By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This dramatic horror film from Canada deals with the very traumatic problem of rape and abuse, but offers a more frightening and disturbing take on the aftermath of such trauma. Written and directed by, and starring Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Violation depicts what can happen when a family’s… Continue reading SXSW 2021: VIOLATION
Category: Festivals
SXSW 2021: DEAR MR. BRODY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1970, Michael James Brody Jr. an heir to oleomargarine millions, publicly announced that he would give away all of the money from his $25 million fortune to anyone who needed it. Known as a “hippie angel,” Brody obviously was not prepared for the massive response… Continue reading SXSW 2021: DEAR MR. BRODY
SXSW 2021: WOMEN IS LOSERS
By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ Getting into my VIRTUAL SXSW mode, settling into my office chair, and choosing my first film proved a bit more difficult than I imagined compared to face-to-face experiences of past festivals. Once I figured it all out, I chose Women is Losers as the first film I watched. Written and… Continue reading SXSW 2021: WOMEN IS LOSERS
SXSW Festival News: SXSW Film Festival Audience Awards Winners
The SXSW Festivals and Conferences were held virtually in 2021 over a period of five days, that included the 28th SXSW Film Festival, the music, comedy, interactive showcases, sessions and guest speakers. By Liz Lopez The 2021 SXSW Film Festival Audience Awards winners are listed by category below. Film reviews of the many films offered… Continue reading SXSW Festival News: SXSW Film Festival Audience Awards Winners
SXSW Film Festival 2021 Jury and Special Awards
The SXSW Festivals and Conferences were held virtually in 2021 over a period of five days, that included the 28th SXSW Film Festival, the music, comedy, interactive showcases, sessions and guest speakers. By Liz Lopez The winners are selected by the following Juries: Narrative Feature Competition: Amanda N’Duka, Jake Coyle, Joanna Robinson Documentary Feature Competition:… Continue reading SXSW Film Festival 2021 Jury and Special Awards
DEMI LOVATO: DANCING WITH THE DEVIL
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Some people often question why so many celebrities have so many problems and issues when they are obviously successful. What do they have to be sad about? These same people usually forget that celebrities were not always famous and that, regardless of their fame, they are… Continue reading DEMI LOVATO: DANCING WITH THE DEVIL
SXSW 2021: BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Inspired by conspiracy thrillers such as Blow Up, The Conversation, and Blow Out, writers Tim Woodall, Phil Drinkwater and director Jacob Gentry offer a more modern take on this type of story, with mostly mixed results. Though the movie has a fascinating premise, I feel that… Continue reading SXSW 2021: BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION
SXSW 2021: WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED: THE HISTORY OF FOLK HORROR
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This year, I began my virtual festival a day early with a couple of screeners. The first of which was a screener for a lengthy and comprehensive documentary detailing horror cinema’s and television’s offerings in the subgenre of folk horror. While this film might seem like… Continue reading SXSW 2021: WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED: THE HISTORY OF FOLK HORROR
SXSW 2021: WITHOUT GETTING KILLED OR CAUGHT
By Laurie Coker Rating: A Texas music has a life of its own. Whether born in the state or transplanted from elsewhere, stars like Townes van Zandt and Guy Clark left their mark on the industry beyond the Lone Star State’s borders. SXSW documentary, Without Getting Killed or Caught, takes a personal and bare look… Continue reading SXSW 2021: WITHOUT GETTING KILLED OR CAUGHT
SXSW 2021: THE FALLOUT
By Laurie Coker Rating: A As a teacher who in her final two years of a long career found herself participating in active-shooter drills and watching the aftermath of school shooting, I hesitated to choose The Fallout as one of my SXSW Festival picks. A fellow critic encouraged me to take a look and it… Continue reading SXSW 2021: THE FALLOUT