The Fits When: June 3 Where: Theaters Director: Anna Rose Holmer Cast: Royalty Hightower, Makyla Burnam Why We’re Excited: Last year, emerging writer/director Anna Rose Holmer was named one of Filmmaker magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” Holmer makes her narrative feature debut with this dramatic portrait of an 11-year-old tomboy named Toni (Royalty Hightower, in her very first role) and the trials and tribulations she faces when she decides to join a highly competitive dance troupe. This psychological portrait of adolescence premiered at the Venice Film Festival and chronicles the desperation, insecurity and high-risk behavior of one pre-pubescent woman on the verge of hysteria. Describing it as a “meditation of movement,” Holmer’s film was one of 2015’s most buzzworthy festival indies. A truly daredevil filmmaker, Holmer even allowed the cast (most of whom are making their feature film debut) to change their own dialogue as they saw fit.
King Jack When: June 10 Where: Theaters Director: Felix Thompson Starring: Charlie Plummer, Yainis Ynoa, Cory Nichols Why We’re Excited: After much anticipation following the acclaim garnered for his short film projects, director Felix Thompson’s feature length debut King Jack is a wonderful adventure drama. It’s also the winner of the Kiehls’ Someone to Watch award at the 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards, as well as winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. A coming-of-age story with heart, the movie follows fifteen-year-old Jack (the talented Charlie Plummer) over the course of a weekend as he confronts his rapidly-approaching adulthood. Jack sets of on an inspiring journey to find happiness while also preparing to rule the world. Film Independent Member Gabrielle Nadig produced the film, which went into production after being selected by the Sundance Institute for their Creative Producer’s Initiative.
Puerto Ricans in Paris When: June 10 Where: Theaters Director: Ian Edelman Starring: Luis Guzman, Edgar Garcia, Rosario Dawson Why We’re Excited: If you’re looking for an action-packed buddy comedy this summer but tend to favor art house fare over multiplex junk food, then we’ve got the perfect flick for you! Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia star in Ian Edelman’s directorial debut as NYPD officers sent on an unthinkable mission: to track down a stolen handbag. It actually gets a bit more complicated than that, but we don’t want to give too much away. The film competed in the 2015 LA Film Festival, filling the theater with laughter and gasps during its premiere. While the big studios could have easily turned this material into a Hollywood cliché, director Edelman’s debut feature keeps the spirit of indie filmmaking alive, as it was shot on a modest budget in less than three weeks. The film also stars indie darlings Rosario Dawson and Rosie Perez.
The Music of Strangers When: June 10 Where: Theaters Director: Morgan Neville Why We’re Excited: Spirit Award winning documentarian Morgan Neville continues to achieve success and garner praise with his latest effort. Having already proven himself as a prominent voice within the nonfiction genre, Neville’s latest venture into IRL cinema is an exploration of music and culture. Clearly music is a major passion for Neville; renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma is his new film’s main subject, along with an amazing collective he formed of international artists. “The Silk Road Ensemble,” as they’re dubbed, are fueled by passion as they discuss their thoughts on art, music and collaboration. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be playing this Thursday, June 2 at the LA Film Festival. We’re also proud to mention a handful of awesome Film Independent Members who all worked on the film, starting with director and producer Morgan Neville. Additional Members include executive producers Nancy Abraham and Sheila Nevins, producer Caitrin Rogers and associate producer Caryn Capotosto. The film opens in New York and LA on June 10 and is scheduled to play throughout the country for the rest of the summer. And if you’re in Los Angeles, the movie is playing June 2 at the LA Film Festival (click here for tickets!)
Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) When: June 17 Where: Theaters (VOD in July) Director: Eva Husson Starring: Finnegan Oldfield, Marilyn Lima Why We’re Excited: First-time filmmaker Eva Husson certainly isn’t shy when it comes to introducing herself as a storyteller unafraid to take risks. Bang Gang is one of the year’s most provocative and explicit films, with the feel of a documentary or reality TV show. Husson’s screenplay is based on real events about a group of teenagers in France who started having after-school sex parties. Marilyn Lima stars as George, a sixteen-year-old girl in love with Alex (Finnegan Oldfield), who decides to push the boundaries of sexuality within their group of friends by starting a very X-rated game of “Truth or Dare.” While the film is rampant with nudity and graphic sex scenes, it isn’t strictly prurient. There are consequences. The racy French film competed at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be heating up theaters this month and VOD in July.
