Melanie Hamrickwants to continue embracing a globe-trotting life with Rolling Stones frontmanMick Jaggerand their little boy.
Hamrick, 36, discussed the balancing act of being a working mom to their 6-year-old son, Deveraux, in a new interview with The Times Magazine published on Sunday.
As she launches her debut novel,First Position,a ballet-inspired romance, Hamrick shares how the book connected her to her passion for dance while prioritizing her family.
Read More: Mick Jagger Shares Rare Footage Of Himself AndTina TurnerIn 1969
“Mick would say, ‘Enough with telling these stories from the ballet — you’ve got to write them down,'” she explained of her inspiration behind authoring the book.
Hamrick also described their family’s “magical” journeys, emphasizing their preference to live “just full nomad” with their 6-year-old son, Deveraux.
She revealed that their son has a travelling tutor, allowing them to balance education while on the move.
Hamrick, 36, discussed the balancing act of being a working mom to their 6-year-old son, Deveraux, in a new interview with The Times Magazine published on Sunday.
As she launches her debut novel,First Position,a ballet-inspired romance, Hamrick shares how the book connected her to her passion for dance while prioritizing her family.
Read More: Mick Jagger Shares Rare Footage Of Himself AndTina TurnerIn 1969
“Mick would say, ‘Enough with telling these stories from the ballet — you’ve got to write them down,'” she explained of her inspiration behind authoring the book.
Hamrick also described their family’s “magical” journeys, emphasizing their preference to live “just full nomad” with their 6-year-old son, Deveraux.
She revealed that their son has a travelling tutor, allowing them to balance education while on the move.
- 6/12/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Huluhas confirmed that several of its original series will be debuting new episodes on the streaming service in July, including the first season of the highly anticipatedStephen Kingthriller “Castle Rock”as well as season 2 of the costume drama “Harlots”and season 4 of the comedy “Casual.”
And there will also be new to Hulu seasons of some of your favorites from other networks, including season 2 of “The Strain,”season 4 of “The Vikings”and season 8 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Likewise, there will be plenty of movies making their first Hulu appearances including the first five films in the “Star Trek”franchise and the Oscar-winning “Rosemary’s Baby.”
SeeNetflixschedule: Here’s what is coming and leaving in July
Available July 1: TV
Alaska: The Last Frontier: Complete Season 4 (Discovery)
Deadliest Catch: Complete Season 11 (Discovery)
Deadly Women: Complete Season 6 (ID)
Dual Survival: Complete Season 5 (Discovery)
Elementary: Complete Season...
And there will also be new to Hulu seasons of some of your favorites from other networks, including season 2 of “The Strain,”season 4 of “The Vikings”and season 8 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Likewise, there will be plenty of movies making their first Hulu appearances including the first five films in the “Star Trek”franchise and the Oscar-winning “Rosemary’s Baby.”
SeeNetflixschedule: Here’s what is coming and leaving in July
Available July 1: TV
Alaska: The Last Frontier: Complete Season 4 (Discovery)
Deadliest Catch: Complete Season 11 (Discovery)
Deadly Women: Complete Season 6 (ID)
Dual Survival: Complete Season 5 (Discovery)
Elementary: Complete Season...
- 7/1/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Curzon12 will stream recent and classic movies; first lineup revealed.
Curzon is beefing up its online offering with the launch of Curzon12, a monthly VoD service built into its membership packages.
The service will host 12 recent and classic movies which will be available to stream when logging in with a Curzon membership.
Scroll down for first lineup
Each month’s curated lineup, taken exclusively from Curzon’s library, is selected by the company’s programming team and is designed to complement the films playing across Curzon’s cinemas and its day-and-date service onCurzon Home Cinemathat month.
The collection will feature the work of directors such asYorgos Lanthimos,Charlie Chaplin,Andrea Arnold,Satyajit RayandAgnes Vardaas well as lesser known filmmakers.
The offering will be accompanied by a monthly newsletter that will delve deeper into three headline titles for that month.
The subscription is a benefit for existing and future members at no additional...
Curzon is beefing up its online offering with the launch of Curzon12, a monthly VoD service built into its membership packages.
The service will host 12 recent and classic movies which will be available to stream when logging in with a Curzon membership.
Scroll down for first lineup
Each month’s curated lineup, taken exclusively from Curzon’s library, is selected by the company’s programming team and is designed to complement the films playing across Curzon’s cinemas and its day-and-date service onCurzon Home Cinemathat month.
The collection will feature the work of directors such asYorgos Lanthimos,Charlie Chaplin,Andrea Arnold,Satyajit RayandAgnes Vardaas well as lesser known filmmakers.
The offering will be accompanied by a monthly newsletter that will delve deeper into three headline titles for that month.
The subscription is a benefit for existing and future members at no additional...
- 8/21/2017
- by [email protected] (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Looks like little Harper is following inVictoria Beckham's footsteps.
The fashion designer and former Spice Girl shared an adorable pic of her 5-year-old daughter getting ready to go to ballet class on Saturday.
Related:Victoria BeckhamGushes Over Her Kids and 'Soulmate'David Beckham:'We're Lucky to Have Each Other'
In the photo, Harper is seen wearing a boater with a red strap, a red leotard with black polka dots, tights and ballet shoes.
"First position,"the 43-year-old businesswoman captioned the Instagram pic.
Watch:Victoria Beckham's Daughter Harper Adorably Sings 'Happy Birthday' to Her Mom - See the Video
A day before, Victoria had shared another snapshot of Harper trying on her old dance shoes.
"Playing with my mummy's old ballet shoes x Thank you nana!! Kisses from Harper," she wrote.
Earlier this month, the Beckham family took a trip to Africa and shared plenty of pics from their exotic getaway.David Beckhammade sure...
The fashion designer and former Spice Girl shared an adorable pic of her 5-year-old daughter getting ready to go to ballet class on Saturday.
Related:Victoria BeckhamGushes Over Her Kids and 'Soulmate'David Beckham:'We're Lucky to Have Each Other'
In the photo, Harper is seen wearing a boater with a red strap, a red leotard with black polka dots, tights and ballet shoes.
"First position,"the 43-year-old businesswoman captioned the Instagram pic.
Watch:Victoria Beckham's Daughter Harper Adorably Sings 'Happy Birthday' to Her Mom - See the Video
A day before, Victoria had shared another snapshot of Harper trying on her old dance shoes.
"Playing with my mummy's old ballet shoes x Thank you nana!! Kisses from Harper," she wrote.
Earlier this month, the Beckham family took a trip to Africa and shared plenty of pics from their exotic getaway.David Beckhammade sure...
- 6/11/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
In honor ofStep Up:All In being release on Blu-Ray, DVD and On Demand today, we asked the kids' authority on dance,Asia Monet Ray,to list the Top 5 Dance Movies. Asia is one of the dancers on Lifetime's "Dance Moms"(who pretty much always wins!) and had her own spin-off series this summer,"Raising Asia"(scroll down to check out her own amazing footwork). Here's her list:
1. The Step Up Movies: Everyone that loves dance and in the dance industry knows and loves these movies. They're my top dance movies right now. Also, I loveStephen Boss(Twitch). He's in the movies and I've taken several of his convention classes, so it's great to see him. I love the choreography as well.
