After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To Survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s...
Maya and the Wave is currently playing at the Village East theater in New York, with upcoming screenings at the Laemmle Glendale and the Laemmle Monica in Los Angeles, and expanding through the end of the year
NEW YORK—September 12th, 2024—The team behind Maya and the Wave announced today that Rashida Jones and Meena Harris have officially boarded the film as executive producers. The documentary tells the extraordinary story of Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf the giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal. She nearly drowns – and is ridiculed by the male big wave surfers who dominate the sport. Three spine surgeries and five years later, she surfs the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed. When her accomplishment is disregarded, Maya enlists the help of her fans to fight for recognition — and becomes the first female surfer honored with a Guinness World Record in big wave surfing.
The story of the films’ release mimics Maya’s own story of heartbreak and comeback. Shortly after the Toronto premiere, the film’s cinematographer and co- producer, Jorge Leal, had a brain stem stroke, leaving him completely paralyzed. The crew and Maya rushed to his side and spent the next 10 months in hospitals and treatment centers, aiding in his recovery. With Jorge well enough to go back home, it was finally time to bring Maya and the Wave into the world.
“We are so excited to have Rashida Jones and Meena Harris come on board the film. We admire them both so much for their commitment to amplifying female voices and are beyond thrilled to have their support. Getting the film here has been a journey, and they feel like the best partners we could ever have.” said Stephanie Johnes, the film’s director.
“As we witness a global backlash against women’s human rights, we need powerhouse women like Rashida and Meena to champion women’s stories more than ever before. All hail these loud and powerful women for bringing their fire and their platforms to support a story that, at its core, is an everywoman’s story of living in a man’s world,” added producer Ali Johnes.
“On and off the screen, Maya and the Wave is a miraculous story of resilience and perseverance. This inspiring portrait of an underestimated woman determined to win also happens to be an epic sports documentary — everyone should see it,” said Meena Harris.
Rashida Jones added, “Maya and the Wave is inspiring, shocking, gorgeous, intimate and triumphant. Maya’s courage, determination and vulnerability will stick with me forever. Hers is the consummate heroine’s journey. I’m so proud to have any small part of sharing this movie with the world.”
Meena Harris is the founder and CEO of the Tony-Award winning company Phenomenal Media. She is a #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book author, and the co-founder and general partner of the VC firm Phenomenal Ventures. Meena is also a lawyer and influential activist for gender and racial equity. She most recently co-produced Dylan Mulvaney’s Edinburgh Fringe sensation, Faghag, and the Tony-Award winning musical Suffs, currently on Broadway.
Rashida Jones is an Emmy-nominated and Grammy award-winning actress, writer, director and producer, best known for her beloved roles on the universally acclaimed, fan favorite sitcoms, Parks and Recreation and The Office. Beyond acting, Jones is a renowned documentary filmmaker, who garnered an Emmy-nomination for her Netflix docuseries, Hot Girls Wanted, and won a Grammy for Best Music Film for Quincy, a film about her father, Quincy Jones. Jones is an outspoken feminist, and advocate for women’s rights and intersectional inclusivity, who often reflects these themes in her illustrious body of work.
Documentary Explores Legendary Dancer Who Ignited Flames of the 1960s
Sexual Revolution; Dallas’s Top Burlesque Dancers With Minxe Mimieux As The Lead Dancer Will Perform Live Revue at Select Opening Weekend Shows
Picturehouse’s CAROL DODA TOPLESS AT THE CONDOR, exploring the history and impact of the legendary topless dancer who ignited the 1960s sexual revolution, will open in Dallas exclusively at the Angelika Film Center (5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230) on Friday, April 19.
Opening weekend audiences will experience a special live pre-show revue, “Doda-esque Burlesque,” featuring a bevy of Dallas’s own top burlesque dancers with Minxe Mimieux as the lead dancer in a spectacular tribute to Carol Doda’s with a special post screening Q&A.
As the lights go down…experience a special live pre-show performance of “Doda-esque Burlesque!” A spectacular tribute to Carol Doda featuring a bevy of enchanting local burlesque performers. Sit back and enjoy as the divas of today pay tribute to the ultimate diva of yesterday. Come early! Taking place prior to the film, this live performance will have NO NUDITY, and promises to be an exciting and teasing good time!
