Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions is boarding the North American theatrical release of Joshua Zeman’s documentary “Checkpoint Zoo,” which chronicles a “daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers, who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial days of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.”
Appian Way joins Noah Media Group and Ghost Robot, with Abramorama handling North American theatrical release rights and Osmosis Global handling worldwide sales. The film’s North American theatrical release will begin in New York City later this summer, with screenings hosted by the director and featuring special guests.
“As a filmmaker, it’s so rare to find a story that is so uplifting – so hopeful— that it brings tears to your eyes. That’s the power of stories about animals. Watching these men and women, dodging bombs while carrying a lion to safety – it restores your faith in humanity,” Zeman said in a statement. “I think audiences are craving these types of stories right now – stories about real-life heroes who embody empathy, compassion, and selflessness.”
The release will come on the heels of “Checkpoint Zoo’s” Tribeca Festival premiere and an ongoing festival run including stops at the Tribeca, Mill Valley, Palm Springs, Sonoma and Salem Film Festivals. Most recently “Checkpoint Zoo” won Jury awards at the Miami, Annapolis and Minneapolis, St. Paul Film Festivals.
Tuesday, May 6
‘The Virgin Suicides,’ ‘The Sugarland Express’ and ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ Among Academy Museum’s Summer Line-Up
“The Virgin Suicides” with Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst in attendance, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 35mm and “The Sugarland Express” with Goldie Hawn in-person are among this summer’s Academy Museum line-up.
From June 1-Aug. 30, the museum will celebrate the season with the film series “Summer of Camp!” bringing cult classic films like “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,” “White Chicks” and “Reefer Madness.” Another series titled “Queer, Period: Desire Through the Ages” will run June 15-30, bringing historical dramas and period pieces that tell subtle queer stories.
Additional highlights include the 4K restoration screening of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” on June 13, a tribute to Val Kilmer featuring a 4K screening of “Tombstone” on June 28 and a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Crip Camp” on July 19, followed by a conversation with directors Jim Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham.
“This summer’s lineup reflects the creativity and collaboration that define the Academy Museum,” Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma said in a statement. “From filmmaker talks and curated film series, to hands-on workshops for all ages, we’re bringing together diverse voices and perspectives. Programs like our ‘Crip Camp’ conversation and screening showcase how cinema can inspire dialogue, community, and change — all made possible through the artists and partners who help shape these experiences.”
A full list of screenings and events can be found here.
Monday, May 5
American Pavilion Unveils 2025 Cannes Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
The American Pavilion has unveiled this year’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase line-up at Cannes, featuring 16 female directors and names like Jason Reitman (“Saturday Night”), Rainn Wilson (“The Office”), Flora Jiwu Hwang (“Beef”) and Lisa Emery (“Ozark”) associated with select projects.
“The Emerging Filmmaker Showcase continues to showcase a strong slate of films and filmmakers highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Emerging Filmmaker Showcase director Monika Skerbelis said in a statement. “I’m excited we are partnered with Gold House for a second year as they present their Cultural Impact Award.”
The emerging filmmaker showcase films include “Agiter,” “Dear Owner,” “Get Away,” “Little Orange Flags,” “Miriam,” “Ragamuffin,” “Sally, Get the Potatoes” and “She is Us: The Story of Judge Songhai Armstead.”
The LGBTQ+ showcase selections include “Dancing in Tomorrowland,” “Handwoven,” “Happy New Year, Ms. Luna,” “Interference,” “Old Girl in a Tutu: Susan Rennie Disrupts Art History,” “Pace,” “Safety State” and “Saturday Ritual.” Projects in the emerging filmmaker student showcase include “Ada and the Doc,” “Before the Winter,” “Chase Jupiter,” “Christmas, Every Day,” “The Hicks Happy Hour,” “Life and Soul,” “Loving Day,” “Private i” and “When Big People Lie.”
Films will screen Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21 at The American Pavilion.
Read the full article here
