‘1-800-ON-HER-OWN’ (Tribeca 2024) Ani DiFranco’s vulnerability still rocks

tribeca 2024 logo

1-800-ON-HER-OWN

Spotlight+

1-800-ON-HER-OWN poster

Ani DiFranco was a force of nature in my high school and college years. Her songs informed my passion, my power, and my voice. 32 Flavors remains my theme song as a woman. Dana Flor‘s 1-800-ON-HER-OWN gives Tribeca 2024 audiences a sneak peek behind the righteous audacity of Ani DiFranco

An editing wonder, the doc opens with performances of her song Shameless throughout the years and mashes them into one great montage. As a fan, it is electric. Ani talks about the extreme highs and lows of fame. She has always been entirely honest about the traps of the industry, but her fans clammer for her fearless writing. 

1-800-ON-HER-OWN-Clean-16x9The revelations in the film are astounding. In a collab session, Ani confides in Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) that she’s never written a song with anyone else. Her warmth and honesty are not simply for show. Witnessing this creative potion-making is chill-inducing. At 18, Ani and Scot Fisher created Righteous Babe Records. Their partnership proved to be an emotional rollercoaster, for better or worse. The remnants of that time echo in her present-day reclamation of her power. 

The doc chronicles Ani during lockdown, leading her to discuss her childhood in Buffalo, NY. Her mother’s feminist anger and the household’s minimal parenting drove her into survival and creativity mode from early on. 1-800-ON-HER-OWN boasts a brilliant amount of archival footage with voiceover stories from all the artists in her life. Lockdown also brings uncertainty and the relatable chaos of forced homeschooling our kids, Zoom glitches and attempting to maintain an identity and sanity under the circumstances. Her vulnerability spills off the screen beyond the songs. Ani’s unfiltered confessions hit you square in the chest.

1-800-ON-HER-OWN-21-800-ON-HER-OWN is a celebration of an artist in a league of her own. Ani DiFranco‘s relentless magic hangs in the air in my house. This film reintroduces her to the world. 

Feature | United States | 77 MINUTES | English

1-800-ON-HER-OWN follows groundbreaking indie musician/feminist Ani DiFranco, founder of the first “woman-run non-corporate queer-happy” label, Righteous Babe Records, on wild road trip from her punk-folk past to her life today as an activist, mother and rock star. Throughout, Ani remains resolutely true to herself, no matter the cost

Directed by Dana Flor
Produced by Amy Hobby
Producers Dana Flor, Emily Wachtel
Executive Produced by Alex Appel
Music by Ani DiFranco

 

Remaining Tribeca Screenings of 1-800-ON-HER-OWN:

Thu June 13 – 2:15 PM

 Village East by Angelika

Upcoming Film Festivals
DC/DOX Film Festival- June 16th, 2024
Provincetown Film Festival – June 15th & 16th, 2024
Montclaire Summer Film Showcase – June 28th, 2024

For more Tribeca 2024 coverage, click here!

‘Come Closer’ (Tribeca 2024) The complexities of grief shine through stunning performances

tribeca 2024 logo

COME CLOSER

come closer still tribeca 2024

In Tom Nesher‘s Tribeca 2024 film COME CLOSER, following the accidental death of her brother, Eden discovers his secret girlfriend. They begin a complicated relationship that pushes them both into challenging territory.

Darya Rosenn‘s innocence shines as Maya. She is entirely mesmerizing. Lia Elalouf instills deep loss and authenticity in Eden. Her fiery spirit feels dangerous in the best way. Elalouf projects the epitome of unresolved trauma.

We should have expected an already damaged character to use sex as a coping mechanism. Eden’s self-sabotaging behavior covers deep-seated trauma from both her parent’s ugly divorce and the loss of her brother. Her volatility keeps the audience engaged, but Elalouf and Rosen’s chemistry takes your breath away.

While the story is relatively predictable, it doesn’t lessen the impact of the performances and stunning lighting choices. How we deal with grief is such a personal journey. COME CLOSER examines the idea of its unique messiness.




Written & Directed by Tom Nesher

Produced by Haim Mecklberg, Estee Yacov-Mecklberg, Domenico Procacci, Laura Paolucci, Anthony Bregman, Moshe and Leon Edery, Oren and Omer Rogovin, Omri and Karni Bezalel, Tomer Mecklberg

Executive Produced by Ivan Fiorini, Marica Stocchi, Yigal Mograbi, Schaul Scherzer

Starring Lia Elalouf, Darya Rosenn, Netta Garti, Jacob Zada Daniel, Shlomi Shaban, Ido Tako, Ofek Pesach, and Yael Shoshana Cohen


When Eden’s beloved brother suddenly dies, she takes desperate measures to fill the void. Once she discovers he had a secret girlfriend, these measures assume a passionate and dangerous twist.

RT: 107 Minutes

Language: Hebrew | Subtitles: English COME CLOSER

For more Tribeca 2024 coverage, click here!

TRIBECA 2024: A lineup that wows.

tribeca 2024 logo

Tribeca 2024 is pulling no punches this year. Comedy, Immersives, Documentaries, and (our pet favorite) the weirdness that is the Midnight Section. Celebrities and fresh faces collide in a festival that will please the harshest critic and most serious cinephile. Welcome to TRIBECA 2024. Here are just a few of the films on our radar this year.
 

#AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD

 

https://tribecafilm.com/films/amfad-all-my-friends-are-dead-2024

AMFAD_1

Escape from Tribeca
 
Director: Marcus Dunstan
Screenwriters: Josh Sims, Jessica Sarah Flaum

Cast: Jade Pettyjohn, Jojo Siwa, Jennifer Ens, Ali Fumiko Whitney, Michaella Russell, Julian Haig, Justin Derickson, Cardi Wong, Jack Doupe-Smith

 
In #AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD, a group of college friends rent an Airbnb for the biggest music festival of the year. A weekend of partying quickly takes a turn, as the group is murdered one by one, according to their sin.
 
 
Get ready for homage frights and influencer culture in one bloody battle. It will be a genre highlight.
 
full_DON_T_YOU_LET_ME_GO-Clean-1
International Narrative Competition

Written & Directed by Ana Guevara, Leticia Jorge

Deeply affected by Elena’s death, Adela travels in time to a recent autumn, where her friend awaits her ready to binge on detective novels next to the crackling fireplace. A tale about timeless sorority.
 
A beautiful and ceaselessly creative meditation on grief and love.
 
Sat June 08 – 6:15 PM
 Village East by Angelika
 
 

JUMPMAN

https://tribecafilm.com/films/jumpman-2024

Tribeca 2024 JUMPMAN-Clean-16x9-01

WORLD PREMIERE – SHORTS


Written & Directed by: Tom Dey

Synopsis: The story of the photographer who created the 1984 LIFE portrait of Michael Jordan that was copied by Nike and turned into one of the world’s most famous logos.

 


THE DEVIL’S BATH

https://tribecafilm.com/films/devil-s-bath-2024

DEVIL_S_BATH

Midnight

Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala

Screenwriter Severin Fiala, Veronika Franz

Cinematographer Martin Gschlacht

Editor Michael Palm

Cast: Anja Plaschg, Maria Hofstätter, David Scheid

In 18th century Austria, Agnes (Anja Plaschg) embarks on a new life as she marries her beloved Wolf (David Scheid). However, her hopes for marital bliss are quickly shattered by a controlling mother-in-law and her husband’s apparent disinterest in her. As Agnes struggles with the isolation and despair of her unfulfilling existence, she descends down a dark and disturbing path that leads her to contemplate the unthinkable. 

You are not ready for this truth-inspired story of patriarchal and cultural oppression. Hold onto your hats.


MISSING FROM FIRE TRAIL ROAD

https://tribecafilm.com/films/missing-from-fire-trail-road-2024

MISSING FROM FIRE TRAIL Tribeca 2024

World Premiere: Spotlight Documentary Section

Director: Sabrina Van Tassel

SYNOPSIS: 

Mary Ellen Johnson- Davis disappeared over two years ago from the Tulalip Indian reservation near Seattle. Because the investigation is at standstill, her sisters and other tribal members set off to discover what happened to her. Their quest uncovers a harsh reality: indigenous women are murdered at an alarming rate. Complex tribal jurisdictional issues have turned reservations into lawless zones and hunting grounds for predators. Most crimes go unsolved and are committed by non-natives. But this crisis has historical roots and emanates from the genocide created by institutional policies to eradicate an entire culture.  This film sheds light on the weight of generational trauma and discrimination that indigenous women continue to face.

An urgent doc that tackles injustice and power struggles that will resonate far beyond the reservation borders. Check out the trailer below:


RESTLESS

https://tribecafilm.com/films/restless-2024

Tribeca 2024 Restless

WORLD PREMIERE – VIEWPOINTS

Written & Directed by: Jed Hart

Starring: Lyndsey Marshal, Aston McAuley, Barry Ward, Kate Robbins, Denzel Baidoo, and Ciara Ford



Synopsis:

The quiet life of an empty nester is turned upside down in the blink of an eye when hard-partying — and potentially dangerous — new neighbors move in next door.