2.High School Musical,High School Musical 2,andHigh School Musical:Senior Year:I've always loved these movies because they were funny and...
1. The Step Up Movies: Everyone that loves dance and in the dance industry knows and loves these movies. They're my top dance movies right now. Also, I loveStephen Boss(Twitch). He's in the movies and I've taken several of his convention classes, so it's great to see him. I love the choreography as well.
2.High School Musical,High School Musical 2,andHigh School Musical:Senior Year:I've always loved these movies because they were funny and...
- 11/4/2014
- by [email protected] (Asia Monet Ray)
- kidspickflicks
Birdman,FuryandLeviathanamong main competition titles;Roland Jofféto preside over main jury.
Alejandro G Ińárritu,Yimou Zhang,Mike LeighandJean-Marc Valléeare among the directors with films screening in competition at the 22nd Camerimage (Nov 15-22), the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography.
The main competition at the festival, held in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz, comprises:
Alejandro G Ińárritu’s Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance); USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Emmanuel Lubezki
Yimou Zhang’sComing Home(Gui lai); China, 2014; Cinematographer: Zhao Xiaoding
Richard Raymond’sDesert Dancer;UK, 2014; Cinematographer:Carlos Catalán Alucha
Lech J. Majewski’s Field of Dogs - Onirica (Onirica - Psie pole); Poland, 2014; Cinematographers: Paweł Tybora andLech J. Majewski
Krzysztof Zanussi’s Foreign Body (Obce cialo); Poland, Italy, Russia, 2014; Cinematographer:Piotr Niemyjski
David Ayer’sFury;USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Roman Vasyanov
Tate Taylor’sGet on Up;USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Stephen Goldblatt
Łukasz Palkowski’s Gods (Bogowie); Poland, 2014; Cinematographer:...
Alejandro G Ińárritu,Yimou Zhang,Mike LeighandJean-Marc Valléeare among the directors with films screening in competition at the 22nd Camerimage (Nov 15-22), the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography.
The main competition at the festival, held in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz, comprises:
Alejandro G Ińárritu’s Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance); USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Emmanuel Lubezki
Yimou Zhang’sComing Home(Gui lai); China, 2014; Cinematographer: Zhao Xiaoding
Richard Raymond’sDesert Dancer;UK, 2014; Cinematographer:Carlos Catalán Alucha
Lech J. Majewski’s Field of Dogs - Onirica (Onirica - Psie pole); Poland, 2014; Cinematographers: Paweł Tybora andLech J. Majewski
Krzysztof Zanussi’s Foreign Body (Obce cialo); Poland, Italy, Russia, 2014; Cinematographer:Piotr Niemyjski
David Ayer’sFury;USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Roman Vasyanov
Tate Taylor’sGet on Up;USA, 2014; Cinematographer:Stephen Goldblatt
Łukasz Palkowski’s Gods (Bogowie); Poland, 2014; Cinematographer:...
- 10/31/2014
- by [email protected] (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Polish film festival sets competition juries;Roland Joffeto preside over main competition.
Camerimage (Nov 15-22), the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography, has set an impressive roster of jurors for its various competition categories.
The Killing FieldsdirectorRoland Joffewill preside over the main competition jury, which incldues cinematographersChristian BergerandManuel Alberto Claro.
Caleb Deschanelhas been appointed president of the Polish Films Competition.
The full list of jurors is below.
Main Competition
Roland Joffé– Jury President (director, producer;The Killing Fields,The Mission,Vatel)
Christian Berger(cinematographer;The Piano Teacher,Hidden,The White Ribbon)
Ryszard Bugajski(director, screenwriter; Interrogation,General Nil,TheClosed Circuit)
Ryszard Horowitz (photographer)
David Gropman(cinematographer;The Cider House Rules,Chocolat,Life of Pi)
Arthur Reinhart(cinematographer, producer;Crows,Tristan + Isolde,Venice)
Oliver Stapleton(cinematographer;The Cider House Rules,Pay It Forward,Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark)
Manuel Alberto Claro(cinematographer;Reconstruction,Melancholia,Nymphomaniac...
Camerimage (Nov 15-22), the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography, has set an impressive roster of jurors for its various competition categories.
The Killing FieldsdirectorRoland Joffewill preside over the main competition jury, which incldues cinematographersChristian BergerandManuel Alberto Claro.
Caleb Deschanelhas been appointed president of the Polish Films Competition.
The full list of jurors is below.
Main Competition
Roland Joffé– Jury President (director, producer;The Killing Fields,The Mission,Vatel)
Christian Berger(cinematographer;The Piano Teacher,Hidden,The White Ribbon)
Ryszard Bugajski(director, screenwriter; Interrogation,General Nil,TheClosed Circuit)
Ryszard Horowitz (photographer)
David Gropman(cinematographer;The Cider House Rules,Chocolat,Life of Pi)
Arthur Reinhart(cinematographer, producer;Crows,Tristan + Isolde,Venice)
Oliver Stapleton(cinematographer;The Cider House Rules,Pay It Forward,Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark)
Manuel Alberto Claro(cinematographer;Reconstruction,Melancholia,Nymphomaniac...
- 10/31/2014
- by [email protected] (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Michaela DePrinceproudly declares herself a 'poppy among the daffodils', as Precious Adams reveals she was advised by a teacher to lighten her skin
One of the most extraordinary stories told inBess Kargman's 2011 documentaryFirst Positionis ofMichaela DePrince,the young girl horrifically orphaned by the civil war inSierra Leone,who was inspired to become a ballerina after seeing a photograph of a dancer in an old torn magazine.
After DePrince was rescued fromSierra Leone,her adoptive American family willed her on to fulfill her ambition. Kargman's documentary only tracks DePrince to the point where she wins a prize to attend the American Ballet Theatre School: but since then she has embarked on a full professional career, first with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and then with Dutch National Ballet.
In the admirable interview posted here, DePrince combines a moving dedication to her art form, with...
One of the most extraordinary stories told inBess Kargman's 2011 documentaryFirst Positionis ofMichaela DePrince,the young girl horrifically orphaned by the civil war inSierra Leone,who was inspired to become a ballerina after seeing a photograph of a dancer in an old torn magazine.
After DePrince was rescued fromSierra Leone,her adoptive American family willed her on to fulfill her ambition. Kargman's documentary only tracks DePrince to the point where she wins a prize to attend the American Ballet Theatre School: but since then she has embarked on a full professional career, first with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and then with Dutch National Ballet.
In the admirable interview posted here, DePrince combines a moving dedication to her art form, with...
- 11/28/2013
- by Judith Mackrell
- The Guardian - Film News
Espn's "Nine for IX" documentary series, a women-centric answer to "30 for 30," will air every Tuesday night on the network at 8pm Et in July and August, kicking off July 2nd withAva DuVernay's "Venus Vs.," about tennis playerVenus Williams.The rest of the schedule: "Pat Xo" (7/9), "Let Them Wear Towels"(7/16)," No Limits "(7/23)," Swoopes "(7/30)," The Diplomat "(8/6)," Runner "(8/13)," The '99ers "(8/20) and" Branded "(8/27). The films aren't only all about female sports figures, they're all directed by female filmmakers, including documentarian duosAnnie SundbergandRicki SternandHeidi EwingandRachel Grady.Ahead of the TV premieres, Espn has released a "Nine for IX" short online, below. Directed byBess Kargman( "First Position") and executive produced byWhoopi Goldberg,"Coach"is a profile ofC. Vivian Stringer,one of the most prolific coaches in the history of college basketball. It won best documentary short at Tribeca earlier this year.
