Chicago – 2112 is a Chicago Incubator, helping start-ups and entrepreneurs develop, specifically in the creative-entertainment-music industries. 2112 unobtrusively stands in a former industrial district on Chicago’s northwest side. What began (and remains) as a music venture called Fort Knox Studios, has evolved into 2112.
2112 is focused on the Entertainment & Creative Industries, as well as Lifestyle Brands. With a huge space housing rental music spaces, production facilities, a major studio stage for filmmaking, podcast studios and a bullpen of interactive idea people/start-ups/businesses, 2112 is fast becoming the place to get things done.
Rob Tovar (inset) & Work Stations at 2112
Photo credit: 2012Inc.com
Rob Tovar is the Co-Founder and Director of the Hangar, the aforementioned studio stage, and an Operations Director at 2112. In the last decade Rob has been involved with multi-media sales, operations and productions. Some of Rob’s recent projects have included the acclaimed TV series CBS “Redline,” NBC’s “Chicago Fire,...
2112 is focused on the Entertainment & Creative Industries, as well as Lifestyle Brands. With a huge space housing rental music spaces, production facilities, a major studio stage for filmmaking, podcast studios and a bullpen of interactive idea people/start-ups/businesses, 2112 is fast becoming the place to get things done.
Rob Tovar (inset) & Work Stations at 2112
Photo credit: 2012Inc.com
Rob Tovar is the Co-Founder and Director of the Hangar, the aforementioned studio stage, and an Operations Director at 2112. In the last decade Rob has been involved with multi-media sales, operations and productions. Some of Rob’s recent projects have included the acclaimed TV series CBS “Redline,” NBC’s “Chicago Fire,...
- 5/20/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The leaves are changing and pumpkin spice is on tap, which can only mean one thing: fall is upon us — and with it a bevy of movies that could very well influence this year’s Oscar race and end-of-year lists.
In spite of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA/WGA strike, movies are still coming out. But it will be interesting to see how the dual strike affects promotion, box office and this year’s Oscars race. Regardless, there’s something for everyone. Big awards heavy-hitters like “Maestro” and “Saltburn” will be on film buffs most anticipated lists, while blockbusters like “The Creator” and “Saw X” will charm those just looking for a good time at the movies.
Here are the 30 films TheWrap’s film team is excited to see this fall.
Sony Pictures
“The Equalizer 3” (Sept. 1)
Denzel Washington returns to complete his trilogy as action hero Robert McCall and has us very excited.
In spite of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA/WGA strike, movies are still coming out. But it will be interesting to see how the dual strike affects promotion, box office and this year’s Oscars race. Regardless, there’s something for everyone. Big awards heavy-hitters like “Maestro” and “Saltburn” will be on film buffs most anticipated lists, while blockbusters like “The Creator” and “Saw X” will charm those just looking for a good time at the movies.
Here are the 30 films TheWrap’s film team is excited to see this fall.
Sony Pictures
“The Equalizer 3” (Sept. 1)
Denzel Washington returns to complete his trilogy as action hero Robert McCall and has us very excited.
- 9/2/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Chicago – One of the finest genre filmmakers from Chicagoland is releasing her latest horror epic. Writer/director Jennifer Reeder has created “Perpetrator,” her fourth feature film, and it will have a run at select theaters, including Chicago’s Music Box Theatre (Link Here) as well as streaming on Shudder beginning September 1st.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Jonny Baptiste (Kiah McKirnan) is a reckless teen sent to live with her estranged Aunt Hildie (Alicia Silverstone). On her 18th birthday, she experiences a radical metamorphosis … a passed-through-the-generations spell that redefines her called Forevering. When several teen girls go missing at her new school, a mythically feral Jonny goes after the Perpetrator.
Jennifer Reeder, Writer/Director of ‘Perpetrator’
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto at HollywoodChicago.com
Jennifer Reeder emerges again, as her reputation evolves in the horror space. But her films are much more than is on the surface, with feminist themes of a woman’s quest for strength,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Jonny Baptiste (Kiah McKirnan) is a reckless teen sent to live with her estranged Aunt Hildie (Alicia Silverstone). On her 18th birthday, she experiences a radical metamorphosis … a passed-through-the-generations spell that redefines her called Forevering. When several teen girls go missing at her new school, a mythically feral Jonny goes after the Perpetrator.
Jennifer Reeder, Writer/Director of ‘Perpetrator’
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto at HollywoodChicago.com
Jennifer Reeder emerges again, as her reputation evolves in the horror space. But her films are much more than is on the surface, with feminist themes of a woman’s quest for strength,...
- 8/23/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
It is the feature directorial debut from Fawzia Mirza.
LevelK has boarded international sales for the Canadian/Pakistani dramedy The Queen Of My Dreams, which will have its world premiere in Toronto’s Discovery section. Signature Move’s Fawzia Mirza writes and directs.
Azra, a Pakistani woman living in Toronto, is worlds apart from her conservative Muslim mother. When her father suddenly dies on a trip home to Pakistan, Azra finds herself on a Bollywood-inspired journey through memories, both real and imagined, from her mother’s youth in Karachi to her own coming-of-age in rural Canada.
