Category: Festivals

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

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

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

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

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From writer/director Terrence Malick, comes this beautiful and moving film that not only serves as an antiwar piece, but as a work that derides any form of prejudice and hate. Malick utilizes his artistic sensibilities well to deliver an emotionally affecting and powerful movie that is… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: A HIDDEN LIFE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written by Andrew McCarten (based on his play, The Pope), and directed by Fernando Meirelles, this occasionally comedic drama is currently playing in select theaters and will be available for viewing on Netflix, Friday, December 20, 2019. I had the pleasure of enjoying this profound examination… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: THE TWO POPES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, this phenomenal movie is not only my favorite film of this year’s AFF, it is definitely one of the top films of the year. I went into this film preparing myself for a thoroughly heart wrenching, sorrowful affair, but was… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: MARRIAGE STORY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This year’s Fantastic Fest closed with a delightfully smart, mystery thriller which would possibly impress Agatha Christie herself. Writer/director Rian Johnson has taken the classic “whodunnit” and offers an engrossing and entertaining twist on the genre. With a talented ensemble cast, intelligent writing and superb direction,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: KNIVES OUT