Episodes

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    In today's episode, I interview Neal Fischer, author of two new movie trivia books, The Rom-Com Ultimate Movie Trivia Book and the Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book. He also hosts two podcasts, Triviality and Curated by Chance.

    Listen to hear about what goes into creating trivia questions for books like these, a bit about Neal's experience on the FOX game show The Floor, and one of the best arguments related to Die Hard as a Christmas movie you'll ever hear.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    The Rom-Com Ultimate Movie Trivia Book by Neal FischerChristmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book by Neal FischerBehind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time by Neal FischerBeing Patrick Swayze: Essential Teachings from the Master of the Mullet by Neal FischerThursday Murder Club series by Richard OsmanMagpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    The Santa Clause directed by John PasquinHome Alone directed by Chris ColumbusSeinfeldDie Hard directed by John McTiernanWhite Christmas directed by Michael CurtizIt's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank CapraMeet Me in St. Louis directed by Cinema Paradiso directed by Giuseppe TornatoreOldboy directed by Park Chan-wookCity of God directed by Fernando Meirelles & KĂĄtia Lund12 Angry Men directed by Sidney LumetA Few Good Men directed by Rob ReinerTo Kill a Mockingbird directed by Robert MulliganOcean's 11 directed by Steven SoderberghTaking of Pelham 123 directed by Joseph SargentHeat and Thief directed by Michael MannThe Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank DarabontBack to the Future directed by Robert ZemeckisThe Fugitive directed by Andrew DavisRaiders of the Lost Ark directed by Steven SpielbergPretty Woman directed by Garry MarshallWaiting for Guffman directed by Christopher Guest

    Follow Neal on Instagram @nealefischer, check out his website nealefischer.com, and pre-order his upcoming books on Mr. Beast, Steph Curry, and

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    In today's episode, I interview Aaron Johnson, the director of the short film "The 17%," a documentary about Colette Divitto, a young woman with Downs Syndrome and her successful cookie business. The film received the silver medal in the documentary category at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the some of the people that Collete employs in her business, some of the films that inspired the world of this film, and some of the biggest challenges of creating the visual world of the film.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest HemingwayArt of Living by Epictetus

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "The 17%" directed by Aaron JohnsonThe Perks of Being a Wallflower directed by Stephen ChboskyGood Will Hunting directed by Gus Van SantCrip Camp directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole NewnhamThe Peanut Butter Falcon directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael SchwartzBaby Driver directed by Edgar WrightThe work of Denzel WashingtonGladiator II directed by Ridley Scott

    "The 17%" is waiting to hear back from multiple festivals and is eligible for the 97th Academy Awards.

    You can follow Aaron on Instagram @ajhoops and the film @the17percentfilm.

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    In today's episode, I interview Florian Maurice, Maxime Foltzer, and Estelle Bonnardel, the directors of the short film "Au Revoir Mon Monde," an animated film about a man in a fish costume trying to reach the woman he loves before the world ends. The film received the gold medal in the animation category at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the origin of the film in Florian's own life, some of the films that inspired the world of this film, and some of the biggest challenges of creating the visual world of the film.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Divine Invasion by Philip K. Dick2001: a Space Odyssey by Arthur C. ClarkeThe Cursed KingsPréférence systÚme by Ugo Bienvenu

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Au Revoir Mon Monde” directed by Florian Maurice, Maxime Foltzer, and Estelle Bonnardel2012 directed by Roland EmmerichReady Player One directed by Steven SpielbergPacific Rim directed by Guillermo del ToroRogue One: A Star Wars Story directed by Gareth EdwardsMelancholia directed by Lars von TrierYour Name. directed by Makoto ShinkaiMemories of Murder directed by Bong Joon-hoThe Wickerman directed by Robin HardyThe Banshees of Inisherin directed by Martin McDonaghBlade Runner directed by Ridley ScottBoogie Nights directed by Paul Thomas AndersonBoyz N' the Hood directed by John SingletonTransformers directed by Michael BayThe Place Beyond the Pines directed by Derek CianfranceThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King directed by Peter JacksonShrek directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky JensonKung Fu Panda directed by John Stevenson and Mark OsborneBig Trouble in Little China directed by John CarpenterPuss in Boots directed by Chris Matthew MillerScrubs (TV show)

    "Au Revoir Mon Monde" has been presented at numerous film festivals around the world this year and is in the running for the 97th Academy Awards.

    You can follow the film on Instagram @au_revoir_mon_monde and follow the Florian @vaulfe, Maxime @grenade_bio, and Estelle @fat_mimi_the_third.