Midnight Special When: June 21 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Jeff Nichols Starring: Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Joel Edgerton Why We’re Excited: You may have missed one of the year’s best under-the-radar critical favorites while it was in theaters, but now Jeff Nichols’ sci-fi drama Midnight Special is coming to a home cinema near you. In Special, Spirit Award winner Nichols teams up with the great Michael Shannon for their fourth feature film together. Shannon plays the father of Alton Meyer (the young Jaeden Lieberher in a breakthrough role), a child with special abilities and powers who has become noticed by the wrong individuals. It’s an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride as the father and son duo flee, running from both the U.S. government and a cult, both of which are trying to obtain Alton for their own selfish agendas. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival before playing at SXSW and features an all-star supporting cast including Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver and Sam Shepard.
The Neon Demon When: June 24 Where: Theaters Director: Nicolas Winding Refn Starring: Elle Fanning, Keanu Reeves, Jena Malone Why We’re Excited: If you’ve seen the trailer for visionary indie filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn’s latest, then it should be pretty evident that he’s taking it up another notch. His controversial new thriller premiered at Cannes, where it competed for the Palme d’Or, the Queer Palm and where it won the Cannes Soundtrack Award. Elle Fanning stars as a model starting out in the world of high fashion, caught up in dark realm that brews as a result of her new occupation. Refn’s film is colorful, boasts cool visual effects and serves as an imaginative depiction of an exciting industry that can also be so very dangerous. Film Independent Members Michel Litvak and Gary Michael Walters are executive producers of the suspenseful and erotic film, which is sure to stand out as one of the year’s most audacious and controversial indies.
Wiener-Dog When: June 24 Where: Theaters Director: Todd Solondz Starring: Greta Gerwig, Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn Why We’re Excited: Remember Dawn Wiener? If you’ve seen Todd Solondz’s uncomfortably bizarre black comedy Welcome to the Dollhouse from 1995, it’s impossible to forget her. Last year Solondz hinted at the possibility of a sequel, and in January the Wieners were back on the big screen at the Sundance Film Festival. Well, sort of. Greta Gerwig stars as Dawn (originally played by Heather Matarazzo), the painfully awkward, bullied teenager who we find now all grown up. However, it’s the family’s dog that is the real star, traveling across the country and provide the common thread between four separate short stories. Together, the four stories make up one highly unusual feature that will undoubtedly be anything but boring coming from the mind of Solondz. The cast also includes Spirit Award winner Ellen Burstyn, Zosia Mamet, Danny DeVito, Julie Delpy and Kieran Culkin.
Septembers of Shiraz When: June 24 Where: Theaters Director: Wayne Blair Starring: Adrian Brody, Salma Hayek, Shohreh Aghdashloo Why We’re Excited: Wayne Blair makes his directorial debut with this thrilling drama, based upon the international best-selling, based-on-true-events novel by Dalia Sofer. Academy Award winner Adrian Brody and Hollywood icon Salma Hayek (also one of the film’s executive producers) star as a married Jewish couple who must fight for their freedom in the wake of the 1979 Iranian revolution when religious fundamentalism sparks violence and upheaval. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and features Spirit Award winner Shohreh Aghdashloo, documenting a historical moment in Iranian culture that deserves to be remembered.
Hunt For The Wilderpeople When: June 24 Where: Theaters Director: Taika Waititi Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison Why We’re Excited: The latest comedy from the uniquely clever mind of writer/director/actor Taika Waititi is creating much anticipatory buzz after recently playing major festivals such as SXSW, Tribeca and Sundance (where it premiered). Waititi’s screenplay is based on the book by Barry Crump and stars Sam Neill as the foster uncle of a rebellious youngster (Julian Dennison). Taking place in New Zealand, a manhunt is ordered to locate the unlikely duo when they go missing in the wilderness. The film broke New Zealand box office records, and has been received enthusiastically by critics and audiences alike. Following Eagle vs. Shark and What We Do In The Shadows, Waititi is shaping up to be a reliable source of good humor and undeniable spirit within the indie film community.
