Posted on

71st DGA Awards Recap and Winners

 

The World Wide team was pleased to be in attendance at the 71st DGA awards held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood this past Sunday (Feb 3rd). Despite the rainy weather which soaked the red carpet, the stars were in attendance to show their support for the nominated directors. There was another win for Alfonso Cuaron, director of ROMA which is a good thing for Foreign Language Films like the upcoming release of WWMPC’s THE ROAD TO MOTHER!

As the ceremony commenced, it was clear that this year’s DGA Awards were especially friendly to independent-leaning films like Alfonso Cuaron's ROMA, Peter Farrelly’s GREEN BOOK, and Bo Burnham’s EIGHTH GRADE. With recognition going to veterans like Spike Lee for BLACKKKLANSMAN and new directors like Bradley Cooper for A STAR IS BORN, the nominations for a wide variety of feature film and television projects appear to be becoming more diverse in both genre and story.

Diversity was a major theme of this year’s awards for both in front of and behind the camera, and was well-served with the wide variety of artists and filmmakers both new and old in attendance.

A few of the evenings highlights were:

Further recognition was afforded the UPM department (Unit Production Manager) for Kathleen McGill as well as the Directing teams including 1st and 2nd AD’s (Assistant Director) like Michael “Shelley” Ziegler (A STAR IS BORN) and Matt Rebenkoff (VICE).

All of the feature film directors were recognized, most being introduced by the stars of their films like John David Washington, Laura Harrier and Topher Grace for BLACKKKLANSMAN, Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira for ROMA, Christian Bale for VICE, as well as a touching introduction from Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini for GREEN BOOK director Peter Farrelly.

Jordan Peele humorously delighted the crowd as he presented the award for First-Time Feature Film Director which went to 24-year-old Bo Burnham for the film EIGHTH GRADE. In his speech Burnham claimed that he didn’t see this as “a room of his peers, but rather a room full of people he admired”

.

Also spotlighted at this year’s awards were documentaries like THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS, directed by Tim Wardle.

We hope the momentum for recognizing foreign language films continues into the 91st Academy Awards later this month and beyond.

Posted on

Susan Lynch and National Sisters’ Day

 

By Ashley Callahan

On August 7th, 2011, National Sisters’ day became an unofficial holiday and was celebrated for the first time. It has been recognized annually ever since. The day acknowledges the strong bond people share with their sisters and encourages them to celebrate the special relationship. Studies from Brigham Young University actually show that sisters give siblings better mental health. In the film, Red Roses and Petrol, younger sister Medbh (Heather Juergensen) can be seen as a caretaker for her mother as well as an anchor that keeps her siblings together. Her brother, Johnny is an out of control playboy who spends his time drinking and doing as he pleases. However, with Medbh, Johnny is a loving, wise individual who cares deeply for his family. When older sister, Catherine (Susan Lynch), returns home with her new fiancé Tom, Medbh is reminded of her position and that she has not yet experienced the world in the same way. This shows the sacrifice she makes for her family. It also proves her ability to bring independent Catherine back home after years of being away. A day like Sisters’ day encourages us to show appreciation for the strength and compassion our own sisters give us. It is a “thank you” for those like the character Medbh who strive to show their families why they need to depend on each other. It is a celebration of a very integral part of family.

Although there are deeply rooted issues in the Doyle family, the importance of a sister like Medbh is easy to recognize. There may be some jealousy with her sister, Catherine, but she loves her regardless and would clearly do anything for her. It is often those who are closest to us and challenge us the most will become a source of tension at times. Still, there is nothing like a bond between siblings. Many of us have sisters who know us better than anyone. This year, National Sisters’ Day will be held on August 5th, as it is celebrated the first Sunday of every August. Don’t forget to express your appreciation for your sister this Sister’s Day!

