2022 Provincetown Film Festival Announces Lineup: Luca Guadagnino Named “Filmmaker on the Edge,” Jenny Slate and Bowen Yang to Receive “Next Wave Award”

– Sophie Hyde’s GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack featured as the Festival’s Opening Night Film –

May 5, 2022 (Provincetown, MA) – The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced today its lineup of narrative, documentary, and short films, as well as festival honorees for the Filmmaker on the Edge and Next Wave awards. Academy Award-nominated writer/director/producer Luca Guadagnino (CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, SUSPIRIA, BONES AND ALL) will be named the 2022 “Filmmaker on the Edge.” The honoree’s film SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS, a documentary following the life of Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo, will screen at the festival. Guadagnino will be in attendance to accept the award in conversation with resident artist John Waters on Sunday, June 19.

We are so excited to celebrate the dynamic and multi-faceted comedic talents of both Jenny Slate and Bowen Yang as they each fully embody the spirit and energy of our Next Wave Award

Lisa Viola, PIFF Artistic Director

“Luca Guadagnino is a master filmmaker and a perfect example of an artist who pushes the boundaries of their craft,” said Anne Hubbell, PIFF’s Executive Director. “His complex, emotional stories, and stunning visuals have left an undeniable mark on cinema, making him a natural fit for the ‘Filmmaker on the Edge’ Award. We are absolutely thrilled he’ll be joining us in Provincetown to celebrate his iconic career.” 

Additionally, actors/writers/comedians Jenny Slate (MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON, I WANT YOU BACK) and Bowen Yang (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE LOST CITY) will receive the festival’s “Next Wave Award” at a special ceremony in Provincetown on Thursday, June 16. The honor recognizes those who have exciting and distinctive voices, take artistic risks, and have a passionate commitment to independent film. 

Slate’s latest film, MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON, in which she co-wrote and stars, will screen at the festival. Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, the film follows Marcel (Slate), an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie (Isabella Rossellini) and their pet lint, Alan. The beloved character gets his big-screen debut in this hilarious and heartwarming story about finding connection in the smallest corners. 

Yang will be in attendance in support of his film FIRE ISLAND, which is playing at the festival in Special Presentation. Set in the iconic Pines, FIRE ISLAND is an unapologetic, modern-day rom-com showcasing a diverse, multicultural examination of queerness and romance. Inspired by the timeless pursuits from Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice,” the story centers around two best friends who set out to have a legendary summer adventure with the help of cheap rosé and their cadre of eclectic friends. Produced by JAX Media, the film is directed by Andrew Ahn and written by Joel Kim Booster, and is being released by Searchlight Pictures and premiering June 3 on Hulu. 

“We are so excited to celebrate the dynamic and multi-faceted comedic talents of both Jenny Slate and Bowen Yang as they each fully embody the spirit and energy of our Next Wave Award,” said PIFF’s Artistic Director, Lisa Viola. “We cannot wait to welcome them to Provincetown and to share their fabulous new films with our festival audience.”

It was also announced that the festival will open with Sophie Hyde’s GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE, which Searchlight Pictures is releasing on Hulu on June 27. Written by Katy Brand, two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson embodies the candor and apprehension of retired teacher Nancy Stokes, and newcomer Daryl McCormack personifies the charisma and compassion of sex worker Leo Grande. As Nancy embarks on a post-marital sexual awakening and Leo draws on his skills and charm, together they find a surprising human connection. The film, produced by Debbie Gray of Genesius Pictures and Adrian Politowski of Align, debuted to massive critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

This year’s festival lineup is below:

OPENING NIGHT

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE – directed by Sophie Hyde

SPOTLIGHT SELECTIONS

PINK FLAMINGOS – directed by John Waters ***50th Anniversary Presentation // World Premiere of The Criterion Collection’s 4K Restoration***

SELL/BUY/DATE – directed by Sarah Jones 

GIRL PICTURE – directed by Alli Haapasalo 

NARRATIVE FEATURES

BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE – directed by Claire Denis

CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH – directed by Cooper Raiff

CHRISSY JUDY – directed by Todd Flaherty

EMILY THE CRIMINAL – directed by John Patton Ford

THE GOOD HOUSE – directed by Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky

I’LL SHOW YOU MINE – directed by Megan Griffiths

KLONDIKE – directed by Maryna Er Gorbach

LONESOME – directed by Craig Boreham

A LOVE SONG – directed by Max Walker-Silverman

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON – directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp

MIDDAY BLACK MIDNIGHT BLUE – directed by Samantha Soule, Daniel Talbott

OFFICIAL COMPETITION – directed by Mariano Cohn, Gastón Duprat

ONE SECOND – directed by Zhang Yimou

OVER/UNDER – directed by Sophia Silver

WILDHOOD – directed by Bretten Hannam

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

AFTER SHERMAN – directed by Jon-Sesrie Goff

ALL MAN: THE INTERNATIONAL MALE STORY – directed by Bryan Darling, Jesse Finley Reed

BAD AXE – directed by David Siev

BEBA – directed by Rebeca Huntt

DREAMING WALLS: INSIDE THE CHELSEA HOTEL – directed by Amélie van Elmbt, Maya Duverdier

