Choking on Popcorn » Announcements

Does it get better than this?

marisa — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 20:16:02 +0000

September is usually a flurry of activity in New York. Schools start again and everybody is back from their summer shares, vacactions, etc. But the IFC Center has completely outdone itself this week with two amazing offerings.

The IFC is located at 325 Sixth Avenue at West 3rd Street and this week they seem to be catering just to my personal interests. First up, we have a Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sing-Along (September 15th and 16th) and a screening of Showgirls followed by director Joe Eszterhas being interviewed in person by Michael Musto (September 19th).

I do love Michael Musto and I can only imagine where he will lead the interview, but let’s face it, Showgirls already has a cult following of midnight showings that make Rocky Horror look tame. Seeing the famous Buffy “Musical” episode made into a karaoke style sing-along, however, is just too exciting for words. They are going to distribute goodie bags and show captions for the “virgins” who don’t know every word by heart (are there people who don’t?)

So, for no more than the cost of a regular movie ticket you can experience all this in the most comfortable movie seats in Manhattan (mabye the world!) Who needs sleep in September?

Grand Opening of The IFC Center

marisa — Fri, 17 Jun 2005 18:45:03 +0000

The old Waverly Theater in the West Village (best known for starting the whole cult of midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show) has finally been reincarnated as the brand spanking new IFC Center. IFC stands for The Independent Film Channel, a movie lovers favorite on US cable television. So, while the theater isn’t independent, the movies promise to be.

Stolen right from their website they are boasting that they will provide “the ultimate entertainment space for New Yorkers seeking out the best in independent film.” Check out the hype at http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/movies/features/11995/

Of course I’m excited because who doesn’t want comfy seats and amazing food to accompany great indie films, but I hope it doesn’t kill the attendance at The Angelika or The Quad!

Newfest (2005)

denise — Sun, 29 May 2005 23:15:09 +0000

Summer’s here and it’s queer! Well June is in New York City, as The 29th New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Film Festival begins on June 2nd and runs through June 12th at two main locations in Manhattan. Highlighting diverse film themes, the Newfest provides an opportunity for many controversial films to reach a wider audience. Themes in focus at this year’s festival include: Activism, Parenting and Retro-sex. For times and schedule check out the Newfest site.

As for my personal tips for the festival… Dutch film maker’s documentary about professional woman boxer, Michelle Aboro, “A Knock Out” will be shown for the first time in New York City.

“In the world of women’s international boxing, a sexy, feminine image sells over talent. Where does this leave an out black lesbian? Despite a 21-0 record, including 18 KOs, boxing champion Michele Aboro finds her contract terminated prematurely. A Knock Out powerfully demonstrates the importance of remaining yourself and following your passion.”

This movie is playing on: June 11 @ 5:30PM please see the Newfest site for details.

My second hot tip is the documentation of a truly unique duo. ”Kiki and Herb on the Rocks” directed by Mike Nicholls

Famed off-Broadway performers Kiki & Herb (Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman), arrive in London, expecting to play at the Palace Theatre, only to discover that they’ve been booked on a small boat on the Thames! Bumbling through the streets and bars of the West End, Kiki makes the best of the situation. In the end, the duo’s over-the-top performance for an adoring audience reminds us why we love them, to which Kiki replies, “If I could love, I’d love you all.”

This movie is playing on: June 5th @ 1:30 PM and June 9th @ 8:15 PM please see the Newfest site for details.

For more information about films, locations and times, go to the Newfest site or contact them by (212.571.2170) phone, (212.571.2179) fax, or (info@newfest.org) email.

CAVI-A-MATION

denise — Sun, 12 Sep 2004 17:04:57 +0000

Attention animation fans! In Amsterdam (NL) there is a new regular evening of this often under valued art form. Filmhuis Cavia is one of those alternative film theaters which works with volunteers and has a certain quirky charm about it. On the 3rd Friday of every month will be a program of animation. So make a note in your appointment book for the following dates

September 17th: Waking Life (2001) (Pip’s review isn’t so enthusiastic, but I personally loved this film, maybe you should just see it for yourself and decide)

October 15th: Jan Svankmajer Evening (film shorts and feature length film by this cult hero of Czech surrealist animation)

November 19th: Young Dutch Animators (short films by up and coming Dutch animation talent)

December 17th: 2 by Tim Burton (Nightmare before Christmas + Vincent)

