a filmmaker could ask for.”  – (Read the complete synopsis on HBO Films’ official website.)

Damien Echols of the West Memphis 3.

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory premiered to the public at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival in its original form, but was then lengthened by 12 minutes to include the stunning verdict of innocent after the men were freed. According to the film’s official site, the West Memphis 3 were given a round of applause and a standing ovation at the New York  Film Festival where the longer version was screened to an audience of 1200 supportive fans. This was their first public appearance together since their departure from the Arkansas courthouse.

For complete details on Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory and Thursday’s presentation, CLICK HERE to visit the official site on HBO Films.

Indie cult film/off-beat comedy duo Jay & Silent Bob (Jason “Jay” Mewes and actor-director Kevin Smith) are partnering with Fathom Events to present Kevin Smith: Live From Behind Featuring Jay and Silent Bob Get Old — this is a one-night only, 3-hour event on Thursday, February 2 with Smith and Mewes hosting their popular podcast (or SModcast as they call it), followed by a live-stream Q&A session with fans. It’s an interactive audience experience due to hit 300 cinemas simultaneously that allows fans to be part of the show by submitting questions to Smith and Mewes via social media.

Don’t know who Jay & Silent Bob are? This brief routine will help define the act:

Yeah, it’s not for everyone, but trust us, they have a legion of loyal followers. We had a terrific time seeing Kevin Smith in person at the Boston premiere of his newest film, Red State, dare I say one of our favorite flicks of 2011 due mostly to Michael Parks’ riveting performance. Smith did his best to field questions, but seemed to get caught up in his own diatribe — but no matter, he was a fabulous entertainer and all of us were into it. He has a way of sweeping you up into his cluttered, passionate head. Be warned, chances are, Jay and Silent Bob will have no filter!

Full details on Kevin Smith: Live From Behind Featuring Jay and Silent Bob Get Old can be found at Fathomevents.com. Tickets are $16 for the event and can be purchased at Lowell’s Showcase Cinema — order fast, as only 250 seats are available!

Lowell’s Pollard Memorial Library presents its second annual Elvis Presley Birthday Matinee this Saturday afternoon at 1PM. Fans of The King should definitely make their way to the Pollard’s ground floor meeting room and relive one of the music legend’s most infamous film appearances! As with all of the Pollard Library’s film programs, this is a FREE event, open to all, courtesy of the Friends of the Pollard Library. Keep up-to-date on all the happenings at the Pollard — including their monthly Independent Film Night — via their blog and Facebook page. As always, we express our deepest thanks to our good friends at the Pollard for helping to bring more film to Lowell!

ABOUT THE FILM
Jailhouse Rock is Elvis Presley’s most famous film and also considered by many critics and fans to be his best. Elvis plays troubled young man Vince Everett, who is accused of manslaughter and sent to prison. While in jail, he is introduced to music by fellow inmate Mickey Shaughnessy and together they become the two songsters of the slammer. After his release from prison, Elvis decides to become a rock-n-roll singer with pal Mickey as his manager. But as Elvis’ popularity rises, Mickey becomes jealous of his talent and the tension begin to mount.

The unforgettable title song “Jailhouse Rock” is brilliantly performed by Elvis and the energetic dance sequence which accompanies his most famous song was choreographed by the man himself. It is one of the most classic examples of music and dance in motion picture history and many consider it to be the first music video ever made.

In addition to Elvis’ renowned rendition of the title track, the film also features performances of “Baby I Don’t Care,” “Don’t Leave Me Now,” “I Wanna Be Free,” “One More Day,” “Treat Me Nice,” and “Young & Beautiful.” It’s worth mentioning that Elvis’ love interest in the film, Judy Tyler, was tragically killed in car accident not long after the film’s release. As Peggy Van Alden, she’s an effervescent and dazzling 50′s femme alongside Presley — a final performance not to be missed.

Click above to view the official "Jailhouse Rock" trailer, courtesy of Turner Classic Movies!

