Tag: Oprah Winfrey

St. Louis Joins SELMA Movement To Provide Students With Free Tickets To See The Film

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An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement led by African-American business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award-nominated film “SELMA,” expanding the first-of-its-kind campaign to 25 locations nationwide.

Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.

The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.

Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis

“It is important that students are aware of this moment in history and make connections between the struggles of earlier generations and the challenges facing today’s youth,” said Rev. Starsky. “We are grateful to the Ford Foundation and other funders for joining us in this effort. We hope that this film will encourage civic engagement among young people and demonstrate to them that systemic change is possible through cooperative, intentional, and well-planned efforts.”

St. Louis Theaters: 

AMC CREVE COEUR 12
MOOLAH THEATRE AND LOUNGE
REGAL ST. LOUIS STADIUM 18 & IMAX
WEHRENBERG O’FALLON 15 CINE

“Paramount Pictures is extremely proud of this film, which is so clearly resonating with audiences young and old,” said Megan Colligan, President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “It’s a testament to the extraordinary talents of Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo and the entire cast and crew that ‘SELMA’ is being celebrated by communities all over the country.”

The business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new locations are:

Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools; Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, United Negro College Fund; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, President, Morehouse College, in Atlanta

“This movie is an educational moment for more than 10,000 Atlanta Public Schools students who we are inviting to see this film. I am proud and humbled by the immediate outpouring of support from our Atlanta community who has joined this growing national movement,” said Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools and Selma, Alabama native. “Our Atlanta education partners believe in our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity they are providing our students to see one of the most pivotal moments in American history.”

“‘SELMA’ is such an important film for young people to see now in the wake of Ferguson, Cleveland and New York. The struggle for justice is a long one, and Selma is history that a new generation needs to know more fully,” said Lomax. “So, I felt it was imperative to join with others around the country who were raising funds so middle and high school students can see the film, learn their history and be inspired to make civil rights and justice lifelong pursuits.”

Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in Austin

“It is of the utmost importance to expose our young people to the courage, compassion and integrity that is brought to life in the film ‘SELMA.’ It illuminates a period of American history that is very relevant today,” said Smith. “Dr. King has been a source of inspiration for me and for many people of all races and ethnicities. I consider this not just an opportunity, but a responsibility, to bring his message and his dream to the students of Austin.”
Sylvia Brown, Board Member, Johns Hopkins Healthcare Advisory Board, in Baltimore

“Baltimore is proud to be a part of this wonderful effort. We hope that young audiences find inspiration and encouragement in the film and in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s story,” said Brown.
Grant Hill, former NBA player; Harold Mills, Chief Executive Officer, ZeroChaos; Clarence Otis, retired Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Ron Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Aetna in Central Florida/Orlando

“The story of Dr. King’s historic journey in Alabama is one that students all over the country should know intimately,” said Otis. “It’s an honor to provide the opportunity for students in Central Florida to see Ava DuVernay’s beautiful film.”

Dr. Laurence C. Morse, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., in Connecticut

“I am privileged to have been able to join with an extraordinary group of concerned, civic-minded individuals in the State of Connecticut to provide an opportunity for a number of young people who might not otherwise have been able to do so, to see and experience this deeply moving, engaging film about a critically important period in our nation’s recent history, and in the continuing evolution of our democracy,” said Morse.
Faye Alexander Nelson, President, DTE Energy Foundation; Tonya Allen, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Lisa Dancsok, Vice President, Quicken Loans; Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation; Laura Trudeau, Managing Director, Detroit, Kresge Foundation; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in Detroit

“Detroit students will have the opportunity to join with students across the country to view ‘SELMA’ thanks to the generosity of a group of national and local foundations and corporations. We are pleased to help coordinate the generous commitments of the DTE Energy Foundation, Ford Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Quicken Loans,” said Noland.

T. Warren Jackson, Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, DIRECTV, and Debra Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions, in Los Angeles

“It’s important that the civil rights struggle depicted in ‘SELMA’ reach as many young people as possible so that the enduring lessons of the civil rights movement can be harnessed to inspire them to transform their lives and communities. We appreciate the support of the California Endowment, and have enlisted the Constitutional Rights Foundation to work with the schools in creating a broader educational program to insure just that,” said Jackson.

