The Cinema Guild has send us over the official trailer and a release date for their upcoming film "Natural Selection. The film was a winner of seven awards at the 2011 South by Southwest Film Festival including the audience award-Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, Breakthrough Performance-Rachael Harris, Breakthrough Performance-Matt O'Leary, Best Editing, Best Score/Music, Grand Jury-Best Narrative Feature. It was also nominated for two 2012 Independent Spirit Awards for Best Actress: Rachael Harris and Best First Feature: Robbie Pickering. "Natural Selection" opens March 16th 2012 at the Angelika Film Center in NYC, with a nationwide rollout to follow.

Plot Synopsis:

Linda White (Rachael Harris), a devoted Christian housewife, leads a sheltered existence in suburban Texas. Her world is turned upside-down when she discovers that her dying husband, Abe, has a 23-year old illegitimate son named Raymond (Matt O'Leary) living in Florida. Somewhere on the edge of guilt and loneliness, Linda grants Abe's final wish and sets off on a quixotic journey to find Raymond and bring him back. Along the way, Linda's wonderfully bizarre relationship with Raymond will teach her more about herself than she ever imagined possible and force her to come to terms with her troubled past.

"Natural Selection": Official Trailer

Oscilloscope Laboratories recently send the official trailer for their upcoming release "Bellflower", which played and this year SXSW and Sundance Film Festivals. "Bellflower" opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, August 5th, 2011. National rollout to follow soon after that.

Plot Synopsis:

Best friends Woodrow and Aiden spend all of their free time building Mad Max-inspired flamethrowers and muscle cars in preparation for a global apocalypse. But when Woodrow meets a charismatic young woman and falls hard in love, he and Aiden quickly integrate into a new group of friends, setting off on a journey of love and hate, betrayal, infidelity and extreme violence more devastating and fiery than any of their apocalyptic fantasies.

"Bellflower"": Official Trailer

Tribeca Films recently announced that they've picked up the US and Canadian rights to Kyle Smith's comedy "Turkey Bowl, which world premiered at this years SXSW Film Festival.

Press Release:

Tribeca Film has acquired all US and Canadian distribution rights to Turkey Bowl, which world-premiered in March at South By Southwest. Turkey Bowl is a real-time comedy set in Los Angeles, written and directed by Kyle Smith in a breakout debut,
and was a sensation at South By Southwest 2011.

Every summer, Jon (Jon Schmidt) gathers 10 friends together in his adopted city to play the Turkey Bowl – bringing a piece of small-town tradition to the urban sprawl – all for the beloved prize for the winning team… a turkey. Friendships flare and fade, jealousy is met with both laughter and pain, and old and unrequited love threatens to remain old and unrequited, and all of these undercurrents are revealed in the unique, improvised rhythm of backyard football. Turkey Bowl is produced by Kyle Smith and Stephen Paratore and stars Kerry Bishé, Zoe Perry, Zeke Hawkins and Tom DiMenna.

Turkey Bowl will be released beginning in late June by Tribeca Film, a comprehensive distribution label launched in 2010 by Tribeca Enterprises. Tribeca Film, supported by Founding Partner American Express, brings films to consumers across a range of platforms, including nationwide Video on Demand, DVD, theatrical, pay-TV and digital.

“We are incredibly pleased to be bringing the debut from a talented young director, Kyle Smith, to audiences,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative officer, Tribeca Enterprises. “Turkey Bowl is a very special film with a spot on depiction of sports and friendships.”

“Everyone involved with Turkey Bowl is humbled by the reception the film has received,” Smith said. “We look forward to reaching a wider audience through Tribeca.”

The deal was negotiated by Nick Savva for Tribeca with attorney George M. Rush negotiating on behalf of Kyle Smith for Turkey Bowl.

SXSW Film Festival Awards were announced today. Here are the list of winners.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION

Grand Jury Winner: Dragonslayer
Director: Tristan Patterson

Best Editing: Where Soldiers Come From
Editors: Kyle Henry & Heather Courtney

Best Cinematography: Dragonslayer
Director of Photography: Eric Koretz

Best Score/Music: The City Dark
Music by: The Fishermen Three, Ben Fries


NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

Grand Jury Winner: Natural Selection
Director: Robbie Pickering

Breakthrough Performances:
Evan Ross - 96 Minutes
Rachael Harris - Natural Selection
Matt O'Leary - Natural Selection

Best Screenplay: Natural Selection
Writer: Robbie Pickering

Best Editing: Natural Selection
Editor: Michelle Tesoro

Best Cinematography: A Year in Mooring
Director of Photography: Elliot Davis

Best Score/Music: Natural Selection
Music by: iZLER, Curt Schneider

Feature Film Audience Awards


DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Winner: Kumare
Director: Vikram Gandhi


