The viral TikTok sensation that is “Bama Rush,” a.k.a. sorority recruitment week at the University of Alabama, is getting the documentary treatment from Vice Studios and HBO Max, Variety has confirmed.
Directed by “Introducing, Selma Blair” director Rachel Fleit, the documentary is currently in production in Tuscaloosa, where “rush week” at the University of Alabama has recently concluded with more than 2,500 students rushing 19 sororities.
“This film is a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of young women in 2022 as they rush the sorority system at the University of Alabama,” Fleit said in a statement via Vice, which was first provided to The New York Times for an Aug. 12 story that confirmed the doc is filming.
A representative for Vice Studios told the Times that “hidden microphones” are not involved in the production, following rumors that surfaced on TikTok about sorority candidates that have been caught with concealed recording devices during 2022 recruitment.
Directed by “Introducing, Selma Blair” director Rachel Fleit, the documentary is currently in production in Tuscaloosa, where “rush week” at the University of Alabama has recently concluded with more than 2,500 students rushing 19 sororities.
“This film is a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of young women in 2022 as they rush the sorority system at the University of Alabama,” Fleit said in a statement via Vice, which was first provided to The New York Times for an Aug. 12 story that confirmed the doc is filming.
A representative for Vice Studios told the Times that “hidden microphones” are not involved in the production, following rumors that surfaced on TikTok about sorority candidates that have been caught with concealed recording devices during 2022 recruitment.
- 8/16/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Ld Entertainment announced today that they will release the werewolf-themed gothic thriller “The Cursed” in theaters nationwide on Feb. 18, 2022.
Formerly titled “Eight for Silver,” the film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and takes place in the late 1800s, following a once-peaceful country village that is under attack by an unknown force. When rumors spread of a cursed land and demonic creatures, a pathologist named John McBride (played by Boyd Holbrook) arrives to investigate the danger and soon finds himself in far deeper than he imagined.
Sean Ellis wrote, directed, produced and shot the film, which has been updated with a new score, new effects and a different edit since its Sundance debut. “Sundance is always an incredible place to showcase your work,” Ellis said in a statement. “In the time that has followed that valuable experience, we took the opportunity to invigorate the film with an updated score by...
Formerly titled “Eight for Silver,” the film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and takes place in the late 1800s, following a once-peaceful country village that is under attack by an unknown force. When rumors spread of a cursed land and demonic creatures, a pathologist named John McBride (played by Boyd Holbrook) arrives to investigate the danger and soon finds himself in far deeper than he imagined.
Sean Ellis wrote, directed, produced and shot the film, which has been updated with a new score, new effects and a different edit since its Sundance debut. “Sundance is always an incredible place to showcase your work,” Ellis said in a statement. “In the time that has followed that valuable experience, we took the opportunity to invigorate the film with an updated score by...
- 1/26/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Discovery inked a development deal for a slate of new original series for Discovery Plus from Group Nine Media, the digital media company whose brands include NowThis, the Dodo, Thrillist and Seeker.
Discovery is one of the founding investors in New York-based Group Nine and has already licensed some Group Nine programming for Discovery Plus.
Under the pact, in addition to new shows in development, Discovery Plus has a first-look option on 30 additional original series from Group Nine. The slate also comprises companion series for Discovery Plus original documentaries including “Introducing, Selma Blair” and “Chasing Ghislaine.”
“These projects continue to build our best-in-class library of real-life entertainment and build on our momentum with younger, digital-first audiences,” Lisa Holme, SVP of content and commercial strategy for Discovery, said in a statement. “Group Nine’s ability to create compelling content and bring a loyal audience make them a perfect collaborative partner for Discovery Plus.
Discovery is one of the founding investors in New York-based Group Nine and has already licensed some Group Nine programming for Discovery Plus.
Under the pact, in addition to new shows in development, Discovery Plus has a first-look option on 30 additional original series from Group Nine. The slate also comprises companion series for Discovery Plus original documentaries including “Introducing, Selma Blair” and “Chasing Ghislaine.”
“These projects continue to build our best-in-class library of real-life entertainment and build on our momentum with younger, digital-first audiences,” Lisa Holme, SVP of content and commercial strategy for Discovery, said in a statement. “Group Nine’s ability to create compelling content and bring a loyal audience make them a perfect collaborative partner for Discovery Plus.
