Academy Museum Fall Programming Includes John Waters, Gregg Araki Series – Film News in Brief

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced the fall programming, which includes new film series, public events, and education programs.

The museum will screen Gregg Arakis Teen Apocalypse Trilogy, which includes the world premiere of the 4K restoration of the 1997 film Nowhere. Moreover, the museum will host Joe Alves: Designing Jaws, a conversation and book signing on Sept. 9 with production designer Joe Alves and author Dennis Prince. Other screenings include newly scanned and restored versions of Fleischer cartoons every weekend of the fall season starting on Sept. 30. There will also be a Home Movie Day on Nov. 5 and programming and workshops focused on Indigenous voices, location and set design, portraiture, animation, and tactile filmmaking.

In advance of the opening of the new exhibit John Waters: Pope of Trash, the Academy Museum will show an extremely rare silent screening of his 1968 film Eat Your Makeup, featuring in-person live commentary from Waters himself. Additionally, the museum will show a 35mm screening of Serial Mom (1994) and host a book signing and meet and greet with the cult director. A Drag Queen Story Hour will also feature family friendly readings from some of Waters films.

The fall seasons film programming will feature limited series beginning Sept. 1 with Yasujir Ozu in Color: The Final Six Films. Next, Enter the Vardaverse: Afternoons in Paris will begin Sept. 3 and New Italian Cinema/Nuovo Cinema Italiano starts Sept. 6. John Waters: Pope of Trash will kick off Sept. 17 and Ennio Morricone: Essential Scores from a Movie Maestro on Oct. 6.

This falls slate of programs at the Academy Museum are designed to tell immersive and dynamic stories of moviemaking for visitors of all ages and abilities, said Amy Homma, chief audience officer of the Academy Museum. Find the full programs of films, talks and activities here.

Motion Picture Sound Editors Waive Member Dues Amid Strikes

In response to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the board of the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) has voted unanimously to waive this years due payments for members. While MPSE is not affiliated with a union, they make this decision knowing that sound editors and other below-the-line talent are greatly affected by the current strikes. Many sound editors are not currently working and MPSE is waiving dues to allow them to retain their membership amidst financial hardships.

MPSE president Mark A. Lanza commented on the decision. We want our members to remain actively involved in our organization, and able to attend our educational seminars, Sound Advice webinars, and other events, Lanza said. We want our members to continue to hone their skills so that, once the strikes are settled, they can return to work at the top of their game as premier sound artists. Our mission is to promote our members and the craft of entertainment sound. Waiving dues at this challenging time is fully in keeping with that mission.

Members who have not yet paid their dues for 2023-2024 will have them waived and members who have already paid will be credited.

Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Unveils Timetable for 11th Annual MUAHS Awards

The Make-Up Artists Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) has unveiled the timetable for its 11th Annual MUAHS Awards. The MUAHS Awards commemorate make-up and hair stylists for their work in motion pictures, television, commercials and live theater each year.

The official nominations will be announced on Jan. 10, 2024, with winners scheduled to be revealed at the MUAHS Awards Gala on Feb. 18, held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Submissions for TV and feature films will open on Oct. 30, 2023, staying open until Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. The official nomination voting period will begin on Dec. 15 and close on Jan. 5.

After nominations are revealed on Jan. 10, the final round of online voting will kick off on Jan. 22 and close on Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.

MUAHS was founded in 1937 and is now comprised of over 2,1000 artisans in the entertainment industry. Members have gained notable honors through a series of Academy Awards, Primetime Emmys, Daytime Emmys, Saturn Awards and BAFTA Awards. Julie Socash currently serves as the president of MUAHS.

The Miracle Club Returns to Theaters for Limited Re-Release Thaddeus OSullivans The Miracle Club is making its way back to theaters across the United States on Aug. 18 via Sony Pictures Classics.

After making its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, The Miracle Club opened on July 14 in over 600 theaters across the U.S. and has grossed a total $1.73 million. The Miracle Club will return to the big screen in over 200 locations nationwide, playing through the end of the summer season.

The film stars Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates and Agnes OCasey, who play three close friends with dreams of winning a pilgrimage to the French town of Lourdes. When their old friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) comes into town for her mothers funeral, the women all band together to embark on their journey. Along the way, old wounds are reopened, forcing the women to confront their pasts even as they travel in search of a miracle, reads the films official logline.

The Miracle Club is based on a story by Jimmy Smallhorne. OSullivan directs a screenplay by Smallhorne, Timothy Prager and Joshua D. Maurer. Chris Curling, Joshua Maurer and Larry Bass serve as producers.

What really enthralled me about the story is how three strong characters confront one another and then, by embracing truth, they understand that the miracle they have all been looking for is right in front of them: in the strength of their friendships and unshakeable togetherness, said OSullivan. What we have achieved together is to make an emotional movie that is truly joyous, uplifting, and aspirational.