NARRATIVE FEATURE

Winner: Natural Selection
Director: Robbie Pickering


SPOTLIGHT PREMIERES

Winner: Becoming Santa
Director: Jeff Myers


EMERGING VISIONS

Winner: Weekend
Director: Andrew Haigh



Short Film Jury Awards

NARRATIVE SHORTS

Winner: Pioneer
Director: David Lowery


DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Winner: Mothersbane
Director: Jason Jakaitis


ANIMATED SHORTS

Winner: The Wonder Hospital
Director: Beomsik Shimbe Shim


MUSIC VIDEOS

Winner: Hollerado, 'Americanarama'
Director: Greg Jardin


TEXAS SHORTS

Winner: 8
Director: Julie Gould & Daniel Laabs


TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SHORTS

Winner: ( __ )
Director: Chad Werner


SXSW Film Design Awards

EXCELLENCE IN POSTER DESIGN

Winner: Silver Bullets
Designer: Yann Legendre

Audience Award Winner: Green
Designer: Adrian Kolarczyk

Summit Entertainment recently released the official trailer to Jodie Foster's latest film "The Beaver", which she also co-stars in. The film also stars Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence and Cherry Jones. The film will be having its world premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival.

Plot Synopsis:

Two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson in THE BEAVER – an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track…until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.

"The Beaver" will hit theaters on May 6th.

Screenings:

Wednesday March 16 7:00PM Paramount Theatre

"The Beaver": Official Trailer

Instinctive Film recently send us over stills from Xavier Gens'(Frontiers) latest film "The Divide" starring Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, Lauren German, Rosanna Arquette, Courtney B. Vance. The film recently had its world premiere at this years 2011 SXSW Film Festival and is apart of the Midnighters program.

Plot Synopsis

When a mysterious cataclysmic bomb devastates New York, eight strangers take refuge in the basement of their apartment building. The residents soon succumb to cabin fever as fear of sickness, dwindling supplies, and ruthless outside invaders, plays on their mind. However Eva, the only young woman, has her own worries as the men begin to regress into dangerous packs. She quickly learns to be ruthless if she wants to survive, aware that her sanctuary is becoming her hell. Will her survival ultimately be at the expense of her humanity?

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.thedividethemovie.com .

Screenings

Monday March 14 11:30PM - Alamo Lamar B

Thursday March 17 11:59PM - Alamo Ritz 1

A Pariah Production recently send us over a still and a film clip for their film "Conan O' Brian Can't Stop", which will be making its world premiere at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival.

Plot Synopsis:

After a much--publicized departure from hosting NBC's Tonight Show - and the severing of a 22-year relationship with the network -- O'Brien hit the road with a 32-city music-and-comedy show to exercise his performing chops and exorcise a few demons. The "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television" tour was O'Brien's answer to a contractual stipulation that banned his appearance on television, radio and the Internet for six months following his last show. Filmmaker Rodman Flender's resulting documentary, Conan O'Brien Can't Stop, is an intimate portrait of an artist trained in improvisation, captured at the most improvisational time of his career. It offers a window into the private writers room and rehearsal halls as O'Brien's "half-assed show" (his words) is almost instantly assembled and mounted to an adoring fan base. At times angry, mostly hilarious, O'Brien works out his feelings about the very-public separation with comedy and rockabilly music, engaging in bits with on-stage guests such as Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Jim Carrey, duetting with Jack White and sweating out manic Elvis Presley covers with his band and back-up singers. We see a comic who does not stop -- performing, singing, pushing his staff and himself. Did Conan O'Brien hit the road to give something back to his loyal fans, or did he travel across the continent, stopping at cities large (New York, Las Vegas) and remote (Enoch, Alberta) to fill a void within himself?

Screenings

Sunday March 13th 1:45PM Paramount Theater

Wednesday March 16 10:00PM - Paramount Theatre

"Conan O'Brien Can't Stop": Film Clip

The filmmakers from "Detention" recently send us over a trailer for their film. The film will be having its world premiere at this SXSW Film Festival. The film stars Josh Hutcherson, Dane Cook, Shanley Caswell, and Spencer Locke.

Plot Synopsis

Detention is a teen horror-comedy where the local students of Grizzly Lake must survive their final year of high school. Standing in their way is a slasher movie killer who has seemingly come to life. It becomes a race against time to stop the killer and save the world - if only they can get out of detention. The Detention cuts through prom. Most of them don’t have dates anyway.

