NYU Alums Represent at Sundance 2011

Hey good people, after a busy winter hiatus I am back on the blog scene. I've been spending some much neded time with the family, finishing up some projects for some of my corporate clients and getting deep into writing my next book, The Shut Up and Shoot Freelancer's Guide which I'll be sharing exclusive excerpts from as I go right here on this blog, so stay tuned for that.

But I want to start off this new blog year by sending out a heartfelt congratulations to several of my favorite NYU people who all have films opening at Sundance right now. One of the greatest blessings that my position as an Administrator and Adjunct Professor at NYU affords me is a front row seat to observe some of the hottest new filmmakers as they grow and develop.

These are all filmmakers I've known and watched through the years from their first rough cuts to the polished productions that got them into Sundance. They are all incredibly talented, smart and gracious filmmakers who are just getting their first (but definitely not last) moments in the international spotlight.

Kinyarwanda
By Alrick Brown

Synopsis: Inspired by true stories, Kinyarwanda interweaves six tales that provide a complex and real depiction of life and human resilience in the face of unimaginable danger.

Pariah
by Dee Reese

Synopsis: A Brooklyn teenager juggles conflicting identities and risks friendship, heartbreak, and family in a desperate search for sexual expression.



Gun Hill Road
by Rashaad Ernesto Green

Synopsis: After three years in prison, Enrique returns to the Bronx to find his wife estranged and his teenage son stumbling towards a sexual transformation that will put the fragile bonds of their family to the test.





Close
by Tahir Jetter

Synopsis: One night after a casual visit, Angela is all but ready to leave Derek's apartment. Derek, howver, is determined not to let her go without a fight.

The New Kids on the Filmmaking Block

I just wanted to tell you all about some filmmakers to watch. My man, Rashaad Ernesto Green, who's a grad film student here at NYU, just made the "official" list by Indiewire magazine of Ten Exciting New Voices in Black Cinema. His new film entitled, Premature, has recently screened on HBO (and may still be available on the HBO On Demand channel).

UPDATE: Premature is also screening at NYU's First Run Film Festival - Saturday, March 28 at 7:00pm.

Also on the same list is recent NYU grad, Dee Rees, who I've also previously profiled on this blog for her film, Pariah which was at Sundance last year. And although he was not included on indiewire's list, I'll give another quick shout out to Alrick Brown whose powerful latest film, US: A Love Story, is screening this week at NYU's First Run Film Festival this Sunday, March 29th at 5pm.

Brothas and sistas are out there doing their damn thing and I hope everyone else reading this is inspired to get over the obstacles (internal and otherwise), pick up a camera and do the same. The only thing that can really stop us now...is us.

Congrats and love to all three emerging filmmakers out there doing it, not just talking about it. I love it!

-Ant.

Trailer for Premature: