By: Viviana Manzo
Photo Credit: Alyssa Gomez
Beverly Hills, CA (The Hollywood Times) 04/21/2023 – The 23rd annual event—taking place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres from April 19th through 23rd, 2023—is dedicated to showcasing and promoting non-studio films to the entertainment industry. Designed to bridge the world of premiere independent cinema with Hollywood, for five days each year, the festival hosts world-class screenings, networking events, industry seminars and after-parties, culminating in the annual Closing Awards Ceremony and Gala held at the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt on Sunday, April 23rd.
Get to know founder Nino Simone
Nino Simone is an award-winning independent filmmaker, philanthropist, and founder of the Beverly Hills Film Festival. I got the opportunity to interview the creative mind behind the event, here is what he has to say:
Opening Night
The film fest presented its 2023 line-up with 140 competition films including documentaries. A few A-list celebrities such as Jon Voight, Leah Gibson, Lisa Edelstein, Ron Perlman (to name a few), walked the red carpet to promote and talk about their film. Everyone seemed excited and enthused to be a part of BHFF for the first time since the pandemic, the most excited being founder Nino Simone, of course.
We started the red carpet with Director and Producer Angela Robinson Witherspoon who was there to promote her work in the documentary Betye Saar: Ready to be a Warrior. The documentary depicts the life of 96-year-old LA artist Betye Saar in her unbelievable journey in America.
Robinson acted as main director and producer for the phenomenal documentary and was accompanied by her cinematographer Abdul. When asked about any challenges she faced while making the Documentary, Angela responds, “It took us 8 years making the film because lots of wonderful things kept happening for Betye and it’s my second time directing so I was learning on the job. Abdul here is a DJA member, and he was my editor, cinematographer, and MY SUPPORT through it all. I learned that Betye is a tough old cookie. She didn’t get to be in the museum of modern art because she was shy, she didn’t get to be honored by LACMA because she was shy, she is a great artist. So, she was very demanding, and at the same time very encouraging.”
The film and entertainment industry can be tough to get into for anyone, but Angela and her editor companion gave some encouraging words to future filmmakers who are trying to get their foot in the industry. “The film industry is hard for everybody, it’s a rich boy’s game. But now with the advent of digital cameras, your iPhone 14’s, you can shoot a film on your iPhone.” Cinematographer Abdul went on to add, “I’d say get a good quality camera and at least try it that way, just go ahead and do it. All you need is a camera, an editing system and good sound, and you got a good movie. Make sure you study your craft. Don’t give yourself a title if you are not that title. Study it first because there is a lot of people who know how to do it.” Their final piece of advice, “JUST DO IT! Get your idea and get on it. Make a short, make a proof of concept, and don’t give up.” How the wise words of Betye Saar goes: Make Better Art.
It is never a dull moment when given the opportunity to be able to interview a Disney Princess, such as Pocahontas herself. Actress Irene Bedard was also in attendance at the Beverly Hills Film Festival to promote her film On Sacred Ground where she plays the character Mary Singing Crow.
On Sacred Ground is a film about the protest and fight for the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The film has won an award at the Red Nation Film Festival for the Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, won by Kerry Knuppe.
When asked about the intensity and the powerful message in the film, Bedard goes on to say, “It is something I feel strongly about. I really truly believe that we came from tribes. It’s just that some of us paved over it and that what we have to remember as human beings on the planet is that we are every blade of grass, every living thing is a part of who we are, and we can prove that with physics and science. We are the love of a thousand ancestors, and I just want to love a thousand descendants.” Irene really is a living Disney princess with her thoughtful and caring words.
Films always have an impact on the audience no matter the genre. How will the film On Sacred Ground impact the audience? “I just think that a lot of people don’t know what standing rock was about. They don’t realize the intense and the amount of military that was involved. It was serious and they were all just standing there in prayerful protest. Protecting that water not just for the tribe, but for tens of thousands, for everybody, “answered Irene.
On Sacred Ground was a limited release on Friday, January 13, 2023, and is available to stream on Spectrum TV, Prime Video, Redbox, or Vudu.
Hellboy once said, “I’ll Always Look This Good”. And that is exactly how Hellboy actor, Ron Perlman showed up to the red carpet, even though he was just getting over the flu.
Ron Perlman attended the BHFF to promote his short film The Caddy. It was a very short interview, but still a fun one, nonetheless.
Q: Is there a message you want viewers to leave with after watching your film?
Ron: “Yes! I want them to be entertained and walk out loving me more than they already do.”
He followed his answer by promoting a little bit of a current project he is working with alongside Matt Damon, and Casey Affleck and Alfred Molina on a crime comedy titled The Instigators.
To end the night, the long-awaited film Mercy starring Leah Gibson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and the one and only Jon Voight were the last group to walk amongst the red carpet. Mercy tells the story of a deadly battle for survival in a hospital where an Irish mafia seizes control, and the son of an ex-military doctor is taken hostage.
When questioned about Mercy and what type of audience might enjoy this film, Voight responded, “It is an action, adventure type of film and there are a lot of battles and a lot of drama too. It’s an exciting film and I’m very satisfied with it.”
Jon Voight plays the character Patrick Quinn in the film. He goes on to further detail about his character, stating, “I’m the head of the Irish mob and one of my sons is Jonathan Rhys Meyers, I have two sons, and he is a loose cannon, he endangers lives. And we get into a real struggle, endanger a lot of people, a lot of shooting, and we are being pursued by police and a surprising person, a character played by Leah Gibson.”
Many more wonderful films and documentaries were on display at the Beverly Hills Film Festival that took place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. It was a wonderful night with vibrant energy around being happy to be back for the first time since the pandemic. The festival will end its five-day ceremony with an awards gala at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on April 23, 2023. For the complete lineup and to buy tickets, visit the festival’s website.
