As film nonprofits go, Miami’s Borscht Corp has a different way of doing things. Whether it’s buying a speedboat as the first step in fundraising for a feature, or “canceling” a secret party on social media to throw off the cops, Borscht’s organizational methods are as experimental and visionary as the work it produces. That includes the Borscht Film Festival, a “quasi-yearly” event showcasing films, sculpture, performances, and installations by emerging regional filmmakers.
While Borscht may sound obscure, it lies at the heart of Barry Jenkins’ success. When Borscht co-founder (and “Moonlight” co-producer) Andrew Hevia saw Miami native Jenkins’ first feature, the San Francisco-set “Medicine for Melancholy,” he became determined to bring Jenkins back to Miami to shoot a film. Borscht commissioned a short film from Jenkins, “Chlorophyl,” for the 2011 festival. “That sort of re-awakened [Jenkins] to the city,” said Borscht co-founder Lucas Leyva, an accomplished filmmaker and producer himself.
While Borscht may sound obscure, it lies at the heart of Barry Jenkins’ success. When Borscht co-founder (and “Moonlight” co-producer) Andrew Hevia saw Miami native Jenkins’ first feature, the San Francisco-set “Medicine for Melancholy,” he became determined to bring Jenkins back to Miami to shoot a film. Borscht commissioned a short film from Jenkins, “Chlorophyl,” for the 2011 festival. “That sort of re-awakened [Jenkins] to the city,” said Borscht co-founder Lucas Leyva, an accomplished filmmaker and producer himself.
- 3/9/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Barry Jenkins is about to become the next big thing, but he’s been here before. “Moonlight,” which he wrote and directed, has been celebrated as the year’s major discovery and the ultimate achievement in modern black filmmaking. That’s nothing new for Jenkins: Eight years ago, the director faced similar acclaim on a smaller scale with his 2008 debut, “Medicine for Melancholy.” However, the lag between his first two features is a testament to Jenkins’ quiet determination — and to a culture that had yet to catch up. It takes time for the world to recognize a genuine vision.
“I think a filmmaker like me isn’t on the outside in the same way that I was in 2008, even though the work itself feels very, very outsiderish,” he said. “It’s completely fucking crazy, because it didn’t used to be that way.” While “Moonlight” marks Jenkins’ transition into a major artist,...
“I think a filmmaker like me isn’t on the outside in the same way that I was in 2008, even though the work itself feels very, very outsiderish,” he said. “It’s completely fucking crazy, because it didn’t used to be that way.” While “Moonlight” marks Jenkins’ transition into a major artist,...
- 10/19/2016
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
The Borscht Film Festival does great work, not only playing films already on the circuit but also specially commissioning shorts by Miami-based filmmakers for the event. Amy Seimetz’s When We Lived in Miami was the most notable of these from last year’s fest, and from the previous year that distinction arguably went to Barry Jenkins’ Chlorophyl. The short by the Medicine for Melancholy dirctor is, finally, online. And for a little background, check out Borscht collective member Andrew Hevia’s post for Filmmaker‘s own The Microbudget Conversation about how the film came about.
- 11/12/2013
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The Borscht Film Festival does great work, not only playing films already on the circuit but also specially commissioning shorts by Miami-based filmmakers for the event. Amy Seimetz’s When We Lived in Miami was the most notable of these from last year’s fest, and from the previous year that distinction arguably went to Barry Jenkins’ Chlorophyl. The short by the Medicine for Melancholy dirctor is, finally, online. And for a little background, check out Borscht collective member Andrew Hevia’s post for Filmmaker‘s own The Microbudget Conversation about how the film came about.
- 11/12/2013
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.