Exclusive: Iranian-American multidisciplinary producer James Shani launches creative studio, Rich Spirit, which will partner with Bipoc artists and filmmakers to produce a wide range of original projects from narrative films to documentaries, music videos, donate its services to nonprofits, execute commissioned work for brands, and fund early-stage founders in the technology and media space.
Shani previously held a position at Issa Rae’s ColorCreative, where he represented writers and directors.
By launching Rich Spirit, Shani is driven by independent art that converges with a conscientious global outlook, collaborating with filmmakers from different parts of the world. His mission is to support and resource artists that aim to transcend borders and resonate universally.
“Artists of all disciplines are society’s most important treasures to be supported and fostered,” shared Shani. “My main passion has always been independent cinema and I see us neglecting indie filmmakers more than ever before; these artists...
Shani previously held a position at Issa Rae’s ColorCreative, where he represented writers and directors.
By launching Rich Spirit, Shani is driven by independent art that converges with a conscientious global outlook, collaborating with filmmakers from different parts of the world. His mission is to support and resource artists that aim to transcend borders and resonate universally.
“Artists of all disciplines are society’s most important treasures to be supported and fostered,” shared Shani. “My main passion has always been independent cinema and I see us neglecting indie filmmakers more than ever before; these artists...
- 5/13/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Embarking on what feels like a deeply personal film, Omar S Kamara plunges for the first time into feature filmmaking, exploring brotherhood and African identity. His protagonists, two brothers of Sierra-Leonean descent, have much to say but little to disclose. Through minimalist filmmaking, the director delves into the depths of their shared history, unveiling untold truths and unresolved emotions. Heavy on nuanced dialogue, this small-scale cinematic gem has a lot of genuine heart, giving it an endearing authenticity.
Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba) lives in Los Angeles, trying to break into the acting world. When he receives a visit from Sheku (Omete Anassi), his younger brother, he plans the ideal weekend for their time together. There's even cause for celebration as the younger sibling, a law student, has just obtained a lucrative internship offer. But something is off. Hesitant gestures and odd glances signal the following days have more in store than.
Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba) lives in Los Angeles, trying to break into the acting world. When he receives a visit from Sheku (Omete Anassi), his younger brother, he plans the ideal weekend for their time together. There's even cause for celebration as the younger sibling, a law student, has just obtained a lucrative internship offer. But something is off. Hesitant gestures and odd glances signal the following days have more in store than.
- 1/30/2024
- by Sergiu Inizian
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The 30th Slamdance Film Festival announced its annual Sparky Awards on Thursday evening, with Giuseppe Garau’s The Accident from Italy taking narrative feature grand jury honours and Matt Moyer, Amy Toensing’s Inheritance prevailing in the documentary feature category.
The Breakouts Feature Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Zoe Eisenberg’s Chaperone and the Episodes Grand Jury Prize went to Restorage by E’an Verdugo.
Audience award winners included Omar Kamara’s African Giants for best narrative feature and Hadley Austin’s Demon Mineral for documentary feature.
The Agbo Fellowship was awarded to Kiarash Dadgar, whose short film The Steak...
The Breakouts Feature Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Zoe Eisenberg’s Chaperone and the Episodes Grand Jury Prize went to Restorage by E’an Verdugo.
Audience award winners included Omar Kamara’s African Giants for best narrative feature and Hadley Austin’s Demon Mineral for documentary feature.
The Agbo Fellowship was awarded to Kiarash Dadgar, whose short film The Steak...
- 1/27/2024
- ScreenDaily
The 2024 Slamdance Film Festival has announced its winners with Giuseppe Garau’s The Accident landing the narrative Grand Jury prize, and Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing’s Inheritance landing the top doc prize.
African Giants from director Omar Kamara took the audience award for best narrative feature, with Demon Mineral from Hadley Austin taking the prize for doc feature.
In the Unstoppable section, which feature projects by filmmakers with disabilities, Good Bad Things from director Shane Stanger took the top prize.
“This year’s award-winning films leave an indelible mark on the world of independent cinema. Each one delves into groundbreaking storytelling and the spirit of human resilience, highlighting the extreme filmmaking talent on show at Slamdance ‘24,” said Slamdance director Taylor Miller. “We thank our programmers, sponsors, industry partners, and everyone at The Yarrow for creating an inclusive environment in which the filmmakers have been discovered by record-breaking audiences.”
See...
African Giants from director Omar Kamara took the audience award for best narrative feature, with Demon Mineral from Hadley Austin taking the prize for doc feature.
In the Unstoppable section, which feature projects by filmmakers with disabilities, Good Bad Things from director Shane Stanger took the top prize.