- 6/18/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
Basketball coachVivian Stringeris maybe most famous outside the sports world for her role as a spokeswoman during theDon Imusscandal, when the former radio host made racist and sexist remarks about Stringer’s players. But there’s much more to Stringer’s career and life — maybe too much even forCoach,the new Espn documentary about her.
The film kicks off a new series called Nine for IX: Nine documentaries airing over nine weeks for the 40th anniversary of Title IX. We spoke with the doc’s director,Bess Kargman,about working with Stringer — andCoach’s producer,...
The film kicks off a new series called Nine for IX: Nine documentaries airing over nine weeks for the 40th anniversary of Title IX. We spoke with the doc’s director,Bess Kargman,about working with Stringer — andCoach’s producer,...
- 6/18/2013
- by Adam Carlson
- EW - Inside TV
Videos of sweet children dancing is one thing – but watching ever-younger kids attempt an adult artform is questionable
Reading on mobile? Click to view.
Bess Kargman'sFirst Position,which was released in the UK earlier this year, is a portrait of child ballet students viewed through the drama of an annual competition, the Youth American Grand Prix. The hard-sell editing of its trailer sets us up to expect a reality TV-fest of pain, sacrifice, and sheer human weirdness.
But the documentary itself is far from being a freak show, because Kargman's camera focuses with such exceptional steadiness and acuity on the child competitors themselves. The six dancer she follows are talented, and hungry for a career in ballet. And even though some of their parents are scarily invested, and some teachers dangerously pushy, when we see them actually dancing it's shiningly evident that they're hard-wired to do what they do.
Reading on mobile? Click to view.
Bess Kargman'sFirst Position,which was released in the UK earlier this year, is a portrait of child ballet students viewed through the drama of an annual competition, the Youth American Grand Prix. The hard-sell editing of its trailer sets us up to expect a reality TV-fest of pain, sacrifice, and sheer human weirdness.
But the documentary itself is far from being a freak show, because Kargman's camera focuses with such exceptional steadiness and acuity on the child competitors themselves. The six dancer she follows are talented, and hungry for a career in ballet. And even though some of their parents are scarily invested, and some teachers dangerously pushy, when we see them actually dancing it's shiningly evident that they're hard-wired to do what they do.
- 6/12/2013
- by Judith Mackrell
- The Guardian - Film News
★★☆☆☆ Those that have suffered the proliferation of nationally-broadcast talent shows - an offshoot of the ongoing reality TV craze - will be wearily familiar with the proposition put forth by documentaryFirst Position(2011). The directorial debut ofBess Kargman,the film looks to go behind the scenes of the world's most prestigious ballet competition, the Youth American Grand Prix. Everyone knows the drill by now: the dancers display their lifelong burning desire to succeed; there are many hours of practice; parents shed tears. It all builds to their tense climactic moment on the stage, walking the thin line between failure and success.
The big draw thatFirst Positiondoes have is its astounding subjects. Following half a dozen youngsters through various stages of the competition, they are all interesting characters to see at work, play, or in performance.Aran Bell(11) is kind of the star of the show; described by...
The big draw thatFirst Positiondoes have is its astounding subjects. Following half a dozen youngsters through various stages of the competition, they are all interesting characters to see at work, play, or in performance.Aran Bell(11) is kind of the star of the show; described by...
- 5/28/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Directed and produced by debut American filmmakerBess Kargman,heartwarming documentaryFirst Position(2011) follows six aspirational young dancers, each of them striving for one specific goal - a place in the American Grand Prix final, the world's most prestigious ballet competition. To celebrate the DVD rerelease ofFirst Positionon 27 May (this Monday), following its theatrical run in UK cinemas earlier this year, we have Three DVD copies of Kargman's film to give away to our loyal readership, courtesy of the folks atArtificial Eye.This is an exclusive competition for our Facebook and Twitter fans, so if you haven't already, 'Like' us at facebook.com/CineVueUK or follow us @CineVue before answering the question below.
The Youth America Grand Prix is one of the country's most prestigious annual ballet competitions where entrants are offered the potential of scholarships, funding and future roles in dance companies. Kargman's documentary follows six aspiring dancers,...
The Youth America Grand Prix is one of the country's most prestigious annual ballet competitions where entrants are offered the potential of scholarships, funding and future roles in dance companies. Kargman's documentary follows six aspiring dancers,...
- 5/24/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Studio bosses are left wondering what went right as the science-fiction story brings home a surprise result
The winner
Reviews were mixed, and the early April release date suggested a movie falling short of the blockbuster premier league, but there was nothing puny about the opening-weekend box office forOblivion:£3.36m, plus Wednesday/Thursday previews totaling £1.60m. The five-day £4.96m debut compares with £2.79m for GI Joe: Retaliation from a couple of weeks ago, and a previews-inflated £3.58m opening for starTom Cruise's previous effortJack Reacherin late December.ObliviondirectorJoseph Kosinski's earlierTron: Legacydebuted with £1.97m back in 2010. Cruise also has a strong track record in the sci-fi genre.War of the Worldsdebuted in July 2005 with £8.64m, andMinority Reportin July 2002 with £4.51m.
Studios always review results for all their releases, and now Universal is in the happy position of wondering what went right withOblivion.
The winner
Reviews were mixed, and the early April release date suggested a movie falling short of the blockbuster premier league, but there was nothing puny about the opening-weekend box office forOblivion:£3.36m, plus Wednesday/Thursday previews totaling £1.60m. The five-day £4.96m debut compares with £2.79m for GI Joe: Retaliation from a couple of weeks ago, and a previews-inflated £3.58m opening for starTom Cruise's previous effortJack Reacherin late December.ObliviondirectorJoseph Kosinski's earlierTron: Legacydebuted with £1.97m back in 2010. Cruise also has a strong track record in the sci-fi genre.War of the Worldsdebuted in July 2005 with £8.64m, andMinority Reportin July 2002 with £4.51m.
Studios always review results for all their releases, and now Universal is in the happy position of wondering what went right withOblivion.
- 4/16/2013
- by Charles Gant
- The Guardian - Film News
The Place Beyond The Pines|Oblivion|Simon Killer|The Gatekeepers|Flying Blind|Scary Movie 5| Bafta Shorts 2013 |First Position| Theorem | Nautanki Saala!
The Place Beyond The Pines(15)
(Derek Cianfrance,2012, Us)Ryan Gosling,Bradley Cooper.141 mins
Fans might be disappointed to hear it, but this has bigger ambitions than just drooling overRyan Gosling.His criminal stunt-biker is merely one part of a weighty cross-generational triptych: a study of fathers, sons, sins and justice that seeks a place beyond standard storytelling structure, even if there's not quite enough meat on the bones, especially of the Gosling variety.
Oblivion(12A)
(Joseph Kosinski,2013, Us)Tom Cruise,Morgan Freeman,Olga Kurylenko.125 mins
Cruise is in his familiar anchorman role for this big-budget sci-fi, set on a devastated future Earth where all is not what it seems with his drone repairman's job. It's potentially a Philip K Dick-style thriller, though the lack of advance screenings is a danger sign.
The Place Beyond The Pines(15)
(Derek Cianfrance,2012, Us)Ryan Gosling,Bradley Cooper.141 mins
Fans might be disappointed to hear it, but this has bigger ambitions than just drooling overRyan Gosling.His criminal stunt-biker is merely one part of a weighty cross-generational triptych: a study of fathers, sons, sins and justice that seeks a place beyond standard storytelling structure, even if there's not quite enough meat on the bones, especially of the Gosling variety.
Oblivion(12A)
(Joseph Kosinski,2013, Us)Tom Cruise,Morgan Freeman,Olga Kurylenko.125 mins
Cruise is in his familiar anchorman role for this big-budget sci-fi, set on a devastated future Earth where all is not what it seems with his drone repairman's job. It's potentially a Philip K Dick-style thriller, though the lack of advance screenings is a danger sign.
- 4/13/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
A documentary about aspiring American ballet dancers has been fatally influenced by reality-tv feelgood values
Bess Kargman'sFirst Positionis a blandly feelgood documentary about aspiring young ballet dancers. Kargman follows a handful of teens as they compete for a prize at the Youth America Grand Prix, which awards top scholarships to ballet schools all over the world. The young people themselves are likable – but the film sticks to a cliched template, derived from a thousand TV reality shows. We see the rehearsals, the mums and dads, the tears and heartache, all leading to the great final itself: not so different from an episode of Glee. And a prepackaged happy ending in pretty much every case is apparently mandatory. Success is warmly celebrated, which is great. Yet how does it feel to go back home after falling a millimetre short? The vast majority of these talented dancers won't make it,...
Bess Kargman'sFirst Positionis a blandly feelgood documentary about aspiring young ballet dancers. Kargman follows a handful of teens as they compete for a prize at the Youth America Grand Prix, which awards top scholarships to ballet schools all over the world. The young people themselves are likable – but the film sticks to a cliched template, derived from a thousand TV reality shows. We see the rehearsals, the mums and dads, the tears and heartache, all leading to the great final itself: not so different from an episode of Glee. And a prepackaged happy ending in pretty much every case is apparently mandatory. Success is warmly celebrated, which is great. Yet how does it feel to go back home after falling a millimetre short? The vast majority of these talented dancers won't make it,...
- 4/12/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
★★★☆☆ Directed and produced byBess Kargman,First Position(2011) follows six dancers aged 9-19, each of them striving for a specific goal - a place in the American Grand Prix final, the world's most prestigious ballet competition. Five thousand dancers compete for a place in the New York final; younger winners are awarded scholarships to schools, whilst the older competitors contend for jobs. Aran, 11, lives outside Naples on a Us Army base and loves skateboarding and ballet. Rebecca, known as Princess and with a penchant for all things pink, attends her local high school and eats a lot - the epitome of a normal teenager.
Read more »...
Read more »...
- 4/11/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Stars:Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty| Directed byBess Kargman
Some may wonder why I would be interested in watching a documentary on ballet dancing, especially when I have the rhythmic abilities of a broken rotary fan. That is a legitimate question that deserves an answer. Personally I feel a big purpose of movies is having an opportunity to expose ourselves to things we would otherwise never experience. Plus a sign of a good filmmaker is the ability to take an isolating subject and present it in an interesting way.
First Positionsucceeds at accomplishing just that.
The film follows a variety of dancers that are getting prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. Dancers from the ages of 9 to 19 look to use the Grand Pix to launch their careers as ballet dancers.
DirectorBess Kargmancovered...
Some may wonder why I would be interested in watching a documentary on ballet dancing, especially when I have the rhythmic abilities of a broken rotary fan. That is a legitimate question that deserves an answer. Personally I feel a big purpose of movies is having an opportunity to expose ourselves to things we would otherwise never experience. Plus a sign of a good filmmaker is the ability to take an isolating subject and present it in an interesting way.
First Positionsucceeds at accomplishing just that.
The film follows a variety of dancers that are getting prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. Dancers from the ages of 9 to 19 look to use the Grand Pix to launch their careers as ballet dancers.
DirectorBess Kargmancovered...
- 4/8/2013
- by Dan Clark
- Nerdly
Based on harrowing true events,The Impossibleis a story of unique horror — the extreme fear of trying to locate family members after experiencing a natural disaster. The film is based on a Spanish family who experienced the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, and are now portrayed in the film byNaomi Watts,Ewan McGregor,and impressive new young actorTom Holland.
I sat down with directorJuan Antonio Bayonain an exclusive interview to discuss the movie while the director was in Chicago for last October’s international film festival. Amongst many topics, we discussed his own experience with the film title, howNaomi Wattslikes to be directed, and why he chose to cast Caucasian actors to play out a story that is inspired by the true events of a Spanish family.
The Impossibleopens in Chicago on December 21.
It seems like the title of the film could have easily...
I sat down with directorJuan Antonio Bayonain an exclusive interview to discuss the movie while the director was in Chicago for last October’s international film festival. Amongst many topics, we discussed his own experience with the film title, howNaomi Wattslikes to be directed, and why he chose to cast Caucasian actors to play out a story that is inspired by the true events of a Spanish family.
The Impossibleopens in Chicago on December 21.
It seems like the title of the film could have easily...
- 12/21/2012
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
The NAACP Image Awards have announced the nominees for their 44th annual awards show during a live press conference from the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA.Anthony Anderson(Guys with Kids),Niecy Nash(The Soul Man),Yvette Nicole Brown(Community),Garcelle Beauvais(Flight),Tyler James Williams(Go On), andZendaya(Shake It Up!) announced the categories and nominees.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced during the two-hour star-studded event, which will air live on Friday, February 1 (8 Et live/Pt tape-delayed) on NBC.
Following is the list of categories and nominees for the 44Th NAACP Image Awards:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"Glee"(Fox)
"Modern Family"(ABC)
"The Game"(Bet)
"The Mindy Project"(Fox)
"The Soul Man"(TV...
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced during the two-hour star-studded event, which will air live on Friday, February 1 (8 Et live/Pt tape-delayed) on NBC.
Following is the list of categories and nominees for the 44Th NAACP Image Awards:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"Glee"(Fox)
"Modern Family"(ABC)
"The Game"(Bet)
"The Mindy Project"(Fox)
"The Soul Man"(TV...
- 12/11/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
First Position
Review byDan Clark
Stars:Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty| Directed byBess Kargman
Some may wonder why I would be interested in watching a documentary on ballet dancing, especially when I have the rhythmic abilities of a broken rotary fan. That is a legitimate question that deserves an answer. Personally I feel a big purpose of movies is having an opportunity to expose ourselves to things we would otherwise never experience. Plus a sign of a good filmmaker is the ability to take an isolating subject and present it in an interesting way.First Positionsucceeds at accomplishing just that.
First Positionfollows a variety of dancers that are getting prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. Dancers from the ages of 9 to 19 look to use the Grand Pix to launch their careers as ballet dancers.
