(NYAFF 2025) The New York African Film Festival, now underway at Film at Lincoln Center

(NYAFF 2025)

The New York African Film Festival

New York African Film Festival 2025 NYAFF - [www.filmlinc.org]The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF), now underway at Film at Lincoln Center, lands in Harlem on Thursday with a focus on documentaries.

The Opening Night film, Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory by Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, is an insightful documentary about the role of a small university bungalow on the life of esteemed Nigerian author, playwright and Nobel Prize in Literature awardee Wole Soyinka.

Of the 29 films coming to Maysles, three are world premieres, three are North American premieres, six are U.S. premieres, and three are New York premieres. Highlights include: French films; a Spanish film; films about art and music including the U.S. Premieres of Maurice Pellosh, Capturing Memory about the photographer-portraitist; one about the Bronx-based African Jazz-Art Society and Studios and the North American premiere of a film about artists in Haiti resisting the chaos; the New York premiere of a film about Nobel Prizewinner in Literature Wole Soyinka; fashion and beauty films; a film about Haiti; and another about child marriageThe Last Shore, a film about a young Gambian man’s viral drowning death in Venice to shouts of abuse rather than offers of help will have its North American premiere. Shorts Program #2: Ever Rising includes The Adventures of Angostat, a unique one-shot fiction film of urban artists, some with disabilities, about Angola’s first satellite launch; and a film about John Coltrane.

NYAFF runs in Harlem through Sunday, May 18, and then heads to BAM for FilmAfrica during the popular DanceAfrica series. See a trailer for the festival here

 

You can find the schedule here: https://nyaff32.eventive.org/schedule

Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) will partner to present the 32nd edition of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). NYAFF features more than 30 contemporary and classic films from Africa and its diaspora screening at FLC May 7 through May 13, with 100 films in total as the festival continues at other esteemed New York City cultural venues throughout the month of May, with many filmmakers in attendance for post-screening Q&As. Since its inception in 1993, the festival has been at the forefront of showcasing African and diaspora filmmakers’ unique storytelling through the moving image.

This year’s theme, “Fluid Horizons: A Shifting Lens on a Hopeful World,” honors the resilience of African youth and the forebearers who paved the way for them. As cinema was an integral part of the African continent’s struggle for independence and the triumph of its liberation, this edition of the festival celebrates the African youth who have turned to their cameras to document their experiences and the influence of those who came before them. With a multitude of genres ranging from comedies to experimental films, the 32nd New York African Film Festival offers a multidimensional take on African culture, history, and cinema.

For more film festival coverage, click here!

‘THE MOOGAI’ (2025) Jon Bell expands his 2021 short folk horror into a trauma filled feature.

SamuelGoldwynFilmsLogoTHE MOOGAI

The Moogai poster

Filmmaker Jon Bell delivers a horrific manifestation of unresolved cultural trauma in THE MOOGAI. The film opens in 1970. Aboriginal children have been forcibly removed from their families and adopted into white families for decades. Present day, Sarah Bishop eschews her cultural roots. Once a stolen child, a fact she vehemently denies, the difficult birth of her second child comes with collective wounds and folklore she cannot outrun.

moogai 3Barely tolerating her birthmother, Ruth, Sarah’s whitewashed existence comes to a halt when an ancient entity rears its ugly head. Sarah’s aggression heightens as her delusions increase. She quickly spirals out of control in every aspect of her life. Sarah’s husband, Fergus, embraces his culture and does his best to navigate his familial deterioration.

The break between Sarah and her first child, Chloe, is heartbreaking. There’s no denying her resemblance to Fergus has something to do with Sarah’s icy response. The connection between Chloe, Fergus, and Ruth burns Sarah’s limited understanding of her absent culture. Ruth tries her best to protect her family, but Sarah’s relentless resistance to her roots only makes them manifest quicker as lore becomes reality and history repeats itself.

moogai 4Jahdeana Mary brings earnest innocence and hurt to Chloe. You want to hug her. Meyne Wyatt is great playing Fergus. He is charming and protective. He’s a real highlight. Tessa Rose is spectacular as Ruth, giving audiences lived-in knowledge and fear. She is the heart of the film. Shari Sebbens gives Sarah everything from elitism to postpartum depression, unbridled rage to superstitious anxiety. You simultaneously loathe and feel for her. Sebbens is truly a revelation.

The Moogai feature stillPractical FX, makeup, and jump scares are solid. THE MOOGAI keenly delves into medical gaslighting and the pressure on women to “do it all.” While the film is also a creature feature, Jon Bell never shies away from showing viewers that the scariest monsters are humans. It is a surprising cultural reclamation.


You can read our coverage of the original SXSW short film here!

The Moogai Trailer:

THE MOOGAI

Theatrical Release Date: May 9, 2025

Written and Directed By: Jon Bell

Director of Photography: Sean Ryan 

Cast: Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt, Tessa Rose, Clarence Ryan, with Toby Leonard Moore and Bella Heathcote

Produced By: Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings & Mitchell Stanley

Executive Produced By: Stephen Kelliher, Sophie Green, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Daniel Negret, Anjali Patil, Salman Al-Rashid & Sam Frohman

Editor: Simon Njoo Ase

Runtime: 86 Minutes

Synopsis: Sarah and Fergus, a hopeful young Aboriginal couple, give birth to their second baby. But what should be a joyous time of their lives becomes sinister when Sarah starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. Fergus, who can’t see it but desperately wants to believe her, grows increasingly worried as she becomes more unbalanced. Is the child-stealing spirit real or is she in fact the biggest threat to the safety of their family?  

‘ZERO’ (2025) Next-level cat-and-mouse-thriller that wowed at Beyond Fest 2024 finally in theatres and on VOD April 11th!

well go usa logoZERO

Zero poster

Jean Luc Herbulot brings Beyond Fest 2024 audiences a heartpounder in ZERO. Two Americans in Senegal wake up to discover bombs strapped to their chests and an unknown man speaking in their ear. They have ten hours to complete seemingly unrelated tasks before they explode. Can they beat a madman at his own game? This stealthy geopolitical thrill ride does not disappoint.

At first glance, our leading men appear opposites, but the script slowly reveals their motivations are the same. ZERO is an entirely new game of cat-and-mouse. A surprising philosophical angle is carefully crafted into the screenplay, branding a message into the audience’s psyche.

zero 2Fast-paced editing and augmented sound effects keep you engaged from the first frame. The concept combines the adrenaline of SAW and SPEED, but it’s funnier and inevitably much darker. The soundtrack is fantastic. Gregory Turbellier‘s camerawork is immersive and sharp.

Performances are outstanding. Unmistakable icon Willem Dafoe is the mysterious voice over the phone. There is something about his tone and rhythm that hypnotizes the viewer. Gary Dourdan adds a voice of enlightenment. His calm, powerful demeanor sets a tone against the tumultuous pacing.

zero 3Leading players Hus Miller (who also co-writes) and Cam McHarg have fiery chemistry, each delivering fully flushed-out characters even if we know the most basic information about them. They make a great on-screen team. I would love to see this entire crew create more projects together.

Jean Luc Herbulot delivers a winner in ZERO. Its bold messaging and fearless choices make it one of the year’s most shocking thrillers.

ZERO Trailer:

DIRECTOR: Jean Luc Herbulot
WRITERS: Jean Luc Herbulot, Hus Miller
CAST: Hus Miller, Cam McHarg, Gary Dourdan, Moran Rosenblatt, Annabelle Lengronne, Jessica Lorraine, Roger Sallah

zero 1For more Beyond Fest 2024, click here!

‘GREEN AND GOLD’ (2025) The feel-good, family film with a message is now available on VOD!

GREEN AND GOLD

Green and Gold Poster

 

 

Green and Gold highlights small-town farmers’ vital role as stewards of the land and pillars of their communities. Over the past 5 years alone, America has lost more than 140,000 family farms, but their resilient spirit endures. The film highlights hard work, love for the land, and commitment to preserving legacies for future generations.

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, Green and Gold celebrates the enduring spirit of family, community, and football focusing on the heartwarming and triumphant journey of a small-town farmer.

Madison Lawlor as Jenny #1 in GREEN AND GOLD, credit Childe Productions.jpgNelson remarked, “This story felt personal to me, I felt a real connection to it because the Nelson family farm has been a working farm in South Dakota since the Civil War, and my wife’s family were also farmers. Green and Gold captures the tenacity of small-town farmers and the strength of family and community. I was honored to play Buck and highlight the dreams defining many lives in America’s heartland.”

Director Anders Lindwall expressed, “Growing up just north of Green Bay as the grandson of a dairy farmer and die-hard Packers fans, my brother Davin and I poured our hearts into this film. It’s our tribute to small-town communities and the values they stand for.”