“This year’s award-winning films leave an indelible mark on the world of independent cinema. Each one delves into groundbreaking storytelling and the spirit of human resilience, highlighting the extreme filmmaking talent on show at Slamdance ‘24,” said Slamdance director Taylor Miller. “We thank our programmers, sponsors, industry partners, and everyone at The Yarrow for creating an inclusive environment in which the filmmakers have been discovered by record-breaking audiences.”
See...
- 1/26/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Inheritance,” “The Accident” and “Good Bad Things” are among the award winners at the 30th annual Slamdance Film Festival. The winners were announced Thursday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow in Park City, Utah.
The three films feted the Feature Grand Jury Prizes, while the Audience Awards went to “African Giants,” “Demon Mineral,” “Good Bad Things” and “Night Drives.”
The festival also announced the recipient of their Agbo Fellowship from Slamdance alumni Joe and Anthony Russo. It went to Kiarash Dadgar, whose short film “The Steak” was programmed as a part of the Narrative Shorts competition and included a $25,000 prize with mentorship from the brothers.
“This year’s award-winning films leave an indelible mark on the world of independent cinema. Each one delves into groundbreaking storytelling and the spirit of human resilience, highlighting the extreme filmmaking talent on show at Slamdance ’24,” Taylor Miller, Slamdance director, said in a statement.
The three films feted the Feature Grand Jury Prizes, while the Audience Awards went to “African Giants,” “Demon Mineral,” “Good Bad Things” and “Night Drives.”
The festival also announced the recipient of their Agbo Fellowship from Slamdance alumni Joe and Anthony Russo. It went to Kiarash Dadgar, whose short film “The Steak” was programmed as a part of the Narrative Shorts competition and included a $25,000 prize with mentorship from the brothers.
“This year’s award-winning films leave an indelible mark on the world of independent cinema. Each one delves into groundbreaking storytelling and the spirit of human resilience, highlighting the extreme filmmaking talent on show at Slamdance ’24,” Taylor Miller, Slamdance director, said in a statement.
- 1/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Caroline Brew, Diego Ramos Bechara and Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: On the heels of its Audience Award win at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, dramedy African Giants, written, directed and produced by Omar Kamara, has been picked up for worldwide distribution by Juno Films. Juno plans an extensive festival release followed by a state-side theatrical release this summer, with a multi-platform digital release to follow in the fall.
Taking place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, the film watches as two first-generation Sierra Leonean American siblings navigate the changing dynamics of brotherhood after a surprise announcement. Elder brother Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba), an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, is visited for a weekend by his younger brother, Sheku (Omete Anassi), a second-year law student at George Washington University. Unknown to Alhaji, Sheku has come with a specific intention: to reveal that he will be dropping out of law school and moving to LA to pursue acting, just like his older brother.
Taking place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, the film watches as two first-generation Sierra Leonean American siblings navigate the changing dynamics of brotherhood after a surprise announcement. Elder brother Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba), an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, is visited for a weekend by his younger brother, Sheku (Omete Anassi), a second-year law student at George Washington University. Unknown to Alhaji, Sheku has come with a specific intention: to reveal that he will be dropping out of law school and moving to LA to pursue acting, just like his older brother.
- 1/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Barry Jenkins and other landmark directors played a significant role in fueling writer/director/producer Omar S. Kamara’s dream of making impactful movies. But in his new feature film, the main inspiration came from his family.
Based partly on his own unique upbringing, African Giants balances family ties, comedy, and brotherly connection in a standout film that premiered at Slamdance Film Festival. The plot takes place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, when two first-generation Sierra Leonean American brothers must navigate the changing dynamics of grown-up siblings after a surprise announcement.
“The seed of the idea came from my mom,” Kamara told MovieWeb. “When I was very young, she told me, ‘Be careful how you behave. Your little brother's watching. You're his hero.' I remember feeling a lot of pressure because I was still figuring out myself." Kamara went on to add:
"In the film, there's...
Based partly on his own unique upbringing, African Giants balances family ties, comedy, and brotherly connection in a standout film that premiered at Slamdance Film Festival. The plot takes place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, when two first-generation Sierra Leonean American brothers must navigate the changing dynamics of grown-up siblings after a surprise announcement.
“The seed of the idea came from my mom,” Kamara told MovieWeb. “When I was very young, she told me, ‘Be careful how you behave. Your little brother's watching. You're his hero.' I remember feeling a lot of pressure because I was still figuring out myself." Kamara went on to add:
"In the film, there's...
- 1/23/2024
- by Greg Archer
- MovieWeb
Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Animation and the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” filmmakers partnered with non-profit Reel Start and animation/visual effects academy Exceptional Minds to debut the animated short “Tree’s Blood.” The premiere took place at Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” writer-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg attended the screening, as did producer James Weaver and cinematographer Kent Seki. Rose Byrne and Ayo Edebiri, who star together in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” also voice characters in “Tree’s Blood.”
