TFV Network (The Film Verdict)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Soleil O" from 1967, directed by Med Hondo.

In this episode of the Showcast, we uncover the incredible story behind "The Glassworker," Pakistan's first-ever hand-drawn animated feature film, fresh off its premiere at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. We'll be speaking with the film's director, the man with the vision, Usman Riaz. Described as an anti-war film, "The Glassworker" chronicles the epic romance between a young glassworker in training and a young musician searching for her own voice, against the backdrop of their country's years of war and strife. In our podcast conversation, Riaz shares insights into the film's ambitious multi-year production, share with us the origins of the story and the message he hoped to communicate with it, and discusses such elements as style and the importance of music. As we celebrate this historic milestone in Pakistan's film history, we also reflect on the significance of "The Glassworker" and the impact it may have in inspiring a growth in the country's burgeoning animation sector. (Image: Mano Animation Studios)

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro (01:36) Meeting Usman Riaz (03:20) Making animation history (06:28) A film with an anti-war message (10:16) Working on the music (12:55) A timeless setting (15:30) A burgeoning animation industry in Pakistan? (19:05) Outro

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Paul" from 2011, directed by Greg Mottola.

TFV's Matt Micucci continues his Showcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic with an exclusive conversation with Sofia Alaoui, director of "Animalia."

The film was presented in the festival's Horizons section, following its award-winning premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The movie follows the extraordinary journey of Itto, a young pregnant woman whose seemingly idyllic life takes a dramatic turn when a powerful storm unleashes a chain of enigmatic events, blending elements of dystopian uprising, environmental calamity and an impending apocalyptic reckoning.

"Animalia" intertwines the realms of sci-fi disaster, road movie and spiritual odyssey, skillfully weaving a thought-provoking critique of Moroccan society with profound introspection into the very essence of existence.

In today's episode of the Showcast, recorded live at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down with Lori McCreary, the American producer and CEO of Revelations Entertainment, which she co-founded with Morgan Freeman in 1996. McCreary discusses the company's history and mission, highlighting some of its most acclaimed productions and previewing upcoming projects, including Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated adaptation of the sci-fi classic, "Rendezvous With Rama." Reflecting on the AVP Summit's themes, we explore the factors that have influenced the audiovisual production industry in recent years and the importance of nurturing co-productions. In addition, McCreary, who has a prominent background in computer science, shares her insights on the industry's evolution and her early recognition of the need for adaptation to new technologies, exemplified by her work with the broadband movie distribution company ClickStar back in 2006, which predated the rise of major streaming platforms. (Photo: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with director Jan-Willem van Ewijk, the creative mind behind "Alpha.," a film making waves at the 2024 Venice Film Festival's Giornate degli Autori competition.

"Alpha." is no ordinary adventure film. It's an existential journey set against the breathtaking and unforgiving beauty of the Alps. The story follows a snowboard instructor whose life takes a turn when his father shows up there. As they venture into the snowy mountains together, unresolved tensions and clashing personalities come to a head, leading to a collision with both the overwhelming nature around them and each other.

In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind this icy tale, written by van Ewijk himself, and how casting a real-life father and son added layers of authenticity and raw emotion to the film. We'll also delve into van Ewijk's unique journey from aeronautics to filmmaking, and why he's drawn to shooting in some of the most exotic, and challenging, locations on Earth.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introducing Jan-Willem van Ewijk and "Alpha."

(01:52) From aerospace engineering to film directing

(04:23) Extreme sports and filming in the wild

(06:38) Father-son relationships and masculinity

(11:51) Shooting in the High Alps7

(14:28) "Pacifica"

(15:42) Outro

Join us for a truly special edition of Noir360 as we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Richard Gant, an American actor and passionate social activist whose illustrious career in film and television includes iconic roles in movies like "Rocky V," "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps," "Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie," and "The Big Lebowski." Additionally, he has graced hit television series such as "Deadwood," "Men of a Certain Age," "Seinfeld," and "Friends."

Richard brings his unique perspective to the impending Hollywood strike between studios and actors and writers. This crucial discussion revolves around various pressing issues, including the impact of emerging technologies like AI, the need for better financial accountability within streaming media distribution and studios, and the protection of image and voice rights for actors.

Our conversation also delves into Richard's remarkable journey, tracing his presence and evolution from the vibrant era of the New York Theatre Renaissance to the heart of Hollywood. Through his unwavering dedication and talent, he has risen to become an actor who demands the attention of any serious artist.

Beyond his acting career, Richard's off-screen pursuits include co-founding "My Mandela Moment," a social networking campaign that celebrates and upholds the principles of leadership and community service as exemplified by Dr. Nelson Mandela.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with director Fabrice Du Welz, whose latest film, "Maldoror," is premiering out of competition at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

A gripping and intense thriller, "Maldoror" tells the story of a young and impulsive Belgian cop on a desperate search for justice, all set against the backdrop of one of Belgium's most haunting scandals - a series of kidnappings of young girls that shook the nation in the 1990s and that left a deep scar in the Belgian soul.