Review byDan Clark
Stars:Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty| Directed byBess Kargman
Some may wonder why I would be interested in watching a documentary on ballet dancing, especially when I have the rhythmic abilities of a broken rotary fan. That is a legitimate question that deserves an answer. Personally I feel a big purpose of movies is having an opportunity to expose ourselves to things we would otherwise never experience. Plus a sign of a good filmmaker is the ability to take an isolating subject and present it in an interesting way.First Positionsucceeds at accomplishing just that.
First Positionfollows a variety of dancers that are getting prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. Dancers from the ages of 9 to 19 look to use the Grand Pix to launch their careers as ballet dancers.
- 12/9/2012
- by Guest
- Nerdly
The world of ballet largely exists in somewhat rareified air, and doesn't often enter the wider pop cultural sphere, and thus it's a pleasant surprise thatBess Kargman's "First Position"is so immediately engaging. A documentary about a ballet contest might not seem inherently dramatic or even interesting for anyone who doesn't particularly enjoy dance, but by finding the human stories and letting the often breathtaking physicality speak for itself,"First Position"is a simple, but effective portrait of ambition and determination in an art form where the stakes are high and the rewards are few. The setup is straightforward. Centered around the Youth America Grand Prix, the annual prestigious ballet competition that draws contestants from all over the world and often kickstarts a career for the winners, Kargman pitches the narrative through a handful of unique and undoubtedly talented kids: Aran, 11 years old, an American living in with.
- 7/21/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The Youth American Grand Prix (Yagp) is an annual international ballet competition, in which over 5000 dance students aged between 9 and 19 years old compete for elite scholarships with some of the world’s most prestigious companies and schools.First Positiontracks six ambitious young dancers – Aran, Gaya, Michaela, Mike, Rebecca and Joan – as they train, travel the world and overcome self-doubt and overwhelming pressure in a bid to secure their place at the New York finals and come that bit closer to achieving their dreams.
Bess Kargman’s feature directorial debut seems effortlessly concocted as the focus flits back and forth between each of the dancers, in a way that both limits subjectivity and heightens enjoyment. Each of the six are introduced to in turn, from the fiercely competitive Michaela to Joan, who has made the daunting trip from Columbia not only to become a world-renowned dancer, but also to make...
Bess Kargman’s feature directorial debut seems effortlessly concocted as the focus flits back and forth between each of the dancers, in a way that both limits subjectivity and heightens enjoyment. Each of the six are introduced to in turn, from the fiercely competitive Michaela to Joan, who has made the daunting trip from Columbia not only to become a world-renowned dancer, but also to make...
- 7/3/2012
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Sundance Institute today announced a whopping 24 Documentary Film Fellows. The nine projects will participate in the 2012 Documentary Edit and Story Labs in Sundance, Utah. The labs will run in two sections: June 22-30 and July 6-14. Highlights include "Sembene!" a profile of the Senegalese movie pioneer, "Match +: Love in a Time of HIV," which examines the romantic lives of Indians with HIV, and "Studio H," which covers a year in one of America's most innovative high school classrooms. The full list of projects is reprinted below: June 22-30 Documentary Edit And Story Lab Documentary Edit and Story Lab Fellows will be joined by Dfp staff and seven Creative Advisors to jointly engage in the creative process. Editors serving as Creative Advisors areRicardo Acosta(Herman’s House),Kate Amend(First Position),Carla Gutierrez(Reportero),Mary Lampson(Harlan County,A Lion in the House) andVictor Livingston(The Queen.
- 6/19/2012
- by Austin Dale
- Indiewire
Anyone who's seenBess Kargman's "Spellbound" -esque dance documentary "First Position,"knows whoGaya Bommer Yeminiis. The Israeli dancer's journey to the Youth America Grand Prix dance competition along with five other young talents is the heart of "First Position,"and currently the source of many a critic's vicarious agonizing and ecstasizing. In a film built on exceptional dance routines, Bommer Yemini performs one of the best: a wonderfully odd and stylized number called" Cartoon Girl, "that's currently experiencing a resurrection online.
Watch "Cartoon Girl":
The piece, choreographed by Bommer Yemini's dance teacher mother Nadine, sees the 12-year-old transforming her body into a marionette's. She tips and twists like a doll, recontextualizing a prop from a lollipop to a paddle at one point and seeming to melt into place at others.
Described at the time by a New York Times' reviewer as proof of "vivid individuality and a talent for comic timing,...
Watch "Cartoon Girl":
The piece, choreographed by Bommer Yemini's dance teacher mother Nadine, sees the 12-year-old transforming her body into a marionette's. She tips and twists like a doll, recontextualizing a prop from a lollipop to a paddle at one point and seeming to melt into place at others.
Described at the time by a New York Times' reviewer as proof of "vivid individuality and a talent for comic timing,...
- 6/19/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
There are two kinds of reality shows -- salacious and sophisticated. The former has no qualms about showing you the contents of its drunk subjects' stomachs, while the latter aims to show you the contents of a subject's soul. Breaking Pointe most definitely belongs to the latter group.
Starting tonight, The CW takes you inside the rehearsal rooms of Salt Lake City's Ballet West -- one of the country's premiere ballet companies -- as they begin promoting (and demoting) dancers through the nerve-wracking Contracts process.
Trailer -Step Up:Revolution Stomps The Streets
Along the way, we meet some standouts in Ballet West's 48 person company -- including dating dancersAllison& Rex (yes, there are straight men on this show), talented upstart Beckanne, Principal Artist Christiana and "bad boy" Ronnie (think Cooper Nielson without the accent).
An association that quickly makes it clear how well-suited I am to a show like Breaking Pointe since I devour every piece...
Starting tonight, The CW takes you inside the rehearsal rooms of Salt Lake City's Ballet West -- one of the country's premiere ballet companies -- as they begin promoting (and demoting) dancers through the nerve-wracking Contracts process.
Trailer -Step Up:Revolution Stomps The Streets
Along the way, we meet some standouts in Ballet West's 48 person company -- including dating dancersAllison& Rex (yes, there are straight men on this show), talented upstart Beckanne, Principal Artist Christiana and "bad boy" Ronnie (think Cooper Nielson without the accent).
An association that quickly makes it clear how well-suited I am to a show like Breaking Pointe since I devour every piece...
- 5/31/2012
- TheInsider.com
Ballet has cemented itself in my mind as of late. I’ve made it no secret how much I truly admireBlack SwanwhileThe Red Shoessits atop my top five all-time list. Although I wasn’t anticipating a documentary on the subject, I was proven wrong, asFirst Positionis a wondrous journey behind the scenes of the elite youth Grand Prix. The competition occurs every year and decides the fates of hundreds of ballet dancer hopefuls. First-time directorBess Kargmanwas gracious enough to sit down with me to discuss the film and we covered such topics as why the individual subjects never interact on camera, her efforts to show diversity in this sport of preconceived notions, what surprised her the most about the process as a newcomer, choosing the subjects, and much more. Check it out below.
The Film Stage: One thing I found fascinating about the film,...
The Film Stage: One thing I found fascinating about the film,...
