California Film Institute Leaps Into Theatrical Film Distribution
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – (January 19, 2010) Mark Fishkin, the founder and executive director of the California Film Institute (CFI), the non-profit arts organization that produces the Mill Valley Film Festival and owns and operates the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, has announced that CFI is starting a new theatrical distribution program for independent films. Distribution has been a longtime goal for CFI in order to further its mission of showcasing commendable independent films to the community.
The new, non-profit division, called CFI Releasing, is presenting as its inaugural film, Touching Home, which was written and directed by Marin County residents Noah and Logan Miller. Based on the twin brothers’ true-life story, the film stars four-time Academy Award®-nominated actor Ed Harris, Academy Award-nominees Robert Forster and Brad Dourif, and features Lee Meriwether, and the Miller twins in their acting debut.
“Touching Home is the perfect choice for our initial offering,” commented Fishkin. “This is such an inspirational and well-crafted film made by two extremely talented filmmakers, so it’s especially significant that we start our new distribution effort with this film. What the Miller brothers accomplished epitomizes the independent spirit of filmmaking and the kind of films we want to distribute. They had no experience in Hollywood or the film industry, but achieved their dreams through sheer determination. What’s more, Ed Harris delivers a remarkable performance playing their father.” The Miller Brothers also wrote a national bestselling memoir Either You're in or You're in The Way, which chronicles their gonzo adventures behind the making of the film. The paperback edition will be released around the same time as their film.
“The Mill Valley Film Festival began 33 years ago primarily showcasing local, Bay Area filmmakers,” said Richard Idell, president of CFI’s board of directors. “So being able to release Touching Home goes back to our original roots. Since then, we’ve grown into a renowned international film festival, opened the state-of-the-art, three-screen Smith Rafael Film Center, and developed our Education program, which serves over 4,500 students each year. Every step, including the new distribution program, exemplifies our mission to celebrate and promote film as art and education.” CFI Releasing will be opening Touching Home in limited release this spring, beginning with seven major markets, including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Denver. The film will open in April with a gala premiere at the Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael, CA. The filmmakers and cast membersare expected to attend. Premiere celebrations are slated for other markets as well. Jan Klingelhofer will serve as head of sales.
“Our focus going forward will be on distributing independent films with an original voice that have something distinctive to say,” said Fishkin. “Our distribution arm will develop organically in a productive way that supports the organization, while supporting who we are and what we do Our hope is that these films and their filmmakers will greatly benefit from our long film festival and theatrical presentation experience.”
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Watch Oscar Winning animator Brad Bird discuss the influence Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove had on him. This Q&A with CFI Executive Director Mark Fishkin happened as part of the Films of My Life Series on August 19, 2009 at the Smith Rafael Film Center. (Videographer: Michael Lutman)
CFI Congratulates Our Executive Director and Founder, Mark Fishkin on Receiving the IFFS Director Award!
Mark Fishkin director and founder of the Mill Valley Film Festival, was recently given the Director Award at this year’s International Film Festival Summit, which was held in Las Vegas December 7-9, 2009. This prestigious industry accolade is presented to the film festival director who has made considerable contributions and a lasting impact on his film festival and independent film. Special emphasis for consideration is placed on festival growth, new programs, organizational structure and overall vision.
“It is such an honor to be nominated by my peers in the film festival and entertainment industry,” said Fishkin. “I want to accept this award not only for myself, but for my dedicated staff and board of directors. Film festivals continue to play a very important role in bringing communities together and opening up significant dialogue about a full range of issues, from pure entertainment to tackling social issues that can impact entire societies and the world. Film festivals also share a vital symbiotic relationship with independent films in particular, since they are in many cases the only venues where such films can be seen and appreciated.”
The awards were presented by actor Ernie Hudson.
California Film Institute 1001 Lootens Place, Suite 220, San Rafael CA 94901 T 415 383 5256 E info@cafilm.org