Amrit Kaur from HBO...
LevelK has boarded international sales for the Canadian/Pakistani dramedy The Queen Of My Dreams, which will have its world premiere in Toronto’s Discovery section. Signature Move’s Fawzia Mirza writes and directs.
Azra, a Pakistani woman living in Toronto, is worlds apart from her conservative Muslim mother. When her father suddenly dies on a trip home to Pakistan, Azra finds herself on a Bollywood-inspired journey through memories, both real and imagined, from her mother’s youth in Karachi to her own coming-of-age in rural Canada.
Amrit Kaur from HBO...
- 8/8/2023
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
“Me, My Mom & Sharmila,” the feature directorial debut of queer Muslim writer-director Fawzia Mirza, has set its cast.
The film will feature Amrit Kaur, the breakout star of Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble’s HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls”; Hamza Haq, who won best actor in 2021 and 2022 at the Canadian Screen Awards for CTV medical drama “Transplant”; and Nimra Bucha.
Set in 1999, the film follows Azra (Kaur) over 48 hours as she travels from her home in Canada to her parents’ homeland of Pakistan to bury her father (Haq). Azra struggles to connect with her conservative mother Mariam (Bucha), but her return to Pakistan launches her into memories both real and imagined that reveal their unexpected similarities.
Adapted from Mirza’s stage play of the same name, “Me, My Mom & Sharmila” is produced by Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault for Shut Up & Colour Pictures (“Night Blooms...
The film will feature Amrit Kaur, the breakout star of Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble’s HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls”; Hamza Haq, who won best actor in 2021 and 2022 at the Canadian Screen Awards for CTV medical drama “Transplant”; and Nimra Bucha.
Set in 1999, the film follows Azra (Kaur) over 48 hours as she travels from her home in Canada to her parents’ homeland of Pakistan to bury her father (Haq). Azra struggles to connect with her conservative mother Mariam (Bucha), but her return to Pakistan launches her into memories both real and imagined that reveal their unexpected similarities.
Adapted from Mirza’s stage play of the same name, “Me, My Mom & Sharmila” is produced by Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault for Shut Up & Colour Pictures (“Night Blooms...
- 8/24/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Up-and-coming writer-director Fawzia Mirza has signed with APA for representation.
Mirza’s first feature film, Signature Move, which she co-wrote, produced and starred in, claimed 15 awards after making its world premiere at SXSW, including Outfest’s Grand Jury Prize.
She most recently directed the short film The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto Film Festival and was named to Canada’s Top 10, the festival’s list of the best Canadian films of 2021. The short Brown Elephant, which she directed and co-wrote, will premiere December 17 on Freeform’s social media channel @25Days.
Mirza also wrote on Greg Berlanti and Ava Duvernay’s CBS drama series, The Red Line. Her next short, Auntie, exec produced by Powderkeg and Paul Feig as part of the Fuse women writer-director incubator program, will premiere in 2022.
Mirza is also developing her feature directorial debut, Me, My Mom & Sharmila, which is...
Mirza’s first feature film, Signature Move, which she co-wrote, produced and starred in, claimed 15 awards after making its world premiere at SXSW, including Outfest’s Grand Jury Prize.
She most recently directed the short film The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto Film Festival and was named to Canada’s Top 10, the festival’s list of the best Canadian films of 2021. The short Brown Elephant, which she directed and co-wrote, will premiere December 17 on Freeform’s social media channel @25Days.
Mirza also wrote on Greg Berlanti and Ava Duvernay’s CBS drama series, The Red Line. Her next short, Auntie, exec produced by Powderkeg and Paul Feig as part of the Fuse women writer-director incubator program, will premiere in 2022.
Mirza is also developing her feature directorial debut, Me, My Mom & Sharmila, which is...
- 12/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Documentary centres on a gang of activist lesbians in 1980s London.
Bohemia Media has secured UK and Ireland rights to Rebel Dykes, a documentary set to receive its world premiere at BFI Flare: London Lgbtiq+ Film Festival (March 17-28).
The London-based outfit, launched last year by Phil Hunt and Lucy Fenton, struck the deal with Riot Productions and plan to release the film in virtual cinemas this June.
The documentary marks the feature directorial debut of Harri Shanahan and Sian Williams, and centres on a gang of lesbians in 1980s London that aimed to unite Lgbtiq+ communities against hostility and homophobia.
Bohemia Media has secured UK and Ireland rights to Rebel Dykes, a documentary set to receive its world premiere at BFI Flare: London Lgbtiq+ Film Festival (March 17-28).
The London-based outfit, launched last year by Phil Hunt and Lucy Fenton, struck the deal with Riot Productions and plan to release the film in virtual cinemas this June.
The documentary marks the feature directorial debut of Harri Shanahan and Sian Williams, and centres on a gang of lesbians in 1980s London that aimed to unite Lgbtiq+ communities against hostility and homophobia.
- 2/17/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Onir is directing and co-writing “symbolic sequel” to his award-winning anthology I Am, with Fawzia Mirza as co-writer.
Shant Joshi’s Canada-based Fae Pictures is joining forces with Indian director Onir’s Anticlock Films on LGBTQ-themed feature We Are, which is being set up as an India-Canada co-production.
