Category: Festivals

An immigrant’s experience in America is just as unique as anyone’s life is anywhere. And that is the main takeaway I drew from watching this unique and sometimes bewildering film by writer/director Nikyatu Jusu. Jusu’s Nanny paints a portrait of a character struggling with her new life in America, working as a domestic, while clinging… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2022: NANNY

From acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino comes his adaptation of the 2015 horror/romance novel of the same name. Though I have not read Camile DeAngelis’ book, Bones and All, and knew absolutely nothing about the story, I attended this Fantastic Fest screening simply because it was directed by Guadagnino. After having much admiration for some of… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: BONES AND ALL

For the closing night film of this year’s Austin Film Festival comes the excitedly-awaited sequel to Rian Johnson’s acclaimed murder mystery Knives Out. Well, as most people expect, sequels are not usually as good as the first movie that preceded them. And that is actually the case with Glass Onion. However, Rian Johnson has lots… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2022: GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

Writer/director Elegance Bratton uses his first narrative feature film to tell his true story. Bratton, who had a rough life as a gay man raised by an ultra-conservative mother, found himself homeless and struggling to survive as a young adult. Totally lost and not knowing what to do with his life, he decides to enlist… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2022: THE INSPECTION

Fantasia International Film Festival, and Fantastic Fest where I was able to view the film on the big screen. The film captivated me from start to finish and I know it is one of the films from Japan that I will recommend to my film loving fans – especially those who enjoy international films. This… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: MISSING

The Menu is an impeccable work of art. It is an experience that tantalizes its audiences in ways that only they can comprehend after savoring its deliciousness days and months after it has been tasted. Now, I know that sounds rather pretentious, but that isn’t actually the case here. Or at least in my case,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: THE MENU

If one were to look upon the poster for this film, it would be easy to assume that Sam & Kate tells a lengthy story of two lovers/spouses through the course of their relationship. How can anyone not expect that? Casting Dustin Hoffman, Sissy Spacek, Hoffman’s son Jake, and Spacek’s daughter Schuyler should easily deceive… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2022: SAM & KATE

During the Austin Film Festival, I was able to view the documentary, Pepe Serna: Life is Art by first-time director Luis Reyes. I have known of Pepe Serna as an actor from films dating back to his career a few decades back. I was invited to meet him and conduct a brief interview in San… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2022: PEPE SERNA: LIFE IS ART