‘Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory’ and Sonder Entertainment Ink Deal for National Theatrical Tour (EXCLUSIVE) — Film News in Brief

Jazz Tangcay, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew

Award-winning feature documentary “Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory” has inked a deal with Sonder Entertainment for a national theatrical tour beginning in October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory,” a Jubilee Production, will screen in theaters nationwide and into next year ahead of its digital release in February.

Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Justin Johnson, the feature documentary tells the story of Johnson’s parents’ resilience in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis and unilateral mastectomy — which unexpectedly leads them to launch a novel homespun prosthetic nipple business. They hide this endeavor from their five children, church and small community.

More from Variety

“Mom and Dad’s journey, filled with love, humor, and ingenuity amidst adversity, has blossomed into a project that has already touched thousands of hearts in our festival run. I’m excited to partner with Sonder Entertainment to share this poignant yet humorous film with audiences nationwide,” Johnson said in a statement.

“Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory” received “Best of Fest” at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Film Festival and “Audience Winner: Best Feature Film” at the Milwaukee Film Festival, among other awards.

Two-time Spirit Award nominee Noah Lang of Witchcraft Motion Picture Company, Oscar nominee Jason Cohen and Steve Garfield produce the film, along with executive producers Michael Cruz and Jason Y. Lee of Jubilee. Anthony Deptula of BMP Creative serves as co-executive producer.

“Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory” will begin its theatrical run on Oct. 23 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale. It will screen in Jackson, Wy., at Movieworks Cinema 4 from Oct. 27 through Nov. 2 and in Wichita, Ks, at Tallgrass Film Center from Nov. 3-5.

Watch the trailer below.

‘Monster’ Trailer: Kore-eda Hirokazu Explores the Power of Storytelling Through Multiple Perspectives

Well Go USA Entertainment has debuted the trailer for “Monster,” directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu, ahead of its United States release. The film will premiere in New York on Nov. 22 and Los Angeles on Dec. 1, expanding to additional markets in December.

The trailer is imbued with questions and uncertainties. “Who is the monster?” is repeated throughout the trailer. A building is shown being burnt down, begging the question as to who is responsible.

“Monster,” written by Sakamoto Yuji, won Best Screenplay at Cannes and marks Kore-eda’s return to Japanese filmmaking, following his features abroad, “Broker” and “The Truth.” The film centers on Minato, a troubled pre-teen accused of bullying others. Finding her son’s behavior strange, Minato’s mother learns his teacher has been hitting him and demands to know what is happening from the school. The truth slowly emerges as the story is shown through the perspective of the mother, child and teacher.

Ando Sakura, Nagayama Eita, Kurokawa Soya, Hiiragi Hinata and Tanaka Yuko star in “Monster.” Kawamura Genki and Yamada Kenji produced the film, with music from Oscar-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Watch the full trailer below.

Sony Pictures Classics to Release Minhal Baig’s ‘We Grown Now’

Sony Pictures Classics has set a North American release for Stage 6 Films, Participant and Symbolic Exchange’s “We Grown Now,” written and directed by Minhal Baig.

“We Grown Now” stars Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday and Ora Jones in addition to Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett. The story follows two young friends, Malik and Eric, in 1992 Chicago who are being raised in public housing.

“We Grown Now” had its world premiere in the Centrepiece and Next Wave Selects sections at the Toronto International Film Festival. Baig accepted the festival’s Changemaker Award for focusing on the exploration of issues facing young people and themes of social change and youth empowerment.

“I could not be more delighted to have found a home for ‘We Grown Now’ with Sony Pictures Classics. ‘We Grown Now’ is a film that captures the tender moments of childhood resilience and the power of human connection in the face of adversity,” Baig said. “Sony Pictures Classics and Participant recognize the significance of our story’s themes of community and the importance of bringing such a film to theaters. We are beyond grateful that they have recognized this film as part of their incredible canon.”

“We Grown Now” is produced by Joe Pirro and Minhal Baig. Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren executive produced for Participant and James Schamus for Symbolic Exchange. Carrie Holt de Lama and star Smollett also executive produced. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in partnership with Stage 6 Films.

The deal was negotiated by SPC, Liesl Copland, executive vice president, content and platform strategy, Stacey Fong, senior vice president, business and legal affairs, and Adam Macy, senior counsel, business and legal affairs, for Participant and Virginia Longmuir, executive vice president, business affairs for Stage 6 Films.

