Category Archives: Comedy

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

Posted on by — Leave a reply

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

 

For more indie films, click here!

‘Screams from the Tower’ (DWF NY 2024) A gay, coming-of-age story of friendship, fearlessness, and the future.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709Screams from the Tower

SCREAMS-FROM-THE-TOWER

Filmmaker Cory Wexler Grant gave DWF NY 2024 audiences belly laughs with the East Coast debut of SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER. The film follows best friends Julien and Cary as they vie for a morning radio spot at their high school in the early 90s. Getting there is only the beginning. As the show evolved, so did its creators and fans.

The script is quirky, whippy, and bold. The dialogue settles into 90s jargon in such a natural way you might think it has been sitting on a shelf since. I mean that as a compliment. Each character has unique flaws and big feelings. The chemistry between every cast member is outstanding. Even the parents and teachers are memorable.

David Bloom gives Cary a solid best-friend connection and comic foil for Richie Fusco. Opposites attract in every sense. Other notable performances from Ryan Golf, Madison Tevlin, Amanda Bruton, and TJ Lee round out the hilarity.

Richie Fusco has genuine Ducky meets Ferris Bueller energy playing Julien. From his style to his humor, he effortlessly commands this ensemble. His journey of self-discovery drives SCREAMS from beginning to end. He oozes charm.

Knowing that the film is an homage to Grant’s teenage years makes every aspect more delicious. As a theatre kid from the class of ’99 growing up on John Hughes films, this film tapped into every bit of my coming-of-age individuality. Grant taps into the loneliness of secrets and the handling of creative kids. I felt this film in my bones.

Screams from the Tower Trailer:

WRITER/DIR: Cory Wexler Grant
PROD: Alexander Wenger
CAST: Richie Fusco, David Bloom, Madison Tevlin

“Screams from the Tower” Synopsis:
“Screams from the Tower” is a gay, coming of-age comedy that follows Julien, his best friend Cary, and their outcast friends through high school in the early 90’s. Julien and Carys dream of having their own show on the high school radio station is finally realized, bringing them popularity and infamy they never imagined.

“Screams from the Tower” Directors Note:
“Screams from the Tower” is broadly based on my teenage years, growing up in the 1990s in the Chicago suburbs. I wanted to write a gay, coming-of-age comedy in the style of the late great John Hughes who only ever hinted at the concept of being gay in his movies but was so very instrumental in highlighting the growing pains of the nerds, weirdos, and outliers. I didn’t want to focus on the trauma experienced by so many queer kids or even the passion surrounding unrequited teenage crushes. So many young adult gay movies have already illustrated these themes so well. Instead, I wanted to make a broader movie to which more people could relate. Focusing on the absurd, painful, and often laughable journey of self-discovery and identity exploration every teen goes through before graduating and leaving the lives they know.
I wanted to show the generation currently enduring high school the technological and cultural changes which have occurred since I was a kid – not out of nostalgia – but to highlight areas of cultural and social change and the areas which have not. Mostly, I hope they find it funny. I hope they can empathize. I hope they can identify in the same way those who lived it can. “Screams from the Tower” is a love story, but not a romantic one. This movie is a love letter to an old friend who forever changed my perception of the world. He taught me how to be proud, stranger and fearless. This movie i s in large part, for him and all the “weird” kids out there.

DWF NY la

For more DWF NY coverage, click here!

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

Posted on by — Leave a reply

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!

‘PEAS AND CARROTS’ (DWF NY 2024) Evan Oppenheimer dishes out the laughs at the World Premiere of his latest film.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709

PEAS AND CARROTS
***WORLD PREMIERE | DANCES WITH FILMS 2024 ***

PEAS-CARROTS-980x551

Evan Oppenheimer‘s hilarious DWF NY premiere PEAS AND CARROTS centers on 16-year-old Joey, the daughter of two one-hit wonder band members from the 90s. A glitch with the kids’ star projector opens a portal to an alternate universe where everybody only says three words: “Peas and Carrots.”

The Wethersbys, your typical New York family of quirky creatives, navigate their musical relevance and the children’s eclectic personalities. Joey longs to take the lead on a newly formed family band, but underlying feelings and said alternate universe has other plans.

The deliberate lens change between worlds is genius. There is a Nickelodeon quality about the entire production, and I do mean that in the highest regard. The score is authentically fun.

Playing the youngest Wethersby, Callum Vinson is adorable as Topper. Talia Oppenheimer has superb comic timing as middle child Mickey. Andrew Polk delivers acerbic wit as producer Woody.

PEAS-AND-CARROTSAmy Carlson and Jordan Bridges are a joy to watch as Laurie and Gordan. Their chemistry is spot on. Kirrilee Berger is a pure delight as Joey. She has a natural star quality akin to Jane Levy or Rachel Sennott. She brings an effervescent energy to the screen.

A clever device comes in the form of a bedtime routine. The dialogue is genuinely hilarious. When Joey enters her dream state, the cast’s commitment to the Peas and Carrots gag is laugh-out-loud funny. Each new scene provides more insight into this mysterious alternative universe. PEAS AND CARROTS manages to weave existentialism into a family film about confidence and identity. It’s a delicious treat, peas, carrots, rhubarb and all. Stick around for the musical credits and a sweet surprise. You’ll be begging for seconds.