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
title: “10 Don T Miss Indies What To Watch In June” ShowToc: true date: “2024-05-09” author: “Dusty Digangi”
DEAN
When: June 2 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Demetri Martin Starring: Demetri Martin, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen Why We’re Excited: Making his feature directorial debut with this “comedy about tragedy,” acclaimed stand-up comedian Demetri Martin (who also wrote the film) stars as the titular Dean—a New York illustrator who relocates to L.A. in search of a fresh start after the death of his mother. Dean and his father (Kevin Kline) are coping with the loss differently, which the film reflects on the decisions each character makes to either confront their grief or distract themselves from its reality. The prospect of a new romantic relationship comes at a bittersweet time for Dean, while his father makes plans to sell the family house against his son’s wishes. The film premiered at this year’s Tribeca, where it won the Jury Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature.
BAND AID
When: June 2 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Director: Zoe Lister-Jones Starring: Zoe Lister-Jones, Fred Armisen, Adam Pally Why We’re Excited: Married couple Anna (Zoe-Lister Jones) and Ben (Adam Pally) cannot stop arguing. Their relationship has become one of resentment, full of nonsensical feuds and tears of frustration. All the ingredients for great songwriting! In an effort to stave off the inevitable break-up on the horizon, the two decide to start a band together, channeling all of their bitterness into the melodies they compose. This sunny comedy marks the feature debut of writer/director/star Jones, who currently stars on the CBS sitcom Life in Pieces. The film competed for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, where it premiered. It also has a killer all-star supporting cast that includes Fred Armisen, Colin Hanks, Brooklyn Decker, Jamie Chung and Jerry O’Connell.
THE HERO When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Brett Haley Starring: Sam Elliott, Nick Offerman, Krysten Ritter Why We’re Excited: In Brett Haley’s latest, the great Sam Elliott takes the lead as Lee Hayden, a famous Western star who hasn’t been in a good movie for decades. Stuck in the past, Hayden reflects on his faded glory and spends way too much time getting high with his pot dealer (Nick Offerman). But then, Hayden’s life is suddenly derailed by a surprise cancer diagnosis. As he confronts mortality, the old cowboy makes it his goal to find one great, final role while also attempting to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter (Krysten Ritter). The film played SXSW following its premiere at Sundance. Laura Prepon co-stars and Film Independent Member Sam Bisbee is one of the film’s producers. BEATRIZ AT DINNER When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Miguel Arteta Starring: Salma Hayek, John Lithgow, Connie Britton, Chloë Sevigny Why We’re Excited: One of the most talked-about features at this year’s Sundance, Beatriz at Dinner is the latest collaboration between the Film Independent Spirit Award winning duo of Miguel Arteta and Mike White (The Good Girl, Chuck & Buck). What’s more, the film features one of 2017’s most acclaimed performances, courtesy of Salma Hayek. Hayek stars as a holistic medical practitioner attending a wealthy client’s dinner party, only to be pitted against a belligerent racist (John Lithgow) against whom her worldviews and personality clash in a major, major way. Tensions rise, arguments ensue and the guests get more than they bargained for when the “friendly” political debates and dinner conversation escalate to a war of words and battle of wits. Combining White’s knack for sharp, intellectual dialogue and astounding character development with Arteta’s flair for bringing complicated personalities to life, this is sure to be one dinner party you won’t soon forget. IT COMES AT NIGHT When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Carmen Ejogo Why We’re Excited: Trey Edward Schults made a big splash with his 2015 debut feature Krisha, taking home the John Cassavetes Award at the 2016 Spirit Awards. The director’s eerie tone was set, established his unique melding of disturbingly intimate character portraiture with off-kilter cinematography. For his sophomore feature, audiences will be once again jumping out of their skin as Shults proves he’s one of the independent film world’s most exciting new visionaries. Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott and Spirit Award nominee Carmen Ejogo (Selma) star in this horrific tale about two families at odds with each other as they attempt to survive a mysterious, evil force. But we don’t want to give away too much—even the trailer manages to be cut in a way that maintains suspense without revealing the plot in explicit detail. TOMCAT When: June 13 Where You Can Watch: DVD Director: Händl Klaus Starring: Lukas Turtur, Philipp Hochmair Why We’re Excited: Andreas and Stefan are happily partnered, living a life full of passion and culture. They both work in an industry they love, have a great network of friends and reside in a beautiful old house in Vienna’s vineyards. But then—seemingly out of nowhere—a horrendous outburst of violence shakes both men to their core, putting into question whether or not their relationship can survive such an unspeakable act. Händl Klaus’ drama certainly has some tough scenes to get through, but from what we’re hearing, the material is presented in such a way that the audience will appreciate the beauty of the filmmaking without focusing too much on its unsettling elements. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Teddy for Best Feature Film. MAUDIE When: June 16 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Aisling Walsh Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke Why We’re Excited: Spirit Award-nominated actors Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke star in the latest romantic drama from Aisling Walsh, based on the true love story of Canadians Everett and Maude Lewis. He’s a reclusive fish peddler posting an ad for domestic work; she’s a housekeeper turned folk artist from Nova Scotia. An unlikely romance blossoms between the two, as a biographical snapshot of their relationship unfolds as Maud rises to become successful in her artistic endeavors. The film has been one of the year’s biggest festival tickets, playing countless big screens at Telluride, Toronto and (best of all) the LA Film Festival on June 15. (Buy tickets here.) THE BAD BATCH When: June 23 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Suki Waterhouse, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey Why We’re Excited: If you haven’t seen Film Independent Fellow Ana Lily Amirpour’s excellent, Spirit Award-nominated debut A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night yet, definitely add it to your list immediately to check out before her badass sophomore feature hits theaters at the end of June. Amirpour has been buzzing on the indie film scene since her debut, and Batch—a dystopian love story about cannibalism—has already screened at festivals like Venice (where it won the Special Jury Prize) and Toronto, garnering Amirpour yet more attention and acclaim. This time out, her budget has grown a little bigger, boasting some big names (including Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey). But the film stars Suki Waterhouse, delivering a not-to-be-missed performance. Spirit Award nominee Giovanni Ribisi and Diego Luna also co-star. BABY DRIVER When: June 28 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx Why We’re Excited: If you’re a fan of Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) then chances are you’ve already got his latest flick, Baby Driver, on your radar. Driver has it all: music, cars, thrills, a killer cast and enough speed to get your heart rate pumping to the max. Spirit Award winner Kevin Spacey stars, joining Jamie Foxx alongside lead Ansel Elgort, who plays a young gateway driver manipulated into working for a dangerous crime boss. Part of the gig? Pulling off an impossible heist. Wright’s action-packed adventure speeds by you so fast, you’ll want to start it all over again. The film premiered at SXSW and co-stars Lily James and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm. THE BEGUILED When: June 30 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst Why We’re Excited: Sofia Coppola’s latest movie, The Beguiled, opens June 30 and will screen at the LA Film Festival on June 15. That’s pretty much all we need to know—we’re so there! Colin Farrell stars as a wounded soldier, taken in to be cared for at an all-girls’ school run under the cold-hearted strict whip of Nicole Kidman’s headmistress. Suspense and tension aren’t far behind, as Farrell’s interactions with Kidman, Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst’s characters all collide in a nerve-wracking sequence of events that the trailer suggests will find us on the edge of our seats. Of course, with Spirit Award winner Coppola’s track record thus far, we can only anticipate another celebration of her audacious vision coming to the big screen. 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
THE HERO
When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Brett Haley Starring: Sam Elliott, Nick Offerman, Krysten Ritter Why We’re Excited: In Brett Haley’s latest, the great Sam Elliott takes the lead as Lee Hayden, a famous Western star who hasn’t been in a good movie for decades. Stuck in the past, Hayden reflects on his faded glory and spends way too much time getting high with his pot dealer (Nick Offerman). But then, Hayden’s life is suddenly derailed by a surprise cancer diagnosis. As he confronts mortality, the old cowboy makes it his goal to find one great, final role while also attempting to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter (Krysten Ritter). The film played SXSW following its premiere at Sundance. Laura Prepon co-stars and Film Independent Member Sam Bisbee is one of the film’s producers.