“As a filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power of film; that’s why the overwhelming response to the ‘SELMA’ initiative here in Los Angeles and across the nation is so heartening. It’s a reminder of the importance of voting and civic engagement and demonstrates how anything can be accomplished through creativity and collective effort,” said Martin Chase.

Gayle S. Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Vaulting Services, in Memphis

“On behalf of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., we are thrilled to provide 10,000 7th, 8th and 9thgrade Memphis students the gift of this film and what history has to teach us,” said Rose. “We thank Paramount Pictures, Malco Theaters, and many generous donors who made this happen in a matter of days. This is a testament to the charitable nature of our people.”
Ira D. Hall, resident of Miami Beach, FL, and Dr. Sherrlyn Scott, Supervisor, Department of Social Sciences Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in Miami

“Over 5,500 Miami Dade and Ft. Lauderdale students can now see for free ‘SELMA,’ the movie that so powerfully portrays the courage, tenacity, humanity and moral strength of Alabama citizens, combined with the extraordinary brilliance and moral conviction of key civil rights and national leaders. That unstoppable coalition jointly fought for and won the rights of African Americans to vote! It is wonderful that students today can feel and sense this history so strikingly brought to life in ‘SELMA,’” said Hall.

“We are thankful to our contributors in Miami who quickly organized to support such a worthy endeavor,” said Scott. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact on the students in our community.”

Alden McDonald, President, Liberty Bank, and Neill Wright, First Tuskegee Bank President, in Montgomery

“This effort is an integral part of our corporate philosophy of linking our heritage to our vision of true equality for all the people we serve,” said McDonald.

“In as much as Montgomery is part of the journey we took as a people to gain voting rights in the 1960s, we have joined with other business leaders and concerned citizens to provide free access to the ‘SELMA’ film for local students. We believe that we continue to make the historical connections for this generation to ‘keep the dream’ of true equality alive and well,” said Wright.

Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr., EVP and President of Diversified Financial Services, TIAA-CREF, in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill

“We are pleased to support this unprecedented program for North Carolina students to be able to see this remarkable film,” said Flood.

These African-American business leaders are following the lead of those in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, Washington D.C. and Westchester.

“This was an important opportunity to educate our children about the heroes of the civil rights movement and keep an important legacy intact. I am proud that our community seized the moment,” said Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who helped to organize the efforts in Boston.

The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.

Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S.

For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets.

The students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.

To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.

Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.

“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com.

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SELMA – The Review

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Compared to everything Martin Luther King Jr. achieved during his lifetime, SELMA showcases but a fraction of his accomplishments. Of course that fraction is one of the biggest triumphs of his lifetime. It was a turning point for so many in America and a cornerstone in the Civil Rights Movement. SELMA doesn’t try to be an all-encompassing look at Martin Luther King (played with gusto by David Oyelowo); it simply chronicles the events leading up to a march Dr. King led from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama that occurred in 1965 as a protest to institute a unencumbered equal rights voting bill. It quickly becomes evident though that this isn’t just King’s show. There are a number of people that led to the formation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and learning about the secondary characters in SELMA is just as important to the film as King’s many, many speeches that director Ava DuVernay sometimes gets lost in highlighting.

Cinematographer Bradford Young perfectly captures the presence of Martin Luther King as he delivers his inspiring speeches while also showing the brutal confrontations that the protestors from Selma and from other parts of America had to endure. Attacks on a bridge leading out of Selma are filmed in a frenzied and energetic manner but are still clearly understood even amid all the smoke and tear gas. There are many instances where shots are framed in a symmetrical way – King at the lectern anchored by sconces or protestors arm in arm walking towards the camera in solidarity. Other times a simple shot of a pair of shoes walking on the asphalt will pull back to reveal a sea of people. It is moments like this that emphasize King’s idea that all it takes is one person to stand-up and make a difference.