Posted on

World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation Acquires Kazakhstan’s Academy Award/Golden Globes Submission, The Road to Mother

 

Los Angeles, CA, July 10, 2018 -- World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (formerly OTCBB:WWMO) announced today that it has acquired North American distribution rights to THE ROAD TO MOTHER (theroadtomother.com), Kazakhstan’s official submission for the 2017 Academy Awards in the category of Best Foreign Language Film and the previous 74th Golden Globe Awards in the same category.

Executive Produced by Aliya Nazarbayeva, directed by Akan Sateyev (also known for Strayed, Zhauzhurek Myng Bala ), and starring internationally acclaimed Central Asia actors Bolat Abdilmanov, Aruzhan Jazilbekova, and Berik Aitzhanov, THE ROAD TO MOTHER was produced by KazakhFilm JSC. Inspired by true events and spanning nearly a century, the epic drama follows the journey of a young Kazakh family from the 1930s to present day and explores the history of Kazakhstan through war, famine, collectivization, and the determination of the clan to remain united.

“The film’s producers and I are honored to finally have THE ROAD TO MOTHER opening theatrically in the United States. I’m very happy that the World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation’s marketing and distribution team could see that the film’s heartwarming story was truly universal and could be enjoyed by audiences anywhere in the world,” states the film’s director, Akan Satayev.

THE ROAD TO MOTHER premiered at the 38th Moscow International Film Festival to critical acclaim and has been showcased at numerous other festivals, including: the New York Eurasian Film Festival (USA) – Winner: Best Foreign Film; the Marco Polo Film Festival (Croatia) – Winner: Best Film; WeLink International Film Festival (USA) – Winner: Best Feature Film; the Eurasian Bridge International Film Festival (Yalta) – Winner: Grand Prix and Best Actress for Altynai Nogherbek; and the Almaty Independent Film Festival (Kazakhstan) – Winner: Tulpar Prize. Additionally, THE ROAD TO MOTHER was recognized by the Ak Ilbirs National Film Awards (Kyrgyzstan) in the category of Best Central Asia Film.

“World Wide is very proud to be releasing a meaningful multigenerational drama that also carries with it the high prestige of being Kazakhstan’s official foreign language entry for the Oscars,” states CEO Paul D. Hancock. “Families throughout the United States, especially mothers, will surely embrace this heartwarming story.”

THE ROAD TO MOTHER will be released in select theaters throughout the US in fall 2018, including major metropolitan areas, with many Kazakhstani and Asian American organizations offering their support.

Founded in 1977, World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (www.wwmpc.com) is a diversified company with shareholders throughout the world, primarily involved in the development, financing, production, and distribution of feature films, documentaries, short subjects, industrials and television productions. World Wide’s industry executives and board members have produced, distributed, and consulted on a wide variety of film and television products, earning Academy awards, Emmy awards, and prizes from international film festivals.

Media Contacts:
Farid Hameditoloui
World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation
wwmpc@wwmpc.com
(714) 960-7264

Joshua Jason, Founder/President
JJPR
joshua@joshuajasonpr.com
(323) 933-5716

Posted on

Happy Birthday, Greta Scacchi!

 

On behalf of the entire staff at World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation, we would like to wish Italian-Australian actress Greta Scacchi a very Happy Birthday! She is an Emmy Award-winning actress and has appeared in over 50 films. You may recognize her from her roles in White Mischief, Presumed Innocent, The Player, and Ways to Live Forever. Greta is currently on the hit TV show Versailles and plays Lady Jane Franklin on the TV series The Terror.

In one of her more recent films, Ways to Live Forever  that was distributed by World Wide Motion Pictures (WWMPC), she combines both her acting talents and passion as a humanitarian in her role as the main character’s tutor, Mrs. Willis. In this film, she inspires Sam, the main character who is a 12-year-old boy dying from leukemia, to live his life to the best extent possible. It is a poignant and uplifting film that reminds us all to not fear the uncertainties of life, but rather embrace it.

