Episodi
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Fresh off their Tribeca premiere, we are joined by the creative team behind 'The Travel Companion' - Alex Mallis, Travis Wood and Wes Auburn. Their latest project brilliantly captures the messy reality of creative ambition through Simon, a struggling documentarian whose desperation for free flights becomes a mirror for every filmmaker's hustle. But this isn't your typical "artist suffers for art" story.
In our conversation, Alex, Travis, and Wes pull back the curtain on their collaborative process, revealing how three minds can wrestle a single vision into existence. They share war stories from the scriptwriting trenches, discuss the delicate balance between friendship and creative partnership, and explore how their film tackles the unglamorous truth behind the filmmaker's journey.
From navigating creative blocks to embracing the beautiful chaos of independent filmmaking, these directors prove that sometimes the best art comes from the spaces between success and failure. Their candid insights into resilience, rejection, and the power of shared creative struggle make for essential listening for anyone who's ever dreamed of making it in the arts.
(Photo credits: Eric Phillips-Horst, Oliver Corvette and Michelle Torres)
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Sarah Adler joins us to discuss her return to the character of Aya in ‘Dead Language’, the feature-length adaptation of the Oscar-nominated short film ‘Aya’.
In our conversation, Sarah reflects on revisiting a role after more than a decade, exploring how both she and the character have evolved since the original 2012 short. She shares insights into working again with directors Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun, who made the decision to have her reprise the role despite the time gap—a choice that ultimately served the story’s exploration of how relationships and priorities shift as we age.
We dig into the creative process of expanding a short into a feature, including the dynamics of working with returning cast members like Ulrich Thomsen alongside new additions to the story. Sarah discusses the challenges and rewards of rekindling past on-screen chemistry while building new character connections.
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Walter Thompson-Hernández joins us to discuss his film ‘Kites’, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. In our conversation, Walter reflects on the five and a half year journey that brought ‘Kites’ to life, describing how the project evolved organically rather than following a traditional scripted approach. Working without a strict script, Walter embraced a fluid storytelling method that allowed characters to shape their own narratives—a technique that mirrored the dynamic nature of the Rio favelas where the film is set.
We dig into Walter’s collaborative process with cinematographer (and previous guest in the show) Michael ‘Cambio’ Fernandez. Together, they navigated the challenges of shooting in an unpredictable yet inspiring environment, working closely with local talent to ensure authentic representation.
Walter also shares his philosophy on depicting the complexities of favela life without glorifying violence, instead focusing on hope and innocence—beautifully symbolized by the kites that dance throughout the film.
(Photo credit: Kemal Cilengir)
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Nora Kirkpatrick has burst onto the scene with her debut feature 'A Tree Fell in the Woods', and she joins us for a delightful deep dive into her creative process. With a cast that reads like a who's who of talent—Alexandra Daddario, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, and Ashley Park—Kirkpatrick explores her desire to present multiple perspectives on a singular event, ensuring no character becomes the "bad guy".
Nora reflects on the painstaking yet exhilarating journey of bringing her vision to life, comparing it to rock climbing—setting seemingly unreachable goals and figuring out how to scale those heights. Our conversation reveals the myriad challenges of indie filmmaking, from securing financing to assembling a dream cast, while exploring the film's thematic core: how a single event—a tree falling on New Year's Eve—unleashes a cascade of changes in everyone's lives.
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Charlotte Ercoli joins us to discuss her debut feature 'Fior Di Latte,' a film as rich and layered as its title suggests. Her journey of transforming a personal obsession with perfume into a meditation on memory and identity reveals an artist unafraid to mine her own fascinations for cinematic gold.
Charlotte opens up about the intimate process of translating scent into cinema, revealing how she captured the essence of Italy within a demanding filming schedule. We dive into the meticulous production design choices that bring her vision to life, and explore the complex character of Mark—played by Tim Heidecker—as he navigates nostalgia's double-edged sword.
Our conversation weaves between the film's thematic depths and Charlotte's sharp wit, creating a dynamic that mirrors the movie itself: sometimes a delightful journey, other times a hazardous plunge into uncomfortable truths. A candid discussion about the art of storytelling and the treacherous power of remembering.
(Photo credit: Thimios Bakatakis)
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What happens when you take a hobby that once seemed outlandish and turn it into a poignant narrative about friendship, acceptance, and personal growth? That's the heart of today's discussion with Lillian Carrier and Lauren Meyering, the creative minds behind 'Horsegirls'.
Lillian shares her audition journey and the emotional depth she discovered in Margarita, a character that breaks the mold of typical autistic portrayals in media. Lauren reveals how their collaborative process allowed for richer storytelling, where every detail mattered—from character room decor to interaction nuances.
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What happens when grief meets paradise? Lilian T. Mehrel's 'Honeyjoon' finds profound beauty in this collision, following a mother and daughter whose contrasting responses to loss play out against the stunning backdrop of the Azores. Lilian's debut feature asks whether we can laugh while we mourn, love while we ache.
She describes her characters through a yin-yang lens: where one woman chases light and humor as shields against pain, the other surrenders to shadow and sorrow. Their dynamic becomes the film's beating heart, raising questions that linger long after the credits roll.
The journey to bring 'Honeyjoon' to life has been one of perfect timing and validation. After winning the Tribeca Film Festival's Untold Stories grant last year, Mehrel's film now premieres at the very same festival—exactly one year later. It's a full-circle moment that speaks to both the film's resonance and Mehrel's commitment to telling stories that matter.
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Exploring the emotional landscape of parental love amidst legislative turmoil, our conversation with Gianna Toboni, director of the poignant documentary 'Just Kids,' delves deep into the heart-wrenching choices faced by families in states where gender-affirming care is under siege.
In a world where government policies threaten the well-being of transgender minors, Toboni's film follows three families as they navigate the treacherous waters of life-altering decisions. The narrative isn't just a documentary—it's a raw account of resilience, showcasing the lengths to which these parents will go to secure their children's health and safety. The bond between parent and child is tested in ways that no one should have to endure.
As we unpack Gianna's insights, we find ourselves reflecting on the universal themes of love and sacrifice, examining how family dynamics shape these narratives. It's a powerful reminder that at the core of this struggle lies a simple truth: the fiercest warriors are often those who fight not for themselves, but for their children.
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Lucía Garibaldi's latest film, 'A Bright Future', making its world premiere at Tribeca, offers a compelling exploration of rebellion and belonging through the lens of a South American neighborhood that feels both intimately familiar and strangely otherworldly. Our conversation with the Uruguayan writer-director delves into her distinctive approach to crafting a narrative backdrop that blends reality with surrealism, creating a world that resonates on multiple levels.
What's particularly intriguing is how Lucía presents her protagonist Elisa's struggle against societal expectations as both deeply personal and universally relatable. The director shares her creative choices behind the film's unique locations, deliberately selecting spaces that eschew the conventional in favor of the obscure and distinctive. As we explore the film's themes, she reveals how the pandemic subtly influenced her narrative, pushing audiences to reconsider relationships and question the absurdity of productivity culture.
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Rowan Haber's documentary 'We Are Pat' explores the intricacies of identity and representation in the film industry through the lens of Julia Sweeney's groundbreaking character Pat. As the Tribeca Film Festival premieres approach, we delve into how this character became a cultural touchstone that reflects the evolving conversation around gender non-conformity, examining its unexpected relevance in contemporary discussions of identity.
Rowan's approach to the documentary embodies a refreshing blend of light-heartedness and serious inquiry, as he grapples with the balance between honoring the past and critiquing it. With a sprinkling of humor and a lot of heart, he explores how 'We Are Pat' isn't just about nostalgia; it's also a call for compassion and understanding as we reflect on how far we've come and how much further there is to go. The film serves as a platform for discussion, encouraging viewers to unpack their feelings about gender and identity, and ultimately, to recognize that these conversations are ongoing and incredibly vital.