 


THE FRENCH ITALIAN 
https://tribecafilm.com/films/french-italian-2024
Tribeca 2024 FRENCH_ITALIAN-Clean-16x9

World Premiere – US Narrative Competition 

 
Directed by: Rachel Wolther
Produced by: Miranda Kahn
Executive Produced by: Allison Rose Carter, Jon Read, Chris McConnell, Ross Davidson Burlingame, Donna Rosen, Christopher Zebuda, Murray and Lori Shapero
Starring: Catherine Cohen, Aristotle Athari, Chloe Cherry, Ruby McCollister, Jon Rudnitsky, and Ikechukwu Ufomadu
 
THE FRENCH ITALIAN follows an aggrieved NYC couple (Cat Cohen & Aristotle Athari), who stage a fake play to get revenge on their noisy neighbors (Chloe Cherry & Jon Rudnitsky).

The cast alone should have you yelling, ‘Take my money!”

 


DARKEST MIRIAM

https://tribecafilm.com/films/darkest-miriam-2024

VIEWPOINTS

Director: Naomi Jaye

Miriam is a librarian working in an out of the way branch of the Toronto Public Library. Working among the marginalized eccentrics and cranks that frequent her branch, she is trudging through her life shrouded in a fog of grief. To add weirdness to sadness, she keeps finding vaguely threatening letters throughout the library that seem to be addressed to her and the world at large, but mostly to her. While puzzling over this mystery, Miriam meets Janko, a younger foreign cab driver. When they start a love affair Miriam starts to feel her fog lift. But the question remains: what is the deal with those letters? 

This spirited and enigmatic film is a star vehicle for Britt Lower


LAKE GEORGE
https://tribecafilm.com/films/lake-george-2024

Tribeca 2024 LAKE_GEORGE-Clean-16x9-01 World Premiere – Spotlight Narrative


Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner
Produced by: Jeffrey Reiner, Joey Oglesby, Cleta Ellington, Bernie Stern
Starring: Shea Whigham, Carrie Coon, Glenn Fleshler, Max Casella
 
A darkly comedic neo-noir, a road trip movie, and a redemption story. Newly released from prison, a white-collar criminal, used to dealing with numbers, is tasked with one last job by his boss: kill the boss’ girlfriend before she talks.

 

 


MARS
https://tribecafilm.com/films/mars-2024

Tribeca 2024 MARS-Clean-16x9-01

Midnight Section

 
Directed & Produced by Sevan Najarian
Written & Produced by Trevor Moore, Zach Cregger & Sam Brown
Produced by Kara Welker
Executive Produced by James Bristow, Darren Trumeter & Timmy Williams
Starring: The Whitest Kids U’ Know

 
Kyle is a man whose whole life is laid out before him. Engaged to his fiancé, Candace, he works as a dentist,  knows that they’ll settle down and have children, and all of life’s decisions have already been figured out for him… and that is terrifying. One night, he sees an ad for billionaire Elron Branson’s contest to travel to Mars on the maiden trip of his new MARS VOYAGER.  Unsure of the road ahead, Kyle sends in a submission video and,  to his surprise, wins. When the dates of the rocket launch and wedding conflict, he decides to ditch his big day and head off to the red planet. This would all be great for him except the luxury accommodations are merely a facade, the other space travelers are insane, and all the space travelers get stranded on Mars with no way home.

More adult animation in the world!

 


VULCANIZADORA

http://tribecafilm.com/films/vulcanizadora-2024

VULCANIZADORA

US Narrative Competition

Cast: Joel Potrykus, Joshua Burge, Bill Vincent, Solo Potrykus
Writer/Director: Joel Potrykus

Synopsis: Two friends, Marty and Derek, trudge through a Michigan forest with the intention of following through on a disturbing pact. After they fail, one of them must return home to deal with the legal and emotional repercussions.

If you don’t already know the team of Joel Potrykus and Joshua Burge, get ready to enter The Twilight Zone and your newest indie filmmaker obsession. 


THE SHALLOW TALE OF A WRITER WHO DECIDED TO WRITE ABOUT A SERIAL KILLER

https://tribecafilm.com/films/shallow-tale-of-a-writer-who-decided-to-write-about-a-serial-killer-2024

SHALLOW TALE World Premiere – Spotlight Narrative

Written and Directed by: Tolga Karaçelik

Starring: Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, and Britt Lower 
 

A struggling writer in the midst of a divorce befriends a retired serial killer who incidentally becomes his marriage counselor by day, and killing counselor for his next book by night.

Tolga Karaçelik’s English-language debut and this cast? Do Not Miss This.


TREASURE  International Premiere – Spotlight Narrative

https://tribecafilm.com/films/treasure-2024

Tribeca 2024 TREASURE-Clean-16x9-01 Based on the 1999 novel Too Many Men by Lily Brett
 
Directed by: Julia von Heinz
Co-Written by: Julia von Heinz, John Quester
Produced by: Fabina Gasmia, Julia von Heinz, Lena Dunham
Starring: Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Iwona Bielska, Maria Mamona, Wenanty Nosul, Klara Bielawka, Magdalena Celowna, Tomasz Wlosok, Sandra Drzymalska


A father-daughter road trip set in 1990s Poland, TREASURE follows Ruth (Dunham), an American music journalist, and her father, Edek (Fry), a charmingly stubborn Holocaust survivor, on a journey to his homeland. While Ruth is eager to make sense of her family’s past, Edek embarks on the trip with his own agenda. This emotional, funny culture clash of two New Yorkers exploring post-socialist Poland is a powerful example of how reconnecting with family and the past can be an unexpected treasure.

 

 


WITCHES

https://tribecafilm.com/films/witches-2024

WITCHES-Clean-16x9-01

Viewpoints

Director: Elizabeth Sankey

Following up her acclaimed 2019 documentary Romantic Comedy, filmmaker Elizabeth Sankey turns her attention to another genre of cinematic depiction of particular interest to women: the witch. How have witches been characterized and shown across the history of film, television, and culture? How has this representation changed and evolved? And most importantly, what is going on just beneath the surface?

You had me at the title.


THE A-FRAME
https://tribecafilm.com/films/a-frame-2024
Tribeca 2024 The A-Frame**WORLD PREMIERE**
MIDNIGHT

WRITER/DIRECTOR: Calvin Lee Reeder
CAST: Johnny Whitworth, Dana Namerode, Nik Dodani, Laketa Caston


Synopsis: A quantum physicist develops a machine that creates a tunnel to a sub-atomic parallel universe. In his quest to prove the machine’s efficacy, he inadvertently discovers an unorthodox cancer treatment when transporting lab rats inter-dimensionally. He now recruits human subjects to legitimize his efforts.

Johnny Whitworth is an icon, so if he’s on my screen, my eyes are glued to it.

 

Tribeca 2024, presented by OKX, today unveiled its features lineup, offering a diverse array of narrative, documentary, and animated films. Scheduled to run from June 5-16 in New York City, this year’s Festival promises a thoughtfully curated program and includes everything from timely documentaries addressing political and social concerns to independent narratives showcasing award-winning actors. Additionally, the opening night event, presented in partnership with OKX and City National Bank, was announced.

Tribeca kicks off on Wednesday, June 5 with the world premiere of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, an intimate look at the life of the fashion designer and cultural luminary. The film captures Diane von Furstenberg’s impact as a creative icon, who challenged the status quo with the bold inquiry, “Why shouldn’t a woman do what a man can do?” Directed by Tribeca alumni Trish Dalton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Woman in Charge opens the lineup of features.

The 2024 selection of feature films includes Jazzy with Lily GladstoneDaddio starring Dakota Johnson and Sean PennFirebrand starring Alicia Vikander and Jude LawBRATS, directed by Andrew McCarthy, with Demi MooreAlly SheedyRob LoweMolly Ringwald, and Lea ThompsonSacramento, directed by Michael Angarano, starring Michael CeraKristen Stewart, and Maya ErskineWinter Spring Summer or Fall starring Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White; and Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story with Liza Minnelli. Comedic stars are in Group Therapy, including Neil Patrick HarrisMike Birbiglia, and Tig NotaroAll That We Love stars Margaret Cho and Jesse Tyler Ferguson; and Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution features Lily TomlinWanda SykesRosie O’DonnellHannah Gadsby, and Joel Kim Booster

Music documentaries highlight the boldest voices of each generation with They All Came Out To Montreux with PrinceStingCarlos SantanaAretha Franklin, and Keith RichardsSatisfied about Renée Elise GoldsberryLinda Perry: Let It Die Here with Linda PerryDolly PartonBrandi Carlile, and Christina Aguilera; and Avicii – I’m Tim with Tim “Avicii” BerglingChris Martin and David Guetta. Renée Elise Goldsberry and Linda Perry will be performing following the world premiere of their respective films. 

“Each year, the Tribeca Festival reflects our culture, capturing the essence of the present moment. We’re thrilled to showcase our 23rd edition, delving into captivating explorations of artificial intelligence with Demis Hassabis, thought-provoking discussions on the future of democracy, and so much more,” Tribeca Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “Storytelling possesses a remarkable ability to bring us together, offering hope in these challenging times. We eagerly anticipate engaging with audiences on difficult yet timely subjects.”

The 23rd edition of Tribeca reflects our activist roots, to showcase a slate of films that speak to today’s political moment and inform voters ahead of the upcoming election. Hacking Hate, directed by Simon Klose, questions the role of social media in amplifying hate speech and extremism. McVeigh, directed by Mike Ott, portrays right-wing extremism with chilling modern implications. America’s Burning, directed by David Smick and narrated by Michael Douglas, dives into the economic root of hate and division.

At the core of our mission is the belief that art can spark change, particularly in the aftermath of global conflicts. The Cranes Call, directed by Laura Warner, spotlights war crimes investigators for the Clooney Foundation for Justice, led by Amal and George Clooney, as they risk their lives traveling across Ukraine to build cases against Russian soldiers and commanders. Antidote, directed by James Jones, digs into the truth about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deadly regime. Checkpoint Zoo, directed by Joshua Zeman, documents the daring rescue of thousands of animals trapped behind enemy lines in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As War continues to affect regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, art serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.

“In a year of record high submissions, despite industry-wide challenges, and global tumult, our incredible filmmaking community delivered again with some of the most surprising, inspiring, hilarious, galvanizing, boundary-breaking, and downright entertaining work we’ve had the privilege to feature at the festival,” said Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano. “Whether grappling with everything from the crisis of global democracy to the most intimate of human dramas, it was heartening to be reminded of the undeniable power of a great film to illuminate our world.”

For the first time, Tribeca’s signature Viewpoints section of bold original visions and innovative perspectives will be in competition. The interdisciplinary program encompasses U.S. and international films across narrative, documentary, and animation, including the animated feature Boys Go to Jupiter starring Elsie FisherTavi GevinsonJulio Torres, and Sarah Sherman, and the narrative thriller Darkest Miriam with Britt Lower. Documentaries include Champions of the Golden Valley, directed by Ben Sturgulewski, an inspiring sports fable and portrait of people in profound political and social transition, and Searching for Amani, directed by Debra Aroko, a 13-year-old’s dramatic quest to investigate his father’s mysterious murder in one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies. 

The final selections were chosen from a record-breaking number of submissions (13,016). This year’s program includes 103 feature films from 114 filmmakers across 48 countries. The lineup comprises 86 world premieres, two international premieres, six North American premieres, and eight New York premieres. Half of the films in competition are directed by women. Additionally, 35% (36) of feature films are directed by BIPOC filmmakers. There are 30 films directed by first-time filmmakers and 25 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 

The Tribeca Festival is curated by Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano, Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer; VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson; Senior Programmers Liza Domnitz, Faridah Gbadamosi, Jarod Neece, José F. Rodriguez; Programmers Casey Baron, Jason Gutierrez, Jonathan Penner, and Madison Egan; VP of Games and Immersive Casey Baltes and Immersive Curator Ana Brzezińska; EVP of Artist Relations Nancy Lefkowitz and VP of Artist Relations Meredith Mohr; Curator of Audio Storytelling Davy Gardner; Music Programmer Vincent Cassous; along with a team of associate programmers; supported and inspired by the legendary Paula Weinstein.

The full feature film lineup is detailed below. For more updates on programming follow @Tribeca and #Tribeca2024 on TwitterInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. A Tribeca Membership or 2024 Tribeca Festival passes and ticket packages can be purchased at tribecafilm.com.


For more Tribeca Film Festival reviews from years past, click here!

 

To follow along this year, type Tribeca 2024 in our search bar.


 

‘Sally, Get The Potatoes’ (2024) Danicah Waldo short dazzles at The Big Apple Film Festival

SALLY, GET THE POTATOES

Sally, Get The Potatoes

Filmmaker Danicah Waldo brings drama and sweetness to The Big Apple Film Festival with her short film SALLY, GET THE POTATOES. Our titular little lady is the youngest of a well-off household. The precocious redhead, just looking for someone to play with her, gets tasked with procuring the potatoes for her overwhelmed chef mother. 

Sally, Get The Potatoes tubSomething is happening within the family. Every member has a secret, leaving Sally with no one but her beloved housekeeper to care for her needs. Once Magdelaina, the heart of the household, gets dragged into the chaos, Sally intrusively discovers the extent of the mess.

Sally, Get The PotatoesKynlee Heiman is a star as Sally. The camera loves her sweet face and her wily personality. She is relentlessly charming. As the mother of a seven-year-old daughter, Heiman captures the spirit of play, the longing for connection, and the IDGAF determination of a girl. 

Sally, Get The Potatoes pantryThe camera work from Mike Lobello and Paul W. Sauline is brilliant. The audience experiences the goings-on from a child’s eye level. Beautifully lit close-ups of Sally convey the emotional rollercoaster. SALLY, GET THE POTATOES delves into familial dynamics through the eyes of a child and proves socioeconomic standing never lessens relationship complexity. The film is an incredible treatment for a feature. I want to see more of each character, but particularly Sally.

Sally, Get the Potatoes premieres at The Big Apple Film Festival, Wednesday 5/22
 

 

DANICAH WALDO – BIO

Danicah Waldo - Headshot

Danicah Waldo is a director, writer and producer based out of New York City. After spending her childhood performing on the stage and screen, she ultimately fell in love with the work behind the camera. Danicah got her 10,000 hours directing and producing narrative short films starring kids for the Applause New York YouTube channel, which now sits at 1.5 million subscribers and 1 billion views.

In 2021 she joined LIT Videobooks, where they make documentary versions of best-selling nonfiction books. She now holds the title of Director of Production, which includes overseeing all production operations while directing the live-action elements of the videobooks.

She started Yellow Chair Films to produce her debut short film, Sally, Get the Potatoes, set to premiere in early 2024.

For more Short Film reviews, click here!

‘LAUGH PROUD’ (2024) LGBTQiA+ Stand Up Comedy Concert Film delivers uproarious fun

LAUGH PROUD poster

LAUGH PROUD: Nine diverse LGBTQiA+ comics each perform a short set connected by a hostess with the mostest in an orgiastic one-night stand starring fresh comics to veteran comic Jason Stuart and the world’s first intersex comic, Seven “7G” Graham. LAUGH PROUD is the first LGBTQiA+ stand-up comedy feature film of its kind.

LAUGH PROUD JunoMenThe effervescent joy of being in the room fully translates from the screen. You’ll find yourself smiling until it hurts. LAUGH PROUD features multigenerational comics. The sets range from serious to hysterical. Many comics discuss childhood trauma, coming-out stories, dating, technology, patriarchal structure, aging, and everything in between. A loving and supportive energy is beaming between the performer and the audience. It is an inviting and celebratory special.

LAUGH PROUD JasonStuart

Director’s Quentin Lee’s (LAST SUMMER OF NATHAN LEE) LGBTQiA+ stand up comedy concert feature film, 
LAUGH PROUD releases in LA at Laemmle NoHo on May 17th and VOD May 30th

 

Check out the trailer below!

 

Director Quentin Lee

2024 Canadian Screen Awards nominee, winner of the 2020 Roddenberry Foundation Impact Awards for TV creators, a member of the Producers Guild of America, Canadian Media Producers Association and Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Directors and Producers Peer Group) and a two-time recipient of Canada Council Media Arts grants, Quentin Lee is a multimedia creator and has directed and produced over ten feature films and created over three TV series. His first feature Shopping For Fangs (co-directed with Justin Lin) premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and became a cult classic as part of the Asian American New Wave Class of 1997. His subsequent features DriftEthan MaoThe People I’ve Slept WithWhite Frog and The Unbidden have all been sold and played festivals worldwide such as AFI Fest, Vancouver International, Hawaii International, Sao Paulo, Turin and Cardiff.

As a producer, Quentin has produced Big Gay Love#1 Serial Killer (aka Chink) and Gay Hollywood Dad. In 2018, he created, produced and directed Brash Girls Club, the limited TV series now streaming on Tubi. The TV series Comedy InvAsian that he co-created, directed and produced was streamed as a Hulu Exclusive in 2018. In 2020, Quentin produced three stand up comedy specials including the first gay male comedy special Brash Boys Club for Comedy Dynamics, directed and produced a Zoom feature titled Comisery and a Zoom TV series titled Boy Luck Club. In 2021, Quentin Lee directed and produced a feature film titled Last Summer of Nathan Lee and the second season of the TV series Comedy InvAsian 2.0, now streaming on Peacock. In 2022, he has created a science fiction comic book Mystery Brothers, launched at 2022 Comic-con, and a spin-off TV series, Comedy Invasion, the first all diverse Canadian stand up TV series, has received a 2024 Canadian Screen Awards nomination for Best Comedy Special. In 2023, he produced and directed Laugh Proud, the first LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy feature documentary of its kind, and is in preparation for Rez Comedy, the first all Indigenous and all Canadian stand-up comedy feature film.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, China, Quentin went to high school in Montreal, holds a B.A. in English from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in English from Yale University, and an M.F.A. in Film Directing from UCLA.

LAUGH PROUD

For more LGBTQIA+ coverage, click here!

‘We Can Be Heroes’ (SXSW 2024) where fantasy is reality

SXSW 2024 color logo

WE CAN BE HEROESWe Can Be Heroes SXSW 2024

Filmmakers Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons bring SXSW 2024 audiences a joyous doc about a special camp in the Hudson Valley. WE CAN BE HEROES will conquer your heart.

These kids possess an infectious passion that spills off the screen. They have profound thoughts and feelings. They openly identify their fears, anxieties, heartaches, and powers. Their honesty is inspiring. For as much as they might feel like they do not fit into the popular crowd at home, Wayfinder allows them a chance to blossom and shine. Campers are free to express themselves and feel safe in their gender identity and neurodivergence.

