Davies and Post Win "Best Drama" Award

From Left to Right, Trevor Davies, Jeffrey Post, and their cast winning an award.

School of Media Arts students Trevor Davies and Jeffrey Post have won the “Best Drama” Award for their film “The Infinite” at a festival competition held at the Gallagher Theater. “The Infinite” was written and directed by Davies and produced and shot by Post.

Their short has its focus on a boy who believes himself to be immortal. “The lead actors were kids from the neighborhood and they did a terrific job,” said Davies.

The original concept was based in a forest landscape, however the filmmakers opted to make use of the desert. The two-day shoot took place in an Oro Valley desert clearing. “We had a great crew and that made all the difference,” said Davies.

The film was created for the nationwide Campus MovieFest, which was held recently in San Francisco, California.

Davies, a School of Media Arts sophomore, is already an accomplished filmmaker, having completed nine films. He is currently developing a short having its focus on a horrible betrayal inspiring the expression of anger and wrath.

Congratulations to Davies and Post on the success of their award winning film, “The Infinite.”

For additional information: http://uanews.org/node/28096

Matt Luber: Producer and Manager

Matt Luber meets with students


University of Arizona students enjoyed the professional and hands on advice of School of Media Arts Alumnus Matt Luber (BA 93) who returned to campus on Monday, November 23. Luber presented the perspective of working as an agent/manager and producer in Los Angeles.

These presentations were made possible by The Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Eric Goldfarb Screens First Feature

Filmmaker Eric Goldfarb returned to his alma mater to screen his first feature film “STU PLUS WHO?” and discussed an insider’s view to living and making it in Hollywood. Goldfarb graduated summa cum laude in 1997 from the University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts.

Students, faculty, and community members thoroughly enjoyed the ‘sneak preview’ screening of Goldfarb’s film “STU PLUS WHO?”

Here are a handful of responses, posted on the film’s FACEBOOK fan page.

Aaron C Jensen said:
Already been talking to friends about the movie. They seem to like just hearing about it, so I bet they would like to watch the film as well.

Brendan Takash:
You guys should start a Twitter account, it's all the rage now! Heartfelt movie, very good! Best of luck to you all!

Andy Lee:
Awesome job guys; I was extremely entertained and inspired.

Michael Hughes:
Just saw it U of A. Great movie. Really fun and very sweet. Would make an awesome date movie. One that the guy can enjoy too, for a change.

Carly Rae Olsson:
I just saw it at U of Arizona also.... Amazing journey of a documentary! Loved it ya'll good job!

Damon Mosier:
I just saw a screening at the University of Arizona and I can't say enough how much I loved this film. The premise almost seemed like a joke to the subjects themselves at the beginning but by the end it really grabs hold of you. This film has a lot of heart and my hat is off to Stu for putting himself out there the way he did. You guys did great and I wish you a lot of luck.

Matt Luber Returns to Campus

Matt Luber, a Hollywood based talent manager and producer will be giving a presentation on campus.

Monday - November 23, 2009
3:00 PM - Marshall Building, Room 211
11:00 AM - Harvill 102
12:30 PM - Harvill 102

A successful talent manager/movie producer, Matt Luber has gained a reputation for cultivating and representing some of the hottest emerging actors, writers, and directors while at the same time maintaining a focus on producing intriguing projects. Matt's clients include Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl), Adam Goldberg (The Unusuals), Steven Moyer (True Blood), Eric Balfour (24), Shane West (ER), and Billy Zane (Samantha Who?).

After graduating in 1993 from The University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts, Matt moved to LA and learned the inside workings of production as an assistant on feature films, including Beverly Hills Cop 3. After being a producer's assistant, he rose quickly to respected manager.

Matt is currently president of Luber Roklin Entertainment. As a producer, Matt executive produced Bride Wars for New Regency, Evan Almighty for Universal, Running Scared for New Line, and Into the Blue for MGM. Matt is currently producing the indie film Janie Jones starring Abigail Breslin.

A special presentation in conjunction with M AR 303: Professional Practices and M AR 373: Producing I: From Pitch Through Financing

This event has been made possible by The Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Stu Plus Who Screening

School of Media Arts Alumnus Eric Goldfarb (BA 97) will be returning to The University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theater to screen his first feature film, “STU PLUS WHO?”

FREE SCREENING OF “STU PLUS WHO?”
Gallagher Theater
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 4pm

Check out their hilarious trailer:

http://stupluswho.com/trailer.php

Goldfarb created “STU PLUS WHO” together with his producing partner Stuart Acher, who will also be present for the screening and Q & A. The Hollywood filmmakers will be posing for the press with their fans and also their 4-year-old Emmy Award.

LaDonna Harris Sneak Preview

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum (second from right)

Acclaimed independent filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) presented a 10-minute work-in-progress of her most recent documentary project, LaDonna Harris: Indian 101, to University of Arizona students and faculty and community members.

Brannum's presentation was a part of the Native Eyes Film Showcase and was sponsored by the Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Barking Water

Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

BARKING WATER

USA, 2009, 85 min, Dir. Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek)

With steady and graceful performances, this story takes viewers for a ride in the backseat of Frankie and Irene’s Indian car, listening to their past and the rhythmic soundtrack that sets the beat for a redemptive road journey. In this sparingly sentimental and achingly poignant film, Harjo claims his place as one of the most truthful and honest voices working in American cinema today.