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Navigating the choppy waters of modern communication while attempting to craft a film about it can feel like trying to tame a wild goose—an exercise in futility and occasional hilarity. Brian Crano and David Joseph Craig, the duo behind the lens of 'I Don't Understand You,' dive deep into the intricacies of their creative process. Our conversation with the two reveals how they tackled the overwhelming presence of cell phones, a modern-day nemesis that threatens to drown out genuine connection.
The film's narrative dances around the absurdities of miscommunication in this hyper-connected age, all while threading through their personal experiences as they portrayed the chaos of adoption, a theme that resonates deeply within their own lives. The directors share how their partnership grew stronger during the filmmaking process, not just as collaborators but as friends navigating the emotional rollercoaster of bringing their story to life.
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John Maclean and Robbie Ryan take us on an insightful journey through the creative process behind their film 'Tornado', reflecting on their decade-long collaboration that has shaped their artistic identities. We dive deep into the thematic undercurrents of their films, with a keen focus on displacement as a recurring motif.
Ryan's cinematographic perspective adds a rich layer to the discussion, as he elucidates how the visual language of 'Tornado' borrows from the stylistic elements of classic Westerns and samurai films. Their exchange is peppered with references to legendary filmmakers like Kurosawa and Tarkovsky, showcasing how their influences shape the film's visual storytelling. The duo shares amusing anecdotes about their shooting experiences, particularly the challenges posed by the unpredictable Scottish weather, which they embraced as a dynamic aspect of the film's character.
As we discuss their filming techniques, the conversation shifts to the importance of spontaneity in capturing authentic moments. John and Robbie emphasize that while storyboarding provides a framework, it's often the instinct-driven choices on set that yield the most compelling results. The candidness in their dialogue reveals a deep-seated camaraderie that enhances their collaborative process, allowing them to push creative boundaries together.
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We have a delightful treat for you today as we welcome back Julia Max and Ian McDonald to discuss ‘The Surrender,’ which you can now watch on Shudder. This episode is extra special because they are our very first returning guests—yes, you heard that right! Ian joined us last fall to discuss the screenplay for ‘Woman of the Hour,’ while Julia first appeared on the show when ‘The Surrender’ screened at SXSW this March.
We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with sharing a deeply personal story, the challenges of distributing a slow-burn horror film, and how they navigated the demanding expectations of the filmmaking journey. We also delve into the nuances of genre audiences and discuss how crucial it is to find the right home for a film like theirs. So settle in as we explore the art of surrendering to creativity!
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Today, we're diving deep into the world of sound and its uncanny ability to bridge the chasm between humanity and nature with the incredibly talented Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan! We kick off our chat with a thought-provoking observation: nature is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in our emotional narratives.
As we unravel the layers of Don's latest project, 'Vox Humana', we explore how he ingeniously intertwines sound design with storytelling, turning scripts into sonic experiences that resonate on multiple levels. His approach to crafting a screenplay that almost resembles a symphony of sounds rather than traditional dialogue reveals a unique creative process that challenges conventional filmmaking. Throughout our conversation, we examine our complex relationship with the natural world, discovering how sound can capture both our reverence for and tension with nature.
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Our deep dive into the world of 'Juliet & Romeo' brought us face-to-face with the marvels and tribulations of adapting such a revered text. Writer-director Timothy Bogart opened up about the challenges of reimagining Shakespeare's work, and we couldn't help but chuckle at how he navigated the fine line between honoring the original material and injecting new life into it.
What's particularly enlightening is the discussion surrounding the modern reinterpretation of characters like Juliet, who Tim argues deserves more agency than she's typically afforded in past adaptations. He crafted a narrative that allows her and the other characters to shine, giving them the emotional depth that often gets lost in translation.
