Ellise Shafer

Ellise Shafer

MIA Speakers to Include Paramount, Imagine Documentaries Execs — Global Bulletin

MIA, the international market held annually in Rome, has announced the first confirmed speakers for its ninth edition. This year, speakers at the industry event — which focuses on co-production, financing strategies and sales and distribution — include Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series; Sara Bernstein, president […]

Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard Wipe Away Tears as ‘Memory’ Earns 8-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice

Michel Franco’s heartbreaking drama “Memory” earned a strong eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival on Friday night as stars Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard wiped away tears. Franco, Chastain and Sarsgaard embraced as the audience cheered them on, with each taking their turn in the spotlight to accept the applause. After the crowd […]

Ava DuVernay on Making Venice History as First African American Woman in Competition: I’ve Been Told ‘Don’t Apply, You Won’t Get In’

At the Venice Film Festival press conference for Ava DuVernay’s new film “Origin” on Wednesday, the director revealed that she has previously been told not to apply to the festival because “you won’t get in.” DuVernay is making history this year as the first African American woman in the festival’s 80-year history to have a […]

Richard Linklater Hands Out High Fives as ‘Hit Man’ Gets 5-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice

Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” received a spirited five-minute standing ovation on Tuesday night, as the director handed out high fives. The action comedy, which stars Glen Powell, received cheers from the beginning, with the crowd clapping throughout the film during various scenes. During the standing ovation, Linklater looked overwhelmed by the applause, mouthing “thank you […]

Twerking, Satan and Travis Scott: Harmony Korine’s ‘Aggro Dr1ft’ Earns 10-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice, Despite Walkouts

Harmony Korine’s “Aggro Dr1ft” received a 10-minute standing ovation after its premiere at Venice Film Festival, despite a flurry of walkouts. Though some audience members left as soon as the experimental action film finished (and at least 25 departed before that), Korine’s hardcore fans stuck around for a rousing 10-minute ovation at the midnight screening. […]

Roman Polanski Fails to Stir Up Venice Buzz as ‘The Palace’ Premieres to Meager Applause

Roman Polanski’s black comedy “The Palace” was given a tepid three-minutes of applause when it world premiered in the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande on Saturday night. Producer Luca Barbareschi, French star Fanny Ardant and other key cast members including German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Portugal’s Joaquim de Almeida and Italy’s […]

Harmony Korine, Wearing an ‘Aggro Dr1ft’-Inspired Demon Mask, Says He’s Developing Technology That Turns Thoughts Into Images

Harmony Korine arrived at the Venice Film Festival press conference for his latest film, “Aggro Dr1ft,” wearing a devilish mask inspired by the movie with a cigar in hand. Korine was joined by “Aggro Dr1ft” visual effects artist Joao Rosa and Eric Kohn, the newly announced head of film strategy and development at his company […]

Inside Variety and the Golden Globe Awards’ Venice Party With Chase Stokes, Kelsea Ballerini, Lukas Gage, Pablo Larraín and More

The stars were out in Venice for Variety and the Golden Globe Awards’ party on Thursday night, featuring Chase Stokes, Kelsea Ballerini, Lukas Gage and Pablo Larraín. Presented by Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment, the event celebrated breakthrough talent and excellence in Italian filmmaking, handing out several awards under the moonlight. Stokes and Gage received […]