DWF NY 2024 selectionDirected by: Evan Oppenheimer (Alchemy)
Produced by: Edward Schmidt, Jay Zellman
Starring: Kirrilee Berger (Unsung Hero), Amy Carlson (“Blue Bloods”), Jordan Bridges (“Rizzoli & Isles”), Andrew Polk (Armageddon Time), Kelly McAndrew (In the Family), Talia Oppenheimer (The Magnificent Meyerons), Callum Vinson (“Chucky”), Laurissa Romain (Top Five), Dan Thompson (A New York Story), Faith Gitchell, Krishna Doodnauth, Angel Desai (“NCIS: New Orleans”), Gabriel Rush (Moonrise Kingdom), Ajay Naidu (Office Space)

Joey Wethersby is a typical 16-year-old New York girl — if your typical New Yorker had parents who were in a one-hit wonder band in the 90’s. And if your typical New Yorker found themselves traveling every night to a bizarre alternate reality, where everybody only says three words: “Peas and Carrots”. Joey finds herself navigating this weird new world, while also dealing with her changing family dynamic, after she suggests that she and her parents (and, to her chagrin, her siblings) form a new band and start rocking out together.

About Evan Oppenheimer
Peas and Carrots is the eighth film written and directed by Evan Oppenheimer. His other films are The Magnificent Meyersons, Lost in Florence, A Little Game, The Speed of Thought, Alchemy, Justice, and The Auteur Theory.

The Magnificent Meyersons is currently on the Starz network, after being theatrically released twice, in 2020 and 2021. Lost in Florence, shot entirely in Italy, was released around the world in 2017 by MGM and Orion Pictures. A Little Game, Evan’s first family film, was called “a classic in its own right” upon its release in 2014, and won Best Feature and Best Actor at the International Family Film Festival. The Speed of Thought, a science fiction thriller, was released nationwide on-demand, as well as in numerous countries around the world, and is currently being adapted for a television series.

Alchemy, a romantic comedy, was subsequently a New York Times Highlight, the TV Guide Movie Pick of the Week, a Washington Post Best Bet, and an Us Weekly Pick. Justice was recognized as the first narrative film to deal with the after-effects of 9/11. It premiered at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival, and was lauded in The New York Times (“A genuine surprise”), TV Guide (“Admirably subtle”), and The New York Daily News (“There’s no denying the film’s emotional core”).

Evan’s first film, The Auteur Theory, made on a shoestring budget of $70,000, screened in festivals worldwide, winning numerous awards. Reviewers have called it “ingenious”, “among the best first features I have ever seen”, “one of the best independent films of the year”, and “easily the funniest indie film since Clerks”.

After graduating from Yale University with a B.A. in English, Evan was an editor for three years at Atheneum Publishers. He then moved on to NYU Film School, where his student film Cross Road Blues won first prize at the University Film & Video Association Student Film Festival.

DWF NY laFor more DWF coverage, click here!

‘GASBAG’ (DWF: NY 2024) A hilarious pilot that breaks the niche space

Posted on by — Leave a reply

POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709GASBAG

GASBAG poster

Lynn Rosen‘s Season 2 pilot for her web series GASBAG features some of NYC’s best theatre performers. Rosen’s dialogue is hilarious. The cast is outstanding. Lead Chad Kessler is an undeniable star with the unrelenting energy of a catnip-high feline. This genuine ensemble overflows with talent, wit, and comic timing. GASBAG deserves a proper budget. While the show is quintessential New York, it reaches far beyond a niche audience. This Friday, you can catch the pilot at this year’s DWF: NY. More details on production and tickets are below!


Gasbag follows George Nordstrom (Chad Kessler), a lovable over-talker who is discovering what he really wants and who he really is…at age 42. His overbearing mother, meddling neighbor, and dysfunctional coworkers at The Marcia Powell Travel Agency sure don’t make it easy, but thanks to his can-do spirit, some loving shoves from his brash cousin Jean, and the liberating realization that he’s gay, George is learning to love silence. He may even learn to love himself.

WHO: Lynn Rosen is a playwright and screenwriter who is currently co-writing a musical about feminist Flo Kennedy with Pia Wilson, featuring music by Rona Siddiqui. The project is commissioned by Theatreworks Silicon Valley and received a grant from the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in 2023 and residencies from The Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals in 2023 and 2024. Rosen previously co-created the award-winning comedy web series Darwin, directed by Carrie Preston (Elsbeth) and featuring Michael Emerson (Lost), and has sold two television pilots to major networks. She is a New Dramatists alumna and co-founder of the pop-up theater production company The Pool. “I’m thrilled to premiere GASBAG, our offbeat “series that could”, at DANCES WITH FILMS: New York,” says Rosen. “DWF: NY is the perfect fit for GASBAG because it features a spunky NYC vibe and notable NYC talent, and because GASBAG is the epitome of the scrappy “can do” spirit that Dances With Films celebrates.

Chad Kessler spent a decade creating a multitude of roles in the hit off-Broadway comedy “MyBig Gay Italian Wedding” franchise and its two sequels. On-screen, he can be seen on Amazon’s Emmy-nominated series Tainted Dreams, and is also a recurring voice on Pokemon! and Nickelodeon. He adds, “The story of a late-blooming gay fella trying to find his path in life while navigating a world he never felt he fit into resonated deeply with me. George is an endearing oddball whose hilarious-and often stymied-efforts to evolve is something everyone can relate to. Also, Lynn’s script and my co-stars are so beyond funny. We couldn’t stop laughing even after our director yelled ‘cut’.”Also featured in GASBAG’s principal cast are notable NYC theater performers such as DramaDesk winners Mia Katigbak and Mary Bacon, Lortel-nominated actress Danielle Skrasstad, and TV stars Deirdre Lovejoy (Rhonda Pearlman on THE WIRE, Cynthia Panabaker on THEBLACKLIST) and Jackie Tohn (Esther on NOBODY WANTS THIS, Melrose on GLOW).

George freaking out close up_ Sherri behindWHEN: Friday, December 6 at 12:45 PM EST

WHERE: Regal Union Square,850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

MORE: Gasbag started life as a pandemic-era web series, which inspired the creators to produce the TV pilot, which builds on the action and characters in the web series. They have also already started working on new episodes of Gasbag to distribute in the future. Tickets are available here.

