The movie adaptation of ‘Nomadland’ by Jessica Bruder will be released on Friday, February 19, 2021. Photo: amazon
Jessica Bruder is an award-winning journalist whose work focuses on subcultures and the dark corners of the economy. She has written for Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Bruder teaches at the Columbia School of Journalism. Her book “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century” is a non-fiction book that explores a phenomenon of older American workers traveling the country like “nomads,” campers in tow, in search of employment, many of whom were adversely affected by the Great Recession. It is the inspiration for the Chloé Zhao’s 2020 Golden Lion award-winning film starring Frances McDormand and is scheduled for release simultaneously in theaters and digitally on Hulu on Friday, February 19, 2021. (amazon, 2021)
“Nomadland” tells a revelatory tale of the dark underbelly of the American economy―one which foreshadows the precarious future that may await many more of us. At the same time, it celebrates the exceptional resilience and creativity of these Americans who have given up ordinary rootedness to survive but have not given up hope. From the beet fields of North Dakota to the campgrounds of California to Amazon’s CamperForce program in Texas, employers have discovered a new, low-cost labor pool, made up largely of transient older adults. These invisible casualties of the Great Recession have taken to the road by the tens of thousands in RVs and modified vans, forming a growing community of nomads.
The movie adaptation of D. Eric Maikranz’ ‘The Reincarnationist Papers’ will be released in May. Photo: google
D. Eric Maikranz is the author of “The Reincarnationist Papers,” the electrifying debut novel that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who reincarnate with total recall of their collected past lives. As a world traveler, he was a foreign correspondent while living in Rome, translated for relief doctors in Nicaragua during a cholera epidemic, and was once forcibly expelled from the nation of Laos. He has worked as a tour guide, a radio host, a bouncer, and a Silicon Valley software executive. The Reincarnationist Papers is the electrifying book that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. It is the basis for the Paramount Pictures movie Infinite, scheduled for release in May 2021, and starring Mark Wahlberg and Dylan O’Brien.
In “The Reincarnationist Papers,” discovered in an antique store in Rome at the turn of the millennium, The Reincarnationist Papers offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. Evan Michaels struggles with being different, with having the complete memories of two other people who lived sequentially before him. He fights loneliness and believes his ‘condition’ is unique until he meets Poppy. She recognizes his struggle because she has the same ‘condition,’ except that she is much older, remembering back seven consecutive lives. There is something else she must share with Evan – she is a member of a secret society of others like them. They are, in effect, near immortals – compiling experiences and skills over lifetimes into near superhuman abilities that they have used to drive history toward their own agenda on a longer timeline. Through Poppy, Evan is invited into the Cognomina but he must decide if he can face their tests before entering this new mysterious society as their equal.
Locas Por Cambio is available on Amazon Prime Video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The holidays are a time to spend with family and some of those moments are spent watching television. The following is a guide for family-friendly shows and films to watch this season. (H + M Communications, 2020)
Family Friendly
Universal Pictures – The Croods: A New Age Release date: December 18 on PVOD. The Croods have survived their fair share of dangers and disasters, from fanged prehistoric beasts to surviving the end of the word, but now they will face their biggest challenge of all: another family.
Focus Features- Half BrothersRelease date: December 4. Renato, a successful Mexican aviation executive, is shocked to discover he has an American half-brother he never knew about — the free-spirited Asher. The two vastly different brothers are forced on a road trip together, masterminded by their ailing father, to trace the path he took as an immigrant from Mexico to America.
Pantaya – Celebremos: Eterna NavidadRelease date: December 4. Juanes hosts a group of A-list Latinx celebrities in his home. Not the typical holiday special because there is a fun story intertwined with music, food, and fun. Premieres on the Spanish language streaming service Pantaya.
Peacock – Saved By The BellRelease date: available now. California Governor Zack Morris closes low-income high schools, relocating the affected students to Bayside, the richest school in the state. The new students give the oblivious Bayside kids a much-needed reality check.
Peacock – ShrekRelease date: available now. To save his home, a monster with a donkey makes a deal with a mean lord to rescue a beautiful princess. Available free with ads to all Peacock users.
Peacock – Trolls World TourRelease date: available now. When a rock ‘n’ roll king and queen set out to destroy other forms of music, Poppy and Branch embark on a daring mission to unite six different troll tribes to save the diverse melodies from becoming extinct.
Adventure/comedy
Amazon Prime – Locas Por Cambio Release date: available now. Tells the funny story of Paula (Mariel Molino) who has had a life full of privileges that have led her to feel satisfied with her life, and of Paulina (Sofía Sisniega) who has experienced the opposite and who feels overwhelmed with the responsibilities of modern life. Everything will change one fateful day when they step into each other’s shoes and discover that not everything is what it seems. Between tangles and adventures, they will experience what makes them so different and similar at the same time.
Amazon Prime Video – El CidRelease date: December 18. El Cid is a Spanish Amazon Original series about the man behind the legend of El Cid Campeador (played by Jaime Lorente). A journey that narrates the trajectory of the young “Ruy” until he became a faithful vassal, knight, and hero of the Spanish crown in the 11th century.
Movies by Moonlight in the Garden will take place November 27 and 28. Photo: google
Movies by Moonlight is back at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Place) this month. Cozy up under the moonlight with family or friends for a magical holiday double feature at the Botanical Garden. Movies by Moonlight in the Garden features two family-friendly movies on the lawn, hot cocoa, s’mores, as well as movie-inspired drinks and food available for purchase. Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28 from 5p.m. – 10 p.m. Prices: $15 adults ($13 members), $10 children ($8 members) (San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2020)
Guests are welcomed to bring low riding lawn chairs and blankets and are asked to follow all COVID-19 visitor guidelines during their visit at the Botanical Garden. Movies subject to change.
The Polar Express (G) 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. – On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Elf (PG) 8p.m. – 10p.m. – After discovering he is human, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father.
The newest movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’ will be available for streaming on HBO Max. Photo: google
Roald Dahl was a Welsh novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter and wartime fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. He has been referred to as one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century. He is best known for “James and the Giant Peach,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda,” “The Witches,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “The BFG.” “The Witches” features the experiences of a young British boy and his Norwegian grandmother in a world where child-hating societies of witches secretly exist in every country. The second feature-length adaptation of the novel stars Ann Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Stanley Tucci and is directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis, Kenya Barris and Guillermo del Toro. It will be available for streaming on HBO Max on October 22 with a theatrical release in selected theaters on October 28.
“The Witches” is set in Norway and in the United Kingdom where the witches are ruled by the extremely vicious and powerful Grand High Witch. An unnamed seven-year-old English boy goes to live with his Norwegian grandmother after his parents are killed in a tragic car accident. The boy loves to listen to his grandmother’s stories, especially the ones about real witches. According to her, witches are horrific creatures who are out to kill human children and tells the boy how to recognize them. The Grand High Witch has just arrived in England to organize her worst plot ever but when the grandmother, a self-professed former witch hunter, and her young grandson find out about her evil plan, they must work together to defeat the witches.
The Antenna opens in Virtual Cinemas on October 2. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Antenna is a horror film with political elements that serves as a metaphor for the lack of freedom of speech in today’s Turkey. It stars Ihsan Önal, Gül Arici, Levent Ünsal, Isil Zeynep, Murat Saglam, Elif Çakman, Mert Toprak Yadigar and Eda Öze and was an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival and many more. (Dark Star Pictures, 2020)
Release Date/ Theaters:
Virtual Theaters (October 2)-Including: Los Angeles (Laemmle), New York and major cities (Museum Of The Moving Image (MOMI), Alamo On Demand) and Philadelphia (Film Society).
Video on Demand (US & Canada) (October 20): Including: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, Dish Network and all major cable providers.
Synopsis – In a dystopian Turkey, the Government installs new networks throughout the country to monitor information. The installation goes wrong in a crumbling apartment complex and Mehmet (Ihsan Önal), the building intendant, will have to confront the evil entity behind the inexplicable transmissions that threaten the residents.
Running time: 115 minutes; Color; Language: Turkish with English subtitles; Rating: Not Rated (Horror)
Written and directed by Orçun Behram. Born in 1987, filmmaker Orçun Behram graduated from Columbia College, Chicago majoring in film in 2011. Establishing himself in Istanbul, he has worked on variety of projects from music videos and short films to documentaries. The Antenna (2019) is the director’s first feature.