Rated: R for nudity/graphic nudity throughout, some sexual material, language and drug content
Synopsis Against the backdrop of the 1964 Republican Convention, a San Francisco cocktail waitress became one of the city’s most popular entertainers after making her debut as America’s first topless dancer. The new documentary feature Carol Doda Topless at the Condor tells the story of the fresh-faced girl next door who defied convention and the law by gyrating atop a white baby grand piano and turning a North Beach nightclub into the city’s second-most-popular tourist attraction after the Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, Doda’s very public use of silicone to enhance her breasts launched a new industry. Directors Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker share an unprecedented look at Doda’s life and legacy, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the vibrant, sometimes outrageous and always entertaining world of North Beach.
Director/writer Maryam Keshavarz pulls from her personal life to tell the story of an Iranian American woman, who has a strained relationship with her mom, until her unexpected pregnancy stirs up the past and reveals a big family secret. The film beautifully shows the strength, wisdom, and humor of Iranian women; while providing a compelling and entertaining portrayal of Persian culture.
9. Maestro
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this film, but it surprisingly hooked me from the start. Bradley Cooper directs, writes, and stars in the engaging love story of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. Cooper pours his heart and soul into this project and Carey Mulligan leaves you breathless. Watch this one with no distractions and let yourself get fully immersed in this beautiful film.
8. Saltburn
Director/Writer Emerald Fennell won her first Oscar for my favorite film of 2020, the mystery and drama “Promising Young Woman”. Now she brings us another unique thriller; this time about a lower-class outsider, desperate to fit in with his rich classmates. “Saltburn” is not going to be for everyone. If you have a weak stomach, this probably isn’t the film for you. However, if you’re a fan of WTF moments, dry humor, and unpredictable twists and turns, you’ll love this film as much as I did.
7. The Holdovers
Quite possibly Alexander Payne’s best film yet. Paul Giamatti plays a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with troubled students who have nowhere to go. The biggest standout here is Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s performance as the witty cafeteria lady who’s still grieving the loss of her son. If she doesn’t win Best Supporting Actress this year I will riot! Giamatti is at his best and Dominic Sessa is a talent to watch out for. “The Holdovers” is a touching, bittersweet tale of complex and opposite characters who find family within each other.
6. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Based on Judy Blume’s best-selling novel, the film follows Margaret Simon, an 11 year-old going 12, who begins to learn more about herself as a friend, daughter, and grand-daughter. This film brilliantly stays wholesome and inclusive, while not shying away from sensitive subject matters like religion, racism, or sexual education. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a funny and charming, feel-good, coming of age movie the whole family can watch.
5. Barbie
Director/Writer/Actress Greta Gerwig is a force to be reckon with. Barbie broke box office records and held the #1 spot at the movies for weeks this past summer. Not only is the screenplay unbelievably clever but it’s hilarious, heartwarming, and shines an important light on gender roles in our society. Barbies were made to make women feel like they could do anything, and Ken’s were just their arm candy; but the same can’t be said for men and women in the real world. “Barbie” also features a brilliant production design, a scene stealing performance by Ryan Gosling, and an unforgettable monologue by America Ferrera.
4. American Fiction
Jeffry Wright plays a novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment and to prove his point, he uses a pen name to write a book that frustratingly becomes a success. Director/Writer Cord Jefferson’s script is hilarious, timely, and authentic. Wright outdoes himself in a comical yet emotional role we have yet to see from him. “American Fiction” is a smart and inventive story about the idea of selling out while touching on issues of racisms. It’s sarcastic and painfully awkward at times, but I loved it.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” centers around the team working together to save Rocket and the world from a villain who’s looking to create what he defines as the “perfect” society. Out of all the Marvel characters, this group has always felt the most like family because they are each other’s chosen one. That bond is beautifully showcased in volume 3. We get to see Rocket’s backstory, which explains his attitude and why his family with the Guardians means so much. The entire cast lands the comedy and conveys the heart of the story exceptionally. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a visually stunning perfect blend of humor, emotion, and fun!
2. May December
“May December” follows a married couple 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, and an actress shows up to do research for a film about their past. This shocking plot is based on a true scandal where a 34-year-old teacher, who was married with kids had an affair with her 12-year-old student. Cringing, I know! I love how this film unpacks more of the psychology of this scandal and how those involved would be affected years later; while also digging into how a method actress would approach the role. The film is campy, uncomfortable, seductive, and haunting. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are of course great in this, but it’s Charles Melton who stands out with his breakthrough performance that should win Best Supporting Actor.
1. Air
This should come as no surprise since I haven’t been able to stop talking about my love for this movie. I don’t get why this isn’t showing up on more Best Picture lists or nominations. A big part of the reason why “Air” soars is because of the film’s authenticity. Ben Affleck wanted to do this story right. He met with Michael Jordan and made sure he approved of the facts, and what they would be portraying. Jordan’s only request was that Viola Davis play his mom. And who can blame him? She’s fantastic. Affleck continues to prove himself as a skilled director with his excellent focus and passion for storytelling. The film is an entertaining crowd-pleaser that moves quickly. It’s hilarious and has an inspiring message about following your instincts and taking risks. EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH!
The Rest of the Best:
11. You Are So Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah
12. M3GAN
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
15. Past Lives
16. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
17. Nimona
18. Priscilla
19. Talk to Me
20. Quiz Lady
21. Somebody I Used to Know
Top 5 Worst Films of 2023
5. You People – The fact that they had to CGI a kiss
between the leads lets us know it must have been just as bad behind the scenes.
4. Maybe I Do – BORING!!!
3. What Happens Later – An underwhelming return for
Meg Ryan, who lacked any chemistry with David Duchovny.
2. Paint- About as entertaining as watching paint dry.
1. Ferrari – How was this film approved to been seen by any human ever? To say this crashed & burned is an understatement.
EARTHX FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS 2022 PROGRAM
LINEUP FEATURING OVER 75 FILMS
— BEN MASTERS’ FILM DEEP IN THE HEART NARRATED BY AWARD WINNER MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY WORLD PREMIERING ON OPENING NIGHT AT THE FEST —
Also Screening are Festival Favorites FIRE OF
LOVE, WE FEED PEOPLE, and THE TERRITORY Along with Stories Unique to Texas
Curiosity Joins Festival as Presenting Sponsor
Dallas, TX (April 8, 2022)
– EarthX Film Festival 2022 presented by
Curiosity unveiled its programming lineup today with over 75 feature-length and
short films screening during its four-day run May 12-15. This year’s theme, “A
Celebration of the Outdoors,” continues the Film Festival’s mission to
highlight films and emerging media that celebrate nature and outdoor adventure
stories exploring the environment, conservation, climate change, and science
while honoring the heroes working to protect our planet. This year for the
first time, the EarthX Film Festival will be held in the Dallas Arts District,
providing easy walking for attendees to the five theater venues tapping into
the vibrant downtown community and making it an exciting cultural
touchstone for the city. Each night of
the Film Festival will feature a musical act performing before a showcase
screening.
Curiosity, a leading factual entertainment media
company, has joined the festival as the Presenting Sponsor. Curiosity’s
flagship streaming service, Curiosity Stream, delivers thousands of films,
series, and shows on space, history, nature, tech, lifestyle and more, all on
demand, available to watch on all the major streaming devices. They will also
be presenting a screening of the Curiosity original film GOING CIRCULAR, exploring circularity,
an innovative concept that could save our collective future on planet Earth.
“We’re thrilled to present films this year that showcase our amazing
planet and the people dedicated to making a difference. It’s always been our
vision to create a world-class event that celebrates the spirit of Texas and
welcomes global citizens to experience the rich arts culture in Dallas,” said
Michael Fletcher, CEO of EarthX. “We’re pleased to welcome Curiosity as our
Presenting Sponsor. They share our vision in the power of storytelling to
change the world, and we’re grateful for their continued support.”
Curiosity is thrilled to partner with EarthX to bring this incredible
lineup of game-changing films to thousands of festival-goers both in person and
virtually,” said Rob Burk, head of original content for Curiosity. “We know
firsthand to resonate deeply with viewers, films must dive into our past and
present and also explore solutions for the future, and we are proud to support
the EarthX Film Festival mission to empower documentary fans to learn, enjoy,
and take action.”
This year’s Film Festival has something for
everyone with 24 features and 54 shorts, music, art installations, panel
discussions, and more. The festival’s opening night will be the world premiere
of Ben Masters’ film DEEP IN THE HEART,
narrated by Academy Award® Winner Matthew McConaughey. The first feature-length wildlife film ever produced
about Texas, DEEP IN THE HEART, is a
visually stunning celebration of what makes Texas unique — its diverse
landscapes and remarkable wildlife behavior that cannot be found anywhere else
in the world. Filmed over two years,
DEEP IN THE HEART showcases Texas’ breathtaking species and wild places, the
connectivity of water and wildlife, and recognizes Texas’ conservation
importance on a continental scale.
