Press Release
German Films supports foreign theatrical releases of German films with 366,825 Euro
15.03.2024
In the first meeting of 2024, German Films „Distribution Support" awards committee decided to support 48 foreign theatrical releases of German films. In total 366,825 Euro were allocated.
The committee decided to support the following films:
ADIOS BUENOS AIRES in the USA and Canada (Distributor: Outsider Pictures, World Sales: Beta Cinema, Theatrical Release: May 3, 2024, Grant: 12.000 €)
AFIRE in Poland (Distributor: Aurora Films, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: April 5, 2024, Grant: 7.000 €)
AFIRE in Denmark (Distributor: Camera Film, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: April 11, 2024, Grant: 9.000 €)
AFIRE in Norway (Distributor: Arthaus - Stiftelsen for Filmkunst, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: June 7, 2024, Grant: 10.000 €)
AFIRE in Slovakia (Distributor: Vertigo Distribution, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: February 22, 2024, Grant: 2.500 €)
AFIRE in Hungary (Distributor: Vertigo Distribution, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: February 22, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
AFIRE in Czech Republic (Distributor: Vertigo Distribution, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: February 22, 2024, Grant: 4.500 €)
CHANTAL IM MÄRCHENLAND in Switzerland (Distributor: Praesens-Film, World Sales: Constantin Films, Theatrical Release: March 28, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
DYING in Austria (Distributor: Filmcasino & Polyfilm BetriebsGmbH, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: April 26, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
ELAHA in UK and Ireland (Distributor: 606 Distribution, World Sales: Pluto Film, Theatrical Release: April 26, 2024, Grant: 12.000 €)
ELAHA in Mexico (Distributor: Bestiario Film, World Sales: Pluto Film, Theatrical Release: June 27, 2024, Grant: 6.000 €)
EMPTY NETS in Spain (Distributor: Puntal Films, World Sales: Pluto Film, Theatrical Release: April 29, 2024, Grant: 8.000 €)
EVERY YOU EVERY ME in Switzerland (Distributor: Cineworx, World Sales: Be for Films, Theatrical Release: June 6, 2024, Grant: 12.000 €)
FALLING INTO PLACE in Switzerland (Distributor: Royal Film, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: June 20 2024, Grant: 9.000 €)
INSIDE THE UFFIZI in Spain (Distributor: Version Digital, World Sales: Magnetfilms, Theatrical Release: May 6, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
LASSIE - A NEW ADVENTURE in Turkey (Distributor: Yeni Bir Film, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: March 29, 2024, Grant: 4.000 €)
LASSIE - A NEW ADVENTURE in Spain (Distributor: A Contracorriente Films , World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: May 31, 2024, Grant: 12.000 €)
LAURA’S STAR in Poland (Distributor: Bomba Film, World Sales: Beta Cinema, Theatrical Release: March 29, 2024, Grant: 11.000 €)
LUCY WANTED in North Macedonia (Distributor: Cutaway, World Sales: The Playmaker Munich, Theatrical Release: May 9, 2024, Grant: 2.000 €)
LUCY WANTED in Slovenia (Distributor: Cinemania Group, World Sales: The Playmaker Munich, Theatrical Release: May 23, 2024, Grant: 3.000 €)
MAX AND THE WILD BUNCH – THE GHOSTLY GRANNY in Austria (Distributor: Luna Filmverleih, World Sales: OneGate, Theatrical Release: May 1 2024, Grant: 10.000 €)
MIA AND ME: THE HERO OF CENTOPIA in Greece (Distributor: Paragoges & Dianomes Tainion Neo Films, World Sales: Studio 100 Film, Theatrical Release: April 18, 2024, Grant: 4.000 €)
MUSIC in Brazil (Distributor: Zeta Filmes, World Sales: Shellac, Theatrical Release: March 28, 2024, Grant: 3.000 €)
MUSIC in Spain (Distributor: L'Atalante Cinema, World Sales: Shellac, Theatrical Release: April 19, 2024, Grant: 6.000 €)
ONE FOR THE ROAD in Italy (Distributor: Just Wanted, World Sales: Beta Cinema, Theatrical Release: May 30, 2024, Grant: 14.000 €)
OSKAR'S DRESS in Poland (Distributor: Vivarto Film, World Sales: Beta Cinema, Theatrical Release: June 21, 2024, Grant: 15.000 €)
RHEINGOLD in Japan (Distributor: Bitters End, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: March 29, 2024, Grant: 10.000 €)
RICHARD THE STORK AND THE MYSTERY OF THE GREAT JEWEL in South Korea (Distributor: Challan, World Sales: Indie Sales, Theatrical Release: May 1, 2024, Loan: 28.000 €)
SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 2 in Poland (Distributor: New Horizons Association, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: April 5, 2024, Grant: 12.000 €)
SOMEDAY WE'LL TELL EACH OTHER EVERYTHING in Brazil (Distributor: Imovision - Tag Cultural, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: May 9, 2024, Grant: 6.000 €)
SOMEDAY WE'LL TELL EACH OTHER EVERYTHING in Hong Kong and Macau (Distributor: First Distributors, World Sales: The Match Factory, Theatrical Release: May 9, 2024, Grant: 2.000 €)
STELLA. A LIFE. in South Korea (Distributor: Mediasoft Films, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: April 17, 2024, Grant: 13.000 €)
STELLA. A LIFE. in Chile (Distributor: Cinematografica Distribuidora Internacional, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: May 23, 2024, Grant: 2.000 €)
