Episódios
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In the latest episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with Adam Kaufman, Head of Business Development at Baobab Studios, to explore one of the most pressing and polarizing topics in film and entertainment: artificial intelligence. Is AI a threat to human creativity, or a powerful tool for artists and studios alike? From cutting animation costs and production times to thorny questions of IP ownership and ethics, the conversation dives deep into the promises and perils of AI in film and beyond.
Adam Kaufman is Head of Business Development at Baobab Studios, with over 20 years of experience in entertainment and tech. He previously led Hollywood studio partnerships at Meta’s AR/VR division, securing major IP for immersive content, and helped launch an ad-supported linear streaming product in collaboration with major studios. His career reflects a profound understanding of the evolving media landscape and a keen ability to forge strategic partnerships.
Publisher’s Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety‘s international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider’s take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:29) Using AI as a Tool in Animation
(04:29) The Issue of Intellectual Property
(06:15) Will AI Replace Human Artists?
(10:19) AI and Scriptwriting
(12:06) Should Everyone Have Access to AI?
(14:01) The Age of Artificial Ignorance
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In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, shares his viewpoint on the Cannes Film Festival, the 2025 edition of which kicks off just as this episode drops. There is no denying the importance of Cannes, as well as its prestige and glamour. The festival and its market remain vital to the global film industry. However, critical questions remain. Is the festival in step with the shifting dynamics of the international marketplace? Is it creating the right sense of community for filmmakers and industry professionals? And does its cultural cachet still carry the same weight that it once did?
Publisher's Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety's international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider's take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:52) What's So Special About the Cannes Film Festival?
(04:58) Has Cannes Become a TikTok Festival?
(06:31) Has Cannes Lost Contact with Real Filmmakers?
(11:34) The Sense of Community at Cannes
(14:35) A Vital Festival for the Film Industry
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In the debut episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Publisher and Founder of The Film Verdict, weighs in on President Trump's recent remarks about imposing a 100% tariff on all non-U.S. films as a way to "save a dying Hollywood." What's driving this rhetoric? Could it realistically happen? And what would the consequences be for international cinema?
Publisher's Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety's international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider's take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:52) Introducing the new series: Publisher's Verdict
(05:08) President Trump's film tariffs are confusing
(09:08) Can Trump film tariffs save American cinema?
(16:40) The cultural implications of cultural tariffs
(22:50) Will Trump tariffs impact Cannes deals?
(26:30) Final verdict on Trump film tariffs
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Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, a leading independent review platform for the international film industry, joins us to explore how podcasts are shaping global film dialogue and helping amplify the reach of film projects by harnessing the medium’s distinctive strengths. He also reflects on the evolution and potential of TFV Network, which offers new opportunities for collaboration with film festivals, industry summits, sales agents, distributors, filmmakers, and more.
As the multimedia arm of The Film Verdict, in just over a year, TFV Network has laid a strong foundation with its podcast-driven model. Its reach spans all major audio streaming platforms and a dedicated website, while its content include dynamic formats like in-depth, candid conversations with international film professionals and creatives, as well as bite-sized audio versions of reviews from festivals and markets.
This episode of the Showcast is released as TFV Network looks ahead to the future, sharpening its focus on strategic partnerships. Whether through on-location or remote recordings, global outreach, or cross-platform storytelling, the aim is to build something truly valuable for the broader film industry, combining compelling audio content, insightful written coverage, and targeted digital media strategies.
Get in touch! Email us at [email protected]
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(1:37) Podcasts as a valuable film industry tool
(5:04) Podcast coverage of film festivals and film industry summits
(10:02) Outro
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TFV Network presents a recording of a panel discussion from the 2025 Dublin International Film Festival, hosted by Antidote, by one of Ireland's leading commercial production companies. Titled "Parallel Frames: Connecting the Dots Between Ads & Film," the event explored the intersection of advertising and filmmaking.
This panel, moderated by TFV's Matt Micucci, focused on the 20-year parallel journeys of Venom, a company renowned for producing high-quality documentary films, and Antidote, known for producing high-end commercials. The panel featured director Ken Wardrop and producer Andrew Freedman, co-founders of both Antidote and Venom, along with Jessie Hayden, producer and development co-ordinator at Venom, and Paula Stewart, producer at Antidote. We were also joined during the panel by director Brendan Canty, whose film Christy won the Grand Prix in the youth-focused Generation 14plus section of the 2025 Berlinale, and director/animator Johnny Kelly, whose upcoming animated short Retirement Plan will premiere at SXSW in just a few weeks. Canty and Kelly contributed by sharing their own experiences of working with Antidote, and navigating the space between advertising and film.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(1:39) The birth of Venom and Antidote
(4:19) Misconceptions about filming commercials
(7:31) The idiosyncrasies of working in commercials and documentaries
(12:30) Diversity of filmmaking styles in commercials
(15:06) Finding the film talent to collaborate with
(17:25) Director Brendan Canty on working on commercials with Antidote
(20:17) Animator Johnny Kelly on working on commercials with Antidote
(21:28) How working in film helps commercial projects
(26:24) Working with documentary filmmaker Ross Whitaker
(28:34) Overlapping of storytelling techniques in documentary and commercials
(31:44) Can a commercial lead to a feature film?
