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Cinema Chat: Golden Globes Broadcast Shut Down, 'The Truffle Hunters,' And More

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Reunited at the movies, and it feels so good. WEMU's David Fair returns for this week's "Cinema Chat." He talks with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, about the latest movie news and all of the films hitting the big screen this weekend. 

HOLLYWOOD RUNS THE GOLDEN GLOBES OUT OF TOWN

Last Friday, NBC-Universal extended hope for a Golden Globes show in January 2022, so long as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association acted swiftly enough to make “meaningful change.” Monday, three days later, the network announced that the 2022 Golden Globe Award show was canceled. It’s an unexpected turn of events reminiscent of the Harvey Weinstein-#MeToo cultural shift in 2017: Promising to turn over a new leaf is meaningless if the industry sees you as a noxious weed.

On May 3, 2021, the HFPA announced plans for a reform package, including a 50% increase in members over the next 18 months with a particular focus on underrepresented groups. While Dick Clark Productions and NBC–the long-time producer and broadcaster of the Golden Globes respectively—supported the planned reforms, Time's Up and a group of 100 PR firms criticized the lack of given timelines for filling some of the new management positions, arguing that they would not be completed soon enough to have any material impact on the cycle of the next Golden Globes. Time's Up further argued the package "largely contains no specifics" nor "commitments to real accountability or change".

On May 7, 2021, both Amazon Studios and Netflix announced that they would stop their activities with the HFPA until sufficient actions on reforms are made. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the company "[doesn't] believe these proposed new policies — particularly around the size and speed of membership growth — will tackle the HFPA’s systemic diversity and inclusion challenges, or the lack of clear standards for how your members should operate." On May 10, WarnerMedia and its subsidiaries similarly boycotted the HFPA, stating that the proposed reforms "[don't go] far enough in addressing the breadth of our concerns.

The same day, NBC announced that it would not broadcast the 79th Golden Globe Awards ceremony in 2022, stating that "change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it rightIn support of the boycotts, Tom Cruise returned the Golden Globes that he won for "Born on the Fourth of July," "Jerry Maguire," and "Magnolia."

 
OPENING DOWNTOWN

"The Truffle Hunters" -- OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 14 AT THE STATE

Deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, a handful of men, seventy or eighty years young, hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle—which to date has resisted all of modern science's efforts at cultivation. They're guided by a secret culture and training passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly-trained dogs. They live a simpler, slower way of life, in harmony with their loyal animals and their picture-perfect land, seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. They're untethered to cell phone screens or the Internet, opting instead to make their food and drink by hand and prioritizing in-person connections and community.

The demand for white truffles increases year after year, even as the supply decreases. As a result of climate change, deforestation, and the lack of young people taking up the mantle, the truffle hunters' secrets are more coveted than ever. However, as it soon becomes clear, these aging men may just hold something much more valuable than even this prized delicacy: the secret to a rich and meaningful life.

"The Dry"-- OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 21 AT THE STATE

An Australian mystery drama thriller directed byRobert Connolly, from a screenplay by Connolly and Harry Cripps, and starring Eric BanaGenevieve O'ReillyKeir O'Donnell, and John Polson is based on the 2016 book of the same name byJane Harper. Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to attend a tragic funeral. But his return opens a decades-old wound - the unsolved death of a teenage girl.

"Dream Horse" -- OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 21 AT THE STATE

Experience the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by small town bartender Jan Vokes (Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope in their struggling community.

"A Quiet Place Part II" -- OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 28 AT THE STATE

A 2020 American horror film and the sequel to the 2018 film, both of which follow a family that is forced to navigate and survive in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by blind monsters with an acute sense of hearing. The sequel was written and directed by John Krasinskiunder the studio Paramount Pictures. Emily BluntMillicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe reprise their roles from the first film, and Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou joined the cast. Krasinski also returns from the first film in a small role, seen in flashback sequences set before the first film.

"In the Heights" -- OPENS FRIDAY, JUNE 11 AT THE STATE

This is an upcoming American musical drama film directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes. It is based on the stage musical of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film stars Anthony RamosCorey HawkinsLeslie GraceMelissa BarreraOlga MeredizDaphne Rubin-VegaGregory Diaz IV, and Jimmy Smits.

Lights up on Washington Heights... The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

 
SPECIAL SCREENINGS DOWNTOWN

This Week's Classic Films at the Michigan

Classic Films Coming Soon to the Michigan

 

CONTINUING DOWNTOWN

"Limbo" -- PLAYING AT THE STATE

Omar is a promising young musician. Separated from his Syrian family, he is stuck on a remote Scottish island awaiting the fate of his asylum request. Ben Sharrock’s second feature is a funny and poignant cross-cultural satire that subtly sews together the hardship and hope of the refugee experience. 

"Demon Slayer" -- PLAYING AT THE STATE

After his family was brutally murdered and his sister turned into a demon, Tanjiro Kamado's journey as a demon slayer began.Tanjiro and his comrades embark on a new mission aboard the Mugen Train, on track to despair.

"Nomadland" -- PLAYING AT THE STATE

Winner of 3 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director & Best Actress

Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. The third feature film from director Chloé Zhao, this film features real nomads Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.

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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU.  You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu

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