Freestyle Digital Media Acquires North American Rights to Midwest Dramedy ‘All Happy Families’ – Film News in Brief

By Jazz Tangcay, Selena Kuznikov

According To The Daily) Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American theatrical, VOD, and DVD rights to the Midwest dramedy “All Happy Families.” The media company is planning a limited theatrical and VOD release in the fall.

The film follows fictional midwestern family, the Landrys. Graham (Josh Radnor) is an actor and writer waiting for his big break while his brother Will (Rob Huebel) stars in a successful TV series. The weekend before new tenant Dana (Chandra Russell) is set to move into their childhood home, Graham and Rob end up under the same roof with their parents, where the family airs out their resentments.

“All Happy Families” was co-written by Haroula Rose and Coburn Goss, and directed by Rose. The film premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival and at Mill Valley Film Festival last October and saw its Southern California premiere June 28 at the 27th Annual Dances With Films: L.A. independent film festival. Bernie Taupin Documentary in Production from Network Entertainment

A documentary on the life and career of lyricist Bernie Taupin is in production from Network Entertainment. Taupin, who has worked in partnership with Elton John for over 50 years, has written songs like “Bennie and the Jets,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Your Song,” “I Want Love” and more.

Bernie Taupin Documentary in Production from Network Entertainment

A documentary on the life and career of lyricist Bernie Taupin is in production from Network Entertainment. Taupin, who has worked in partnership with Elton John for over 50 years, has written songs like “Bennie and the Jets,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Your Song,” “I Want Love” and more.

‘Time II: Unfinished Business’ to Debut at Essence Festival

“Time II: Unfinished Business” is set to debut at Essence Festival in July. Directed by Sibil Fox Richardson, also known as Fox Rich, the film continues the love story of Rich and her husband Robert Richardson.

The film is a sequel to 2020’s “Time,” a documentary that follows Rich fighting for the release of her husband, who was serving a 60-year prison sentence for his participation in an armed bank robbery in the 1990s.

‘Bogotá Story’ and ‘The Car That Came Back from the Sea’ Win Top Honors at Palm Springs International ShortFest

The Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced the juried and audience award winners for its 2024 edition, which took place June 18-24. Over $25,000 in cash prizes and five Academy Award-qualifying honors were presented to the winning films, which included Esteban Pedraza’s “Bogotá Story” and Jadwiga Kowalska’s animated film “The Car That Came Back from the Sea.”

See a full list of winners below.

Oscar Qualifying Awards:

Best of the Festival Award –
• Winner: “Bogotá Story” (Colombia/USA), Directed by Esteban Pedraza

Best Animated Short –
• Winner: “The Car That Came Back from the Sea” (Switzerland), Directed by Jadwiga Kowalska

Best Documentary Short –
• Winner:” Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr” (USA), Directed by Kimberly Reed

Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes presented by V Channels Corp –
• Winner: “Oyu” (France/Japan), Directed by Atsushi Hirai

Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under –
• Winner: “Complications” (Norway), Directed by Ivar Aase

Student Short Awards:

Best Student Animated Short –
• Winner: “On the 8th Day” (France), Directed by Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois

Best Student International Short –
• Winner: “Where Insects Hide at Night” (Brazil/USA), Directed by Lucas Acher

Best Student U.S. Short
• Winner: “Primos” (Puerto Rico/USA), Directed by Ricardo Varona

Best Student Documentary Short
• Winner: “Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too” (Switzerland), Directed by Urša Kastelic, Shannet Clemmings

Audience Awards:

Best Animated Short –
• Winner: “And Granny Would Dance” (United Kingdom), Directed by Maryam Mohajer

Best Documentary Short –
• Winner: “Then Comes the Body” (USA/Nigeria), Directed by Jacob Krupnick

Best Live-Action Short –
• Winner: “The One Note Man” (United Kingdom), Directed by George C. Siougas Best Student Short –
• Winner: “Allégresse” (Belgium), Directed by Gillie Cinneri