Lots going on in April here at IFC. Big, BIG, BIG (did we say big?) premieres and themed nights to keep your visuals satisfied. Where to begin? How about Raging Bull, since it should've given Martin Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar back in 1980, not 27 years later for a film that failed to match this one's worth. Thankfully, Robert DeNiro did get honored with the grand prize for his outstanding performance as a violent boxer who can't control his emotions in or outside of the ring. Raging Bull premieres Sunday, April 6th, on a night of true-to-life films dedicated to people who just can't seem to shake trouble i.e. gambler Stu Ungar in High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story, and Michael Alig, club kid turned murderer, in Party Monster.

Also this month, the World War II drama The Pianist makes its debut on IFC. Adrian Brody won the Oscar in 2002 for his role in the film as a gifted musician trying to flee Nazi-occupied Warsaw, as did director Roman Polanski (though the latter, unable to enter the U.S., had to give his 'thanks' via a statement days later.)

A new genre emerged in the 1970s, when urban filmmakers began taking movies into their own hands to target black audiences. What resulted were some seriously bad ass characters followed around by some of the coolest, funkiest soundtracks to mimic their life. The fiery Foxy Brown, Coffy, Black Caesar, and Brotherhood of Death, are all on IFC. To get a history on how these and other films in the genre were made, tune into the IFC Original Doc Baadasssss Cinema, airing on the same night - Thursday, April 3rd.

And, for all you horror fiends, break out the umbrella for April Splatters. The screams, the blood, the gore, the girl in the shower that you know is about to get whacked. It all comes down Saturday, April 12th with Halloween, Dahmer, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

By Joanna Varikos in What to Watch on IFC | Link | 0 Comments | Recommended (7)

Tags: April, films, schedule

Ah, Australia. You're only a day away...literally. Boasting some of the finest waters and green lands as natural backdrops, as well as numerous film industry talent, it's no wonder Aussie movies are pretty darn impressive. From acting to the defining overall style that makes them Australian, IFC is honoring the filmmaking skills of the Land Down Under for an entire weekend beginning at noon on Saturday, March 22nd, and Sunday, March 23rd. Here are some of our faves:

• The Hard Word - An infusion of Australian wit with an edgy cops-and-robbers plotline, this film gives a first-hand lesson in Aussie slang. Getting a black eye is the difference between calling someone a "wanker" and not a "mate."
• My Brilliant Career & Picnic at Hanging Rock - Both of these were made in the 1970s, when film funding got a big boost in Australia. Picnic, directed by Peter Weir (his first feature is the classic "Cars that Ate Paris"), was a stepping stone in the impact Australian cinema had on the international market.
• Proof - A very young Russell Crowe in one of his first roles, just when those exemplary acting chops started brewing.
• Danny Deckchair - A feel-good romantic comedy about a guy who sets off to new heights when his helium-inspired balloon chair takes flight.
• Strictly Ballroom - Celebrated Aussie director Baz Luhrmann puts a comedic spin on the backstage drama of ballroom dancing.
• Garage Days - Solid confirmation that the "sex, drugs and rock n' roll" lifestyle is alive and well no matter what continent you're on.

By Joanna Varikos | Link | 0 Comments | Recommended (4)

Tags: Australia March Indies down under films

For the next 10 days, IFC will be covering the sights and sounds of this year's South by Southwest Festival on our blogs, online video reports, and on the channel. Alison Willmore will be posting reviews and interviews on the Indie Eye and Film News blogs (ably assisted by Stephen Saito), Matt Singer hosts our daily IFC News video coverage, and JIm Shearer will be joining them in Austin next week to cover the music festival for the Indie Ear blog. Plus, we'll be launching our new daily online video show, "Lunchbox", on Monday, March 10th at 12 noon ET on IFC.com.

So what's so special about this festival? The Hollywood Reporter spoke with IFC's general manager, Evan Shapiro:

IFC also takes advantage of the synergies at the festival. Both IFC Entertainment and IFC TV are major sponsors, but this year, IFC TV has turned the volume up exponentially: It is world premiering two documentaries (the punk-band-focused "Heavy Load" and the exploration of capital punishment "At the Death House Door"), hosting a panel tying in with "Death House," sponsoring a party with live performances by My Morning Jacket and Yo La Tengo, and launching a broadband show called "The Lunchbox" directly from the festival.

"In a culture where independent music has become 30%-40% of all music sold, when independent films get almost all the nominations at the Academy Awards, SXSW is reaping the benefits," explains IFC TV general manager Evan Shapiro. "In March, Austin is the center of independent culture in the world."

So come back to IFC.com every day and check out the latest from SXSW at ifc.com/sxsw. (Ordering in BBQ is optional.)

By Melianthe Kines | Link | 0 Comments | Recommended (0)

Tags: sxsw 2008

Are you one of the lucky ones attending the South by Southwest Festival this year in Austin? Don't miss these IFC events:

• Screening, "At The Death House Door", an IFC original documentary - 4 PM on Sunday, March 9th at The Paramount
  


• Screening, "Heavy Load", an IFC original documentary - 6:30 PM on Monday, March 10th at the Alamo on South Lamar
  


• The IFC Crossroads Party, featuring performances by My Morning Jacket and Yo La Tengo, will take place on Tuesday, March 11th at The Parish, 214 East 6th St. Free Show. Doors open at 10 PM - Space is Limited, Don't Be Late! (21 years +. Valid ID Required.)
  
  To pick up your free ticket to the show, go to Waterloo Records on Monday, March 10th at 10AM.
  
  A note to our guests: The IFC Crossroads Party represents the intersection of Indie film and music at SXSW. We are proud to host this great night of Independently Inspired Partying to call out the many ways in which IFC gets its Indie On!!
  

By Melianthe Kines in Events | Link | 0 Comments | Recommended (3)

Tags: at the death house door, events, heavy load, sxsw 2008