The Piano Lesson, the opening night film of the Austin Film Festival, is a profoundly moving directorial debut for Malcolm Washington, son of Denzel Washington, who co-produces alongside him. Starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, and the inimitable Samuel L. Jackson, this adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play brings the haunting drama of a family… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2024: The Piano Lesson – a memorable opening night film
Category: Festivals
AFF Movie Review: Norita – A Timely Documentary about a Courageous Woman Seeking Her Son
I have not been familiar with the “Desaparecidos” in Argentina all my life living in Texas. Still, it has been about twenty years since I worked with another publication. Someone first approached me with what had happened in Argentina a few decades prior. Although that publication declined to run a story then, I always remembered… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: Norita – A Timely Documentary about a Courageous Woman Seeking Her Son
AFF Movie News: Austin Film Festival Highlights of Short Films Sure to Capture Attention
HI, FRIENDS! – Wheaton Simis, writer/director of the 7:10 minute short comedy short. “a cringe-inducing short film that takes place in the all-too-familiar present day. At a pot-luck picnic among “friends,” the world is closing in around Beth and Brian as they fight to retain their sanity. It’s a battle of wills for who can… Continue reading AFF Movie News: Austin Film Festival Highlights of Short Films Sure to Capture Attention
AFF Movie News: Austin Film Festival – Highlights of International and Local Stories Not to Miss
The Austin Film Festival begins Thursday, October 24, 2024, with many features that bring stories via documentaries and fiction. The festival runs through October 31, and there are two opportunities to view some films during the festival: at downtown venues or the Galaxy Theater. Here is a list of featured films as a preview of… Continue reading AFF Movie News: Austin Film Festival – Highlights of International and Local Stories Not to Miss
Fantastic Fest 2024: Anora – what a RIDE!
Sean Baker’s Anora left a lasting impact at the 2024 Fantastic Fest, quickly becoming a favorite among festival attendees, including myself. This 138-minute whirlwind of comedy, drama, and tension highlights Baker’s talent for bringing vibrant characters from society’s fringes into the spotlight. Anora demonstrates his ability to combine entertainment with emotional depth and social critique,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: Anora – what a RIDE!
Movie Review: Killer Rental Screens at the debut of the Austin Horror Film Festival
Killer Rental, the feature film written and directed by Ben Hausdorff and Jonathan Kadin, had an exclusive screening at the first annual Austin Horror Film Festival this weekend. Killer Rental was among the films offered at the 25th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival in late September and was nominated for Best Feature. The… Continue reading Movie Review: Killer Rental Screens at the debut of the Austin Horror Film Festival
Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET
For the closing night film of this year’s Fantastic Fest, the programmers have chosen an unusual horror flick that offers up the premise, what if Mr. Rogers was a psychotic killer that preyed upon the parents of his most ardent fans, children? Writer/director Brandon Espy and co-writer Carl Reid have concocted an imaginative nightmare for… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET
Fantastic Fest ‘24 Review: The Apprentice
Stan’s impression is a ginormous character smear The Apprentice is a biographical drama based in the 70s and depicts the rise of a young Donald Trump from under his father’s wing and into the commerce limelight of New York City. Releasing just in time for the November election, it is clear the creators of this… Continue reading Fantastic Fest ‘24 Review: The Apprentice
Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT
The programmers of this year’s film festival decided to up the ante by scheduling a record number of “Secret Screenings.” In past years, the festival usually only offered two or three of these mystery offerings, but this year, four was the magic number. The first of these was the new film by Jason Reitman, Saturday… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT
Movie News: The Wait (La Espera) Available in North America after Fantastic Fest 2023
The Wait (La Espera) had the North American premiere at Fantastic Fest 2023 in Austin, Texas, after world premiering at the Oldenburg Film Festival. It was on an award-winning festival tour that included Sitges, Shanghai, and Vancouver screenings. Film Movement has officially released The Wait (La Espera), the latest film from Spanish cult filmmaker F.… Continue reading Movie News: The Wait (La Espera) Available in North America after Fantastic Fest 2023