The counselors are brilliant. Anything could happen within a game that encourages explosive imagination. They understand the volatility of swirling emotions and use improvisation and patience to create a fully immersive experience. The campers might not initially realize the individualized care and stealth emotional therapy they get in their final moments at Wayfinder.

The film includes footage from the previous summer, smartly delineated by a change in color. Including glorious overhead shots of battles, we experience the culmination of the week, The Adventure Game. It consists of Three distinct parts. In this summer’s story, six factions of faeries battle to save all the creatures left in their world. It is titled The Last Green. Camper Dexter epically narrates throughout the film. What starts as fun and games ends in collective catharsis.

Everyone is accepting. The film is another reminder that hate is taught and not inherent. WE CAN BE HEROES is pure magic. It is a study of humanity and one of the most relatable films, whether or not you are a part of the LARPing community. WE CAN BE HEROES reassures us that the younger generation will continue to fight. Hope is not lost.


Film Screenings

 
Mar 9, 2024
11:45am1:11pm
 
Mar 10, 2024
2:45pm4:11pm
 
Mar 10, 2024
3:15pm4:41pm
 
Mar 13, 2024
3:15pm4:41pm
 
Mar 13, 2024
3:45pm5:11pm
 
Directors:

Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons

Executive Producer:

Laurene Powell Jobs, Davis Guggenheim, Lizzie Fox, Casey Meurer, Nicole Stott, Jonathan Silberberg, Cristina Costantini, Darren Foster

Producer:

Jennifer Wood, Krista Manis, Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons

Cinematographer:

Peter Alton, Michael Lockridge, Madeleine Peters

Editor:

Alex Simmons, Rebecca Adorno Dávila

Sound Designer:

Catherine Hood, Tim Haber, Annie Medlin, Carl Welden

Music:

Dan Deacon

Principal Cast:

Dexter, Cloud, Abby, Miranda, Kate, Max, Luisa (formerly Alex), Eli, Adelaide, Judson

Additional Credits:

Field Producer: Katy Dierks, Production Coordinator: Tommy McCarthy, Production Assistant: Jesse Mico, Assistant Camera: Tim Haber, Garrett Hanson, Adam Marquez, Alexandra Roberts, Additional Photography: Cassandra Giraldo, Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons, Lead Assistant Editor: Lucas Bugbee, Co-Editor: Dan Crow, Music Editor: Chester Gwazda, Finishing Producer (Final Frame): Julia Sub, Finishing Assistant Editor: Claudia Ramirez

SXSW logo

For all things SXSW 2024, click here!

Kickass ‘BACKSPOT’ (SXSW 2024) goes hard

SXSW 2024 color logo

BACKSPOT

backspot SXSW 2024

Competitive cheer is no joke. The athleticism and dedication involved are higher than most people understand. In my day, alongside the big bows and toothy smiles were broken arms, knocked-out teeth, and concussions. They go hand in hand. D. W. Waterson‘s SXSW 2024 film BACKSPOT dives head first into the world of tumbling, trophies, and tenacity through a mental health lens.

Riley works her ass off for a spot on a professional cheer squad. In her efforts to be the best, she pushes personal relationships and her sanity to their limits.

The script beautifully balances the hyper-competitiveness with moments of teenage joy but leans heavily into the reality of the sport. The intense rehearsals, the backbiting, and the called-out misogyny all present equally. BACKSPOT unapologetically exposes the importance of mental health in sports. It’s a thin line between winning and breaking, passion and obsession.

Evan Rachel Wood plays coach to the more elite team. Playing Eileen McNamara, she is no-nonsense, hardass. You are 100% buying what she’s selling. Devery Jacobs gives audiences a whip-smart, compassionate, and nuanced performance as Riley. She’s a self-aware young woman battling the complexities of her inherited anxiety and perfectionism. Riley goes to the extremes, whether in practice or escapism. Jacobs captures the internal tug-of-war of emotions.

Waterson’s editing is fantastic. It undeniably enhances the film. BACKSPOT is a great companion watch for the Isabelle Fuhrman headliner, THE NOVICE, and while that film focuses on college rowing, the ruthless principals are the same. Waterson’s directorial debut delivers a strong new voice and clear vision in storytelling.


D.W. Waterson

D.W. Waterson (Filmmaker)
D.W. Waterson (they/them) is a Toronto-based, award-winning, non-binary/queer filmmaker and world-touring electronic music artist. D.W. is the creative force behind the 6 million-viewed, 40+ time award-winning digital series THAT’S MY DJ (Seasons 1-3). They have been DJing and throwing parties in the Toronto underground for ten years, and have opened for artists such as Peaches and Idris Elba.
 
Waterson’s work has garnered a Canadian Screen Award Nomination, five Best Director awards as well as Noteable’s 2017 Director of the Year award. Named a Resident at the 2022 TIFF Filmmaker Lab, D.W.’s debut feature film BACKSPOT had its world premiere at TIFF 2023. Alongside directing and producing, D.W. also created original electronic tracks to accompany the film.

Kick-Ass, Hard-Hitting, Queer Cheerleading Drama In Theaters Nationwide May 2024
 
Executive Produced by Elliot Page
Starring Devery Jacobs and Evan Rachel Wood

For all things SXSW 2024, click here!

SXSW logo

Review: ‘LAST PARTY’ (2024) shines in its camera work.

LAST PARTY

In Nicolas Dozol‘s LAST PARTY, one final hoorah to celebrate high school graduation takes a weird turn when four of its attendees experience subtle hallucinations.

Last Party (2024)Cleverly choreographed camera work by Aurel Ganz makes us think the film is one long take. Just as impressive is the actual shot list. 28, to be exact. It is one hell of a visual feat. The flip side of these takes is the narrative feels draggy even at 110 minutes. The sci-fi element does not seem necessary to the plot. Ultimately, it goes nowhere.

Last Party (2024) final scenePerformance is solid from our four main leads, each one bombarded by misogyny, judgment, and outright hateful behavior. LAST PARTY might be more successful as a series. There is much needed in character development, although the breadcrumbs are there. It feels more like a treatment for a larger project than a stand-alone piece.


“Last Party” the feature film debut of Swiss and French filmmaker Nicolas Dozol will make its US debut at Laemmle Monica Film Center from February 9 -16th in Santa Monica.  The film is being distributed by LA-based Synergetic and is the first feature film produced by the young Swiss company Lights Rush.

 

A mystery coming-of-age story, part horror, part fantasy, part thriller, the film takes place during a high school graduation party where four teenagers in the midst of an existential crisis are confronted with their angst. When they suddenly find themselves locked up, they wonder if it might be their last night ever. The film is choreographed by 28 long takes, giving the illusion of a single real shot and was shot in just five days.

“Last Party”, a New Breed Entertainment production, is directed by Nicolas Dozol, written by Leah Ladoux, Paul Tomasini, Chloe Vittenet and Dozol, and produced by Mathilde Errand and Dozol.  The film stars breakout newcomers Lucie Cecchi, Remi Gerard, Uma Condolo and Teddy Hardy.  Cinematography is by Aurel Ganz.


For more French film reviews on RND, click here!

Sundance 2024 review: ‘And So It Begins’

Sundance 2024 logo

AND SO IT BEGINS

AND SO IT BEGINS

AND SO IT BEGINS at Sundance 2024

Amid Filipino elections, a grassroots movement emerges to protect truth and democracy from growing threats. People unite in joyful acts of resistance, kindling hope while autocracy expands.

Returning to Sundance four years after the premiere of A THOUSAND CUTS, director Ramona S. Diaz gives audiences a companion piece about the fragility of democracy. In the Philippines in 2016, the country elected a President and Vice President from opposite political spectrums. VP Leni Robredo is a compassionate, former NGO human rights attorney. She is articulate, funny, and fearless. If you took President Biden and combined him with Hillary Clinton, you might begin to understand Leni Robredo.

The passion of the people is evident in their cries for equality. Her supporters wear pink and come from every socioeconomic background and age group. She has a special bond with the LGBTQ community. Her extraordinary grassroots campaign still fights an uphill battle against the children and candidates of the former dictatorship.

Holy misogyny, Batman! The overt corruption of President Duterte looks familiar. The US had a tyrant appear in 2016. In 2021, Leni must contend with the attacks from the outgoing president and campaign against the son of former President Fernando Marcos, one of the country’s most notorious dictators. Under his reign, martial law pervaded the Philippines, and Marcos fled with billions of dollars. BongBong Marcos Jr wants to bring back the policies that destroyed democracy. To remind you, he is also Imelda Marcos’ son. A quote that hangs on the wall of Marcos’ former vacation home, now a museum, reads, “We must make this nation great again.” Hmmm. Where have we heard that before?

AND SO IT BEGINS is simultaneously a story about journalist Maria A. Ressa, the co-founder of the news outlet Rappler. Duterte falsely convicted her of breaking laws that never existed before her arrests. Ressa dared to challenge dictators and has since paid the price for years. Their relentless pursuit of quieting Rappler will make your blood boil. A wondrous moment happens in the film as Ressa receives a phone during a Zoom panel, informing her she’s just received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. In her acceptable speech, she tells the world about the extensive online misinformation machine built by Marcos, Jr, once again reminding viewers how fragile any democracy is.

We cannot ignore the parallels in tactics. We would be foolish to think the playbook hasn’t gotten thicker as technology replaces knocking on doors. What can we learn from AND SO IT BEGINS? History revisionism threatens everything we hold dear, so pay attention, and don’t look away.