In our conversation, Du Welz opens up about the challenges of revisiting such a traumatic chapter in his country's history and the catharsis of revisiting it in cinematic form. We also delve into what draws him to portrayals of evil and how this marks a significant evolution in his filmography.

Beyond this, we go back to Du Welz's earliest memories of cinema, his study of acting and theatre, and how all that shaped the filmmaker he is today.

CHAPTERS (00:00) Introducing Fabrice Du Welz and "Maldoror" (01:30) Early cinema memories (04:24) Theatre background (05:38) Exploring new grounds with "Maldoror" (07:09) Belgium's scandal (10:42) The catharsis of filmmaking (13:10) Universal resonance (16:21) Exploration of evil (17:58) An obsessive quest for justice (20:15) Visual style (23:20) Latest cinephile obsession (25:05) Outro

In this captivating episode of Noir360, we delve into an open and candid conversation with none other than the renowned showrunner, director, and producer, Kevin Arkadie. With a trailblazing career that has left an indelible mark on television, including iconic shows like "New York Undercover," "The Shield," "Soul Food," "NYPD Blue," and many more, Kevin's creative genius knows no bounds. He's not only a creative force but also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, imparting his wisdom to the next generation of storytellers.

Currently, Kevin serves as the Executive Producer (EP) and Showrunner for the BET+ streaming TV series "Sacrifice," which is being filmed amidst the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In this episode, Kevin generously shares his insights into the evolution of his career, offering invaluable advice to aspiring writers looking to break into the industry. His contributions to the world of entertainment have not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globes, Audelco Awards, and nominations for Emmy and Humanitas Prize.

Join us on this captivating episode of Noir360, as we sit down with the remarkable Patrick Coleman, a multifaceted talent who has made his mark as a producer, director, and independent filmmaker. Patrick's journey within the Hollywood studio system has been nothing short of inspiring, and in this episode, we delve deep into his path to becoming a co-producer on Paramount Studio's hit show, "The Game."

Our conversation with Patrick begins by exploring his upbringing in the picturesque peninsula of Hampton, Virginia. We learn about the early seeds of his passion for storytelling and communication, which eventually led him to Morris Brown College, an HBCU in Atlanta, where he pursued a degree in Mass Communication.

From there, we embark on his post-university adventure, which took him to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. It was here that Patrick's dreams of working in television and film truly came to life. Throughout his career, he's lent his talents to some of the industry's biggest players, including the Walt Disney Company, HBO, and CBS.

Patrick's current role as Co-Producer on the Paramount Plus streaming series, "The Game," is a testament to his dedication and expertise. In our conversation, we not only discuss his pivotal role on this hit show but also explore his involvement in a series of both commercially and critically acclaimed productions, such as NCIS, The Shield, Judging Amy, and many more.

In this episode of Noir 360, Rashid Bahati shares and exclusive conversation with Valeriya Biyen, co-owner of Yelhy Technology Africa and owner of the newly-opened 22N6 Tech Lounge, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Biyen is originally from Ukraine and currently lives between Europe and West Africa. In this podcast conversation, we discussed her passion and involvement in Ouagadougou to engage the Burkinabe youth in eSports Gaming at her new facilities in the Ouaga 2000 area of the city.

Biyen has hosted the inaugural edition of the Filmmaker Accelerator Program Awards ceremonies at 22N6 during the 28th edition of FESPACO, the film and television festival, at the beginning of March 2023.

In this podcast conversation, she shares her vision of creating opportunities for the youth of Burkina Faso, particularly in the areas of technology and gaming. We explore her journey in building Yelhy Technology Africa and how it is contributing to the development of the tech industry in Burkina Faso.

In this episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci converses with DeVon Franklin, acclaimed producer, as well as founder and CEO of Franklin Entertainment. In this episode, Franklin talks about the origin of his passion for storytelling, the motivation behind becoming a film producer and how he eventually came to establish Franklin Entertainment, as well as the vision behind the company and the stories that he wanted to produce. We also reflect on the current state of the audiovisual industry, amidst intense cultural and technological changes. In our conversation, Franklin particularly addresses a tendency within the industry to focus on things that are beyond one's control, rather than focusing on things that are within one's control, and refers to his belief, supported by facts that people are hungrier for stories than ever. (Photo: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

Alpha Film Festival (AFF) offers a groundbreaking peek into the future of interactivity in art. Hosted by the MILC platform in a Web3 Metaverse, AFF represents an exciting evolution for film festivals.