Onir is directing and co-writing the feature with Fawzia Mirza (Signature Move). Anticlock’s Sanjay Suri is producing with Onir and Joshi, in association with Baby Daal Productions. Production is expected to start in late 2021 or early 2022.
The two companies describe the project as a “symbolic sequel” to Onir’s award-winning 2011 anthology film,...
Shant Joshi’s Canada-based Fae Pictures is joining forces with Indian director Onir’s Anticlock Films on LGBTQ-themed feature We Are, which is being set up as an India-Canada co-production.
Onir is directing and co-writing the feature with Fawzia Mirza (Signature Move). Anticlock’s Sanjay Suri is producing with Onir and Joshi, in association with Baby Daal Productions. Production is expected to start in late 2021 or early 2022.
The two companies describe the project as a “symbolic sequel” to Onir’s award-winning 2011 anthology film,...
- 12/9/2020
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
"My mother wants to meet you..." Music Box Films has released an official US trailer for an indie romantic comedy titled Signature Move, from filmmaker Jennifer Reeder, with a script written by Lisa Donato and Fawzia Mirza (who stars in the film). This originally premiered back in 2017 at the SXSW Film Festival, and won the Grand Jury Prize for Best US Narrative Feature at Outfest 2017, and is finally getting a release this year after a long delay. Zaynab, a thirty-something Pakistani, Muslim, lesbian in Chicago takes care of her sweet and TV-obsessed mother. As Zaynab falls for Alma, a bold and very bright Mexican woman, she searches for her identity in life, love and wrestling. Starring Fawzia Mirza as Zaynab, along with Shabana Azmi, Sari Sanchez, Audrey Francis, Charin Alvarez, and Molly Brennan. This looks like good fun, although it seems a bit cliche exploring this kind of relationship, but...
- 11/2/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Following her sophomore feature, Signature Move (SXSW ’17) and capping off a remarkably fruitful decade in filmmaking with this neon-coated, Solondz-esque meets Lynchian icing on the cake with the Berlin Intl. Film Festival selected Knives and Skin. With a cast of misfits comprised of precocious teens and deficient adults, Jennifer Reeder treads in subversive waters with a feminist text, a whodunnit that seconds as a soothing nocturnal smoothie of Americana. Knives and Skin was among the quartet of projects featured at the 2018 Us in Progress – American Film Festival in Wrocław. Here is my sit-down with Jennifer Reeder.
…...
…...
- 12/6/2019
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
"Can you feel that?" IFC has debuted an official trailer for an indie neo-noir titled Knives and Skin, the latest from artist / filmmaker Jennifer Reeder. This first premiered at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, and also stopped by the Tribeca, Fantasia, FrightFest, Helsinki, and Vienna Film Festivals. Knives and Skin is a mystical teen noir that follows a young girl's disappearance in the rural Midwest and its effect on teens and parents. Described as a surreal "teen fever dream", the massive ensemble indie cast in this includes Marika Engelhardt, Grace Smith, Ireon Roach, Kayla Carter, Tim Hopper, Kate Arrington, Audrey Francis, Ty Olwin, Jalen Gilbert, Raven Whitley, Emma Ladji, James Vincent Meredith, Robert T. Cunningham, Tony Fitzpatrick, and Marilyn Dodds Frank. This seems pretty cool, but not so sure it's as unique as it claims to be. Worth a look anyway. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Jennifer...
- 11/8/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Jennifer Reeder’s second film hails from Newcity-owned Chicago Film Project.
Paris-based sales agent WTFilms will be at the Efm next week to shop international sales excluding North America on the Generation 14Plus selection and feminist teen noir thriller Knives And Skin.
Jennifer Reeder’s second film after 2017 L.A. Outfest narrative feature grand jury award winner and SXSW entry Signature Move hails from Chicago Film Project and examines the lives of three high school girls who bond after a student vanishes.
Knives And Skin explores how a string of traumas accelerates each character’s coming of age within a racially diverse community.
Paris-based sales agent WTFilms will be at the Efm next week to shop international sales excluding North America on the Generation 14Plus selection and feminist teen noir thriller Knives And Skin.
Jennifer Reeder’s second film after 2017 L.A. Outfest narrative feature grand jury award winner and SXSW entry Signature Move hails from Chicago Film Project and examines the lives of three high school girls who bond after a student vanishes.
Knives And Skin explores how a string of traumas accelerates each character’s coming of age within a racially diverse community.
- 1/30/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In today’s film news roundup, Coldplay documentary “A Head Full of Dreams” performs well, Jon Heder’s “When Jeff Tried to Save the World” gets distribution and shooting has begun on transgender drama “Gossamer Folds.”
Box Office
Trafalgar Releasing has reported more than $3.5 million in box office revenue in one day for the Coldplay documentary “A Head Full of Dreams” from director Mat Whitecross.
Trafalgar said the film sold more than 300,000 tickets in over 70 countries worldwide and across 2,650 movie theaters on Nov. 14. It was the no. 1 title in the Netherlands, no. 2 in the UK, Australia and Italy and no. 5 in the Us.
