Episodes
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In the latest episode of the Showcast from the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with John August, the acclaimed screenwriter of behind such films as "Go," "Big Fish," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." August delves into the art of screenwriting, recounts his journey in film and his directorial experience, and shares insights into his writing habits. He also discusses the current film landscape, technological advancements and the impact of artificial intelligence on the audiovisual sector. Additionally, as a Writers Guild of America (WGA) member and part of the negotiation committee during the recent strike, the second longest in WGA's history, August reflects on the strike's outcome and its implications for the industry. (Photo: AVP Summit)
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TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television, at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Garvie shares insights on the current audiovisual production landscape, addressing the disruptions caused by technological advancements, including the growth of artificial intelligence, and shifting audience viewing habits, such as the rise in popularity of short-form audiovisual content. Reflecting on his nearly four-decade career, Garvie discusses the evolving definition of television. Among other topics discussed, Garvie also highlights Sony Pictures Television's ongoing transition, following the recent conclusions of landmark series like The Crown and Sex Education, and the anticipation of new series set to potentially usher in a new era for the company. (Photo: AVP Summit)
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TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Carlos Vargas, director of "Hidden Era," which marks his feature directorial debut and was presented in the Viewpoints section of the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City, New York. Unfolding in the the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique, the film chronicles the artistic and personal evolution of Phambi, a painter working in the region, as he struggles with real-life challenges, including providing an education for his son, and awakens to new ways of thinking, including via the influence of two young feminist women who pose for his artworks. "Hidden Era" offers is a thematically dense film and we speak about some of its main themes with Vargas, who also discusses his work's natural blend of reality and fiction and the interesting way in which it was brought to life. We also discuss the film's characteristic style and the vibrant art scene of Mozambique, which the film provides a rare cinematic glimpse into. Additionally, we talk about his journey and the statement he wanted to make with "Hidden Era," his feature directorial debut after much experience in cinematography and production. (Photo: Carlos Vargas)
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TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Mara Tamkovich, making her feature directorial debut with "Under the Grey Sky," presented in the International Narrative Competition of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, New York. Based on a true story, the film talks about a couple of journalists and their resilience, when their cause and love are crushed under the oppression of Belarusian authorities. The film particularly focuses on the aftermath of the mass protests in the country in 2020. In this Showcast episode, Tamkovich shares insights into the true story that inspired her film and its socio-political context, as well as her desire to highlight the human aspect of the story with "Under the Grey Sky." We also find out more about Tamkovich, her earliest memories of cinema, her background in journalism and the journey and challenges she faced in making her feature directorial debut with this film. (Photo: Loco Films)
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TFV critic Max Borg joins TFV's Matt Micucci to discuss the inaugural edition of the Immersive Competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The section showcased immersive works, from mixed reality to virtual reality works and beyond, representing a new era of storytelling and embracing new technologies. The winner of the competition was Colored, an augmented-reality, location-based experience by Stephane Foekinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud. Max talks with us about his first-hand experience of the Immersive Competition, and the quality and range of the works presented within this program. He also shares some thoughts and opinions about whether the Cannes Film Festival embracing this form of storytelling will have a resonating impact across the international film festival scene. (Photo courtesy of Festival de Cannes)
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In today's episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci is joined by National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) Culture Change Director Kristina Mevs-Apgar. NDWA is an advocacy organization promoting the rights of domestic workers in the United States. NDWA recently organized an open letter calling on Hollywood studios to produce more stories and projects that prioritize social impact. The letter comes not long after the closure of Participant Media, the production company distinguished for its commitment to producing films with a social consciousness, including such award-winning films as "Good Night and Good Luck" (2005), "The Help" (2011) and "Roma" (2018). The letter has been co-signed by several renowned film industry creatives and professionals, including George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Regina King and Alfonso Cuarón to name but a few. In our podcast conversation with Mevs-Apgar, we discuss NDWA's commitment to upholding a set of shared values for better representation of domestic workers in art and film and the importance of values-based storytelling. (Photo: Othello Banaci)
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In the latest episode of Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with director Tawfik Alzaidi regarding his debut feature film "Norah." This film, part of the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, achieved a historic milestone as the first Saudi feature included in the festival's official selection. "Norah" is set in the 1990s, a period when artistic expression was restricted, and follows Nader, a new teacher and clandestine artist, who is posted to a remote Saudi Arabian village for his inaugural teaching assignment. Here, he develops a bond with a young woman whose life is constrained by the prevailing conservatism of the era. Despite language barriers, this podcast conversation provides a valuable glimpse into the advancements in Saudi Arabia's cinematic storytelling and artistic expression in recent years. In this episode, we not only delve into the director's interest in exploring this specific period of Saudi history but also discuss some of its key thematic elements. Additionally, "Norah" holds the distinction of being the first feature film entirely shot in the historical AlUla region, which is something else we discuss over the course of this interview, as well as the challenges Alzaidi faced in making his landmark first feature film. (Featured image courtesy of TwentyOne Entertainment)