‘Poor Things’ to Screen at Chicago International Film Festival With Costume Designer Holly Waddington Accepting Tour de Force Award

Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” had been added to the lineup of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival, which will run from Oct. 11-22. Costume designer Holly Waddington will appear to receive the festival’s Tour de Force Award.

The screening will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at AMC Newcity 14, where Waddington will accept her award. In addition to “Poor Things,” Waddington has also served as costume designer for period projects including “Lady Macbeth,” “The Great,” “Lincoln” and “War Horse.” She has also worked on the Royal Ballet and the Royal Court Theatre.

“Poor Things,” produced by and starring Emma Stone, follows the evolution of Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life by the scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe. Bella is excited to learn about the world and runs away with a lawyer named Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) on a journey across the globe. Throughout her adventures, Bella is determined to fight for equality and liberation.

For more information on the Chicago Film Festival, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

International Cinematographers Guild to Host 61st Annual Publicists Awards

The International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) will host the 61st ICG Publicists Awards Luncheon on March 8 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The event will celebrate excellence in publicity and host a range of guests including publicists, press, film and television industry leaders as well as IATSE members.

The awards will honor an individual publicist for career achievement, a publicist of the year and a publicist for their community service. Additionally, ICG will honor outstanding publicity campaigns for television and motion picture.

The first ballot opens to Local 600 publicists on Nov. 1 and the deadline to return the first ballot is Nov. 10. The final ballot opens Jan. 24 with a deadline to return by Feb. 2. The final ballot results will be announced on March 8.

The Publicists Guild merged with the International Cinematographers Guild in 2002. The Publicists Awards Luncheon was first held in 1964.

National Hispanic Media Coalition Announces Honorees for Annual Impact Awards Gala

The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) has announced the honorees for its annual Impact Awards Gala, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event honors individuals who are making a difference in Latine communities.

The honorees include chef and philanthropist Aarón Sánchez, who will receive the Master Creator Impact Award; director, writer and producer Ángel Manuel Soto will receive Outstanding Film Director Impact Award; actor and producer Eugenio Derbez will receive the Social Impact Award; actress and producer Gina Torres will receive the Our Voice Impact Award; actor and hip-hop artist Jharrel Jerome will receive the Next Generation Impact Award; philanthropist Jessica Sarowitz will receive the Visionary Impact Award; and Julissa Prado, the founder and CEO of Rizos Curls, will receive the For the People Impact Award.

Actor and activist Francia Raisa will co-host the event alongside entertainment and sports host and speaker MG Acosta-Ruiz. The evening will also include appearances by U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro, presenter Gloria Calderón Kellett, Harvey Guillén and Yvett Merino among others.

“I am so honored to celebrate this year’s honorees for their dedication and contributions to shaping an inclusive and diverse world. NHMC’s mission this year is that Latinos are the rule, not the exception, and these honorees truly embody that – occupying any and all spaces to ensure our voice as a community is being heard,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, president and CEO of the NHMC. “Together I hope we can stand united to continue empowering and uplifting our community and advocating for equitable opportunities.”

Universal Pictures International to Distribute Michael Jackson Biopic

Universal will be the international distributor of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake and Universal Pictures International president Veronika Kwan Vandenberg announced. Universal will distribute the film in international territories excluding Japan. Lionsgate is the domestic distributor.

The film will be produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and directed by Antoine Fuqua. The screenplay is from three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. Michael Jackson will be played by Jaafar Jackson, the artist’s nephew.

“Michael” will offer an in-depth portrayal of Jackson and explore all aspects of his life, including his most iconic performances that led him to be known as the greatest entertainer of all time.

“Michael’s decades-long career left an indelible mark on the way audiences experience entertainment all over the world,” said Drake in a statement. “We are thrilled to be partnering with our friends at Universal to give global audiences new insight into the complex life of one of the most prolific artists the world has ever known.”

Principal photography on “Michael” will begin as soon as the strike is over. John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate, in addition to King will produce the film.

Set Decorators Society of America Announces 2023 Awards Timeline

The Set Decorators Society of America has announced the timeline for the SDSA Film Awards, which honors excellence in the art of set decoration for films released in 2023. The awards will be announced on Feb. 13.

On Dec. 27, the eligible films will be announced. Balloting opens for nominations on Dec. 29 and closes on Jan. 4; the nominations will be announced on Jan. 5. Final voting opens Jan. 26 and closes Feb. 2.