“Texas has one of the most diverse wildlife and
ecosystems in the country. For Texans, this is a love letter to the diverse and
vibrant state that we call home,” said Ben Masters, filmmaker. “We’re all
interconnected, and it’s only by conserving what we have that we can ensure our
future. I’m proud to bring DEEP IN THE
HEART to the EarthX Film Festival.”
FESTIVAL FAVORITES COMING TO DALLAS
The Festival has programmed several festival
darlings in the lineup, including Sara
Dosa’s FIRE OF LOVE, WE FEED PEOPLE, directed by Ron Howard, THE TERRITORY (Sundance Audience Award
winner), Lucy Walker’s BRING YOUR OWN
BRIGADE, and Rachel Lears’ TO THE END.
This year’s Festival features a wide range of
filmmakers, including award winners Jeff Orlowsky (CHASING ICE), Raj Patel & Zak Piper (THE ANTS AND THE GRASSHOPPER), young superstar Lindsey Hagen (CALIFORNIA NATURAL) and several newcomers, includingtwo, second grade brothers making their
first film with their father called LIFE
IN THE SLOW LANE. The films cover a variety of important topics, from the
healing experience for veterans through nature (ERIC AND THE BEES, BASTARDS’ ROAD), to female big wave surfing (BIG VS SMALL), and tiger poaching (TIGRE GENTE). Also screening are popular
outdoor culture films REEL ROCK: BLACK
ICE, The North Face’s award-winning film LEARNING TO DROWN, SPIRIT OF
THE PEAKS from REI and Protect Our Winters, and MOUNTAIN REVELATIONS from Protect Our Winters.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT – UNIQUELY TEXAS STORIES
This year’s festival turns a spotlight on Texas
with DEEP IN THE HEART that
addresses Texas conservation issues, BATTLE FOR THE HEART OF TEXAS that
addresses property rights in energy production, WHEN IT’S GOOD, IT’S GOOD, focusing on oil-drilling communities
in West Texas, and REI’s SLIM PICKINS
about diversity in outdoor culture.
SHORT FILMS
Many of the Festival’s shorts are associated with well known brands and film companies including Patagonia’s RAISED FROM THE EARTH
about living off the land, and THE
MONSTER IN OUR CLOSET which focuses
on the plastic in our fashion. The Redford Center is presenting two
short films on mass transit, COMMUNITY POWER ARIZONA: EN NUESTRXS MANOS (IN OUR HANDS) and COMMUNITY
POWER NEVADA: UNIDXS EN ACCION (UNITED IN ACTION).
You can find the entire EarthX Film Festival 2022 line-up here:
FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS
Bastards’ Road, Director Brian Morrison
Battle for the Heart of Texas, Director John Brown
Before They Fall, Director Cam MacArthur
Big vs Small, Director Minna Dufton
REEL ROCK: Black Ice, Director Peter Mortimer,
Zachary Barr
Bring Your Own Brigade, Director Lucy
Walker
Chasing Ice, Director Jeff Orlowski
Coextinction, Director Gloria Pancrazi, Elena Jean
Deep in the Heart, Director Ben Masters
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, Director Bill
Kroyer
Fire of Love, Director Sara Dosa
Godspeed, Los Polacos!, Director Adam
Nawrot
Going Circular, Director Ricard Dale, Nigel
Walk
Inhabitants, Director Costas Boutsikaris, Anna Palmer
Learning to Drown, Director Ben Knight
Mountain Revelations, Director Justin
Fann
Newtok, Director Michael Kirby, Andrew Burton
Spirit of the Peaks, Director Connor
Ryan, Tim Kressin
The Ants and the Grasshopper, Director Raj
Patel, Zak Piper
The Territory, Director Alex Pritz
Tigre Gente, Director Elizabeth Unger
To the End, Director Rachel Lears
We Feed People, Director Ron Howard
Zero Gravity, Director Thomas Verrette
SHORT FILMS
80° North, Director Brandon Holmes
All Bodies on Bikes, Director Zeppelin Zeerip
American Scar, Director Daniel Lombroso
An Eye for Detail, Director Matthew Harmer
Bad Boy of Bonsai, Director Juan A. Moreno
Breaking Trail, Director Jesse Roesler
California Natural, Director Lindsey Hagen
Camp Yoshi, Director Faith E. Briggs
Chasing the Sublime, Director Amanda
Bluglass
Community Power Arizona: En Nuestrxs Manos (In Our Hands), Director Pita Juarez
Community Power Nevada: Unidxs En Acción (United In Action), Director Nico Cadena
Eric and the Bees, Director Erin Brethauer, Tim
Hussin
Finding Gulo, Director Colin Arisman
From My Window, Director Frank Pickell
Humanity Has Not Yet Failed, Director Norma V.
