10 Don T Miss Indies What To Watch In August

Holding the Man When: August 2 Where: iTunes, DVD/VOD Director: Neil Armfield Starring: Ryan Corr, Craig Stott, Anthony LaPaglia Why We’re Excited: Chances are late Australian actor, writer and activist Timothy Conigrave wouldn’t have been aware of the impact his 1995 memoir would have on future generations of readers; readers who would be forever touched by Conigrave’s life and the love he and his partner of 15 years, John Caleo, shared in their all-too-brief time together. Neil Armstrong adapts Conigrave’s (who passed away shortly before the book was published) account of his many trials and tribulations while shining a light on what it was like to be a gay man during the early stages of the AIDS epidemic. Ryan Corr has the biggest shoes to fill as Conigrave—and has been receiving non-stop applause for his performance in the film. Craig Stott plays Caleo, with supporting performances from actors including Anthony LaPaglia, Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush. The critical darling (and award-winning) Australian film kicks off this month’s list, hitting DVD and most streaming platforms, as well as VOD, on August 2.

Front Cover When: August 5 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ray Yeung Starring: Jake Choi, James Chen Why We’re Excited: When it comes to the year’s most noteworthy LGBT films, Ray Yeung’s sophomore feature Front Cover is definitely one of the growing subgenre’s most anticipated new releases. Premiering to charmed audiences at Seattle, Yeung’s fashion industry dramedy went on to play Outfest, TIFF and San Diego (where Yeung took home an award for best screenplay). Jake Choi plays sassy leading man Ryan, a New York stylist who’s anything but proud of his Asian American background. When he begins working with a new client (James Chen) their opposing personalities cause a positive reaction, with both characters embarking on an illuminating journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It’s probably safe to say Yeung has firsthand experience with his subject matter—you’re sure to notice the increase in confidence and overall polish in this film compared his 2006 debut feature, Cut Sleeve Boys.

Five Nights in Maine When: August 5 Where: Theaters, VOD Director: Maris Curran Starring: Dianne Weist, David Oyelowo, Rosie Perez Why We’re Excited: After an impressive festival run which kicked off at Toronto, Film Independent Fellow Maris Curran’s feature film debut is finally coming to cinemas and VOD. Curran’s film was supported by the LA Film Festival’s Fast Track and was produced by Fellows Carly Hugo and Drew Houpt. Boasting an amazing cast, this emotional gripping drama stars two-time Film Independent Spirit Award nominee David Oyelowo as Sherwin, a man consumed with grief after the tragic death of his wife. Sherwin travels to Maine to visit his estranged mother-in-law (Spirit Award and Oscar winner Dianne Wiest) who is battling her own maternal guilt and personal demons following her daughter’s passing. Spirit Award nominated actress Rosie Perez costars and there’s tremendous buzz surrounding Oyelowo (also a producer on the project) for delivering yet another four-star performance.

A Tale of Love and Darkness When: August 19 Where: Theaters Director: Natalie Portman Starring: Natalie Portman Why We’re Excited: Making her directorial debut, Spirit Award and Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman decided to choose something deeply personal to her roots. In Love, Portman (who has dual citizenship in both America and Israel) brings to life the autobiography of celebrated author Amos Oz, depicting the writer’s Jerusalem youth and relationship with his mother, who committed suicide when he was just 12-years-old. Portman follows Amos as he grows to be a successful writer while the conflict between Israel and Pakistan comes to a boil. Like many descendants of the region, the sensitive subject of Israel/Palestine warfare is something both Oz and Portman are dedicated to bringing to the forefront. Portman wears many hats, deepening the material and offering the perspective of Oz, famous not only for his writing and journalism, but also for being an advocate of the “two-state solution”. Portman’s first feature premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Camera, and also screened at the New York Jewish Film Festival.