STELLA. A LIFE. in Argentina (Distributor: CDI, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: June 16, 2024, Grant: 3.000 €)
STELLA. A LIFE. In Taiwan (Distributor: Eagle International Communication, World Sales: Global Screen, Theatrical Release: June 28, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
TEACHES OF PEACHES in Austria (Distributor: Filmcasino & Polyfilm BetriebsGmbH, World Sales: Magnetfilm, Theatrical Release: May 10, 2024, Grant: 4.000 €)
THABO - THE RHINO ADVENTURE in the USA and Canada (Distributor: Purdie Distribution, World Sales: Sola Media, Theatrical Release: May 3, 2024, Grant: 13.000 €)
THABO - THE RHINO ADVENTURE in Romania (Distributor: Contactory Studio, World Sales: Sola Media, Theatrical Release: June 7, 2024, Grant: 4.000 €)
THABO - THE RHINO ADVENTURE in Poland (Distributor: Bomba Film, World Sales: Sola Media, Theatrical Release: July 12, 2024, Grant: 11.000 €)
THE GLORY OF LIFE in Switzerland (Distributor: Praesens-Film, World Sales: TrustNordisk, Theatrical Release: March 21, 2024, Grant: 6.000 €)
THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE in Norway (Distributor: Selmer Media, World Sales: Be for Films, Theatrical Release: May 3, 2024, Grant: 13.000 €)
THE UNIVERSAL THEORY in Portugal (Distributor: Outsider Films, World Sales: Charades, Theatrical Release: May 2, 2024, Grant: 3.825 €)
WEEKENDREBELS in Israel (Distributor: Nachshon Films, World Sales: Picture Tree International, Theatrical Release: April 18, 2024, Grant: 12.500 €)
WEEKENDREBELS in Taiwan (Distributor: Swallow Wings, World Sales: Picture Tree International, Theatrical Release: July 5, 2024, Grant: 10.000 €)
WHAT THE FINN?! – SUMMER OF SURPRISES In Estonia (Distributor: Unlimited Media, World Sales: The Playmaker Munich, Theatrical Release: May 10, 2024, Grant: 2.000 €)
WHAT THE FINN?! – SUMMER OF SURPRISES In Latvia (Distributor: Unlimited Media, World Sales: The Playmaker Munich, Theatrical Release: May 10, 2024, Grant: 2.500 €)
WHAT THE FINN?! – SUMMER OF SURPRISES In Lithuania (Distributor: Unlimited Media, World Sales: The Playmaker Munich, Theatrical Release: May 10, 2024, Grant: 3.000 €)
WILD HEART – RIDE TO FREEDOM in Hungary (Distributor: ADS Service, World Sales: Sola Media, Theatrical Release: July 18, 2024, Grant: 5.000 €)
Please be aware that all release dates are subject to change.
Applications for the next sitting of the awards committee meeting can be submitted up until 07 June 2024.
The "Distribution Support" funding program was launched in 2005 and supports the theatrical release of German films abroad. Subsidies are awarded for additional measures over and above the release campaign which had already been planned by the foreign distributors. The support up to a maximum of 50,000 Euros is allocated in the form of a conditionally repayable loan. Funding of up to 15,000 Euros can also be allocated as a Grant.
The guidelines and the application form for "Distribution Support" can be downloaded here.
Contact:
Anne Heidebrecht (Head of Distribution Support & Previews)
Angela Sonntag (Head of Press & Public Relations)
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2024
Outrageously funny ‘Freud on Cocaine’ returns to Whitefire
Theatre for second run: Fridays at 8 p.m., March 29-May 3
WHAT:
If you missed it the first time, here’s your chance. Freud on Cocaine, the outrageous new comedy based on the documented letters, notes, dreams and recollections of Sigmund Freud that attest to his decade-long use of cocaine in his practice and personal life, returns to the Whitefire Theatre for a second run in 2024. Jonathan Slavin (Santa Clarita Diet, Dr. Ken, Better Off Ted) stars in the title role as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, a respected doctor, a loving husband, a devoted father — and a drug addict. Currently nominated for seven Broadway World awards.
“STAGE RAW TOP 10… DELIGHTFULLY DERANGED.” — Stage Raw
“OUTRAGEOUS… be ready to laugh.” — Culver City News
“A TOTAL MINDBLOWER. — Curtain Up
“SUPERB… some of the funniest lines in the contemporary theatre scene.” —Glamgical
“ROLLICKING… After all, things go better with coke.” — Hollywood Progressive
“A DRUG-LACED, DISCO-INFUSED ROMP.” — Larchmont Buzz
“FUNNY, CLEVER, FASCINATING.” — NoHoArtsDistrict.com
“NOT TO BE MISSED.” — On Stage Los Angeles
“[A] HOME RUN.” — Queer Forty
“VERY FUNNY.” —Splash Magazines
“DELIGHTFUL… comedy and tragedy in equal parts.” —The World Through Night-Tinted Glasses
WHO:
• Written and Directed by Howard Skora
• Starring Jonathan Slavin
• Also Featuring Barry Brisco, Aaron LaPlante, Mitch Rosander, Sara Maraffino, Sigute Miller, Amy Smallman-Winston
• Presented by the Whitefire Theatre, Bryan Rasmussen, producing artistic director
WHEN:
March 29 through May 3:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
PARKING:
• Parking lot available behind Starbucks on the corner of Ventura and Allott: $10
• Unrestricted parking available on Moorpark St. and on the west side of Dixie Canyon Ave.
• Metered parking on and just south of Ventura Blvd. (off on Sundays)
• 2-hour parking available in residential neighborhoods (Sunday matinees, until 6 p.m.)
TICKET PRICE:
$40-$50
PHOTOS:
Click here to download high-resolution photos.