- 12/6/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The Critics Choice Association awarded “Summer of Soul” the top prize at the sixth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, which honors the best achievements in nonfiction released in theaters, on TV, or on major digital platforms. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s look at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival took home the most awards of any film, with five in total.
This year’s nominees were led by “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul,” two films by first-time documentarians. Each had six nominations. But “Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon’s look at the pursuit of the Chinese dream, failed to score any prizes November 14.
“Summer of Soul,” which won the top documentary prize and an Audience Award following its Sundance premiere earlier this year, won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the critics awards: Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Director, a prize Thompson...
This year’s nominees were led by “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul,” two films by first-time documentarians. Each had six nominations. But “Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon’s look at the pursuit of the Chinese dream, failed to score any prizes November 14.
“Summer of Soul,” which won the top documentary prize and an Audience Award following its Sundance premiere earlier this year, won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the critics awards: Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Director, a prize Thompson...
- 11/15/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Less than a decade ago the campaign to win an Academy Award for feature documentary did not include billboards on Sunset Boulevard, six-figure one-page ads in the New York Times and incessant screenings at New York’s Crosby Hotel or Los Angeles’ Four Seasons followed by free food and cocktails for Academy documentary branch members. Nowadays it’s customary.
While the docu Oscar race has never been a completely level playing field, all the money and attention being thrown at documentaries these days has made garnering a little gold man for nonfiction a big business. And although there are policies in place within the Academy to counter and compensate for films without big backers, there is no denying that the influx of streaming services and their growing appetite for doc fare has made it that much more difficult to be the indie underdog come Oscar season.
Streaming services officially entered...
While the docu Oscar race has never been a completely level playing field, all the money and attention being thrown at documentaries these days has made garnering a little gold man for nonfiction a big business. And although there are policies in place within the Academy to counter and compensate for films without big backers, there is no denying that the influx of streaming services and their growing appetite for doc fare has made it that much more difficult to be the indie underdog come Oscar season.
Streaming services officially entered...
- 11/11/2021
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
“[Selma Blair] knew on some level that what she was going through was extraordinary and she wanted to tell her story,” director Rachel Fleit tells Gold Derby in our Meet the Experts: Documentary panel (watch the exclusive video interview above). Fleit met the actress/model soon after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, and their “immediate bond” became the impetus for the emotional documentary “Introducing, Selma Blair” on Discovery.
The director explains, “We were introduced to each other by a photographer who she had just worked with. We started talking and there was an immediate bond between Selma and I.” Fleit continues, “She was in an extremely vulnerable position, she was in a state of surrender, and she was like, ‘I think that this might help people.’ There was an outpouring on social media when she came out with her diagnosis and she saw very quickly that people were being helped by her honesty,...
The director explains, “We were introduced to each other by a photographer who she had just worked with. We started talking and there was an immediate bond between Selma and I.” Fleit continues, “She was in an extremely vulnerable position, she was in a state of surrender, and she was like, ‘I think that this might help people.’ There was an outpouring on social media when she came out with her diagnosis and she saw very quickly that people were being helped by her honesty,...
- 11/11/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Award voters are overwhelmed this year by a vast bounty of critically acclaimed documentaries, making this one of the most competitive derbies in recent years. There are so many top contenders that Gold Derby decided to launch our celebrated “Meet the Experts” video series by chatting with the talent behind five major docs.
Watch our senior editor Marcus James Dixon conduct intriguing one-on-one chats with the creators of each doc, then gathers them together for a group discussion about what inspired them to make their films and what were the greatest challenges they faced.
The five documentaries:
“Introducing, Selma Blair” (Rachel Fleit) – A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
“Lfg” ( – Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine) – It is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s...
Watch our senior editor Marcus James Dixon conduct intriguing one-on-one chats with the creators of each doc, then gathers them together for a group discussion about what inspired them to make their films and what were the greatest challenges they faced.
The five documentaries:
“Introducing, Selma Blair” (Rachel Fleit) – A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
“Lfg” ( – Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine) – It is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s...
- 11/9/2021
- by Tom O'Neil
- Gold Derby
The film “Introducing, Selma Blair” documents the 2019 stem cell transplant Blair underwent in order to heal her multiple sclerosis — and though the two-month-long medical process is harrowing, the movie both illuminates and entertains. As captured by first-time feature director Rachel Fleit, Blair is an open book; she’s charming, vulnerable, insightful and hilarious.
