Mothers and Daughters When: May 6 Where: Theaters, iTunes Director: Paul Duddridge Starring: Susan Sarandon, Selma Blair, Courtney Cox Why We’re Excited: Mother’s Day is right around the corner and this first feature from Paul Duddridge is a celebration of the unique bond that exists between mothers and daughters. Selma Blair stars as Rigby Gray, a photographer who captures more with her camera than just images. Through the perspectives of her latest photo project, Rigby learns what being a mother is actually all about—whether she likes it or not. Told through the interwoven stories of Rigby’s subjects, Mothers and Daughters features an exciting, all-star cast that includes Susan Sarandon, Courtney Cox, Sharon Stone, Christina Ricci and Mira Sorvino. The film was was originally titled Mother’s Day before undergoing a last-minute change to avoid being confused with the upcoming big-budget Hollywood holiday movie of the same name by Garry Marshall. It’s the perfect choice for the indie film lover to watch with Mom this Sunday—and you can do so on iTunes if isn’t playing on a big screen near you.
Creative Control When: May 10 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Benjamin Dickinson Starring: Benjamin Dickinson, Nora Zehetner Why We’re Excited: Benjamin Dickinson writes, directs, produces and stars in this innovative, stylish, super-low budget first feature. In his inventive debut, Dickinson plays David, an ad exec living in a futuristic New York City where technology is advancing faster than ever. David’s latest project is a campaign for an “augmented reality system”. Allowed to test the product ahead of time, he decides to use this groundbreaking new hardware to carry on an illicit affair with his best friend’s girlfriend—making for one twisted, comedic, thrilling, sci-fi infused erotic drama. The film’s bold vision shows promise for Dickinson, who won a Special Jury Award at the film’s SXSW premiere in 2015. Dickinson also get major film nerd bragging rights, as none other than legendary filmmaker Woody Allen himself hailed the filmmaker’s debut as “a very funny and original movie.”
Eisenstein in Guanajuato When: May 10 Where: Netflix, DVD Director: Peter Greenaway Starring: Elmer Back Why We’re Excited: The latest from the multi-talented artist and indie filmmaker Peter Greenaway is yet another bizarre and eccentric visual experience to be added to director’s extensive resume of experimental shorts and features. In this biographical dramedy, Greenaway brings the life of legendary Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein to the big screen. Focusing on the period of his life in which Eisenstein was invited to U.S. after making his revolutionary Battleship Potemkin, the film explores the renowned auteur’s rejection by Hollywood, his struggles with his own homosexuality, and failed attempt to mount a new film in Mexico funded by an American pro-communist group headed by a rabble-rousing Upton Sinclair. The sexually explicit film premiered at Berlin before playing countless other Festivals, including the Toronto LGBT Film Festival.
Last Days in the Desert When: May 13 Where: Theaters Director: Rodrigo Garcia Starring: Ewan McGregor Why We’re Excited: Film Independent Member (and award-winning filmmaker) Rodrigo Garcia’s latest project is an imaginative interpretation of the biblical Jesus’ 40 long days fasting and praying in the desert. Ewan McGregor stars as both Jesus and Lucifer, sharing the screen with only four other actors. Jesus travels through the desert and goes head-to-head with the Devil over a family in crisis. Fatigued, Jesus is further exhausted by a demonic woman who appears to have designs on haunting his journey. Garcia’s films tend to rely on strong characters, multi-layered plot lines and rich dialogue as opposed to visual effects, which makes this one of his most ambitious projects to date. And who better for Garcia to team up with as his cinematographer than Film Independent Spirit Award winner Emmanuel Lubezki—who, in addition to his Spirit Award bona fides, has been the man to take home the Best Cinematography Oscar for the last three ceremonies. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and Film Independent Member Julie Lynn is one of its producers.
Queen Mimi When: May 13 Where: Theaters Director: Yaniv Rokah Why We’re Excited: Queen Mimi director Rokah was living in Los Angeles working as a barista when he met the subject of what would become his first feature. This charming, inspirational documentary follows 89-year-old Mimi—a homeless woman who lives between the washers at a Laundromat across the street from Yaniv’s café. Filmed over a period of five years, the movie chronicles the events leading to Mimi’s homelessness as well as Mini’s remarkably positive, resilient attitude. A former fashion maven who’s befriended Hollywood A-listers such as Renee Zellweger and Zack Galifianakis, Mimi is an unsung hero—proving you should never give up and never give in. Film Independent Member Elliot V. Kotek is one of the film’s producers, bringing Mimi’s story to the world.