Screenings

Sunday March 13 6:30PM Alamo Lamar A

Tuesday March 15 4:30PM - Rollins Theatre

Wednesday March 16 4:00PM - **Westgate

Friday March 18 11:59PM - Alamo Ritz 1

"Detention" Official Trailer

Film Arcade recently received stills for "Silver Bullets", which is directed by Joe Swanberg (Hanna Takes the Stairs, Uncle Kent). The film will be having its world premiere at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival and will be competing in the Emerging Visions Competition.

Plot Synopsis:

Claire, a beautiful young actress, is in a comfortable relationship with Ethan, a
filmmaker who aspires to make meaningful art films. She is his muse and they are finishing a project together. She accepts the lead role in a werewolf film to be directed by a talented young horror filmmaker named Ben. Ethan is instantly weary of her relationship with Ben and suspects she is more interested in fame than the pursuit of art.

As Clair and Ben prepare the werewolf film together, Ethan begins to spiral into depression and self-doubt. In retaliation against Claire, he casts her best friend, Charlie, also an actress, as his girlfriend in his new film. As both productions move forward, Claire's life becomes more surreal and starts to resemble the werewolf film she is working on.

Inspired by Chekhov's "The Seagull," SILVER BULLETS examines the cinema and asks questions about art, commerce, power and desire. Using David Foster Wallace as a reference point, the film also explores fame, depression and suicide.

For more information on this film, you can visit the director's official website at:http://www.joeswanberg.com

Screenings:

Sunday March 13 9:30PM State Theatre

Monday March 14 7:30PM Rollins Theatre

Thursday March 17 4:00PM State Theatre

The filmmakers from "Apart" recently send us over a couple of film clips regarding their film, which is having its World Premiere at this years SXSW Film Festival and competing in the Lone Star State Competition.

Plot Synopsis:

Apart is the journey of the tragically star-cross’d Noah and Emily who, linked by a rare psychological disorder known as ICD-10 F24, delve into the dark and twisted catastrophic events of their past in order to make sense of their lives. Drawing from actual case history, this richly evocative and unsettling mystery contains a love story that will haunt you long after the lights go up.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: apartmovie.tumblr.com

Screenings:

Saturday March 12 7:00PM Rollins Theatre

Thursday March 17 12:00PM - Paramount Theatre

"Apart" Film Clip #1



"Apart" Film Clip #2

Flying Fish Productions recently send us over the official trailer for their film "Caught Inside" which makes its North American premiere, as apart of this year's SXSW Film Festival. The film will be competing in the Emerging Visions competition.

Plot Synopsis:

CAUGHT INSIDE is a psychological thriller where a tight-knit group of surfers venture to a secluded island paradise on the 'surfari' of their lives, making the mistake of bringing the one thing that can tear them apart: A beautiful young woman. As tensions boil over and friendships fall to the side, a monster emerges from within the most revered and feared amongst them. A monster who turns the dream vacation into a nightmare fight for survival.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: caughtinside.com.au

Screenings:

Saturday March 12th - 9pm @ Alamo Lamar B

Tuesday March 15th - 4pm @ Stage Theatre

Friday March 18th - 11am @ Stage Theatre

"Caught Inside": Official Trailer

Little Teeth Productions recently provides us with stills for their film "Green", which will be world premiering at this years SXSW Film Festival. The film will be competing in the Emerging Visions competition

Plot Synopsis:

A haunting exploration of the destructive power of jealousy, GREEN traces the disintegration of an intimate female bond due to irrational envy.
Genevieve, a New York intellectual, moves to the country with her self-involved journalist boyfriend, Sebastian, where he begins work on his latest project, a series of articles about sustainable farming.

While Sebastian occupies himself with cultivating his organic garden and writing, Genevieve finds herself with little to do. With Robin's support, Genevieve begins to come out of her shell, no longer relying solely on the approval of Sebastian to shape her identity. Genevieve ceases to dwell on the abandonment she feels from her boyfriend. Her co-dependence is tempered by her relationship with Robin and soon Genevieve finds herself fighting to foster a new sense of independence - something she had held back for so long in her relationship with Sebastian.

However, when Sebastian begins to form a bond of his own with Robin, Genevieve finds herself overpowered by jealousy and insecurity. Tensions mount between the two women and soon reality and paranoid fantasy become inseparable. Genevieve begins to lash out at both Robin and Sebastian, and though there was nothing romantic about Robin and Sebastian’s relationship originally, Genevieve’s behavior threatens to create the very betrayal she fears and demolishes the friendship that once had the potential to help her form an identity outside of Sebastian.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.themoviegreen.com
Screenings:

Saturday March 12th - 5:30pm @ Alamo Lamar C

Tuesday March 15th - 12pm @ Alamo Ritz 1

Friday March 18th - 7pm @ Alamo Lamar C

The filmmakers behind the documentary "Becoming Santa" recently send us a still and information of their upcoming screenings including it's world premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival.