The release was in collaboration with Coldplay’s management team at Warner Music, Parlophone and Dave Holmes Management. The film showcases live performances and backstage footage from the global stadium tour A Head Full of Dreams, alongside archive material captured over 20 years.
Coldplay manager Dave Holmes said,...
Box Office
Trafalgar Releasing has reported more than $3.5 million in box office revenue in one day for the Coldplay documentary “A Head Full of Dreams” from director Mat Whitecross.
Trafalgar said the film sold more than 300,000 tickets in over 70 countries worldwide and across 2,650 movie theaters on Nov. 14. It was the no. 1 title in the Netherlands, no. 2 in the UK, Australia and Italy and no. 5 in the Us.
The release was in collaboration with Coldplay’s management team at Warner Music, Parlophone and Dave Holmes Management. The film showcases live performances and backstage footage from the global stadium tour A Head Full of Dreams, alongside archive material captured over 20 years.
Coldplay manager Dave Holmes said,...
- 11/16/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – The votes were tallied – from internet surveys and the awards committee – and the Midwest Independent Film Festival “Best of the Midwest” (BMA) Awards were given out on Tuesday, December 5th, 2017. The Best Feature was “The View From Tall,” directed by Erica Weiss and Caitlin Parrish, the Best Actor was Michael Patrick Thornton (“The View From Tall”), and the Best Actress was Anne Sonneville (“Miriam is Going to Mars). The BMA Awards were hosted with a fine comic flair by Laroyce Hawkins (“Chicago Pd”) at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema.
Laroyce Hawkins hosts the BMA Awards on December 5th, 2017
Photo credit: Gary Kuzminski
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers,...
Laroyce Hawkins hosts the BMA Awards on December 5th, 2017
Photo credit: Gary Kuzminski
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers,...
- 12/10/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 5th, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will award their 2017 “Best of the Midwest” honors with a ceremony at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago at 7pm. Nominees include the feature films “Dave Made a Maze,” “Halfway,” “Signature Move,” “The Legend of Swee’ Pea” and “The View From Tall.”
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards has a number of TV & Film guests (click here) scheduled to attend.
The nominees for the 2017 “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows…...
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards has a number of TV & Film guests (click here) scheduled to attend.
The nominees for the 2017 “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows…...
- 12/5/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – There is a cinematic event in Des Plaines, Illinois, that celebrated its 4th year last night with the opening night film Signature Move. The Oakton Community College Pop-Up Film Festival is the brainchild of film professor Michael Glover Smith, who also has a film in the festival entitled “Mercury in Retrograde” (Thursday, November 30th, 2017). The second night film, on November 29th, is “Porto,’ directed by Gabe Klinger. Admission for all the screenings is Free and open to the public. For complete information regarding the festival, click here.
4th Annual Oakton Community College Pop-Up Film Festival, Nov. 29th-Dec. 1st, 2017
Photo credit: www.Oakton.edu
Rounding out the festival on December 1st will be the closing night “Shorts Film Program: Women in Danger,” which includes “An Atramentous Mind” by Lonnie Edwards and Layne Marie Williams. Each night features Q&A with the directors for each of the films shown.
Oakton Community...
4th Annual Oakton Community College Pop-Up Film Festival, Nov. 29th-Dec. 1st, 2017
Photo credit: www.Oakton.edu
Rounding out the festival on December 1st will be the closing night “Shorts Film Program: Women in Danger,” which includes “An Atramentous Mind” by Lonnie Edwards and Layne Marie Williams. Each night features Q&A with the directors for each of the films shown.
Oakton Community...
- 11/29/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
This week Shabana Azmi was in Chicago for the screening of her new international project Signature Move, about the relationship between a Muslim lesbian wrestler and her conservative Pakistani mother played by Shabana. 20 years earlier Shabana’s lesbian love-making with Nandita Das in Deepa Mehta’s Fire had wowed audiences at the same venue. Signature Move was premiered at the prestigious Music Box theatre on September 29. Speaking fromRead More
The post Shabana Azmi wows Chicago with Signature Move appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Shabana Azmi wows Chicago with Signature Move appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 10/2/2017
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
A big contingent of new Specialty titles crowded into theaters over the weekend, dividing up a finite pie. Topping the reporting openers is Newcity's Signature Move with $18,214 as of early Sunday from a single location. IFC Films new documentary Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton came in second in the per theater average race, grossing $13,819 also from an exclusive run. Fip's Judwaa 2 had the highest absolute gross among the reporting first-week launches as of…...
- 10/1/2017
- Deadline
Chicago – The Made-in-Chicago film “Signature Move” will have a Midwest festival premiere through a “first Tuesday” showcase at the Midwest Independent Film Festival on October 3rd, 2017, and it will take place at a different location, the Music Box Theatre in Chicago (usually the Festival is at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema). Lead Actor Fawzia Mizra, director Jennifer Reeder and other cast/crew members are all scheduled to attend.
Actors Fawzia Mizra and Molly Brennan on the Red Carpet for ‘Signature Move’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Shot entirely in Chicago, the romantic comedy “Signature Move” was written by Fawzia Mirza and Lisa Donato. The film features women wrestlers and lovers, a play on the common theme of the “signature move.” Mizra portrays Zaynab, an immigration lawyer whose mother (Shabana Azmi) is pressuring her to marry. But it’s not a man that Zaynab desires, it’s a Mexican...
