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When I first wrote about director Adam Pesce's Papua New Guniea-set documentary Splinters in 2011, I hadn't yet seen it.  And despite Pesce's assertion that he "never set out to make a 'surf movie', that's pretty much what I was expecting when I finally got a chance to view the film.  What I actually saw as I watched the film was pleasantly unexpected. I went from sitting back in front of a screen, watching what seemed to be a documentary about rival surf clubs, to being on the edge of my seat, watching the lives of the film's main subjects-- Andy, Angelus, Ezekiel, Leslie, and Susan-- unfold and unravel in ways I never could have imagined.The happy-go-lucky nature displayed...

By focusing on cultural barriers rather than killer waves, director Adam Pesce has created a compelling surfing documentary in “Splinters.” The film explores life in the remote Papua New Guinea island of Vanimo, where surfing is considered not just the most important of sports, but the only real means by which young men and women can get off the island and see the world. The film climaxes in Papua New Guinea’s first national surfing competition, the winner of which will get to compete against world-renowned surfers in Australia. The most interesting sequences in "Splinters" do not revolve around who wins the competition, but who will be allowed to participate. There is a great deal of tension between the island’s two surfing factions: the Vanimo Surf Club and the Sunset Surf Club. The groups’ rift began nine years earlier when Vanimo’s best surfer, Angelus, was competing for them at an event in Fiji.

The Hawaii International Film Festival fittingly wrapped up its 31st edition last week with Alexander Payne’s Hawaii-set-and-shot comedy/drama The Descendants, with a gracious Payne in town for the screening (no George Clooney, alas, though a life-sized Clooney cardboard cut-out was certainly a massive hit in the lobby). “Wine always tastes the best in the region it was grown and made,” noted Payne to an appreciative audience. “I hope that this film plays best in Hawaii.”

Judging from audience response, Payne got his wish; the film (to be released nationally November 15) won the festival’s Audience Award for Narrative Feature, with many viewers praising its respectful take on author Kaui Hart Hemming’s source novel, as well as its catchy all-Hawaiian soundtrack. Taking the Audience Award for Documentary Feature was Aloha Buddha, Bill Ferehawk and Dylan Robertson’s fascinating look at the complicated history and unique present of Japanese Buddhism in Hawaii,...

SnagFilms acquires rights to 2011 Tribeca Film Festival alum Splinters. SnagFilms (which just launched a beautiful new website) announced recently that they snatched up all rights worldwide to 2011 Festival alum Splinters, including theatrical distribution. That means that the aptly-named Adam Pesce's directorial debut will be coming soon to a theater near you. Fans of surfing videos and sports culture, you will Love this gorgeous film. The story takes a look at the surfing culture in Papua New Guinea, which is believed to have started in the 1980s when an Australian tourist left behind his surfboard. Following four determined surfers, Pesce captures the surfing culture in this small seaside village as they gear up for the Inaugural Papua New Guinea National Surfing Titles. At the center of the film is the challenge for the surfers to win a chance to train with world-class surfers in Australia. Tribeca sat down with Adam Pesce...

If the list of awardees below is long, it’s because the Newport Beach Film Festival screens over 400 films from more than 45 countries. With 50,000 visitors to the festival each year, part of the success of the program is its ability to draw full houses of appreciative audiences.

Opening with Michael C. Hall, Lucy Liu and Peter Fonda in “East Fifth Bliss,” the festival closes with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings.” “Beginner’s Guide” stars Harvey Keitel as a gambling man at the end of his tether, and his three sons (Scott Caan, Paulo Costanzo and Jason Jones) who soon learn that their father signed them up for unsafe drug tests when they were kids.

In between the go and the whoa were panels on directing, music composition and a master class on screenwriting given by Aaron Sorkin. Oh, and those 400 films. For a highlights list of the films at...

If the list of awardees below is long, it’s because the Newport Beach Film Festival screens over 400 films from more than 45 countries. With 50,000 visitors to the festival each year, part of the success of the program is its ability to draw full houses of appreciative audiences.