There has been much debate recently among the news media surrounding how supportive Lyndon B. Johnson was of the Civil Rights Movement. Some critics have pointed out that SELMA unfairly and maliciously paints him in a negative light in order to push the film’s story. Others have been quick to point out that his voting record prior to gaining the Presidential seat shows that he was actually not in favor of it, and it was only until late that his views shifted. Given the fact that the film picks up after LBJ meets King for the first time after winning the Nobel Peace Prize I can only judge what the film shows from that point on. Also, considering I’m a film critic and not a major historian, I can only impart that what I witnessed was a very complex and troubled character. I didn’t necessarily see a bad guy nor did I see someone who fully stood behind King. I saw a politician – a man who was out for his own personal gain but who struggled with his personal feelings along with the demands of the public and outside political parties. He’s shown as someone attempting to maintain a balance, and it’s only when the media shows the shift in public opinion that he is able to drop his political agenda in favor of giving in to his own personal desires to match that of the general public. Tom Wilkinson as LBJ doesn’t come across as cartoonishly evil as Tim Roth playing an Alabama Governor, or as bad as the recent news media has accused the film of mislabeling him. SELMA may not get the facts 100% accurate according to some, but I would argue that it does paint LBJ in shades of grey instead of just black and white.

There is no denying that the true hero of SELMA is David Oyelowo. He embodies the charismatic leader and orator while still adding a level of humanity when he isn’t delivering rousing speeches. DuVernay is careful not to shine too bright of a light on King. He certainly is no saint and SELMA shows him as he deals with marriage woes and internal fighting among his cohorts. When the film does drift into these treacherous waters is when it gets a little shaky. The drama between King and his wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) feels tacked-on and doesn’t add much to the real drama at the center of the story. I found myself wanting to get back to the tension between the Selma marchers and their opposing forces. Even though their constant round-about fights created an often cyclical effect, I still found the slowly mounting tension from the history making events to be more inspiring than a dining room quarrel.

I’m afraid to necessarily say SELMA is an important film because I feel that undermines the point DuVernay was trying to make. Martin Luther King is such an important figure in our nation’s history and what he helped achieve for so many is groundbreaking. But a film like SELMA shows that it wasn’t just one man struggling on behalf of an entire race of people. He had hundreds, thousands, millions of supporters from all over, and while this film occasionally relegates the outspoken leader’s life to the background in lieu of the bigger cultural picture, that’s precisely the point. SELMA is about a moment in history when many came together for a common goal and a shared love of equal rights for all. King may be the man standing in front, but DuVernay is hear to show us that that person is no different from you or I. That’s what makes SELMA an important film.

 

 

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

 

SELMA is now playing in theaters everywhere.

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Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA to Screen for Free for Selma, AL Citizens

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Left to right: André Holland plays Andrew Young, Colman Domingo plays Ralph Abernathy, David Oyelowo plays Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Omar Dorsey plays James Orange in SELMA. (c) 2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima

Paramount Pictures announced today that the Golden Globe nominated film SELMA from director Ava DuVernay will be shown for free to the town’s citizens at the Selma Walton Theater in the city of Selma, Alabama beginning January 9th.

“With deep gratitude to the people of Selma, Alabama, we are proud to share this powerful film depicting the historic events that took place there 50 years ago,” said Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the film’s producers. “I hope generations will watch the film and share their stories of remembrance and history together.”

“The city and people of Selma welcomed the production with open arms this past summer and in celebration of the film’s national release on January 9th, we are incredibly excited and very humbled to be bringing Ava’s finished film to the community,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.

“I’m so happy that the movie ‘Selma’ will be shown in Selma when it’s released to the nation. I’m so grateful of the fact that Selma has been blessed to have a movie named after it. I’m thankful to the producers, director Ava, and executive producer Paul Garnes for their leadership, and all of the cast for selecting Selma to produce this movie. We must keep in mind that the movie is just that, a movie and not a documentary. May God continue to bless Selma,” said Selma Mayor George P. Evans.

Citizens of the city of Selma, AL can get more information and showtimes at http://www.selmawaltontheater.com/

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Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., SELMA has been nominated for 4 Golden Globes, including for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).