Toraya, Jared P. Scott
I am One of the People, Director Cameron
Woodle
If I Tell Them, Director Oliver Sutro
Kāhuli, Director Chris Jones
Life in the Slow Lane, Director Sol de
Glanville, Ben de Glanville
Like a River, Director Jim Aikman
Listen to the Beat of our Images, Director
Audrey Jean-Baptiste, Maxime Jean-Baptiste
Loon, Director Jason Whalen, Chris Zuker
Mission Mountain, Director Kody Kohlman, Andrew
Bydlon
Mother of the Sea, Director Nicholas Brown
Mylo, Director Chris Bukard
No Soy Oscar, Director Jon Ayon
Nuisance Bear, Director Jack Weisman,
Gabriela Osio Vanden
One Star Reviews: National Parks, Director
Alex Massey
Patagonia Provisions: The Ocean Solution Film, Director Darcy Hennessey Turenne
Raised from the Earth, Director Forest
Woodard
Rebirth of a Reef, Director Shaun Wolfe
Return to Earth, Director Darcy Wittenburg,
Darren McCoullough, Colin Jones
Rockies Repeat, Director Caroline Hedin
Slim Pickins, Director Justin Jeffers
The Captain, Director Gregory Kohs
The Diamond, Director Caitlyn Greene
The Endless Wave, Director Tom Attwater
The Interconnectedness of all Living Things, Director Jenn den Broeder
The Land of Griffons, Director Riccardo
Soriano
The Last Last Hike, Director Celene Francois
The Monster in Our Closet, Director Kathryn
Bays, Nicole Gormley
The Seeds We Keep, Director Gabriel E.W. Carter
The Seeker, Director Lance Edmands
The Wilderness Within, Director Jason
van Bruggen
They Carry Us With Them: Gabriel Frey, Director Jeremy Seifert
Thomas Deininger. Trash Artist., Director Gnarly
Bay
To Live Here (sống ở đây), Director Melanie Dang Ho
Wastewater: The Tale of Two Cities, Director
Sarah Franke
We Decided to Become Farmers, Director Rob
Herring, Ryan Wirick
What Remains, Director Paavo Hanninen
When It Comes from the Earth, Director Katalin
Egely
When it’s Good it’s Good, Director
Alejandra Vasquez
ABOUT EARTHX FILM FESTIVAL 2022
The 2022 EarthX Film Festival is four days of film, music and
interactive environmental programs and events set in the heart of Dallas Arts
District, May 12-15. Our mission is to bring awareness of the environmental
crisis in order to create sincere action on both an individual and communal
scale; to inspire local and global change on how we as humans affect our home planet
and our fellow beings. We aim to include Texas, and the Southwest, in the
conversation on climate change through compassionate, positive, truthful
storytelling.For more information, visit https://earthxfilmfestival.org
(Los Angeles, CA – March 17, 2022) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the winners of the 2nd annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both movies and television, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, and Action.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” led the film winners this year, garnering three awards overall. The film was awarded Best Superhero Movie, while Andrew Garfield took the prize for Best Actor in a Superhero Movie, and Willem Dafoe won Best Villain in a Movie.
“Squid Game” and “WandaVision” tied for most series wins, earning three awards each. “Squid Game” swept the Action Series categories, with Lee Jung-jae winning Best Actor in an Action Series, HoYeon Jung winning Best Actress in an Action Series, and the show taking home the Best Action Series award. “WandaVision” was named Best Superhero Series, and Elizabeth Olsen was awarded Best Actress in a Superhero Series, while her co-star Kathryn Hahn won Best Villain in a Series.
“This year’s slate of Critics Choice Super Awards nominees and winners represents the absolute best in genre storytelling,” said Sean O’Connell, Critics Choice Super Awards Branch President. “It’s an honor to showcase these incredible accomplishments in Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Comic Book films and television. The Super Awards will proudly continue to shine a brighter light on the talented people telling stories in these fields.”