Opening with Michael C. Hall, Lucy Liu and Peter Fonda in “East Fifth Bliss,” the festival closes with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings.” “Beginner’s Guide” stars Harvey Keitel as a gambling man at the end of his tether, and his three sons (Scott Caan, Paulo Costanzo and Jason Jones) who soon learn that their father signed them up for unsafe drug tests when they were kids.

In between the go and the whoa were panels on directing, music composition and a master class on screenwriting given by Aaron Sorkin. Oh, and those 400 films. For a highlights list of the films at...

With the start of the 10th Tribeca Film Festival, indieWIRE is again spotlighting emerging (and some veteran) filmmakers screening new work at this year's event. Friday's new director interviews include profiles of Brady Kiernan ("Stuck Between Stations," Viewpoints), Eva Mulvad ("The Good Life," Viewpoints), Adam Pesce ("Splinters," Viewpoints) and Hesham Issawi ("Cairo Exit," World Narrative Competition). indieWIRE is focusing on directors with work in Tff's Narrative Feature Competition, World Documentary ...

With the start of the 10th Tribeca Film Festival, indieWIRE is again spotlighting emerging (and some veteran) filmmakers screening new work at this year's event. Friday's new director interviews include profiles of Brady Kiernan ("Stuck Between Stations," Viewpoints), Eva Mulvad ("The Good Life," Viewpoints), Adam Pesce ("Splinters," Viewpoints) and Hesham Issawi ("Cairo Exit," World Narrative Competition). indieWIRE is focusing on directors with work in Tff's Narrative Feature Competition, World Documentary ...

With the start of the 10th Tribeca Film Festival, indieWIRE is again spotlighting emerging (and some veteran) filmmakers screening new work at this year's event. Friday's new director interviews include profiles of Brady Kiernan ("Stuck Between Stations," Viewpoints), Eva Mulvad ("The Good Life," Viewpoints), Adam Pesce ("Splinters," Viewpoints) and Hesham Issawi ("Cairo Exit," World Narrative Competition). indieWIRE is focusing on directors with work in Tff's Narrative Feature Competition, World Documentary ...

For some, surfing is a leisure sport. For others, it is a lifestyle, and becoming pro is a dream. For the surfers of Papua New Guinea, surfing is their key to a better life. It all started in the 1980s, when an intrepid Australian left behind his surfboard in the remote seaside village of Vanimo. In Adam Pesce's directorial debut, he follows four determined surfers leading up to the inaugural ...

For some, surfing is a leisure sport. For others, it is a lifestyle, and becoming pro is a dream. For the surfers of Papua New Guinea, surfing is their key to a better life. It all started in the 1980s, when an intrepid Australian left behind his surfboard in the remote seaside village of Vanimo. In Adam Pesce's directorial debut, he follows four determined surfers leading up to the inaugural ...

Pablo Paniagua Eduardo Noriega in “Blackthorn”

Celebrating its tenth year, the Tribeca Film Festival begins tonight and runs until May 1. Over the course of 11 days, 93 feature films will be shown as well as 60 shorts: that’s 153 curtains.

To ease some of the burden for festival goers, Speakeasy has previewed the films, trailers and featurettes available to us to offer up educated advice on the most promising offerings. Because–and it’s just us talking here, right?–there are only so...

Tribeca: Please tell us about Splinters. Adam Pesce: Splinters is the first feature documentary about native Papua New Guinea surfers. Papua New Guinea is one of the most remote, far-flung, and undeveloped countries in the world, and in the 1980s a pilot left a surfboard in this remote seaside village called Vanimo. I pick up 20 years later, on the eve of their first national surfing competition, to see how this surfing experiment has unfolded. In the film, I follow 4 native villagers and their quest for this competition. Tribeca: How did you get involved? What inspired you to tell the story - how did you learn about Vanimo? Adam: It was a strange mix of a bunch of different passions of mine. I'm a surfer, I studied international relations, and I kind of had an interest in the developing world. I took just one simple documentary film class in university,...