Packers' Fans Gather in GREEN AND GOLD, credit Childe ProductionsThis meaningful film is presented in collaboration with Culver’s and the Green Bay Packers, the nation’s only community-owned professional football team. Culver’s small-town Wisconsin roots give the restaurant franchise a true heart for agriculture and inspired the creation of its Thank You Farmers® Project, which has donated more than $6.5 million to​​ensure a sustainable food supply for the future.

As for the Green Bay Packers, this marks the team’s first time partnering with a feature film on this level, adding a unique depth to the story. “Green and Gold portrays the story of Packers fans’ devotion to legacy and community—it is a must-see. We are proud to be part of a story celebrating supporting one another and showcasing the critical role that family farms play across our great state of Wisconsin and beyond,” said Packers director of corporate partnership sales & activations, Justin Wolf.

Brandon Sklenar as Billy in GREEN AND GOLD, credit Childe ProductionsGreen and Gold is directed by Anders Lindwall and produced by Davin Lindwall and Aaron Boyd. Dan Visser, Darren Moorman, Scott Pomeroy, Craig Cheek, and Brooks Malberg executive produce the feature film. The screenplay was written by Steven Shafer, Michael Graf, Missy Mareau Garcia, and Anders Lindwall.

Green and Gold was named an Official Selection and Audience Award Winner at the 2024 Austin Film Festival. The film received Official Selection and Audience Choice at the Heartland Film Festival for its compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

About Culver’s and the Thank You Farmers Project

Since its founding in 2013, Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project has donated over $6.5 million to agriculture, ensuring a sustainable food supply for future generations. Culver’s is a proud partner of the National FFA Foundation, investing in youth leadership and climate-smart agricultural practices. Learn more about the Thank You Farmers® Project at www.culvers.com/thank-you-farmers-project.

Green and Gold still

Gold and Green is an authentic, multigenerational story of family values and self-discovery. The film is a great companion watch with the David Duchovny film REVERSE THE CURSE. Both delve into child/parent relationships that heavily revolve around a sports team. Oh, and Craig T. Nelson never misses. Check out the trailer below.

Gold and Green Trailer:

For more information, visit greenandgoldmovie.com and on social IGFB @greenandgoldmovie
 

‘Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus’ (2025) Music, movies, and mystery. One inspiring and heartbreaking path to stardom.

GOODBYE HORSES:

THE MANY LIVES OF Q LAZZARUS

goodbye horses poster

Filmmaker Eva Aridjis Fuentes‘s fascination with an unknown singer leads her on an unexpected journey sparked by the luckiest cab ride of her life. 

Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus opens with a song that fans will immediately associate with one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. Diane Luckey penned Goodbye Horses in the 80s while working as a taxi driver. Following a cameo in the film Philadelphia in the mid-90s, Q Lazzarus disappeared. But why? 

Goodbye horses Q lazzarus 1The chance meeting of Fuentes and Luckey gives us insight into a music industry mystery. Diane, aka Q Lazzarus, tells us her history with music, beginning in her childhood Baptist church choir. She knew her tastes were different and embraced her unique and powerhouse presence. 

We get treated to many of Q’s unreleased songs, most of which she performed live in clubs downtown and during her days on the London rock scene. Serving as the doc’s soundtrack, you will wonder how the rest of her discography fell by the wayside. American audiences and record labels weren’t ready for Q, even as the locals embraced her. 

Goodbye horses Q lazzarus 3With all the elements of a successful career at her fingertips, her romance with club promoter Richard slowly changed things for the worse. The lack of recognition took its toll. Richard’s leaving, combined with the Philadelphia soundtrack snub, was the final straw, and the drugs introduced by Richard led to Q’s world crumbling. But out of destitution and depression, Q rises from the ashes of sex work, crack addiction, rehab, finding her husband, getting clean, and fighting to bring her son James home. 

Goodbye horses Q lazzarus 2James, now an adult, encourages his mother to reclaim her work. Eva, Q, and her former bandmates plan an upcoming concert. Chasing the dream of finally making her music and onstage persona a household name. Q’s newfound enthusiasm is infectious. Even though life had different plans, Q Lazzarus and Diane Luckey gave us one unforgettable story.

The montage of vastly different bands covering Goodbye Horses possesses an effervescent energy. It’s that sense-memory magic a brilliantly written song triggers. GOODBYE HORSES is an intriguing unraveling of dreams and the rebuilding of a life. I hope audiences furiously download and stream her music to honor an artist worth celebrating. 


Trailer: Goodbye Horses

Upcoming Screenings information:
March 22 Asbury Park (Showroom Cinema)
March 25 Denver (Sie Film Center)**JUST ADDED
March 25-27 Albuquerque (The Guild Cinema)**JUST ADDED
March 30, April 3 Austin (Austin Film Society)
March 31 Seattle (Here-After Theater, programmed by Grand Illusion)**JUST ADDED
March 31-April 2 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada (Tivoli Cinema)
April 2 Winchester, Virginia (Alamo Drafthouse) **JUST ADDED
April 7 Saugerites, New York (Orpheum Theater, Upstate Films/Sonic Wave Series) **JUST ADDED
April 9 Rochester, New York (The Little) **JUST ADDED
May 28-June 1 Romania (Dokstation Music Documentary Film Festival) **JUST ADDED
May 29 Chicago (Facets) **JUST ADDED


*Winner of the Audience Award at the Morelia International Film Festival*


SYNOPSIS
Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus is an intimate film in the vein of Searching for Sugarman, which solves a musical mystery while taking the viewer on a rollercoaster ride through the life of enigmatic singer Diane Luckey, aka Q Lazzarus. Discovered by Jonathan Demme in 1987 during a fateful cab ride, Q had a moment of fame after her cult hit song “Goodbye Horses” was featured in The Silence of the Lambs. But while Q had a following in the New York and London club scenes, she was unable to get a record deal and completely vanished from the public eye in 1995. Not even her friends and bandmates knew what had happened to her, that is until another fateful car ride 25 years later brought her together with filmmaker and fan Eva Aridjis-Fuentes. Q entrusted Eva with the incredible story of her life, told in the film for the very first time through Q’s own words and music, and through dozens of never-before heard songs.


Eva Aridjis-Fuentes

Director: Eva Aridjis-Fuentes (The Favor, La Santa Muerte)
Producer: Howard Gertler (All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, Crip Camp)
Co-producer: Kathy Rivkin Daum (Moonage Daydream, DEVO)
Executive Producers: Cyrus Etemad, Betty Ferber, Clate Korsant
Editors: Eva Aridjis-Fuentes, Connor Kalista
Cinematographers: Nathan Corbin, Eva Aridjis-Fuentes
Sound: Danny Hole
Music Supervisor: Dawn Sutter Madell
TRT: 103 min
Country: USA

Film website: goodbyehorsesmovie.com

For more documentary films, click here!

SXSW 2025: This year is all about kicking ass and making names with new filmmakers taking the leap.

SXSW 2025_Website-SEO-3SXSW 2025

SXSW 2025 is back with a vengeance. Brimming with talent new and old, the festival grows each year, giving audiences what they love. This year is no exception with Film and TV’s coolest, latest, and greatest. On the docket are hotly anticipated titles like DEATH OF A UNICORN with its insane ensemble cast, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively return in ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR, and Peter Cilella‘s Midnighter DESCENDENT. Take a peek at some of the films we’re watching this year…

For more info on SXSW 2025 click here!