Actors Fawzia Mizra and Molly Brennan on the Red Carpet for ‘Signature Move’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Shot entirely in Chicago, the romantic comedy “Signature Move” was written by Fawzia Mirza and Lisa Donato. The film features women wrestlers and lovers, a play on the common theme of the “signature move.” Mizra portrays Zaynab, an immigration lawyer whose mother (Shabana Azmi) is pressuring her to marry. But it’s not a man that Zaynab desires, it’s a Mexican...
- 10/1/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Made-in-Chicago filmmaking gets the big spotlight at the Music Box Theatre on Friday, September 29th, 2017, as “Signature Move” premieres with a Red Carpet event. Walking that carpet will be the female lead, Fawzia Mirza, who portrays a closeted gay Pakistani woman negotiating love and wrestling moves.
Shot entirely in Chicago, “Signature Move” is the first production of New City Films, an off-shoot of the longtime Windy City entertainment magazine, through their “Chicago Film Project” (in collaboration with Full Spectrum Pictures). The film was written by Mirza and Lisa Donato, and directed by Jennifer Reeder. This romantic comedy features women wrestlers and lovers, a play on the common theme of the “signature move.” Mizra portrays Zaynab, an immigration lawyer whose mother (Shabana Azmi) is pressuring her to marry. But it’s not a man that Zaynab desires, it’s a Mexican chica named Alma (Sari Sanchez). And what is the...
Shot entirely in Chicago, “Signature Move” is the first production of New City Films, an off-shoot of the longtime Windy City entertainment magazine, through their “Chicago Film Project” (in collaboration with Full Spectrum Pictures). The film was written by Mirza and Lisa Donato, and directed by Jennifer Reeder. This romantic comedy features women wrestlers and lovers, a play on the common theme of the “signature move.” Mizra portrays Zaynab, an immigration lawyer whose mother (Shabana Azmi) is pressuring her to marry. But it’s not a man that Zaynab desires, it’s a Mexican chica named Alma (Sari Sanchez). And what is the...
- 9/28/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
"Life, Love, and Lady Wrestling." Check out the official trailer for an indie romantic drama/comedy titled Signature Move, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Outfest Los Angeles this year. The film is about a Pakistani, Muslim, lesbian named Zaynab living in Chicago who falls for a Mexican woman. Her mother is obsessed with finding her a husband, but she copes by taking up Lucha-style wrestling which is where she meets Alma. Fawzia Mirza plays Zaynab, and Sari Sanchez plays Alma, with a cast including Shabana Azmi, Audrey Francis, Charin Alvarez, Molly Brennan, and Mark Hood. This seems like something very unique and special, with a charming side on top of all the quirky comedy. Might be a worthy discovery. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Jennifer Reeder's Signature Move, direct from YouTube: Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza), a thirty-something Pakistani, Muslim, lesbian in Chicago takes care of her sweet and TV-obsessed mother.
- 9/24/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The 2017 Outfest festival ran from July 6-16.
Los Angeles-based nonprofit Outfest has announced the award winners of its 2017 Outfest Los Angeles Lgbt Film Festival, presented by HBO.
The Us grand jury prize was awarded to Jennifer Reeder for her Chicago-set mother-daughter drama Signature Move (pictured), and the Us documentary grand jury prize went to Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi’s Chavela profiling artist Chavela Vargas.
The Chances, created by Shoshanna Stern and Josh Feldman and directed by Anna Kerrigan, won the Best Narrative Audience Award, while the Audience Award for Best First Us Narrative Feature went to Albert Alarr for A Million Happy Nows.
Outfest’s International grand jury prize was awarded to South African film The Wound, directed by John Trengove. The Us Narrative Jury Prize Best Actor went to Luka Kain for his performance in Saturday Church, while the Us Narrative Jury Prize Best Actress was awarded to Ever Mainard for her role in [link...
Los Angeles-based nonprofit Outfest has announced the award winners of its 2017 Outfest Los Angeles Lgbt Film Festival, presented by HBO.
The Us grand jury prize was awarded to Jennifer Reeder for her Chicago-set mother-daughter drama Signature Move (pictured), and the Us documentary grand jury prize went to Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi’s Chavela profiling artist Chavela Vargas.
The Chances, created by Shoshanna Stern and Josh Feldman and directed by Anna Kerrigan, won the Best Narrative Audience Award, while the Audience Award for Best First Us Narrative Feature went to Albert Alarr for A Million Happy Nows.
Outfest’s International grand jury prize was awarded to South African film The Wound, directed by John Trengove. The Us Narrative Jury Prize Best Actor went to Luka Kain for his performance in Saturday Church, while the Us Narrative Jury Prize Best Actress was awarded to Ever Mainard for her role in [link...
- 7/17/2017
- ScreenDaily
For a couple of weeks now, we’ve been living in a post-“Wonder Woman” world. A world which, you can be certain, is a better world. One where the genuine hunger for a female (super)hero has been served a tasty menu and a collective appetite has been whetted. One where doors are likely cracking open for female directors and female-centric stories and narratives are being considered more seriously (if only because studio execs are seeing the piles of cash “Wonder Woman” is raking in).