Plot Synopsis:

BECOMING SANTA is the story of one man entering the culture and character of Santa Claus for a single season. We follow Jack as he bleaches his hair, goes to Santa School and tries to do everything that Santa is asked to do. He works as a sidewalk Santa, does home visits, a Polar Express Train and a parade. Along the way, Jack collects children's wishes, learns about the benefits of belief, the history and origin of Santa and the ordinary people keeping the Santa spirit alive.

Screenings:

Saturday March 12th 12:00PM Alamo Lamar C

Tuesday March 15 4:00PM - **Westgate

Wednesday March 16 3:00PM - State Theatre

Friday March 18 2:30PM - Alamo Lamar B

IFC Films recently released the official poster and trailer for James Gunn's latest film "Super, which will have it's US Premiere at this years SXSW Film Festival

Plot Synopsis:

In the outlandish dark comedy SUPER, James Gunn has created what is perhaps the definitive take on self-reflexive superheroes.

When sad-sack loser Frank (Rainn Wilson) sees his ex-addict wife (Liv Tyler) willingly snatched by a seductive drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), he finds himself bereft and wholly unable to cope. But soon he decides to fight back under the guise of a DIY superhero called Crimson Bolt. With a hand-made suit, a wrench and a crazed sidekick named Boltie (Ellen Page), the Crimson Bolt beats his way through the mean streets of crime in hopes of saving his wife. The rules were written a long time ago: You are not supposed to molest children, cut lines or key cars; if you do, prepare to face the wrath of the Crimson Bolt!

No stranger to rebel filmmaking, James Gunn cut his teeth writing for Troma before making his directing debut with 2006's SLITHER. In a similar vein, his follow-up feature combines absurd humor with balls-out violence to create something that is both unashamed and inimitable. But this time Gunn adds a new ingredient, one that is dark, dramatic and subversive to the core.

Screenings:

Saturday March 12th 10:00PM Paramount Theater.

Monday March 14 9:00PM Arbor

"Super": Official Trailer

Spitfire Pictures recently send us over stills for their documentary "Undefeated", which is co-executive produced by Nigel Sinclair (No Direction Home: Bob Dylan), Seth Gordon and Ed Cunningham (King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters). The film will be having it's world premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival

Plot Synopsis:

“UNDEFEATED”, set against the backdrop of a football season, is a coming-of-age vérité documentary film centering on three underprivileged student-athletes from inner-city Memphis and an unexpected volunteer coach who struggles to provide them with the discipline, resources and inspiration they'll need to not only overcome their bleak surroundings, but also to win the first playoff game in the high school's 110-year history.

For Information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:www.undefeatedmovie.com

Screenings:

Sunday March 13 9:45PM Vimeo Theater

Monday March 14 6:00PM - **Westgate

Thursday March 17 12:00PM - Alamo Lamar B

Oscilloscope Laboratories recently send us over the official teaser poster for their upcoming film "Bellflower", which will be released on July 22nd. The film is also apart of Emerging Vision competition at this year's SXSW Film Festival.

Plot Synopsis:

Woodrow and Aiden spend all of their free time building Mad Max inspired flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in preparation for a global apocalypse in which their imaginary gang "Mother Medusa" can emerge on top. But when Woodrow meets a charismatic young woman and falls hard in love, he and Aiden quickly integrate into a new group of friends, setting off on a journey of betrayal, love, hate, infidelity, and extreme violence more devastating and fiery than any of their apocalyptic fantasies.

Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film theatrical on July 22nd.

Screenings:

Saturday, March 12th at 9:00pm - Alamo Ritz 1 - Premiere

Monday, March 14th at 6:45pm - Alamo Lamar A - Screening #2

Thursday, March 17th at 9:00pm - Alamo Lamar A - Screening #3

Cheesy Nugget Productions recently released the official poster and trailer for their horror/comedy "My Sucky Teen Romance", which will be world premiering on Tuesday March 15 9:30PM at the Paramount Theater. The film will be competing in the Lone Star State competition. That competition showcases films made in the state of Texas.