ODYSSEY

odyssey SXSW 2025Director: Gerard Johnson, Producers: John Jencks, Isabel Freer, Matthew James Wilkinson, Patrick Tolan, Screenwriters: Gerard Johnson, Austin Collings


Natasha Flynn is an estate agent on a mission—and she’s going to make a killing. Cast: Polly Maberly, Mikael Persbrandt, Jasmine Blackborow, Guy Burnet, Ryan Hayes, Charley Palmer Rothwell, Kellie Shirley (World Premiere)


ARREST THE MIDWIFEarrest-the-midwifeDirector: Elaine Epstein, Producers: Elaine Epstein, Robin Hessman


The arrest of midwives in a rural healthcare desert ignites an unexpected rebellion: Amish and Mennonite women who break from tradition, and emerge as fierce political activists fighting for reproductive justice and birthing rights. (World Premiere)


GLORIOUS SUMMER (Poland)

glorious-summer Directors/Screenwriters: Helena Ganjalyan, Bartosz Szpak, Producers: Maria Gołoś, Monika Matuszewska


A sun-drenched renaissance palace. Three women remain in a carefree state of limbo, tended to by an unseen, all-providing system. But as cracks in the paradise begin to appear, they are faced with a choice: escape or remain in the perfect illusion? Cast: Magdalena Fejdasz, Helena Ganjalyan, Daniela Komędera, Weronika Humaj (World Premiere)


DEATH OF A UNICORN

death-of-a-unicorn SXSWDirector/Screenwriter: Alex Scharfman, Producers: Drew Houpt, Lucas Joaquin, Alex Scharfman, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page


A father and daughter accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties. Cast: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Jessica Hynes (World Premiere)


REELING

reeling SXSW 2025Director: Yana Alliata, Producer: Jack Forbes, Screenwriters: Yana Alliata, Amy Miner


After a life altering accident, Ryan struggles to fit in with old friends and family at a birthday luau but the celebration boils over when he uncovers the missing memory of when his life took a tragic turn. Cast: Ryan Wuestewald, Hans Christopher, Nikki DeParis, Fabrizio Alliata, Makena Miller, Nyah Juliano, Michael Carter (World Premiere)


BABY DOE

baby doe SXSW 2025Director: Jessica Earnshaw, Producers: Holly Meehl Chapman, Jessica Earnshaw


At 22, Gail gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Decades later, she’s arrested for murder, even though she says the baby was stillborn. Baby Doe explores the fallout when young women cannot accept the reality of an unplanned pregnancy. (World Premiere)


CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD

clown-in-a-cornfieldDirector: Eli Craig, Producers: Marty Bowen, John Fischer, Wyck Godfrey, Screenwriters: Carter Blanchard, Adam Cesare, Eli Craig


A fading midwestern town in which Frendo the clown, a symbol of bygone success, reemerges as a terrifying scourge. Cast: Katie Douglas, Will Sasso, Cassandra Potenza, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Verity Marks, Dylan McEwan, Daina Leitold, Vincent Muller, Kaitlyn Bacon (World Premiere)

TEASER TRAILER LINK:

 


DEAR TOMORROW (Denmark, Japan, Sweden)dear-tomorrow-SXSW 2025Director/Screenwriter: Kaspar Astrup Schröder, Producers: Maria Helga Stürup, Katrine A. Sahlstrøm


In Japan, where loneliness has become a national crisis, the film follows three individuals battling isolation. Through a volunteer chat service, compassionate connections, and government initiatives, they find hope and paths to reclaim their lives. (World Premiere)


FOR WORSEForWorse-1440x810-1Director/Screenwriter: Amy Landecker, Producers: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenica Bergere, James Portolese


Fresh off a messy divorce, a 50-year-old sober mom tries to rebuild her life and stumbles into a new beginning after finding herself at a Gen Z wedding behaving like a 25-year-old drunk bridesmaid. Cast: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Nico Hiraga, Gaby Hoffmann, Ken Marino, Missi Pyle, Kiersey Clemons, Claudia Sulewski, Simon Helberg, Liv Hewson (World Premiere)


O’DESSA

ODESSADirector/Screenwriter: Geremy Jasper, Producers: Michael Gottwald, Noah Stahl


Set in a post-apocalyptic future, O’Dessa is a rock opera about a farm girl on a quest to recover a family heirloom. Her journey leads her to a dangerous city, where she must use the power of destiny and song to save her true love’s soul. Cast: Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, Regina Hall, Pokey LaFarge (World Premiere)


CREEDE U.S.A.

creede-u-s-aDirector: Kahane Corn Cooperman, Producers: Innbo Shim, Kahane Corn Cooperman


Welcome to Creede – a remote mining town with no stop light, a theater company and 300+ folks at 9,000 feet. This unlikely setting – with its miners, ranchers and theater people – offers an unexpected lens on divisions felt by Americans everywhere. (World Premiere)


THE SURRENDER

the-surrender
Director/Screenwriter: Julia Max, Producers: Mia Chang, Lovell Holder, Julia Max, Ian McDonald, Robert J. Ulrich


When the family patriarch dies, a grieving mother and daughter risk their lives to perform a brutal resurrection ritual that will bring him back from the dead. Cast: Colby Minifie, Kate Burton, Neil Sandilands, Vaughn Armstrong, Mia Ellis, Pete Ploszek, Chelsea Alden, Alaina Pollack, Riley Rose Critchlow, Lola Prince Kelly (World Premiere)


UVALDE MOMuvalde-momDirector: Anayansi Prado, Producers: Ina Fichman, David Goldblum, Screenwriters: Anayansi Prado, Pablo Proenza


When a school mass shooting rocks a small town in Texas, a mom desperate to save her kids is launched into the public eye. She speaks out against a system that never protected her. The community challenges these powers and exposes those who failed to protect its most vulnerable – children. (World Premiere)


IDIOTIKAidiotka
Director/Screenwriter: Nastasya Popov, Producers: Tess Cohen, Camila Mendes, Rachel Matthews, Saba Zerehi, Nastasya Popov


In this sharp, irreverent comedy, a disgraced fashion designer with a dangerously low credit score, Margarita (Anna Baryshnikov) enters a reality show with a six-figure cash prize to save her babushka’s West Hollywood apartment. But as the competition intensifies, slick producer Nicol (Camila Mendes) pushes her to spin her family’s struggle into spectacle, forcing Margarita to decide whether to play along or take control of her own narrative, one unhinged look at a time.

Cast: Anna Baryshnikov, Camila Mendes, Julia Fox, Benito Skinner, Saweetie, Owen Thiele, Galina Jovovich, Mark Ivanir, Nerses Stamos, Ilia Volok (World Premiere)


NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE (Canada)nirvanna-the-band-the-show-the-mDirector: Matt Johnson, Producers: Matthew Miller, Matt Greyson, Screenwriters: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol


When their plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, Matt and Jay accidentally travel back to the year 2008. Blah blah blah blah blah.  Cast: Jay McCarrol, Matt Johnson (World Premiere)


BROTHER VERSES BROTHER


brother-verses-brotherDirector: Ari Gold, Producers: Michelle Stratton, Starr Sutherland, Screenwriters: Ari Gold, Ethan Gold, Lara Louise, Brian Bell, Herbert Gold, Tongo Eisen-Martin, John Flanigan

Synopsis: Inspired by Francis Coppola’s concept of Live Cinema, Brother Verses Brother is a radically personal musical odyssey. Combative twin musicians hunt for their dying poet father, in an improvisation performed by the director’s own family, and presented as an unbroken real-time shot through the streets of San Francisco.


One brother seeks love, while the other seeks an audience. But as night falls and their father remains missing, their increasingly frantic safari leads them from the secret haunts of the Beat poets into the heart of their family. Their tale becomes a testament to the power of music, the bonds of brotherhood, and the lifeblood of a city – experienced by the viewer in real-time.


Cast: Ari Gold, Ethan Gold, Lara Louise, Brian Bell, Herbert Gold, Tongo Eisen-Martin, John Flanigan (World Premiere)


OUT FOR DELIVERYout-for-delivery-3Director/Screenwriter: Chelsea Christer, Producers: Clinton Trucks, Alexa Rocero, David B. Lyons


When terminally ill Joanna makes the difficult decision to pursue end of life options through the Death With Dignity law, the systems set up to make her death peaceful and dignified become the opposite. (Texas Premiere)


BAGGAGE (Australia, United Kingdom)

baggage-SXSW 2025Director/Screenwriter: Lucy Davidson, Producers: Vanessa Batten, Amy Upchurch


Anthropomorphic suitcase best friends bring their emotional baggage on holidays. (International Premiere)


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For SXSW 2025’s entire lineup, click here!

For all things SXSW 2025 and beyond from Reel News Daily, tap this!

‘THE BUILDOUT’ (2025) A gorgeously shot, nail-biting genre-bender

Ethos logoTHE BUILDOUT

The Buildout poster

Filmmaker Zeshaan Younus has been the talk of the town on the festival circuit with THE BUILDOUT. The film follows two close friends scouting the Southern California desert, searching for a new site for their religious group. That is only the beginning.

The Buildout_04Cameron and Dylan are not the first to set foot on the land. Timelines cross. The two friends document what they find on a camcorder. In the isolation, they discover more questions than answers, and the viewer travels down a rabbit hole of unnerving chaos.

The Buildout_02Jenna Kanell gives Cameron a feisty edge that reminds me of Robin Tunney in Empire Records, appearance and all. There is a visible aversion to the hyper-religious nature that Dylan openly expresses. Hannah Alline (Adult Swim Yule Log) is Dylan. Alline brings an almost unwavering, psychopathic faith as a recovering addict. Kanell and Alline share a beautifully organic chemistry. They are perfect foils for one another. They share an unresolved trauma bond within a larger mystery.