The awards honor exceptional work on a wide range of films and also include a Lifetime Achievement award in addition to other meritorious honors.

Submissions Open for 11th Annual Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards

Online submissions have opened for the 11th Annual Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards, which will be held Feb. 18 at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of make-up artists and hair stylists across the following categories: Motion Pictures, Television, Television Special, Daytime Television, Children and Teen Programming, Commercials, Music Videos and Live Theater.

For the Motion Picture, Television, and Television Special categories, artists and stylists can be nominated for the following accomplishments: Best Contemporary Make-up, Best Period and/or Character Make-up, Best Special Make-up Effects, Best Contemporary Hair Styling and Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling.

The eligibility period for the upcoming awards is for the calendar year of 2023.  Submissions close on Nov. 5 at 11:59 p.m. Nominations for MAUHS Awards will be on Jan. 2., and final online voting will commence Jan. 22 and close Feb. 4. The winners will be announced on Feb. 18 at the awards gala.

Visit 2024 MUAHS Awards Information for more details on awards instructions and rules.

Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios Unify Leadership

Streamland Media has announced the unification of leadership for the visual effects companies Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios.

Ingenuity Studios founder David Lebensfeld will serve as president of Ingenuity and Ghost VFX, which make up Streamland’s visual effects sector.

“Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios are producing outstanding, innovative and amazing work,” said Bill Romeo, CEO of Streamland Media. “Bringing these two incredible, talent-driven companies under single leadership will better serve our clients in the most efficient and strategic way.”

The two companies have over 40 years of combined VFX experience.

Ghost VFX was founded in 1999 and has worked on “Star Trek Discovery,” “The Mandalorian” and “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

Ingenuity Studios, founded in 2004, has worked on series including “One Piece,” “Hacks” and Cowboy Bebop” in addition to films like “The Many Saints of Newark” and “Booksmart.”

“I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team here and humbled to be guiding these world-class artists and innovators,” Lebensfeld said. “I know the quality of work, integrity and reputation of Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios are unrivaled. Together, we can custom fit to filmmakers’ needs and offer a full spectrum of visual effects services.”

Applications Open for Wavelength’s Fifth Annual WAVE Grant

Wavelength has announced its fifth annual WAVE Grant. WAVE stands for “women at the very edge,” and the grant is intended to help emerging female and non-binary filmmakers of color tell their own “great f**ing story.” Five recipients will receive a $5,000 seed grant from Wavelength for the production of their first short film.

Alongside the grant, the Emmy-winning studio provides mentorship in the producing, development and post-production of the filmmaker’s short film in addition to fundraising distribution strategy.

“The WAVE Grant isn’t just about providing a monetary boost; it’s about setting our grantees up for lasting success,” grant manager Taylor Wildenhaus said in a statement. “This cohort of 5 filmmakers will learn so much from one another as they undertake directing a short film for the first time. The industry needs their stories and voices, and we’re excited to help them work towards that.”

Amanda Gordon (“Sugar Honey”), Karine Benzaria (“Lucia & the Invisible Wife”), Leena Kurishingal (“No Escape”), Melina Kyomi Coumas (“Ocean Moon, Water Mother (海⽉ ⽔⺟)”) and Neha Aziz (“So, That Happened”) comprised the WAVE Grant class of 2023. Other WAVE grant alumni include Amy Omar, Geena Hernandez, Eliana Pipes and Ana Verde.

Applications open Oct. 1 and close Dec. 1. Visit Wavelength Production’s Grants page for additional information on the WAVE grant and application.

Greta Gerwig Named Guest Artistic Director of AFI Fest 2023

Greta Gerwig will be the Guest Artistic Director at the 37th AFI Fest, the American Film Institute announced.

This honor for Gerwig follows the record-breaking success of her summer blockbuster “Barbie.” Gerwig has also been nominated for several Academy Awards for her work on “Ladybird” (2017) and “Little Women” (2019), which she wrote and directed.

“Greta Gerwig is devoted to cinema, and AFI is devoted to her,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “In 2010, she served on the Shorts Jury for AFI FEST – and across the years since then, AFI has been proud to celebrate ‘Ladybird’ and ‘Little Women’ and now we are honored to welcome her home as Guest Artistic Director.”

AFI Fest will take place from Oct. 25-29 in Los Angeles. Visit FEST.AFI.com for more information.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.

Advertisement