Due to familial obligations and other responsibilities, my coverage of this year’s film festival was limited. I did make it a point to watch this intriguing documentary, which reveals a relationship between a charming but lonely man and the combination of a love doll/artificial intelligence. Though the idea sounds disturbing and unnerving, I was nevertheless… Continue reading AFF 2024 Review: *smiles and kisses you* Delivers A Stranger Than Fiction Portrait
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Heretic – more talk than thrill
In Heretic, directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods turn the horror genre on its head, using conversation instead of suspenseful silence to tell a chilling story. The film takes the premise of a theological debate between a pair of innocent Mormon missionaries and an unsettling host. It stretches it to its limits, pushing the audience… Continue reading Heretic – more talk than thrill
Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Fun, Endearing, and So Much More
It felt like “Christmas in July” when I was offered an opportunity to view this forthcoming holiday film. It was (and still is) hot for the season here in Texas, but viewing the film left me in better spirits. I have not read the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson that this film is based on,… Continue reading Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Fun, Endearing, and So Much More
AFF Movie Review: American Spirit – University Students Face Relationship Choices and Decisions
American Spirit, a film based and filmed in Austin, World Premiered at the Austin Film Festival in October. This movie is the feature directorial debut from Christopher Yates. It explores questions of identity and evolving iterations of self and timely conversations around the transition from youth into adulthood. Yates is the writer/director for American Spirit,… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: American Spirit – University Students Face Relationship Choices and Decisions
AFF Awards Winner News: Champions of the Golden Valley Wins Audience Award – Documentary Feature
Following a successful World Premiere at the Tribeca International Film Festival this year, the multiple award-winning documentary Champions of the Golden Valley recently arrived at the Austin Film Festival for the Texas Premiere. On the way to Austin, the documentary won Heartland’s Overall Audience Choice Award. At the Austin Film Festival, Champions of the Golden… Continue reading AFF Awards Winner News: Champions of the Golden Valley Wins Audience Award – Documentary Feature
AFF 2024: Spetember 5 – a tense take on Munich 1972
At first glance, ‘September 5’ might complement Spielberg’s Munich, both films addressing the tragic hostage crisis at the 1972 Olympics. However, Tim Fehlbaum’s intense drama zeroes in on a different angle: the ethical and logistical challenges faced by journalists trying to cover an unprecedented act of terrorism as it unfolded live. Set entirely in ABC’s… Continue reading AFF 2024: Spetember 5 – a tense take on Munich 1972
AFF 2024: Time Travel is Dangerous
‘Time Travel Is Dangerous!’ is a delightful yet imperfect British sci-fi comedy that mixes absurdity with a generous dose of nostalgia. Directed by Chris Reading and co-written by sisters Anna-Elizabeth and Hillary Shakespeare, the film follows real-life best friends Ruth (Ruth Syratt) and Megan (Megan Stevenson) as they run a vintage bric-a-brac shop in Muswell… Continue reading AFF 2024: Time Travel is Dangerous
Austin Film Festival 2024: To Kill a Wolf – a haunting exploration of human frailty
‘To Kill a Wolf’, directed by James Remington, is a haunting exploration of human frailty, resilience, and unexpected companionship set against the brooding landscape of the Oregon wilderness. This introspective drama follows two fractured souls—a reclusive woodsman (Ivan Martin) and a teenage runaway, Dani (Maddison Brown)— brought together by fate and necessity. It’s a story… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2024: To Kill a Wolf – a haunting exploration of human frailty
AFF Movie Review: Silent Notes – World Premiere of Crime Thriller Stars CODA’s Daniel Durant
Daniel Durant starred in the Oscar-winning film CODA as Leo Rossi, a teenager whose sister is the only hearing member of the family. The film featured international filmmaker Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included) as the music teacher. CODA (2021) won three Academy Awards, and audiences everywhere learned of this great cast. Now, Durant stars in… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: Silent Notes – World Premiere of Crime Thriller Stars CODA’s Daniel Durant
Austin Film Festival 2024: Color Book- a tale of love and loss
‘Color Book,’ directed by David Fortune, is a poignant exploration of love, resilience, and community through the bond between a father and son. The story follows Lucky, a recently widowed father played with remarkable depth by William Catlett, as he embarks on a journey with his son Mason, portrayed with authenticity by Jeremiah Alexander Daniels,… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2024: Color Book- a tale of love and loss