The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

SELMA is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.  The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

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Left to right, foreground: Trai Byers plays James Foreman, Stephan James plays John Lewis, Wendell Pierce plays Rev. Hosea Williams, David Oyelowo plays Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Colman Domingo plays Ralph Abernathy in SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films. (c) 2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima.

Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

Currently open in select cities, SELMA opens in theaters nationwide on January 9, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com

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Win Tickets To The Advance Screening of SELMA in St. Louis

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In his review, Omar P.L. Moore (PopcornReel.com) says, “SELMA is an instant classic, a film that will be revered and applauded throughout the annals of American history, long after we are gone.”

SELMA is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

Starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper,” SELMA opens in St. Louis on Friday, January 9.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening of SELMA on January 6 at 7PM in the St. Louis area. We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King led thousands of protesters during the Selma to Montgomery March in March 1965.

Name the bridge they crossed over.

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(Photo courtesy of The Birmingham News)

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

Official Site: http://www.selmamovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelmaMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/selmamovie
Instagram: http://instagram.com/selmamovie

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Left to right: David Oyelowo (as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) discusses a scene with Director/Executive Producer Ava DuVernay on the set of SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathe, and Harpo Films.
(c) 2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima

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Listen To Common’s and John Legend’s Song “Glory” From Ava DuVernay’s SELMA

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“Four years ago, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win an Academy Award as best director; Ms. DuVernay has a shot to become the second.” On Sunday, the New York Times published an in-depth article on Ava DuVernay’s journey to make SELMA. Read Manohla Dargis’s interview HERE.

In addition, DuVernay was named winner in the New Generation category by the L.A. Film Critics and it was announced that  British actor David Oyelowo will receive this year’s Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s 26th annual PSIFF Awards Gala on January 3.

Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

From John Legend & Common comes “Glory,” an original composition for the film.

SELMA is the story of a movement.

The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.

The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

In case you missed it, watch Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo at the AFI Fest in November.

Starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper,” SELMA opens in select theaters on December 25th, in all theaters January 9, 2015.

Official Site: http://www.selmamovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelmaMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/selmamovie
Instagram: http://instagram.com/selmamovie

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The First Trailer Arrives For Ava DuVernay’s SELMA

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Paramount Pictures has released the inspiring first trailer for SELMA starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King, Jr.

Can you pass a voting literacy test?

www.SelmaMovie.com/SelmaLiteracyTest

Voting is a topic at the forefront of culture. Whether debating the effects of voter ID laws or discussing the importance of voting to push for more police regulation, we find ourselves at a pivotal time in history. As we approach the theatrical release of SELMA and the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we take a reflective look at where America would be without this powerful movement via an infographic that simply asks the question, “Can you vote?”

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SELMA is the story of a movement.

The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

Read an interview with director Ava DuVernay:

https://www.yahoo.com/movies/watch-martin-luther-king-jr-s-struggle-for-101958230737.html

Starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper,” SELMA opens in select theaters on December 25th, in all theaters January 9, 2015.

Official Site: http://www.selmamovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelmaMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/selmamovie
Instagram: http://instagram.com/selmamovie

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AFI FEST 2014 Announces First Look At Ava DuVernay’s SELMA

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Left to right: David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King, Jr. and Carmen Ejogo plays Coretta Scott King ©Paramount Pictures

AFI FEST 2014 presented by Audi, a program of the American Film Institute, announced today that it will offer a first look at director Ava DuVernay’s highly anticipated film SELMA on Tuesday, November 11. The presentation will feature 30 minutes of exclusive footage from the film followed by a conversation with producers Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo at the Egyptian Theatre.

SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathé and Harpo Films, is the story of a movement.

The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the Civil Rights Movement. DuVernay’s SELMA tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

The film is produced by Christian Colson, Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. The film is written by Paul Webb and directed by Ava DuVernay.

AFI FEST will take place November 6 through 13 in Hollywood, CA, at the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Background left to right: Tessa Thompson plays Diane Nash, Omar Dorsey plays James Orange, Colman Domingo plays Ralph Abernathy, David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King, Jr., André Holland plays Andrew Young, Corey Reynolds plays Rev. C.T. Vivian, and Lorraine Toussaint plays Amelia Boynton in SELMA, from Paramount Pictures and Pathé.
Background left to right: Tessa Thompson plays Diane Nash, Omar Dorsey plays James Orange, Colman Domingo plays Ralph Abernathy, David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King, Jr., André Holland plays Andrew Young, Corey Reynolds plays Rev. C.T. Vivian, and Lorraine Toussaint plays Amelia Boynton in SELMA, from Paramount Pictures and Pathé.