And So It Begins (2024) poster

And So It Begins (2024) poster

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)

 

Meet the Artist

Ramona S. Diaz

Ramona S. Diaz

Ramona S. Diaz’s award-winning films — Imelda (2004), The Learning (2011), DSB: Everyman’s Journey (2012), Motherland (2017), and A Thousand Cuts (2020) — have screened at top-tier film festivals and been seen globally. Diaz is both a Guggenheim Fellow and a USA Fellow. In 2021, she was named the inaugural McGurn Family Trust Resident in Film by the American Academy in Rome.

Credits

  • DIRECTOR(S)

    RAMONA S. DIAZ

  • SCREENWRITER

    RAMONA S. DIAZ

  • PRODUCER

    RAMONA S. DIAZ

  • YEAR

    2024

  • CATEGORY

    FEATURE

  • COUNTRY

    UNITED STATES/PHILIPPINES

  • LANGUAGE

    ENGLISH, FILIPINO AND OTHER DIALECTS

  • RUN TIME

    113 MIN

For more information about Sundance 2024, click here!

 

You can read all of our Sundance coverage throughout the years here.

Sundance Color logo 2023

Sundance 2024 review: Cheeky documentary ‘REALM OF SATAN’ gives the middle finger to haters.

Sundance 2024 logo

REALM OF SATAN

Realm Of SatanFilmmaker Scott Cummings brings Sundance 2024 audiences into the everyday lives of Satanists. The Church of Satan boasts innumerable followers around the world. REALM OF SATAN introduces us to members from all backgrounds in this part experimental, part cinema verité documentary that both challenges and pokes fun at any preconceived notions we may have had in the past.

As a forced Catholic from birth to age sixteen, my parents exposed me to some of the wackiest ideological notions simply because their parents had done the same to them. Anyone who knows me well has heard the story of my 8th-grade religion class epiphany. My teacher, in trying to explain that sin has levels of severity, touched upon homosexuality. I could not believe what I was hearing. I could not possibly be correct. In a class of 18 students, I stood upon my chair and asked, “So you’re telling me that if I told my mother that I was gay, it would be the equivalent of me telling her I had murdered someone?! That’s it. I’m out.” A quote from the Satanist text says all you need to know; “I favor the just and curse the rotten.” With a focus on individualism, it all sounds good to me.

REALM OF SATAN features strategically placed, in-your-face scenes but also mundane ones. It does not give a shit what you think. The tongue-in-cheek approach to some of the moments feels like curated bait for Christofascist audiences, which, as a liberal who embraces witchcraft, these choices are simply delicious fodder. You have to laugh.

Aside from some stereotypical wardrobe choices and a pentagram here and there, the subjects in the film could believe in anything or nothing at all. Their text is no more shocking than that of every other sect of religion. Have you read The Bible? The glorious theatricality of some rituals and eclectic decor create beautifully gothic tableaus that mesmerize, particularly for a self-proclaimed “Spooky Girl” like me. The visual trickery is fun as hell. The final camera sweep will look familiar to fans of Tales From The Crypt, right down to the gate squeak. It’s a clever touch. In all, REALM OF SATAN isn’t trying to convert anyone. It’s simply giving audiences a peek behind the curtain to dispel misinformation but with dramatic flair.


Credits

  • DIRECTOR(S)

    SCOTT CUMMINGS

  • SCREENWRITER

    SCOTT CUMMINGS

  • PRODUCERS

    CAITLIN MAE BURKE

    PACHO VELEZ

    MOLLY GANDOUR

  • EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

    JOE POLETTO

    SAM ROSEME

    CATHY TANKOSIC

  • CINEMATOGRAPHER

    GERALD KERKLETZ

  • PRINCIPAL CAST

    PETER GILMORE

    PEGGY NADRAMIA

    BLANCHE BARTON

  • CO-PRODUCERS

    ELIZA HITTMAN

    GERALD KERKLETZ

    ASHER LEVINTHAL

    JACK A. LIECHTUNG

    GABRIEL MERKIN

  • YEAR

    2024

  • CATEGORY

    FEATURE

  • COUNTRY

    UNITED STATES

  • LANGUAGE

    ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN, SWEDISH

  • RUN TIME

    80 MIN

  • COMPANY

    VITAL EXISTENCE LLC


    For more info on Sundance 2024 click here!

     

    Festival Dates: Thu, Jan 18, 2024, 2:45 PM – Sun, Jan 28, 2024

     

    Stay tuned for more Sundance 2024 coverage, and don’t forget to head to Unseen Films for even more! For past Sundance reviews click here.

     

Review: The Bloomquist Brothers satirical, political slasher ‘FOUNDERS DAY’ earns your gory adoration.

Dark Sky Films Logo

FOUNDERS DAY

Founders Day - Theatrical Poster

Synopsis: In this bold political slasher from the Bloomquist Brothers, a small town is shaken by a series of ominous killings in the days leading up to a heated mayoral election. As accusations fly and the threat of a masked killer darkens every street corner, the residents must race to uncover the truth before fear consumes the town.

Founders Day Still 1 - Credit David Apuzzo Mainframe PicturesPolitical spin can make or break a campaign. Those few who possess the skill have the power to command entire nations. In the Bloomquist Brothers’ latest film, FOUNDERS DAY, a small-town mayoral race brings chaos in the form of a serial killer dressed as, you guessed it, a twisted Founding Father straight out of a cliche painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As members of the town of Fairwood get knocked off, one by one, the race is one to find the killer and their ultimate motive. Tackling every political hot-button issue and tactic with a bucket of gore, FOUNDERS DAY is here to mix things up.

Naomi Grace

Naomi Grace in Founders Day

The cast is chockful of familiar and talented faces. Naomi Grace is Alison. Her character endures relentless trauma, and Grace handles it like a pro. Andrew Stewart-Jones plays Alison’s father, Thomas. He is someone that should be on Jordan Peele‘s radar. This guy is a star. Devin Druid is Adam, the son of Mayoral candidate Harold Faulkner. Druid eats this complicated character for breakfast. He is magnificent.

William Russ in Founders Day

William Russ in Founders Day

Jayce Bartok plays Faulkner with an over-the-top air straight out of Mad TV. Amy Hargreaves is the current mayor, Blair Gladwell. Her sass and seriousness are a perfect fit for the satire. Director Erik Bloomquist plays Oliver, Gladwell’s right-hand man. He is amazing. William Russ plays the beloved local teacher, Mr. Jackson. Like me, you might know him as Corey’s dad from Boy Meets World. In FOUNDERS DAY, Russ offers the audience the same emotional, moral anchor we loved so much. Catherine Curtin plays Police Commissioner Peterson. Her overly dramatic comedic timing is a thing of the gods. Give her an entire franchise solving small-town murders, I beg of you.

Founders Day

Founders Day

Bloomquist uses key political phrases that anyone living through the ridiculousness of the country since 2015 knows all too well. From the faux outrage, sugary glad-handing, and infighting, what’s a little murder between neighbors. The idea of political tribalism hits you square in the face. You’re simultaneously intrigued and giggling. The kills are brutal as hell. Bloomquist gives us the customary obnoxious ancillary characters but anchors the film with fleshed-out, small-town folks we all relate to. No one is safe, and you have to respect that. The screenplay delivers twist after twist. Don’t for one second think you know what’s going on. The inspirations from SCREAM are unmissable. AK Roy’s end credits kick ass. FOUNDERS DAY has all the makings of a cult classic, with an ending so nuanced it garnered my vote.

 

Releasing in theaters nationwide on January 19

 

The newest film from the Bloomquist Brothers (Ten Minutes to Midnight) marks the reunion of 13 Reasons Why duo Devin Druid and Amy Hargreaves, who join an ensemble cast including William Russ (Boy Meets World), Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things), Naomi Grace (NCIS), Emilia McCarthy (SkyMed), Jayce Bartok (SubUrbia), Olivia Nikkanen (The Society), and Andrew Stewart-Jones (Gotham). 


Founders-Day-Character-Lineup

Founders-Day-Character-Lineup

Distribution Company: Dark Sky Films
Production Company: Mainframe Pictures
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Director: Erik Bloomquist
Screenwriters: Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist
Producers: Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist, Adam Weppler
Cast: Devin Druid, Emilia McCarthy, Amy Hargreaves, Catherine Curtin, William Russ, Naomi Grace, Olivia Nikkanen, Jayce Bartok, Andrew Stewart Jones, Tyler James White, Erik Bloomquist, Adam Weppler, Kate Edmonds, Dylan Slade, Arun Cameron Storrs
Social Media (Instagram, TikTok & Facebook): @FoundersDayMovie


 

Sundance 2024 preview: A film for everyone at the festival’s 40th Edition.

Sundance Film Festival 2024 Color Logo
The Sundance Film Festival has launched the careers of indie film directors, writers, and actors now for 40 years. Back with in-person and online screening opportunities, this year’s iteration boasts new and bold storytelling from every genre. Here are a handful of films we’ll track in 2024.

 

For more information and tickets to Sundance 2024, click here! Be on the lookout for shared coverage with our good friend, Steve Kopian, at Unseen Films. To see all of his reviews and what he’s looking forward to this year, head over to his home base.