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In the latest episode of the Showcast, we offer our podcast coverage of the 2024 edition of Directors' Factory, a program aimed at fostering emerging talents on the international stage that enables four pairs of directors to co-write and co-direct a film presented as part of a special presentation within the Directors' Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. This year's Directors' Factory was the first to take place in the Philippines and each of the shorts were shot in the country's historic city of Dapitan, with a talent from the Philippines paired with another either from Singapore, Cambodia, India or Malaysia. The resulting presentation was a diverse compilation of shorts and on this episode of the Showcast we speak with each pair directly from the Cannes Film Festivals about their work and experience of being part of the Directors' Factory program. The interviews are presented here to coincide with the order in which the shorts were screened at Directors' Fortnight: "Cold Cut," directed by Don Eblahan (Philippines) and Siyou Tan (Singapore); "Silig," directed by Arvin Belarmino (Philippines) and YoKi (Cambodia); "Nightbirds," directed by Maria Estela Paiso (Philippines) and Ashok Vish (India); and "Walay Balay," directed by Eve Baswel (Philippines) and Gogu Rajendran (Malaysia). (Image courtesy of Quinzaine des cinéastes)
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In the latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films, Germany's national information and advisory centre for the promotion of German films worldwide. This year marks its 70th anniversary, so this conversation will cover the past, present and future of German Films, including some of the celebratory events that German Films will be hosting around the world. We'll also be talking about some of German cinema's most noteworthy film productions and discuss whether this is a golden period of filmmaking in the country. Baumann also shares her thoughts on the perception of German cinema around the world and whether Germany itself is a cinephile country. (Photo: Slawomir Grenda)
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This week, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Guillaume Esmiol, director of the Marché du Film, the major film market held annually in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival. Esmiol takes time off his busy schedule to reflect on his second year in charge of the event, which will take place from May 14-22 in Cannes, France. Together, we discuss some of the highlights, key offerings and attractions that will be available to the many global professionals attending, discuss Switzerland's role as this year's country of honor at the Marché du Film and much more. (Featured photo: Loïc Thébaud/MarcheDuFilm)
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In our latest episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with German screenwriter, creative producer, media scholar and educator Joachim Friedmann. At this year's edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, Friedmann held a workshop for Lithuanian screenwriters on serial storytelling. In our conversation, Friedmann talks about his extensive experience of writing for various media, spanning comic books, television, cinema and beyond. We also reflect on the role of writing in the contemporary landscape, including the potential impact of AI technologies. (Featured photo courtesy of Meeting Point Vilnius.)
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Listen to our Showcast conversation with showrunners Gabija Siurbytė and Wiktor Piątkowski from the 2024 Meeting Poing Vilnius. In the latest instalment of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a dynamic discussion with Gabija Siurbytė from Lithuania and Wiktor Piątkowski from Poland. The focal point of their conversation is showrunning, delving into the intricacies of overseeing the writing and production of television series episodes. They also delve into the unique aspects of series storytelling and what draws them to this craft. Throughout the podcast episode, Siurbyte and Piatkowski share insights of the projects that they are currently developing and pivotal moments from their journeys in the industry. They reflect on whether the current period signifies a golden age of series filmmaking in the region and candidly discuss their triumphs and challenges along the way. (Featured photo: Bartosz Frątczak/Monika Szałek)
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In the latest episode of Showcast, recorded live at the 2024 Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a compelling conversation with Greta Grinevičiūtė, the lead actress of the acclaimed and award-winning Lithuanian film "Slow," directed by Marija Kavtaradze. This cinematic gem defies stereotypes by beautifully portraying intimacy and closeness in a relationship, while also offering a rare and sincere depiction of asexuality on screen. Greta delves into the film's themes and her profound connection to the story and character, intertwining her insights with her passion and expertise in contemporary dance. Beyond discussing the movie, the conversation broadens to encompass various topics, including Greta's journey, her unique approach to acting, and some of the sources of her inspiration. (Featured photo: Totem Films)
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In the latest episode of the showcast, we shine a light on the upcoming edition of the Stockfish Film & Industry Festival, as we sit down for a remote conversation with its Artistic Director Hrönn Kristinsdóttir. This year will mark the landmark 10th edition of this fast-growing film festival, which will be taking place in Reykjavík, Iceland, on April 4-14, 2024. Kristinsdóttir joins us to talk about the history and mission statement of this annual event, as well as how it has evolved over the years. In addition, we discuss some of the highlight films of its program, industry events and notable guests attending Stockfish this year. (Featured image: Stockfish Film & Industry Festival.)