Excerpt from Sundance Film Festival 2009

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Necessities of Life

Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU’IL FAUT POUR VIVRE)

Canada, 2009,102 min, Dir. Benoit Pilon; In French and Inuktitut with English subtitles

Multi-award-winning Canadian entry to the Academy Awards starring Natar Ungalaaq (The Fast Runner) is an emotionally resonant 1950s period drama that shines a light on a people and culture not often seen on screen. After falling victim to tuberculosis, Tivii, an Inuit hunter and family man, is forced to leave his home to receive treatment in Quebec City where he finds hope again when he forges an unlikely friendship with a young boy. A model of delicate emotional restraint, the handsome pic earns its many lump-in-throat moments.

Dennis Harvey, VARIETY

Discussants: Tsianina Lomawaima (Mvskoke Creek) American Indian Studies Program, and Jennie Joe (Navajo), Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Native Eyes Film Showcase

Friday, November 13, 7pm
Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00
This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

MESKANAHK (MY PATH)
Canada, 2005, 9 min

Dir. Kevin Lee Burton (Swampy Cree)
A young man explores the passage from his childhood on a Cree reserve to his life in the city. In Cree with English subtitles.

CLUB NATIVE
Canada, 2008, 78 min

This multi-award-winning film is a candid and deeply moving look at the pain, confusion, and frustration suffered by many First Nations people as they struggle for the right to belong. Through portraits of Mohawk women, Tracey Deer delineates the human cost of rules about blood quantum that determine the lives and loves of the Kahnawake Mohawk.

Discussant: Dr. Sheilah Nicholas (Hopi), Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural
Studies, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Meet filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) and preview her new documentary LaDonna Harris: Indian 101. Discuss the film with her and with Heather Whiteman Runs Him-Oleyte (Crow), joint legal counsel, executive branch, Apsáalooke Nation/Crow.

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Native Eyes Film Showcase Media Literacy Colloquium, 4–6 p.m.
Room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law
Free

Brannum’s documentary film is being made about Comanche activist LaDonna Harris, who led an extensive life of Native political and social activism, and is now passing on her traditional cultural and leadership values to a new generation of emerging Indigenous leaders. Director Julianna Brannum is a Rockefeller Foundation award winning filmmaker.

This program takes place in room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law, 1145 N. Mountain Ave (between Speedway & Helen).

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Julie Janata Presents

Julie Janata, far left, with an Alliance of Women Directors

Julie Janata, an award winning editor/producer, will be making a special presentation in conjunction with M AR 309, History of the Documentary.

JULIE JANATA PRESENTATION
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 2pm
Marshall Building, Room 212

Janata sculpts acclaimed dramas, comedies and music films from hundreds of hours of footage. She imbibes them with all the richness of story and character development she learned while working on Oscar and Emmy winning projects including Bad Boys, Heat, French Kill, The Ghost and The Darkness, The Jackal, and Disclosure. She started her career as a camera operator and Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute, which informs her work to this day.

Janata will present recent documentary work and discuss her career as an editor. She is a member of The Producers Guild and The Editors Guild, and Co-Chair of the Alliance of Women Directors. The Alliance of Women Directors is a coalition of women directors which both provides a community of peers for mutual support, and furthers the art, craft and visibility of women directors in the film and television industry.

This special presentation has been made possible by the Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Lesbian Looks

Laura Harring
is the star of DROOL

Drool (Nancy Kissam, 2009, 86 min)
Loft Cinema
Thursday Nov 5th
7:30pm

Lesbian Looks concludes its 17th season with an exclusive Tucson engagement of Nancy Kissam's offbeat comedy/social satire DROOL.

THELMA AND LOUISE meets THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE in Nancy Kissam's quirky dark comedy about domestic violence, sexual harassment, racism, murder, and the transformative power of cosmetics.

Anora (Laura Harring of MULHOLLAND DRIVE fame) spends her days taking care of abusive husband Cheb and disrespectful teenage kids Tabby and Little Pete. All the while she daydreams about an imaginary romance which embodies everything her marriage is not.

Trouble brews when Anora's new next-door neighbor, the vivacious Imogene Cochran (Jill Marie Jones of GIRLFRIENDS), pops in for coffee. The two women quickly bond to the dismay of her family, and Anora soon realizes that Imogene is the fantasy she has been dreaming of.

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

See the trailer at the Loft Cinema site:
http://www.loftcinema.com/node/1189

Presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, with generous co-sponsorship from UA School of Media Arts, Hanson Film Institute, McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, Gender & Women's Studies, Anthropology, English, Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, Men Against Violence.

Native Eyes Film Showcase 2009

November 12–15, 2009

The 6th annual showcase features an array of contemporary Native American films and discussions with filmmakers. Native Eyes brings the best of new cinema made by the most talented indigenous filmmakers today. This year’s films tell stories of love, memory, activism and culture, and offer provocative ideas about social responsibility, attachment to place and what determines identity. Screenings occur at Grand Cinemas Crossroads, 4811 E Grant Road, $5.00 tickets available at box office beginning Nov 11th. Other, related programs occur at Arizona State Museum and are free.

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Focus on Shawn Florchak

Shawn Florchak, right, with KGUN film critic Jim Ferguson.

The Arizona Daily Star’s Phil Villarreal recently featured Shawn Florchak, a School of Media Arts student, in a profile detailing Florchak’s recent accomplishments.

Florchak was awarded the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and recently completed a short documentary called “The Final Round.” His documentary has its focus on “Centro del Sur,” a boxing gym in South Tucson that was almost shut down. The completed documentary was an integral part of a community effort to keep the boxing gym open, illustrating the power of social issue documentary filmmaking. Florchak enjoys working in the community and recently served as a volunteer for the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Here is a link to the feature article in the “Caliente” section of the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/315054.php

Congratulations to Sean for securing the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and on the completion of his documentary!