(World Cinema Dramatic Competition)
SUJO

S till from the Sundance film SUJO
When a cartel gunman is killed, he leaves behind Sujo, his beloved 4-year-old son. The shadow of violence surrounds Sujo during each stage of his life in the isolated Mexican countryside. As he grows into a man, Sujo finds that fulfilling his father’s destiny may be inescapable.

A movie about time and trauma, this beautifully acted and hauntingly written film from the directors of Identifying Features will be sure to captivate audiences. 

This film contains strobe effects.
Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)


40th Edition Celebration Screenings And Events

DIG! XX

DIG! XX tracks the tumultuous rise of two talented musicians, Anton Newcombe, leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Courtney Taylor, leader of the Dandy Warhols, and dissects their star-crossed friendship and bitter rivalry. Through their loves and obsessions, gigs and recordings, arrests and death threats, uppers and downers, and ultimately to their chance at a piece of the profit-driven music business, they stage a self-proclaimed revolution in the music industry.

DIG! premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition, where it ultimately won the Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category. DIG! XX, which will premiere at the upcoming Festival, is not only a digitally enhanced, remixed, and remastered version of DIG!, but also a special 20th anniversary new edit of the film culled from footage shot over seven years, and brought to you by the original sibling team, Ondi and David Timoner.

*Digitally enhanced and featuring new footage


(Premieres)

And So It Begins

Amidst the traditional pomp and circumstance of Filipino elections, a quirky people’s movement rises to defend the nation against deepening threats to truth and democracy. In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)


(World Cinema Documentary Competition)

Eternal You

Startups are using AI to create avatars that allow relatives to talk with their loved ones after they have died. An exploration of a profound human desire and the consequences of turning the dream of immortality into a product.

“I wanted to see if he was okay,” explains Christi, one of the users of Project December. With this innovative software, users can communicate with a virtual version of the deceased through a chatbot that simulates the dead person’s conversation patterns. Hers was an attempt to check on her first love. Others may simply miss someone, seek permission to move on, or want to rid themselves of guilt.

At this point, I think we’ve all seen the app that turns photos into moving images. The idea feels equally sentimental and disturbing. Eternal You takes this tech further, begging the question, “How far are we willing to go to feel connected to those we’ve lost, and how might that affect our brains?” 

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)


World Cinema Documentary Competition

A New Kind of Wilderness

In a forest in Norway, a family lives an isolated lifestyle in an attempt to be wild and free, but a tragic event changes everything, and they are forced to adjust to modern society.

Silje Evensmo Jacobsen mixes home movies and a carefully intimate approach to the Payne family, whose isolated existence gets shaken up quite suddenly. This beautiful portrait of connection and resilience in the face of grief will touch your heart.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)


(NEXT)

REALM OF SATAN

An experiential portrait depicting Satanists in both the every day and in the extraordinary as they fight to preserve their lifestyle: magic, mystery, and misanthropy.

Filmmaker Scott Cummings is no stranger to Sundance, having edited many highly acclaimed festival premieres over the past decade, including Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Monsters and Men, and Wendy.

When I tell you that you aren’t ready for this doc, I mean it in the best way possible. Created to ruffle feathers and dispel right-wing hypocrisy, Scott Cummings titillates with gorgeous framing and a touch of tongue-in-cheek magical realism. 

This film contains graphic sexual content. Audiences must be 18 or older.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 25–28)


(Premieres)

My Old Ass

Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in Sundance film MY OLD ASS

Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in the Sundance film MY OLD ASS

The summer before college, bright-yet-irreverent Elliott comes face-to-face with her older self during a mushroom trip. The encounter spurs a funny and heartfelt journey of self-discovery and first love as Elliott prepares to leave her childhood home.

The concept alone should get your butt into a seat, but filmmaker Megan Park casting Aubrey Plaza is chef’s kiss in indie cinema.


(Midnight)

I Saw the TV Glow

Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine  in I SAW THE TV GLOW

Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine in I SAW THE TV GLOW

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.

Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021 Sundance Film Festival) gave us one of the coolest genre-bending films with a breakout performance from star Anna Cobb. I cannot wait to see how this one twists my sanity and senses. 

This film contains violence and gore.

This film contains strobe effects.


Sundace Film Festival 2024 Black and White logoTo find out more information on all things Sundance 2024, head to https://festival.sundance.org/

 

Now streaming and out on Blu-ray today, Shem Bitterman’s ‘DISTANT TALES’ tackles the good, the bad, and the ugly of humanity and isolation

DISTANT TALES

In a near-future dystopia, when a worldwide event means people can no longer meet face to face, four stories — PLACEBO, PLEASE LOG ON, TOUCH, and R NOUGHT — unfold with unexpected revelations as the screens through which they connect hide the twisted reality of their lives.


Writer-director Shem Bitterman

Writer-director Shem Bitterman taps into human nature with four stories that capture the echoes of the Covid lockdown. The dialogue is theatrical. DISTANT TALES could easily transition from screen to stage. The real-time, intensely intimate vulnerability would be electric. It already pours off the screen.


TOUCHCo-workers surreptitiously connect over late-night Zoom calls. Once discovered by their partners, Ben and Seraphina show their true colors. Samuel Martin Lewis gives Ben a relatable longing. The performance from Tiffany Wolff is chilling.


PLEASE LOG ON
A job interview goes off the rails when the effects of prolonged isolation rear their ugly head. Liz Fenning gives Beth an irritable edge and desperation we all recognized during lockdown. Rupak Ginn is Rohit, a character in the opposite headspace. This segment presents the viewer with an awkward moral dilemma.


PLACEBOThe head of a clinical trial and one of her subjects find common ground through culture and shameless flirting but clash over social distancing protocols and the trial’s progress. Amen Igbinosun plays Ese as a jovial spirit. His physical and emotional journey is heartbreaking. Carolyn Michelle Smith balances skepticism and kindness. It is a nuanced turn.


R NOUGHTThis intense piece explores online extremism and conspiracy theories with phenomenal performances from Ben Bowen and Christoper Curry. An online talking head pushes a grieving husband to take up arms against the government. Can he battle his emotions and resist the influences in his life?


As a whole, DISTANT TALES tackles all the chaos of lockdown in complex ways. Each story gets under the audience’s skin for vastly different reasons. If nothing else, Bitterman’s keen observation of human desperation will undoubtedly have people talking.


“Distant Tales” trailer:


 
IS NOW AVAILABLE ON iTunes, AMAZON.COM, and VUDU
COMING OUT ON BLU-RAY ON DECEMBER 12


The dark psychological thriller, DISTANT TALES, a 4-part anthology from writer/director, award-winning playwright, Shem Bitterman (who, as a young screenwriter, wrote HALLOWEEN 5) and executive produced by Oscar-winner, Tom Schulman (Academy Award – Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen “Dead Poet’s Society”), will be released on Blu-ray December 12.


What’s Your Story?



Los Angeles, CA (November 30, 2023) – After a two-month exclusive run on Cable TV OnDemand with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Contour, DISTANT TALES, from acclaimed playwright and screenwriter writer/director Shem Bitterman and executive producer and Oscar-winner Tom Schulman (“Dead Poet’s Society”), is now available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Vudu. The film will be available on additional streaming platforms later in December. Pre-orders are now available for the December 12 Blu-Ray release on Amazon.com.


DISTANT TALES, a dark, four-part dramatic anthology where desire, madness and a struggle for love erupt in a dystopic future after a worldwide event prevents people from meeting face to face, was filmed in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.


In DISTANT TALES four individual stories set during a worldwide pandemic unfold with unexpected twists and revelations: an extramarital affair, cut short by a pandemic and continued online; a mysterious job interview, overseen by an unseen judge; a vaccine trial, where a burgeoning love leads to some bad decisions; a grieving dad who finds sympathy from an online advocate for violence.


 

Tello Films network Review: LGBTQ+ romcom ‘A HOLIDAY I DO’ is a charming cup of cheer

A HOLIDAY I DO

Frazzled, single mom Jane (Hicks) is raising 10-year-old Lexi (Hahn) and managing her family’s horse farm following the loss of her father … holding it all together with a little moral support from her mom (Larson) and their festive neighbors. When she agrees to be the best (wo)man in the elaborate, yuletide wedding of her BFF ex-husband, Mark (Piazza), she finds herself navigating an emotionally charged holiday, a bridezilla fiancé (Chappell), a raging blizzard and a surprise visit from a no-nonsense banker (Warfield). Things become even more complicated and hectic when an unexpected romance sparks between her and the wedding planner, Sue (Reyes). As the big day looms, Jane’s going to need a little Christmas magic to not only clean up the mess she’s made, but to rescue her family’s farm before it’s too late.

Smalltown divorcee and farmgirl Jane is in the midst of planning the final events of her BFF/ex-husband Mark’s upcoming wedding. When he and his fiancee Heather get stranded by snow, Jane steps in with the wedding planner, triggering chaos. A HOLIDAY I DO is a charming cup of cheer for these festive months ahead.

The ensemble cast is delightful. Kayden Bryce, Marsha Warfield, Colette Hahn, Mandy Logsdon, Cameron Judd, and Dale Dobbs make you laugh and smile the entire film.

India Chappell gives Heather the precise amount of jealousy and meltable iciness, countering Mark’s (Joe Piazza) boy next-door aura. Jill Larson is Jane’s mother, Mary Ellen. Unbeknownst to the family, the farm is on the verge of bankruptcy. Larson is like a warm hug. She is an uplifting presence and an ideal mother figure.