The Buildout_05The audience holds its collective breath with only drips of information at any given time. The eclectic camera work by Justin Moore is jarring in the best way possible, delivering a continuously menacing vibe. (Don’t think I missed your EP credit, Emily Bennett!) Matt Latham‘s editing is emotionally dizzying and brilliant. This entire team knew precisely what they were doing. Younus creates characters that captivate, backed by a story that digs its talons into your brain. THE BUILDOUT will have you begging for more.

The Buildout Trailer:

The harrowing, horrifying festival favorite

THE BUILDOUT

arrives on all VOD platforms February 25th
 
The acclaimed, dramatic thriller stars Jenna Kanell (TERRIFIER, RENFIELD) and Hannah Alline (DC’s Doom Patrol, ADULT SWIM YULE LOG)
 


Something is happening in the desert. The epicenter is a strange tent, humming with an imbued esoteric energy. What is found within its walls is incomprehensible.

We first meet Dylan and Cameron as they barrel deeper into the desert. One knows exactly where they’re going, the other one is doing their best to be a good friend.

On a road trip fueled by junk food and documented by a handheld camera, the women traverse a landscape that feels more like Mars than Earth – the California Desert. This is their last chance to get back – back to what they used to be. Today, they are but mere fragments of their former selves; weighed down by the looming presence of a shared tragedy.

A story of rebirth, recovery, closure, and accountability propelled forward by an esoteric conduit. This women-led narrative follows the tectonic shift of a friendship over one fateful day. In the face of the unexplained, they lean into their truest selves and come face-to-face with an unnerving discovery.

THE BUILDOUT is a meditation taken from behind the handlebars of a speeding motorcycle. It aims to bridge the gap between found footage and traditional cinematic storytelling while leaning into strong, capable, and unapologetic characters.

The debut feature from distributor Ethos Releasing, THE BUILDOUT is written and directed by Zeshaan Younus and stars Jenna Kanell, Hannah Alline, Natasha Halevi, Michael Sung Ho, and Danielle Evon Ploeger.

For more horror coverage, click here!

‘STOCKADE’ (2025) Art, antiquities, and mystery collide in this unique immigrant story.

STOCKADE

Stockade_Ahlam outside house (Sarah Bitar), Credit Veronique FilmsEric McGinty‘s STOCKADE follows Ahlam, a Lebanese woman trying to get her artist’s visa extended in NYC. To pay her lawyer, she agrees to deliver a package upstate. 

Stockade_Ahlam gives package to Richard (Eric McGinty & Sarah Bitar), Credit Veronique FilmsHalfway through the story goes in an entirely bizarre direction when Richard doesn’t show up, Paul isn’t answering the phone, and two strangers appear in the house demanding the contents of the package.  Suddenly, easy money is not so easy after all.

The tonal shift into antiquities thriller/wild goose chase is a bit jarring, but you root so hard for Ahlam that you go along for the ride. It definitely feels like everyone in Stockade knows more than they’re willing to divulge, and Ahlam is a manipulated chess piece in a game she never agreed to play.
Stockade_Ahlam in her studio with Linton in BG (Sarah Bitar & Michael Wiener), Credit Veronique Films
The script features characters with racial microaggressions. The film didn’t actually need the thriller aspect at all. Ahlam’s immigrant artist story is enough to keep an audience engaged in earnest, although the commentary on the abuse of immigrant bodies is undoubtedly impactful. 

Stockade_Richard speaks to Ahlam (Eric McGinty & Sarah Bitar), Credit Veronique FilmsWhile the rest of the cast is mediocre at best,  Sarah Bitar is spectacular. She has a commanding presence about her. Ahlam holds unspoken trauma and guilt from leaving her family in Beruit. Bitar holds you captive with her fierce energy. She is the reason to watch this film.


Trailer:

Award-Winning Mystery-Drama STOCKADE Sets Limited Theatrical Release on February 21, 2025 and North American VOD Platforms and DVD on February 25, 2024 Via Freestyle Digital Media

 

The award-winning mystery-drama STOCKADE will have a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Glendale theater starting February 21, 2025, and will also be available on all North American digital HD internet, cable and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, on February 25, 2025 via Freestyle Digital Media. In this psychological “immigrant noir” thriller, a Lebanese artist (played by Sarah Bitar) in New York takes a job delivering a package upstate, only to get embroiled in a murky scheme. STOCKADE is written and directed by Eric McGinty.

STOCKADE had its World Premiere at the 2023 Woodstock Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Ultra Indie Award. The film was also an Official Selection of the 2024 Queens World Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image where it won awards for Best Narrative Feature and Best Female Actor, and was also nominated for Best Director Narrative Feature, Best Ensemble Feature and Best Narrative Feature Screenplay.

STOCKADE tells the story of Ahlam, a struggling Lebanese artist in New York City who takes a job delivering a package upstate, only to open a Pandora’s box. In this updated meditation on the pursuit of the American dream, Ahlam finds herself in dire financial straits and desperate to come by the funds to extend her artist’s visa. When she is offered a job to deliver a mysterious package upstate, Ahlam believes she has found a solution. Upon her arrival in the Hudson Valley, Ahlam encounters shady characters and quirky neighbors as she is unwittingly drawn into the world of ancient artifact trafficking. Every step of the way, STOCKADE keeps viewers guessing, and with its naturalistic yet expressionistic aesthetic, this noir thriller makes a unique addition to the crime genre.

Written and directed by Eric McGinty, STOCKADE was produced by Anna Sang Park, Eric McGinty and Adam Vazquez. The cast features Sarah Bitar (‘Ahlam’), Bahar Beihaghi (‘Zora’) and Guy de Lancey (‘Paul’).

“STOCKADE was inspired by my experience as an artist who’s tracked the fine art world in New York City for many years, as well as my research on Middle-Eastern artifacts and the illegal antiquities trade,” said writer/director Eric McGinty. “But above all else, I was determined to make an ‘immigrant film noir,’ where characters and situations that are underrepresented in most mainstream films are instead at the center of the story.”

McGinty first met trilingual (English, Arabic and French) film and stage actor Sarah Bitar, when she was attending drama school in New York City. Bitar’s actual struggles inspired the creation of Ahlam, a Lebanese painter just out of art school; an antihero who gets caught up in the hyper-capitalistic, colonialistic world of fine art. The intersectionality of Bitar’s real-life – as an immigrant to America and a queer person from a region in the world where the LGBTQ+ community is often not accepted by significant swaths of society – was deeply influential as McGinty crafted the character. “It was also imperative for me to collaborate with Lebanese cast and crew members, including our editor, composer and several actors. Other performers are from the Middle-Eastern diaspora, South Africa, Korea and Argentina,” he added.

About STOCKADE writer/director Eric McGinty:

McGinty’s first feature, Wallabout, won the Best Narrative Feature Award at the 2015 Bushwick Film Festival and the Best Personal Narrative Award at the 2014 Manhattan Film Festival. In 2016, Wallabout had a theatrical release for a month at the venerable Paris art house, Cinéma Saint-André des Arts, where the esteemed film magazine, Positif, gave it 4 stars. As a first assistant director, Eric often collaborated with French directors who were shooting films in the US, including Cédric Klapisch, Luc Besson, Olivier Nakache/Eric Toledano and Rachid Bouchareb. Based in Brooklyn, Eric grew up in a bicultural environment, having been raised in Paris and Washington, D.C. by a French mother and an American father. He began his career in Paris working as an actor and stage manager in theater and modern dance. He attended the Sorbonne and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, concentrating his studies in film and literature. In STOCKADE, Eric also plays the role of Richard.

CREDITS:

Written and Directed by Eric McGinty

Produced by Anna Sang Park, Adam Vazquez, Eric McGinty

Executive Producers: Anna Sang Park, Lela Meadow-Conner

Director of Photography: Guy de Lancey

Editor: Nay Tabbara

Music by Alex Wakim

Sound: Samuel O’Sullivan

Art Director: David Raff

 

TRT 88 minutes | Color | English, Arabic, French

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‘EVERY LITTLE THING’ (2025) A captivating documentary where sweetness soars between grief and healing.

kino lorber logoEVERY LITTLE THING

every little thing poster

Author and wildlife rehabilitator Terry Masear is a magical woman. She is a defender of the smallest. As a hummingbird protector, her connection to these animals is a gateway to healing, both bird and woman.

EveryLittleThing_photo01Worthy of a National Geographic seal of approval, Sally Aitken‘s EVERY LITTLE THING boasts stunning cinematography by Ann Johnson Prum. Alongside Caitlin Yeo’s lovely score, it is a captivating viewing experience.

EveryLittleThing_photo05We meet several birds by name. One particularly injured little one named Cactus captures our hearts. Juxtaposed with the deep trauma from her childhood, Terry explains how selfishness affects the rehabilitation process.

Every Little Thing birdsThe film makes it effortless to root for these tiny birds. Terry’s relentless determination and patience, her ability to be so in tune with these creatures, is mesmerizing. It’s incredibly powerful.