During an interview with Variety at her Los Angeles home in late August, Blair was much the same, and detailed the mysterious symptoms — undiagnosed until Aug. 2018, when she was 46 — that have plagued her for her whole life, as well as her decision to be the subject of a documentary. After a limited theatrical release, “Introducing, Selma Blair” is now available to stream on Discovery Plus.
In the interview, Blair talked extensively about her late mother, who died in May 2020, and who emerges as a character in the movie through Blair’s anecdotes about her, often accompanied by her vivid imitation.
During an interview with Variety at her Los Angeles home in late August, Blair was much the same, and detailed the mysterious symptoms — undiagnosed until Aug. 2018, when she was 46 — that have plagued her for her whole life, as well as her decision to be the subject of a documentary. After a limited theatrical release, “Introducing, Selma Blair” is now available to stream on Discovery Plus.
In the interview, Blair talked extensively about her late mother, who died in May 2020, and who emerges as a character in the movie through Blair’s anecdotes about her, often accompanied by her vivid imitation.
- 10/23/2021
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
The Critics Choice Association (Cca) has announced the nominees for the sixth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards (Ccda). This year’s winners will be revealed at a gala on Sunday, November 14, 2021, in Brooklyn, NY. The awards honor the best achievements in nonfiction released in theaters, on TV, or on major digital platforms.
Both films by first-time documentarians, “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul” lead this year’s nominations with six each. “Ascension,” a look at the Chinese dream across social classes, is also up for Documentary Feature, Director (Jessica Kingdon), First Feature, Cinematography, Editing, and Score. Meanwhile, “Summer of Soul” is up for Documentary Feature, Best Director (Ahmir “Questlove’ Thompson), First Documentary, Editing, Archival Documentary, and Music Documentary.
“Becoming Cousteau” and “The Rescue” also picked up five nominations each.
Last year, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” took home the Cca’s top award for Best Documentary as well as the Best Director award for Kirsten Johnson.
Both films by first-time documentarians, “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul” lead this year’s nominations with six each. “Ascension,” a look at the Chinese dream across social classes, is also up for Documentary Feature, Director (Jessica Kingdon), First Feature, Cinematography, Editing, and Score. Meanwhile, “Summer of Soul” is up for Documentary Feature, Best Director (Ahmir “Questlove’ Thompson), First Documentary, Editing, Archival Documentary, and Music Documentary.
“Becoming Cousteau” and “The Rescue” also picked up five nominations each.
Last year, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” took home the Cca’s top award for Best Documentary as well as the Best Director award for Kirsten Johnson.
- 10/18/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Selma Blair has been in pain her entire life, enduring bladder surgeries during her suburban Michigan childhood, getting unnecessary root canals as an adult and periodically even losing her vision. She had, and still has, ceaseless muscular-skeletal pain, and muscle contractions called dystonia in her neck that affect her speech. Blair just thought it was normal, that everyone feels these things — that to have a body means to tolerate pain.
“I’d compare myself to people,” Blair says. “I didn’t understand people didn’t hurt every day.” She pauses. “I’ve hurt since I can remember.”
While making those comparisons, Blair was not generous to herself. “I was chronically a miserable person,” she says with a dry laugh. “I was a loving person, but yeah: miserable, a bit sharp, a bit snarky, a bit angry that I had to get up and do things when I just chronically felt unwell.
“I’d compare myself to people,” Blair says. “I didn’t understand people didn’t hurt every day.” She pauses. “I’ve hurt since I can remember.”
While making those comparisons, Blair was not generous to herself. “I was chronically a miserable person,” she says with a dry laugh. “I was a loving person, but yeah: miserable, a bit sharp, a bit snarky, a bit angry that I had to get up and do things when I just chronically felt unwell.
