The Circle When: Now Available Where: DVD/VOD Director: Stefan Haupt Starring: Matthias Hungerbruhler, Peter Jecklin Why We’re Excited: In Zurich during the late 50’s, a gay organization, “DER KREIS” (The Circle), was known in the whole of Europe as groundbreaking movement in gay emancipation. Documentary filmmaker Stefan Haupt’s latest film is a combination of interviews and scripted, re-created footage, telling the love story of Ernst Ostertag and transvestite star Robi Rapp. The film has drawn acclaim and grabbed awards on the festival circuit, including the Panorama Audience Award at Berlin and Best Documentary at Outfest. The Salt of the Earth When: Now Playing Where: Theaters Directors: Wim Wenders, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado Why We’re Excited: A standing ovation at Cannes is no small feat. Wim Wenders’ latest won over the notoriously tough audience at its premiere on the French Riviera (where it also won the Special Jury Prize) and been celebrated at every turn, earning Best Doc nominations at the Oscars and Film Independent Sprit Awards. Celebrating the life and work of photographer Sebastiao Selgado, Wenders teamed up with Selgado’s son Juliano, who traveled the world with his insanely talented and passionate father. The film is a portrait of a man who traveled through the continents over a span of 40 years, collecting unforgettable and timeless images. Manos Sucias When: April 3 Where: Theaters Director: Josef Kubota Wladyka Starring: Cristian James Abvincula, Jarlin Javier Martinez Why We’re Excited: It’s been an exciting time for Film Independent Fellow Josef Kubota Wladyka. If it weren’t cool enough to have his debut feature executive produced by Spike Lee, the young filmmaker also was named Best New Narrative Director at the Tribeca Film Festival where this thrilling drama premiered. Clouds of Sils Maria When: April 10 Where: Theaters Director: Olivier Assayas Starring: Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloe Grace Moretz Why We’re Excited: French filmmaker Olivier Assayas’ satirical portrait of an actress who struggles with growing older in the movie industry features three killer performances from the females cast. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Juliette Binoche take on such a multi-faceted character—(Binoche herself who pitched the idea to Assayas.), but it was Stewart’s performance as her assistant that generated the most buzz after the film premiered at Cannes. Stewart became the first American actress to win a César Award (Best Supporting Actress). Goodbye to Language When: April 14 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Jean-Luc Godard Starring: Heloise Godet, Kamel Abdeli Why We’re Excited: At age 83, Jean-Luc Godard is still at it, enticing audiences with his philosophical and visceral aesthetic—further cementing his reputation as a true pioneer in the art of independent filmmaking and innovative storytelling. The iconic artist’s latest film is unlike any other has ever made: During its (3D!) Cannes premiere, where it won two Jury prizes, the entire audience applauded mid-screening. Alex of Venice When: April 17 Where: Theaters Director: Chris Messina Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Derek Luke, Don Johnson Why We’re Excited: We love a good indie with a strong female character at the fore. After premiering at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival, actor Chris Messina’s directorial debut hits theaters this month. The drama features a breakthrough performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a successful attorney who has to reinvent herself and undergo major life changes when her husband suddenly leaves her. The cast also features Messina himself, Don Johnson and Spirit Award Winner Derek Luke. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night When: April 21 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi Why We’re Excited: It’s not every-day you can recommend an Iranian vampire/spaghetti western movie. This genre-blending first feature from an innovative new female voice in indie filmmaking gained momentum on the festival circuit after its Sundance debut last year. Buzz quickly built for Film Independent Fellow Ana Lily Amirpour, who wrote and directed what came to be considered one of the coolest, most original projects of 2014. The film earned three Film Independent Spirit Award nominations this year, including Best First Feature and the Someone to Watch Award. Eden When: April 24 Where: Theaters Director: Mia Hansen-Løve Starring: Felix de Givry, Pauline Etienne, Greta Gerwig, Why We’re Excited: In her latest feature, Mia Hansen-Løve brings to life the experiences of her brother Sven (who co-wrote the film), one of the pioneering DJs of the French rave scene in the early 90’s. Stimulating for the eyes and ears, the drama focuses on a romance between the French DJ responsible for inventing the house music style “French touch” and his girlfriend. Featuring appearances by indie “it girl” Greta Gerwig and Brady Corbett, music lovers (especially fans of EDM) will definitely want to check this one out. Last Days in Vietnam When: April 28 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Rory Kennedy Why We’re Excited: Documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy is known for her informative, fascinating true-life stories, and Last Days in Vietnam is no exception. The film focuses on the 1975 evacuation of the American Embassy just before the fall of Saigon. Last year, it screened at the LA Film Festival, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary and praise from New York Times reviewer A.O. Scott, who wrote: “the story is full of emotion and danger, heroism and treachery, but it is told in a mood of rueful retrospect rather than simmering partisan rage.” Chris Lombardi / Film Independent Blogger Key Film Independent Fellow or Member Los Angeles Film Festival Alum Spirit Award Winner First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker of Color LGBT Filmmaker