“Tree’s Blood” was produced from a partnership between Reel Start and Exceptional Minds. The initiative allows Reel Start’s students to create shorts with animation services provided by Exceptional Minds.
Indeed, Hillman Grad, 271 Films Announce Ten Rising Voices Filmmakers for Season Four
Hiring platform Indeed, Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad and Doménica and Constanza Castro’s 271 Films have announced the ten filmmakers selected for the fourth...
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” writer-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg attended the screening, as did producer James Weaver and cinematographer Kent Seki. Rose Byrne and Ayo Edebiri, who star together in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” also voice characters in “Tree’s Blood.”
“Tree’s Blood” was produced from a partnership between Reel Start and Exceptional Minds. The initiative allows Reel Start’s students to create shorts with animation services provided by Exceptional Minds.
Indeed, Hillman Grad, 271 Films Announce Ten Rising Voices Filmmakers for Season Four
Hiring platform Indeed, Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad and Doménica and Constanza Castro’s 271 Films have announced the ten filmmakers selected for the fourth...
- 12/13/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Valerie Wu and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Rideback Rise, the nonprofit content accelerator announced last summer by Rideback producer Dan Lin to help level the playing field for Bipoc creators, has revealed its inaugural cohort.
Six Fellows will each receive a $50,000 grant, while 10 Residents will each receive $10,000 in funding to develop their own film and television projects, which they will own and be free to set up or sell anywhere. The Fellows also have access to an Intellectual Property Fund to help them obtain rights to material as well as a Visuals Fund to help them create high-quality presentations and sizzle reels to pitch their projects. Rise is supported by a growing mix of private and institutional donors, led by the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation.
During the yearlong program, Rise seeks to foster a community among the inaugural cohort of Fellows and Rise, encouraging them to learn about and provide feedback on one another’s projects.
Six Fellows will each receive a $50,000 grant, while 10 Residents will each receive $10,000 in funding to develop their own film and television projects, which they will own and be free to set up or sell anywhere. The Fellows also have access to an Intellectual Property Fund to help them obtain rights to material as well as a Visuals Fund to help them create high-quality presentations and sizzle reels to pitch their projects. Rise is supported by a growing mix of private and institutional donors, led by the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation.
During the yearlong program, Rise seeks to foster a community among the inaugural cohort of Fellows and Rise, encouraging them to learn about and provide feedback on one another’s projects.
- 12/5/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rideback Rise, the 501c3 non-profit Bipoc content accelerator launched by producer Dan Lin to advance racial equity, has selected its inaugural cohort of 16 writers and filmmakers who will be financially and creatively supported as they seek to develop their own market-ready mainstream TV and film projects.
The cohort revealed Tuesday is composed of six “fellows” who will receive $50,000 grants for the year-long fellowship, and 10 “residents” who each receive $10,000 in funding. Fellows are additionally eligible to access an Intellectual Property Fund to secure underlying rights to material as well as a Visuals Fund to create presentations and reels for their projects.
The Fellows and Residents, selected from more than 400 applicants, will work from Rise’s offices located at Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown.
A key feature of the Rise initiative is the collaborative approach that brings Fellows and Residents together to become familiar with each...
The cohort revealed Tuesday is composed of six “fellows” who will receive $50,000 grants for the year-long fellowship, and 10 “residents” who each receive $10,000 in funding. Fellows are additionally eligible to access an Intellectual Property Fund to secure underlying rights to material as well as a Visuals Fund to create presentations and reels for their projects.
The Fellows and Residents, selected from more than 400 applicants, will work from Rise’s offices located at Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown.
A key feature of the Rise initiative is the collaborative approach that brings Fellows and Residents together to become familiar with each...
- 12/5/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Returning for its 30th anniversary edition next year, Slamdance Film Festival has now unveiled its full film lineup for 2024. Kicking off with Oscar-winning filmmaker Carol Dysinger’s One Bullet, this year’s festival will showcase 32 features both in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 19-25 and online screenings will be available on the Slamdance Channel from January 22-28.
“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said Festival Director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I aimed to cultivate with our programmers when I took this job.”
The 2024 programming was selected from more than 9,000 submissions, 1,729 of which were features.
“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said Festival Director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I aimed to cultivate with our programmers when I took this job.”
The 2024 programming was selected from more than 9,000 submissions, 1,729 of which were features.
- 12/4/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The 30th Slamdance Film Festival has announced its complete 2024 lineup, including 32 features, 75 shorts and five episodic titles. Slamdance will take place in-person at Yarrow Hotel in Park City and in Salt Lake City, Utah from Jan. 19-25, and online screenings will be offered on the Slamdance Channel from Jan. 22-28.