Gasbag - Chad Kessler (L) and Mia Katigbak (R)Gasbag – Pilot

Running Time: 24 minutes

Directors: Christopher Gerson, Julie Kramer

Creator/Writer/Executive Producer: Lynn Rosen

Executive Producer: Chad Kessler

Producer/Director of Photography: Charles Grubbs

Producer/Music by: David James Boyd

Editor: Teresa Cicala

Cast: Chad Kessler, Danielle Straakstad, Tina Chilip, Trey Gerrald, Mia Katigbak, and Mary Bacon with Deirdre Lovejoy, and Jackie Tohn

DWF NY la

For more DWF coverage, click here!

‘DREAM TEAM’ (2024) An homage that rides the bit to the bitter, coral-covered end.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Yellow Veil Updated logoDREAM TEAM

Dream Team poster

Filmmakers Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn bring us an absurdist homage to 90s basic cable TV thrillers. DREAM TEAM follows the episodic escapades of two hot West Coast INTERPOL agents who uncover an international, interspecies mystery involving psychic coral, a sexually suggestive scientist, and an invisible coworker with a very vindictive streak. Do you remember when you used to fall asleep in front of the television in middle school and wake up at 2 am only to find some weird low-budget movie playing? DREAM TEAM takes you back in a time machine of half-awake ideas and visual nostalgia.

Dream team NoAgents No and Chase (Esther Garrel and Alex Zhang Hungtai) leisurely follow the trail of deaths but mostly sport tight clothes and make innuendos. The script occurs in episodes featuring a repeated title sequence and undeniably clever cheeky titles.

The 16mm cinematography is Chef’s Kiss, from the extreme handheld close-ups to the shaky handheld everything else. The editing by Whitney is a masterful fever dream of overlapping superimposed fades and soft-core imagery (many aquarium shots. A lot.) The amount of B-roll outnumbers the actual plot. Each element nails the 90s aesthetic, with appropriately absurd costumes and a wealth of black light.

Dream team 1The script is intentionally utter nonsense. If you want to learn about coral, DREAM TEAM is your jam. Performances across the board are spot-on for mediocre porn overdramatics. I feel like watching on mushrooms would be an experience. There are so many moments of WTF I lost count 30 minutes in. At that point, it is best to throw your hands up and tell yourself, “Sure, why not?” My favorite scene involves an invisible coworker. I was also thankful for the break in what I assume are meant to be channel surfing breaks in the narrative pattern.

Dream team 2It is easy to see why Jane Schoenbrun acts as executive producer. The neon color pops are right up her alley. Listen, coming from someone who starred in two of these things many years ago – do not even try to look that shit up on the internet, I will hunt you down- DREAM TEAM owns the bit. The question remains whether audiences will tolerate it for 90-plus minutes.

 

The trippy, surreal, sci-fi/comedy
DREAM TEAM
opens at Metrograph NYC on Nov. 15th
 
The acclaimed 16mm satire of 90s softcore action is produced by I SAW THE TV GLOW writer/director Jane Schoenbrun
 
 

The third audacious feature from Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn (L FOR LEISURE, TWO PLAINS & A FANCY), DREAM TEAM once again blends the filmmakers’ wild genre pastiches into sociopolitical parables, creating a truly unforgettable – and beautifully weird – cinema experience. The critically-acclaimed sci-fi/comedy debuted at 2024’s International Film Festival Rotterdam and stars Esther Garrel and Alex Zhang Hungtai.

An absurdist homage to ’90s basic cable TV thrillers, DREAM TEAM follows the episodic escapades of two hot West Coast INTERPOL agents who uncover an international, interspecies mystery involving psychic coral, a sexually suggestive scientist, and an invisible coworker with a very vindictive streak.

DREAM TEAM kicks off a retrospective of Kalman and Horn’s filmography at the Metrograph in New York City. Their previous two features will play In Theater as part of the “Retro-Futurism: The Films of Lev Kalman & Whitney Horn” series, and screen via Metrograph At Home.

Distributed by Yellow Veil Pictures, the satirical sci-fi/comedy is produced by Lev Kalman, Whitney Horn, Sarah Winshall, Pierce Varous, and I SAW THE TV GLOW director Jane Schoenbrun.

For more sci-fi coverage, click here!

‘HIPPO’ (2024) Weirdness overdrive with a side of satire.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Kinematics logoHIPPO

Hippo - MAIN POSTER

Mark H. Rapaport‘s curious tale of two step-siblings struggling to come of age amongst sexual urges for each other. HIPPO is a deadpan satire is like nothing else.

Rapaport and star Kimball Farley serve as co-writers. They give Hippo a precocious vernacular similar to the dialogue in Dawson’s Creek but with a darker edge. The absurdity of the narrative works because the siblings are homeschooled. It’s genuinely perfect in this era of online indoctrination of our male youth. It is incel heaven.

(L - R) Kimball Farley as “Hippo” and Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

(L-R) Kimball Farley as “Hippo” and Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO, a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Eliza Roberts, wife of our narrator Eric Roberts, is hilarious as mother Ethel. Her eternally optimistic attitude is incredible. Jesse Pimentel is ceaselessly smarmy as Craigslist predator Darwin.

Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup”  Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Lilla Kizlinger delivers a delightfully morose performance as 17-year-old, Buttercup. Desperate for physical connection, her urges bend in a dangerous direction. Kizlinger is flawless.

Kimball Farley gives the titular role a quirky and dramatic overtone that captures the unfiltered chaos of a teenage boy’s mind. He bleeds toxic masculinity that is so over the top it is humorous. It reads incel. He is fantastically punchable.

Kimball Farley as “Hippo” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Kimball Farley as “Hippo” Photo courtesy of Kinematics.


The film occurs in 1994, and the production team nails the aesthetic with wardrobe and props. The delicious black-and-white cinematography and the cartoon-like score are perfection. Overall, HIPPO is an irreverent look at adolescence and a hyper-antiquated personification of gender roles. Also, it’s weird as hell.

Trailer:

HIPPO will be available in select Theaters on Nov. 8.

 

The film was written by Mark H. Rapaport (The Scary of Sixty-First) and Kimball Farley (Andronicus) and was directed by Mark H. Rapaport. It stars Kimball Farley, Lilla Kizlinger (Semmelweis), Eliza Roberts (National Lampoon’s Animal House), and Eric Roberts (Runaway Train).

It examines the coming-of-age of two step-siblings: Hippo, a video-game-addicted teenager, and Buttercup, a Hungarian Catholic immigrant with a love of classical music and Jesus. Like the Ancient Greek Aphrodite, Buttercup’s love is unrequited by a brother who prefers to indulge in the art of war and chaos. The result is a hormone-fueled, tragicomic waking nightmare that must be seen to be believed. 

Run Time: 100minutes | Rating: Not Rated

For more black-and-white films, click here!

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

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓

DARUMA

Daruma_KeyArt_10_Simplified

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. 
 
For more drama coverage, click here!

‘Me, Myself & The Void’ (2024) Interview with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about his mind-bending indie gem.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Me, Myself & The Void

me Myself & the Void poster

ME, MYSELF & THE VOID is one of the year’s most inventive films. I got to chat with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about the entire process. You can find a few Behind-The-Scenes photos and our conversation below. Do not miss this one. You have no excuse since the film is on VOD right now!! 

Synopsis: Trapped in a mysterious void outside the bounds of time and space, a struggling stand-up comedian must investigate how his body wound up motionless on his bathroom floor and wake himself up before it’s too late.

Tim! Congratulations on such a unique, engaging, and endlessly funny film. What sparked this screenplay and where did you start? The mystery aspect is delicious. You had me think everyone was guilty at any given time. 


My co-writer Nik Oldershaw and I spent a long time trying to figure out how to crack the hook of the film. We knew we liked the idea of a film set in a void world with minimalistic props and set design portraying the locations to the audience but we didn’t have a story that tied it all together. Once we landed on the idea that it was going to be about a character who was trapped inside a void world and was going to have to investigate his own memories to identify how he wound up there, that’s when we first saw the true shape of the story. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the mystery aspect as that’s definitely what compelled us to write the story and figure out who Jack really was. me Myself & the Void still 22. The varying visual aspects are so cool, from the black and white to the halo effect. Those specificities keep the audience relatively grounded in Jack’s chaotic “space and time.” What did this storyboarding look like? With all the elements involved, I imagine it was a huge wall or an entire room.


We used a variety of different techniques to visualize everything. We had a very tight shot list and I got to collaborate with Conor Fitzgerald to create certain key frames from the film in order to be able to better communicate with our various department heads. For some of the more complicated sequences, I worked with a storyboard artist called Sam Vest. In particular, sequences where Jack tries to move his body in the void world and that then causes movement in the real world.

3. How many days did you shoot for, and (speaking of visuals) how long did the editing take? 


We shot for 15 days in November 2021 and then did a single pick up day the following summer. We started editing as soon as the film was wrapped and the edit took approximately a year because it was a small team of myself, Ryan Turner, and Ryan Blewett jumping in whenever we could. The process worked quite well to keep things fresh, you’d hand over the edit and then get to see it again with fresh eyes after the next editor put their spin on it.me Myself & the Void still 14. Can you tell us about casting Kelly Marie, Chris, and Jack? Their chemistry is magic. Did you let them play with dialogue during the shoot?


I’d been a fan of Chris and Jack for a long time and had enjoyed the pleasure of working with them on two different short sketch projects prior to reaching out to them about Me, Myself & The Void. They are incredibly gifted improvisers so if time allowed on set, we’d let them run with a couple of alternative takes if we already had a take that was true to the production script.

As for Kelly, I hadn’t worked with her before but she and Jack briefly shared a scene in “Sorry For Your Loss” and I remember thinking they performed so well together. She’s also got incredible comedy chops and watching her bounce off Chris and Jack in a scene was always fun to watch.

I’m so proud of the entire cast. Jack, Chris, Kelly, Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Kristin Carey, and Darren Durpree Washington… Not to forget Gio Randazzo who played Jack’s body double. We couldn’t have made this film without them.BTS 1 Me, Myself, & the Void5. The set is incredible. As a theatre nerd, it was immersive enough for the imagination to fill in the blanks and for the cast to play on. How did you decide on a unit set?


Thank you so much! Our production designer Katie Theel, art director Bethany Struble, and their entire team really outdid themselves. They had to build the full apartment set first and then slowly strip it away as we entered the void. We thought it could present an interesting opportunity to make various set design elements crucial to the story. What pieces need to remain in order for the audience to still grasp the shape of where our characters are in the void.


BTS 2 Me, Myself, & the Void6. Would you and Nik consider a franchise with new characters? I would be the first person watching the interactions of other people’s minds swirling with what-ifs!


Haha! I’ll confess we conceived of this project as a one-off but never say never. We loved making this film and if the opportunity to do another psychological “void” deep dive into a character presented itself, we’d certainly consider it.


Thank you so much for chatting about Me, Myself, & the Void. It’s a total gem, that took me off guard in all the best ways, so all my applause to you!

Me, Myself, & The Void Trailer:

You can check out Me, Myself & The Void on VOD now!!

 

For more genre films, click here!

‘ZERO’ (Beyond Fest 2024) A dark, pulse-pounding thriller, that excites in every second.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Beyond_Fest_2024_1920x1080-H-202ZERO

zero 1

WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 83 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: JEAN-LUC HERBULOT

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 a game of cat-and-mouse on an entirely new level. 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.

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

For more Beyond Fest 2024, click here!

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

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓

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.

For more comedy coverage, click here!

‘PÁRVULOS’ (Fantastic Fest 2024) An exquisite wow and one of the year’s best films.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

FantasticFest_2024_Poster (PÁRVULOS 

US Premiere

Parvulos poster

Filmmaker Isaac Ezban brings Fantastic Fest 2024 PÁRVULOS, the story of three siblings surviving in the woods by scavenging in a virus-ravaged world. The dangerous secret they harbor in the basement may be their undoing.

The cinematography is something to behold. The sepia-toned lens locks you into a compelling plot. It creates this magical, borderline eerie feeling. The production design team is aces with children’s drawings and makeshift inventions. The post-apocalyptic aspects are relatively subtle but incredibly effective. The end credits are outstanding. The original song “Our People Need Our Help” is a certified banger.

PÁRVULOS_StillTwo surprising performances will blow you away, but I won’t spoil that with specifics. I will only say that Norma Flores and Horacio Lazo give us everything they’ve got. Our three young brothers are magnificent. Mateo Ortega Casillas gives Benny the right amount of innocence and rebellion. Leonardo Cervantes delivers vulnerability and compassion as Oliver. Farid Escalante Correa gives Salvador a perfect mix of resentment and raging hormones. Together, they warm and break your heart.

The film’s tone takes an unexpectedly amusing twist once Benny learns the secret that Oliver and Salvador keep in the basement. Benny convinces his brothers that normalcy can return if they try hard enough. Their unrelenting determination hits a snag when a young woman crashes their holiday plans. The film takes another turn during its nearly two-hour run. A wildly dark finale holds you captive.

PÁRVULOS has enough meat on the bone for a series. Visually striking, beautifully acted, and ceaselessly compelling. Is it not only a highlight of Fantastic Fest, but one of the year’s best films, period.

Fantastic Fest Website:

https://fantasticfest24.eventive.org/films/66bd75c881b0b4003a7b9cc1

Synopsis: In the aftermath of the Omega Pandemic, a devastating global catastrophe, teenage Salvador has assumed the role of caretaker for his younger siblings, Oliver and Benjamin. Equipped with a host of survivalist skills, Salvador harvests resources from the forest nearby and hunts small game for their table while trying to instill a sense of normalcy through routine, games, storytelling, and holiday celebrations.

Director: Isaac Ezban

Cast: Carla Adell, Leonardo Cervantes, Felix Farid Escalante, Norma Flores, Noe Hernandez, Horacio Lazo, Mateo Ortega

FantasticFest_2024_BannerMAIN_LOGO

For all things Fantastic Fest 2024, click here!

‘HAYRIDE TO HELL’ (2024) Hallmark meets horror and becomes my new annual Halloween comfort film.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

BreakingGlassFilmsLogoHAYRIDE TO HELL

Hayride to Hell poster

As someone who has participated in an annual haunted hayride as both a viewer and a performer, Dan Lantz‘s HAYRIDE TO HELL opens in the perfect, immersive fashion. The plot begins as a classic story of a beloved farmer on the verge of bankruptcy and the curmudgeonly and corrupt small-town authority figures who want to take him down. Farmer Sam makes them a bet; if he can scare them on his new and improved hayride, they leave him in peace. 

Hayride to Hell (2022) - Bill MoselyThe cast delivers solid Hallmark energy, and that is a total compliment. The dialogue is laugh-out-loud hilarious the entire run. The script solidly shifts into the horror realm halfway through, and you easily root for our band of heroes turned vengeful villains.

A special shout-out to Peter Patrikios for his pristine character work. Kane Hodder plays villainous Sheriff Jubel like a pro. You 110% want to punch him in his racist, power-hungry face. Graham Wolfe does a fantastic job as Deputy Nixler, a dopey MF you’ll love watching go down. 

Hayride to Hell (2022) Kane HodderBill Moseley gives Sam an equal parts sweet and sarcastic edge. The more agitated he becomes, the funnier he gets. Moseley is a legend, and he must be protected at all costs. 

The film also continues the trope of casting full-grown men as teenagers, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The graphic novel transition swipe is reminiscent of Tales From The Crypt goodness. A quick reference to Stephen King‘s Christine is a fun Easter Egg. The hayride ingenuity makes my Halloween heart so happy. It’s probably the best I’ve ever seen.

Hayride to Hell (2022) - www.imdb.comHAYRIDE TO HELL is homegrown horror at its finest. Featuring some of the genre’s greats doing what they do best, fans cannot help but be enchanted by the Halloween fun and clever kills. It’s a beautiful marriage of everything that makes the season fun. HAYRIDE TO HELL is the perfect film to watch on a chilly Autumn afternoon with some homemade cider and popcorn in hand.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/KX3I4AfqOvE



Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the upcoming digital release of HAYRIDE TO HELL starring KANE HODDER and BILL MOSELEY

Official Synopsis

Set on the Coxe Family Farm in rural Willis County, Farmer Sam (Bill Moseley) exacts his bloody revenge on unscrupulous local town-folk, including Sheriff Jubel (Kane Hodder) , who menace him and attempt to steal the farm that has been in his family for 200 years.


Director: Dan Lantz
Writer: Kristina Chadwick, Robert Lange


Cast: Graham Wolfe, Mario Mosley, Allyson Malandra, Denise Parella McDonald, Jared Michael Delaney, Shelby Hightower, Melanie Martyn, Brooke Stacy Mills, Aaron Dalla Villa, and Cedric “Budge” Casimiro

ABOUT BREAKING GLASS PICTURES

Founded in 2009, Breaking Glass Pictures is a film distribution and media company that focuses on releasing unique and visionary independent films, inclusive of all genres, from around the world. In addition to theatrical, DVD, digital, and Video-on-Demand releases in North America, Breaking Glass functions as an international sales agent in all film markets, as well as a production company dedicated to creating compelling independent cinema. Breaking Glass also facilitates festival, theatrical, and special event bookings, and offers a full-service marketing team (marketing strategy, artwork and trailer creation, PR, social media) to independent filmmakers.

For more horror films, click here!

‘HEADS OR FAILS’ (Fantastic Fest 2024) Lenny and Harpo Guit take a gamble on one disarming dame.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

FantasticFest_2024_Poster (HEADS OR FAILS

FANTASTIC FEST 2024 World Premiere

BURNT ENDS

Heads or FailsMasterfully absurd, Lenny and Harpo Guit’s latest film, HEADS OR FAILS, introduces Fantastic Fest 2024 to the ceaselessly irresponsible and eternal hustler, Armande. Down on her luck and owing money to everyone in her path in Belgium, risky wagers are her bread and butter. Whether they pan out is another thing entirely.

Immersive handheld cinematography heightens the silliness. Quick takes follow the Guit’s style of fast-paced, chaotic dialogue. You immediately recognize it from their 2021 film MOTHER SCHMUCKERS. A recurring gag is that men seem to fall head over heels for Armande, and she could not be less interested. She is a magnet for all sorts.

Maria Cavalier-Bazan is undeniably charming as Armande. Her give no fucks personality is smirk-inducing. Cavalier-Bazan’s take on Lenny and Harpo Guit’s script begs your attention. Much like the plot, she is an Energizer Bunny. Living inside the nonstop whirlwind storyline, Cavalier-Bazan effortlessly carries HEADS OR FAILS. Leaving audiences dizzied and amused, she is one disarming dame. Lenny and Harpo Guit’s gamble pays off.

https://www.fantasticfest.com/film-guide


Belgium, France

2024 – 86m – Color

French with English subtitles

Produced By:

Roue Libre Production, Fair Play Production, Clubb Guitos



Armande Pigeon is the queen of shenanigans. In Brussels, she struggles to make ends meet because she can’t stop gambling on everything, always ending up on the wrong side of luck. When she teams up with Ronnie one night, everything changes – they win it all. And when you hit a winning streak, you have to know when to stop.

Lenny and Harpo Guit Heads or Fails

About Lenny and Harpo Guit

Like the Lumière brothers, the Dalton brothers and the Grimm brothers, Lenny and Harpo Guit are brothers. Born in Paris in the ’90s, they founded Clubb Guitos with their sister Lulma Guit in 2000. In the 2010s, they went to university in Belgium and made a number of self-produced short films, including NATHALIE F*** YOU ALL (2016), LA SEMAINE EST ENCORE LONGUE (2016) and RADIO KIFF (2018). In the 2020s, Lenny and Harpo made their first feature film, MOTHER SCHMUCKERS produced by Roue Libre Production. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021.

©CLUBB GUITOS

FantasticFest_2024_BannerMAIN_LOGO

For all things Fantastic Fest 2024, click here!

‘WINNER’ (2024) A sharp biopic of America’s rebel sweetheart.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

vertical films logoWINNER

Winner poster

Filmmaker Susanna Fogel (CAT PERSON) tells the true story of NSA contractor Reality Winner discovering the classified document that Russia interfered with in the 2016 election and then leaked it to the press. WINNER is a black comedy biopic in a league of its own. The whistleblower story we’ve been waiting for.

The military exploited Reality’s extraordinary language abilities, critical thinking skills, and sheer humanity for more violent means. The argument about whether the end justifies the means remains open-ended. It depends on your overall opinion of the military-industrial complex. The guilt from her job translates to excessive workouts and do-gooder activities that no one else wants. Truthfully, Reality was thinking about the country when she broke protocol and then punished by the one person it affected most. It’s pretty gross, if not entirely expected.

Winner-Day15-031Zach Galifianakis is Reality’s activist-minded father, Ron. He plays a proud papa with a brilliant mind and passion for justice. The apple did not fall far. Galifianakis brings the sass in all the right ways. Connie Britton is Mom Billie Winner-Davis, someone I greatly admire. I followed her on social media once the story broke, urging others to retweet and signing petitions for the Biden administration to pardon Reality. Britton delivers a pitch-perfect performance as a Texas mother with the typical priorities before Reality’s arrest.

Emilia Jones expertly shows us what a phenom Reality is, doing justice to her activist heart and take-no-shit attitude. Jones nails each beat with heart and humor. Making grown men cry in her breakout role in CODA, she once again owns the screen.

WINNER_Vertical (1)It’s an entire hour before we even touch on the infamous Russia document. The front end of the film gives us foundational reasons to root for Winner. Fogel skillfully injects humor into a story that appears authentically absurd from any sane outsider’s perspective. Jones’ narration sets the tone for the entire film. If you know Reality’s story, you understand what an indisputable hero she is. How this story got buried as quickly as it did will never cease to baffle me.
WINNER is wildly entertaining.

WINNER Trailer:

In Select Theaters and On Demand September 13, 2024

 

DIRECTED BY:  Susanna Fogel

WRITTEN BY:  Kerry Howley and Susanna Fogel

STARRING:  Emilia Jones, Connie Britton, Danny Ramirez, Kathryn Newton, and Zach Galifianakis

RUN TIME:  103 minutes

RATING:  Not Rated

GENRE:  Comedy, Biography

SYNOPSIS:  Based on a true story, Reality Winner (Emilia Jones) is a brilliant young misfit from a Texas border town who loves her pink gun almost as much as helping others. After teaching herself Arabic in high school so she can be of service in the Middle East, Reality is recruited by the Air Force but quickly becomes disillusioned when she finds her morals challenged. After transitioning to a money gig as an NSA contractor, Reality stumbles upon government secrets regarding Russia’s election hacking during the 2016 Presidential campaign. Does she expose the truth or keep quiet? Ultimately, she decides to leak the truth leading to her trial and historic sentencing for espionage. The film also stars Connie Britton, Danny Ramirez, Kathryn Newton, and Zach Galifianakis.