HOW:
FreudOnConcaine.com
(818) 687-8559
NEWS RELEASE
L.A. Theatre Works audio theater recording of
‘The Fever Syndrome’ now available for digital download
Directed by Sarah Drew, ensemble cast includes
Hugo Armstrong, Kelly McCreary, Joanne Whalley, Seamus Dever
LOS ANGELES (March 12, 2024) — “We are all slaves to our genes. Worse than that; we are all slaves to our parents’ genes.” L.A. Theatre Works newest audio theater recording is a thrilling portrait of a brilliantly dysfunctional family. The Fever Syndrome, by British playwright Alexis Zegerman, is now available for digital download and online streaming for $4.99 at latw.org.
In Zegerman’s multi-layered family drama, Dr Richard Myers, the great IVF innovator, is being honored with a lifetime achievement award. His family has gathered at the patriarchal home on Manhattan's Upper West Side to celebrate the occasion, but it’s not long before this fractious group, more accustomed to debate than empathy, fall into dispute over conflicting Thanksgiving memories, polarized opinions on investment banking, how best to care for their ailing father — and who will inherit Richard's wealth and prestigious science institution.
L.A. Theatre Works veteran Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy) directs the distinguished cast that includes Hugo Armstrong (LA. Theatre Works recordings of The Other Place; Kindertransport; Cyrano de Bergerac) as Myers and Joanne Whalley (Exodus: The Shanghai Jews; The Little Foxes, Macbeth) as Richard’s much younger third wife, Meghan. Taking on the roles of Dot, Richard’s daughter from his first marriage, and her husband — both scientists themselves — are Drew’s fellow Grey’s Anatomy costar Kelly McCreary and Matthew Floyd Miller (The Goodbye Girl, Behind the Sheet, Lucy Loves Desi), while Monica McSwain (Steel Magnolias, Behind the Sheet) portrays their young daughter, Lily. Dot’s twin half-brothers, Thomas and Anthony, are played by Seamus Dever (Castle, LATW recordings of The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Sun Also Rises) and Patrick Heusinger (Absentia, LATW’s Next Fall, The Sun Also Rises) respectively. Rounding out the cast as Thomas’s partner, Philip, is Desean K. Terry (The Morning Show on Apple TV+).
Originally commissioned by Manhattan Theatre Club as part of its Sloan Initiative, a partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to commission, develop and produce new plays about math, science and technology, The Fever Syndrome premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in London. The L.A. Theatre Works recording is part of the company’s Relativity Series, a collection of science-themed plays also supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
L.A. Theatre Works stands apart in its approach to making great theater widely accessible and affordable, bringing plays into homes and classrooms of millions of theater lovers, teachers and students each year. The company’s syndicated audio theater series broadcasts weekly on public radio stations across the U.S. (locally, in Southern California, on KPFK 90.7 FM); can be downloaded as a podcast via iTunes, NPR One, or wherever you get your podcasts; and can be streamed on demand at latw.org. The L.A. Theatre Works catalog of nearly 600 recorded plays is the largest archive of its kind in the world. Audiofile magazine calls L.A. Theatre Works productions “the gold standard for fine audio theater recordings.”
Click here to download high-resolution photos.
To download or stream The Fever Syndrome go to latw.org.
For Immediate Release
Hawaiian Island Creations Lifestyle
Presents the 3rd Installment of its’
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series
The Dennis Kamakahi Music Festival
Featuring
Mike Kaawa - Kawika Kahiapo - Patrick Landeza & Sons - Jon Yamasato
Hosted by Brook Mahealani Lee
Downey Theatre – April 7, 2024; 3pm
WHAT:
The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series continues at the Downey Theatre with The Dennis Kamakahi Music Festival, for an afternoon of Hawaiian music to honor the late great slack key master and Hawai`i’s most prolific songwriter, Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, a three-time Grammy Award-winner and member of the 2009 Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Rev. Dennis Kamakahi was considered one of the most prolific Hawaiian songwriters of all time, with a mission to bring excellent music, cultivate community, and a nurturer of the culture by spreading aloha everywhere.
Rev. Kamakahi’s proteges and contemporaries will join the stage for an afternoon celebrating his lifelong musical works. Special guests include Mike Kaawa, Kawika Kahiapo, Patrick Landeza & Sons and Jon Yamasato. Brook Mahealani Lee, former 1997 Miss Universe, will be the MC and hula dancer for the evening.
“I am honored to be a part of the festival,” exclaims producer and musician Patrick Landeza, who is not only the Executive Director of Hawaiian Island Creation (HIC) Lifestyle which presents the entire Aloha Everywhere Concert Series in Downey, California, but a protege of Rev. Kamakahi and an accomplished musician in his own right. Landeza was born and raised on the mainland and is a two-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner which is the equivalent of a Grammy Award and is the only mainland-based recipient of this prestigious award. He will feature his band “Patrick Landeza & Sons” with Justin Firmeza on steel guitar and PJ Landeza on bass.
Joining Landeza will be Mike Kaawa, one of the key figures in modern Hawaiian music, and famous for his 12-string guitar stylings. Kaawa has been part of many landmark recordings over the years and is a composer, arranger, singer, band leader, as well as a master instrumentalist. Like Rev. Kamakahi, Kaawa was recruited by Eddie Kamae to be a member as the final version of the legendary “Sons of Hawai`i.” Together, they had a successful band in the 90’s called Na Oiwi which included a young David Kamakahi, Shawn Ishimoto and Jon Yamasato.