EveryLittleThing_photo10There is an overall sweetness to the film that can only be felt upon viewing. It is simultaneously heartbreaking and joyful. A meditation on grief and healing, EVERY LITTLE THING  is a light in the darkness and the example of compassion we all need at this moment in time.

Every Little Thing Trailer:

Kino Lorber is pleased to present EVERY LITTLE THING, an intimate and moving documentary about injured hummingbirds and the singular woman working to save them.

EVERY LITTLE THING opens January 10 at the IFC Center in NYC and January 17 at the Laemmle Monica in LA, with national expansion to follow.

SYNOPSIS — Author and rehabber Terry Masear wants to save every injured hummingbird in Los Angeles. Terry takes in the most fragile of patients through her volunteer hummingbird rescue, but the path to survival is fraught with uncertainty and drama. Over the course of Sally Aitken’s intimate and moving documentary, we become invested in Terry’s hummingbird patients – including Cactus, Jimmy, Wasabi, Raisin, and Mikhail – celebrating their small victories and lamenting their tiny tragedies. Through the eyes of America’s busiest bird rehabilitator, each bird becomes memorable, mighty and heroic. As she nurtures the wounded hummingbirds back to health, Terry finds herself on her own transformative journey, unraveling a visually captivating and magical tale of love, healing, and the delicate beauty in tiny acts of greatness.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Sally Aitken (Writer/Director)

SallyAitken_EveryLittleThing_director_photoJacquieManning_2

Sally Aitken is an Emmy® nominated director and writer, and a showrunner of multiple international series. Known for visually arresting work characterized by sensitivity and humor she relishes unknown stories and the world’s complexities. Her most recent feature, Every Little Thing, is her second feature film to debut in competition at the Sundance Film Festival following her 2021 Sundance hit, Playing with Sharks (Disney+). Following the remarkable life of maverick conservationist Valerie Taylor and her love affair with the ocean’s most terrifying predator, Playing with Sharks was named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the 15 best films of the year. Sally’s debut feature, A Cinematic Life, about esteemed film critic David Stratton and his love affair with the movies, appeared in an official competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Sally was also nominated for the Camera d’Or. Other major works include directing The Pacific with Sam Neill, a 6-part television series with the actor and raconteur retracing Captain Cook’s voyages and the indigenous perspective on Cook’s impact. Her architectural films include Getting Frank Gehry (2015, BBC/ABC) with the iconoclast starchitect as well as Streets of Your Town (2016, ABC) for which Sally collected both the Australian Director’s Guild Award as well as the Australian Writer’s Award for Best Documentary series.

ABOUT TERRY MASEAR

(Participant)

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Terry Masear has been running Los Angeles Hummingbird Rescue since 2004 and is the longest-practicing hummingbird rehabilitation expert in the country. Los Angeles Hummingbird Rescue receives five thousand calls each year and has been involved in the rehabilitation and release of 10,000 rescued hummingbirds in Southern California. The film Every Little Thing, based on Terry’s best-selling book, Fastest Things on Wings (2015), documents the trials and triumphs of a summer spent rehabilitating orphaned and injured hummingbirds in Los Angeles. The book has been featured by National GeographicHere & NowMSNBCLos Angeles Times and Washington Post.   Terry’s extensive rescue work has led to several remarkable discoveries about hummingbird breeding and nesting practices unknown to science. Terry received her PhD from UCLA and taught English as a Second Language and postgraduate research and writing at UCLA for twenty years. 

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‘GRAND THEFT HAMLET’ (2025) Shakespeare takes center stage in GTA, and earns a standing ovation.

MUBI logo

fest bannerGRAND THEFT HAMLET

Grand Theft Hamlet poster(2024) - www.imdb.com

 

In Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane‘s extraordinary documentary GRAND THEFT HAMLET, Mark and Sam, friends and out-of-work actors during London’s third Covid-19 lockdown, hatch a plan to put on the notorious play inside the action-adventure gaming world.

The entire concept of the film began as a creative outlet. The result is undeniably hilarious. The voyeuristic journey moves from amusing to genuinely intriguing and heartfelt. It’s strangely relatable, particularly for fellow performers grappling with the reality of their livelihoods being ripped away from them in an instant.

grand-theft-hamlet-286259-copySam and Mark try to entice an audience while simultaneously playing the game. GRAND THEFT HAMLET is hands down one of the most entertaining documentaries ever. Guns blazing, blood spraying, and lines of Shakespeare flying willy-nilly, it’s brilliant madness.

Sam and Mark deliver tangible performances for Shakespeare novices while attempting to make their idea a reality. Those who finally join in on the fun present the audiences, the one in the game and the one at home, with catharsis and joy. Auditions are captivating. This beautifully eclectic group of players *double entendre* mesmerizes with personal backstories and, ultimately, their storytelling skills.

Grand Theft Hamlet blimp(2024) - www.imdb.comHaving only witnessed clips of Grand Theft Auto through the years, I was blown away by the ability to customize the experience. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. It is something akin to a virtual vision board. (Yes, my theatre nerd girl roots are showing.) Could this be a new way to rehearse actors? The director in me has all the thoughts currently rushing into my brain.

GRAND THEFT HAMLET also grounds us in the truth of the pandemic’s isolation and sadness. Mark, Sam, and the cast delve into the play’s text as it pertains to current circumstances and life in general. It’s essentially a masterclass in performance and communication in more ways than you can fathom.

Grand Theft Hamlet cave(2024) - www.imdb.comOn the technical side of things, the editing and soundtrack are award-worthy. The film exemplifies the power of human connection when it was not possible in the physical world. It is a light in the ongoing darkness that often feels all-consuming. Sam’s plea from the film’s audition recruitment segment says it all. “You can’t stop art, motherfuckers!” GRAND THEFT HAMLET is the epitome of the creative community’s ability to bring hope.

GRAND THEFT HAMLET Trailer:


The SXSW Prize-Winning Documentary Opening in Theaters January 17, 2025 via MUBI

 

Directed by: Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane
Written by: Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane
Staring: Sam Crane, Mark Oosterveen, Jen Cohn
Producers: Rebecca Wolf and Julia Ton

89min | UK | Documentary
 
Synopsis: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, two out-of-work actors, Sam and Mark, face a bleak future. Desperate for purpose, they stumble upon an idea: stage Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the ultra-violent world of Grand Theft Auto Online. Shot entirely in-game, GRAND THEFT HAMLET explores their attempt to merge classical theatre with a chaotic digital landscape. With stunning visuals and unexpected moments of reflection, this engaging documentary examines how ancient cultural narratives can still resonate in new, virtual spaces, raising questions about art, isolation, and the digital world’s potential for storytelling.

Winner:
SXSW  – Documentary Feature Competition
BIFA –  Best Debut Director (Feature Documentary) & Raindance Maverick Award
Sitges – Best Documentary 
Vancouver International Film Festival –  Audience Award
DMZ International Film Fest – Frontier Competition – Grand Prize

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‘LADY LIKE’ (2025) Passion, Fashion, Dance, and Discovery. Lady Camden’s journey to happiness.


LADY LIKE

lady like poster

Starting with a bang, Luke WillisLADY LIKE is hands down the best film from a Drag Race alumni. Rex Wheeler had big dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. After attending the world’s most prestigious school, a slipped disc altered his path and made way for an equally celebratory expression of talent. Enter Lady Camden.

lady like young rexThe structure is a mix of real-time anxiety about the airing episodes, Rex’s extraordinary ballet training, and unresolved childhood trauma. After her first win, Lady Camden’s popularity skyrockets. But the film never lets us forget the immense work that goes into this art. 

lady like balletDelving into family and friend dynamics is vital to Rex’s well-being. There is an unfiltered honesty that hits you square in the chest. Transitions are eye-catching animation sequences that also serve as explanations for any viewer unfamiliar with Drag Race. Nina West, a darling of the show’s legacy, narrates. It is the perfect pairing for Lady Camden and Rex. 

lady like finaleThe film is beautifully shot and emotionally edited. There is love infused in making this film. A visceral joy of becoming who we always dreamed we’d be bursts off the screen. LADY LIKE is a must-see. 

Lady Camden Doc LADY LIKE Comes to VOD
Festival Favorite About Drag Race Breakout
Launches on Cable and Streaming
From Freestyle Digital Media January 3, 2025




In this rags to riches origin story, drag superstar Lady Camden is catapulted into the spotlight when she becomes a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. As she struggles with the new demands of fame, she must come to terms with a troubled childhood.

The fairy-tale life of RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Lady Camden, shines in Luke Willis’ intimate and joyous documentary as it traces her launch to international fame while diving into a dark past that drove her to seek the fantasy of the performing arts.