Plot Synopsis

On 17-year-old Kate's last weekend in town, she and her friends plan to spend it together at SpaceCON– the local science fiction convention they attend every year. At the convention Kate meets Paul, a recently turned teen-vampire (who is also dressed as one). But when Kate tries to make a move on him, he accidentally bites her in the neck. Kate and her friends soon discover that Paul is not the only vampire at the convention, and it is up to them to stop the vampires and find a way to turn Kate back before it is too late

For more information on this film, you can visit the the Cheesy Nugget Productions website at: http://www.cheesynuggets.com/

Screenings:

Tuesday March 15th 9:30PM Paramount Theater

Saturday March 19th 8:30PM Rollins Theater


"My Sucky Teen Romance": Official Trailer

I hope everyone is enjoying our showcase of some of the films that are playing at this year's SXSW Film Festival, so far.

Today, we're focusing on a film that was made under 1,000 Euros. "Charlie Casanova". . Source Productions recently provided us with the official poster and screening information for the film. The film will be having its world premiere at the festival on March 13th and will be competing in the Narrative Feature Competition
Plot Synopsis:

Erudite, harmless, ruling class egotist, Charlie Barnum (EMMET SCANLAN, in a haunting performance)'s smoke and mirror articulations conceal a prejudiced, over-educated sociopath who refuses to be bound by the restrictions of morality, law or even reality. When Charlie knocks down a working class girl in a hit-and-run, he uses a deck of playing cards to determine his fate. Dangerously subversive, provocatively dark, and satirically disturbing, you've already met Walter Mitty and Billy Liar, now it's time for you to meet the darkest member of that twisted trio; the man of our times, Charlie Casanova.

CHARLIE CASANOVA is the first film to be entirely conceived on Facebook. After the Irish Film Board rejected the script, writer-director Terry McMahon had the words, "The Art is in the Completion. Begin." tattooed onto his body then typed a message into his Facebook status that he was planning to shoot the film in a few weeks and soliciting a cast and crew. Within twenty-four hours a hundred and thirty people made contact with Terry. Camera department, designers, production managers, assistant directors, continuity people, gaffers, actors... Three weeks later CHARLIE CASANOVA was in production with this renegade crew of strangers and actors. The film was made for less than $1,000 Euros -- the Irish press have dubbed it Ireland's lowest-budgeted movie of all time!

Screenings:

Sunday, March 13th at 7:00pm - State Theatre - Premiere

Monday, March 14th at 11:15am - Alamo Lamar B - Screening #2

Thursday, March 17th at 6:30pm - Alamo Lamar A - Screening #3

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.charliecasanovathemovie.com

American Moving Pictures recently released the trailer and official poster for their film "American Animal", which apart of Narrative Feature competition at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival.

Plot Synopsis:

Jimmy is a terminally ill young man. He is also quite eccentric, bordering on plain old crazy, and starting today he has decided that he is 'happy' and no longer sick. Jimmy's roommate James is a healthy, dreamy young man. They're best friends. They live together. They don't do much of anything and they seem very happy that way. Today, they have a couple of female friends over to their downtown Los Angeles loft for just another day of drinks, drugs, board games and casual sex, among other things. All seems well. But trouble arises when it gets revealed that James will be leaving for a new job in the morning. Jimmy, feeling betrayed, is not pleased by this development. He sees it as nothing short of the destruction of the perfect little world that they've set up, and a classic, humorous battle of wills ensues as James prepares for the real world and Jimmy falls deeper and deeper into his world of illness, isolation, madness and make-believe.

American Animal is the first feature from director/writer/star Matt D'Elia. The supporting cast includes Brendan Fletcher (TIDELAND, THE PACIFIC), Mircea Monroe (Showtime's hit series EPISODES), Angela Sarafyan (both upcoming TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN series) and Billie (Matt's on-screen and real-life dog).

"American Animal": Official Trailer

Tiger Industry Films recently send us over the official trailer to their film "Surrogate Valentine". The film is apart of the 2011 South by Southwest Film Festival. It will be competing in the Emerging Vision competition.

In Dave Boyle's sweet romantic comedy, SURROGATE VALENTINE, San Francisco musician & rising star Goh Nakamura's (playing himself) life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to teach TV actor Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Hellbent on accurately portraying Goh's mellow vibe for his role, Danny meticulously studies his every move. Together, the two embark on a hilarious West Coast adventure involving live gigs, groupies, shotgun-wielding record exes and an unexpected friendship. Along the way, Goh discovers that Danny may be the missing puzzle piece in his life-long chase for Rachel (Lynn Chen), the one that got away.

Screenings:

Saturday, March 12th at 1:30pm - Alamo Ritz 1 - Premiere

Monday, March 14th at 10:00pm - Rollins Theatre - Screening #2

Saturday, March 19th at 1:30pm - Alamo Ritz 2 - Screening #3