Morris From America When: August 19 Where: Theaters Director: Chad Hartigan Starring: Craig Robinson, Markees Christmas Why We’re Excited: Another film that’s generated a ton of buzz around the world due to a jam-packed festival run is Spirit Award winning filmmaker Chad Hartigan’s latest feature, featuring a strong performance by Craig Robinson that’s rumored to be a total game-changer. Robinson stars as a professional soccer coach who is relocated to Heidelberg, Germany, accompanied by his eccentric son Morris (Markees Christmas in his feature debut). Morris sticks out like a sore thumb amongst his German classmates, but that doesn’t stop him from falling for a girl in his youth club who encourages him to share his gifts as a rapper with the other students. The film premiered at Sundance, where it won a Special Jury Prize as well as the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. So far so good for Hartigan, whose talents are only getting brighter and brighter with each project.

Downriver When: August 23 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Grant Scicluna Starring: Reef Ireland, Kerry Fox Why We’re Excited: Another Australian directorial debut that made a splash with critics and on the LGBT Film Festival circuit is Grant Scicluna’s mysterious drama Downriver. Reef Ireland gives a performance that’s been earning rave reviews as James, a young man who returns to his hometown after serving time for allegedly drowning a boy as a juvenile, leaving the community shocked and devastated. When the victim’s mother pays James a visit, he sets out on a mission to clear his name and discover the truth about what happened and who was responsible. The thriller premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival swept the FilmOut San Diego Festival, winning four major awards including Best Narrative Feature.

Southside with You When: August 26 Where: Theaters Director: Richard Tanne Starring: Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers Why We’re Excited: One of the year’s most unexpected cinematic love stories is how President Obama courted his First Lady—then known as Michelle Robinson. Grammy Award winner John Legend is the Executive Producer of Richard Tanne’s endearing re-imagining of how this historical White House couple first met in the summer of 1989. Audiences at Sundance gushed over the performances by Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers, who have been perfectly cast in the lead roles. Arguably perfectly timed for release as a bittersweet parting gift with the 2016 election approaching and the Obamas facing their moving day, Tanne’s charming drama focuses on romance, leaving the serious political jargon for the news channels. It’s the perfect summer love story—especially if you need a break from the media circus surrounding November 6.

The Intervention When: August 26 Where: Theaters Director: Clea DuVall Starring: Clea DuVall, Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Lyonne, Cobie Smulders Why We’re Excited: An indie darling in her own right, Clea DuVall has one of the most extensive filmographies of any young actor in the industry, starring in countless films and TV shows. So it comes as no surprise that DuVall has finally graduated to directing, with her first feature is being hailed as The Big Chill for a new generation. In the dramedy, four couples gather for a weekend getaway. Little do they know, an intervention has been planned for one of them, the unsuspecting victim’s marriage having reached a new level of public misery that has finally provoked their closest friends to intervene. The film competed for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance (where it premiered) and earning an acting prize for Melanie Lynskey, who (judging from the trailer alone) delivers one of this year’s can’t-miss performances. The film was also co-produced by Film Independent Fellow and 2016 Piaget Producers award Mel Eslyn.

Complete Unknown When: August 26 Where: Theaters Director: Joshua Marston Starring: Rachel Weisz, Michael Shannon, Danny Glover, Kathy Bates Why We’re Excited: In 2005, Joshua Marston won the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay for his riveting debut feature, Maria Full of Grace. His latest film is a mind-bending thriller starring Spirit Award nominees Michael Shannon and Rachel Weisz. We don’t want to spoil too much, but the general synopsis involves Weisz making an unusual appearance at a dinner party Shannon is throwing with his wife. Questions begin once the host insists that he’s met this woman before—only she’s going by a different name now, along with an entirely unfamiliar backstory. Watch the mystery unravel as Marston keeps his viewers hooked on the edge of their seat awaiting each and every turn. Marston’s first feature in English premiered at Sundance and costars the sublimely talented Danny Glover and Kathy Bates.

The Hollars When: August 26 Where: Theaters Director: John Krasinski Starring: John Krasinski, Anna Kendrick, Mary Elizabeth Winstead Why We’re Excited: Office star John Krasinski juggles both acting and directing in his second feature, The Hollars, which played out of competition last month at the LA Film Festival. Krasinksi plays a New York transplant who leaves the Big Apple and his girlfriend behind and return to the Midwest when his mother (Margot Martindale) falls ill. Part Garden State, part The Graduate, the film features the supporting talents of Anna Kendrick as well as Film Independent Spirit Award nominated actors Mary Kay Place and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner or Nominee First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters

10 Don t Miss Indies What to Watch in August - 13

title: “10 Don T Miss Indies What To Watch In August” ShowToc: true date: “2024-04-16” author: “Shara Rhodes”

DETROIT

When: August 3 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Kathryn Bigelow Starring: John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith Why We’re Excited: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Riots, Detroit reunites Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow with Mark Boal—credited here as the film’s screenwriter and co-producer. Following the duo’s acclaimed efforts The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty (which both told stories of Mideast military conflict), Detroit explores issues of violence, protest and insurgency unfolding at home on American soil. Based on the real-life Algiers Motel incident which claimed the lives of three black civilians, Detroit’s ensemble cast features John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, Jacob Latimore and Will Poulter, among others. An intense document of racial strife and police tensions that unfortunately remains as relevant as ever, Detroit is currently sitting on a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and will be released by Annapurna Pictures.

STEP

When: August 4 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Amanda Lipitz Starring: Paula Dofat, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon Why We’re Excited: Following its festival premiere earlier this year, Variety described Amanda Lipitz’s debut feature as “Hoop Dreams for the social media generation.” Maybe, but this incisive documentary about one year in the life of an all-girls high school step dance team set in strife-ridden inner city Baltimore is utterly unique in its female-focused approach. As social unrest threatens to topple troubled Charm City, the Lethal Ladies step team uses the extracurricular as an outlet to cope with pressures felt both at home an in the classroom. The film was acquired at Sundance for a reported $4 million by Fox Searchlight and recently screened (with filmmaker Q&A) at Film Independent at LACMA. Perfect for fans of sports movies, social dramas and nonfiction filmmaking, Step demands your attention.

FUN MOM DINNER

When: August 4 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Alethea Jones Starring: Katie Aselton, Toni Collette, Hart Denton Why We’re Excited: 2017 has been a banner year for raucous female-focused ensemble comedies, kicking off with Lucia Aniello’s Rough Night in June, followed by Malcolm D. Lee’s Girls Trip in July. Now, August sees the release of Alethea Jones’ indie-skewing Fun Mom Dinner. Katie Aselton, Toni Collette, Bridget Everett and 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award winner Molly Shannon star as a foursome of stressed-out suburban parents who decide to get together for a seemingly harmless “fun mom dinner” to unwind. But what starts as a simple bit of low-key socializing quickly goes cuckoo bananas, once alcohol, karaoke and cute male bartender enter the mix. Unabashedly R-rated and definitely not for snowflakes, Fun Mom Dinner is a hilariously crude reminder that even primary caregivers need to cut loose every now and then.

WIND RIVER

When: August 4 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Taylor Sheridan Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Jon Bernthal, Jeremy Renner Why We’re Excited: Acclaimed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan’s sophomore directorial effort Wind River is a chilling thriller set on the rugged Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Jeremy Renner puts down his bow and arrow to play Cory Lambert, a US Fish and Wildlife Services agent who becomes involved in the investigation into the murder of a young woman found on Native land— joined by rookie FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen). The unlikely partners quickly discover a secret-filled community ravaged by poverty, substance abuse and violence. Exploring in large part the darkness and difficulties faced by Native American communities, Wind River is a stark and effective procedural. Not surprising coming from the writer of Sicario and Hell or High Water. Additionally, Film Independent Member Jonathan Fuhrman is an executive producer.

When: August 11 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Sunao Katabuchi Starring: Non, Megumi Han, Yoshimasa Hosoya Why We’re Excited: If you missed anime legend Sunao Katabuchi’s (Princess Arete) haunting new wartime drama during its U.S. premiere at the LA Film Festival this year—part of the World Cinema Competition—here’s your chance to catch up. Set in Hiroshima in the decade before the dropping of the atomic bomb, World is a meditative snapshot of an idyllic culture hurdling toward tragedy; it follows a young Japanese woman named “Suzu” as WWII slowly begins to unfold, eventually consuming her day-to-day existence. The film is a result of successful crowd-funding campaign—one that broke Japanese crowd-funding records. And while fictional, Katabuchi’s team did meticulous historical research to ensure all of the film’s period details were correct. So if you’re looking for something different to experience this summer, World is it.