Narrated by fellow Drag Race star Nina West, director Luke Willis’ intimate documentary traces Camden’s journey, giving us a front-row-seat on her path to find her confidence, her chosen family, and to prove that embracing one’s vulnerable self and artistic core is critical to find healing.

Lady Like: 88 minutes / UK-USA

Preorder on Apple TV

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‘FILTHY ANIMALS’ (2024) Superbly unhinged vigilante shit, and that’s a compliment.

freestyle-digital-media-logoFILTHY ANIMALS

Filthy Animals poster

James T. North provides audiences with delicious and wickedly dark humor in his latest film. Set on Christmas Eve, FILTHY ANIMALS tells the story of two misfits, Lars, a thrill-seeking drug enthusiast, and Freddy, a bodybuilder recently out of rehab, who hunt down child sexual predators.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.529.1.png - Powered by Box - app.box.comThis oddball team of modern-day outlaws fearlessly tracks down society’s worst with hypnotic nonchalance. It is no wonder the film had a field day on the festival circuit—the cast rules. Raymond S. Barry is phenomenal as Lester. Mena Elizabeth Santos is equally deranged, letting the intrusive thoughts win.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.624.1.tif - Powered by Box - app.box.comRyan Patrick Brown delivers an unexpectedly gentle turn as Freddy. Focusing on gains rather than violence, his love for his Baba and adoration for Westerns fit perfectly into this weird puzzle. Austan Wheeler delivers a comedically unhinged performance playing Lars. He is a coked-up loose cannon and motivator/bad influence for Freddy. Wheeler’s toxic aggression gets a pass due to his vigilante goals.

FILTHY ANIMALS standoff stillRobby Ngai‘s editing is applause-worthy. North provides enough meat to expand into a series. There is much to explore within these characters. Each one deserves an entire episode for their backstory.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.945.1.png - Powered by Box - app.box.comThe film celebrates the morally grey areas of life. The fantasy sequences bleed into the narrative like a gift. Memorable, singular, and sensorial FILTHY ANIMALS is the epitome of cult indie filmmaking.


 
Freestyle Digital Media’s newest crime thriller FILTHY ANIMALS with a Western, holiday twist, opens in select theaters and will be available on VOD on Friday, December 13th.

 

Written and Directed by JAMES T. NORTH

Produced by ELYUSHA VAFAEISEFAT, KENDRA GAGE NORTH, and JAMES T. NORTH

Starring RYAN PATRICK BROWN, AUSTAN WHEELER, MENA ELIZABETH SANTOS, PETER LARNEY, and RAYMOND J. BARRY

96 minutes | Crime, Thriller | 2024 | English | USA

MPA Rated R for language, violence, sexual references, drug material

 

Official Site: www.filthyanimalsmovie.com

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11468144/

Instagram: @FilthyAnimalsMovie

Facebook: @FilthyAnimalsMovie

X: @FilthyAnimalzzz

#FilthyAnimalsMovie    #ABadDayInTheSouthBay

 

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super clone watches

‘B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)’ (DWF NY 2024) Jeskid’s new short film takes on the absurdity of the rat race.

POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709B!tch I’m Early

B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)


In under six minutes, DWF NY 2024 audience winner B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.) manages to be quintessentially New York and entirely universal in climbing the corporate ladder as a woman. This generational battle of two women, who are more alike than they realize, pit themselves against each other for an office promotion. Quite literally racing to the office only to discover someone unexpected in their way at every turn. Actresses Michelle Batista and Jesenia revel in their slapstick abilities, viscous tongues, and fearlessness. Violinist Elizabeth Tsung provides the score in real time, and it is magic. The fast-paced editing is to die for. Filmmaker Jesse “Jeskid” Cowell delivers the laughs and a climax that hilariously satisfies everyone.

B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.) Trailer:

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)” Synopsis:
In the corporate world, being FIRST is all that matters. Two women, a generation apart, find themselves locked in an absurd battle for a coveted promotion. Desperate to outshine each other, the ladies escalate their rivalry from petty arguments to an all-out race to the office. “B!tch I’m Early” delivers a masterclass in comedic timing and mounting tension with an eclectic, diverse cast to back it up. This six-minute gem manages to pack the punch of a full feature, hilariously skewering corporate culture while reminding us that in the rat race, we’re all running in circles.

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.) Director Bio:
Jesse “Jeskid” Cowell has been honing his filmmaking craft for over 30 years. Refusing to wait for his big break, Jeskid took to the web in 2003 and has since created over a thousand pieces of content. He has written and directed two independent features online, was one of the first vloggers (pre-YouTube), and has innovated at every stage.
A Webby Award winner with nearly a billion views for his directing and producing work, Jeskid’s impact is undeniable. His film is featured in a chapter of a USC textbook, and his comedy series garnered 10 million views in 2022. Jeskid’s journey proves that art thrives when a determined artist stays true to who they are. Stories must be told. Movies must be made. Creators, like Jeskid, must create.
“B!tch I’m Early” marks Jeskid’s latest foray into one of his favorite genres, the cinematic-comedy made popular by filmmakers such as Edgar Wright and Mike Judge. With an Office Space-like flair, Jeskid mixes a surreal comedy style with the pace of an action movie. Joined by a terrific, diverse cast, he has surrounded himself with talent and has had the time of his life bringing this new vision to fruition.

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)” Director Statement:
I love seeing talented people shine and doing everything in my power to create cinematic universes in which they can. Throw some social commentary, action and laughs in there and I am a happy filmmaker.

DWF NY laFor more DWF NY coverage, click here!

‘THE SHADE’ (2024) A slow burn of manifested grief and reclamation of power.

level 33 logoTHE SHADE

THE_SHADE_poster

Filmmaker Tyler Chipman brings us the tale of a young man reeling in the aftermath of unresolved childhood trauma. THE SHADE is a slow spiral into darkness. 

Ryan is the middle child and the man of the house since his father’s death. He is someone who tries and fails to hide all the pain. Upon the unscheduled return of his older brother into the house, Ryan must confront the demons lurking just beneath the surface or else.

It’s so nice to see Brendan Sexton III again. He is such a force of nature and a fantastic addition. Germain Arroyo is Ryan’s best friend, Nicholas. His energy is a much-needed break from the sullen overtone. He is a star. 

TheShade_Still06_1920x1080Laura Benanti plays the family matriarch, Renee. She adds authentic warmth to every role. Even if her scenes are few and far between, she steals every single one. Dylan McTee plays the eldest brother, Jason. He exudes hurt with an overly aggressive demeanor that perfectly suits the role. 

Chris Galust gives Ryan a wounded exhaustion that pours off him. Suffering from unspeakable childhood trauma all while trying to keep his chaotic family together, Galust delivers an emotional rollercoaster, panic attacks and all. 

TheShade_Still07_1920x1080There are a few particularly memorable shots by cinematographer Tom Fitzgerald. Heather Benson and the makeup department give us startling work. They deserve all the applause. 

The film is a slow burn with a tense low vibration under each beat. It is 45 minutes until the menace manifests outside the immense toxicity between the two eldest brothers. Ten minutes later, a chill goes down your spine. 

TheShade_Still01_1920x1080What gets the pulse-pounding is undeniably well done. Chipman and cowriter David Purdy use dreams as a gateway to terror. Perry Blackshear‘s WHEN I CONSUME YOU would be a great companion watch for THE SHADE. Similar themes weave throughout both films. Come to think of it, add Jennifer Kent’s THE BABADOOK to that list. 

Mental health, anguish, and horror combined to create a unique narrative approach. My advice to audiences is to be patient. Focus on the performances and the underlying metaphor. It is a powerful payoff.

The Shade Trailer:

THE SHADE

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

11.22.24



127 MIN | THRILLER | HORROR | DRAMA | PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER | NR TV-14



MULTIPLE FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER!

WINNER Best Special Effects – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Best Directing – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Best First Time Filmmaker – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Jury Award Best Feature Film – Snowdance Independent Film Festival

WINNER Silver Audience Award – Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

WINNER Jury Prize Best Feature Film Director – FogFest

WINNER Jury Prize Best Actor in a Feature Film Chris Galust – FogFest

WINNER Jury Prize Best Feature Film – FogFest

NOMINATED Best Feature Film, Best Villain, Best in Show, Best Actor Chris Galust,

Best Stunts, Best Cinematography, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Production Design – Days of the Dead Film Festival

NOMINATED Best Writing – FogFest



Directed by

Tyler Chipman



Written by

Tyler Chipman and David Purdy



Produced by

David Purdy



Director of Photography

Acton Fitzgerald


Starring

Chris Galust, Laura Benanti, Dylan McTee, Mariel Molino, Germain Arroyo, Brendan Sexton III, Sam Duncan, Michael Boatman


SYNOPSIS

Ryan Beckman, a 20-year-old college student from a declining town in the northeast, struggles with a debilitating anxiety disorder following his father’s death. His older brother, Jason, returns home unexpectedly while battling his own demons. Together with his younger brother James, Ryan struggles to break the destructive cycle threatening their family as an ancient darkness closes in on them.