Distributed in North America by Dark Star Pictures – a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. The company is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Dark Star’s goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. The company also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.
This year’s Hola Mexico Film Festival will be a virtual event and will feature “At’ Anii,” the first film in the Teenek language. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The 12th annual Mexican film festival, Hola México Film Festival, will make its virtual debut September 11 – 20 exclusively through the spanish premium broadcast service PANTAYA, a partnership between Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. The festival is offering the public the opportunity to enjoy the best of Mexican cinema and serves as a reminder of how much Mexican cinema has evolved over the past two decades. As usual, the festival will feature 20 films, starting with “Chicuarotes” from renowned Mexican actor, director and producer Gael García Bernal. (Hola México Film Festival, 2020)
Due to the COVID-19 situation, organizers of Hola México Film Festival, have decided to practice social distancing by offering the festival, for the first time, in virtual format. The festival will also include Q&A sessions with filmmakers and virtual red carpets.
The opening film “Chicuarotes” focuses on the story of “the cagalera” and “the Molotheque,” two youngsters struggling to get out of poverty that plagues their community. To achieve that, they start working as public transport clowns but soon realize that they do not earn enough even for their basic needs. The story takes a radical turn when they decide to assault the passengers. The 2019 Mexican drama film was screened in the “Contemporary World Cinema” section in “Toronto International Film Fesitval,” “Cannes Film Festival” in 2019 and was selected to compete in “Shanghai International Film Festival.” The festival will feature an awards ceremony. The awards will include best director, best short film and best film selected by the audience.
To enjoy the festival using PANTAYA for only $1.00, use code HMFF2020. With this economic incentive, festival organizers hope to create more access to the films this year while hoping to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
Hello Mexico Film Festival consists of the following categories: México Ahora, Documental, Hola Niños, El Otro México and Nocturno. México Ahora presents the best of Mexican cinema released in recent years, covering all genres. Documental includes the best documentary films made by Mexican filmmakers. Hola Niños presents Mexican animated films for children. Otro México highlights the experiences of Mexicans who are almost never portrayed on screen, presenting perceptual narratives that challenge the status quo. The Nocturno category features Mexican films that are purely horror or strange.
México Ahora: “Asfixia,” “Amores Modernos,” “Classes De Historia,” “Chicuarotes,” “Los Paisajes,” “Blanco De Verano” and “El Deseo De Ana.”
Documental: “Retiro,” “Disparo,” “El Guardián De La Memoria,” “Radio Silencio,” “Erase Una Vez,” “Yermo,” “Vaquero De Mediodía” and “Obblatos, El Vuelo Que Curco La Noche.”
Nocturno: “Club Internacional Aguerridos” and “Desde Tu Infierno.”
El Otro México: “At’ Anii” and Tio Yim.”
Hola Niños: “Un Disfraz Para Nicolás”
“At’ Anii” is the first film in the Teenek language. Lucio and Enedina are a happily married, young Teenek couple that lives in the Huasteca Potosina’s jungle with their three children. They love each other and share everything; nevertheless, everything crumbles when the construction of a highway, that their community has been requesting for so long, finally arrives. As part of this development, workers from other towns also arrive, among them there’s Juancho, a machinist that accidentally comes across beautiful Erendida and begins seducing her. Soon, rumors spread in their community until they reached Lucio’s ears, unleashing consequences they wouldn’t be able to survive.
Founded in 2008, Hola México Film Festival, the largest Mexican film festival, attempts to highlight the best of Mexican cinema and film talent. Covering comedies, dramas, horror and documentaries, the festival features high-quality cinema in a festive atmosphere in conjunction with exclusive celebrations and outdoor concerts. Celebrating its 12th edition, Hola México Film Festival will be presented virtually in September 2020, offering film enthusiasts the opportunity to see a variety of Mexican films.
The EVO Drive-In experience. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
After four sold-out weekends, Anthony Michael Hall’s Summer Drive-In Film Festival concludes this weekend courtesy of EVO Entertainment Group at the Schertz and Kyle locations. Anthony Michael Hall, known for films like The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, 16 Candles and more has been hosting the film festival. Each evening consists of a double-feature presentation shown outdoors at the EVO® Drive-In experience. On Saturday’s event in Schertz, there will be a virtual appearance by Robert Downey, Jr. who will live stream into the drive-in, as part of that evening’s “Iconic Duo” double feature, to participate in the festival’s Q&A. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)
Before he became known as Iron Man, he starred alongside Hall. From performing on the set of Saturday Night Live to co-starring in a number of films, Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr. were known as one the iconic duos of the ’80s and ’90s and remain close friends to this day.