Continue reading Fresh & Diverse ‘Signature Move’ Is Also Overly Familiar [BAMcinemaFest Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading Fresh & Diverse ‘Signature Move’ Is Also Overly Familiar [BAMcinemaFest Review] at The Playlist.
- 6/16/2017
- by Gary Garrison
- The Playlist
If one wants to experience the best independent cinema the year has to offer this summer, one of your best bets is the well-curated line-up at Brooklyn’s BAMcinémaFest. They’ve now unveiled this year’s slate for the festival running from June 14-25, including some of of my favorite films of the year thus far (A Ghost Story, Golden Exits, Columbus, Marjorie Prime, and Landline) as well as highly-anticipated others (the SXSW hit Gemini and Stephen Cone‘s Princess Cyd come to mind).
“I’m incredibly proud of the program our team has put together,” says Gina Duncan, Associate Vice President, Cinema. “From the endearing comedy The Big Sick to the micro-budget Princess Cyd and Lemon, the audacious first feature from Janicza Bravo, the line-up truly reflects the breadth of American independent cinema today. Other highlights include the world premiere of Jim McKay’s, En el Séptimo Día an...
“I’m incredibly proud of the program our team has put together,” says Gina Duncan, Associate Vice President, Cinema. “From the endearing comedy The Big Sick to the micro-budget Princess Cyd and Lemon, the audacious first feature from Janicza Bravo, the line-up truly reflects the breadth of American independent cinema today. Other highlights include the world premiere of Jim McKay’s, En el Séptimo Día an...
- 5/4/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Festival’s director of film Janet Pierson talks convergence, TV, politics.
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
- 3/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Festival’s director of film Janet Pierson talks convergence, TV, politics.
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
- 3/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Festival’s director of film Janet Pierson talks convergence, TV, politics.
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
Pierson has flown the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin or Cannes.
As the film festival gets underway today through March 19, the newly promoted Pierson, now director of film, talks to Screen about this year’s increased collaboration with the interactive and music events, the programme’s robust line-up of breakout and alumni talent, new additions such as the Vr/ Ar track, and how contemporary politics has shaped part of the...
- 3/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.She h
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin...
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin...
- 3/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.She h
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin...
Janet Pierson has sailed the film flag for nine years at Austin’s ever-growing cross-collaborative SXSW, whose humble origins began alongside the already established music fest in 1994.
Previously a producer rep with husband John Pierson – working on films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Slacker and Clerks – Pierson is no-nonsense when it comes to championing the festival’s unique ability in bringing together film, music and interactive professionals.
She has also favoured selecting populist films that do not compete with the cinephile tone of Berlin...
- 3/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
The Starz series American Gods, directed by David Slade and based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name, will have its world premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2017. Also in today's Highlights: She Rises Us premiere details and three images from Duncan Jones' Mute.
American Gods to Make World Premiere at SXSW 2017: Press Release: "Austin, Texas, January 5, 2017 - South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2017) announced the World Premiere of celebrated director Terrence Malick’s Song To Song as its Opening Night Film to screen on Friday, March 10th, 2017.
SXSW also divulged select titles to premiere at the 2017 event, showcasing the diverse range of styles that together embody the unique spirit of SXSW culture. Festival highlights announced today include Eshom and Ian Nelms’ hybrid action thriller with dark humor, Small Town Crime, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s lyrical portrait of a tiny hill town in Tuscany,...
American Gods to Make World Premiere at SXSW 2017: Press Release: "Austin, Texas, January 5, 2017 - South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2017) announced the World Premiere of celebrated director Terrence Malick’s Song To Song as its Opening Night Film to screen on Friday, March 10th, 2017.
SXSW also divulged select titles to premiere at the 2017 event, showcasing the diverse range of styles that together embody the unique spirit of SXSW culture. Festival highlights announced today include Eshom and Ian Nelms’ hybrid action thriller with dark humor, Small Town Crime, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s lyrical portrait of a tiny hill town in Tuscany,...
- 1/6/2017
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Credit: Van Redin / Broad Green Pictures
South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2017) announced the World Premiere of celebrated director Terrence Malick’s Song To Song as its Opening Night Film to screen on Friday March 10th, 2017.
SXSW also divulged select titles to premiere at the 2017 event, showcasing the diverse range of styles that together embody the unique spirit of SXSW culture. Festival highlights announced today include Eshom and Ian Nelms’ hybrid action thriller with dark humor, Small Town Crime, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s lyrical portrait of a tiny hill town in Tuscany, Spettacolo, second feature after their award-winning Marwencol; first time filmmaker Jennifer Reeder’s coming-of-age Muslim melodrama Signature Move starring Fawzia Mirza, and Latin American phenomenon René Pérez Joglar’s chronicle of his global exploration of his genetic roots in Residente.
“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a...
South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2017) announced the World Premiere of celebrated director Terrence Malick’s Song To Song as its Opening Night Film to screen on Friday March 10th, 2017.