- 5/28/2012
- by [email protected] (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
School's outtoday, and that means the kids are ready for summer fun. Alamo Drafthouse is offering several family-friendly events, including Alamo Kids Camp at several Austin locations. Iron Giant began a two-week run at Alamo South Lamar today. From Saturday through Thursday, June 7, Alamo Slaughter is offeringFantastic Mr. Fox,Alamo Village hosts TheCorpse Bride,and the Lake Creek location featuresHow to Train Your Dragon.Check the Drafthouse calendar for times, and be sure to arrive extra early for these free screenings -- seating is limited and first come, first served.
On Thursday, Rolling Roadshow invades Austin's Park for a special screening of Pixar'sToy Story.Ticket purchase is only for the movie itself, and tickets must be picked up at Alamo South Lamar prior to the show. Don't forget to bring extra money for arcade games, miniature golf, and pizza before the screening.
For more mature audiences,...
On Thursday, Rolling Roadshow invades Austin's Park for a special screening of Pixar'sToy Story.Ticket purchase is only for the movie itself, and tickets must be picked up at Alamo South Lamar prior to the show. Don't forget to bring extra money for arcade games, miniature golf, and pizza before the screening.
For more mature audiences,...
- 5/25/2012
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
First positionis one of the first things you learn in ballet class, placing your feet heel to heel in as straight a line as possible. In the case of the documentaryFirst Position,the directorial debut by former dancerBess Kargman,this position is not only in frequent use among the dancers involved, but also the goal they hope to attain in the Youth America Grand Prix.
Kargman's film follows six young ballet dancers in their many months of preparation for the Grand Prix. Eleven-year-old Aran comes from a supportive American military family. His dad took a tour in Kuwait so they could be placed closer to a city with a good ballet program for Aran (they currently live in Italy). Aran meets Israeli Gaya (both pictured above) in ballet class and they are inseparable during competitions. These pre-teens are proficient dancers, and their facial expressions throughout their interactions...
Kargman's film follows six young ballet dancers in their many months of preparation for the Grand Prix. Eleven-year-old Aran comes from a supportive American military family. His dad took a tour in Kuwait so they could be placed closer to a city with a good ballet program for Aran (they currently live in Italy). Aran meets Israeli Gaya (both pictured above) in ballet class and they are inseparable during competitions. These pre-teens are proficient dancers, and their facial expressions throughout their interactions...
- 5/24/2012
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
First Position
Directed byBess Kargman
2011, USA, 90 mins.
There are few joys in the world like watching someone who is extremely talented do what they love. This is the best thingFirst Positionhas to recommend it. The film follows a handful of ballet dancers, ages eleven through seventeen, as they train to compete in one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world: the Youth America Grand Prix in New York.
I realise that ‘talented’ is an adjective frequently and carelessly thrown about—especially when it concerns children. Here are some others: world-class, incredible, and brilliant. Overused though they are, when applied to the youths featured inFirst Position,these words are apt.
It Takes a Village to Train a Dancer
Beautifully shot and evenly paced,First Positionshowcases seven young ballet dancers and how their lives are devoted to ballet. DirectorBess Kargmanavoids an appearance (though uses title cards,...
Directed byBess Kargman
2011, USA, 90 mins.
There are few joys in the world like watching someone who is extremely talented do what they love. This is the best thingFirst Positionhas to recommend it. The film follows a handful of ballet dancers, ages eleven through seventeen, as they train to compete in one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world: the Youth America Grand Prix in New York.
I realise that ‘talented’ is an adjective frequently and carelessly thrown about—especially when it concerns children. Here are some others: world-class, incredible, and brilliant. Overused though they are, when applied to the youths featured inFirst Position,these words are apt.
It Takes a Village to Train a Dancer
Beautifully shot and evenly paced,First Positionshowcases seven young ballet dancers and how their lives are devoted to ballet. DirectorBess Kargmanavoids an appearance (though uses title cards,...
- 5/23/2012
- by Dave Robson
- SoundOnSight
Chicago – The delicate sensibility in the documentary “First Position”would probably had not existed if first-time filmmaker Beth Kargman had not wanted to see the movie herself. As a former ballet dancer, she wanted to go behind the performance for portraits of young dancers as dedicated artists.
“First Position”follows six different competitors in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix, which focuses on ballet dancers ages 9-19. There are situations that are expected – the intensity of a parent who accommodates and sacrifices, the instructor taskmaster in the studio and the hours of obsessive rehearsal. But when the individual kids are spotlighted, a new truth emerges. Life has a different path for these talents, and each journey has an artistic interpretation within it.
Rebecca Houseknect Waits Backstage in ‘First Position’
Photo credit: Sundance Selects
There is the poignant story of a war orphan from Africa turned ballerina, when an adoptive family...
“First Position”follows six different competitors in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix, which focuses on ballet dancers ages 9-19. There are situations that are expected – the intensity of a parent who accommodates and sacrifices, the instructor taskmaster in the studio and the hours of obsessive rehearsal. But when the individual kids are spotlighted, a new truth emerges. Life has a different path for these talents, and each journey has an artistic interpretation within it.
Rebecca Houseknect Waits Backstage in ‘First Position’
Photo credit: Sundance Selects
There is the poignant story of a war orphan from Africa turned ballerina, when an adoptive family...
- 5/21/2012
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In general, one of the essential rites of passage for girls in childhood are ballet lessons and costumed recitals. What about those exceptional talents who stick with the art? DirectorBess Kargmancreates a documentary about the elite youth within the beauty and truth of the dance, “First Position.”
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The title refers to the stance that every new ballet student learns, and in Kargman’s document, symbolizes the career beginnings of the cream of the youth crop. No matter what your opinion or connection to the art form is, this film enhances the appreciation of the hard work and dedication that these children endure. There are several surprises, with both the expected stereotypes and outside-the-box participants. Everything is beautiful at the ballet.
Kargman follows six different competitors in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix, which focuses on ballet dancers ages 9-19. There are types that are expected – the...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The title refers to the stance that every new ballet student learns, and in Kargman’s document, symbolizes the career beginnings of the cream of the youth crop. No matter what your opinion or connection to the art form is, this film enhances the appreciation of the hard work and dedication that these children endure. There are several surprises, with both the expected stereotypes and outside-the-box participants. Everything is beautiful at the ballet.
Kargman follows six different competitors in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix, which focuses on ballet dancers ages 9-19. There are types that are expected – the...
- 5/21/2012
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Last-minute Hookup! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 30 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the award-winning Sundance Selects documentary “First Position”!
“First Position”from directorBess KargmanstarsAran Bell,Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty,Miko Fogarty,Rebecca HouseknechtandJoan Sebastian Zamora.
To win your admit-two, advance-screening movie passes to “First Position”courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Chicago. The more social actions you complete below, the higher yours odds of winning!
Note: You can enter for our “First Position”Hookup as well as our earlier “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Hookup, but you can’t win both as they’re taking place on the same night.
“First Position”from directorBess KargmanstarsAran Bell,Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty,Miko Fogarty,Rebecca HouseknechtandJoan Sebastian Zamora.
To win your admit-two, advance-screening movie passes to “First Position”courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Chicago. The more social actions you complete below, the higher yours odds of winning!
Note: You can enter for our “First Position”Hookup as well as our earlier “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Hookup, but you can’t win both as they’re taking place on the same night.
- 5/12/2012
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Rose Caiola,who is the producer and co-writer of the off-Broadway musical hit Freckleface The Musical based on the popular childrens book byJulianne Mooreand also made her Broadway debut as a producer this year with Godspell at Circle in the Square, now adds film to her growing resume withFirst Position,a film by directorBess Kargman,for which she serves as Executive Producer. The film which has received rave reviews across the country was screened this past weekend at theElinor BuninMonroe TheatreFilm Society of Lincoln Center on West 65th Street. See photos of Caiola at the opening below...
- 5/8/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Weekend Box Office: 'The Avengers' Assemble The Biggest Opening Weekend In History With $200 Million
Box office: you just got Avenged.
Combining the feature attractions of four separate blockbusters, "The Avengers"was looking to at least surpass the first weekend gross of"Iron Man 2,"which pulled in a non-3D three-day total of $128 million during this weekend two years ago. However, few expected the team-up film to surpass the final domestic tallies of both" Thor "and"Captain America: The First Avenger"in its first three days, roughing up previous weekend record-holder" Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part Two "in the process. That 3D-enhanced final installment of the 'Potter' series still holds the record for the biggest opening day at $91 million, but"The Avengers"will finish Sunday with a record breaking $200 million opening weekend. Hooray money!
You want numbers? How about this? By the end of Sunday, "The Avengers"will boast a worldwide tally somewhere north of $600 million. You want stats?"The Avengers"is...
Combining the feature attractions of four separate blockbusters, "The Avengers"was looking to at least surpass the first weekend gross of"Iron Man 2,"which pulled in a non-3D three-day total of $128 million during this weekend two years ago. However, few expected the team-up film to surpass the final domestic tallies of both" Thor "and"Captain America: The First Avenger"in its first three days, roughing up previous weekend record-holder" Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part Two "in the process. That 3D-enhanced final installment of the 'Potter' series still holds the record for the biggest opening day at $91 million, but"The Avengers"will finish Sunday with a record breaking $200 million opening weekend. Hooray money!
You want numbers? How about this? By the end of Sunday, "The Avengers"will boast a worldwide tally somewhere north of $600 million. You want stats?"The Avengers"is...
- 5/6/2012
- by Gabe Toro
- The Playlist
The kids who have it hard inBess Kargman’s grueling/magical documentaryFirst Positionhave chosen (or been thrust into) one of civilization’s most unnatural modes of expression: ballet, in which bodies are wrenched and twisted and molded to do what bodies weren’t designed to do — and in the process to enlarge our sense of what’s physically and spiritually possible.This is yet another competition doc in the unending legacy of Spellbound (crossword puzzle fanatics, juvenile drag racers — everyone has his or her own competition doc), but Karger is light on her feet, too, and she has chosen to follow a fascinating group of kids preparing for the 2010 Youth America Grand Prix — where not only medals are awarded but also scholarships and even positions in prestigious companies. There’s an 11-year-old Army brat already so airy and precise that he has only a glancing acquaintance with...
- 5/4/2012
- by David Edelstein
- Vulture
The summer movie season has finally arrived, swooping in to save us from an extremely dull April, and I don't think there could be a better movie to kick things off.The Avengersis already a mega-hit overseas and there is probably a good chance that it will break some records in North America, but the bottom line is that no one in their right mind would release another studio movie on the same weekend. There are just a handful of indie releases in select theatres includingThe Best Exotic Marigold HotelstarringJudi DenchandBill Nighy,A Little Bit of HeavenstarringKate HudsonandGael García Bernal,andLolstarringMiley Cyrus.There are also a couple of genre flicks to choose withDarren Lynn Bousman's Mother's Day remake andMeeting EvilstarringLuke WilsonandSamuel L. Jackson.So how many times will you be watchingThe Avengersthis weekend?...
- 5/4/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Capsule Options is a new weekly column intended to provide reviews of nearly every new indie release. This week's capsules are written by Indiewire's Chief Film Critic, Eric Kohn along with other contributors as noted. Reviews This Week: "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel""The Connection ""First Position""Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story "" Last Call at the Oasis ""A Little Bit of Heaven""Meeting Evil""Mother's Day ""The Perfect Family""You Hurt My Feelings ""The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"It's little wonder the British retiree dramedy"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"is a hit in the U.K. The film follows the template similar to the one that made" Mamma Mia! "a massive hit in the same territory: Transplant a top tier crop of actors over the age of 50 to an exotic locale...
- 5/3/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Nothing matters this weekend -- seriously, Nothing At All -- unless it has to do with "The Avengers." While fans of the Marvel films have been waiting for this movie since it was teased at the end of "Iron Man"in 2008, it's been an even longer wait for comic-book devotees. (The first" Avengers "comic came out in 1963.) On Thursday at midnight, those superhero dreams become reality asIron Man,Thor, Captain America, the Hulk,Black Widowand Hawkeye join forces to take on the demigod Loki. So assemble (sorry) your group of freinds as we take a look at the potential box-office motherload "Avengers" is set to take in this weekend. Nationwide Releases What's the story: The good vs. evil plot pits our aforementioned heroes against the maniacal mastermind Loki. When Loki steals the all-powerful Tesseract from S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, the team steps up to help...
- 5/3/2012
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
Each week within this column we strive to pair the latest in theatrical releases to worthwhile titles currently available on Netflix Instant Watch. This week we offer alternatives to The Avengers,The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel&First Position.
Iron Man,Thor,Black Widow,Captain America, Hawkeye and the Hulk join forces as the Avengers to face an evil unlike the earth has ever seen before.Robert Downey Jr.,Chris Evans,Scarlett Johansson,Chris Hemsworth,Mark Ruffalo,andJeremy Rennerco-star;Joss Whedondirects.
How about giving some lesser-known superheroes their due:
Confessions of a Superhero(2007) This quirky and compelling documentary follows four dreamers whose passion to become professional actors has landed them all on Hollywood Boulevard costumed as Superman, Wonder Woman,Batman,and the Incredible Hulk.Matt Ogensdirects.
Big Man Japan(2007) This Japanese mockumentary explores the downside to being a superhero. Daisato is a middle-aged, second-rate superhero who not...
Iron Man,Thor,Black Widow,Captain America, Hawkeye and the Hulk join forces as the Avengers to face an evil unlike the earth has ever seen before.Robert Downey Jr.,Chris Evans,Scarlett Johansson,Chris Hemsworth,Mark Ruffalo,andJeremy Rennerco-star;Joss Whedondirects.
How about giving some lesser-known superheroes their due:
Confessions of a Superhero(2007) This quirky and compelling documentary follows four dreamers whose passion to become professional actors has landed them all on Hollywood Boulevard costumed as Superman, Wonder Woman,Batman,and the Incredible Hulk.Matt Ogensdirects.
Big Man Japan(2007) This Japanese mockumentary explores the downside to being a superhero. Daisato is a middle-aged, second-rate superhero who not...
- 5/3/2012
- by [email protected] (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
First Positionwants you to understand that ballet is no joke. As much as you might think the silly shoes and fluffy dress are signs that the environment is relaxed and easy, it’s not. There is beauty and grace, but behind that is repetition that leaves the body beaten and bruised. And it’s not repetition for a few weeks that culminates in a grand competition. It is the honing of the body every day, for hours on end, for months and even years. Now imagine that for adolescents, set in the modern world where prestigious international competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix can decide the future of these wunderkind. Full scholarships to the most vaunted ballet schools around the world are given out, and it is one step closer to launching a career in something that takes a level of dedication that would seem obsessive if it...