ESTHER NEWTON MADE ME GAY – directed by Jean Carlomusto

FIRE OF LOVE – directed by Sara Dosa

FRAMING AGNES – directed by Chase Joynt

GIRL TALK – directed by Lucia Small

LOVING HIGHSMITH – directed by Eva Vitija

MAMA BEARS – directed by Daresha Kyi

MY NAME IS ANDREA – directed by Pratibha Parmar

MY OLD SCHOOL – directed by Jono McLeod

SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS – directed by Luca Guadagnino

THE TERRITORY – directed by Alex Pritz

THREE MINUTES: A LENGTHENING – directed by Bianca Stigter

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

FIRE ISLAND – directed by Andrew Ahn

THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE – directed by Maria Maggenti

SHORTBUS – directed by John Cameron Mitchell

SHORT FILMS

NARRATIVE SHORTS

A BETTER HALF – directed by Marco Calvani 

CHEEKY- NFT- DANCE –  directed by Jay Critchley

DAVEY’S LULLABY – directed by Adam Douglas Deyoe

EMPTY HANDS –  directed by Paolo Marinou-Blanco

FANMI – directed by Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers, Carmine Pierre-Dufour

FERNANDA – directed by Mary Angelica Molina 

FLIGHT – directed by Louise Nessralla

HAVE A GOOD ONE – directed by Alex Edelman

L’AMOUR REBELLE –  directed by Leo Crane

LEATHERBOY –  directed by Jack McGreal

LITTLE SKY – directed by Jess X. Snow

MAZEL TOV – directed by Eli Zuzovsky 

MONSIEUR LE BUTCH – directed by Jude Dry

NO GHOST IN THE MORGUE – directed by Marilyn Cooke

THE ONLY BEAUTIFUL THING – directed by Elizabeth Irwin

POTTERO – directed by Lindsey Martin 

RATED R – directed by Reid Antin

SAY UNCLE – directed by James Cooper

SKIN & BONE – directed by Eli Powers

STARFUCKERS – directed by Antonio Marziale

TANK FAIRY – directed by Erich Rettstadt

TOO ROUGH – directed by Sean Lionadh

UNDRESSED –directed by Elina Street 

WARSHA – directed by Dania Bdeir

WHERE IT HAPPENED – directed by Raissa Reis

WORK – directed by April Maxey

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

BASKETART COURT – directed by Xray Aims

CANS CAN’T STAND – directed by Matt Nadel, Megan Plotka

DAWN: A CHARLESTON LEGEND – directed by Ron Davis  

HOLDING MOSES – directed by Rivkah Beth Medow, co-directed by Jen Rainin

THE HOUSE OF LABEIJA – directed by Fredgy Noël 

LOVE, BARBARA – directed by Brydie O’Connor

THE MARTHA MITCHELL EFFECT – directed by Anne Alvergue, co-directed by Debra McClutchy 

THE ORIGINALS – directed by Cristina Maria Costantini, Alfie Kim Koetter

PAINT & PITCHFORK – directed by Christine Turner

REGGIE CABRAL: LARGER THAN LIFE TERRORIST – directed by Adam Golub, Sylvaine Alfaro

SOMEWHERE HIGHER – directed by Mohammad Gorjestani 

STEPHEN + JAMES: BEST GIRLFRIENDS – directed by Dave Quantic

EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

THE BLAZING – directed by Jonathan Caouette

DIA A DIA, 2020: A DAY AT A TIME — directed by Tahiel Jimenez Medina

HIS IMAGE – directed by Cam Archer 

JUDY’S THOUGHTS – directed by Melody Gilbert

The Provincetown International Film Festival runs June 15 – 19, 2022 in Provincetown, MA.

Purchase festival passes at provincetownfilm.org. Tickets go on sale for pass holders and Provincetown Film Society members on May 20th. General public tickets go on sale on May 27th. America’s oldest artist colony, Provincetown has been home to the likes of Jack Kerouac, Jackson Pollock, Norman Rockwell, Mary Heaton Vorse, Anthony Bourdain, Helen Frankenthaler, John Waters, and Ryan Murphy.

About The Provincetown Film Society

The Provincetown Film Society (PFS) is an advocate for diverse representation in film, providing year-round programming and platforms that allow voices of all kinds to be heard via film. Locally, PFS’ work positively impacts the cultural and economic vitality of Provincetown. Nationally, its work helps shape industry discussions around parity in film. Through PFS’ work, we have an ability to better understand and appreciate human struggles and triumphs, showcasing our similarities and differences in today’s diverse culture. 

Facebook: facebook.com/PtownFilm

Twitter: @PtownFilm

Instagram: @PtownFilm

“Filmmaker on the Edge” Award

PIFF’s “Filmmaker on the Edge” Award is the festival’s premier filmmaking award, presented to celebrated filmmakers who push the boundaries of their craft. Previous recipients of the award include Gregg Araki, Darren Aronofsky, Sean Baker, Sofia Coppola, David Cronenberg, Mary Harron, Todd Haynes, Jim Jarmusch, Harmony Korine, Ang Lee, Richard Linklater, Guy Maddin, Todd Solondz, Quentin Tarantino, Christine Vachon, Gus Van Sant, and John Waters. The award’s polysemic title is an ode to Provincetown’s location at the outermost point of Cape Cod.

“Next Wave” Award

The Next Wave Award recognizes those who have exciting and distinctive voices, take artistic risks, and have a passionate commitment to independent film. Past recipients include Mya Taylor, Natalie Morales, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Aubrey Plaza. 

Press Contacts

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