Jon Yamasato has been part of the Hawaii music industry for over half of his life. He began his career as the lead singer for the award-winning trio Pure Heart and has performed throughout Hawaii, the West Coast, Texas and Japan, with acts such as Herb Ohta Jr., Na Oiwi and guitarist/singer Justin Young. Yamasato has accumulated five Na Hoku Hanohano awards and has recorded with many Na Hoku winning bands. While in his 20’s, he became an apprentice to Rev. Kamakahi, explaining “Dennis was a big influence on my music and taught me so much.”
Kawika Kahiapo has been on the professional music scene for over 40 years, having been on over 120 recording projects, including six of his own. He is a multi–Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient, Slack Key Master, and known for his “voice of velvet.” He was also a featured artist on the Grammy-winning CD, “Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key.” “Dennis and I traveled and toured together on numerous occasions, super excited to share his music with everyone,” shared Kahiapo. Kahiapo’s passion for music started as a young boy, when his earliest mentors included his own father, and “Pops” Gabby Pahinui. His passion for music is very much intertwined in his life, as a day rarely goes by without him picking up his guitar. Kahiapo stays committed to perpetuating Hawaiian music, the culture, and the art of ki ho’alu.
WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 2024; 3 p.m.
WHERE: Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241
PARKING: FREE in the on-site parking lot
TICKETS: $55-$65
HOW & MORE INFORMATION:
- https://www.downeytheatre.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/DowneyCivicTheatre; https://www.facebook.com/HICLifestyle; https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1932263/downey-theater/
- https://www.facebook.com/HICLifestyle
- www.patricklandezamusic.com
- Video Nani Ka’ala from Patrick Landeza & Sons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNhgsJwAX30&list=OLAK5uy_nbA1knZ54m4CVCGQnEH1sxSgURbmwSnF8
- Video Waimanalo from Kawika Kahiapo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwyHLhcagn8
- Video Crazy Without You from Jon Yamasato: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXUBa51PN0I
- Video Catchin’ A Wave Medley from Mike Kaawa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYLnDlAb8VY
- Video Pua Hone from Dennis Kamakahi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6lTuvkbzxY
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fountain Theatre announces national job search
to replace outgoing artistic director Stephen Sachs
LOS ANGELES (March 11, 2024) — The Fountain Theatre board of directors has announced criteria in its national search to replace outgoing artistic director Stephen Sachs, who will retire at the end of 2024.
Sachs has been one of the most influential figures in the intimate theater scene in Los Angeles, not only as founding artistic director of the Fountain Theatre, but also as a playwright and director. The search seeks to find the individual best suited to honor and build upon Sachs’ legacy to lead the Fountain into the future and the next phase of its mission.
“The artistic director is the primary face of the organization, embodying and communicating the artistic vision and mission of the Fountain, and ensuring that the Fountain continues to be seen as one of the premier theaters in Los Angeles while advancing our national reputation,” states board chair Dorothy Wolpert.
Responsibilities of the new artistic director will include artistic leadership, including selecting and implementing full seasons of plays for the company; leading the development of new plays and the nurturing of new theater artists; and championing and sustaining arts education, dance and other programs, as well as administrative leadership: collaborating with the board to create and advance the organizational structure of the Fountain; supervising staff; and actively participating in all fundraising and development activities. Skills and qualifications include a B.A. or higher, preferably in the arts, and a minimum of five years experience as an artistic leader at a non-profit theater.
To find a detailed job description; a complete list of required skills, qualifications and personal leadership attributes; and information about salary and benefits, go to fountaintheatre.com/
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample on or before April 15 using this link. No phone calls please.
Questions can be sent via email to ADSearch@fountaintheatre.com.
For Immediate Release
Sam First Presents
Emaginario
A Dynamic Evening of Live Jazz, Blues, & Flamenco
From Ethan Margolis aka Emaginario, a creative and worldly guitarist and vocalist,
whose deep connections with flamenco, jazz,aspects of pop,
blues and even punk coalesce into a unique musical voice.
WHAT:
World-traversed and genre-fluid guitarist/vocalist Ethan Margolis aka Emaginario (Chano Domínguez, Herb Alpert) returns to Los Angeles after a four-year absence, with his quintet, which performs a blend of Jazz, Blues, and Flamenco genres. He is accompanied by Katisse Buckingham (Herbie Hancock, Billy Childs) on sax and flute; Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Stanley Clarke) on piano; Luca Alemanno (Walter Smith III, Johathan Kreisberg) on bass; and Chris Wabich (Leonard Cohen, Stanley Jordan) on drums.
Newly signed to the Ropeadope record label, Emaginario's guitar playing is steeped in both world rhythms and jazz. He possesses a musical language that reflects his Americana roots as they connect with the 20+ years he has spent in consistent musical collaboration with the Romani population of Andalusia. His newest album, set for release this July 12, 2024, is an acoustic jazz project of guitar sketches accompanied by Larry Grenadier (upright bass) and Eric Harland (drums).
WHEN: Wednesday, March 27; Two Sets: 7:30pm & 9:30pm
WHERE:
Sam First
6171 W Century Blvd, #180
Los Angeles CA 90045
PARKING:
There are extremely limited parking spots in the rear of the building and metered parking available on Vicksburg Ave and 98th Street, as well as several airport parking lots in the area.
