Q&A: Carlos Agulló on Plot For Peace

A true story of intrigue, Plot for Peace traces the behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuverings to release Nelson Mandela from jail in South Africa in the 1980s. For the first time, heads of state, generals, diplomats, master spies and anti-apartheid fighters reveal how Africa’s front line states helped end apartheid. One man stood at the center of […]

Q&A: Matt Winn on ‘The Brunchers’

A couple (Tom Burke and Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer) tries to tackle the London brunch scene, but getting a seat is harder than deciding what to eat. Matt Winn’s short film The Brunchers screens before the feature film Tasting Menu at HIFF 2013. Please describe your film in your own words. Matt Winn: The […]

Q&A: Whitney Ransick on ‘Misfire: The Rise and Fall of The Shooting Gallery’

The Shooting Gallery was one of the premier production companies for independent film in the 1990s, responsible for art-house hits like Laws of Gravity, Sling Blade, and You Can Count on Me. After the success of fellow alum Hal Hartley, a cabal of grads from SUNY Purchase decided to start a fast-paced company with a […]

Q&A: Director Ava Warbrick on ‘Stephanie in the Water’

Professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore won her first world championship event at age 17 on a day off from high school. Over the next four years, she led the sport, claiming back-to-back world titles as the undisputed champion. Stephanie’s talent seemed untouchable—until a violent turn of events abruptly ended her winning streak. This intimate documentary portrait […]

Q&A: Bob Giraldi on A Poet Long Ago

Based on a story by Pete Hamill, two friends from a Brooklyn grammar school reconnect and realize the impact they and their work had on each other. A Poet Long Ago, directed by Bob Giraldi, screens at HIFF 2013 in the shorts film program Connections. Please describe A Poet Long Ago in your own words. […]