Rivkah Reyes plays Sue with approachable sophistication. Her warm smile invites you in. Lindsay Hicks plays Jane with a brightness that mirrors the film itself. Her charming awkwardness is spot on. Hicks masters the art of romcom slapstick. The relationship between Jane and Sue develops naturally. Reyes and Hicks’ chemistry is endearing.

The score by Phil Tipping and Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin perfectly matches the light-hearted, breezy premise. Its sweet simplicity lulls the viewer into a calm state. The dialogue is cute and accessible, especially for families with younger LBGTQ members. A HOLIDAY I DO is an excellent addition to the Hallmark-esque holiday films on Tello.

A Holiday I Do

Holiday, Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ+ / 93 Minutes / Not Rated



From Tello Films and Rock Solid Creative Studios, A Holiday I Do was directed by Paul Schneider and Alicia Schneider from a screenplay by Melinda Bryce, based on a story by Paul Schneider and Alicia Schneider. Produced by Jennifer Nichole Lee, Paul Schneider and Alicia Schneider. Cinematographer was Jackson Swan. Music composed by Phil Tipping and Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin. Casting by Carmen Aiello. Production Designer was Nancy Oeswein.



Pre-order: Nov. 1 / Premieres: Nov. 10

Rent A Holiday I Do for $6.99 (14 days) or purchase the film for $14.99.




Make the season even more gay! Rent more yuletide fun in a special movie four-pack for just $10.99 (14 days) that includes the acclaimed LGBTQ+ Tello holiday romcoms Christmas at the Ranch, Merry & Gay, I Hate New Year’s and Season of Love:



· Christmas at the Ranch, starring Lindsay Wagner (Grey’s Anatomy; SyFy’s Warehouse 13; The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, Marcus Welby, M.D.) and Amanda Righetti (Captain America: The First Avenger, Friday the 13th, The Mentalist).



When a high-powered executive reluctantly returns to her family’s Nashville ranch just before Christmas, her introduction to ranch hand Kate goes terribly awry. But now they must put their differences aside and band together to save the homestead … and perhaps discover that finding love isn’t always where (or who) you expect. Featuring a holiday-inspired, original soundtrack.



· Merry & Gay, starring Dia Frampton (runner up in the inaugural season of The Voice and lead singer of the band Meg & Dia), Andi René Christensen (Bel-Air, Hacks), the first non-binary actor to star in a lead role in a holiday romcom, and Stella Parton (Nothing is Impossible, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors).



When Becca finishes her run starring in a popular Broadway musical, she leaves New York City to spend the holidays with family and friends in her sleepy Tennessee hometown and to direct the annual Christmas pageant. Ecstatic, her well-meaning, but meddling mom and her best friend hatch a plan to reunite Becca and Sam, who were childhood pals and high school sweethearts. Featuring an upbeat, holiday-inspired soundtrack of all original music,



· I Hate New Year’s, starring Dia Frampton (runner up in the inaugural season of The Voice and lead singer of the band Meg & Dia), Ashley Argota (The Fosters, Lab Rats, Broadway’s The Lion King) and Candis Cayne (The Magicians, Grey’s Anatomy, I Am Cait, Elementary, Dirty Sexy Money).



Experiencing writer’s block, rising music star Layne Price visits a mysterious fortune teller whose flamboyant advice she misconstrues. Heading home to Nashville for New Year’s Eve, a holiday she hates, Layne hits the town with BFF Cassie, who is planning to finally confess that her feelings have evolved into more than friendship. However, Layne is too focused on “bumping into” her elusive ex to notice. But sometimes you find inspiration and love—with a little mystical intervention—where you least expect it. Featuring a high-energy, original soundtrack.



· Season of Love, starring starring Sandra Mae Frank (New Amsterdam, Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist), Jessica Clark (True Blood, Pocket Listing), Dominique Provost-Chalkley (Wynonna Earp, Avengers: Age of Ultron), Emily Goss (Snapshots, Murder at the Murder Mystery Party), Laur Allen (Christmas at the Ranch, Young and the Restless) and Janelle Marie Rodriguez (Kings of LA, Love and Basketball)



The first LGBTQ holiday romcom widely released, the film follows the lives of three very different couples dealing with their love lives in interrelated tales as they celebrate Christmas and New Years.



About Tello Films:

Tello Films produces, acquires and distributes innovative, high-quality films, series and shorts. Founded by CEO Christin Baker in 2009 and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., with offices in Los Angeles, Tello Films was the first network dedicated to telling stories featuring and about lesbian/queer women. Powered by Vimeo OTT, Tello Films network content is available to stream on any device and includes such Emmy-nominated series as Secs and EXECS and Riley Parra and such critically acclaimed films as Season of Love, Christmas at the Ranch and I Hate New Years. Wanna see more? Visit us online at: https://www.tellofilms.com

Join the Conversation …

https://www.tellofilms.com

Like us:  https://twitter.com/tellofilms

Follow us:   https://www.facebook.com/tellofilms


 

Huge Genre News: NIGHTSTREAM is back in new form!

Digital Genre Film Fest NIGHTSTREAM Relaunched Yesterday as Year Round Curated TVOD Platform, Ft. Exclusive Title SUMMONERS, Films from Distros Including Oscilloscope, Utopia, Dark Sky & More


Christine Nyland and Larry Fessenden from Nightstream Exclusive SUMMONERS


(Brooklyn, NY | October 31, 2023) The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, in association with the Boston Underground Film Festival and the Overlook Film Festival, announces today the re-launch of Nightstream. The former virtual film festival will re-launch as a transactional VOD platform that will showcase acclaimed genre films. Nightstream enables at-home audiences to have a one-stop-shop for their favorite (and new discovery) genre indies in lieu of scrolling through offerings buried in other more overarching platforms. Viewers can expect the lineup to continue to grow over time but always remain curated by the festival programmers.

Nightstream was initially launched in 2020 when film festivals were shuttered at the height of the pandemic. These major horror festivals joined forces to satiate their audiences’ appetites for new, exciting titles even while they were stuck at home. Despite the fact that the world is back in action, Nightstream will give genre fans the curated festival experience 24/7.

Terence Krey and Christine Nyland, the filmmaking team behind 2020’s indie gem An Unquiet Grave, unveil Summoners as the very first Nightstream Exclusive. The film made its world premiere at Brooklyn Horror Festival last year and debuts exclusively on the platform as a launch title. Co-starring indie icon Larry Fessenden, the film focuses on a former witch who is plunged back into a world of witchcraft far more dangerous than ever before after her childhood friend seeks her help in performing a dark spell.

Spearheading the relaunch is Justin Timms, Director of Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. “Finding a way to support new indie films along with keeping our collective festivals afloat during the pandemic was our priority and I’m thrilled that we can continue that for the long term,” says Timms. “Not only will we be sharing revenue with the films on the channel but a portion of the proceeds will also be split among the other founding festivals. We hope audiences around the country will see the value in supporting this effort and choose Nightstream when renting one of these standout titles.”

As of today’s Halloween launch day, the platform will feature over thirty titles, including those from indie distributors Oscilloscope, Dark Star, Dark Sky, Dekanalog, Utopia, Yellow Veil Pictures, and others. Titles include Jane Schoenbrun’s We’re All Going to World’s Fair (Utopia), Gaspar Noe’s Lux Aeterna (Yellow Veil), Joel PotrykusBuzzard (Oscilloscope), and much more. The full listing of film offerings is available at nightstream.org.

Prices will vary per title, and users will have the option to rent or buy most titles with a default pricing of $4.99 to rent and $12.99 to buy.

Full information is available at:
https://nightstream.org/

About Nightstream
In response to the many challenges impacting the film community amid the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing concerns of safety and security associated with physical exhibition and festivals in 2020 and 2021, the collaborative online event NIGHTSTREAM was launched by organizers of a number of American genre festivals across the country to present a dynamic and accessible virtual film festival.

NIGHTSTREAM will live on, continuing as a curated hub for genre films where audiences across the US will be able to rent, buy and discover the latest indie films.

About Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
Bringing the best of domestic and international genre cinema to New York City since 2016, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival is a premier East Coast genre festival that embodies the eclectic spirit of its namesake.

Brooklyn Horror not only provides the nightmare fuel that audiences expect but also prides itself on challenging those expectations, spotlighting films that push the boundaries of what is normally deemed horror.

Taking place in venues throughout the borough every October, BHFF compliments its ambitious features and shorts programming with exciting and unique live events, crafting a must-attend festival experience for industry members and film fans alike.


 

Austin Film Festival 2023 review: The hilarious ‘DON’T TELL LARRY’ combines office politics with extreme absurdity.

Don’t Tell Larry


After lying to her new eccentric coworker Larry about a company party, an ambitious corporate flunky must deal with the deadly consequences.

Dot-Marie Jones and Ed Begley Jr. serve up pro performances that most certainly elevate DON’T TELL LARRY. Kiel Kennedy has a genuine Will Ferrell energy. His portrayal of Larry is cringe, uncomfortable, and entirely unhinged. It’s wild and wonderful. I won’t say more because seeing is believing. Kennedy gives Larry a larger-than-life persona, mastering the comedy and terror.