Recently the Tribeca Film Festival announced it’s lineup for its heavy hitters: Spotlight, Cinemania, and Specials Screening sections. With selections such as Troll Hunters, Let the Bullets Fly, and Point Blank only scratching the surface of the variety and diversity of this year’s slate, Tff 2011 is looking out to be very promising. Check out the lineups by viewing the press release below. The remaining feature films will be announced March 23, with full coverage by the end of April.

10th Tribeca Film Festival Announces Film Selections

For Spotlight And Cinemania Sections And Special Screenings

***

Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival Lineup Also Revealed

New York, NY [March 14, 2011] – The Tribeca Film Festival (Tff), presented by American Express, today announced its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival lineup. The 10th edition of the Festival will take place from...

The Tribeca Film Festival (Tff), presented by American Express, today announced its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival lineup. The 10th edition of the Festival will take place from April 20 to May 1 in lower Manhattan.

"Now that the majority of the program has been announced I believe you will see the rich variety and quality of the films and talent that we are presenting at Tribeca this year," said David Kwok, Director of Programming. "The program is about both discovery and showcasing a broad range of filmmaking to our eclectic and diverse audiences who are passionate about film."

"This year's Spotlight is a mixture of carefully selected festival favorites from around the globe, highly anticipated releases, a number of new works by high profile filmmakers and films with subjects of special note," said Genna Terranova,...

Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival Lineup Also Revealed

New York, NY [March 14, 2011] . The Tribeca Film Festival (Tff), presented by American Express, today announced its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival lineup. The 10th edition of the Festival will take place from April 20 to May 1 in lower Manhattan.

.Now that the majority of the program has been announced I believe you will see the rich variety and quality of the films and talent that we are presenting at Tribeca this year,. said David Kwok, Director of Programming. .The program is about both discovery and showcasing a broad range of filmmaking to our eclectic and diverse audiences who are passionate about film..

.This year.s Spotlight is a mixture of carefully selected festival favorites from around the globe, highly anticipated releases, a number of new works by high...

The 10th Tribeca Film Festival (April 20-May 1) announced Monday its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival lineup.

Spotlight is comprised of 33 films, including 16 documentaries and 17 narratives, 16 of which will world premiere at the Festival. The Cinemania section offers an eclectic assortment of eight narrative films that defy categorization from all around the world.

Meanwhile, the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival will feature the world premiere of Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney’s “Catching Hell” as its Centerpiece Gala. The film explores the relationship between Chicago Cubs fans and Steve Bartman following his infamous near-catch of a foul ball in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series.

The complete list of films selected for Spotlight, Cinemania, and Special Screenings follow, as well as the titles in the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival. Descriptions were provided by the festival.

The 10th Tribeca Film Festival (April 20-May 1) announced Monday its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival lineup.

Spotlight is comprised of 33 films, including 16 documentaries and 17 narratives, 16 of which will world premiere at the Festival. The Cinemania section offers an eclectic assortment of eight narrative films that defy categorization from all around the world.

Meanwhile, the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival will feature the world premiere of Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney’s “Catching Hell” as its Centerpiece Gala. The film explores the relationship between Chicago Cubs fans and Steve Bartman following his infamous near-catch of a foul ball in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series.

The complete list of films selected for Spotlight, Cinemania, and Special Screenings follow, as well as the titles in the Tribeca/Espn Sports Film Festival. Descriptions were provided by the festival.

Tribeca Film Festival has announced the line up of this years competition categories, including World Narrative Feature, World Documentary Feature, and the brand new Viewpoints which highlights eleven independent features and nine documentaries.

Tribeca Film Festival is one of leading film festivals located in New York City, showcasing many films not screened in any other U.S. film festival along with forty three world premieres and fifty four directorial debuts. Cameron Crowe’s premier of his concert documentary, The Union, will start the festival followed by a performance by Elton John. The rest of the lineup will be announced March 14th, and look out for coverage of the festival in April. Below you can find the complete press release on the lineup.

10th Tribeca Film Festival Announces World Narrative

And Documentary Competition Selections, And New Viewpoints Section

Tribeca Expands Awards Scope

2011 Festival to Present 88 Feature-Length and 61 Short Films April 20 – May...

The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (April 20-May 1) on Monday announced the first 44 feature films of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival slate, comprising the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections, and one new section: Viewpoints.