Scacchi is an active supporter of campaigns and organisations that promote environmental causes. In October 2013, for her services to the arts she was made a knight in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In September 2017, she was the Festival Ambassador for the three week-long Lavazza Italian Film Festival, which ran in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart. Scacchi is fluent in English, French, German, and Italian. She is a dual citizen of Italy and Australia.

  

Posted on

Doctor’s Day 2017 with Robbie Kay film WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER

 

There is absolutely no question that today’s doctors are some of the most heroic figures in the world. They dedicate a lot of time which begins in their schooling years and spend long nights studying so that they can one day make this world a better place for the greater good. Their work days are some of the longest out there. They don’t think twice about making great sacrifices, and around the world, in some cases, doctors even place their lives on the front lines for others. At the end of the day, they do their work without seeking credit or publicity. Sometimes we may not like going in for a checkup or physical, but a trip to the docs office can keep our bodies in shape and can even save our lives.Doctors day

World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation supports doctors everywhere. During the campaign for the release of the feature film Ways To Live Forever, with Robbie Kay and Ella Purnell, WWMPC reached out to John Hopkin’s University, which is a world leader in research and education in medicine as well as public health, to talk about how we can give back to them. Ultimately, a portion of the proceeds from the release of the were set aside to help fund pediatric cancer programs at John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

 

Though this was only a small token of gratitude towards doctors and researchers everywhere, our appreciation for them speaks volumes. While doctors don’t wear capes, their white coats will forever symbolize their heroic works in which we today recognize and acknowledge. Doctors worldwide: we thank you and salute you for all your hard work and dedication.

To learn more about John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ways To Live Forever, watch the video below.

 

Posted on

BE YOURSELF AND CELEBRATE NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

 

Welcome to 2016 where same-sex marriage has been legalized, visibility for the LGBTQ community has skyrocketed, and where calling something or someone “gay” does not mean dumb or stupid. Thanks to the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign in  spreading awareness, coming out of the closet to friends and family has become a safer place for everyone in today’s society.

Before there was National Coming Out Day (NCOD), there was the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights fighting to spread the awareness of the AIDS crisis and how little the Ronald Reagan administration did not recognize the dilemma as an actual issue. A year later, to celebrate the anniversary of the march, NCOD came to be!

So, how does the Teen Wolf, Arrow, The Grinder, and Scream Queens star play a role into this huge scheme of national coming out day? Colton Hayne was honored with the Human Right Campaign’s Visibility Award! Haynes’s speech trended over Facebook the weekend of the event.

Haynes shares three facts about himself that individuals that didn’t follow him on social media should know:

  1. He grew up in Kansas.
  2. He has been obsessed with clouds and wanted to be a meteorologist.
  3. Lastly, the fact that he’s gay.

During his speech, he states that his sexuality comes as natural as the colors of his eyes. Working with his sexuality has made him an open and honest person, which tied into his acting career. Haynes talks about how he takes on so many different roles that he never felt like himself until that moment on his the stage giving his speech.

“I don’t necessarily feel especially deserving of this recognition. We all know that there are many other ways, many other people  who have come before me and blazed the trail as LGBT advocates and role models. And I’m walking in their shoes and I’m following in their lead. Instead, I’ll accept this award as a promise. My promise is simple and real and I’m not making it you. I’m making it to the next generation of lesbians and gay men, bisexuals, transgender youth, and I hope my example will give them the confidence and hope to be who they are as well and for them to conquer their own fears and their own hesitations.”

Haynes reassures those questioning about coming out of the closet that if they do, it will be worth it in the end. They will finally get to be themselves along with find out who they are, who their families and friends are, and help them become honest and open individuals.

National Coming Out Day is not about finding that happily ever after, as Haynes states in his speech, but it is about having a happy beginning. So whether you’re a cowboy, a drag queen, a bartender, or a mobster, like in Pop Kowboy, celebrate yourself and enjoy being the only person you can be, yourself!