‘Mono 222,’ ‘Dreaming of Lions’ and ‘I Got Bombed at Harvey’s’ Top Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Awards – Film News in Brief

‘Mono 222,’ ‘Dreaming of Lions’ and ‘I Got Bombed at Harvey’s’ Top Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Awards – Film News in Brief

The 12th annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival has awarded its top prizes for the May 20-24 event in the California mountain town. “Mono 222,” directed by Quinton Dominguez, was awarded the jury prize for best North American narrative feature, while “Dreaming of Lions,” directed and written by Paolo Marinou-Blanco, won best international narrative feature. Best documentary feature went to “I Got Bombed at Harvey’s,” directed by Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel.

Audience awards went to “Danny Is My Boyfriend,” directed by Lucy Sandler and Mechi Lakatos, for narrative feature; “Tony Odyssey,” directed by Thales Banzai, for international narrative feature; and “Nuisance Bear,” directed by Jack Weisman and Gabriela Osio Vanden, for documentary feature.

“This year’s festival reaffirmed the power of independent film to spark conversation, foster connection, and champion daring creative voices,” said Shira Dubrovner, Festival Director and Founder. “We were thrilled to welcome a record number of filmmakers whose work reflects the passion and originality that continue to define the festival.”

See additional prize winners below:

Jury Awards Best N. American Narrative Feature: “Mono 222,” directed by Quinton Dominguez; $1,000 cash award, $15,000 Panavision Camera Rental Grant, Honorable Mention: “Debt to the Dead,” directed by Daniel Castro Zimbrón

Best International Narrative Feature: “Dreaming of Lions,” directed by Paolo Marinou-Blanco; $1,000 cash award Honorable Mention: “Tony Odyssey,” directed by Thales Banzai

Best Documentary Feature: “I Got Bombed at Harvey’s,” directed by Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel; $1,000 cash award

Bravery Award for Documentary Feature: “Sugarfly,” directed by Max Schoenfeld; $1,000 cash award

Best Screenplay: “The Unseen,” written by Shivakumar Ramanathan; $1,000 cash award and a Slated script and financial analysis bundle.

Best Narrative Short: “Reunion,” directed by Kyle Montgomery and Judd Myers $500 cash award; Honorable Mention: “Boat Movie,” directed by Anna Torzullo and Stephanie Ibarra

Best International Narrative Short: “Leivalaul (Breadsong),” directed by Katariina Aule; $500 cash award

Best Documentary Short: “Jar of Time,” directed by Nevena Semova and Swapnil Arjun; $500 cash award Honorable Mention: “Hyodo’s Paradise,” directed by Jacque Rabie

Best Animation Short: “Wan Wan,” directed by Mayuko Kobayashi; $500 cash award Honorable Mention: “Long Live Livia,” directed by Zach Dorn

Best Music Video: “High Season,” by Yuliia Yanko and Trygve Luktvasslimo, directed by Trygve Luktvasslimo; $500 cash award Honorable Mention: “Erghad Afewo,” by Tinariwen, directed by Axel Digoix

Thursday, May 28

Digital Domain Launches New AI Infrastructure to Aid Production

Digital Domain, a visual effects and technology company that has worked on Oscar-winning films like “Titanic,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “What Dreams May Come,” is launching DDAI, a new piece of AI infrastructure that combines CGI pipelines with generative AI.

The goal is to help meet the demands of modern film and TV production. The team of generative AI artists, researchers and engineers behind the project are led by Matt Smith, a VFX industry veteran newly appointed as Digital Domain’s creative development director of AI. In a statement, Smith said: “Generative AI is advancing rapidly. Through DDAI, we provide a powerful framework of artist-driven tools seamlessly integrated into our traditional production pipeline.”

Through DDAI, AI concept artists are now involved at every stage of production. According to an official press release, this is designed to allow for “faster alignment on visuals and design, reducing costly last-minute revisions, and returning creative decision-making to directors earlier in the production process.”

“Technology has always changed the way artists create, but the heart of storytelling has never changed,” said Sudhir Reddy, president of global VFX business at Digital Domain, in a statement. “With DDAI, we’re building tools that help artists and our pipeline be more efficient – to iterate, discover, and refine ideas in real time while keeping creativity firmly human-led. We believe AI should amplify artistry, not automate it away. That means using these tools ethically and transparently, always in collaboration with the people behind the work.”

Wednesday, May 27

‘Spa Weekend’ Trailer: Isla Fisher and Anna Faris Head Ensemble Cast in New Black Bear Comedy

Black Bear has released the trailer for “Spa Weekend.”

The comedy stars Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Anna Faris and is written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore.

Per the official description, “Black Bear” is in the spirit of “Bad Moms” and “The Hangover” and is a “hilarious and heartfelt comedy about four lifelong friends who realize that somewhere between careers, relationships, families and everyday responsibilities, they have forgotten how to take care of themselves and each other. Burned out and overdue for a break, the women escape to a luxury spa retreat for what turns out to be an unforgettable weekend dedicated to fun, laughter, and a lot of really bad decisions.”

“Black Bear” is produced by Suzanne Todd, p.g.a., John Friedberg, p.g.a., Teddy Schwarzman, and Michael Heimler.

“Black Bear” has a run time of 97 minutes and is in theaters Aug. 21.

Watch the trailer below.