RATING: NR TV-PG

RUN-TIME: 127 minutes

THEATRICAL RELEASE: September 20th

DIGITAL RELEASE: November 22nd

STUDIO/DISTRIBUTOR: Level 33 Entertainment

GENRE: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Horror

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‘DARUMA’ (2024) The healing power of kindness and the importance of representation shine bright.

DARUMA

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Director Alexander Yellen and writer Kelli McNeil expand their 2018 short film of the same name to glorious big screen life. DARUMA tells the story of, Patrick, a bitter wheelchair user, discovering he has a four-year-old daughter from a forgotten fling. He quickly learns that he cannot parent her as she needs and enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert (double amputee) to transport her to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country.

daruma PatrickDaruma deals with addiction, PTSD, and redemption in an honest way. There is zero sugarcoating. Immersive camera work helps place the viewer in Patrick’s emotionally injured mindset by placing the camera in his lap whenever he gets intoxicated in a club. Yellen’s overall cinematography is spectacular. His choice to mix follow shots, close-ups, and stunning drone footage while our players embark on their road trip captures Daruma’s vulnerability and heart.

Little Victoria Scott gives Camilla authentic sweetness. She’s a lovely addition to this cast. Barry Bostwick lends his unassailable talent to Daruma. Whatever role he plays, you can bet on some seriously affecting moments.

daruma RobertJohn W. Lawson is undeniably charming as curmudgeonly neighbor Robert. His nuanced backstory is the perfect foil for Tobias Forrest. You’ll fall in love with him. Forrest gives his all, leaning into Patrick’s flaws and working to find his suppressed humanity. Forrest nails each beat. He and Lawson share relatable chemistry. It’s a dramedy duo you didn’t know you needed.

Yellen and McNeil deliver a genuine road movie with struggles and hopeful healing vibes. If you aren’t welling up by the film’s ending, check your pulse. Representation is vital to authentic storytelling. The world needs more films like DARUMA. The film will be honored at the Directors Guild of America on Dec. 9th at the first-ever Indie Awards. It is much-deserved recognition.

The film will be screening for a week in theaters in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, DC, and Minneapolis Nov 15 – 21, 2024.  

 

 
ABOUT THE FILM: 
Executive produced by 2X Oscar winner Peter Farrelly, DARUMA tells the story of, PATRICK, a bitter wheelchair user, discovering he has a four-year-old daughter from a forgotten fling. He quickly learns that he cannot parent her as she needs and enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (double amputee) to transport her to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country.
 
CNN said the film is the first authentically cast film in US film history to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming disability and on September 9th, our filmmaking team was invited to an event at the White House to celebrate the 34th signing of the ADA. 
 
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‘MAX DAGAN’ (Tuscan Film Festival 2024) Compelling performances drive this drama home.

Tuscan FF logo

MAX DAGAN

max dagan poster

Terre Weisman brings festival audiences MAX DAGAN, the story of a father convicted of manslaughter and a son who works tirelessly to get him out, wading through years of secrets, lies, and corruption.

The cast is fantastic. Jay Mohr makes a particularly smarmy appearance. Michael Madsen is perfect as a corrupt cop. Lisa Roumain is spectacular as Ilene. She brings unresolved trauma to the screen in a visceral way.

Max Dagan still from DP Tim BanksRob Morrow gives Albert a down-to-earth quality that we’ve come to love about him. I’ve been a solid fan since he starred in NUMB3RS with David Krumholtz. Morrow’s humanity is quintessential for the heaviness of Albert’s circumstances.

Zachary Gordon is the highlight of the film. Get him in more leading roles at this stage of his career. His effortlessly strong presence fills each scene. Gordon begs your attention.

The script is relatively predictable, except for one late reveal that had me simultaneously yelling, “WTF?”. It’s something you’ll have to witness to understand. Overall, the editing and storytelling style feels disjointed. Even at only an hour and thirty-plus minute run, the cuts feel like snippets of a Law & Order series rather than a single film.

That said, the performances are top-notch. They earn your views. The underlying message of hope, resilience, and redemption will undoubtedly resonate with a broad audience.

You can get tickets to Max Dagan at the Tuscan Film Festival Here

 

Max Dagan (Zachary Gordon) strives to exonerate his father, Albert (Rob Morrow), who has been wrongfully sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of a State Trooper. Armed with a vintage Fender guitar, Max faces a corrupt detective (Michael Madsen) and must confront painful family issues, including reconciling with his estranged uncle (Rob Brownstein) and collaborating with the daughter (Lindsey Dresbach) of the deceased trooper. As he seeks evidence for his father’s compassionate release, both families discover unexpected connections in their shared struggles.

tuscanff 2024 poster

 
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‘THE COMPLEX FORMS’ (Screamfest 2024) An exquisitely crafted nightmare.

Screamfest 2020 banner logoTHE COMPLEX FORMS

The Complex Forms poster

Filmmaker Fabio D’Orta‘s THE COMPLEX FORMS plays Screamfest 2024. The film follows a group of men who sell their bodies for temporary possession by an unknown entity that emerges from the woods. In an ancient Italian villa, our characters work until chosen. Upon seeing the horrors that await them, the roommates decide to run.

The Complex Forms 3A sweeping opening shot accompanied by Riccardo Amorese‘s booming cinematic score immediately grabs your attention. The location is exquisite, with sprawling grounds and old-world villa architecture. THE COMPLEX FORMS is visually spectacular at every turn. Our mysterious entities remind me of the darkest Jim Henson creatures and Moana’s villainous crab, Tamatoa.

The Complex Forms 2David Richard White gives leading man Christian an intriguing mix of fear and determination. Aided by D’Orta’s sharp cinematography, White compels you to root for him.

THE COMPLEX FORMS gives audiences much to chew on in 74 minutes. The double-entendre title is particularly clever. The film boasts a finale you will never see coming. Fabio D’Orta is an undeniable visionary.

The Complex Forms Trailer:

SYDNEY SCIENCE FICTION FILM FESTIVAL – Wins BEST DIRECTOR NOT FILM FEST – SPECIAL MENTION KANAZAWA FILM FEST – Wins BEST VFX FILM AWARD XXIII MACABRO FILM FESTIVAL – Wins BEST DIRECTOR PORTLAND HORROR FILM FESTIVAL – Wins FOR BEST CREATURE FEATURE AWARD MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL – Wins JURY AWARD BEST INT’L NARRATIVE FEATURE MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL – Wins AUDIENCE AWARD BEST INT’L NARRATIVE FEATURE 44th FANTASPORTO FILM FESTIVAL 2024 – SPECIAL JURY AWARD SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2024 – HONORABLE MENTION 41TORINO FILM FESTIVAL – SPECIAL MENTION

  • Director:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Screenwriter:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Producer:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Executive Producer:
    Fabio D’Orta, Mariangela Bombardieri, Mariacristina Bombardieri
  • Cast:
    David Richard White, Michele Venni, Cesare Bonomelli, Enzo Solazzi
  • Production Design:
    Fabio D’Orta, Mariangela Bombardieri
  • Music:
    Riccardo Amorese
  • Year:
    2024
  • Runtime:
    01:14:00
  • Language:
    Italian
  • Country:
    Italy
  • Premiere:
    LA Premiere
  • Rating:
    Unrated

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‘GHOST GAME’ (2024) Scary scenarios combine for one entertaining spooky season watch. On VOD today!

dread logoGHOST GAME

ghost game poster

Jill Gevargizian (Aka Jill Sixx) brings us her sophomore feature, GHOST GAME. A group of internet thrill seekers bounces from house to house, playing pranks on the owners, all while stealthily spending as many nights there as possible. Laura convinces her new boyfriend to join her at the notorious Halton House, a place with a horrific past.

The mixed visual approach engages us with reenactments, surveillance footage, Travel Channel-esque ghost story TV spots, and DP Justin Brooks’s immersive real-time cinematography. The FX team does an excellent job.

Ghost Game Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes - www.rottentomatoes.comI have mad love for The Stylist, so it’s no surprise that GHOST GAME entertained the hell out of me. I’ve been following the film since its inception since I’m “internet friends” with Jill and cast member Emily Bennett (Alone With You). As broad as the horror community is, it’s also incredibly small, in the best way. Ps-in case you already didn’t know, they both rule. Genre filmmaking from a femme-centric lens hits differently.