GOOD TIME

When: August 11 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ben Safdie, Joshua Safdie Starring: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Robert Pattinson, Barkhad Abdi Why We’re Excited: Safdie Bros. Joshua and Ben have spent most of the new millennium carving out an interesting niche for themselves with a series of gritty, lo-fi, New York-centered indies: Daddy Longlegs, Heaven Knows What and The Pleasure of Being Robbed. Good Time is their largest and most ambitious project yet, returning to the filmmakers’ familiar Gotham milieu to tell the suspenseful, fast-paced story of a desperate man’s (Robert Pattinson) race against the clock to free his incarcerated brother (Ben Safdie.) The film competed for the Palm d’Or at this year’s Cannes and is will be distributed by A24 beginning August 11. Even better: Film Independent Member Brendan McHugh is one of the film’s co-producers. Recommended for fans of New York grit and “into the night” movies in the vein of Martin Scorsese’s After Hours.

INGRID GOES WEST

When: August 11 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Matt Spicer Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen Why We’re Excited: If nothing else, Matt Spicer’s darkly comic stalker drama is guaranteed to make you think twice before blindly double-tapping those little squares of lifestyle porn cascading down your Instagram feed. Aubrey Plaza plays the titular Ingrid, a disturbed young social media addict who becomes obsessed with Elizabeth Olsen’s Taylor Sloane, an ultra-fashionable style influencer living in Venice, CA. Ingrid cashes out her inheritance from her late mother and heads to LA, clumsily (though successfully) engineering a meet-cute with the object of her obsession and gaining a Batman-loving drug-dealer boyfriend (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.) along the way. Ingrid and Taylor become BFFs, but for how long? What happens when Ingrid’s sordid, stalker origins are revealed? The incisive satire premiered to acclaim at this year’s Sundance, as well as the Closing Night film at this year’s LA Film Festival (watch highlights here.) You’re sure to “like” it.

LEMON

When: August 18 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Janicza Bravo Starring: Inger Tudor, Brett Gelman, Judy Greer Why We’re Excited: Veteran stand-up comedian Brett Gelman finally stepping into the spotlight in Lemon, playing Issac—a struggling, misanthropic actor whose life begins to fall (even more) apart when his girlfriend of 10 years (the great Judy Greer) finally leaves him. Cringe-inducing and designed for maximum discomfort, Lemon is nevertheless an oddly touching and darkly comedic character study. It helps that the film’s director and co-writer (with Gelman) is Janicza Bravo, an acclaimed filmmaker whose work has screened at SXSW and Sundance, and who was named one of Filmmaker magazines “25 New Faces of Independent Film” in 2014. Film Independent grant winner Houston King is one of the film’s producers.

PATTI CAKE$

When: August 18 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Geremy Jasper Starring: Danielle Macdonald, Bridget Verett, Siddharth Dhanajay Why We’re Excited: First there was 8 Mile. Then there was Hustle & Flow. And now, there’s Patti Cake$—indie film’s latest tale of hardscrabble hip-hop glory. But the MC here isn’t an eager-eyed Eminem surrogate or Terrance Howard’s suave Memphis pimp. It’s Patricia “Dumbo” Dumbrowski (Danielle Macdonald): a downtrodden, overweight, working class girl from suburban New Jersey. Toiling away at an endless series of go-nowhere jobs, Patricia dreams of spitting lyrics, living large and escaping her family’s multi-generational tradition of white mediocrity. Creating the character “Patti Cake$” to give voice to her art, Patricia is helped by her best friend/DJ Hareesh (Dhananjay). Geremy Jasper’s debut feature earned rave reviews out of Sundance, largely thanks to Macdonald’s arresting performance. The film also screened for volunteers at June’s LA Film Festival. Film Independent grant winner Josh Penn is one of the film’s executive producers, and the film was produced by Film Independent Members Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Rodrigo Teixeira.