HIT is a podcast series of insightful discussions with international film industry experts.

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Unconventional parents and idealistic teachers were among the most fascinating characters of films presented within the program of the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. In this latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares conversations with filmmakers who presented works featuring such characters.

Director İlker Çatak talks about "The Teachers' Lounge," about an idealistic teacher who decides to take matters into her own hands after one of her students is suspected of theft, which was this year's big winner of the Berlinale's Panorama section.

We also speak with Zara Dwinger, director of "Kiddo," a mother-daughter road movie that is a coming-of-age film with a nod to the lovers-on-the-run genre.

(Featured photo: Alamonde Film)

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.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares insight on different initiatives that, while different, promote the cinema of the future.

This episode of the SHOWCAST features a conversation with Darryl C. Marks, CEO and Founder of Adapt Entertainment, a creative technology company that developed a proprietary AI neuro-rendering process to sync a film or series' original performance with a new language, allowing for a more inclusive enhanced storytelling experience without dubbing or subtitling.

We also speak with Marco Orsini, Founder of the International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA), and Paul Robinson, CCO of NEFT Vodka. Together, they talk about the NEFTI Awards, designed to celebrate and challenge filmmakers from emerging economic regions to showcase their creative skills and to expand their reach into regions that may otherwise not have been available to them.

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 Venice Film Festival: "My Late Summer," directed by Danis Tanović; "Family Therapy," directed by Sonja Prosenc; "A Fidai Film," directed by Kamal Aljafari.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:25) "My Late Summer"

(01:20) "Family Therapy"

(02:14) "A Fidai Film"

(03:05) Outro

TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation about the forgotten Iranian-born filmmaker Sohrab Shahid Saless with film scholar Vivien Buchhorn, founder of the Saless Archive.

Saless was a renegade filmmaker who was also part of a cast of creatives working in the film diaspora of Germany throughout the 1970s and 1980s. While he was part of the fabled New German Cinema movement of these years, along with such revered figures as Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Werner Herzog, Saless is relatively unknown today. But it is thanks to such scholars as Buchhorn and the Saless Archive that his oeuvre is once again restored and celebrated through initiatives of restoration, education, exhibition and beyond.

Indeed, the conversation was recorded to mark as special occasion: the return of a film by Saless to the Forum section of the Berlinale via a special screening of his film, 1980's "Order."

(Featured photo: Bert Schmidt)

CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (01:18) Sohrab Shahid Saless and Berlin's Arsenal (03:36) Who is Sohrab Shahid Saless? (06:09) Key characteristics of Saless films (10:00) Discovering Saless (11:24) The orgins of the Shahid Saless Archive (15:12) Revisiting the film canon (15:55) Revisiting the films of Saless (19:33) Transnational film preservation (23:02) "Order" by Saless screening at the 2023 Berlinale (25:40) Keeping up with the Shahid Saless Archive (27:27) Outro

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "Bend of the River" from 1952, directed by Anthony Mann. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:28) Review (01:48) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation

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.

The program of this year's Berlinale featured movies told from a characteristic and unapologetic female perspective. In this latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares conversations with artists who presented such first.

First off, filmmaker Emily Atef talks about "Someday We'll Tell Each Other Everything" from the festival's official competition, an erotic tale set in 1990 East Germany, following a young woman who begins a relationship with a charismatic farmer who is twice her age.

Secondly, we speak with Sacha Polak, director, and Vicky Knight, director of "Silver Haze." The film offers a fascinating hybrid of reality and fiction, based on the lead actor's lived experiences, starring a cast of non-professional actors and making much use of improvisation.

(Featured image: Pandora Film/Row Pictures)

TFV's Matt Micucci shines a spotlight on two remarkable documentaries presented at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, sharing conversations with director Cyril Aris about "Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano" and with Luka Beradze about "Smiling Georgia."

Set against the backdrop of the catastrophic explosion that shook the Port of Beirut in 2020, "Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano" follows a film crew facing an extraordinary dilemma: should they press on with their movie production amidst the ruins or succumb to the overwhelming chaos engulfing their city?

"Smiling Georgia" transports us to a tranquil Georgian village where the country's governing party, during their 2012 election campaign, enticed the poorest residents with the promise of new teeth in exchange for their votes. But after their election defeat, the film uncovers a bitter and toothless aftermath, raising questions about the worth of ordinary people in the eyes of self-serving politicians.

Although their specific contexts differ, these films share common themes that resonate deeply, including political promises, socioeconomic disparity, personal stories and critical examination of leadership.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "The Stranger" from 1991, directed by Satyajit Ray.