TICKETS: $25/set
HOW:
- https://www.samfirstbar.com/; (424) 800-2006; hello@samfirstbar.com
MORE INFO:
- https://www.emaginario.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/emaginariomusic
- https://www.instagram.com/emaginariomusic/
- The Fool by Emaginario video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ7saOkAyXs
- Listen to tunes from Emaginario’s 2023 Album: Songs of Mind https://promo.theorchard.com/QkgKor0sD66cUf5Hh7Xc?skin=light
WHO:
Through the eclectic filter of his musical passions, studies and influences, Ethan Margolis aka Emaginario has evolved into a creative and worldly artist, whose deep connections with flamenco, jazz, aspects of pop, blues and even punk coalesce into a unique musical voice. His distinctive story, which has encompassed evolutionary periods in Spain and Los Angeles begins just outside Cleveland, Ohio, in the embrace of a musical household. His familial heritage also extends into the Deep South, a root system instilling roots music consciousness. Margolis moved to Spain to refine his own artistic expression after transitioning from guitarist-songwriter to Flamenco guitar accompanist. He spent the next 11 years immersing himself in the Roma (Gitano) musical circuit in Andalusia and later disciplined with the Pinini Family of Roma singers in Lebrija, Spain, which is one of the birthplaces for roots Flamenco music.
In 2011, back on American soil, and specifically in the musically plugged-in and multiculturally-enriched environs of Los Angeles, Margolis has expanded his artistic spectrum and directed his talents to various situations. He has worked in theater and recording projects and led a world jazz band incorporating a stellar personnel list of musicians, many of whom previously played for such jazz luminaries as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter and John McLaughlin.
His discography encompasses albums as a leader, such as Soleángeles, Arsa 100, En Madrid, Speakeasy Session, and Sonikete Blues. The latter album garnered generous critical kudos, including a ringing endorsement from prominent Madrid-based critic José Manuel Gómez, declaring it one of the top 40 flamenco fusion albums of all time.
NEWS RELEASE
L.A. Theatre Works docudrama ‘Exodus: The Shanghai Jews’
wins Audio Publishers Association Audie Award®
LOS ANGELES (March 7, 2024) — The L.A. Theatre Works recording of Exodus: The Shanghai Jews was named winner of the 2024 Audie Award® for original work at the annual awards ceremony on Monday, March 4. A program of the Audio Publishers Association, the Audie Awards® recognizes distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment.
An original, L.A. Theatre Works-commissioned docudrama by Kate McAll, Exodus recounts the true stories of eight refugees who escaped Nazi persecution to settle in Shanghai, China — the last place they could ever have imagined living.
“Exodus offers a personal glimpse into a little-known piece of history,” says L.A. Theatre Works producing director Susan Loewenberg. “We’re thrilled that it’s been recognized with a premier award in the audiobook industry.”
Recorded before a live audience over the course of four performances at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater, Exodus features the voices of veteran actors Edita Brychta, Shannon Cochran, Arye Gross, Anna Mathias, Alan Shearman, André Sogliuzzo and Joanne Whalley.
Previously, Exodus was lauded by AudioFile magazine, which named it a “Best Audiobook 2023.”
L.A. Theatre Works stands apart in its approach to making great theater widely accessible and affordable, bringing plays into homes and classrooms of millions of theater lovers, teachers and students each year. The company’s syndicated audio theater series broadcasts weekly on public radio stations across the U.S. (locally, in Southern California, on KPFK 90.7 FM); can be downloaded as a podcast via iTunes, NPR One, or wherever you get your podcasts; and can be streamed on demand at latw.org. The L.A. Theatre Works catalog of over 600 recorded plays is the largest archive of its kind in the world, featuring classics by William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Henrik Ibsen and Lillian Hellman, as well as new works by Lynn Nottage, Charlayne Woodard and Jeanne Sakata, to name a few. Audiofile magazine calls L.A. Theatre Works productions “the gold standard for fine audio theater recordings.”
Exodus: The Shanghai Jews is available for digital download for $4.99 at latw.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roger Q. Mason’s The Pride of Lions to premiere with
Theatre Rhinoceros
World Premiere
Directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza
Previews March 28 & 29
Opening March 30
March 28 – April 21 at Theatre Rhinoceros
GLAAD Media Award winning Theatre Rhinoceros (John Fisher, Executive Artistic Director)
will present the World Premiere of The Pride of Lions by acclaimed Black Filipinx playwright
and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason (Lavender Men with Skylight Theatre), directed by
Ely Sonny Orquiza (Driven with Theatre Rhinoceros), March 28-April 21 at Theatre
Rhinoceros (4229 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114). The Pride of Lions is made possible with
generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and The Phyllis C. Wattis
Foundation.
In 1928, five female impersonators were imprisoned for indecency after performing in Mae
West’s The Pleasure Man. This is what happened on their first night in jail.
“Writing The Pride of Lions joined me with my gender-expansive self in a time when I was still
developing language to love who I was fully,” said playwright Roger Q. Mason. “This play is a
tribute to the people and places that helped me on that journey. Premiering the piece in San
Francisco holds eminent significance for me because the Bay Area has always been at the
forefront of LGBTQA+ rights, fighting vehemently for the honor and humanity of queer people
everywhere.”
The cast features Kim Larsen (The Initiation at The San Francisco Mint), Nic Moore (Red with
Bread and Butter Theatre), Michael DeMartini (Caroline, or Change with Ray of Light Theatre),
Brendan Looney (Hairspray with Bay Area Musicals), Patrick Chico (US Tour of My Mouth is
a Volcano), and Sean Prescott (Fences with 6th Street Playhouse). The creative team includes
Lighting Design by Andrew Schmedake (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very
Bad Day with South Coast Rep; Native Son at Center Theatre Group), Sound Design by Lana
Palmer (Man of God with Shotgun Players; Josephine’s Feast with Magic Theatre), Set Design
by Hector Zavala (Dream House with Cinnabar Theater), Props Design by Crystal Liu, and
Costume Design by Wendell Carmichael (A Raisin in the Sun at South Coast Rep; The Bluest
Eye with A Noise Within) with Dramaturg Gaven Trinidad (Theatre Communications Group
2021 Rising Leader of Color), Fight Choreographer Noah Luce (A Guide for the Homesick with
Theatre Rhinoceros), Movement Choreographer Chris Steele (Cutting Ball Theater), and
Intimacy Director Maya Herbsman (Clue on Stage at San Francisco Playhouse; Sanctuary City
with Berkeley Rep). The Production Stage Manager will be Rachel Mogan (Resident Stage
Manager at Crowded Fire Theatre).