For more films Based on a True Story, click here!

‘SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON’ (TIFF 2024) A jubilant celebration of film and friendship

Posted on by — Leave a reply

tiff 2024bannerSUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON

Superboys-of-Malegaon_01Director Reema Kagti brings TIFF ’24 audiences a dramatized version of the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. The film begins in 1997 and follows aspiring amateur filmmaker Nasir Shaikh and fellow hometown artists in Malegaon, India. SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON is a story of small-town dreams coming true. Get ready to feel all the feels.

Learning editing techniques from local VHS sellers, Nasir makes unique splices to films, selling more and more tickets to his small movie house. But the police halt the illegal viewings, alongside the customary cultural bribe, leaving Nasir and his friends with little hope. Genius sparks when they realize they can make parody versions of their favorite films.

From conception to writing, casting to makeup, dialogue memorization to shooting, SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON delivers every moment of revelry, hardship, and passion. Egos clash, promises and hearts get broken, hard truths are exposed, and betrayals break friendships. How can such deep-felt hurt heal?

The story jumps to 2004, only to find Nasir’s original success waning. His crew of friends finally grasp how he has coveted the spotlight and the money. When loyalty and interest in Nasir’s parodies wear thin by 2010, devastating news prompts cinematic and relationship magic.

The cinematography by Swapnil S. Sonawane is stunning. Accompanied by Sachin Jigar‘s infectious original score, it establishes the tone immediately. Performances are spectacular across the board. Each cast member gives audiences the full spectrum of their emotional range, and it is damn impressive.

It celebrates the art of indie filmmaking, the community it builds, and how many hands and minds go into the creative process. SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON is a joy-filled watch, perfectly balanced with hard-hitting emotional journeys. It honors dreamers and doers alike. It is an undeniable crowd-pleaser.

Reema Kagti

WORLD PREMIERE

India | 2024 | 127m | Hindi

Helmed by Reema Kagti (Talaash: The Answer Lies Within) in her latest collaboration with producer Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy), this uplifting story chronicles the life of Nasir Shaikh, whose no-budget, community-sourced movies turned his hometown into an unlikely dream factory.

tiff24-banner-rogers

Click here for more TIFF 24 coverage!

‘SHOOK’ (TIFF 2024) Amar Wala’s dramatic feature debut brings plenty of laughs and miles of heart.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

tiff 2024banner

SHOOK

Shook (2024)

Amar Wala‘s narrative feature debut, SHOOK, has arrived to wow TIFF 2024 audiences. Things are looking pretty bleak for Ashish. His parents are newly divorced. He is struggling to sell his first novel. His estranged father’s secret is simply the cherry on top. Then he meets Claire, and he must face all his demons.

Bernard White gives Vijay the fantastic edge of a sarcastic manchild with a soft underbelly. He is wonderful. Amy Forsyth is Claire. She brings both endless humor and a soft place for Ash to land.

Saamer Usmani delivers an impressive turn. He is incredibly charming, wading through self-doubt, cynicism, and healing. Forsyth and Usmani have electric chemistry. Theirs is a classic “when you’re least expecting it” love story.

The cinematography is sharp. Peter Hadfield‘s framing is beautiful. The soundtrack is outstanding. No doubt you’ll be bopping your head throughout the film.

SHOOK is a family drama perfectly laced with laugh-out-loud dialogue. Wala and co-writer Adnan Khan draw inspiration from the director’s personal experiences with his father’s diagnosis with Parkinsons in his 20s. It is a complex story of reconciliation, generational communication differences, racism, and identity. 

A relatable age and stage spiral and tale of getting your proverbial shit together, SHOOK is a gut punch that will undoubtedly stick with you long after the credits roll.

Shook Dir Wala

Director
Amar Wala
Amar Wala is a writer, director, and producer who was born in Mumbai and now lives in Toronto. His many credits include the award-winning documentary The Secret Trial 5 (14), TV series including In The Making (18) and Next Stop (19-21). Shook (24) is his dramatic feature debut.
 
 
tiff24-banner-rogersFor more TIFF 2024 coverage click here!

‘AND MRS’ (2024) A sweet, hilarious, and nuanced look at grief and eternal love.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

AND MRS

And Mrs banner poster

Death shouldn’t be funny, but director Daniel Reisinger‘s AND MRS brilliantly uses humor to cope with an unthinkable scenario. When Gemma’s fiance dies suddenly, she feels emotionally stuck between her initial marriage reluctance and grief. Upon discovering an ancient law that allows people to wed posthumously, she and her estranged future sister-in-law push for a miracle. But there’s one more hitch before she can get hitched. 
And Mrs Colin and AislingOmari Douglas, Arthur Darvill, and Harriet Walter are perfectly cast. Each delivers a memorable performance. Colin Hanks gives Nathan an effortless sweetness so desperately needed in the circumstances. Susan Wokoma plays Gemma’s best friend, Ruth. She is a glorious balance of sense and sass. Billie Lourd is Nathan’s sister, Audrey. She’s flighty, fearless, and passionate. 

And Mrs Aisling and BillieAisling Bea is endlessly hysterical playing the straight woman to Lourd’s outlandishness. Her accessible nature makes you want to be her best friend. You are buying what she is selling. Lourd and Bea share a chemistry that is magic. I’d love to see a film of Wokoma, Lourd, and Bea doing anything together. 
And Mrs Billie and ArthurScreenwriter Melissa Bubnic utilizes flashbacks to solidify the emotional stronghold between Gemma and Nathan. The editing is essential here. Reisinger gives audiences a unique examination of grief, love, and family. AND MRS is a romcom that is one-of-a-kind, built upon a surprising complexity. “Love waits for no one.” 