Love & Friendship When: May 13 Where: Theaters Director: Whit Stillman Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny Why We’re Excited: A trifecta of talented collaborators have reunited to bring Jane Austen’s witty (and underrated) classic Lady Susan to the big screen. Spirit Award winner Whit Stillman first worked with Beckinsale and Sevigny on the observant and biting 1998 comedy The Last Days of Disco. Nearly two decades later, the two leads and their director have reunited to take on 18th Century high society with a similarly wry eye. Beckinsale headlines as the beautiful widow Lady Susan Vernon, who returns to the estate of her in-laws only to be greeted by a town full of salacious gossip regarding her marriage. The rumor mill seems to be of no concern to Lady Susan, who is determined to secure a husband for her debutante daughter—and possibly a new one for herself as well. Sevigny’s Alicia recalls her Disco character, once again following Beckinsale’s lead, forever at her side taking notes on how to improve her social status, all while constantly questioning whether or not they’re actually even friends. If you love Austen, quick wit and big costumes this Friendship is definitely going to be your cup of tea.
Maggie’s Plan When: May 20 Where: Theaters Director: Rebecca Miller Starring: Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore Why We’re Excited: With every film she makes, Spirit Award winning filmmaker Rebecca Miller has been carving out an important space to showcase the voice of powerful female characters. An observant storyteller drawn to controversial subjects and flawed individuals, Miller’s latest is a whole lot lighter than any of her previous films. The comedy places Greta Gerwig’s titular Maggie at the tip of an inevitably complicated love triangle. Maggie’s home-wrecking heart beats for Jon (Ethan Hawke), who is married to the seemingly perfect Georgette (Spirit Award Winner Julianne Moore). Clearly drawn to interpersonal conflict, Maggie attempts to ruin Jon’s marriage at the same time she begins to move forward with a plan to have a baby all on her own. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was co-produced by Film Independent Member Jonathan Shoemaker.
Ma Ma When: May 27 Where: Theaters Director: Julio Medem Starring: Penelope Cruz, Luis Tosar Why We’re Excited: Celebrated Spanish filmmaker Julio Medem’s latest drama stars Spirit Award winner Penelope Cruz, in a performance being hailed as one of the finest of her career. The Oscar-winning actress plays a rejuvenated woman struggling with tragedy and humbled by miracles. The emotionally charged story follows Cruz’s Magda as she’s diagnosed with breast cancer and (simultaneously) meets a mysterious man coping with his own unspeakable loss. Together, they provide each other with the strength, love and other necessary ingredients to find peace and move toward contentment and happiness. Medem’s “slice of life” writing and filmmaking style champions the human spirit, delving deeply into the psyche and connecting viewers to characters in which they can see parts of themselves. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is a labor of love for Medem, who wrote it over eight years ago and finally decided it was time to make it when Cruz reached out to express her desire to work with him.
Presenting Princess Shaw When: May 27 Director: Ido Haar Why We’re Excited: By day, 38-year-old Samantha Montgomery takes care of the elderly and dreams of escaping the unsafe New Orleans neighborhood where she resides. By night, Samantha transforms into Princess Shaw: a singer-songwriter who longs for her moment to shine, performing at local open mic nights where barely anyone shows up. One day Princess Shaw posts a video of her music to YouTube—getting just a handful of views. But despite the lack of interest from everyone around her, Princess Shaw remains determined and optimistic. A twist of fate occurs when Kutiman, an Israeli mash-up artist, stumbles upon one of Princess Shaw’s YouTube videos. Practically overnight everything changes, and Princess Shaw is given proof that anything is possible. A must-see for anyone out there with a dream, this uplifting documentary is a fascinating illustration of how passion is elevated when combined with collaboration—an important lesson for any filmmaker.
