Musica: a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation

I missed seeing ‘Musica’ at SXSW 2024 but caught it on Amazon Prime. Rudy Mancuso’s film is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation. Mancuso’s freshman effort is a surprising breath of fresh air, complete with a delightful cast and puppets. Currently streaming on Amazon Prime, this cinematic gem offers a fresh perspective on… Continue reading Musica: a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation

SXSW 2024: Another SUCCESS in the books

SXSW 2024 emerged as a monumental success, drawing crowds from far and wide to experience a captivating fusion of entertainment, innovation, and cultural discourse. With a plethora of films and television screenings spanning genres and themes, attendees were treated to a diverse array of thought-provoking narratives and immersive storytelling. From compelling documentaries shedding light on… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Another SUCCESS in the books

SXSW 2024: ‘Omni Loop’ -Unraveling Time and Emotions

Mary-Louise Parker delivers a standout performance in ‘Omni Loop’ as Zoya Lowe, a woman with a terminal diagnosis that leads her down a path of existential reflection. Directed by Bernardo Britto and screened at SXSW 2024, the film takes audiences on a thought-provoking journey through themes of mortality, regret, and the intricacies of human connection.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Omni Loop’ -Unraveling Time and Emotions

SXSW 2024: The Black Sea World Premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition

Indie filmmaker Crystal Moselle (The Wolfpack, 2015) had her latest feature, The Black Sea, world premiere at this month’s 2024 SXSW Film & Television Festival. The film is co-directed by Derrick B. Harden, who also stars as Khalid, a Black man from Brownsville (a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York). As the film begins, a woman… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Black Sea World Premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition

SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut

Photo by Laurie Coker

In the gritty underworld of Mumbai’s underground fight clubs, a masked figure known only as Kid, portrayed with intensity by Dev Patel, endures a brutal existence as a human punching bag. Inspired by the legendary strength of Hanuman, Kid harbors a childhood trauma that fuels his relentless quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut

SXSW 2024: Never Look Away – Documentaries Like These Are What Really Educate Society

Lucy Lawless (of ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ fame) makes an astounding arrival with her directorial debut of ‘Never Look Away’, which gives viewers a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of courageous combat camerawoman Margaret Moth and her adventures under gunfire in the 90s… her backstory, and her days in the field with CNN.  Lucy Lawless has… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Never Look Away – Documentaries Like These Are What Really Educate Society

SXSW 2024 Short: LULLABY – forgettable and a little sleepy

Director Chi THAI MIDNIGHT SHORT COMPETITION 2023 – Run Time 14 minutes Horror, Drama Language: Vietnamese UNITED KINGDOM This short offers a glimpse into the life of a female refugee stuck in her unlivable servitude as a seamstress, where she is haunted menacingly by visions of her deceased child who drowned.  The film lacks that… Continue reading SXSW 2024 Short: LULLABY – forgettable and a little sleepy

SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror

Screened at SXSW 2024, Jon Bell’s debut feature, ‘The Moogai, delves into the chilling realm of Aboriginal folklore and maternal paranoia, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and cultural exploration. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Australia, the film follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple, as they navigate the complexities of parenthood… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror

Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters

The neo-fairytale, set in Wyoming, USA, follows three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother, Julie (Danielle Hoetmer), asks them to run an errand. On the hunt to obtain her favorite blueberry pie, the children are kidnapped by poachers, battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and bond together… Continue reading Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters