FilmBuff Serving Up Chef Docu ‘For Grace’; ‘American Beach House’ Gets Release Date – Film Briefs

FilmBuff has forked over for distribution rights to For Grace, a foodie documentary that premiered at this year’s SXSW. Helmed and produced by first-time filmmakers Kevin Pang, food writer at the Chicago Tribune, and Mark Helenowski, For Grace follows Chicago chef Curtis Duffy in the midst of building his dream restaurant Grace during the worst time in his personal life — as his career cost him his marriage and family. The film also explores the renowned chef ‘s troubling past, which led him to seek solace in the kitchen. FilmBuff will release For Grace on VOD platforms February 2. The deal was negotiated by Jake Hanly for Filmbuff and by Adam Galen and Abby Davis of Preferred Content.

New Films International has announced an October 20 day-and-date release for writer-director Straw Weisman’s American Beach House. The film revolves around a group of attractive strangers who win a contest for an all-expense paid trip to Malibu, only to learn that they all must share the beach house. Mischa Barton, Martin Belmada, Lorenzo Lamas and Jena Sims star. The film will play in limited theaters and on VOD on October 20 with a digital release to follow. Nesim Hason of New Films International produced the project with Sukru Avsar, Eduardo Brandariz and Sezin Hason serving as exec producers.

Elizabeth Daley has been re-upped for an additional five-year term as Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Daley has served nearly 25 years at the SCA, integrating the school into Los Angeles’ entertainment industry. “Elizabeth Daley’s leadership in guiding the School of Cinematic Arts has been transformative,” said USC Provost Michael Quick in making the announcement today. “Her focus has been on preparing students for the field as it exists today, as well as giving them the skills they need to be creative and adaptive leaders and scholars in the future.”