BEATRIZ AT DINNER
When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Miguel Arteta Starring: Salma Hayek, John Lithgow, Connie Britton, Chloë Sevigny Why We’re Excited: One of the most talked-about features at this year’s Sundance, Beatriz at Dinner is the latest collaboration between the Film Independent Spirit Award winning duo of Miguel Arteta and Mike White (The Good Girl, Chuck & Buck). What’s more, the film features one of 2017’s most acclaimed performances, courtesy of Salma Hayek. Hayek stars as a holistic medical practitioner attending a wealthy client’s dinner party, only to be pitted against a belligerent racist (John Lithgow) against whom her worldviews and personality clash in a major, major way. Tensions rise, arguments ensue and the guests get more than they bargained for when the “friendly” political debates and dinner conversation escalate to a war of words and battle of wits. Combining White’s knack for sharp, intellectual dialogue and astounding character development with Arteta’s flair for bringing complicated personalities to life, this is sure to be one dinner party you won’t soon forget.
IT COMES AT NIGHT When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Carmen Ejogo Why We’re Excited: Trey Edward Schults made a big splash with his 2015 debut feature Krisha, taking home the John Cassavetes Award at the 2016 Spirit Awards. The director’s eerie tone was set, established his unique melding of disturbingly intimate character portraiture with off-kilter cinematography. For his sophomore feature, audiences will be once again jumping out of their skin as Shults proves he’s one of the independent film world’s most exciting new visionaries. Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott and Spirit Award nominee Carmen Ejogo (Selma) star in this horrific tale about two families at odds with each other as they attempt to survive a mysterious, evil force. But we don’t want to give away too much—even the trailer manages to be cut in a way that maintains suspense without revealing the plot in explicit detail. TOMCAT When: June 13 Where You Can Watch: DVD Director: Händl Klaus Starring: Lukas Turtur, Philipp Hochmair Why We’re Excited: Andreas and Stefan are happily partnered, living a life full of passion and culture. They both work in an industry they love, have a great network of friends and reside in a beautiful old house in Vienna’s vineyards. But then—seemingly out of nowhere—a horrendous outburst of violence shakes both men to their core, putting into question whether or not their relationship can survive such an unspeakable act. Händl Klaus’ drama certainly has some tough scenes to get through, but from what we’re hearing, the material is presented in such a way that the audience will appreciate the beauty of the filmmaking without focusing too much on its unsettling elements. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Teddy for Best Feature Film. MAUDIE When: June 16 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Aisling Walsh Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke Why We’re Excited: Spirit Award-nominated actors Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke star in the latest romantic drama from Aisling Walsh, based on the true love story of Canadians Everett and Maude Lewis. He’s a reclusive fish peddler posting an ad for domestic work; she’s a housekeeper turned folk artist from Nova Scotia. An unlikely romance blossoms between the two, as a biographical snapshot of their relationship unfolds as Maud rises to become successful in her artistic endeavors. The film has been one of the year’s biggest festival tickets, playing countless big screens at Telluride, Toronto and (best of all) the LA Film Festival on June 15. (Buy tickets here.) THE BAD BATCH When: June 23 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Suki Waterhouse, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey Why We’re Excited: If you haven’t seen Film Independent Fellow Ana Lily Amirpour’s excellent, Spirit Award-nominated debut A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night yet, definitely add it to your list immediately to check out before her badass sophomore feature hits theaters at the end of June. Amirpour has been buzzing on the indie film scene since her debut, and Batch—a dystopian love story about cannibalism—has already screened at festivals like Venice (where it won the Special Jury Prize) and Toronto, garnering Amirpour yet more attention and acclaim. This time out, her budget has grown a little bigger, boasting some big