Category: Festivals

SXSW 2020 Review: CAT IN THE WALL

By Mark Saldana Rating 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Among the few SXSW 2020 narrative features available for streaming now, this European import makes for an interesting, though not thoroughly satisfying, watch. Writers/directors Vezela Kazakova and Mina Milena hope to shed much light upon the Bulgarian immigration experience in London while presenting and critiquing the… Continue reading SXSW 2020 Review: CAT IN THE WALL

ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: THE WITCH HUNTERS

Mihajlo Milavic and Silma Mahmuti appear in THE WITCH HUNTERS by Rasko Miljkovic, an official selection of the Kids program at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. All photos are copyrighted and may be used by press only for the purpose of news or editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Photos must be accompanied by a credit to the photographer and/or 'Courtesy of Sundance Institute.' Unauthorized use, alteration, reproduction or sale of logos and/or photos is strictly prohi

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From Serbian director Rasko Miljkovic, comes this lovable and poignant story of friendship between two troubled preteens. The two main characters of The Witch Hunters may have their own different struggles in life, but the bond they share helps both of them to find the courage… Continue reading ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: THE WITCH HUNTERS

ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: OUR TIME MACHINE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) From directors Yang Sun and S. Leo Chiang comes this beautiful and heartbreaking documentary about an artist bonding with his beloved father, an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Our Time Machine gives audiences a look behind the scenes of Chinese artist Maleon’s new passion project.… Continue reading ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: OUR TIME MACHINE

ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: CODE OF THE FREAKS

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) My festival coverage continues with an insightful documentary that examines Hollywood’s obsession with the disabled. Featuring candid interviews with intelligent disabled people, director Salome Chasnoff takes a good, hard look at disabled tropes in cinema, some of the various formulaic stories that are often told and… Continue reading ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020: CODE OF THE FREAKS

ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020 Review: OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) So, this is my first review after a several week break courtesy of COVID-19. To clarify, I have been most fortunate (so far) that I have not fallern ill to the utterly frightening Coronavirus that has spread like wildfire across the globe. Unfortunately, though, the quarantines… Continue reading ReelAbilities Film Festival 2020 Review: OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE

Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: AMERICAN MUSLIM

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Writer/director Adam Zucker offers a revealing, unsightful and positive documentary that focuses on five Muslim-american citizens. These people work hard and passionately to eliminate ignorance and dispel myths about their beloved religion and the cultures that practice it. Galvanized by the current Muslim immigration ban by… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: AMERICAN MUSLIM

Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALWAYS IN SEASON

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) For my second film of the festival, I chose this highly recommended documentary which not only details some of the history of lynching, but also questions whether or not this horrific practice still occurs. Written and directed by Jaqueline Olive (who co-wrote with Don Bernier), Always… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALWAYS IN SEASON

Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALL RISE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In addition to the many services and resources the Marlene Meyereson JCC Manhattan offers, the community center has maintained a solid arts and film program including multiple Israeli film festivals. New this year to the JCC Manhattan is a film festival which honors and celebrates movies… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALL RISE