Kenneth Mosley is Patrick, Susan’s work bestie and equally fabulous sidekick. Do yourself a favor. Watch Mosley’s reel on IMDB. You will wonder why he isn’t on every screen in your home. His performance as Patrick immediately catches you off guard in the best way. He’s magnetic. Patty Guggenheim is unforgettable as the hyper-ambitious Susan. Guggenheim is a star. She has a similar energy to Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Her comic timing and charisma pull you in. Her chemistry with Mosely makes me want a sequel/spin-off/whatever!

Filmmakers Greg Porper and John Schimke give us a classic, over-the-top workplace comedy that stands alongside titles like OFFICE SPACE. It’s wacky and worth your eyeballs.


(USA, 95 MIN)

Writer/Director: Greg Porper, John Schimke

Key Cast: Patty Guggenheim, Kiel Kennedy, Kenneth Mosley, with Dot Marie Jones and Ed Begley Jr.



To find out more about the Austin Film Festival 2023 click here!

 

Austin Film Festival 2023 review: ‘THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE’ brings familial chaos and charm.

THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE

Two distant cousins who’ve never met – one in NYC, the other in the smallest town there is in Ireland – come together to finally put an end to a generations-long family feud. It doesn’t go well. The Problem With People, set in the beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace … and sheep.


Director Chris Cottam brings Austin Film Festival audiences a charming transatlantic tale of fortune, forgiveness, and family.

Paul Reiser, who also writes the screenplay with Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, plays Barry. A real estate mogul from NYC, he receives a call from his distant cousin in Ireland, requesting his presence to heal a wound from generations past. The caller is Ciáran, played by Colm Meaney. The two proud, established men momentarily connect for the sake of their family. When Barry finds himself inheriting half of the family land, shenanigans ensue, dividing this small town between old and new ways.

This breezy film is perfect for the festival circuit. Jane Levy grounds the film as Barry’s daughter. While 95% of her appearances occur as phone calls from NYC, her brightness keeps Barry grounded for the viewer. Reiser is as great as ever. His big-city energy is a delicious foil for Meaney’s homegrown pride. Ciáran wavers between forgiveness and fight, and Meaney is a pro.

The landscape of the film is breathtaking. The sets are inviting. The script is heartwarming and silly. Frankly, THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE is a film we all need right about now. While it doesn’t break the mold, it makes you smile from beginning to end. I would easily watch a sequel of these two men navigating whatever comes next.


For more info on the Austin Film Festival 2023, click here!

 

Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2023: Filmmaking phenom Alice Maio Mackay’s ‘T-BLOCKERS’ is an invasion allegory with a queer cast and crew that is sickening in the best way possible.

T-BLOCKERS

Award-winning trans filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay brings her buzzy genre mashup T-BLOCKERS to the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2023. Part queer coming-of-age and part splatterfest, Lauren Last plays Sophie, a filmmaker whose horrible blind date leads her to vigilante killings to prevent hate crimes. Oh, and there are aliens involved. Sophie realizes she is the only one who can sense a body-snatching entity that targets alt-right creeps. So obviously, she and her group of friends must hunt them down and destroy them in the name of their queer community and for the love of cinema. Duh.

Lewi Dawson plays Spencer, Sophie’s best friend and colleague. They are undeniably fantastic in this role. Stanley Browning is Adam, blind date and lead carrier of the infected alien hate worm. Etcetera Etcetera is our hostess with the mostess and hypnotizes with her spooky charm. Lauren Last gives us everything we need to feel grounded, permitting us to laugh at the premise. I would love to see her in more stories. I would welcome a sequel about Spencer and Sophie’s forthcoming shenanigans.

2023 has been a step in the right direction for trans, queer, and nonbinary representation with films like The People’s Joker, Something You Said Last Night, Monica, Theater Camp, My Animal, Barbie, and the upcoming The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. T-BLOCKERS joins the ranks of engaging storytelling that crosses genres and excites. The neon lighting and campy gore have all the markings of Midnight cult classic indies. The J. K. Rowling joke was perfection. T-BLOCKERS is an allegory for the homophobic antitrans movement and their evil online cultlike behavior. It’s a creative call to activism and self-acceptance told through a B-horror-inspired lens. Be prepared to rock out to one hell of a battle cry song and to stand up and cheer for the final scene.


BROOKLYN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL 2023

Review: Adam Ellis’ viral Twitter thread moves from phone screens to movie screens in John McPhail’s ‘DEAR DAVID.’

SYNOPSIS: Shortly after comic artist Adam (Augustus Prew) responds to Internet trolls, he begins experiencing sleep paralysis — while an empty rocking chair moves in the corner of his apartment. As he chronicles increasingly malevolent occurrences in a series of tweets, Adam begins to believe he is being haunted by the ghost of a dead child named David. Encouraged by his boss to continue the “Dear David” thread, Adam starts to lose his grip on what is online…and what is real. Based on the viral Twitter thread by BuzzFeed comic artist Adam Ellis.

Director John McPhail and screenwriter Mike Van Waes had the tricky job of taking Adam Ellis‘ real-life viral Twitter feed and translating it for the big screen. If you don’t know the “Dear David” story, let me sum it up. Cartoonist Adam Ellis starts to document the haunting of his apartment. Things get weirder each night, culminating in photographs of this little boy with a caved-in skull dropping onto Adam’s bed. It was truly terrifying reading the thread. I remember sweating as the incidents became creepier and more intense. It was an honest-to-goodness viral moment. This week, DEAR DAVID moves from small screens to movie screens, and the results are mostly comparable.

In his supporting role, scream king Justin Long is Buzzfeed’s deliciously douchey editor. You love to hate him. But the film hinges on the likeability and overall effectiveness of Augustus Prew as Adam. Prew does a fantastic job of charming us. He is relatable in a way that caught me off guard. I can only imagine Adam Ellis being proud of his portrayal regardless of how accurate it is to real life.

The film boasts amazingly timed jump scares. Let’s give a brilliant slow clap for editors David Arthur and Glenn Garland. The script is especially relevant in our ongoing age of vitriolic online engagement. It is also a mystery wrapped in a horror movie, using a personal connection about self-worth. If you know the Dear David canon, it might be better to separate the two. Did I shout with glee when the original “David” drawing appeared? Yup. If I’m being entirely honest, the climax feels a touch hokey, but the final scene brings some redemption. DEAR DAVID is inarguably intriguing. I needed to know how McPhail would expand upon the genuinely disturbing origin material, so there’s no denying I was along for the ride. Genre fans will eat this up.

Terror Goes Viral

 

Lionsgate will distribute the horror film DEAR DAVID in select Theaters, On Digital and On Demand on October 13th which is a co-production by Lionsgate and Buzzfeed Studios.

 

The film stars Augustus Prew (“The Morning Show”), Andrea Bang (“A Million Little Things”), Rene Escobar Jr. (Neon Lights), Cameron Nicoll (Slumberland) and Justin Long (Barbarian). The film was co-produced by BuzzFeed Studios and directed by John McPhail (Anna and the Apocalypse). The film was written by Mike Van Waes in his feature film debut based on a story by Waes and Evan Turner (The Out-Laws). 


Review: Daniel Montgomery’s soul-searching ‘THE JESSICA CABIN’ is a little bit horror and a whole lot of heart.

presents

Nicky and Preston book a weekend in a remote cabin. Preston is a self-absorbed, cheating brat who takes Nicky for granted. Jackson and Taylor are observant and trapped ghosts. Their hopes of bringing Nicky into the afterworld get messy when they trigger a breakup.

Jackson and Taylor have lengthy dialogues consisting of thoroughly engrossing memories. They make the best of their situation, recalling the silly moments, listing off their favorite things, and trying to get any guest to see them mired in loneliness. A third of the way in, we get flashbacks and backstories for our ghoul friends, and things get even more intriguing. We meet the cabin’s owner, the titular character, Jessica.

Riley Rose Critchlow gives a particularly entrancing performance. Their living vs. dead personalities are vastly different but equally grin-inducing. Critchlow captures a relatable sadness, leaving a lasting impression.

Writer-director Daniel Montgomery gives Jackson a quirky sweetness and the best intentions. His chemistry with both Critchlow and Chase Williamson, as Nicky, is effortless. Williamson has the difficult task of processing a ton of information very quickly. His natural presence and authentic spirit (no pun intended) are delightful.

The subtle creepiness is just enough to teeter on the edge, as the film is more drama than your typical horror. THE JESSICA CABIN is a spectacular entry into the LGBTQIA+ genre, perfectly melding comedy, culture, and complex storyline. The film looks at mental health in a stunningly nuanced way. It is crazy charming and superbly funny, pushing moral boundaries while asking existential questions. Seek it out.


Comedic Horror Movie Sets Digital Debut for THE JESSICA CABIN North American VOD Platforms and DVD on September 26, 2023


Written and directed by Daniel Montgomery, THE JESSICA CABIN was produced by Daniel Montgomery and Riley Rose Critchlow of Mary-Kate and Ashtray Productions, Brendan Haley of Lonely Spectre Productions, Chase Williamson, and Jenna Marie Johnson. The featured cast includes Daniel Montgomery (‘Jackson’), Riley Rose Critchlow (‘Taylor’), Chase Williamson (‘Nicky’), Will Tranfo (‘Preston’), Kylee Thurman (‘Jessica’) and Melinda DeKay (‘Mrs. Norris’). THE JESSICA CABIN is a co-production of Mary-Kate and Ashtray Productions and Lonely Spectre Productions in association with Simulated Sky and ReKon Productions.