The Ones Below When: May 27 Where: Theaters Director: David Farr Starring: Clemence Poesy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore Why We’re Excited: David Farr, writer of the 2011 thriller Hanna, makes his directorial debut with this suspenseful drama, which premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival—a taut, psychological thriller that follows a married couple expecting their first child, who (little do they know) are about to have the happiest time of their lives severely unhinged. Upon moving into a duplex to prepare for the arrival of the newborn, the couple soon discovers that the couple living below them is expecting their first baby as well. Paranoia and fear ensue as the upstairs couple is sideswiped by a series of events that prove you never really know who your neighbors are. The film (particularly its ending) was said to be quite a shock for audiences at the Toronto, London and Berlin International Film Festivals, and shows promise for Farr as someone to watch. 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 May” ShowToc: true date: “2024-05-16” author: “Alissa Byrne”
THE LOVERS
When: May 5 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Azazel Jacobs Starring: Debra Winger, Tracy Letts Why We’re Excited: In Terri filmmaker Azazel Jacobs’ latest feature, Film Independent Spirit Award-nominee Debra Winger (Best Supporting Female, Rachel Getting Married) and Christine’s Tracy Letts star as a married couple whose union has been interrupted on both sides by mutual affairs. But instead of opting for divorce, the pair rediscovers the passion and youthful energy that bound them together in the first place. The light drama was a hit at April’s Tribeca Film Festival, and is a refreshing examination of how unconventional relationships can be. It’s also a reminder to those who have been married for decades that—surprise!—true love doesn’t come easy.
BURDEN
When: May 5 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Directors: Richard Dewey, Timothy Marrinan Why We’re Excited: Yet another buzzed-about title out of this year’s Tribeca, Richard Dewey and Timothy Marrinan’s biographical documentary about acclaimed artist Chris Burden is an in-depth look at its titular subject’s work and the risks he took in bringing his high-concept sculptures and installations to the public. The directing duo’s feature debut, Burden reveals intimate details about the artist, who took creative expression to the brink of national controversy while often risking his own life to do so. Burden’s career spanned from the early 1970s until his passing in 2015, and his collections can be found at both LACMA and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Check ‘em out.
TRACKTOWN
When: May 12 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Directors: Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher Starring: Alexi Pappas, Chase Offerle, Rachel Dratch Why We’re Excited: For countless miles over the course of her life, Plumb Marigold (Alexi Pappas) was always an athlete working toward her dream of competing as an Olympic long-distance runner. But as she prepares for the Olympic trials, Plumb twists her ankle, forcing her to take a day off… something she’s never done before. This charming dramedy from first-time filmmakers Pappas (herself and Olympic athlete, competing for Greece at Rio last year) and student Academy Award-nominee Jeremy Teicher is full of inspiration for both its thematic elements and as an achievement for its young filmmakers. The movie premiered at the 2016 LA Film Festival and Film Independent Member Todd Remis is an executive producer.
HOUNDS OF LOVE
When: May 12 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Director: Ben Young Starring: Emma Booth, Ashleigh Cummings, Stephen Curry Why We’re Excited: Australian filmmaker Ben Young’s feature debut might very well be one of the most disturbing cinematic experiences you’ll have all year. Nevertheless, audiences at Venice, Tribeca and SXSW all managed to sit through this horrific tale of a young woman’s regrettable decision to climb into the car of a serial-killing couple, only to be chained to a bed and forced to endure a relentless sequence of torture (the young woman, not the audiences). Stephen Curry and Emma Booth star as The Whites, a sick-and-twisted married couple who lure young women to their home, hold them captive and kill them for sport. Vicki (Ashleigh Cummings) is the innocent victim whose journey we follow. For those who can stomach it, Young’s bold and artistic thriller is a thing of unlikely cinematic beauty—one whose performances are being praised.
LOWRIDERS
When: May 12 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Ricardo de Montreuil Starring: Demián Bichir, Eva Longoria, Theo Rossi Why We’re Excited: In East LA, lowrider car culture reigns supreme—filled with multi-generational families who adore the art of transforming cars into complex, gas-guzzling metaphors for their own lives. Ricardo de Montreuil’s drama explores one such family’s precarious balancing act of conflicting personalities. Danny (Gabriel Chavarria) is a graffiti artist trying to enjoy his youth, caught in-between father Miquel’s (Demián Bichir) desire for him to focus on cars and the plans of his older brother Francisco (Theo Rossi), an ex-felon trying to live a better life. Personal issues blend with the streets, giving audiences a unique peek into this one-of-a-kind subculture. The film premiered on Opening Night of the 2016 LA Film Festival. Film Independent Member Joshua Beirne-Golden is a co-executive producer.