names (including Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey). But the film stars Suki Waterhouse, delivering a not-to-be-missed performance. Spirit Award nominee Giovanni Ribisi and Diego Luna also co-star. BABY DRIVER When: June 28 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx Why We’re Excited: If you’re a fan of Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) then chances are you’ve already got his latest flick, Baby Driver, on your radar. Driver has it all: music, cars, thrills, a killer cast and enough speed to get your heart rate pumping to the max. Spirit Award winner Kevin Spacey stars, joining Jamie Foxx alongside lead Ansel Elgort, who plays a young gateway driver manipulated into working for a dangerous crime boss. Part of the gig? Pulling off an impossible heist. Wright’s action-packed adventure speeds by you so fast, you’ll want to start it all over again. The film premiered at SXSW and co-stars Lily James and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm. THE BEGUILED When: June 30 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst Why We’re Excited: Sofia Coppola’s latest movie, The Beguiled, opens June 30 and will screen at the LA Film Festival on June 15. That’s pretty much all we need to know—we’re so there! Colin Farrell stars as a wounded soldier, taken in to be cared for at an all-girls’ school run under the cold-hearted strict whip of Nicole Kidman’s headmistress. Suspense and tension aren’t far behind, as Farrell’s interactions with Kidman, Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst’s characters all collide in a nerve-wracking sequence of events that the trailer suggests will find us on the edge of our seats. Of course, with Spirit Award winner Coppola’s track record thus far, we can only anticipate another celebration of her audacious vision coming to the big screen. 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
IT COMES AT NIGHT
When: June 9 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Carmen Ejogo Why We’re Excited: Trey Edward Schults made a big splash with his 2015 debut feature Krisha, taking home the John Cassavetes Award at the 2016 Spirit Awards. The director’s eerie tone was set, established his unique melding of disturbingly intimate character portraiture with off-kilter cinematography. For his sophomore feature, audiences will be once again jumping out of their skin as Shults proves he’s one of the independent film world’s most exciting new visionaries. Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott and Spirit Award nominee Carmen Ejogo (Selma) star in this horrific tale about two families at odds with each other as they attempt to survive a mysterious, evil force. But we don’t want to give away too much—even the trailer manages to be cut in a way that maintains suspense without revealing the plot in explicit detail.
TOMCAT
When: June 13 Where You Can Watch: DVD Director: Händl Klaus Starring: Lukas Turtur, Philipp Hochmair Why We’re Excited: Andreas and Stefan are happily partnered, living a life full of passion and culture. They both work in an industry they love, have a great network of friends and reside in a beautiful old house in Vienna’s vineyards. But then—seemingly out of nowhere—a horrendous outburst of violence shakes both men to their core, putting into question whether or not their relationship can survive such an unspeakable act. Händl Klaus’ drama certainly has some tough scenes to get through, but from what we’re hearing, the material is presented in such a way that the audience will appreciate the beauty of the filmmaking without focusing too much on its unsettling elements. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Teddy for Best Feature Film.
MAUDIE
When: June 16 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Aisling Walsh Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke Why We’re Excited: Spirit Award-nominated actors Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke star in the latest romantic drama from Aisling Walsh, based on the true love story of Canadians Everett and Maude Lewis. He’s a reclusive fish peddler posting an ad for domestic work; she’s a housekeeper turned folk artist from Nova Scotia. An unlikely romance blossoms between the two, as a biographical snapshot of their relationship unfolds as Maud rises to become successful in her artistic endeavors. The film has been one of the year’s biggest festival tickets, playing countless big screens at Telluride, Toronto and (best of all) the LA Film Festival on June 15. (Buy tickets here.)