Speaking of Emily, her performance as a protective mother is drastically different from her previous roles. Meg is life-weary as they arrive at the new house. Watching Bennett navigate Meg’s arc is oh-so-satisfying. She is securing her spot as a Scream Queen.

ghost game atticAs an Autism Parent, Vienna Maas does a lovely job portraying Sam, a child on the spectrum. Writer Adam Cesare handles it with such care. I genuinely appreciated both the delicate touch and the representation, so cheers.

Sam Lukowski is Laura’s hyper-aggressive Ghost Game partner, Adrian. Lukowski’s toxic masculinity seeps from his pores. His demise is welcome. Zaen Haidar is her boyfriend, Vin. His performance improves as the plot thickens and the character grows a pair.

ghost game camera footageAidan Hughes is hands down one of the best players in this ensemble. His chameleon shifting is bone-chilling. Kia Dorsey gives Laura a fearless passion. She begs your attention in the morally grey area she exists in. She effortlessly leads this large cast, and I look forward to whatever comes next. Casting directors, get your eyes on her ASAP.

GHOST GAME combines three separate storylines to create an increasingly tense buildup. To be clear, this is not a found footage film, it’s a screen life clout film told from a way more intriguing angle. It’s a solid watch for Spooky Season.

GHOST GAME Trailer:

Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label DREAD presents GHOST GAME, following a couple’s internet challenge that turns fatal as they trespass into a haunted house, facing sinister evils lurking within its walls. GHOST GAME will have a limited theatrical run beginning October 18, and on October 22 the film will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD). The film will be available on Blu-ray beginning December 10.

GHOST GAME is the second directorial feature from Jill Gevargizian, best known for her feature debut THE STYLIST, which developed from an award-winning short film of the same title and debuted in 2020 from Arrow Video. GHOST GAME premiered at Panic Fest 2024 where Gevargizian won the audience award for Best Director.

Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald says, “Jill’s debut film THE STYLIST was nothing short of transformative, a truly one-of-a-kind experience. So, I knew she’d infuse GHOST GAME with her signature spine-tingling brilliance. Her vision is as daring as it is haunting, and we can’t wait for audiences to be utterly captivated by this electrifying DREAD original.”

“It was a dream to tackle two iconic horror sub-genres at once: a home invasion thriller mixed with a classic haunted house film.” says director Jill Gevargizian. “GHOST GAME is the kind of film that keeps you on your toes, peeling back layer after layer until the very last frame.”

The official synopsis for the film reads: As part of an internet challenge to live undetected in a stranger’s home, a daring couple target an infamous haunted house and endure a series of chilling incidents as they witness a family descending into madness.

GHOST GAME is directed by Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist) and written by Adam Cesare (Last Night at Terrace Lanes). Starring Kia Dorsey (The Man in the Guesthouse, Secrets in the Building, A Date with Deception), Zaen Haidar, Michael C. Williams (The Blair Witch Project), Emily Bennett (Shelby Oaks, Alone With You), Sam Lukowski (Satanic Hispanics), and Vienna Maas (The Stylist). Produced by Eduardo Sanchez (The Jester, Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows, Queen of the South), Carlo Glorioso (Satanic Hispanics, V/H/S/2, The Jester), Corey Okouchi (The Jester, Butterfly Kisses, Ninjas vs. Monsters) and Jamie Nash (V/H/S/2, Satanic Hispanics).

About Epic Pictures Group
Founded in 2007, Epic Pictures is an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game production and publishing division in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space.

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‘LA COCINA’ (2024) As complex as Shakespeare and an ode to those behind the scenes.

Willa logoLa Cocina

La Cocina poster(2024) - www.imdb.comBased on the 1957 stage play The Kitchen by Arnold Wesker, filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios brings LA COCINA to the big screen. This exquisite drama follows the staff at a restaurant in Times Square and the coordinated (and uncoordinated) chaos behind the scenes. It is a beautiful character study that will punch you in the gut.

The black and white cinematography from Juan Pablo Ramirez screams stage play in all the best ways. Mixed with intimate closeups and follow shots, it is an intricately choreographed dance boasting framing that will linger long after the credits roll. 

The opening monologue sets the scene for the city’s chaotic reality. The dialogue is funny, authentic, and brutal. Performances are top-notch across the board. The delicious ensemble cast nails every beat. 

Motell Foster plays dessert chef, Nonzo. His philosophical kindness makes him something like the Gandolf of the kitchen. Foster is magnificent. Oded Fehr plays The Grill’s owner with an overbearing swagger that slowly spoils as the plot thickens. Fehr delivers the irony of the American Dream. 

La Cocina still

Laura Gómez lives in her role as a waitress on her first day. Gómez’s intensity is transformative. Anna Diaz gives Estela the wide-eyed, tentative nature that represents the inner voice of the entire staff. 

Rooney Mara plays Julia with a fiery sass and life-weathered exhaustion. Raúl Briones delivers humor and depth as Pedro. His cheeky personality is a facade for unresolved trauma. Mara and Briones have a fierce chemistry akin to Beatrice and Benedick in Shakespeare‘s Much Ado About Nothing. But it is Raúl Briones who owns the heart of this brilliant film. This performance is nothing short of award-worthy.

LA COCINA confronts racism and socioeconomic privilege head-on. The script challenges cultural boundaries. The characters are a melting pot that perfectly captures the true essence of the city and, quite frankly, America. Any real New Yorker will tell you that at any given moment, LA COCINA is happening in real time. It’s an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster

A Film by Alonso Ruizpalacios 

Starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones 

  October 25 / Angelika, NY
November 1 / Laemmle Monica, LA
followed by a national theatrical release

La Cocina Logo 7T095119.060SYNOPSIS: It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with Julia (Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, The Grill´s owner, has promised to help Pedro with his papers so he can “become legal”. But a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral into an act that will stop the production line of one of the city’s busiest kitchens once and for all.

La Cocina is a tragic and comic tribute to the invisible people who keep our restaurants running and our stomachs full, whilst chasing a perhaps unreachable version of the American dream.

WRITER & DIRECTOR: Alonso Ruizpalacios, based on the play “The Kitchen”, by Arnold Wesker
PRODUCERS: Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann, Ivan Orlic
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Juan Pablo Ramírez
CAST: Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Diaz, Motell Foster, Oded Fehr, Eduardo Olmos
U.S. Distributor: Willa
Mexico, U.S. / English and Spanish / 139min


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‘ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID’ (2024) Comedy, mental health, and a mystery.

ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID

me Myself & the Void poster

Tim Hautekiet‘s Me, Myself, & the Void follows comedian Jack after one bad night on stage morphs into an out-of-body experience when he wakes up in a rudimentary version of his apartment, looking over his body on the bathroom floor, with no idea what’s going on. Alongside the manifested versions of his best friend and ex-girlfriend, Jack must navigate through his issues and fading memories to figure out how he got there before it’s too late.

me Myself & the Void still 2The film boasts visually engaging elements, including a stage production style set, black-and-white flashback moments, and a halo effect when Jack and Chris step into a memory. The editing is as fast-paced as the dialogue. Hautekiet and co-writer Nik Oldershaw never give you a minute to breathe but certainly laugh. Jack and Chris’ chemistry is dazzling. The entire film plays out like a live improv show, and it’s electric.

me Myself & the Void still 3The entire cast nails each beat. Kelly Marie Tran oozes charm as Mia. She is so watchable and gives Mia a genuine heart. Chris W. Smith delivers honest best-friend vibes. He’s got that sitcom aura in the best way possible. Jack De Sena is spectacular, running through the emotional gambit. He reminds me of Jack Black, with a loveable quality that draws you in. Discovering that Smith is De Sena’s comedy partner in their popular sketch comedy channel Chris and Jack and now the world makes more sense.

me Myself & the Void still 4The script is whip-smart. It is a ping-pong match of wits between best friends through self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. The film is a dizzying whirlwind of meta-purgatory, tackling the incredible nuance in relationships and the importance of communication. It’s about owning your shit. Me, Myself, & the Void is one of the best indie gems of the year.

ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID Trailer:

Out of Body Indie Dramedy Me Myself & The Void
Starring Jack De Sena, Chris W. Smith, & Kelly Marie Tran
Debuts October 1, 2024 from Echobend Pictures
Streaming on Major VOD Platforms Worldwide

 

Me Myself & The Void world premiered at Dances with Films and went on to screen at fests around the world. At FilmQuest, Me Myself & The Void won the award for Best Ensemble Cast and scored nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing and Best Score.

A down on his luck stand-up finds himself in a void world, hovering precariously between life and death. It is in this void that our hero, Jack, must discern how he ended up face down on his bathroom floor and find a way out before it’s too late.

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