In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci dives deep into one of the most talked-about films from the 2024 Locarno Film Festival's out-of-competition lineup, "Fréwaka." Join us as we sit down with Aislinn Clarke, the director of this haunting horror film that explores Irish mythology, as well as some of the darker corners of the country's history and personal trauma. We discuss the film's inspiration, and the significance of it being an Irish-language production featuring an almost all-female cast and crew. Plus, we delve into the power of horror as a cinematic genre for storytelling and catharsis.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:43) Meeting Aislinn Clarke

(04:31) The power of horror

(05:48) Exploring Irish trauma with horror

(07:30) Making an Irish language horror film

(09:20) The female gaze

(10:58) Finding the right cast

(12:18) The visual style

(14:17) The music

(16:05) Outro

TFV's Matt Micucci takes you on a journey through the 22nd edition of the Transilvania Film Festival in the charming city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, through a conversation with the festival's artistic director Mihai Chirilov. From June 9-18, the festival showcased a dynamic program celebrating the past, present and future of cinema, and testified to the rebellious spirit of the annual film event, one of the most important for the region.

(Featured image: TIFF Romania)

Producer Kateryna Shevchenko and music composer Luke Corradine join TFV's Matt Micucci for a Showcast conversation about Ukrainians for the Arts, Culture and Education, also known as UFACE, at the 2023 San Seastián International Film Festival.

This relatively new association is dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Ukrainian artistic values and heritage through a range of Spanish and international projects. Among them, a captivating series of live shows for silent Ukrainian films, including Alexander Dovzhenko's 1930 masterpiece "Earth," with brand-new scores by Corradine, which made their debut at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles and July.

In this conversation, we delve into the heart of UFACE, its mission, vision and exciting upcoming projects, and discover the importance of preserving national heritage and nurturing artistic excellence through this passionate endeavour.

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

TFV's Matt Micucci shares an extensive conversation with the legendary American experimental filmmaker James Benning, who presented his latest film, Allensworth, in the Forum section of the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.

The film centres on the title location, the first self-administered African-American municipality in California. A great starting point for a conversation covering several aspects of Benning's filmmaking and art, from the political nature of his works to his admiration of Henry David Thoreau.

(Featured photo: Berlinale)

CHAPTER (00:00) Intro (01:02) James Benning in Berlin (03:37) Presenting "Allensworth" at the Berlinale (07:11) Understanding things from paying attention (08:04) Early film experiences (10:48) Political films (12:08) Is James Benning a cinephile? (13:08) The influence of Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" (14:02) Eadweard Muybridge (15:42) Painting (17:45) Seeing the world in a different way (19:02) Love-hate relationship with technology (22:35) Sleeping and working habits (24:19) Teaching (25:00) Outro

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)

TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his Showcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic by sitting down with none other than Karel Och, its artistic director.

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival holds a special place in the hearts of film professionals and film enthusiasts worldwide and we'll delve into its rich history and significance. As we explore the 57th edition of this iconic event, we'll uncover the exciting and wide-ranging features that characterized its program.

In addition, we have the opportunity of knowing Och better by taking a fascinating journey into the birth of his own cinephilia, discovering the sparks that ignited his passion for the big screen, and the enduring connection that he has forged with the festival, including as its longstanding artistic director.

(Featured photo: KVIFF)

Our Showcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival continues by highlighting a remarkable work from its New Directors section, "The Gamma Rays." TFV's Matt Micucci is joined by its director Henry Bernardet, whose social realist drama delves into the lives of a group of young Canadians from immigrant communities, navigating through their everyday existence and experiencing a wide range of formative events.

In our discussion, the director talks with us about being inspired by Montreal's multicultural landscape and his fascination with crafting a coming-of-age drama of young individuals and their contemporary experiences. He also shares insights into collaborating with a youthful ensemble of non-professional actors, highlighting their instrumental role in moulding the storyline of "The Gamma Rays" through their imaginative contributions to their fictional counterparts' daily trials and tribulations.

(Featured photo: H264)

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "Ecce Bombo" from 1978, directed by Nanni Moretti. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:29) Review

(02:27) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation

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)

In the latest Showcast episode recorded at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci converses with Christina Lee Storm, an audiovisual producer with over 20 years of experience of working on major projects. Additionally, Lee Storm has been at the forefront of strategic and creative development of emerging technologies for series, film and multi-platform storytelling, including as founder and CEO of her company, Asher XR. In this episode, Lee Storm talks about some of the biggest innovations within audiovisual storytelling, touching on such diverse topics as immersive experiences and artificial intelligence. She also shares with us her thoughts on the current environment within the industry, in a time that she sees as being characterized by what she defines as the "entertainment umbrella." (Photo: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Happy Hour" from 2015, directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi.

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

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Personal Shopper" from 2016, directed by Olivier Assayas.

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

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Vampyr" from 1932, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.

TFV's Matt Micucci sits down with Behrooz Karamizade, the talented director of "Empty Nets," winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

In his feature directorial debut, Karamizade fulfils his goal of telling stories about his native land, shining a spotlight on the poignant tale of Amir and Narges, two star-crossed lovers trapped by the societal constraints of modern-day Iran.

In this episode, we'll explore the captivating narrative of "Empty Nets" and embark on an intimate exploration of Karamizade's artistic journey.

(Featured photo: Pluto Film)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "The Other Side of Hope" from 2017, directed by Aki Kaurismäki.

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."

In this engaging episode of Noir 360, we are thrilled to host Yolonda Brinkley, a remarkable individual who has embarked on a transformative journey from being a corporate marketing/PR manager at a Fortune 500 company to becoming a self-proclaimed global disruptor and marketing communication practitioner specializing in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy.

Yolonda's unwavering passion has led her to create "Diversity in Cannes," an independent global film movement dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. During our conversation with Yolonda, we gain unique insights into the experiences of people of color, who attend one of the world's oldest and most enduring film festivals and markets.

Yolonda's perspective on Hollywood's approach to inclusion is thought-provoking, and we explore the intriguing comparisons between the entertainment industry in the United States and France, particularly within the context of a renowned event like Cannes.

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)

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)

This latest episode of the Showcast from the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival finds TFV's Matt Micucci joined by an animation luminary, Isabel Herguera, making her feature debut with "Sultana's Dream," featured in the festival's official selection.

The film is inspired by the feminist utopian sci-fi short story of the same name, penned by Begum Rokeya at the dawn of the 20th century and exploring the mythical Ladyland. The narrative of the movie follows the journey of a fictional young artist, Inés, and draws from Herguera's personal experiences and passions.

During our discussions, Herguera provides insights into her multi-year undertaking on "Sultana's Dream," the influential moments and stories that shaped it and the profound impact of animation as an artistic medium.

We also delve into her artistic influences, the portrayal of women in media and what continues to make Rokeya's original short story an enduring and resonant masterpiece.

(Featured photo: Square Eyes)

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)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Days" from 2020, directed by Tsai Ming-liang.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Bernie" from 2011, directed by Richard Linklater.

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "His Girl Friday" from 1940, directed by Howard Hawks. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) Review

(01:38) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation

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.

TFV's Matt Micucci shines a light on the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam, in conversation with its director Vanja Kaludjercic.

The conversation was recorded at the 2023 European Film Market and not long after the conclusion of what many consider to be the first major film festival of the calendar year.

As such, this episode of the Showcast features a discussion of its program, including its films, installations, and dedicated sections highlighting specific themes and films from specific regions, as well as the Cinemart and beyond.

(Featured photo: IFFR)

Our latest episode of the Showcast from the 2024 AVP Summit features TFV's Matt Micucci in conversation with Jacopo Chessa, head of the Veneto Film Commission, one of the most important film commissions in the country. Chessa offers an overview of his film commission's many activities, from nurturing audiovisual talent to promoting the region's potential and benefits on an international level. In addition, he also talks about some of the more recent notable film productions that have been filmed in Veneto and discusses some of the more forward-thinking initiatives that it has embraced. Following up on that, Chessa offers his thoughts on the current moment of the audiovisual sector at large and whether Italy has been quick to respond to rising technological innovations, particularly when compared to other territories around the world. (Photo: Veneto Film Commission)

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

Rashid Bahati presents his conversation with Floyd Webb, a filmmaker and founder/curator of Blacknuss.tv. We discuss Floyd's extensive experience in the film industry, which includes being the associate producer of the award-winning film "Daughters of the Dust" (1992), directed by Julie Dash. He was also the Chicago producer of the American Masters film, "The World of Nat King Cole" (2006).

In our conversation, Floyd shares his journey in the film industry and the challenges that he faced as a Black filmmaker. We also chat about his work as a producer and consultant on several documentaries, including the 50th Anniversary of "The March," directed by John Akomfrah of UK-based Smoking Dogs Films and co-produced by Robert Redford's Sundance Productions.

Floyd's dedication to showcasing the richness and diversity of African-American culture through his platform, Blacknuss.tv, is truly inspiring. We delve into the importance of representation in the media and the impact it has on shaping our perception of ourselves and our communities. This interview is an important look at the intersection of film, culture and history.

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)

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

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "The Agony" from 1976, directed by Julio Bressane.

In his inaugural episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci spoke with Roberto Stabile, Italian Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Italian Ministry for Culture. In this podcast conversation, Stabile shares his thoughts on the current Italian cinema and whether it has lost some of its shine in its standing within world cinema.

This is appropriate since Stabile is the man behind ANICA's renewed drive to revive and expand Italian cinema within international film markets. We also spoke with him about Italian Screens, a unique program of contemporary Italian films that was presented in several different countries.

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.)

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: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

CHAPTERS (00:00) Introducing Wayne Garvie (01:40) Loving Italy (03:00) Beginnings in the television industry (04:56) Soccer talk (05:53) Evolution of the television industry (09:15) The rise of short-form content (10:23) Timeless content (12:26) Sony Pictures Television productions (14:00) A global market (16:08) The rise of artificial intelligence (17:58) Seinfeld (19:20) Outro

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)

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)

Each year, the European Film Market welcomes film professionals from different parts of the world to Berlin, Germany. This year was no exception and TFV's Matt Micucci sought the opportunity to record conversations about the current film and audiovisual industry scene of three different countries: Taiwan, Ukraine and Chile.

This latest episode of the Showcast features conversations with: Chia-Hua Yeh, section manager of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA); Polina Tolmachova, marketing director of FILM.UA; and Ashley Salman, international producer with CinemaChile.

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" from 2004, directed by Adam McKay.

TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Sashko Chubko and Valeria Sochyvets, producers of "La Palisiada," in his first on-location Showcast episode from the 2023 San Sebastián Film Festival. "La Palisiada" marks the feature directorial debut of Philip Sotnichenko and has been making waves on the festival scene this year, having won awards in Rotterdam and Sarajevo.

The film is is described as a police detective neo-noir set in the last months of capital punishment in Ukraine in 1996. Find out more about it in this episode of the Showcast, where we also talk about the role of the arts during times of war in Ukraine and the collective of filmmakers that are making an impact on the country's independent scene, making movies not for money but for the soul.

(Featured photo: Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema)

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

TFV's Matt Micucci has a conversation with Jaclyn Philpott, Executive Director of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), the only global non-profit organization representing city, state, regional, provincial and national film commission members on six continents.

It provides commissions with advocacy, connectivity and education necessary in the screen sector to foster economic growth, initiates the groundwork for strong infrastructure and provides the essentials for professional development in a fair, sustainable and socially diverse manner worldwide.

The AFCI Week, one of its marquee annual events, will be taking place in Los Angeles on March 27-30, as a multi-day exclusive event open to AFCI Members, Affiliates and Sponsors, offering networking and educational opportunities targeted at enhancing business practices and much more.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Spaceballs" from 1987, directed by Mel Brooks.

TFV's Matt Micucci talks with Joseph Fahim, curator of a retrospective on the works of Japanese filmmaker Yasuzo Masumura at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Known for his rebellious spirit and promotion of individualism, Masumura's films challenged societal norms and left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Active since the late 1950s, Masumura was a true powerhouse, creating films that defy simple categorization. His stories, rooted in classic narrative structures, encompass a wide range of emotions - from anger to clarity, from pulp to sophistication. They are broad yet controlled, nihilistic yet moralistic.

However, despite his brilliance, Masumura's close affiliation with the studio system led to his marginalization by critics and curators for nearly six decades.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of Masumura's birth, KVIFF and Fahim took the lead in celebrating this extraordinary filmmaker and invited us all to rediscover his remarkable body of work.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro (01:53) Meeting Joseph Fahim (05:45) Early film obsessions (06:49) Collaborating with KVIFF (08:26) Clashing with the Egyptian regime (09:40) Mainstream cinema is at its lowest point in history (12:49) Celebrating Yasuzo Masumura (14:08) The individualism of Masumura (18:16) Programming the retrospective (21:11) The importance of film preservation (22:42) Modern audiences discovering Masumura (24:10) Is the real future of the cinema in its past? (26:06) Outro

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

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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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 the first episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Locarno Film Festival: "Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry," directed by Elene Naveriani; "Shambhala," directed by Min Bahadur Bham; and "Reinas," directed by Klaudia Reynicke.

To read the full reviews of these films and other titles presented at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:27) "Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry" review

(01:34) "Shambhala" review

(02:28) "Reinas" review

(03:10) Outro

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "The Beaver" from 2011, directed by Jodie Foster.

In our latest Showcast episode from the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, we speak with Nicola De Angelis, CEO of Fabula Pictures. We speak about Fabula Pictures, its transition from development company to production company, and some of the content that it has produced and currently working on. De Angelis also reflects on the current landscape of the audiovisual industry and importantly shares his thoughts on the role of co-productions and international co-productions, how they may help nurture both producers and creativity and help projects become successful. (Photo: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Jimmy's Hall" from 2014, directed by Ken Loach.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" from 1991, directed by Simon Wincer.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Dust in the Wind" from 1986, directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien.

The 71st edition of the San Sebastián International Film Festival is fast approaching, set to take place from September 22-30. TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his podcast festival coverage by previewing its program with Joxean Fernández, who has been a member of the festival's management committee since 2011 and is the director of the Basque Film Library.

The conversation touches on a wide range of topics, from this year's official selection to the ways in which the festival helps showcase talent from the Basque region. We also spoke about the festival's multi-decade history, the traits that distinguish it from other film festivals held throughout the year, its industry section and some more recent challenges, including its response to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

(Featured photo by SSIFF)

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "Twixt" from 2011, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

Today's film is "American Fiction" from 2023, directed by Cord Jefferson.

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.

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

TFV's Matt Micucci shares his conversations with director Ernst De Greer, and actors Asta August and Herbert Nordrum, about 'The Hypnosis,' one of the highlights from the main competition of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

This satirical gem follows the journey of André and Vera, who navigate the world of business and personal relationships, but whose life is turned upside down after Vera's hypnotherapy session takes an unexpected turn.

"The Hypnosis" garnered much critical acclaim, winning both the FIPRESCI Prize and the European Cinema Label Award, as well as Best Actor for Nordrum.

CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction to "The Hypnosis and director Ernst De Greer (01:22) The link between hypnosis and social norms (03:29) Performing roles in everyday life (05:00) Is watching films a hypnotic experience? (06:33) Exploring gender roles (08:13) Are Scandinavian people stiff? (09:27) A background in film theory (11:47) Directing actors (13:06) Telling outsider stories (14:27) Introducing actors Ernst De Greer and Herbert Nordrum (14:50) Dealing with social norms (16:57) A collaborative set (18:13) Getting into acting

(20:31) Creating tension and loving the struggle

(23:00) Gender roles and stereotypes

(25:10) The risk of defying the status quo

(26:02) Experiencing hypnosis

(28:38) Outro

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: Erma Pictures/AVP Summit)

Flashback to the 2023 AFCI Week in Los Angeles, California. Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sat down with his co-host Kelly Jones, to speak with Bega Metzer of the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission in Utah. Metzer spoke about the exciting possibilities for filmmakers venturing out to the region.

In the latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Polish director, animator and writer Wojtek Wawszczyk. His new animated feature, "Diplodocus," premiered at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. The film tells the captivating tale of a young dinosaur on a quest to rescue his mysteriously missing parents, traversing a variety of strange worlds in the process. It also tells the parallel tale of the artist who created him, struggling to stay true to his vision. In our conversation, we'll dive deep into the film's messages, its stylistic influences and the lengthy, dedicated process of bringing "Diplodocus" to life. We also get to know Wawszczyk, as he shares the origins of his passion for animation and some of the elements that drive his creative journey.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(01:12) Meeting Wojtek Wawszczyk

(03:44) The struggle to remain authentic

(05:50) A multidimensional experience

(07:07) A touch of surrealism... and Monty Python

(08:52) Animation style

(11:00) A long journey to "Diplodocus"

(13:10) Outro

his episode of the Showcast features TFV's Matt Micucci's conversation with director Aude Léa Rapin, the visionary director behind "Planet B," the opening film of the Critics' Week section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

With this film, Rapin presents a sci-fi movie grounded in realism, following a group of eco-activists who find themselves trapped in a mysterious and nightmarish world.

In our conversation, we discuss how the film was inspired by the social and political tensions of our time, blending these elements with the rise of technology to create a haunting vision of a not-so-distant dystopian future.

Join us as we explore how Rapin managed to blur the lines between reality and imagination, pushing the boundaries of sci-fi in her first venture within this genre. And in addition to talking about "Planet B," we'll take a look into her journey from documentary filmmaking to fiction.

Follow us for more podcast conversations and audio reviews.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introducing "Planet B" and director Aude Léa Rapin

(01:55) Early memories of cinema

(03:42) Journalism and documentary background

(05:05) The origins of "Planet B"

(09:05) Exploring science fiction

(12:24) Thoughts on Georges Méliès

(13:17) Visual style

(15:07) A not-so-distant dystopian future

(17:04) Technological threats

(19:00) Outro

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Cranes Are Flying" from 1957, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov.

CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:26) Review (01:58) Outro

Noir 360, the podcast that celebrates international Black film in all its diversity, is thrilled to present Rashid Bahati's conversation with Rahmatou Keïta, a Nigerian journalist, writer and film director.

Keïta's career in film began in 1990 and she has since become an accomplished filmmaker, winning the prestigious 7 d'Or for "L'assiette anglaise" (2005) and the Sojourner Truth Award for her first feature film, "Al'lèèssi..."

Born in Niger, Keïta is of Fulani, Songhai and Mandingo heritage. After studying philosophy and linguistics in Paris, she worked as a journalist for European TV channels before transitioning into filmmaking.

In our podcast conversation, we delve into Rahmatou's experiences as a journalist-turned-filmmaker, her creative process and her dedication to telling authentic stories that are "off the beaten tracks."