Performances are scheduled for Thursday, March 28 at 8pm, Friday, March 29 at 8pm,
Saturday, March 30 at 8pm, Sunday, March 31 at 3pm, Thursday, April 4 at 8pm, Friday, April 5
at 8pm, Saturday, April 6 at 8pm, Sunday, April 7 at 3pm, Thursday, April 11 at 8pm, Friday,
April 12 at 8pm, Saturday, April 13 at 8pm, Sunday, April 14 at 3pm, Thursday, April 18 at 8pm,
Friday, April 19 at 8pm, Saturday, April 20 at 8pm, and Sunday, April 21 at 3pm. Tickets ($25-
$35) are available for advance purchase at https://www.therhino.org/the-pride-of-lions.
Roger Q. Mason (Playwright) (they/them) is a writer and performer who uses the lens of
history to disrupt the biases that divide rather than unite us. Their playwriting has been seen on
Broadway (Circle in the Square Reading Series); Off and Off-Off-Broadway; and regionally.
Mason's World Premiere of Lavender Men was lauded by the Los Angeles Times as "evoking
the mingled visions of Suzan-Lori Parks, Jeremy O. Harris and Michael R. Jackson." As a
filmmaker, Mason has been recognized by the British Film Institute, Lonely Wolf International
Film Festival, SCAD Film Festival, AT&T Film Award and Atlanta International Film Festival.
Their films have screened in the US, UK, Poland, Brazil, and Asia. Mason holds degrees from
Princeton University, Middlebury College, and Northwestern University. They are a member of
the Dramatists Guild of America and Ma-Yi’s Writing Lab, as well as an alum of Page 73’s
Interstate 73 Writers Group and Primary Stages Writing Cohort. Mason has co-hosted the
podcast Sister Roger’s Gayborhood and hosted This Way Out Radio's Queerly Yours: Portraits
in Courage. They are a lead mentor of The Marsha P. Johnson Institute’s Starship Fellowship,
the New Visions Fellowship and the Shay Foundation Fellowship. Instagram: @rogerq.mason.
Ely Sonny Orquiza (Director) is a co-Founder and co-Artistic Director of The Chikahan
Company. He serves as the Director of Education and Community at Magic Theatre, is a faculty
member at the American Conservatory Theatre, and works as a teaching artist for Word for
Word and StageBridge in the Bay Area. Orquiza was a fellow and mentor at the New York
Foundation for the Arts in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, he is a Theatre Bay Area
Cash Grant recipient for three-consecutive years with The Chikahan Company and a CALI
Catalyst Award recipient in 2021. He has been in various work at the American Conservatory
Theatre, Magic Theatre, Crowded Fire, Playwrights Foundation, The Kennedy Center
(Washington, D.C.), Leviathan Lab (New York, New York), East West Players (Los Angeles),
Studio 52nd (Amsterdam, Netherlands), and others. To keep in touch and learn more about his
works: https://www.elysonnyorquiza.org/.
Founded in 1977, Theatre Rhinoceros (John Fisher, Executive Artistic Director) is America’s
premier and longest-running queer theatre. From its inception, “The Rhino'' has been dedicated
to telling the stories of the queer community and creating a welcoming home for artists who are
queer or allied to the queer world. Our track record is one of bold, innovative, exciting
productions emphasizing the historical underpinning of the LGBTQ+ experience while
examining its present and bridging it to its future by giving voice to exciting emerging artists and
fresh narratives and formats. Our diverse audiences have always been enthralled, challenged,
and enlightened by our work, just as we have been inspired and energized by their enthusiasm.
Over the years Theatre Rhinoceros has received many awards of recognition including: Theatre
Rhinoceros Day in the City Proclamation from Mayor Gavin Newsom, State Assembly
Certificate of Recognition from Senator Mark Leno, recognitions from Congressperson Nancy
Pelosi and Assembly Persons Tom Ammiano and Carole Migden, numerous Cable Car, BATCC
and TBA Awards and Nominations, and the GLAAD Media Award for Best LGBT Theatre.
https://www.therhino.org/.
PRESS RELEASE
Great success for German films at the Berlinale 2024
25.02.2024
DIRECT ACTION © CASKFILMS
On Saturday evening, February 24, 2024, the 74th Berlin International Film Festival came to an end with the presentation of the festival awards. With 35 major German productions, more German films were represented at this year's Berlinale than ever before. There were also numerous awards, including the prize for Best Screenplay for Matthias Glasner for DYING and the prize for Best Film for DIRECT ACTION.
Over the past ten days from February 15 to 25, a total of 199 films from 51 countries were screened. With a total of over 50 German productions and co-productions, the line-up was a very special record from a German perspective. It shows the great interest and quality of German film when such a large number is selected for an internationally important film festival like the Berlinale. In a year in which German Films is celebrating its 70th anniversary and thus also the success story of German cinema abroad, we are particularly pleased with the winners of this year's Berlinale and congratulate them on the awards for German productions and co-productions.
