I’m thrilled to announce that the short film I wrote (really it’s one scene of a full-length, but we shot as a standalone), July and Half of August, will be screening this year at Ebertfest (along with an exciting slate including Elle, Being There, Pleasantville, Hair, and many more.) Many thanks to Chaz Ebert and program director Nate Kohn for including July and Half of August in the festival.
The film was directed by Brandeaux Tourville, and stars the wonderful Annika Marks and Robert Baker. The cinematographer was Peter Mosiman, who did an incredible job with the evocative black and white photography. I am so excited to get to see the film in that gigantic movie palace.
Many thanks to Matt Zoller Seitz for writing such a beautiful review of July and Half of August for the Ebertfest program.
Wow. Congratulations! This must be a real thrill!
Thanks! We’re very excited!
Wow, indeed. This is great news.
Thank you DBW!
So seven or so minutes ago, I followed a link from the University’s site to the official Ebertfest site and scrolled through the films. Couldn’t believe my eyes! Sheila, what exciting and wonderful news! Congratulations!
Postscript: So what’s sort of crazy about this, for me, is that I recently republished my post about seeing the reading in Chicago. Then, the documentary was my pick when my daughters and I first glanced at the list. I was floored that your film was listed AND on the day I hope to attend. (The girls are juniors at U of I.) The world is small in a wacky and cool way. I am so happy for you, Sheila!
MFS – hey you!! Always great to hear from you – that’s wonderful about your daughters! I love how you discovered this news – hilarious. It meant so much to have you there at the reading in Chicago – and had no idea you re-published your wonderful review – our very first!! I still remember that discussion the audience had afterwards – one of my first inklings that the script really worked.
Thanks for reaching out – hope you are well!
Wish I knew a bunch of languages to say it in…but in the only one I know CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks, NJ!!
WONDERFUL!!!!!
Thanks!! Gonna be a crazy couple of weeks!
Livin the Special Guest Life!
Congratulations, Sheila!
Thank you so much!
Congrats, Sheila!
Thanks, Paula!
Woohoo! What a thrill to see this on a giant screen at such a wonderful festival – congratulations!!!
Helena – thanks! I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
Happy our little film is going to be there. Means so much!
So awesome! Congratulations!
Thank you, Natalie!!
So happy for you!!!
Thanks, Lisa!
Congrats!!
Thanks Melissa!!
That’s so exciting! And what a beautifully written review.
Thank you, Bethany!
Wow, that’s awesome! Congrats!
Thank you so much Audrey!
“you can intuit what came before just from watching Marks and Baker talk, listen, chew ice”
Very specific ice, might I add.:)
Congratulations, Sheila, that’s great! I still hope I’ll get to see it someday.
Lyrie – hahahaha
You have such a good memory! Oh, that ICE. You gotta get the ice cubes right or all will be lost!
and thanks!
That’s so exciting!! I’m sure hearing a huge audience laugh and react in real time to your words will be strange, exhilarating experience. I’m so happy for you!
Myrtle – strange is right! It’s been screened a couple of times and I’m always so relieved when I hear people laugh. Like, Phew, it’s not so solemn that they’re afraid to find some of it funny.
Nervewracking, but super fun and I’m proud to let people see it!
This is wonderful news! If only I could afford both the TCM festival and Ebertfest in one year! Will you be speaking at the festival?
Such a lovely review by Matt-and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I want to see this so much, I hope we all get a chance to view it at some point.
I’m off to the TCM Festival this week-of course bittersweet with the loss of Robert Osborne, who was such a warm presence at our first festival.
Best of luck!
Maureen –
I can’t wait to hear reports back from TCM Festival, which I am sure will be extra emotional this year.
and yes – Matt’s piece was beautiful. I am very thankful he took the time to write it.
Congratulations! So deserved! Such a lovely review. So pleased/proud for you!
Thanks Bill!! xoxo
Sheila! Fantastic! well deserved and great review! So exciting!!
Thank you Regina!! March was the busiest month I’ve had since … college finals week a million years ago??
But it’s all good stuff.
My very very best to you and C.
I’ve been happily following the progression of your film over the last couple of years, and just want to say, along with everyone here, how happy I am for you that your film will be screened at Ebertfest. Such a beautiful venue. You must be absolutely thrilled.
I would love to be able to see this film some day. Any chance you could get it screened at TIFF? I would go see it, FOR SURE!
Helena – thank you so much!!
I am not sure about other festivals – or where we will go from here. I’m focusing now on trying to get the full-length version produced (as a play, first – then we’ll see.)
But this Ebertfest thing has been a good shot in the arm, that’s for sure.
Thanks for the support!
This all sounds amazing, and like a lot of hard work. But if anyone is able to get it done, it would be you. Can’t wait to hear what will happen next. Good luck!!