SXSW also divulged select titles to premiere at the 2017 event, showcasing the diverse range of styles that together embody the unique spirit of SXSW culture. Festival highlights announced today include Eshom and Ian Nelms’ hybrid action thriller with dark humor, Small Town Crime, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s lyrical portrait of a tiny hill town in Tuscany, Spettacolo, second feature after their award-winning Marwencol; first time filmmaker Jennifer Reeder’s coming-of-age Muslim melodrama Signature Move starring Fawzia Mirza, and Latin American phenomenon René Pérez Joglar’s chronicle of his global exploration of his genetic roots in Residente.
“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a...
- 1/6/2017
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Terrence Malick's Song to SongThe titles for SXSW 2017 are being announced in anticipation of the event running March 10th - March 19th, 2017. We will update the program as new films are revealed.–American Gods (David Slade, Us): Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel, American Gods follows Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) and Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) in a magical world where a battle is brewing between the Old Gods and the New Gods.The Melody of Dust (Viacom Next, Us): A musical journey for the Htc Vive. Explore a mysterious world where every object contains a unique melody. Featuring original musical compositions by Hot Sugar, this experience brings you inside the tortured mind of a musician.Residente (René Pérez Joglar, Us): After taking a DNA test, Latin America’s most decorated artist – Rene Perez (Aka Residente), embarks on a global adventure, to trace the footsteps of...
- 1/5/2017
- MUBI
The world premiere of the Us auteur’s latest film starring Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Ryan Gosling and Michael Fassbender will kick off events in Austin, Texas, on March 10.
SXSW top brass revealed on Thursday a selection of anticipated highlights including a documentary by Puerto Rican rap superstar Residente, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s Marwencol follow-up, Spettacolo, and the world premiere of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods among Episodic selections.
“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a treasure trove of talented actors and vision. Set in the Austin music scene, Song to Song couldn’t be a more perfect Opening Night film for SXSW,” said SXSW director of film Janet Pierson.
“While these titles are just a taste of what SXSW 2017 will offer, they reflect the range of work we are known for, from newcomers and auteurs to pop entertainment in traditional cinema, episodics and now...
SXSW top brass revealed on Thursday a selection of anticipated highlights including a documentary by Puerto Rican rap superstar Residente, Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s Marwencol follow-up, Spettacolo, and the world premiere of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods among Episodic selections.
“Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His work is a treasure trove of talented actors and vision. Set in the Austin music scene, Song to Song couldn’t be a more perfect Opening Night film for SXSW,” said SXSW director of film Janet Pierson.
“While these titles are just a taste of what SXSW 2017 will offer, they reflect the range of work we are known for, from newcomers and auteurs to pop entertainment in traditional cinema, episodics and now...
- 1/5/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
In news that we probably should have seen coming, Terrence Malick’s Austin-set romantic drama “Song to Song” will have its world premiere during the opening night of South by Southwest this year. In the past, Malick has premiered new movies at Cannes (“The Tree of Life”), Berlin (“Knight of Cups”) and Venice (“To the Wonder”), among others; “Song to Song” is his first to make landfall in America since “The New World” more than 10 years ago.
SXSW begins with “Song to Song” on Friday, March 10 and continues through the 19th. The other just-announced world premieres are “American Gods,” based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name; “The Melody of Dust”; René Pérez Joglar’s “Residente”; “Signature Move,” Jennifer Reeder’s romance starring Fawzia Mirza and Shabana Azmi; and “Spettacolo,...
SXSW begins with “Song to Song” on Friday, March 10 and continues through the 19th. The other just-announced world premieres are “American Gods,” based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name; “The Melody of Dust”; René Pérez Joglar’s “Residente”; “Signature Move,” Jennifer Reeder’s romance starring Fawzia Mirza and Shabana Azmi; and “Spettacolo,...
- 1/5/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Terrence Malick‘s “Song to Song” will open the SXSW Film Festival, organizers announced Thursday. The world premiere is set for March 10. Other selected titles to premiere at the 2017 event include Eshom and Ian Nelms’ “Small Town Crime,” Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen’s “Spettacolo,” Jennifer Reeder’s Muslim melodrama “Signature Move” and Rene Perez Joglar’s “Residente.” In the festival’s Episodic section, SXSW will feature the world premiere of Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods,” directed by David Slade. Also Read: Jill Soloway, Magic Johnson Headline SXSW Speakers Lineup “Terrence Malick is a world class revered cinematic poet. His...
- 1/5/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Chicago – Chicago’s own Fawzia Mirza continues to break ground with her cutting edge stage and film work, and is presenting her latest short film effort, “Spunkle,” at the 7th Annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (Csaff). The film will screen at the Showplace Icon theatre in Chicago on October 9th, 2016, part of five days of South Asian themed films through October 10th. (see below for details).
“Spunkle” – which Mirza co-wrote with director Lisa Donato and long time collaborator Ryan Logan – is a play on terms “Sperm Donor” and “Uncle.” Matt (Jake Matthews) is asked to donate the necessary biological protocol for his older sister Saira (Fawzia Mirza), and her free spirited wife Maggie (Laura Zak). The film also recently played the Chicago Reeling2016 Lgbtq+ Film Festival.