All German prizes for productions and co-productions at a glance:
COMPETITION
Silver Bear Jury Prize
THE EMPIRE (L’ EMPIRE) by Bruno Dumont (FR/IT/DE/BEL/POR, Red Balloon Film)
Silver Bear for Best Director
Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias for PEPE (DOM/NAM/DE/FR, Pandora Film Produktion)
Silver Bear for Best Screenplay
Matthias Glasner for DYING (STERBEN) by Matthias Glasner (Port au Prince, Schwarzweiss Filmproduktion, Senator Film Produktion)
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Performance
Martin Gschlacht for the cinematography in THE DEVIL’S BATH (DES TEUFELS BAD) by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz (AT/DE, Heimatfilm)
ENCOUNTERS
Best Film
DIRECT ACTION by Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell (DE/FR, CASKFILMS)
Best Director
Juliana Rojas for CIDADE;CAMPO by Juliana Rojas (BRA/DE/FR, Sutor Kolonko)
BERLINALE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
Special Mention
DIRECT ACTION by Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell (DE/FR, CASKFILMS)
BERLINALE SHORTS
Special Mention
THAT'S ALL FROM ME by Eva Könnemann (Eva Könnemann Filmproduktion)
Berlin Short Film Candidate for the European Film Anward
THAT'S ALL FROM ME by Eva Könnemann (Eva Könnemann Filmproduktion)
GENERATION 14PLUS
Special Mention
MAYDEGOL by Sarvnaz Alambeigi (IN/DE/FR)
PRIZES OF THE ECUMENICAL JURY
Competition
MY FAVOURITE CAKE (KEYKE MAHBOOBE MAN) by Maryam Moghaddam, Behtash Sanaeeha (IR/FR/SWE/DE, Watchmen Productions)
PRIZES OF THE FIPRESCI JURY
Competition
MY FAVOURITE CAKE (KEYKE MAHBOOBE MAN) by Maryam Moghaddam, Behtash Sanaeeha (IR/FR/SWE/DE, Watchmen Productions)
Encounters
SLEEP WITH YOUR EYES OPEN (DORMIR DE OLHOS ABERTOS) by Nele Wohlatz (BRA/ARG/TWN/DE, Blinkerfilm)
Panorama
FARUK by Asli Özge (DE/TR/FR, EEFilms)
TEDDY AWARDS
Best Documentary/Essay Film
TEACHES OF PEACHES by Philipp Fussenegger, Judy Landkammer (Avanti Media Fiction)
CICAE ART CINEMA AWARD
Forum
SHAHID by Narges Kalhor (Michael Kalb Filmproduktion)
GUILD FILM PRIZE
Competition
DYING (STERBEN) by Matthias Glasner (Port au Prince, Schwarzweiss Filmproduktion, Senator Film Produktion)
CALIGARI FILM PRIZE
SHAHID by Narges Kalhor (Michael Kalb Filmproduktion)
HEINER-CAROW-PRIZE
IVO by Eva Trobisch (Studio Zentral, Trimafilm)
AG KINO GILDE - CINEMA VISION 14plus
Special Mention
DISCO AFRIKA: A MALAGASY STORY (DISCO AFRIKA: EINE MADAGASSISCHE GESCHICHTE) by Luck Razanajaona (MD/FR/DE/MAU/SA/QA, NiKo Film)
BERLINER MORGENPOST READERS‘ JURY AWARD
DYING (STERBEN) by Matthias Glasner (Port au Prince, Schwarzweiss Filmproduktion, Senator Film Produktion)
NEWS RELEASE
Fountain Theatre co-founding artistic director
Stephen Sachs announces retirement
LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2024) — After 34 years as artistic director, Fountain Theatre co-founder Stephen Sachs has announced his retirement at the end of 2024.
“The more than three decades spent launching, nurturing, developing and leading the growth of the Fountain Theatre have been the most joyous and meaningful years of my professional life.” Sachs wrote to the board of directors in a letter announcing his decision. “Thousands of artists have worked on our stage and in our arts education programs. Hundreds of thousands of patrons have walked through our door, sat in our seats, and been transported. Fountain plays are now produced around the world. We've been home to Pulitzer and Tony Award winners. Our artistic integrity is respected locally and across the country. We stand strong as an organization. My co-founder, beloved colleague and dear friend, Deborah Lawlor, passed away last May. This year, I turn 65. I look forward to many pleasant years traveling with my wife, relishing our two adult sons, perhaps writing a novel or two.”
Sachs and Lawlor, who passed away in 2023, assumed leadership of the Fountain Theatre in 1990. Together, they transformed the charming two-story building into one of the most highly regarded theaters in Los Angeles. Under Sachs’ guidance, the award-winning, intimate Fountain Theatre has established a national profile for excellence, producing new plays that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles and the nation, and serving young people throughout Southern California with its arts education programs. In recent years, a perilous time for performing arts organizations everywhere, he led the theater out of the pandemic, installing an outdoor stage in 2021 — the first performance venue permitted to serve the public by the City of Los Angeles and Actors’ Equity Association during COVID-19. He leaves the Fountain in the strongest financial position in its history.
“Our extraordinary founding artistic director, Stephen Sachs, leaves the Fountain healthy and vibrant, with a board of directors eager to protect and nourish his inspiring living legacy of great theater, community engagement, and brilliant innovation,” stated Fountain board president Dorothy Wolpert. “We are committed to finding a worthy successor who will carry that legacy into the future.”
A playwright, director and producer, Sachs has received every theater award in Los Angeles. He was recently honored by the Los Angeles City Council for “his visionary contributions to the cultural life of Los Angeles.”