This is a very essential interview for all interested in the intersection of film and culture. Tune into Noir 360 to her Keïta's journey as an African woman in the world of global cinema.

In our latest Showcast conversation, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Loïc Tanson, director of what has been defined as Luxemburg's first western movie, "The Last Ashes." The film is a modern Western set in Luxembourg from the early to mid-1800s and tells the story of a woman who returns to her native village under a new identity, looking for revenge against those who harmed her and her family. In our conversation, we discuss this visionary feature directorial debut but also find out about Tanson's journey, from his early cinephile memories to his formative experiences, working as a film critic and film editor.

In speaking about "The Last Ashes," Tanson also talks about balancing genre conventions and universally resonant themes while drawing on the history and folklore of Luxembourg. We discuss the movie's visual prowess, including the cinematography and sound design, and Sophie Mousel's lead performance. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on the current state of Luxembourg's film industry and whether he believes Luxembourg is a cinephile country.

(Featured photo: Samsa Film)

Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with his co-host Kelly Jones at the 2023 AFCI Week in Los Angeles, California. Here, they share a conversation with Nomin-Erdene Gereltuya from one of the newest international film commissions: the Mongolian National Film Council.

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 Venice Film Festival: "Babygirl," directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman; "Maria," directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie; "One To One: John and Yoko," directed by Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, a documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

To read the full reviews of these films and other titles presented at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) "Babygirl"

(01:15) "Maria"

(02:06) "One to One: John and Yoko"

(03:03) Outro

Flashback to the 2023 AFCI Week in Los Angeles, California, as Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sat down with his co-host, Kelly Jones, to speak with Tristan Albrecht from the Valais Film Commission in Switzerland.

The Valais Film Commission is an organization dedicated to welcoming, assisting and supporting audiovisual projects in the canton, and encouraging the local film industry.

TFV's Matt Micucci wraps up his showcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain by highlighting "A Journey in Spring" from the festival's official selection. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Taiwanese filmmakers Tzu-Hui Peng and Ping-Wen Wang, who talk about weaving a tale that explores a man's profound grief for his late wife.

In this conversation, the directors talk about wanting to explore the theme of mortality and their film's deliberate choices of style and pacing, and discuss the genesis of their creative partnership. (We'd also like to extend our gratitude to Luis Roucero Mayor for his translation.)

(Featured photo: Being Film and Art Co.)

Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "The Gold of Naples" from 1954, directed by Vittorio De Sica. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro (00:30) Review (02:00) Final Rating

In the final episode of our podcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with Lorenzo Esposito, curator of a dedicated festival section titled "Another Birth: Iranian Cinema, Here and Now," which celebrates the achievements of independent Iranian cinema of the past four years.

In this episode, we'll also hear insights from TFV's Editor and Senior Critic Deborah Young, who lends her expertise to provide further understanding of Iranian cinema's landscape and shed light on the formidable challenges that Iranian filmmakers must surmount to bring their creative visions to life.

(Featured image: KVIFF)

In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Alexandros Avranas, who's making waves at the Venice Film Festival with his latest film, "Quiet Life," featured in the prestigious Orizzonti section.

"Quiet Life" is a gripping story about a refugee family in Sweden, thrust into unimaginable trauma when their youngest daughter mysteriously falls into a coma after their asylum request is denied. As the parents search desperately for a cure, their resilience is tested to the limit.

Join us as we explore the origins of this intense film, with Avranas revealing how he was inspired by an article in The New Yorker about the little-known Child Resignation Syndrome—a chilling condition that lies at the film’s core.

We discuss the film’s deliberate style, the recurring theme of family in Avranas’ work, and his thoughts on whether we’re living in a dystopian society. Plus, we delve into the roots of his filmmaking ambitions and how his background in sculpture has influenced his unique cinematic approach.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introducing Alexandros Avranas and "Quiet Life"

(01:39) Early cinema memories

(04:48) Background in sculpture

(06:37) Learning about the Child Resignation Syndrome

(08:30) Exploring the theme of family

(11:02) A dystopian society

(13:32) Experimenting with human lives

(14:56) Visual style and emotional restraint

(18:00) Political activism

(22:00) Outro

In our latest episode of the Showcast recorded live from the 2024 AVP Summit, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with Marco Follini, head of Italy's Audiovisual Producers Association (APA), organizer of the event, which took place this year in Reggio Calabria, in the South of Italy. Follini provides us with an overview of the APA and its many activities within the country's audiovisual sector. He also talks about the importance of the AVP Summit, which gathers together top professionals and producers of this sector for networking opportunities, stimulating conversations, panel discussions and much more. Beyond more industry-related topics, Follini shares with us his earliest memories of cinema and whether he ever envisioned being so involved in the realm of audiovisual production. (Photo: Erma Pictures; Translation: Bruna Cammarano)

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)