Filmhuis Cavia is located at: Van Hallstraat 52 (1st floor), 1051 HH Amsterdam
Telefoon +31 (0)20 – 6811419 / Email cinema@filmhuiscavia.nl
Web www.filmhuiscavia.nl

Craig Unger in Amsterdam

pip — Tue, 27 Jul 2004 14:30:31 +0000

Investigative journalist and author of New York Times besteller House of Bush, House of Saud, Craig Unger, will be at the Amstelkerk (Amstelveld) in Amsterdam for a debate followed by questions on Thursday 29 August, 8.30pm. The book which details relations between the Bush family and the Saudis was an important source for Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. In fact, Unger was featured in the documentary being interviewed by Moore.

‘Craig Unger has done America and the world a huge favour by clearly and precisely documenting how the Bush inner circle is in the very deep pockets of the brutal Saudi dictators.’ Michael Moore.

American professor Dr Ruth Oldenziel (UvA) will moderate the debate and interview Unger. Following the debate, Unger will sign books (note that there there will be only Dutch copies of the book available, De Familie Bush en het huis Saud). The event has been organised by Amsterdam-based Mets & Schilt publishers www.metsenschilt.com

More info at www.fahrenheit911.com

OUTFOXED Independently Distributed

marisa — Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:20:20 +0000

What looks like a fascinating documentary on Rupert Murdoch’s FOX News channel, the leader in sensationalized biased reporting in America, is being independantly distributed. Sponsors of the video include MoveOn.Org an extremely wide reaching online grassroots political organization in the US.

You can watch a clip from OUTFOXED and find yourself OUTraged by their ridiculous tactics. I don’t get this channel and actually watch very little TV, so I was blown over when at the end of the preview they showed that the network’s slogan is that they provide “fair and unbiased” reporting. Watch the clip and you will be amazed that their claim is even legal.

5678s live in Utrecht

pip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The 5678s, the Japanese 60s punk all-girl trio who appeared as the house band in the House of Blue Leaves in Kill Bill: Vol 1 are appearing at the Ekko in Utrecht on Wednesday 2 June 2004. For more info visit www.ekko.nl

Parool Oscar Weekend

pip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The third annual festival organised by Het Parool in which Oscar-nominated films are screened over the weekend of 28, 29 February at Path’ De Munt, Amsterdam, in the lead up to the actual Oscars ceremony in the wee hours of 30 February (29 February in the US).

Path’ De Munt, Vijzelstraat 15 (Tel: 09001458)
Online: www.pathe.nl
Time: 10am; Price EUR 25 (per day)

[Animated gif swiped from www.dewa.com]

Cinemarathon 2003

pip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Anyone heard about this event taking place in Amsterdam’s Filmmuseum Cinerama, on 13 December? Basically, the Netherlands are trying to break the current world record for non-stop film watching (which means you have to stay awake from midnight on Sat 13 Dec until the evening of Tue 16 Dec).

The current record is 65 hours and the Dutch are going for 70!

Films being screened so far (more will be added later) are as follows:

24 Hour Party People
ABBA: The Movie
Alex & Emma
Alien 3
Aliens
Alien: Directors Cut
Alien: Resurrection
Anger Management
Better than Chocolate
Cabin Fever
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
Donnie Darko
From Dusk Till Dawn
KOPPS
Liever Verliefd
Mambo Italiano
N’i Albin’i
Platoon
Pulp Fiction
Shade
Shaolin Soccer
Silence of the Lambs
Stir of Echoes
Terminator 3
The Apartment
The Killing
The Usual Suspects
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They
Underworld

Tickets for the whole event cost ’25 and I think it’s also possible to go anyways but not take part in the attempt.

Info at www.cinemarathon.nl

I’m tempted… Any takers?

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

paco — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

For those at home next Saturday, they can enjoy this great movie at 22.57h on Ned. 3. It’s one of my all time favourites and I really want to get this one on DVD.

It’s a road-movie about three men, two gay transvestites and one transsexual, who bring their over-the-top performance show to the small haggard villages of the Australian bush. You’ll see brilliant performances by Guy Pearce (Memento, L.A. Confidential), Hugo Weaving (Matrix) and a surprising role for Terence Stamp (The Limey). Not only is this movie hilarious with very smart dialogues and great acting, but it also looks absolutely stunning with some great (disco) tunes. Enjoy this one!