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY- The Review

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So are you just getting your appetite back after experiencing the “foodie” film delight of the surprise box office hit from May, CHEF (hmm. those were some filling, satisfying Cuban sandwiches!)? Master cinema chefs/producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg along with director Lasse Hallstrom (SAFE HAVEN) and screenwriter Steven Knight (LOCKE) have whipped up an opulant movie entrée based on the best selling work from Richard C. Morais, THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY. So after the big, bombastic blockbusters this Summer are audiences ready to head back to the kitchen to watch the balletic, almost action-star choreographed, cooks and servers trying to prepare succulent dishes in record time? Perhaps that’s part of the appeal of the many, many reality cooking and restaurant reality TV shows. Just make sure you’ve had a substantial meal before heading to the multiplex, because with all the culinary delights on display, the popcorn (tasty as it can be) may not cut it. The usher/ matre’d will seat you now…

The person making the JOURNEY is Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal), who,even as a young lad, was dubbed “the boy who knows”, because of his expert skill with food and his gifted senses, particularly of taste and smell. He’s the star chef at the family restaurant in India, until it is destroyed in a horrific tragedy. Undaunted, Hassan’s Papa (Om Puri) takes him and his two brothers and two sisters to start over in London. When this move doesn’t work out, they’re off again, this time to try their luck in France. Just outside the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the beautiful southern part of the country, their rickety van breaks down. Luckily they are helped by aspiring chef Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), who feeds them, puts the van in the garage, and checks the family into a local hostel. Early that morning Papa sees an empty, shuttered restaurant and has an epiphany, He will buy the space and turn it into an Indian cuisine eatery. Hassan protests, saying that the locals are too unfamiliar with their spicy dishes. And besides, it’s right across the street (a hundred feet to be exact) from the celebrated classical French restaurant Le Saule Pleureur. But Papa is not deterred and soon the Maison Mumbai is open for business, much to the disdain of Le Saule’s owner Madam Mallory (Helen Mirren). And so begins a turf war between Papa and Mallory for the taste buds of the village. But soon Hassan develops an interest in French cuisine and for Marguerite. Can the two young romantics put an end to the conflict and cook happily ever after?

The film really coasts on the confident star power of Mirren. Her Mallory has a haughty arrogance in the early scenes, but Mirren shows us her vulnerable side. After the death of her husband, she’s lonely and puts all of her energy and desires into the running of her restaurant and the race for the Michelin star, the proverbial gold ring. In the later parts of the film. we get a glimpse of Mallory’s nurturing, maternal qualities as she takes in Hassan. She’s a great compliment to his other paternal figure, Puri as his stubborn, feisty father. He too deals with a great loss, but can’t indulge his sorrow in front of his children. He must be strong, to keep them focused on his new project, his determination and a touch of craftiness will provide a new prosperous life in this foreign land. Dayal is an energetic, wide-eyed hero who tries to temper his pop while being eager to learn new skills, and not forgetting his roots. Yes, he’s born with great talents, but he also must push himself and work very hard. Le Bon is a pixie-ish beauty who also has that same drive, while sharing her knowledge and kindness with the whole Kadam family.

Here’s the important part for much of the audience: the dishes look delicious. While the French dishes look artistically pleasing, with tiny bits of meat, sauce, and veggies arranged just so, the Indian foods look quite filling and substantial. Just viewing them, you almost want to loosen your belt. It’s a shame that the scenes away from the dining tables and kitchens aren’t quite as compelling. The romance of Hassan and Marguerite seems too rote, too pre-ordained. There’s not enough sparks between the two, and a second act conflict seems added just to keep us invested in their story. A mush more interesting relationship is that of Mallory and Papa Kadam with their antagonism melting to mutual respect and perhaps affection. And the location cinematography just sweeps us off our feet (and will send many to their fave travel websites). So the actors are wonderful, the story’s entertaining if familiar, and the meals are a feast for the eyes. THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY is a warm, heartfelt serving of cinematic comfort food that should hit the spot for most “movie foodies”.