THE BAD BATCH When: June 23 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Suki Waterhouse, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey Why We’re Excited: If you haven’t seen Film Independent Fellow Ana Lily Amirpour’s excellent, Spirit Award-nominated debut A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night yet, definitely add it to your list immediately to check out before her badass sophomore feature hits theaters at the end of June. Amirpour has been buzzing on the indie film scene since her debut, and Batch—a dystopian love story about cannibalism—has already screened at festivals like Venice (where it won the Special Jury Prize) and Toronto, garnering Amirpour yet more attention and acclaim. This time out, her budget has grown a little bigger, boasting some big names (including Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey). But the film stars Suki Waterhouse, delivering a not-to-be-missed performance. Spirit Award nominee Giovanni Ribisi and Diego Luna also co-star. BABY DRIVER When: June 28 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx Why We’re Excited: If you’re a fan of Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) then chances are you’ve already got his latest flick, Baby Driver, on your radar. Driver has it all: music, cars, thrills, a killer cast and enough speed to get your heart rate pumping to the max. Spirit Award winner Kevin Spacey stars, joining Jamie Foxx alongside lead Ansel Elgort, who plays a young gateway driver manipulated into working for a dangerous crime boss. Part of the gig? Pulling off an impossible heist. Wright’s action-packed adventure speeds by you so fast, you’ll want to start it all over again. The film premiered at SXSW and co-stars Lily James and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm. THE BEGUILED When: June 30 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst Why We’re Excited: Sofia Coppola’s latest movie, The Beguiled, opens June 30 and will screen at the LA Film Festival on June 15. That’s pretty much all we need to know—we’re so there! Colin Farrell stars as a wounded soldier, taken in to be cared for at an all-girls’ school run under the cold-hearted strict whip of Nicole Kidman’s headmistress. Suspense and tension aren’t far behind, as Farrell’s interactions with Kidman, Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst’s characters all collide in a nerve-wracking sequence of events that the trailer suggests will find us on the edge of our seats. Of course, with Spirit Award winner Coppola’s track record thus far, we can only anticipate another celebration of her audacious vision coming to the big screen. 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
THE BAD BATCH
When: June 23 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Suki Waterhouse, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey Why We’re Excited: If you haven’t seen Film Independent Fellow Ana Lily Amirpour’s excellent, Spirit Award-nominated debut A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night yet, definitely add it to your list immediately to check out before her badass sophomore feature hits theaters at the end of June. Amirpour has been buzzing on the indie film scene since her debut, and Batch—a dystopian love story about cannibalism—has already screened at festivals like Venice (where it won the Special Jury Prize) and Toronto, garnering Amirpour yet more attention and acclaim. This time out, her budget has grown a little bigger, boasting some big names (including Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey). But the film stars Suki Waterhouse, delivering a not-to-be-missed performance. Spirit Award nominee Giovanni Ribisi and Diego Luna also co-star.
BABY DRIVER
When: June 28 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx Why We’re Excited: If you’re a fan of Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) then chances are you’ve already got his latest flick, Baby Driver, on your radar. Driver has it all: music, cars, thrills, a killer cast and enough speed to get your heart rate pumping to the max. Spirit Award winner Kevin Spacey stars, joining Jamie Foxx alongside lead Ansel Elgort, who plays a young gateway driver manipulated into working for a dangerous crime boss. Part of the gig? Pulling off an impossible heist. Wright’s action-packed adventure speeds by you so fast, you’ll want to start it all over again. The film premiered at SXSW and co-stars Lily James and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm.
THE BEGUILED When: June 30 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst Why We’re Excited: Sofia Coppola’s latest movie, The Beguiled, opens June 30 and will screen at the LA Film Festival on June 15. That’s pretty much all we need to know—we’re so there! Colin Farrell stars as a wounded soldier, taken in to be cared for at an all-girls’ school run under the cold-hearted strict whip of Nicole Kidman’s headmistress. Suspense and tension aren’t far behind, as Farrell’s interactions with Kidman, Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst’s characters all collide in a nerve-wracking sequence of events that the trailer suggests will find us on the edge of our seats. Of course, with Spirit Award winner Coppola’s track record thus far, we can only anticipate another celebration of her audacious vision coming to the big screen. 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
THE BEGUILED
When: June 30 Where You Can Watch: Theaters, LA Film Festival Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst Why We’re Excited: Sofia Coppola’s latest movie, The Beguiled, opens June 30 and will screen at the LA Film Festival on June 15. That’s pretty much all we need to know—we’re so there! Colin Farrell stars as a wounded soldier, taken in to be cared for at an all-girls’ school run under the cold-hearted strict whip of Nicole Kidman’s headmistress. Suspense and tension aren’t far behind, as Farrell’s interactions with Kidman, Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst’s characters all collide in a nerve-wracking sequence of events that the trailer suggests will find us on the edge of our seats. Of course, with Spirit Award winner Coppola’s track record thus far, we can only anticipate another celebration of her audacious vision coming to the big screen.
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
