Code Black When: June 20 Where: Theaters Director: Ryan McGarry Starring: Danny Cheng, Andrew Eads, Jamie Eng Why We’re Excited: Wider audiences will now have a chance to experience the winner of Best Documentary at last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. Physician and first time-filmmaker Ryan McGarry takes us inside the intense and chaotic environment of an inner-city ER described as “the hurt locker of medicine.” Obvious Child When: June 6 Where: Theaters Director: Gillian Robespierre Starring: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann Why We’re Excited: It’s not every day you get to see an abortion-themed romantic comedy. It’s also written, directed and starring some really smart, hilarious new female faces in independent film. Four Dogs When: June 10 Where: Vimeo Director: Joe Burke Starring: Oliver Cooper, Dan Bakkedahl, Rebecca Goldstein Why We’re Excited: With an abundance of innovative short film works under his belt, the first feature from Burke is a comedic slice of LA life that premiered at last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. Aspiring actors chasing the dream in La La Land will especially relate to the film. Hellion When: June 13 Where: Theaters/VOD Director: Kat Candler Starring: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins Why We’re Excited: Aaron Paul packed such a punch on the beloved Breaking Bad, it’s awesome to see him in an emotionally charged big-screen role. It’s also directed by a strong, independent female filmmaker, and was a nominee recently at both Sundance and SXSW. The Grand Budapest Hotel When: June 17 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Wes Anderson Starring: Ralph Fiennes Why We’re Excited: There’s never a dull moment when we get to experience something from the vivid and zany imagination of Wes Anderson. Like all of his films, this adventurous comedy boasts a big cast, colorful imagery, original music and inventive sets, while still capturing the independent spirit of his work. Test When: June 6 Where: Theaters/VOD Director: Chris Mason Johnson Starring: Scott Marlowe, Matthew Risch, Evan Boomer Why We’re Excited: Shot for less than half-a-million dollars, this romantic drama transports us to San Francisco, during the AIDS epidemic in the mid-80s. Brave characters, with a passion for modern dance face life-changing challenges that test their will for survival. The Case Against 8 When: June 6 Where: Theaters Directors: Ben Cotner, Ryan White Why We’re Excited: Shot over five years, this touching documentary explores the case challenging California’s ban on same-sex marriage, with an inside look at the first federal marriage equality lawsuit that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. Winner of the SXSW Audience Award and a Directing Award at Sundance, this one is sure to require a big box of tissues. Aside from a limited theatrical release, HBO will also air the film on June 23. The Big Ask When: Now Playing Where: Theaters/VOD Directors: Thomas Beatty, Rebecca Fishman Starring: Gillian Jacobs, Zachary Knighton, David Krumholtz, Melanie Lynskey Why We’re Excited: This indie dramedy marks the debut of a filmmaking duo, is produced by Film Independent Fellow Jennifer Westin and features a fun cast of indie regulars and newcomers! Yves Saint Laurent When: June 25 Where: Theaters Director: Jalil Lespert Starring: Pierre Niney, Charlotte Le Bon, Guillaume Gallienne Why We’re Excited: Starting at the beginning of his career in 1958, this biopic focuses on the iconic French fashion designer’s rise to fame, and his passionate affair with lover and business partner, Pierre Berge. Venus in Fur When: June 20 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Roman Polanski Starring: Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric Why We’re Excited: International filmmaker Polanski is no stranger to controversy, and his latest, sexually-charged film raised eyebrows at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or. Amidst a film industry backdrop, telling the seductive tale of how far an actress will go to convince a director she’s perfect for a role–the film also earned Polanski the Best Director honor at the Cesar Awards in France. Chris Lombardi / Intern Blogger Symbol Key Film Independent Fellow or Member: Los Angeles Film Festival Alum: Spirit Award Winner: First-time Filmmaker: Microbudget: Female Filmmaker: Filmmaker of Color: LGBT Content:
