Sundance Institute has announced the films and music acts that will headline the Sundance Next Fest summer festival August 7-10 in Los Angeles.
Next Fest, headquartered at the Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, celebrates the intersection of film and music and the spirit of independent artists.
“Next Fest is a continuation of our efforts to connect film-loving audiences with the next generation of independent filmmakers. The unique convergence of film and music enhances the experience of each and offers fresh insight into the talent and vision of these outstanding independent artists,” said John Cooper, director of the Sundance Film Festival.
[ Also Read: How to Make and Market Indie Films: 10 Steps ]
Here’s the schedule:
Thursday, August 7, Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Napoleon Dynamite (Director: Jared Hess, Screenwriters: Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess) — From the rural town of Preston, Idaho, comes Napoleon Dynamite – a new kind of hero. He spends his days drawing magical beasts, working on his computer hacking skills to impress the chicks, and begrudgingly feeding his Grandma’s pet llama. When his friend Pedro runs for class president, Napoleon helps him triumph over adversity. The film premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Cast: Jon Heder, Aaron Ruell, Jon Gries, Sandy Martin, Efren Ramirez.
[ Also Visit: RMN Stars Academy and Oscars News Page ]
Friday, August 8, 8:00 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
Life After Beth / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jeff Baena) — Zach is devastated by the unexpected death of his girlfriend, Beth. When she mysteriously returns, he gets a second chance at love. Soon his whole world turns upside down… Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Paul Reiser. Los Angeles Premiere
Father John Misty — Father John Misty is the charismatic singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer who released his debut album, Fear Fun in 2012 to universal praise. The acclaim, emboldened by his incredible live show, led to multiple sold-out tours and high profile TV performances on Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He is currently at work on his follow up, due in early 2015. Next Fest will feature a solo acoustic performance.
Saturday, August 9, 1:00 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter / U.S.A. (Director: David Zellner, Screenwriters: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner) — A lonely Japanese woman becomes convinced that a satchel of money buried in a fictional film is, in fact, real. Abandoning her structured life in Tokyo for the frozen Minnesota wilderness, she embarks on an impulsive quest to search for her lost mythical fortune. Cast: Rinko Kikuchi. Winner of a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Musical Score at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Los Angeles Premiere
Followed by a conversation between director David Zellner and co-screenwriter Nathan Zellner with a special guest to be announced.
Saturday, August 9, 4:45 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
Listen Up Philip / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Alex Ross Perry) — A story about changing seasons and changing attitudes, a newly accomplished writer faces mistakes and miseries affecting those around him, including his girlfriend, her sister, his idol, his idol’s daughter, and all the ex-girlfriends and enemies that lie in wait on the open streets of New York. Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, Jonathan Pryce, Krysten Ritter, Josephine de La Baume. Los Angeles Premiere
Followed by a conversation between director Alex Ross Perry and Jason Schwartzman with a special guest to be announced.
Saturday, August 9, 8:30 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
Imperial Dreams / U.S.A. (Director: Malik Vitthal, Screenwriters: Malik Vitthal, Ismet Prcic) — A 21-year-old, reformed gangster’s devotion to his family and his future are put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. Cast: John Boyega, Rotimi Akinosho, Glenn Plummer, Keke Palmer, De’aundre Bonds. Winner of the Audience Award: Best of NEXT at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Los Angeles Premiere
Tinashe — Tinashe does everything on her own terms. The stunning 21-year-old singer, songwriter and performer arrives with a distinct and dynamic vision of R&B punctuated by hip-hop attitude, pop flavor, rock swagger and electronica spark. It all comes to life vividly on Aquarius, her forthcoming full-length debut on RCA Records.
Sunday, August 10, 4:00 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
The Guest / U.S.A. (Director: Adam Wingard, Screenwriter: Simon Barrett) — A soldier on leave arrives at the home of a fallen comrade. Friendly and helpful, they welcome him in, but when people start mysteriously dying in town, mayhem ensues as their teenage daughter starts wondering if he’s responsible. Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Lance Reddick, Chase Williamson, Brendan Meyer. Los Angeles Premiere
Followed by a conversation between director Adam Wingard and a special guest to be announced.
Sunday, August 10, 7:45 p.m., Theatre at Ace Hotel
Girl Walks Home Alone at Night / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ana Lily Amirpour) — In the Iranian ghost town of Bad City, a place that reeks of death and loneliness, depraved denizens are unaware they are being stalked by a lonesome vampire. Cast: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Dominic Rains, Marshall Manesh, Mozhan Marnó, Milad Eghbali. Los Angeles Premiere
Warpaint — Warpaint was formed in 2004 and comprises Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa. They recently released their self-titled second album.
Sundance Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Through its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independent film and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and to connect audiences to their work.
The Institute promotes independent storytelling as art and as a powerful way to inform, inspire and unite people. It is internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival.
Photo courtesy: Sundance Institute / Life After Beth