Weekend 5 – August 14 & August 15
Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr.: The Iconic Duo – Hail Caesar / Johnny Be Good
Location:
Friday, August 14 at EVO Kyle
Saturday, August 15 at EVO Schertz
Throughout the screenings, guests will have the ability to purchase food and beverage, merchandise, autographs and more via EVO’s mobile app. During the intermission between the two films, guests will also enjoy a 45-minute interactive Q&A with Anthony Michael Hall and guests plus the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with the celebrities. In order to promote a safe environment, questions for the Q&A will be submitted via EVO’s mobile app or in writing. Guests who partake in the photo opportunity will be asked to wear a mask up until the photo is taken and photos will be available for download through EVO’s website. The use of personal phones for photos will not be permitted in an effort to limit the number of surfaces being touched during the photo opportunity.
All tickets are priced at $25.00 per vehicle and can be purchased online. Tickets are valid only for the weekend and location chosen and shown on the tickets. Guests must purchase a separate ticket for each event they wish to attend, there are no all-inclusive ticket options. Tickets are non-refundable.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic EVO Entertainment has taken extra precautions to better ensure the safety of its staff and guests. To learn more about EVO’s safety procedures visit EVO Cinemas online.
Dreamgirls is the next movie showing at the Woodlawn Theatre as part of their Summer Movie Nights series. Photo: google
This year, the Woodlawn Theatre is celebrating 75 years of entertaining San Antonio and are turning back the clock with Summer Movie Nights. For five Fridays, the Woodlawn is revisiting the days as a grand movie theater and showcasing some of their favorite musical feature films on their indoor big screen. Proceeds will benefit Woodlawn Theatre and Woodlawn Theatre Academy. Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in advance, online, prior to each film. There will be no in-person ticket sales at the box office leading up to or at any time prior to showtime. Seating begins at 6p.m. and the movie starts at 7p.m. (Woodlawn Theatre 2020)
To comply with the state’s COVID-19 measures, Woodlawn Theatre will not exceed 50% capacity for each Summer Movie night. All tickets are general admission and guests must print ticket at home in advance and bring it with them or have it ready for viewing via a smartphone upon entering. Everyone over the age of two must wear a mask. More COVID-19 protocols are available online.
The series started last Friday with Chicago and continues with:
The movie adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Doctor Sleep’ is in theaters this weekend. Photo: Google
Stephen King is the “King of Horror” and the American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense and fantasy novels. His books have sold more than 350 million copies, many of which have been adapted into feature films, miniseries, television series and comic books. He has published 61 novels, six non-fiction books and approximately 200 short stories, most in book collections. In 2015, King was awarded with a National Medal of Arts from the United States National Endowment for the Arts for his contributions to literature. Some of his best known novels include ‘Carrie,’ ‘Pet Sematary,’ ‘The Shining’ and ‘Doctor Sleep,’ the best-selling sequel to ‘The Shining.’ The movie adaptation of ‘Doctor Sleep,’ starring Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson and Kyliegh Curran is in theaters this weekend.
In ‘Doctor Sleep,’ a now adult Danny Torrance (Dan) carries on his father’s legacy of anger and alcoholism. After years of aimless drifting across the United States, he settles down in the small town of Frazier, New Hampshire working at a hospice and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Meanwhile, Abra Stone is born in 2001 and has amazing psychic abilities. Slowly and unintentionally, she establishes a telepathic bond with Dan and as her powers develop, she psychically witnesses the torture and murder, by a cult known as True Knot, of a young boy. The True Knot wanders across the United States feeding on people’s “steam,” a psychic essence produced when the people who have the shining die in pain. Their leader, Rose the Hat, becomes aware of Abra and her abilities and soon plots to kidnap her and keep her alive as an endless supply of steam. With Dan’s help, as well as ghosts from his past, Abra confronts the cult and kills them to stop their destructive patterns of terror and violence.