]]> http://lowellfilmcollaborative.org/2011/12/25/happy-holidays-from-brett-suzz-of-the-lowell-film-collaborative/feed/ 0 lowellfilm Happy Holidays from the Lowell Film Collaborative! Happy Holidays from the Lowell Film Collaborative! Happy Holidays from the Lowell Film Collaborative! http://lowellfilmcollaborative.org/2011/12/20/renowned-director-and-oscar-nominee-john-sayles-comes-to-gloucester/ http://lowellfilmcollaborative.org/2011/12/20/renowned-director-and-oscar-nominee-john-sayles-comes-to-gloucester/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:50:59 +0000 lowellfilm http://lowellfilmcollaborative.org/?p=5153 ]]>

Director John Sayles makes a guest appearance at the Cape Ann Community Cinema, December 28 at 7:30PM. Tickets on sale now!

We take great joy in promoting our good friend Rob Newton up in Gloucester at the Cape Ann Community Cinema. Not only is Rob one of the hardest working people to ever own a movie theater, but his passion and love for what film can do for a community is second to none. If you haven’t visited the Cape Ann Cinema, we URGE you to make plans in the coming year, or, if at all possible, next Wednesday, December 28. On that evening, you’ll be treated to a VERY special director event with legendary indie filmmaker John Sayles who’ll be promoting and screening his newest work, Amigo. Also in attendance will be his partner Maggie Renzi and local film producer Sarah Green, who will moderate the post-film Q&A with Sayles and Renzi.

Seriously, friends — you will NOT want to miss this event. You’ll be a stone’s throw from Sayles no matter where you sit in this great little theater! And the price? It’s an unbelievable $12.50 per ticket, and even less if you’re a member of the Cinema.

Below is a trailer for Amigo as well as the official press release about the event. Be sure to snag your tickets ASAP — we hope to see you there in just over a week!

• • • • •

OSCAR NOMINEE VISITING CAPE ANN DEC. 28
John Sayles presents his new film “Amigo” and meets the fans

[December 19, 2011 * Gloucester, MA] – The Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester will host two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Sayles and his partner, Maggie Renzi, on Wednesday, December 28th at 7:30pm. Sayles and Renzi will personally present their new film, Amigo, and stay for a Q&A after the film, hosted by local film producer Sarah Green.

This is the 17th feature film from Sayles, and it stars legendary Filipino actor Joel Torre as Rafael, a village mayor caught in the murderous crossfire of the 1899 Philippine-American War. When U.S. troops occupy his village, Rafael comes under pressure from a tough-as-nails officer (Chris Cooper) to help the Americans in their hunt for Filipino guerilla fighters. But Rafael’s brother (Ronnie Lazaro) is the head of the local guerillas, and considers anyone who cooperates with the Americans to be a traitor. Rafael quickly finds himself forced to make the impossible, potentially deadly decisions faced by ordinary civilians in an occupied country. A powerful drama of friendship, betrayal, romance and heartbreaking violence, Amigo is a page torn from the untold history of the Philippines, and a mirror of today’s unresolvable conflicts.

Sayles’s past films include Return Of The Secaucus 7 (1979), The Brother From Another Planet (1984), Matewan (1987), Eight Men Out (1988), Passion Fish (1992), The Secret Of Roan Inish (1994), Lone Star (1996), Limbo (1999), Sunshine State (2002) and Honeydripper (2007).

Tickets for this special event are $12.50, $10.00 for Cinema members, available at the Cinema or online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com.

Thursday the 22nd through Sunday the 25th at 5:00pm (plus a 2:30pm show on Sat. Dec. 24), the Cinema concludes its annual holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker,” this year featuring the Bolshoi Ballet’s presentation. Tickets are $15.00 adults, $12.50 for Cinema Members and $10.00 for children up to age 12. Tickets are available at the Cinema box office and on the Cinema’s website at www.CapeAnnCinema.com.