EDITOR’S NOTE: A more in depth interview with Wavy Gravy and director Michelle Esrick will soon follow this review.

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

When Hugh Romney joined up with Ken Kesey and the rest of the Merry Pranksters who formed the Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test team, Romney knew it was an adventure he had to go on.

“It was a chance to sign up on a space ship,” Romney said during one sequence of a documentary based on his adventures, “St. Misbehavin’: The Wavy Gravy Movie.”

…continue reading REVIEW: “St. Misbehavin’: The Wavy Gravy Movie” tells story of basic human needs

TICKETS AND INFO: Tickets and all-access passes are now on sale at the Stevens Center box office, via www.riverrunfilm.com or over the phone (336-721-1945). For up-to-date information, or for details about volunteering at the Festival, visit www.riverrunfilm.com or call 336-724-1502

STAFF REPORTS

Director Marc Webb, who helmed the Zooey Deschanel romantic comedy, “(500) Nights,” will be in attendance at the opening night screening of his film during this year’s RiverRun International Film Festival, held in Winston-Salem, N.C.

…continue reading RiverRun film festival to include Zooey Deschanel romantic comedy

STAFF REPORTS

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The heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, is the focus of a new documentary the best music documentary award at the SXSW Film & Music Festival in Austin, Texas and will be released in theaters in April.

The film, “Flight 666,” won the “24 Beats Per Second,” award at the film festival.

…continue reading “Iron Maiden” documentary headed for theaters

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” was one of the documentaries featured at the 2008 Asheville Film Festival, for which writer Michael Knox serves as a film recruiter.

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

“Anvil! The Story of Anvil,” a rock’n'roll documentary that premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival has landed a deal with VH1 as well as received a scheduled theatrical release. The film will be released on April 10 in New York and Los Angeles followed by a national release.

The film follows Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their band, Anvil, which released their album, 1982’s “Metal on Metal.” The album influenced an entire musical generation of rock bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who all went on to sell millions of records, according to a news release. Anvil, on the other hand, took a different path — straight to obscurity. The film follows their last-ditch quest for the fame and fortune that has been so elusive to them.

…continue reading “Anvil!” rock documentary gets theatrical release and VH1 screening

STAFF REPORTS

Durham, N.C., – March 5, 2009 – The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, April 2-5, has announced the 2009 film selections for the NEW DOCS program.  After considering over 1,200  submissions, the festival has released 55 NEW DOCS titles, included below.

In the coming weeks, Full Frame will announce additions to the NEW DOCS program, along with  film listings for the festival’s other sections; the 2009 Career Award honoring St. Clair Bourne, the  2009 Thematic Program “This Sporting Life,” and Special Programming.

…continue reading Major documentary festival, Full Frame, announces 55 films selected

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

Rolling Stone Magazine is offering an exclusive clip from the teacher/student sex
documentary, “After School.”

RollingStone.com has teamed up with Powerhouse Pictures Entertainment to
premiere an exclusive interview from their upcoming feature documentary
film, “After School.” The film is directed by Chris Barrett.

“After School” examines the nature of teacher student sexual relationships,
according to a news release. …continue reading “After School” explores teacher-student sexual relations

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

George A. Romero, the writer and director of the classic 1978 horror film, “Dawn of the Dead,” will be appearing in Charlotte, N.C.  in February as part of the Light Factory’s American Zombie Festival.

The festival takes place. Feb. 20 to the 22, at different venues in Charlotte, with ticket prices ranging from $8 to $60, depending on the event. The festival even includes a chance to talk to Romero.

The Light Factory presents a special opportunity for students, film buffs and filmmakers to interact, ask questions and hear from the horror master of independent cinema, Director George A. Romero. Fans can meet Romero during a seminar for $40, or for $60 can enjoy the seminar and a brunch with Romero.

In addition to Romero’s appearances, which will be held at Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, the McGlohon Theatre, and the EpiCentre Theaters, the American Zombie festival will also feature Romero judging upcoming talent.

The festival includes an American Zombie Horror Film Contest and Romero is personally judging the top five entries.

Those entries include:
Zombie Hunters by Christopher Baker
Grey Matter by Christian Norman
Devil Comes Down by Jerome McRoberts
Antibody by Nathan Bezner
See the Deadby Robert Filion

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

Robert M. Knight made a career of photographing some of rock and roll’s most famous legends.

Knight’s photography skills have captured the images of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Velvet Revolver, The Ramones and others.

Now, fans of these bands and of Knight’s photography will learn more about Knight in a feature film, “Rock Prophecies” spotlighting the life and art of veteran rock ‘n roll photographer Robert M. Knight

Executive produced by Emmy/Golden Globe winner Tim Kaiser the documentary tells the story of how Knight had a gift for being at the right place at the right time.

“[He's] the ‘Forrest Gump’ of rock ‘n roll, …continue reading Rock and roll documentary spotlights gifted photographer’s career

By Michael Knox, mknox@modernfilmzine.com

This year’s Asheville Film Festival brought out thousands to the downtown area, with several shows selling out.

Here is a rundown of the 2008 Asheville Film Festival winners:

…continue reading Asheville Film Fest winners