Los Angeles Festival of Movies Sets April Dates for Second Edition – Film News in Brief

The Los Angeles Festival of Movies has announced dates for the festival’s second edition, set to take place April 3-6.

The first festival, co-presented by MUBI and the Mezzanine film non-profit, drew a young and enthusiastic crowd to L.A. venues on the eastern side of town for events including the West Coast premiere of “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Good One,” as well as the first episode of HBO’s documentary series “Ren Faire,” and 4K restorations including Chantal Akerman’s “Toute Une Nuit.”

Mezzanine and the festival will also present fall and winter screening events, to be announced.

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“Independent cinema is alive and well in Los Angeles,” said LAFM director of programming Micah Gottlieb. “We were overwhelmed by the response to our inaugural festival, and we’re launching this second edition feeling energized and inspired by the local film community.”

Screening venues will again include 2220 Arts + Archives in Historic Filipinotown and Now Instant Image Hall in Chinatown.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

The Museum of Modern Art’s 2024 Film Benefit will honor Samuel L. Jackson on Oct. 23.

“Samuel L. Jackson has become a landmark cultural figure thanks to his early film work with Spike Lee, which transfixed both audiences and critics, and his biblically powerful turn as the wise and merciless assassin Jules in ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994),” said Rajendra Roy, MoMA’s Celeste Bartos chief curator of film. “He has acting roots in the New York theater, just a few blocks away from MoMA, and we are thrilled to welcome him in celebration of his unparalleled accomplishments.”

From Oct. 4-16, MoMA will also present “Samuel L. Jackson: A Tribute,” screening serval titles from Jackson’s filmography in the Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters. Movies in the program include “Changing Lanes,” “187,” “Captain Marvel” and “The Piano Lesson.”

Tuesday, Sept. 24

‘Empire Waist,’ Film Tackling Body Image Issues, Launches Confidence Curriculum Resource for Young People

Writer-director Claire Ayoub will launch the “Empire Waist” Confidence Curriculum in tandem with the premiere of her coming-of-age dramedy “Empire Waist.” The free online program is a resource on body image and self-confidence for adolescents and adults to process questions and feelings raised by the film.

“’Empire Waist’ already makes so many people feel seen and less alone, and the ‘Empire Waist’ Confidence Curriculum is the vetted next step to keep those conversations going,” Ayoub said. “It’s truly the legacy of the film, designed to support audiences in their own journeys of self-acceptance for years to come.”

Per the official logline, “Empire Waist” follows “Lenore Miller (Mia Kaplan), an overweight, insecure teen whose talent for fashion is discovered by her confident, plus-sized classmate (Jemima Yevu), forcing her into the spotlight — and into the path of both bullies and new friends. Lenore’s father Mark (Rainn Wilson) is her biggest cheerleader, but the fears of her image-conscious mother (Missi Pyle) and Lenore’s own insecurities prevent her from wearing her own designs.”

The Confidence Curriculum will be available on the “Empire Waist” website Sept. 27, the same day “Empire Waist” premieres nationwide in the U.S. and Canada.

Biopic on Spanish Singer-Actor Rocío Dúrcal to Be Produced by Sony Music Vision

The life story of renowned Spanish singer and actor Rocío Dúrcal, who died nearly two decades ago, will be told in a new biopic produced by Sony Music Vision.

The film is produced in partnership with Sony Music Mexico and Dean Altit of Altit Media Group.

Roberto López, President of Sony Music Mexico, said, “We are proud to pay a very deserving tribute to Rocío Dúrcal’s career by celebrating her legacy and ensuring that her cultural impact remains intact in the industry and society. Additionally, this movie is the best way to introduce the new division of Sony Music Vision in México to the world.”

“It is an unimaginable honor to see the story of our mother, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, come to life on the big screen,” said Shaila Dúrcal and Carmen Morales, the artist’s two daughters. “Nearly two decades after her passing, this film is a tribute to her legacy, and we hope it encourages new generations to discover and appreciate the immense talent and passion with which she lived her life.”

Rocio Dúrcal won a Latin Grammy in 2005, was nominated for three Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards. She appeared in more than 20 films and recorded more than 20 albums.

Emmett Preciado Set to Star in LGBTQ Short ‘Affirmation’

“Good Trouble” alum Emmett Preciado will star in the short film “Affirmation.”

The film is still in pre-production. It is set to be written and directed by Christopher Vallario and produced by Tony Zosherafatain who worked on “Trans in Trumpland.”

The short centers on an intimate first date between a trans man named Xavier (Preciado) and his cisgender love interest, Sebastien. What starts as casual coffee turns into a deep romantic conversation that forms a deep emotional connection. Set in New York City the production of the film has the support of the NYC LGBT Center, a key backdrop.

Vallario described his motivation behind the script stating in its press release, “Affirmation” is a testament to the joys of trans masculine embodiment and gender euphoria, which is oftentimes rarely seen in transgender narratives. This short moves away from stereotypes and toward self-love. Through Xavier’s eyes, viewers get to experience a rare romantic connection and what it’s like to feel love as a trans man.”

Before making waves appearing in an episode of “The Good Doctor” as a pregnant transman Preciado came into public consciousness through his YouTube and TikTok channels, where he documented his gender transition.

“We need to see more stories about the joy of being trans and the experiences that affirm us,” said Preciado in the press release. “A moment that may seem ordinary to some can be a moment of complete validation for a trans masculine man like myself. I am so excited to be able to play a character who shares the same kind of gender euphoria, with the world.”

The film is slated to go into production in 2025.