Film / Documentary

Would you support universal health care in the U.S. (as professed in Michael Moore's 'Sicko')?

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:05:36 -0700

As professed in Michael Moore’s “Sicko,” would you support universal health care in the U.S.?

What is this? How would this work? Said simply, you’d pay for health care in your taxes (instead of directly to your health insurer). Everyone would get care (including the millions of Americans who currently don’t and the many who die because of it).

You would be giving the U.S. government control, yes, but the system works in almost every other country in the world. Instead of going to the doctor or hospital and getting a bill, everything would be free and simple and no one would be denied coverage.

This is from Wikipedia:

Universal health care is provided in most developed countries and in many developing countries. The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not provide universal health care.

Current estimates put U.S. health care spending at approximately 15% of GDP, the highest in the world.

Despite this, only an estimated 84.2% of citizens have some form of health insurance coverage, either through their employer, purchased individually, or through government sources. The number of uninsured increased from 44.8 million to 47.0 million from 2005 to 2006.

Physicians for a National Health Program is a start. It’s a non-profit organization of 14,000 physicians, medical students and health professionals who support single-payer national health insurance.

Have you voted yet? What are you waiting for? Vote here!

Film review: New documentary 'Up the Yangtze' at Chicago's Music Box Theatre

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:30:27 -0700

HollywoodChicago.com film critic Patrick McDonald wrote in his 3.0 out of 5.0 review of the new documentary “Up the Yangtze” now playing at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre:

Patrick McDonald wrote:China is on the world’s mind. The once-mysterious communist “enemy” is now the economic friend of all the essential profiteers. “Up the Yangtze” is a new documentary that expounds upon China in transition.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Up the Yangtze” in our reviews section.
View our full, high-resolution “Up the Yangtze” image gallery.

25 worthwhile documentaries about ambitious outsiders

Dustin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:50:01 -0700

25 worthwhile documentaries about ambitious outsiders

http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/i_might_have_a_whole_new_life

News: Bomb threat in Chicago against public TV station for airing gay documentary 'Out & Proud in Chicago'

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:51:20 -0700

I just received the following press release. Here’s a news story about this.

Bomb Scare at Chicago Public Television Station Spotlights Homophobia, but the Outpouring of Public Support Signals Acceptance

Oscar Wilde once said, “Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” But, perhaps, what WTTW’s viewers took from yesterday’s bomb threat made against their public television station for airing a gay documentary on Chicago is this: public television is a precious resource in illuminating issues around social justice, and that it’s one to be protected.

Despite the bomb scare, received earlier in the evening in connection to its historic showing of “Out & Proud in Chicago,” a presentation of the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Chicago, WTTW experienced a surge in positive viewer feedback and pledges during the program’s airing. Says the program’s co-executive-producer and Vice President Fundraising Programming, WTTW in Chicago Jerry Liwanag: “The support we’ve received from the entire Chicago community, even during the early stages of this project, has been awe-inspiring. As someone who can remember an era when talking about being gay was taboo, the public’s response to our airing Out & Proud in Chicago [in the wake of the bomb scare] has been astounding, and - personally - very touching.”

Michelle Kristel, Executive Director of In The Life Media, Inc. [producer of IN THE LIFE, the LGBT documentary series regularly aired on WTTW] offered her support to WTTW, saying, “While this incident sadly illustrates the persistence of hatred against LGBT people, the public’s response is not only heartening, but a welcomed reminder of the support for independent television that represents the full diversity of American life.”

This month’s Pride episode of IN THE LIFE, “Leading the Way,” is due to air on WTTW, June 13TH, at 10:30PM and June 15TH at 4AM. The episode will feature a collection of stories celebrating people who display the remarkable courage and diversity found with the ranks of the LGBT community, such as, newly appointed member of Nepal Parliament, Sunil Plant; internationally acclaimed director of opera and theater, Francesca Zambello; Cheyenne Jackson, star of Best Musical Tony Award nominated Broadway show, Xanadu; and A Conversation With… Judy Shepard, reflecting on the tenth anniversary of the brutal murder of her gay son, Matthew. Kristel continued, “IN THE LIFE is proud to be a part of WTTW’s rich heritage of cultural and educational programming.”

The Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Chairman and Commissioner Dana V. Starks condemned the threat, calling it “shameful and disgusting,” reinforcing the critical - if courageous - role public television assumes in broadening social discourse around LGBT issues by further commenting, “This incident emphasizes the importance of providing education on the harmfulness of stereotypes which lead to discrimination - and even hate.”

In addition to airing on American Public Television stations, IN THE LIFE is available for video streaming and as a free downloadable podcast. To find local airtimes, or to view or download it, viewers can visit our Website by going to http://www.inthelifetv.org.

Lebowskifest Documentary to Premiere in Louisville

Dustin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:52:12 -0700

The Achievers, a documentary about the people that love the Coen Brothers cult classic, the Big Lebowski, will make it’s debut at the 7th annual Lebowskifest in Louisville July 11th & 12th, 2008.

Also appearing are comedian Brian Posehn, musician Mike Daughty, and Lebowskifest star, Liam. A Lebowskifest was held here in Chicago in March in honor of the 10th anniversary of the film.

More info on Lebowski Fest 7: http://lebowskifest.com/7thannual.asp
More info on the achievers: http://www.myspace.com/overthelinemovie

HollywoodChicago.com interview: 'The First Saturday in May' filmmakers John and Brad Hennegan on horse racing documentary

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:29:48 -0700

HollywoodChicago.com wrote in its 3.5 out of 5.0 review and interview with “The First Saturday in May” filmmakers John and Brad Hennegan:

Patrick McDonald wrote:From the breezy, buttoned-down essence of Michael Matz to the New York variety frankness of Frank Amonte, each trainer has a story, style and feverish ambition to get to the top rung. The goal of the filmmakers is not only to promote their favorite sport but to bring more people into the power of it.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full “The First Saturday in May” interview in our news section.
View our full, high-resolution “The First Saturday in May” image gallery.

HollywoodChicago.com concert film review: Martin Scorsese's 'Shine a Light' on The Rolling Stones

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:23:48 -0700

HollywoodChicago.com film critic Patrick McDonald wrote in his 3.0 out of 5.0 review of Martin Scorsese’s new concert film “Shine a Light” on The Rolling Stones:

Patrick McDonald wrote:If you love the Stones, this is your concert film. If you’re a casual fan or first-timer, strap in for a long performance that breaks the show-business rule of always leaving the audience wanting more.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Shine a Light” in our reviews section.
View our full “Shine a Light” image gallery.

First-ever camera phone movie campaign to begin for 'Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?'

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:07:32 -0700

I just received the following press release.

The Weinstein Company, SnapTell Unveil Grassroots Scavenger Hunt contest to Support Morgan Spurlock’s “Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?”
First Ever Camera Phone Based Movie Campaign Engages Fans of Highly-Anticipated Film Which Debuts on Friday, April 18th
Contest Enables Movie Lovers in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C. to Win $1,000 with their Camera Phones

NEW YORK, NY – April 1, 2008 - The Weinstein Company and SnapTell, a company that is revolutionizing the way consumers and marketers connect, announced today an innovative partnership to support the release of Morgan Spurlock’s highly anticipated documentary “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” The centerpiece of the initiative is a two-week scavenger hunt contest, challenging movie lovers to search their local supermarkets, colleges, high-schools, bars, nightclubs, newspapers and other destinations to find, photograph and email strategically placed “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” branded reward flyers to a special address.

WHAT: This two week scavenger hunt contest will enable participants in each of the 5 markets to win $1,000 in support of the national release of “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” Street-teams will create and locally distribute multiple branded reward flyers featuring contest information and unique stills from the upcoming film. With help from local radio stations, contest participants will search around their towns and cities to snap a photo of any of these images in the two week contest period from their camera phones and email it to a pre-determined email address that will be clearly marked on the flyers between 4/7 and 4/18. Utilizing the image recognition based mobile marketing technology from SnapTell, each picture will then be verified and the participants will receive a message back confirming their entry into the contest and a link to exclusive content from the film. Fans will also be able to enter by following clues in promotional ads in local newspapers.

WHEN: In anticipation of the Friday April 18th debut of “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” the contest will run from 12 am on Monday, April 7th through11:59 pm on opening day, Friday, April 18th.

WHERE: The contest will engage fans in the following top markets - Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
In “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” Oscar nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock takes on a franchise even more lethal than McDonald’s - Al Qaeda. And after this real life action thriller is over, the world may never be the same. Following bin Laden’s trail through some of the most dangerous places in the world, Spurlock encounters both the rational and radical faces of the Middle East. In a world where we are constantly being told that we’re on the verge of the ultimate showdown between good and evil, Spurlock risks life and limb to uncover the truth about Osama bin Laden. But along the way, he discovers the lines that divide us aren’t nearly as black and white as they may seem. “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” builds off the Weinsteins success bringing documentary films to wide audiences including “Fahrenheit 9/11,” the highest grossing documentary of all time and “SiCKO,” the third highest grossing documentary of all time.

About The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.

During the Weinsteins’ tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award® nominations and won 60 Oscars®, have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including “Scream,” “Spy Kids” and “Scary Movie.

About SnapTell
SnapTell is revolutionizing the way consumers and marketers connect. Using a camera phone and SnapTell’s innovative image-recognition technology, users can easily and instantly access requested information and content. Marketers can effortlessly create high-impact campaigns using existing collateral and can alter their messaging on the fly in response to SnapTell-provided actionable metrics. SnapTell’s Snap.Send.Get mobile marketing solution is currently being used by marketers at major brands and agencies to deploy interactive mobile marketing campaigns. For further information on the company visit: http://www.snaptell.com

HollywoodChicago.com film review: 'Wild Ocean 3-D' in IMAX

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:26:43 -0700

HollywoodChicago.com film critic Allison Pitaccio says in her 4.0 out of 5.0 review of the new IMAX documentary film “Wild Ocean 3-D”:

Without being too preachy, addressing the issues of marine preserves and coastline protection give this beautiful documentary good purpose and makes it a must-see event for science students and sea lovers around the globe.

Click here to read Allison Pitaccio’s full review
of “Wild Ocean 3-D” in our reviews section!

Click here for our full “Wild Ocean 3-D” image gallery!

San Francisco premiere of Jennifer Fox's groundbreaking documentary 'Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman'

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:54:43 -0700

I just received the following information about a new documentary:

I would like to welcome all of you to the San Francisco theatrical premiere of Jennifer Fox’s groundbreaking new documentary feature, FLYING: CONFESSIONS OF A FREE WOMAN!!!!

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St. @ 3rd
San Francisco, CA 94103-3831

Wednesday, March 5th: 7 pm - Part I
Friday, March 7th: 7 pm - Part II
Saturday, March 8th: 2 pm - Part I, 7 pm - Part II
Sunday, March 9th: 2 pm - Part I, 7 pm - Part II

Stay for in-person Q&A with the filmmaker on Wednesday the 5th and Friday the 7th!

Never before in our collective human history have so many women had such autonomy to construct a life of their own creation. Yet, the terrain is still rocky and ‘choice’ does not necessarily bring happiness, let alone freedom. Meanwhile, old models of femaleness still haunt women everywhere. With all the advances that women have made for themselves, patriarchal systems still exists across the globe. Rarely is a woman fully in control of her own body or her own fate. Often and in some cultures, the subjugation is overt—female genital mutilation, the veil, lack of access to abortion, dowry, and rape as a tool of warfare. Just as often it is insidious—social condemnation of women who take joy in their sexuality, harassment defended as “harmless” flirtation, legislation prohibiting sexual education in schools and the consequences of the subsequent lack of knowledge, the equation of “female” or “feminine” with weak, incompetent or emotionally volatile.

In this tour de force, FLYING: CONFESSIONS OF A FREE WOMAN, master storyteller Jennifer Fox lays bare her own turbulent life to penetrate what it means to be a free woman today. Our protagonist travels to over seventeen countries (including, but not limited to: India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Russia, and South Africa) to understand how diverse women define their lives when there is no map. Employing an ingenious new camera technique, called “Passing The Camera”, Fox creates a documentary language that mirrors the special way women communicate.

Check out our website www.flyingconfessions.com for more info and to view the trailer. Can’t wait to see you all there! Tell all your friends!

Contact Info Phone: 2122338310
Email: info@flyingconfessions.com