- 9/16/2021
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Photo: ‘Introducing, Selma Blair’ Selma Blair is an accomplished actress known for her roles in cult classics, such as her breakout in the film ‘Cruel Intentions’. She portrays Cecile Caldwell, a naive rich girl who is constantly being manipulated by those around her, and her kiss scene in the film with co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar is one of the most iconic moments in 90’s cinema. She also starred in ‘Legally Blonde’ as Vivian Kensington, protagonist Elle Woods’ initial competition turned friend. Other notable films she participates in including Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Hellboy’ and ‘The Sweetest Thing’. However, Blair’s first starring role will be in October of 2021, with the documentary ‘Introducing, Selma Blair’. Related article: ‘In the Heights’ – Behind the Scenes and Full Commentary/Reactions from Cast & Crew Related article: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase: “The Importance of Venice Film Festival as the Protector of Cinema...
- 9/8/2021
- by Kylie Bolter
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Discovery+ has acquired the worldwide rights to “Citizen Penn,” a documentary about actor Sean Penn’s humanitarian work in Haiti following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated the region in 2010.
The film is written and directed by Don Hardy (“Pick of the Litter”) and followed Penn over the course of 10 years as he and a team of volunteers set up a long base to bring aid to Haitians, including through his non-profit organization called Core. Discovery+ plans to release “Citizen Penn” on its streaming service beginning May 6.
The documentary also features an original score by songwriter Linda Perry, as well as an original song called “Eden (To Find Love)” performed by Bono and co-written by Bono and Perry.
“Citizen Penn” chronicles the moment Penn and his team of volunteers landed in Haiti, just days after the earthquake struck, and the ten years since. The film offers viewers an intimate, honest, and...
The film is written and directed by Don Hardy (“Pick of the Litter”) and followed Penn over the course of 10 years as he and a team of volunteers set up a long base to bring aid to Haitians, including through his non-profit organization called Core. Discovery+ plans to release “Citizen Penn” on its streaming service beginning May 6.
The documentary also features an original score by songwriter Linda Perry, as well as an original song called “Eden (To Find Love)” performed by Bono and co-written by Bono and Perry.
“Citizen Penn” chronicles the moment Penn and his team of volunteers landed in Haiti, just days after the earthquake struck, and the ten years since. The film offers viewers an intimate, honest, and...
- 4/2/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“The Fallout,” a teen drama starring Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler, has won the top prize in the Narrative Feature competition at the SXSW Film Festival.
Director Megan Park’s film led the list of award winners announced by SXSW on Friday, which also included Jeremy Workman’s “Lily Topples the World” taking home the Documentary Feature prize. “The Fallout” also won the Brightcove Illumination Award, which honors a filmmaker on the rise.
SXSW’s Narrative Feature prize was voted on by a jury that included journalists Amanda N’Duka, Jake Coyle and Joanna Robinson. The drama follows a teenage girl whose relationships with her friends and family are forever changed after she survives a school shooting.
“‘The Fallout’ takes us through the emotionally charged healing journey of a young girl whose life is forever changed in the wake of a school tragedy. Writer and director Megan Park delivers a timely,...
Director Megan Park’s film led the list of award winners announced by SXSW on Friday, which also included Jeremy Workman’s “Lily Topples the World” taking home the Documentary Feature prize. “The Fallout” also won the Brightcove Illumination Award, which honors a filmmaker on the rise.
SXSW’s Narrative Feature prize was voted on by a jury that included journalists Amanda N’Duka, Jake Coyle and Joanna Robinson. The drama follows a teenage girl whose relationships with her friends and family are forever changed after she survives a school shooting.
“‘The Fallout’ takes us through the emotionally charged healing journey of a young girl whose life is forever changed in the wake of a school tragedy. Writer and director Megan Park delivers a timely,...
- 3/19/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Among the many things Selma Blair speaks frankly on in a new documentary about her, her own acting career comes in for brisk treatment. “I never had the hunger to be the best actress I could be,” she says matter-of-factly. She’d have it now, she adds, though she’s not sure her screen career will ever resume. Blair’s tone isn’t sentimental or self-pitying, even if a certain wistfulness survives her candor. But her life is different now, and she sees its purpose differently. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, the star of “Cruel Intentions” and “Hellboy” would rather use her profile to raise awareness and understanding of a frequently mischaracterized disease, helping others with Ms to feel less alone and agonized in their diagnosis than she once did.
As a stage in that mission, Rachel Fleit’s film “Introducing, Selma Blair” is eye-opening and empathetic — but...
As a stage in that mission, Rachel Fleit’s film “Introducing, Selma Blair” is eye-opening and empathetic — but...
- 3/17/2021
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
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