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    In today's episode, I interview Rishabh Raj Jain, the director of the short film "A Dream Called Kushi (Happiness)," a documentary about a one young woman seeking an opportunity to escape a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh and receive education in the West. The film received the bronze medal in the documentary category at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the origin of the film in Rishabh's investigative reporting in Myanmar and Bangladesh, how refugees have to adapt their language and lifestyle to try and fit into their host country, and how Rishabh's personal connection to the story affected how he put the final film together.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Make No Law: The Sullivan Case and the First Amendment by Anthony Lewis

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "A Dream Called Kushi (Happiness)” directed by Rishabh Raj JainWaltz With Bashir directed by Ari FolmanSociety of the Snow directed by J. A. BayonaThe Settlers directed by Shimon DotanThe work of Rory KennedyThe work of Shah Rukh KhanThe work of Riz Ahmed

    "A Dream Called Kushi (Happiness)" was presented at the Tasveer Film Festival in October and is looking for other .

    You can follow Rishabh on Instagram @rishabh.jain403 and follow the film @adreamcalledkhushi.

    Read some of Rishabh's reporting work at the links below:

    Rohingya Women Detail Rape by Myanmar ForcesIndian farmers mark 6 months of protest with no end in sightThrough kids’ eyes: Virus outbreak brings sadness, fear, joy
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    In today's episode, I interview Hannah Rafkin, the director of the short film "Keeper," a documentary about one man's effort to keep bees in the Bronx while raising his daughters as a single father. The film received the gold medal in the documentary category at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about how a small 5-minute project blossomed into this film, how Hannah built the trust necessary continue filming when Flynn got sick, and some experiences that didn't manage to make it into the film.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    The Bees by Laline PaullHow Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina ImblerCan't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Keeper” directed by Hannah Rafkin“Crush Icebergs” directed by Hannah Rafkin“The Clockmaker” directed by Hannah RafkinAll that Breathes directed by Salik RehmanMayor directed by David OsitHail Satan? directed by Penny LaneThe Talented Mr. Ripley directed by Anthony MinghellaBut I'm a Cheerleader directed by Jamie Babbit

    "Keeper" will be playing at DOCNYC next week on November 13th and 15th and there will be several screenings in New York later this fall.

    You can follow Hannah on Instagram @hannahrafkin and follow the film @keeperdoc to see when and where the film will be playing this fall. Find out more about Flynn's honey business @boogiedownbronxhoney and Flynn's daughter Alaura @alaura.flynn.

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    In today's episode, I interview Jens Kevin Georg, the director of the short film "Crust" which tells the story of a young boy in search of his first scar. The film received the silver medal in the narrative category at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the inspiration for the film, how he knew he had selected the right actor to play his lead, how he found a roller coaster to fit in his film, and Jens' own first scar.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt VonnegutThe Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Crust” directed by Jens Kevin GeorgMidsommar directed by Ari Aster2001: A Space Odyssey directed by Stanley KubrickSuperbad directed by Greg MottolaThe Royal Tenenbaums directed by Wes AndersonBanshees of Inisherin directed by Martin McDonaghKajillionaire directed by Miranda JulyHunt for the Wilderpeople directed by Taika Waititi

    "Crust" will be playing at the Alcine Film Festival in Spain and the Izmir Short Film Festival in Turkey both in November.

    You can follow Jens on Instagram @jens__georg and follow the film @kruste_film to see when and where the film will be playing this fall.

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    In today's episode, I interview Sarah Blok, the director of the short film "Trouble" which explores the story of a family dealing with changing relationships amid the separation of the two parents. The film was a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the involvement of two actors in casting the film, how Sarah's background in playwriting contributed to the development of the characters in the film, and .

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Life Ceremony: Stories by Sayaka Murata

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Trouble” directed by Sarah BlokA Woman Under the Influence directed by John CassavetesPunch Drunk Love directed by Paul Thomas AndersonThe Double directed by Richard AyoadePoor Things directed by Yorgos LanthimosThe Big Lebowski directed by Joel CoenMoonlight directed by Barry Jenkins

    "Trouble" recently screened at the BFI London Film Festival and will likely be screening at other festivals throughout the fall and winter.

    You can follow Sarah on Instagram @bloksarah to see what she is working on.