- 5/2/2012
- by [email protected] (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
First Positiontakes a look behind the scenes as six young dancers prepare to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition. Directed byBess Kargman,the documentary follows these performers as they tirelessly train all over the world in the hopes of winning awards, scholarships to prestigious dance schools, or even a chance to be placed in a professional ballet company....
- 5/1/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Perhaps the most contentious summer blockbuster season yet is now upon us, but May mostly brings excellent limited releases to the table. Aside from the picks below, some of which are on VOD already, this month also officially kicks off our first look at the most promising films of the year, as Cannes rolls our their red carpet. Stay tuned for our coverage and check out our ten films to see this month below.
Matinees:Death of a Superhero(5/4),First Position(5/4),Dark Shadows(5/11), Where Do WeGo Now?(5/11), Hysteria (5/18), Polisse (5/18), Five Broken Cameras (5/30)
10.The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel(John Madden;May 4th)
Synopsis: British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: This monthThe Avengersmay round up Marvel’s top superheroes,...
Matinees:Death of a Superhero(5/4),First Position(5/4),Dark Shadows(5/11), Where Do WeGo Now?(5/11), Hysteria (5/18), Polisse (5/18), Five Broken Cameras (5/30)
10.The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel(John Madden;May 4th)
Synopsis: British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: This monthThe Avengersmay round up Marvel’s top superheroes,...
- 5/1/2012
- by [email protected] (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
While "Black Swan"might have had more than it's fair share of tough love, physicality and mental and emotional pressure, Nina Sayers might not have anything on the young dancers featured in the upcoming documentary"First Position."
Directed byBess Kargman,the film chronicles the Youth America Grand Prix, the annual and pretigious ballet competition that draws contestants from all over the world. The prize? Elite scholarships and contracts that make the effort of years of practice and discipline all worth it, while giving the winners the opportunity to make dancing a career. But of course, nothing short of perfection is expected. The documentary follows six young dancers though the competition as they try balance a childhood with the rigors that the art requries.
The flim played the festival circuit last year while it picked up a handful of awards including the Jury Prize at Sf Docfest, the Audience Award at Doc NYC,...
Directed byBess Kargman,the film chronicles the Youth America Grand Prix, the annual and pretigious ballet competition that draws contestants from all over the world. The prize? Elite scholarships and contracts that make the effort of years of practice and discipline all worth it, while giving the winners the opportunity to make dancing a career. But of course, nothing short of perfection is expected. The documentary follows six young dancers though the competition as they try balance a childhood with the rigors that the art requries.
The flim played the festival circuit last year while it picked up a handful of awards including the Jury Prize at Sf Docfest, the Audience Award at Doc NYC,...
- 4/16/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
First PositionTrailer.Bess Kargman‘sFirst Position(2011) movie trailer starsAran Bell,Gaya Bommer Yemini,Michaela Deprince,Jules Jarvis Fogarty,Rebecca Houseknecht,andJoan Sebastian Zamora.First Position‘s plot synopsis: “Follow in the inspirational footsteps of six talented ballet dancers (ages nine to nineteen) as they struggle to maintain form in the face of injury [...]
Continue reading:First Position(2011) Movie Trailer:Bess Kargman...
Continue reading:First Position(2011) Movie Trailer:Bess Kargman...
- 4/6/2012
- by R.W.
- Film-Book
It's nice to wake up to some good news once in a while, no?
According to Indiewire,Bess Kargman's award-winning documentaryFirst Positionhas been given a release (and likely VOD) date of May 4. The film follows several young ballet dancers vying for positions in the Youth America Grand Prix, an intense international competition that selects the best and brightest for critical placement within various academies and troupes. Trailer after the jump.
Read more on Festival favoriteFirst Positionlands a release date...
According to Indiewire,Bess Kargman's award-winning documentaryFirst Positionhas been given a release (and likely VOD) date of May 4. The film follows several young ballet dancers vying for positions in the Youth America Grand Prix, an intense international competition that selects the best and brightest for critical placement within various academies and troupes. Trailer after the jump.
Read more on Festival favoriteFirst Positionlands a release date...
- 4/5/2012
- by Rachel Fox
- GordonandtheWhale
We scour the interwebs for the coolest movie news and more so you don't have to...
You know, 1999 was kind of a while ago. As "American Reunion" prepares to create new memories, Fandango compares the past to the present with a "Then and Now" photo gallery of the stars of the "American Pie"series.
"Titanic"is just one of many films to need two actors to play the same role due to the passing of time. Whether it'sJosh Brolinplaying a youngTommy Lee Jonesin "Men in Black III"orJoseph Gordon-Levittas a youngBruce Willisin "Looper,"The Hollywood Reporter highlights some of the best character pairings from the past and future.
Speaking of "Titanic,"didJames Cameronpull aGeorge Lucasand make any alterations to his epic movie before its re-release to theaters? Only one, apparently, and it's rather nerdy, according to Vulture.
Get...
You know, 1999 was kind of a while ago. As "American Reunion" prepares to create new memories, Fandango compares the past to the present with a "Then and Now" photo gallery of the stars of the "American Pie"series.
"Titanic"is just one of many films to need two actors to play the same role due to the passing of time. Whether it'sJosh Brolinplaying a youngTommy Lee Jonesin "Men in Black III"orJoseph Gordon-Levittas a youngBruce Willisin "Looper,"The Hollywood Reporter highlights some of the best character pairings from the past and future.
Speaking of "Titanic,"didJames Cameronpull aGeorge Lucasand make any alterations to his epic movie before its re-release to theaters? Only one, apparently, and it's rather nerdy, according to Vulture.
Get...
- 4/4/2012
- by Bryan Enk
- NextMovie
Bess Kargman‘s documentaryFirst Positionfollows 6 young dancers as they train for and compete in the Youth America Grand Prix – which is the most important youth-oriented competition for ballet dancers in the nation. From the trailer, it looks intense. The central question is what these children are giving up in order to excel. One discusses that sacrifice, another claims she’s found the right balance, and still another has a story to tell about murdered parents in Sierra Leone. Yes, it looks intense. And that’s not even counting the dancing. Check it out for yourself:First Positionis in limited theaters on May 4th.
- 4/3/2012
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Trailer and images for theFirst PositionDocumentary.Bess Kargmandirects theIFC Filmsdocumentary which opens May 4th, includingMiko Fogarty,Jules Fogarty,Joan Sebastian Zamora,Aran BellandMichaela DePrince.InFirst Position,every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected.Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary,First Position,follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion,First Positionpaints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.
- 4/3/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
First Position Movie Trailer and Images.
Trailer and images for theFirst PositionDocumentary.Bess Kargmandirects theIFC Filmsdocumentary which opens May 4th, includingMiko Fogarty,Jules Fogarty,Joan Sebastian Zamora,Aran BellandMichaela DePrince.InFirst Position,every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected.Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary,First Position,follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion,First Positionpaints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.
- 4/3/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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