| Veteran Documentary Filmmaker St. Clair Bourne produces Sundance mini-doc about Melvin and Mario Van Peebles at the Sundance Film Festival
 St.Clair Bourne was commissioned by the Sundance Channel to produce a mini-documentary about Melvin and Mario Van Peebles at the Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 15-24) at the premier of Mario’s new dramatic feature film BAADASSS!
In 1971 Melvin Van Peebles produced, directed, wrote and starred in SWEET SWEETBACK’S BAADASSS SONG. The film became the top grossing independent hit of that year and spawned both the American Independent Film movement as well as the Black Film movement. More than 30 years later, Mario Van Peebles, Melvin’s son, has directed a revealing portrait of his pioneering father and stars as Melvin in BAADASSS!
Bourne joined forces with cinematographer Jose Garcia, who shot the original SWEETBACK, to produce the mini-documentary in time for broadcast over the Sundance Channel on January 24, the last day of the festival. “This fast schedule reminds me of my early days but it will be fun. I’ve known Melvin from ‘back in the day’” said Bourne, “and have watched Mario’s commitment to independent filmmaking. This was a great shoot.”
Also: Paul Newman, Ossie Davis to Present Awards to
Sidney Lumet, St.Clair Bourne at Director's View Film Festival, Fairfield County, Conn.
Paul Newman and Ossie Davis have been confirmed as award presenters at the 5th Director's View Film Festival taking place February 12-16 at locations throughout Fairfield County, Conn.
On Monday, February 16, Ossie Davis will present the Director's View Documentarian Award to St. Clair Bourne. Having produced, directed, and written over 40 films during a period spanning 25 years, Bourne has explored African life both in the United States and internationally. Standouts include "Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks" (HBO) and "John Henrik Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk," his independent feature-length documentary about the respected historian and Pan-African activist. The reception and award presentation (8:00 P.M., Holiday Inn Select, Stamford) will be preceded by a screening of at The Avon Theater in Stamford "Paul Robeson: Here I Stand!" (PBS). Ironically, the U.S. Post Office, on January 20, issued a Paul Robeson commemorative stamp.
On Friday, February 13, Paul Newman will present the Joseph L. Mankiewicz Award to this year's honored director Sidney Lumet, following a gala dinner at the Stamford Marriott. Newman received an Oscar nomination for his lead role in Lumet's "The Verdict." The film itself garnered five Oscar nominations including Best Director. With a screenplay by David Mamet, the film has become a classic and one of the most memorable of Lumet's films. Prior to the award dinner, Lumet's 1988 film "Running on Empty," with River Phoenix, will be screened at The Avon Theater in Stamford. Other films directed by Lumet will be screened on Saturday, February 14, including "Dog Day Afternoon," "Fail Safe," and "Network" (Crown Majestic Theater, Stamford).
Other stars will join Mr. Lumet, Mr. Newman, Mr. Bourne and Mr. Davis to celebrate the awards, but these are not the only nights for star power. On Saturday, February 14th, Catherine Hardwicke, whose acclaimed film "Thirteen" will screen in Greenwich (Crown Theater, 7:00 P.M.), will be presented with the fourth annual Dorothy Arzner Prize (The Delamar Hotel, 9:00 P.M.), and on Sunday, February 15, at Palace Digital Studios in South Norwalk, the stars will come out to read scenes from the screenplays directed by Sidney Lumet. Already confirmed are Oscar winners Lee Grant and Celeste Holm, with many others expected.
For information on these and other Festival events, visit www.dvff.org or call 914-533-0270.
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