Fawzia Mizra (right) with Laura Zak and Jake Matthews in ‘Spunkle’
Photo credit: Sparkle Motion Films
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is in its seventh year,...
“Spunkle” – which Mirza co-wrote with director Lisa Donato and long time collaborator Ryan Logan – is a play on terms “Sperm Donor” and “Uncle.” Matt (Jake Matthews) is asked to donate the necessary biological protocol for his older sister Saira (Fawzia Mirza), and her free spirited wife Maggie (Laura Zak). The film also recently played the Chicago Reeling2016 Lgbtq+ Film Festival.
Fawzia Mizra (right) with Laura Zak and Jake Matthews in ‘Spunkle’
Photo credit: Sparkle Motion Films
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is in its seventh year,...
- 10/8/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The enormously empathetic Shabana Azmi, who played a lesbian in Deepa Mehta's Fire 20 years ago, now plays a lesbian's mother in Pakistani American director Fawzia Mirza's Signature Move. Shabana Azmi is not happy with the government's proposal to ban surrogate parenthood. Says Shabana Azmi, "The anti-surrogacy bill has not been thought through. Under the guise of stopping exploitation of poor women, it is retrograde in its definition of family. What's worse is that it impacts on the rights of the Lgbt community and single parents. I'm pretty sure it will not be passed in Parliament, not in its present form at least." When asked if adoption is not a viable option Shabana Azmi shoots back, "It is. But how and why should the State impose this as a no-choice? People must have the option of choice? 'G' for Government 'G' for God? Why don't they concentrate on improving the plight of poor women?...
- 9/6/2016
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
<img class="size-full wp-image-653194 aligncenter" src="http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Shabana.jpg" alt="Shabana" width="500" height="277" /> The enormously empathetic Shabana Azmi, who played a lesbian in Deepa Mehta's <i>Fire</i> 20 years ago, now plays a lesbian's mother in Pakistani American director Fawzia Mirza's <i>Signature Move</i>. Shabana Azmi is not happy with the government's proposal to ban surrogate parenthood. Says Shabana Azmi, "The anti-surrogacy bill has not been thought through. Under the guise of stopping exploitation of poor women, it is retrograde in its definition of family. What's worse is that it impacts on the rights of the Lgbt community and single parents. I'm pretty sure it will not be passed in Parliament, not in its present form at least." When asked if adoption is not a viable option Shabana Azmi shoots back, "It is. But how and why should the State impose this as a no-choice? People must have the option of choice? 'G' for Government 'G' for God? Why don't they concentrate on improving the plight of poor women?...
- 9/6/2016
- by subhash-k-jha
- BollywoodHungama
<img class="size-full wp-image-653194 aligncenter" src="http://beta.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Shabana.jpg" alt="Shabana" width="500" height="277" /> The enormously empathetic Shabana Azmi, who played a lesbian in Deepa Mehta's <i>Fire</i> 20 years ago, now plays a lesbian's mother in Pakistani American director Fawzia Mirza's <i>Signature Move</i>. Shabana Azmi is not happy with the government's proposal to ban surrogate parenthood. Says Shabana Azmi, "The anti-surrogacy bill has not been thought through. Under the guise of stopping exploitation of poor women, it is retrograde in its definition of family. What's worse is that it impacts on the rights of the Lgbt community and single parents. I'm pretty sure it will not be passed in Parliament, not in its present form at least." When asked if adoption is not a viable option Shabana Azmi shoots back, "It is. But how and why should the State impose this as a no-choice? People must have the option of choice? 'G' for Government 'G' for God? Why don't they concentrate on improving the plight of poor women?...
- 9/6/2016
- by subhash-k-jha
- BollywoodHungama
Remember Fire, Deepa Mehta's super-controversial 1996 film about two lonely daughters-in-law, falling into a lesbian relationship? Shabana Azmi had played the lesbian bahu in Fire.
Now 20 years later she returns in yet another lesbian drama. This time Shabana doesn't play the lesbian, though. In Pakistani writer-director-actress Fawzia Mirza's American production entitled Signature Move, Shabana plays mother to lesbian daughter Fawzia Mirza.
Fawzia introduces herself as "Lesbian, Muslim, Pakistani, actor, activist, writer, producer, lawyer & creature of passion." The film, which seems autobiographical, casts Shabana as a mother who watches television soaps all day long and seems oblivious of the fact that her daughter is a lesbian and in a relationship with Mexican girl who is a wrestler.
Last week Shabana left for Chicago for the shooting.
Now 20 years later she returns in yet another lesbian drama. This time Shabana doesn't play the lesbian, though. In Pakistani writer-director-actress Fawzia Mirza's American production entitled Signature Move, Shabana plays mother to lesbian daughter Fawzia Mirza.
Fawzia introduces herself as "Lesbian, Muslim, Pakistani, actor, activist, writer, producer, lawyer & creature of passion." The film, which seems autobiographical, casts Shabana as a mother who watches television soaps all day long and seems oblivious of the fact that her daughter is a lesbian and in a relationship with Mexican girl who is a wrestler.
Last week Shabana left for Chicago for the shooting.
- 8/15/2016
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
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