Sachs is the author of 18 produced plays. His writing career began with his 1987 acclaimed stage adaptation of Italo Calvino’s The Baron in the Trees at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in Los Angeles of which the Los Angeles Times wrote, “If you know some people who have never witnessed a real play in action and might be wondering what all this theater stuff is about, take them to The Baron in the Trees.” His production of The Golden Gate, the first play he adapted and directed for the Fountain in 1990, traveled to San Francisco. Central Avenue, his chronicle of the Black L.A. jazz scene, ran for seven months in 2001. His deaf-themed Sweet Nothing in my Ear was made into a TV movie starring Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels, for which Sachs wrote the screenplay. Open Window debuted in 2005 at the Pasadena Playhouse. His adaptation of Claudia Rankine’s CITIZEN: An American Lyric earned rave reviews at the Fountain, was produced at the Kirk Douglas Theatre to launch CTG’s Block Party in 2017, and is now produced nationwide. His modern ASL spin on the classic Cyrano starred Oscar winner Troy Kotsur. After an extended run at the Fountain, Miss Julie: Freedom Summer was produced in Vancouver and Toronto. Sachs’ comedy/drama Bakersfield Mist premiered at the Fountain in 2011 and remains one of the theaters most beloved productions; after a seven-month sold-out run at the Fountain, the play was produced in London’s West End starring Kathleen Turner. Now produced throughout the United States, it’s been translated into many foreign languages and is performed worldwide. The world premiere of his current work, Fatherland, which he also directs, opens February 25.
In a career spanning decades, Sachs has directed dozens of award-winning productions at the Fountain, in regional theaters across the country, and off-Broadway. He inaugurated the Getty Villa’s outdoor classical theater with Hippolytos in 2006, and he directed Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers on a three-city tour of China for L.A. Theatre Works. Sachs received special permission from Arthur Miller to direct Miller’s rarely seen After the Fall. After seeing Sachs’ Los Angeles premiere production of The Road to Mecca, Athol Fugard asked him to direct the world premiere of Exits and Entrances; thus began a ten-year artistic partnership, with Sachs directing premieres of Fugard’s new plays at the Fountain, as well as off-Broadway at Primary Stages.
Under Sachs’ leadership, the Fountain also debuted new plays by such prominent playwrights as Robert Schenkkan, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Martyna Majok, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Dael Orlandersmith, and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Sachs was instrumental in the formation and early development of Deaf West Theatre, giving the company’s founder, Ed Waterstreet, office space and a stage at the Fountain in 1991. Deaf West is now the foremost deaf theater company in the United States, honored with a Tony Award in 2004 for its innovative staging of the musical Big River.
In partnership with Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Sachs launched a new program that brought celebrity actors into Council Chambers for one-night readings of plays free to the public. All the President’s Men starred cast members from The West Wing, and a new spin on Mr. Smith Goes to Washington featured Sam Waterston. In 2019, O’Farrell hailed Sachs as “one of the great citizens and artists in our city.”
A national search is underway to identify the Fountain Theatre’s next artistic director.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2024
March means ‘Music’ at the Odyssey Theatre,
offering mix of Broadway cabaret and a Latin beat
“[Music at the Odyssey is] one of the most delightful cabarets I’ve ever seen. The
bounteous talent is top-notch, the musicians breezy, and the space intimate.”
— Stage and Cinema
WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s live Music at the Odyssey series returns in March with five lively, engaging and intimate evenings of music and song — an eclectic combination of musical cabaret and Latin sounds from Puerto Rico and Cuba.
WHEN:
• Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m.:
Music at the Odyssey presents Time Is On My Side: A Celebration of the Great American Song Book starring singer/actor Carolyn Mignini (The Rose Tattoo on Broadway, HBO’s The Deuce), backed by series music director and curator John Snow on bass and Nathan Heldman on keys.
• Sunday, March 10 at 6 p.m.:
The Odyssey hosts a unique evening of plena, an Afro-Latin folklore genre of music from Puerto Rico, when Music at the Odyssey presents Plenazo Tribe in A Musical Celebration of Afro-Latin Heritage and Women’s International Day. Featuring Gabriel Eduardo Jimenez Montes on drums, composer Emilia Desiré on percussion, Onier Bacallao Garcia on trumpet, and choreographer/performers Lu Arróspide and Paola Escobar.
• Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m.:
Music at the Odyssey brings back its ever-popular A Celebration of Cole Porter and Rodger and Hammerstein series. A live band featuring music director and curator John Snow on bass, Nathan Heldman on piano, Shearn Nance on drums and guest artist Ben Flocks on sax will accompany singer/actors Ken Marshall (Tony in the first Broadway revival of West Side Story), Bella Hicks (national tour of Waitress), Robert Yacko (Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway), Kenton Chen (Perfect Harmony and The Sing-Off on NBC) and Taubert Nadalini (Mamma Mia! at La Mirada, Bronco Billy at the Skylight)..
• Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m.:
Music at the Odyssey presents Unnerving Berlin, a one-man cabaret show written by Taubert Nadalini and Sophie Thomason, starring Taubert Nadalini accompanied by Nathan Heldman piano, and directed by John Snow. What would happen if Irving Berlin had fallen down a rabbit hole and seen the future of musical theater? This show has the answer!
• Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m.:
Music at the Odyssey presents an evening of funk and soul with multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Nelson Garcia Marquez and his band. An original member of Andy Garcia and the CineSon All Stars, Marquez, an artist of Cuban descent who grew up in Venice, California, will debut his solo album “Turn the Light On.”
WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025
PARKING:
• FREE in the on-site parking lot
TICKETS:
$30
PHOTOS:
Click here to download high-resolution photos.
HOW:
www.OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2
Press Release
Simone Baumann to remain Managing Director of German Films for another five years
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