And Mrs ensemblePs-stick around for the credits. You won’t regret it.

AND MRS Trailer:

And Mrs will be available on Digital Download from 2nd September

Distributor: Vertigo Releasing
World Premiere: EIFF 19th August
Home Entertainment Release Date: 2nd September
Short Synopsis: 
When a reluctant bride-to-be’s fiancé drops dead, she insists on going ahead with the wedding anyway – much to the bewilderment of her friends and family.
Director: Daniel Reisinger
Cast: Aisling Bea, Billie Lourd, Colin Hanks, Susan Wokoma, Elizabeth McGovern, Sinead Cusack, Peter Egan, Omari Douglas, Harriet Walter and Nish Kuma
Run Time: 111 Minutes
Rating: TBC

 

For more comedy reviews, click here!

‘THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR’ (TIFF 2024) A whimisical getting to know you tale lead by an extraordinary Kim Ho-jung.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

tiff 2024bannerTHE MOTHER AND THE BEAR

The Mother and the bear

Johnny Ma
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada, Chile | 2024 | 100m | English, Korean
 
 

Johnny Ma brings TIFF 2024 audiences a story where motherhood and meddling collide in a spectacularly magical fashion. Following a slip and fall on the ice, Sumi’s mother, Sara, arrives from Korea filled with worry and judgment. THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR is akin to a late-stage coming-of-age film, where an estranged mother-daughter blossoms in surprising ways.

The Mother and the Bear (2024) - www.imdb.comKim Ho-jung is magnificent. Sara’s journey spans motherhood, friendship, sleuthing, romance, and identity. Ho-jung embodies silliness, anxiety, boldness, and worldly naivete. She masters each moment with ceaseless charm. She is a star.

The film delves into culture, generational gaps, and familial boundaries with stunning levity. The score is lovely. Ma utilizes fantasy elements such as childish animation and slow-motion sequences. Sound editing plays a huge role in the film’s whimsical nature, with magical windchimes highlighting essential moments in Sara’s thought process. Ma gives her a loveable quality that is nothing short of captivating. Even if we cringe at her scheming, the audience roots for her growth at every turn. THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR is an undeniable gem at this year’s festival.

https://tiff.net/events/the-mother-and-the-bear

tiff24-banner-rogers

For all TIFF 2024 coverage, click here!

TIFF 2024: 9 Films we’re excited for at this year’s fest

Posted on by — Leave a reply

tiff 2024bannerTIFF 2024

Kicking off festival season proper with the Toronto International Film Festival. 2024’s lineup is not only star-studded but overflowing with new talent that is here to blow you away. Here is a list of 8 films we’ll be getting in line for. 

TIFF 2024 will be held from September 05, 2024 to September 15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.
Location: Toronto
Closing film: The Deb by Rebel Wilson
Opening film: Nutcrackers by David Gordon Green

 

For ticket information, click here!

PAYING FOR IT

Paying For it TIFF 24Sook-Yin Lee
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada | 2024 | 85m | English


In the late 90s, Chester and Sonny are a long-term, committed, romantic couple. When Sonny wants to redefine their relationship, Chester, a shy and introverted cartoonist, starts sleeping with sex workers and discovers a new kind of intimacy in the process.

https://tiff.net/events/paying-for-it

THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR

The Mother and the bearJohnny Ma
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada, Chile | 2024 | 100m | English, Korean
 
 

https://tiff.net/events/the-mother-and-the-bear

ICK

ICK_Still_01_hero_v2Joseph Kahn
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 92m | English
 
In Joseph Kahn’s breakneck sci-fi/horror satire, a high school science teacher (Brandon Routh) does battle with a parasitic alien entity, as well as the apathy of the small town it has been gradually absorbing.
 
 
SHOOK
Shook (2024)
Amar Wala
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada | 2024 | 113m | English, Hindi
 
Struggling writer Ashish is thrown for several loops when he falls for barista Claire and learns his estranged father has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, in Amar Wala’s first dramatic feature.
 
 
SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON
Superboys-of-Malegaon_01
Reema Kagti
WORLD PREMIERE
India | 2024 | 127m | Hindi
 
Helmed by Reema Kagti (Talaash: The Answer Lies Within) in her latest collaboration with producer Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy), this uplifting story chronicles the life of Nasir Shaikh, whose no-budget, community-sourced movies turned his hometown into an unlikely dream factory.
 
 
VIKTOR
viktor
Olivier Sarbil
WORLD PREMIERE
Ukraine, United States of America | 2024 | 89m | Ukrainian, Russian
 
Fusing rigorous reportage with innovative cinematic subjectivity, this bold documentary from veteran war photographer Olivier Sarbil is a uniquely intimate portrait of a Deaf person’s experience of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
 
 
THE SWEDISH TORPEDO
Swedish-Torpedo_Still_01
Frida Kempff
WORLD PREMIERE
Sweden | 2024 | 120m | Swedish, Danish, English
 
This beautifully textured period drama from director Frida Kempff tells the story of Sally Bauer, a Swedish mother who pursues her dream of swimming the English Channel before the Second World War envelops Europe.
 
 
THE LAST REPUBLICAN
the last republican
Steve Pink
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 90m | English
 
A fan of Hot Tub Time Machine, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger invites the left-wing Hollywood director Steve Pink to follow his efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable for the January 6 insurrection.
 
 
HERETIC
 
 
Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 110m | English
 

 

tiff24-banner-rogersFor more information on TIFF 2024, click here!

 

You can find out previous TIFF coverage here 🙂