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    In today's episode, I interview Jamie O’Rourke, the director of the short film "Calf." The film looks at a topic that is extremely relevant to many people around the world today, yet not talked about nearly enough and is it qualified for the 97th Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the inspiration for the film in working on a documentary on abuse, some striking statistics around domestic abuse, and the benefits of being able to shoot almost the entire film on a recently retired farm.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Republic of Shame: How Ireland Punished ‘Fallen Women’ and Their Children by Caelainn HoganMaking the Future: The Unipolar Imperial Moment by Noam ChomskyThere Are Little Kingdoms by Kevin Barry

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Calf” directed by Jamie O’RourkeZone of Interest directed by Jonathan GlazerLa Chimera directed by Alice RohrwacherAftersun directed by Charlotte WellsGhost directed by Jerry ZuckerFargo directed by Joel CoenGroundhog Day directed by Harold Ramis"The Afters" directed by Jamie O’Rourke

    Follow Jamie on Instagram @jamie_o_rourke and the film @calf_thefilm.

    "Calf" recently screened at the Newport Beach International Film Festival and the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival last week and you can check out at the St. Louis International Film Festival November 7th-17th and the Norwich Film Festival November 11th-24th with more coming up this fall.

    Find out more about domestic abuse in Ireland at the Women's Aid website.

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    In today's episode, I interview Kirsten Slemint, the director of the short film "Burnt Country" which explores the threat of wildfire in Australia and the indigenous population who works hard to help manage the threat. The film was a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the editorial decision to juxtapose fire with water throughout the film, the importance of strategic cultural burns in managing wildfire risk, and how to manage shooting in remote locations as one person wearing all the hats of a complex production.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. KendiBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer


    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Burnt Country" directed by Kirsten SlemintAll That Breathes directed by Shaunak SenPast Lives directed by Celine SongWe Are Still Here directed by Beck Cole, Dena Curtis, Tracey Rigney, Danielle MacLean, Tim Worrall, Renae Maihi, Miki Magasiva, Mario Gaoa, Richard Curtis, and Chantelle BurgoyneMrs. Doubtfire directed by Chris ColumbusDead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir


    "Burnt Country" just screened at the Santa Fe International Film Festival and will be at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival this coming weekend. It is currently showing at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in Monterrey, Mexico and Australia Independent Film Festival in Kirsten's home town of Brisbane, Australia. Later this fall you can check out the film at the Canberra Short Film Festival November 6th-20th, the Ealing Film Festival November 25th-30th, and All Living Things Environmental Film Festival November 22nd-December 8th.

    Follow Kirsten on Instagram @kirstygrimm and the film @burnt__country.

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    In today's episode, I interview BartƂomiej BƂaszczyƄski, the director of the short film "Take Me to Her" which explores the story of a woman who has gone through an incredible loss, and struggles to deal with it. The film was a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the genesis of the story of the film, a tragic connection BartƂomiej and I share, and a joke about difficult names to pronounce.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Boy's Life by Robert McCammonIce Jacek DukajMy Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Take Me to Her” directed by BartƂomiej BƂaszczyƄskiThe Lion King directed by Rob Minkoff and Roger AllersThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonSnatch directed by Guy RitchieThe Matrix directed by The WachowskisThere Will be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonThe Big Lebowski directed by Joel CoenManchester by the Sea directed by Kenneth LonerganThe Bear (TV Series)Wolf of Wall Street directed by Martin ScorseseMoon directed by Duncan Jones"Fish and Chips" directed by BartƂomiej BƂaszczyƄski

    "Take Me to Her" just screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival last week and you can check out the film at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival this November.

    BartƂomiej is not on Instagram, but you can connect with him on LinkedIn to stay in touch with what he is working on.

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    In honor of the Student Academy Awards that took place this past Monday October 14th, I'm providing a quick recap of the winners. You'll also hear a little bit of my interviews from earlier this year with two of the winners and some thoughts on the ceremony experience itself.

    Check out my previous interviews with Robin Wang and Birdy Wei-Ting Hung while you wait for some new interviews next week and the rest of October as we head into awards season!

    You can watch the entire ceremony on YouTube if you missed any of the acceptance speeches.

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    In today's episode, I interview Tom Potter, the director of the experimental short film "Lullaby for the Lost" which explores the memories of a man who is beginning to forget his mother. The film was a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear some incredible thoughts on dreams and memories, some very manual tactics used to create the images on screen, and the blending of the music and sound of the film to create the soundscape.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Sculpting in Time: Tarkovsky The Great Russian Filmaker Discusses His Art by Andrey TarkovskyThe Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Lullaby for the Lost” directed by Tom PotterThe Tree of Life directed by Terrence MalickSynecdoche, New York directed by Charlie KaufmanMy Winnipeg directed by Guy MaddinTwin Peaks created by David Lynch

    Follow Tom on Instagram @tompotterr_ and the film @lullabyforthelost.bfs.