The conversation also explores how Bogart approached the iconic love story from fresh angles, reimagining the tale for contemporary audiences while preserving the timeless themes that have captivated hearts for centuries. His insights into the creative decisions behind key scenes reveal both his reverence for Shakespeare and his courage to challenge traditional interpretations when the story demanded it.
(Photo: Courtesy of VPP LLC)
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In our chat with Jo Willems about the fourth episode of 'Black Mirror' Season 7, 'Plaything', we took a thrilling detour into the minds of those who create the visual magic behind the screen. Jo, an engaging storyteller himself, painted a vivid picture of his long-standing partnership with director David Slade.
What's particularly intriguing is how Jo approached the dual timelines of the episode, threading together the past and future with a cohesive visual narrative that captures the emotional essence of the characters. He shared some delightful anecdotes about the technical challenges they faced, especially during the trippy sequences that required a creative use of lighting and camera work.
As we dive deeper into the themes of memory and reality, Willems articulated the complexities of shooting scenes that exist in the nebulous realm between truth and perception. His insights into how he balances the subjective nature of memory with the objective demands of cinematography added layers of depth to our understanding of the visual storytelling process.
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In a world where history and art intersect, Lovell Holder offers fresh insights on 'Lavender Men.' Our conversation traces the journey from stage to screen, balancing historical accuracy with personal storytelling. Lovell candidly describes being a "midwife" to Taffeta's evolution from the play's bookends to the film's protagonist.
We also chat about how timing shapes Lovell's creative choices – whether he's working with film or text – and the different approaches each requires.
(Photo credit: Luke Fontana)
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Eugene Kotlyarenko and Barton Cortright take us on a wild cinematic ride in their discussion about 'The Code’, a film that defies conventional storytelling and embraces the chaos of modern filmmaking. With a whopping 70 recording devices in play, the film transforms the act of observation itself into a central theme. Eugene's insistence on each camera serving a narrative purpose creates a rich tapestry of perspectives, challenging viewers to consider their roles as witnesses in a world dominated by digital surveillance.
As we peel back the layers, we explore the film's unique commentary on our surveillance culture, where characters oscillate between paranoia and acceptance. Bart shares insights into the technical challenges of capturing such a vast array of footage while maintaining image quality that serves the story. And we also dive into how 'The Code' integrates themes of longing and memory as a response to the pandemic.
(Photo credit: Francesca Palombo)
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This week, we welcome the visionary duo behind the hauntingly beautiful film 'April' – Georgian writer-director Dea Kulumbegashvili and her longtime collaborator, cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, known for his mesmerizing visual poetry. Together, they've crafted a cinematic experience that defies conventional storytelling while captivating audiences with its deliberate pacing and breathtaking imagery.
Our conversation ranges from the magic of what's captured in the frame to the enchanting mysteries of what lies just beyond it. It's a playful yet profound exploration of perspective, where we question not just what we see, but how we perceive our very existence through the lens of film.
As we banter about titles and the creative process, you'll find out how the two dance between intense collaboration and friendly debates—because let's be real, who doesn't love a good argument over artistic vision, especially when it's all moving toward a similar goal?
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Marya E. Gates, a film critic turned author, takes us on a cinematic journey through the untold stories of women filmmakers in her debut book, 'Cinema Her Way'. We explore the intricate tapestry of female contributions to cinema, uncovering countless voices and narratives that have often been overshadowed.
Her decade-long quest to spotlight women directors, which began with her project 'Female Filmmakers in Focus', emerged as both a personal challenge and a passionate response to the male-dominated industry that had left her disenchanted with mainstream cinema.
Through extensive interviews and profiles, Gates illuminates the artistic brilliance of filmmakers who have made significant yet underappreciated contributions. From pioneering visionaries to emerging talents, this conversation captures the essence of Marya's mission: to celebrate, recognize, and amplify women's voices in film.
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