(33:53) The first Antidote commercial
(34:51) Introducing the documentary 'Sanatorium'
(37:30) Outro
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TFV ON POINT: Nawi, Nosferatu, The Witness
Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Nawi," directed by Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler and Tobias Schmutzler; "Nosferatu," directed by Robert Eggers; "The Witness," directed by Nader Saeivar.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:24) Nawi
(01:22) Nosferatu
(02:12) The Witness
(02:52) Outro
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TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Marten Rabarts, the newly-appointed Head of IFFR Pro, which is industry-focused arm of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, dedicated to supporting filmmakers and fostering collaboration through professional networking, funding opportunities and market platforms like CineMart and Rotterdam Lab. Rabarts talks about what is in store for the 2025 edition of IFFR Pro, including some of its significant expansions and enhancements, program highlights and guests. The 2025 IFFR is set to take place on January 30-February 9 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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The 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is set to take place from January 30 to February 9. In anticipation of its launch, TFV's Matt Micucci spoke with Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic about the festival's structure, standout program highlights, and the notable guests joining this year. Kaludjercic also explores what makes IFFR unique among annual film festivals, including its tradition of celebrating exceptional cinema, fostering independent filmmaking talent, and sparking meaningful dialogue. (Featured photo of Vanja Kaludjercic by Anne Reitsma, courtesy of IFFR/DDA.)
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Crocodile Tears," directed by directed by Tumpal Tampubolon; "Wolf Man," directed by Leigh Whannell; "Yana Wara," directed by Tito Catacora and Óscar Catacora.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:26) Crocodile Tears
(01:16) Wolf Man
(01:57) Yana Wara
(02:49) Outro
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival: "Ab Zabaal 89," directed by Bassam Mortada; "From Ground Zero," an anthology film directed by 22 different Palestinian directors; "Spring Came On Laughing," directed by Noha Adel.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:25) Abo Zabaal 89
(01:11) From Ground Zero
(02:06) Spring Came On Laughing
(02:49) Outro
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Tonight, we're diving into the heart of a story that pulses with history, trauma and resilience, as director Alessandra Celesia joins us to discuss The Flats, a documentary that has been stirring up powerful conversations and greeted with great acclaim across the globe. The film revisits the raw, lingering pain of The Troubles, through the stories of the inhabitants of an estate in Belfast and, in particular, the tale of Joe, a Republican still scarred by the memory of his uncle's brutal murder at the hands of the Loyalists. In this episode, we'll also uncover Celesia's own journey. Italian-born and Belfast-based, she has crafted a unique voice, as showcased in The Flats, including via a powerful use of re-enactments and its emotional storytelling. We'll explore her connection to Belfast, the creative decisions behind The Flats and her thoughts on cinema as a cathartic force.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:18) Alessandra Celesia's earliest memories of cinema
(04:19) Connecting with Belfast and the origins of 'The Flats'
(09:54) Using reenactments in documentary filmmaking
(13:25) The catharsis of filmmaking
(15:50) Establishing trust
(19:23) The universal resonance of 'The Flats'
(22:23) Outro
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In this episode of the Showcast, Serbian director Miroslav Lekic talks about his latest film, Russian Consul, Serbia's official submission for the 2025 Oscars. Set in 1973, the film explores the turmoil between Serbs and Albanians in the autonomous province of Kosovo, through the story of an encounter between a Serbian doctor sent to a hospital in Kosovo after a tragic incident in Belgrade and a former history professor who believes to be a representative of Imperial Russia. Lekic will take us behind the scenes, delving into the film's dense historical context and how it traces the origins of tensions between Serbia and Albania, which still resonate today. But beneath this compelling narrative and its dense historical context, the movie is also an exploration of human dignity with a powerful anti-war statement. Russian consul also marks Lekic's second adaptation of a novel by Vuk Draskovic, and the director discusses what drew him to this original work, as well as share stories about his frequent collaborator and friend, the great actor Zarko Lausevic, who passed away in 2023 and whose final performance in Russian Consul is both haunting and unforgettable.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(02:03) Miroslav Lekic's earliest memories of cinema and filmmaking
(07:20) Based on a Vuk Draskovic novel
(14:24) Connecting with audiences emotionally and intellectually
(16:36) Actor Zarko Lausevic's final film
(20:00) 'The Russian Consul": a political movie?
(23:49) Outro
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In the latest episode of the Showcast, we delve into Yana-Wara, Peru's 2025 Oscar submission. The film is a stark and mysterious drama about a 13-year-old girl from a remote Indigenous Andean community and her 80-year-old grandfather, who finds himself accused of her murder. Beyond its shocking premise, "Yana-Wara" offers a profound exploration of the duality of good and evil spirits in Andean culture, and the intersection of tradition, gender violence and supernatural beliefs in an isolated Andean community. Joining us to discuss the film is Tito Catacora, its co-director, who stepped in to complete it after his nephew, Oscar, with whom he has previously crafted acclaimed, works, tragically passed away just one week into filming. Catacora shares insights into the film's bold artistic choices, including stark black-and-white cinematography, no musical score and a cast of non-professional actors, all of which lend the film a distinctly Andean soul. We also explore the powerful themes at the heart of "Yana-Wara and the cultural beat that drives it."
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three more films screened in the program of the 2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "Bound in Heaven," directed by Huo Xin; "Conclave," directed by Edward Berger; "El Jockey," directed by Luis Ortega.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:24) "Conclave"
(01:49) "El Jockey"
(02:57) "Bound in Heaven"
(03:55) Outro
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three more films screened in the program of the 2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "Hard Truths," directed by Mike Leigh; "Modi, Three Days on the Wings of Madness," directed by Johnny Depp; "The Wailing," directed by Pedro Martín-Calero.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:31) "Modi"
(01:42) "Hard Truths"
(02:34) "The Wailing"
(03:40) Outro
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In this episode of the Showcast, we speak with one of the foremost Saudi filmmakers in modern cinema, Hamzah Jamjoom, whose films include Rupture (2021) and How I Got There (2022), and make him one of the most awarded film directors in the country. We take this opportunity to talk about the birth of his interest in film, as well as his work in both animation and live-action projects. Jamjoom also shares with his the importance of his Saudi heritage and how his works aim to speak to his own people, as well as reach an international audience. Aside from stories about his formative years and his career up to this point, Jamjoom also shares with us details about his future projects and ambitions, as well as his thoughts and experience of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning film industry and film culture.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:11) Early love of animation
(06:24) A Saudi in the US
(10:44) The power of storytelling
(14:57) From animation to live action
(18:13) Saudi Arabia: an emerging film market
(21:02) "Running Dry"
(26:42) Outro
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three more films screened in the program of the 2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "The Last Showgirl," directed by Gia Coppola; "Memoir of a Snail," directed by Adam Elliot; "Sujo," directed by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:25) "The Last Showgirl"
(01:38) "Memoir of a Snail"
(02:36) "Sujo"
(03:44) Outro
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The latest episode of the Showcast is a conversation with Essam Zakarea, the esteemed Egyptian film critic and newly-appointed Artistic Director of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), set to take place from the 13th to the 22nd of November, 2024. During our conversation, Zakarea taks us back to those moments when the magic of film first grabbed hold of him, and shares his thoughts on the characteristics that make cinema such a powerful and universal form of communication. Zakarea also shares CIFF's influence in shaping his cinephilia and his vision for where the festival's headed next, including a sneak peek at some of the events that'll make the upcoming edition truly special. Together, we also dive into the current state of Egyptian cinema, including its potential and talents, and consider what the future holds for both the film industry and film culture in the country and beyond.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introducing Essam Zakarea
(01:27) Early memories of cinema in Egypt
(05:57) The vision of the Cairo International Film Festival
(09:30) The power of cinema
(11:00) An early preview of the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival
(13:54) The state of today's Egyptian cinema
(18:39) Outro
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Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.
In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "When Fall Is Coming," directed by Francois Ozon; "Emmanuelle," directed by Audrey Diwan; "The Red Virgin," directed by Paula Ortiz.
For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(00:31) "When Fall Is Coming"
(01:34) "Emmanuelle"
(02:35) "The Red Virgin"
(03:30) Outro
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The latest episode of the Showcase features a conversation with Sylvia Le Fanu, who presented her feature directorial debut, "My Eternal Summer," in the New Directors section of the 2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain.
The film chronicles a family of three on their summer holiday, seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old at a delicate age of self-discovery, while at the same time coping with the heartbreaking reality of her mother's terminal illness.
Le Fanu joins us on the podcast to share with us the deeply personal origins of this story, and the challenge of exploring identity and mortality honestly and intimately. She also takes us down memory lane, reflecting on her earliest memories of cinema and what led her to the director's chair.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introducing Sylvia Le Fanu and "My Eternal Summer"
(01:30) Understanding mortality with "Titanic"
(03:40) Becoming a filmmaker
(05:47) A personal story
(07:51) A teenage girl's perspective
(09:33) Naturalistic approach
(12:30) The importance of the editing process
(14:39) Outro
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