    "Lullaby for the Lost" screened at the Watersprite Film Festival and the Greenwich International Film Festival and is still waiting to hear back on a number of other festivals. Follow Tom and the film at the links above to learn about upcoming festival screenings as soon as they are announced.

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    In today's episode, I interview Luke Morgan, the director of the short film "The Boat." The film is based on a heartbreaking true story of a father who must make a difficult choice when his daughter begins exhibiting troubling medical symptoms and is it qualified for the 97th Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about the work that Luke and his brother were doing that led them to the story, why they decided to make a film that highlighted the disease of leprosy, and the realities of quicksand as a danger in film production.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Raised Among Vultures by Molly ToomeyPalm Wine Tapper and The Boy at Jericho by Nithy KasaEat Or We Both Starve by Victoria KennefickBloodrot by Annemarie NĂ­ ChurreĂĄinPit Lullabies by Jessica Traynor

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "The Boat” directed by Luke MorganLife is Beautiful directed by Roberto BenigniCinema Paradiso directed by Giuseppe TornatoreThere Will be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonUp directed by Bob Peterson and Pete DocterCoco directed by Lee UnkrichIn Bruges directed by Martin McDonaghI Daniel Blake directed by Ken LoachThe Seventh Seal directed by Ingmar BergmanAruna's Magic (Disney+ series)

    Follow Luke and his brother on Instagram @morgan_bros and the film @calf_thefilm.

    You can check out "The Boat" at the Offline Film Festival going on right now, and the Kerry International Film Festival from October 17-20. You can check out the trailer on morganbrother.ie.

    You can also learn more about The Mission to End Leprosy at their website.

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    In today's episode, I interview Birdy Wei-Ting Hung, the director of the experimental short film "A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers." The film looks at the experience of a young girl in 1980s Taiwan and won a gold award at the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear how the film was inspired by two other films, how important formative film experiences are, and the importance of the sound to create the world of the film.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Abject Pleasures in the Cinematic: The Beautiful, Sexual Arousal, and Laughter by Aaron KernerMinor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers” directed by Birdy Wei-Ting HungThe Lady Avenger directed by Yang Chia-YunA Brighter Summer Day directed by Edward YangKill Bill Vol. 1 directed by Quentin TarantinoKill Bill Vol. 2 directed by Quentin TarantinoAmer directed by HĂ©lĂšne Cattet & Bruno ForzaniFemale Prisoner 701: Scorpion directed by Shunya ItƍSuspiria (1977) directed by Dario ArgentoSuspiria (2018) directed by Luca GuadagninoLady Snowblood directed by Toshiya FujitaAll the Colors of the Dark directed by Sergio Martino

    You can follow Birdy on Instagram @birdymakesfilms and check out her website at https://www.birdyweitinghung.org/.

    The film showed at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX last month and can be seen this month at the Kaohsiung Film Festival in Taiwan from October 12-27.

    Read Birdy's essay about the two films that inspired her work at MaiFeminism.com.

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    In today's episode, I interview Louisa Connolly-Burnham the director of the short film "Sister Wives," an exploration of the dynamics between two women in a polygamous relationship as they explore their love for each other.

    Listen to hear about the real life cult the film is based on, the process of casting a film with the intention of playing one of the main characters, and the how she came across the perfect little log cabin for filming the story.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    The The Secret History: A Read with Jenna Pick by Donna Tartt

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Sister Wives” directed by Louisa Connolly-BurnhamKeep Sweet: Pray and Obey directed by Rachel DretzinThe Village directed by M. Night ShyamalanVampire Academy (television series)How to Have Sex directed by Molly Manning WalkerDrive directed by Nicolas Winding RefnLove Lies Bleeding directed by Rose GlassLost in Translation directed by Sofia CoppolaPortrait of a Lady on Fire directed by CĂ©line SciammaFishtank directed by Andrea ArnoldLord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonThe Incredibles directed by Brad Bird

    The film showed at Hollyshorts in Los Angeles this summer and will be showing at the London Breeze Film Festival from October 23-27 and the North East International Film Festival from November 18-24. The film will also be available in the US on Film4 later this year.

    Follow the film on Instagram @sisterwivesfilm for updates on screenings and festival selections and follow Louisa @louisaconnollyburnham.

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    In today's episode, I interview Daniel Salas the director of the experimental short film "WIRED," a surreal look at the impact technology can have on a person. The film was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear how the film changed in the editing process, some of the challenges in shooting the film in just three days, and the importance of the sound supporting the visuals of the film.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "WIRED” directed by Daniel SalasVideodrome directed by David CronenbergMK Ultra directed by Joseph SorrentinoBlue Velvet directed by David LynchMulholland Dr. directed by David LynchParis, Texas directed by Wim WendersEraserhead directed by David LynchThe Fly directed by David CronenbergThe Elephant Man directed by David Lynch

    Follow Daniel on Instagram @des_alas for updates on screenings and festival selections this fall.

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    In today's episode, I interview Zac Lazarou the director of the short documentary "The Undertakers," an beautiful look at the underappreciated world of vultures in Africa. The film was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to learn a bit about the important place vultures hold in the ecosystems, the importance of the music in creating the mood of the film, and the goal of the film as it relates to hope versus reality.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "The Undertakers” directed by Zac LazarouCow directed by Andrea ArnoldThe Lord of the Rings Trilogy directed by Peter JacksonCity of God directed by Ktia Lund and Fernando MeirellesPulp Fiction directed by Quentin TarantinoTrainspotting directed by Danny BoyleWinnie the Pooh directed by Stephen J. Anderson and Don HallJoker directed by Todd PhillipsThe Dark Knight directed by Christopher NolanAlien directed by Ridley Scott

    Check out the film at the following film festivals this fall:

    Rotterdam Wildlife Film Festival

    Follow Luke on Instagram @zacwildfilm.

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    In today's episode, I interview Julia GrupiƄska, Tian Westraad, and Ezequiel Garibay, three of the five directors of the short film "El Ombligo de la Luna." The short animated film is a heartwarming story of a boy reconnecting with his long lost father and was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to hear about how the team found the perfect voice for one of their main characters, the meaning of the title of the film, and what movies the directors all agree on as some of their favorites.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales by Bruno BettelheimManufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward Herman and Noam ChomskyOutliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm GladwellThe Ambassadors by Henry James

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "El Ombligo de la Luna” directed by Sara António, Julia GrupiƄska, Bokang Koatja, Tian Westraad, and Ezequiel GaribayThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring directed by Peter JacksonThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers directed by Peter JacksonThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King directed by Peter JacksonWhiplash directed by Damien ChazelleThe King's Speech directed by Tom HooperThe Matrix directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski

    You can check out the film on YouTube and find the work of Aldo MartĂ­nez who composed the music for the film on SoundCloud and Instagram.

    Follow the film on Instagram @luna.gobelins, Julia @juliagrupinska, Tian @tian.ouest, and Ezequiel @ezequiel_garibay.

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    In today's episode, I interview Luke Purdye the director of the short documentary "Mail Order Queens," an intimate film about the world of beekeeping. The film was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

    Listen to get a brief overview of honeybee history, the challenges of working with an animal like the honeybee, and just how many times a director can expect to get stung when making a documentary about bees and beekeeping.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie LeeCider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    "Mail Order Queens” directed by Luke PurdyeThe Blues Brothers directed by John LandisRatatouille directed by Brad BirdThe Truffle Hunters directed by Michael Dweck and Gregory KershawIo Capitano directed by Matteo GarroneGood Will Hunting directed by Gus Van SantHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone directed by Chris Columbus

    Check out the film at the following film festivals this fall:

    Grierson Awards

    Follow Luke on Instagram @lukepurdye and send him a message to get information about private screenings in October. You can also check out his website at https://www.lukepurdye.com/.

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    In today's interview, I speak with Craig Singer and Michael Benson, authors of the upcoming book Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck.

    Listen to hear about some of the famous Hollywood stars that rubbed elbows with the Schencks, how Nick Schenck preferred running his amusement park over the movies, and how generous Joe Schenck was to those in Hollywood who may have been down and out.

    Books mentioned in this episode include:

    Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck by Craig Singer and Michael BensonDevil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik LarsonOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin TarantinoThe Long Goodbye by Raymond ChandlerThe Last Tycoon by F. Scott FitzgeraldThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldRed Hook: Brooklyn Mafia, Ground Zero by Michael Benson and Frank DimatteoMafia Secrets by Michael Benson and Gianni Russo

    Films mentioned in this episode include:

    East of Eden directed by Elia KazanOn the Waterfront directed by Elia KazanWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory directed by Mel StuartThe Godfather directed by Francis Ford CoppolaThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingGone with the Wind directed by Victor FlemingChinatown directed by Roman PolanskiA Hard Day's Night directed by Richard LesterPlanet of the Apes directed by Franklin J. SchaffnerA Clockwork Orange directed by Stanley KubrickChopper directed by Andrew DominikTat directed by Craig Singer

    Follow Michael on Facebook and Craig on Instagram @craigsinger1.