Oscar-winner Carol Dysinger’s documentary “One Bullet” will open the festival and Vanessa Hope’s “Invisible Nation” (pictured), which explores the political landscape of Taiwan, will close the festival on Jan. 25.
“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said festival director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I...
Oscar-winner Carol Dysinger’s documentary “One Bullet” will open the festival and Vanessa Hope’s “Invisible Nation” (pictured), which explores the political landscape of Taiwan, will close the festival on Jan. 25.
“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said festival director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Festival runs January 19-25 in person, January 22-28 online.
Slamdance Film Festival has announced the roster for its upcoming 30th anniversary edition, which is bookended by Carol Dysinger’s previously announced post-Afghanistan War documentary One Bullet and Vanessa Hope’s IDFA closing night documentary Invisible Nation, a profile of Taiwanese first female president Tsai Ing-wen.
Running January 19-25 in person and January 22-28 online, this year’s event returns to Yarrow Hotel in Park City where the festival launched and will showcase 32 features, of which 17 are world premieres, as well as 75 shorts, and five episodics.
Festival organisers said this year...
Slamdance Film Festival has announced the roster for its upcoming 30th anniversary edition, which is bookended by Carol Dysinger’s previously announced post-Afghanistan War documentary One Bullet and Vanessa Hope’s IDFA closing night documentary Invisible Nation, a profile of Taiwanese first female president Tsai Ing-wen.
Running January 19-25 in person and January 22-28 online, this year’s event returns to Yarrow Hotel in Park City where the festival launched and will showcase 32 features, of which 17 are world premieres, as well as 75 shorts, and five episodics.
Festival organisers said this year...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Director James Gunn has been named PETA’s 2023 Person of the Year. Per the animal rights organization, Gunn has been selected “for using impressive and stunningly well-crafted CGI animals to inspire tens of millions of moviegoers—who flocked to theaters to see ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’—to have compassion for the millions of animals killed by experimenters in laboratories.”
The third installment of “Guardians of the Galaxy” explains Rocket Raccoon’s origin story as a test subject in a lab, alongside other animals.
“By telling the story of the millions of vulnerable animals abused in experiments, James Gunn has shown himself to be a true animal guardian,” says PETA president Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is delighted to honor him for encouraging exactly what the world needs: empathy for all living beings.”
Gunn also adopted his dog, Ozu, in May 2022 and promoted #AdoptDontShop on each post related to his dog’s journey.
The third installment of “Guardians of the Galaxy” explains Rocket Raccoon’s origin story as a test subject in a lab, alongside other animals.
“By telling the story of the millions of vulnerable animals abused in experiments, James Gunn has shown himself to be a true animal guardian,” says PETA president Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is delighted to honor him for encouraging exactly what the world needs: empathy for all living beings.”
Gunn also adopted his dog, Ozu, in May 2022 and promoted #AdoptDontShop on each post related to his dog’s journey.
- 12/4/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Valerie Wu, Clayton Davis, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
American Film Institute Announces AFI Conservatory Grant Award Winners
The American Film Institute announced the recipients of the AFI Conservatory Alumni Awards at the 2022 AFI Alumni Reunion. The awards recognize achievements in directing and screenwriting at AFI, and include the Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award with a 15,000 grant; the William J. Fadiman Award with a 10,000 grant; and the Franklin J. Schaffner Fellow Award with a 20,000 grant.
Below is the complete winners list of the AFI Conservatory Alumni Awards:
Class of 2020 Award Winners
Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award
Olivia Hang Zhou, “Apart Together”
William J. Fadiman Screenwriting Award
Suhana Chander, “From the Golden Land”
Victor Gabriel, “The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones”
Franklin J. Schaffner Fellow Award
Omar S. Kamara, “Mass Ave”
Class of 2021 Award Winners
Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award
Daniel J. Egbert, “Chorus”
William J. Fadiman Screenwriting Award
E Southern, “Between the Lines”
Scout Cripps,...
The American Film Institute announced the recipients of the AFI Conservatory Alumni Awards at the 2022 AFI Alumni Reunion. The awards recognize achievements in directing and screenwriting at AFI, and include the Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award with a 15,000 grant; the William J. Fadiman Award with a 10,000 grant; and the Franklin J. Schaffner Fellow Award with a 20,000 grant.
Below is the complete winners list of the AFI Conservatory Alumni Awards:
Class of 2020 Award Winners
Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award
Olivia Hang Zhou, “Apart Together”
William J. Fadiman Screenwriting Award
Suhana Chander, “From the Golden Land”
Victor Gabriel, “The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones”
Franklin J. Schaffner Fellow Award
Omar S. Kamara, “Mass Ave”
Class of 2021 Award Winners
Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award
Daniel J. Egbert, “Chorus”
William J. Fadiman Screenwriting Award
E Southern, “Between the Lines”
Scout Cripps,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
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