Pulse Films has taken on commercial representation in the U.S. and U.K. for director WARD whose international work carries a fresh perspective on youth culture and spans such clients as adidas, G-Star, Nike, Puma, Sony, Hyundai and Guinness. For the latter he directed a recent World Cup film for AMV London.
Prior to joining Pulse, WARD did not have representation in the U.S. and U.K. He continues to be repped by Stink in Germany and Giant Films in South Africa.
WARD’s short film “Luck is Alive” for Mami Wata won a Best Visual Style honor at AICP as well as garnering the Ciclope Africa Grand Prix this year. Also in 2022 WARD’s work has picked up Vimeo–Best of Staff Picks and Best of the Year Longlist as well as Loeries Gold for Film Craft, Cinematography. WARD has additionally had his work make the cut at many short film festivals.
WARD began to make his mark as a documentary photographer capturing niche sub-cultures within the South African youth landscape. His keen observational eye allowed for a seamless and honest transition from his documentary aesthetic into a commercial frame. The transition from stills to film was natural, originating from the request of a client to transform his still lens into motion. His unique ability to capture raw humanity within a modern visual lens is now a standout characteristic within his work.
Davud Karbassioun, president Pulse Films, said, “WARD’s work speaks for itself. It creates a feeling that can’t be put into words, bringing a welcome fresh perspective to filmmaking. He is one of the most exciting rising talents out there. We are honored to be in his corner, and excited about the journey ahead.”
WARD commented “I’ve always admired Pulse Films; it was more than just the high quality of work and impressive roster, but the diversity of work, and the way it was communicated that I connected with. After chatting with Dav and the team, it was clear we have shared values and a like minded approach to film making. To be a part of the Pulse family is a dream come true, and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together.”
DOC NYC Unveils Main Slate Lineup: 31 World Premieres; 24 Films Making Their U.S. Debut
DOC NYC--the documentary festival celebrating its 15th anniversary in-person November 13-21 at IFC Center, SVA Theatre and Village East by Angelika, and continuing online through December 1--has unveiled its main slate lineup. The 2024 festival presents more than 110 feature-length documentaries (including yet-to-be-announced Short List and Winner’s Circle titles) among over 200 films and dozens of events, with filmmakers expected in person at most screenings.
Opening the festival on Nov. 13 at SVA Theater will be the U.S. premiere of Sinead O’Shea’s inspiring portrait Blue Road--The Edna O’Brien Story, a breakout hit from the recent Toronto International Film Festival that honors the legendary Irish writer, who passed away just a few months ago at the age of 93.
Closing the festival on Nov. 21, also at SVA Theatre, will be the world premiere of Peter Yost and Michael Rohatyn’s Drop Dead City--New York on the Brink in 1975, a look back at the circumstances and players involved in NYC’s mid-70s financial crisis. The festival’s Centerpiece screening on Nov. 14 at Village East is the World premiere of Ondi Timoner’s All God’s Children (also part of the festival’s U.S. Competition), a chronicle of a Brooklyn rabbi and Baptist pastor who join forces to create greater unity between their two communities, against all odds.
Included are 31 world premieres and 24 U.S. premieres, with eight of those presented in the U.S. Competition, for new American-produced nonfiction films, and another eight featured in International Competition, for work from around the globe. The Kaleidoscope Competition for new essayistic and formally adventurous documentaries continues, while the festival’s long-standing Metropolis... Read More