August 3, 2017

Hari Nef and Ana Fabrega Flirt Awkwardly in Dark Lesbian Comedy ‘Let Me Die a Nun’ — Exclusive Clip

When stand-up comedian Ana Fabrega first read the script for “Let Me Die a Nun,” the comedy was so dark she didn’t think it was a comedy at all. “She thought it was a drama just from reading the script, because it was such a dry comedy,” said writer and director Sarah Salovaara. “She was very confused as to why I was interested in her, but we worked it out.”

Salovaara wanted a comedian in the lead role, even though she’s the straight woman. “Everyone around her is very heightened, and she has to be the one that grounds the experience in her emotional turmoil,” said Salovaara. “I wanted someone who could play drama, but in a comedic context, which comedians can do really well.” Fabrega stars alongside trans model and “it” girl Hari Nef, whom viewers may recognize from the flashback scenes in season two of “Transparent.” A fan of “Transparent,” Salovaara was thrilled when Nef agreed to do the micro-budget series.

Let Me Die a Nun // Trailer from Sarah Salovaara on Vimeo.

Salovaara, who transitioned from film journalism to filmmaking a few years ago (she even has clips on IndieWire), drew from personal experience for the zany premise. “I started writing this story when I was coming out, and then I finished writing when I was with my first girlfriend,” she said. “We’re all very familiar with coming out narratives in LGBTQ cinema, and they’re not necessarily the most stirring of genres. So I wanted to look at it in a heightened context like the church, where the realization that you are gay alters the entire course of your life.”

Growing up in a very religious family not only provided dramatic inspiration, but helped when it came to finding shooting locations. “This was actually shot at my second cousin’s church in midtown Manhattan,” she said.

Salovaara’s film savvy comes through when discussing with the male suitor/stalker character, played by Carl Kranz. “That was a satire of a lot of male leads in romantic comedies, especially from the 80s,” she said. “John Cusack types who relentlessly pursue the female characters until they succumb to their wishes, and it’s actually just kind of creepy more so than romantic.”

In this exclusive clip, tension is ripe when Fabrega and Nef’s characters meet for the first time. Check it out:

“Let Me Die a Nun” premieres in Brooklyn at Secret Project Robot on August 3, after which it will be available on Vimeo.

Source: IndieWire Digital TV

August 3, 2017

Discover What’s Next: Spotlight on SXSW 2018 Video

Dive into our spotlight video on SXSW 2018 and begin gearing up for another memorable SXSW next March 9-18 in Austin, Texas – registration and housing are now open.

SXSW Conference & Festivals celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries during 10 days of sessions, screenings, showcases, exhibitions, parties, art installations, and networking.

SXSW is the premier destination for thousands of creatives from a vast and diverse range of industries to discover what’s next. From compelling conversations with industry heavy weights and forging new connections, to buzz-worthy film screenings and fresh new sounds at showcases, SXSW fosters creative and professional growth. This March, get ready for the perfect mix of learning, discovery, innovative visions, personal points of view, new friends, a serious amount of tacos, and beyond. This is only a sampling of the multitude of unexpected adventures to come next March… with many exciting programming announcements on the way.

Browse our first SXSW Conference announcement of the season including Keynotes Academy Award-winning writer and director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, Medicine for Melancholy), psychotherapist and best-selling author Esther Perel, and technology entrepreneur and quantum computing expert whurley, plus Featured Speakers.

Learn how you can apply to participate in one of the many prestigious SXSW categories – Film Submissions, Showcase Applications, Interactive Innovation Awards, SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event, and more. Then help shape the March event during PanelPicker Community Voting from Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 25.

It’s never too early to begin planning your SXSW adventure! With expanded access to events for all registrants, attendees will receive primary access to programming associated with their badge type but now also enjoy secondary entry to most other SXSW events. Take the Tracks Quiz to select SXSW Conference programming tracks and festivals that most interest you to discover which badge fits your needs.

Register before Friday, September 8 for the biggest savings of the season and book your hotel to get the best available housing rates and selections. Hint: Early birds catch the best SXSW rates and hotel locations – great downtown accommodations are still available for all SXSW dates.

Sign up for SXSW Event Updates and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest SXSW happenings.

Register Now

Teaser photo by Phil Nacionales

The post Discover What’s Next: Spotlight on SXSW 2018 Video appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Film

August 3, 2017

How to Break into UX Design: Tips from Design Instructor Beth Koloski

For many aspiring UX designers, Beth Koloski has been the teacher and mentor that’s helped them turn their professional dreams into realities. She …
Source: CW’s Flipboard Feed