In a record year for submissions, the 2011 film slate was chosen from a field of 5,624 entries. Tff 2011 will include feature films from 32 countries, including 43 world premieres, 10 international premieres, 19 North American premieres, seven U.S. Premieres and nine New York premieres.

“It’s our 10th Tribeca Film Festival, and in our relatively brief existence we have evolved dramatically,” said Tff executive director Nancy Schafer in a statement. “The festival has become an integral part of the cultural landscape of New York City as well as a globally recognized platform for storytelling.”

A complete list of the films announced Monday follows, with descriptions provided by the festival.

World Narrative Features

“Angel’s Crest”

Directed by Gaby Dellal

Written by Catherine Trieschmann

(UK,...

The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (April 20-May 1) on Monday announced the first 44 feature films of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival slate, comprising the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections, and one new section: Viewpoints.

In a record year for submissions, the 2011 film slate was chosen from a field of 5,624 entries. Tff 2011 will include feature films from 32 countries, including 43 world premieres, 10 international premieres, 19 North American premieres, seven U.S. Premieres and nine New York premieres.

“It’s our 10th Tribeca Film Festival, and in our relatively brief existence we have evolved dramatically,” said Tff executive director Nancy Schafer in a statement. “The festival has become an integral part of the cultural landscape of New York City as well as a globally recognized platform for storytelling.”

A complete list of the films announced Monday follows, with descriptions provided by the festival.

World Narrative Features

“Angel’s Crest”

Directed by Gaby Dellal

Written by Catherine Trieschmann

(UK,...

By Sean O’Connell

Hollywoodnews.com: The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival revealed the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections for the 10th annual Tff, which will be held April 20 to May 1 in lower Manhattan.

In addition, Tff organizers unveiled the first edition of the new section — Viewpoints.

Forty-four of the 88 feature-length films that will screen during the fest have been announced. Much more information on each title can be found below.

“It’s our tenth Tribeca Film Festival, and in our relatively brief existence we have evolved dramatically,” said Nancy Schafer, Executive Director of the Tribeca Film Festival. “The Festival has become an integral part of the cultural landscape of New York City as well as a globally recognized platform for storytelling.”

So what will screen at Tribeca this year? In part, the following:

World Narrative Feature Competition

· Angels Crest, directed by Gaby Dellal, written by Catherine Trieschmann. (UK, Canada) – World Premiere.

And the festival beat marches on… nothing on this list immediately jumps out at me… no titles I recognize. These are just the World Narrative and Documentary competition selections, so, there’ll be more announcements made later. I do see representation from South Africa, Egypt and Rwanda. As I always do, I’ll be taking a closer look at the lineup for any titles worth profiling on this website. The festival runs from April 20th to May 1st. It’s in my backyard, so you know I’ll be covering it!

For now, here’s the full press release:

New York, NY [March 7, 2011] – The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (Tff), presented by American Express®, today announced the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections and the first edition of the new section—Viewpoints. Forty-three of the 87 feature-length films were announced. The 10th edition of the Festival will take place from April 20 to May 1 in lower Manhattan.

The Tribeca Film Festival announced selections for its World Narrative, World Documentary, and Viewpoints competitions at its 10th annual event, running from April 20 to May 1 in New York. Eighty-eight features (such as Angels Crest, with Jeremy Piven) and 61 short films from 32 different countries were selected from more than 5,600 submissions to screen at the festival. “In programming the Festival this year we had to make some incredibly difficult decisions, but we are excited about the quality, ingenuity, risk-taking and diversity of this year’s program,” David Kwok, Director of Programming, said in a statement. “We are particularly proud that we have...

Getty Robert DeNiro

The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, which will run from April 20 to May 1 in lower Manhattan, has announced the films that will play in this year’s World Narrative and Documentary Competition film categories, which are both competition sections. The also named the films that will will play in its new, out-of-competition section “Viewpoints.”

Now in its tenth year, this year’s festival features movies from 32 different counties and 99 different filmmakers, who were selected from a pool of 5,624 entries.