THE SURVIVALIST
When: May 19 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Stephen Fingleton Starring: Mia Goth, Martin McCann, Andrew Simpson Why We’re Excited: Stephen Fingleton’s debut feature is already one of 2017’s most critically acclaimed films. Winner of the New Narrative Director award at Tribeca, Fingleton’s thrilling drama tells the story of “The Survivalist” (Martin McCann), a lonely man living on a small piece of land hidden deep in the forest in a dystopian future—one where the only way to survive is to cultivate a “kill or be killed” mentality. When two women seeking food stumble upon his shelter, The Survivalist is forced to make a vulnerable decision: become immediately defensive, or succumb to his humanity and help the (seemingly) harmless strangers. His fateful decision eventually threatens his entire safe haven within the chaotic civilization.
EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING
When: May 19 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Stella Meghie Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose Why We’re Excited: Eighteen-year-old Maddie Whittier (Amandla Stenberg) has a rare disease that keeps her confined to a hermetically-sealed room 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Her interactions are primarily with her mother (Anika Noni Rose) and nurse (Ana de la Reguera). When a teen boy (Nick Robinson) moves into the house next door, Maddie quickly develops a crush. The two begin to build a relationship and Maddie’s sheltered life suddenly gains an alluring outlook on life—one her illness had previously robbed her of. Film Independent Member and Spirit Award nominee Stella Meghie (Best First Screenplay, Jean of the Jonses) writes and directs her sophomore feature, a film sure to put a smile on your face—whether it’s behind disinfected plastic or not!
WAKEFIELD
When: May 19/26 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Director: Robin Swicord Starring: Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Garner, Jason O’Mara Why We’re Excited: Frequent Emmy winner and Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston delivers yet another tour-de-force performance as Howard Wakefield in Film Independent Member Robin Swicord’s (The Jane Austen Book Club) sophomore feature. Based on a short story by E.L. Doctorow, the film follows Howard, a successful businessman with a beautiful family seemingly living the perfect Norman Rockwell life. But suddenly, it all became too much for him. The overwhelming monotony of his day-to-day existence causes him to have a derailing nervous breakdown, ultimately leading him to leave his family. Howard vanishes without a trace, peering in on his wife (Jennifer Garner) and two daughters from a nearby attic. What starts as an experiment goes on for far too long, as Howard’s mental state becomes more and more detached from reality. Film Independent Member Julie Lynn is one of the film’s producers.
BERLIN SYNDROME
When: May 26 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Cate Shortland Starring: Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt Why We’re Excited: Australian backpacker Clare (Teresa Palmer) is on holiday in Berlin when she meets Andi (Max Riemelt). A mutual attraction leads to a night filled with passion and what seems to be the brewing of a bittersweet romance. That is, until Clare realizes she’s been locked inside Andi’s apartment… and that Andi has no intention of letting her out. Acclaimed Aussie filmmaker Cate Shortland (Somersault) takes fear and captivity to the extreme with this psychological thriller, sure to keep you on your toes the next time you think about taking a vacation—or even going on a date, for that matter. (Cinema daredevils: why not do a double feature with Berlin Syndrome and Hounds of Love?)
STAYING VERTICAL
When: May 30 Where You Can Watch: DVD Director: Alain Guiraudie Starring: Damien Bonnard, India Hair, Raphael Theiry Why We’re Excited: In this French import, Léo (Damien Bonnard) is a bisexual filmmaker who, while traveling through the south of France in search of artistic inspiration, encounters the shepherdess Marie (India Hair) with whom he has a brief affair. Nine months later, a child is born. Marie leaves their child with Léo to care for on his own. The ensuing misadventures are captured in Staying Vertical, the latest drama from Alain Guiraudie (2013’s great Stranger by the Lake), who made a splash at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where the film competed for the Palme d’Or and the Queer Palm.
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