3.5 Out of 5

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Win Tickets To The Advance Screening of THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY In St. Louis

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In THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY, Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant – the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai.

That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren) gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own escalate into a heated battle between the two establishments until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine — and for Madame Mallory’s enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), combine with his mysteriously delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Mme. Mallory cannot ignore. At first Mme. Mallory’s culinary rival, she eventually recognizes Hassan’s gift as a chef and takes him under her wing.

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY abounds with flavors that burst across the tongue. A stimulating triumph over exile, blossoming with passion and heart, it is a portrayal of two worlds colliding and one young man’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be.

Directed by Academy Award-nominee Lasse Hallström and starring Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Charoltte Le Bon, THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY is produced by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-nominee Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake.

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY opens in theaters on August 8.

WAMG invites you to enter to win passes to the advance screening of THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY on Monday, August 4th in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY marks the first time Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey have worked together since what movie?

Helen Mirren was given a title in 2003 by which Queen Elizabeth II. What was Mirren honored with?

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. ENTER YOUR NAME AND ANSWER IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

3. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

The film is rated PG.

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THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

Ava DuVernay’s SELMA To Open December 25; Oprah Winfrey Joins Cast

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Paramount Pictures and Pathé today announced that the feature film SELMA will have a limited release in the U.S. on Christmas Day and will open wide on January 9, 2015.

The date puts director Ava DuVernay’s (MIDDLE OF NOWHERE) film in a prime spot during awards season. Definitely add this one to your calendar.

SELMA is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic struggle to secure voting rights for all people – a dangerous and terrifying campaign that culminated with the epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and led to President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The film’s release will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the landmark legislation.

It was also announced that Academy Award nominee Oprah Winfrey has joined the cast as Annie Lee Cooper, an elderly woman and visible leader amongst the civil rights protesters in Selma who tried to register to vote and was unfairly denied by the sheriff.

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The film is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.

SELMA is being produced by Oprah Winfrey, Plan B, the producers of the Academy Award-winning TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE, and Cloud Eight Films’ Academy Award-winning Christian Colson (127 HOURS, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE).

Here’s how the huge, A-list cast breaks down:

  • David Oyelowo (INTERSTELLAR, LEE DANIEL’S THE BUTLER) as Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Tom Wilkinson (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, MICHAEL CLAYTON) as Lyndon Baines Johnson
  • Carmen Ejogo (ALEX CROSS, PRIDE AND GLORY) as Coretta Scott King
  • Tim Roth (Lie to Me, THE INCREDIBLE HULK) as George Wallace
  • Oprah Winfrey (LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, THE COLOR PURPLE”) as Annie Lee Cooper
  • Andre Holland (42, 1600 Penn) as Andrew Young
  • Omar J. Dorsey (DJANGO UNCHAINED, THE BLIND SIDE) as James Orange
  • Alessandro Nivola (A MOST VIOLENT YEAR, AMERICAN HUSTLE) as John Doar
  • Dylan Baker (The Good Wife, Damages) as J. Edgar Hoover
  • Giovanni Ribisi (My Name is Earl, AVATAR) as Lee White
  • Cuba Gooding Jr. (JERRY MAGUIRE) as Fred Gray
  • Tessa Thompson (Heroes, Veronica Mars) as Diane Nash
  • Colman Domingo (LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, 42) as Ralph Abernathy
  • Stephen Root (“Justified,” “Boardwalk Empire”) as Al Lingo
  • Jeremy Strong (“The Good Wife,” “ZERO DARK THIRTY”) as James Reeb
  • Common (NOW YOU SEE ME) as 

Paramount is handling the film’s domestic distribution, Pathé is distributing in the UK and France and Pathé International will handle sales to the rest of the world.

Follow the director on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AVAETC and Instagram: http://instagram.com/directher for updates on SELMA.

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