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In the latest episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 Meeting Point Vilnius, part of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with Amanda Blumenthal, a trailblazer of intimacy coordination within the audiovisual industry. Blumenthal, founder of the Intimacy Professionals Association, leads the charge in creating safer environments on set for performers involved in scenes of nudity, simulated sex or other intimate content. She assists directors in realizing their creative vision, while also addressing legal considerations and other crucial aspects. This role is relatively new in the audiovisual industry and Blumenthal shares her expertise, as she discusses its defining characteristics and the factors driving its emergence. Furthermore, she delves into her journey, from her background as a sext and relationship coach for private clients to her advocacy work on sexuality, highlighting the growing significance of intimacy coordination in today's evolving media landscape. (Featured photo: Amanda Blumenthal)
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TFV's Matt Micucci returns with the second Showcast episode from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, the audiovisual industry event taking place within the context of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania. This episode features an insightful conversation with renowned Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Zwiefka, who attended a special presentation of Wika!, her documentary portrait of an 85-year-old star DJ from Warsaw. Matt also takes this opportunity to ask her about her latest documentary, Silent Trees, which unveils the story of a Kurdish refugee girl stranded in a no-man's land between Belarus and Poland, and that recently premiered in CPH:DOX. Throughout this conversation, we delve into Zwiefka's journey, from her transition from investigative journalism to documentary filmmaking, and she shares insights into the essence of her craft, emphasizing the necessity of a touch of madness and an abundance of courage. (Photo credit: Agnieszka Zwiefka)
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TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his Showcast coverage of the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, the annual audiovisual industry event taking place within the context of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania. In the first episode from this event, we shine a light on the current state of the Lithuanian animation industry and its growing status at an international level by exploring some of its diversity, represented by Agnė Adomėne, Founder of Art Shot, and Dovydas Vilkelis, CEO of Animatrix. Art Shot is an animation production company focused on the development and international co-production of artistic animated films, including DK and Hugh Welchman's latest feature, The Peasants. Animatrix is a studio dedicated to creating high-quality animation and visual effects for the advertising, entertainment and game industries. Inevitably, the sit-down conversation also touches on a hot topic of recent times: the disruption caused by AI technologies and how they could be helpful or harmful to the animation industry. (Featured photo: New Europe Film Sales.)
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In this latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci delves into the program of this year's edition of Visions du Réel, one of the world's most important festivals of nonfiction films. This year, the festival is set to take place in Nyon, Switzerland, on April 12-21. In this episode, Matt is joined by the festival's Artistic Director Emilie Bujés, who shares with us some of the highlights from its program's offerings and details about its industry section. She also takes time to share with us some details about the history of Visions du Réel and its mission statement. (Featured image: Hélas/Visions du Réel)
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In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci spotlights another gem from the Panorama Dokumente section of the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. The focus turns to a vibrant documentary on the trailblazing Peaches, known for her daring blend of electronic music, pop and hip-hop, and her fearless exploration of sexuality and societal norms that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Teaches of Peaches not only chronicles her recent anniversary tour celebrating her seminal album of the same name, originally released in 2000, but also weaves together recent footage with a wealth of archive material for a truly immersive experience, fit for anyone ranging from diehard Peaches aficionados to anyone who has not yet been introduced to her.
Joining Matt for a discussion of Teaches of Peaches are its directors, Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer, whose documentary received a Teddy Award and came third in the Audience Awards standings for this year's Panorama section of the Berlinale. (Featured photo: Avanti Media Fiction)
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Today's episode of the Showcast features TFV's Matt Micucci sharing a conversation about one of the highlights from the Panorama Dokumente section of the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. The film is titled "I'm Not Everything I Want to Be" and focuses on the life and work of little-known Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková.
From the aftermath of the Prague Spring of 1968 through the 1970s and 1980s, Jarcovjáková prolifically documented her own life through endless series of still photographs, which are woven into a narrative throughline, aided by her own diary entries, which she narrates throughout the film.
We talk about this powerful fusion of autobiography and cinematic expression with the film's director, Klára Tasovská, and its producer, Lukáš Kokeš, shortly after premiering their work at the Berlinale.
(Featured photo: ©Libuše Jarcovjáková)
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