Celebrating Cinema

With 28 Years Later lurching toward the screen, Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms revisit the undead legacy of the zombie in cinema — a genre that, much like its subject, refuses to stay buried.From its racist roots in early 20th-century depictions of Haitian slavery to its reinvention as a metaphor for mass consumption, pandemic anxiety, and societal collapse, the zombie has shuffled through countless cinematic incarnations. But what keeps this creature so relentlessly alive in the cultural imagination? Why are they always so hungry for brains, and why, despite their numbers, can they never quite organize?In this episode, our hosts unearth the genre's origins, dissect key works from White Zombie to Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, and beyond, and share personal favorites that speak to the zombie's enduring power.

With Dogme 95 turning 30 this year, hosts Laura Gommans and Elliot Bloom reflect on the radical movement that dared to strip cinema down to its bare bones—and what that legacy means today. Returning to last episode's ranking of Wes Anderson's films, the duo discuss The Phoenician Scheme, the American director's latest film that only seems to reinforce the “all style, no substance” label. Rounding out the episode is a look at David Lynch's TV series Twin Peaks, soon to be screened at LAB111 on June 18. Laura and Elliot explore its haunting genius and why it still feels ahead of its time.Get tickets to Dogme 95 Films @ LAB111Get tickets to The Complete Filmography of Wes Anderson @ LAB111Get tickets to The Phoenician Scheme @ LAB111

Reporting from the Croisette, host Hugo Emmerzael is joined by fellow film critic Savina Petkova who together reflect on two unforgettable selections from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival—films that stood apart amid a blur of screenings and industry spectacle.Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value, led by a luminous Renate Reinsve, is a quietly devastating meditation on memory, loss, and emotional inheritance. Meanwhile, Óliver Laxe's Sirat propels us into a dystopian rave-scape, where pulsing techno and stark imagery evoke a world on the brink of collapse.Together, Hugo and Savina unravel the layers of these two very different films, offering a glimpse into the bold cinema we can look forward to on screen at LAB111.

To mark LAB111's full Wes Anderson retrospective, hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms rank every film in his colorful, quirky career. They dive into what makes his work so distinct—asking whether it's all style and no substance, or if there's real emotional depth beneath the surface. Along the way, they share which actors they'd love to see in the Wes Anderson universe, and Laura makes the surprising case that one of his films doesn't have enough color. Producer Elliot, ever the skeptic, adds his own take on the Anderson mythos.Get tickets The Complete Filmography of Wes Anderson @ LAB111

In this edition of Review Roundup, host Laura Gommans is joined by Elliot Bloom to dive into the re-release of Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's searing, stylish memoir of growing up in Iran through revolution, repression, and rebellion—newly restored by Odyssey Classics. They also take on Steven Soderbergh's Black Bag, a spy thriller that trades action for dry wit and quiet unease . And with Showgirls back in sparkling form for its 30th anniversary, they ask: was Elizabeth Berkley in on the joke all along?Get tickets to Persepolis @ LAB111Get tickets to Showgirls @ LAB111

Alain Resnais's Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) returns to cinemas—a quiet revolution in filmmaking that blends love, loss, and the long shadow of human destruction. In this episode, hosts Kiriko Mechanicus and Elliot Bloom unpack why this haunting classic still matters today. Why did Resnais turn to fiction after his devastating Holocaust documentary Night and Fog? And what does the film reveal about how we confront images of destruction—past and present?Get tickets to Hiroshima Mon Amour @ LAB111

Did audiences jump the gun on Alex Garland's Warfare? Before it's release, the brutally realist portrait of America's war in Iraq was deemed just another army recruitment movie, but Hugo Emmerzael and Laura Gommans definitely don't see it that way. Also: Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl gives Pamela Anderson a tender, neon-lit comeback, but did it warrant the awards hype it got? Plus, an interview with Carmen Chaplin on 'Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp', her reframing of Charlie Chaplin's legacy through his Roma heritage—an overdue look at the outsider beneath the bowler hat.Listen to Why Hollywood Loves a ComebackGet tickets to CC Film Club: Everything Everywhere All At Once @ LAB111Get tickets to Warfare @ LAB111Get tickets to Chaplin: Spirit of The Tramp @ LAB111

In a moment when Hollywood is once again embracing the comeback—think Demi Moore's return in The Substance or Pamela Anderson's reinvention in The Last Showgirl—we turn our attention to the art of the revival. In this episode, hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms explore the enduring appeal of the Hollywood comeback: why the industry—and its audiences—love to see actors return, transformed and triumphant. From John Travolta's genre-defining resurgence in Pulp Fiction to Michelle Yeoh's historic Oscar win at 60, they trace the arcs of reinvention, resilience, and rediscovery. And of course, no conversation on comebacks would be complete without Nicolas Cage—the actor in a perpetual state of renaissance.Book tickets to CC Film Club: Everything Everywhere All At OnceListen back to our episode on Nicolas CageRead Salima Hayek's Op-Ed

Dutch Nazi propagandist Jan Teunissen was once one of the most powerful—and now largely forgotten—figures in Dutch cinema. Rising to prominence during World War II, he seized the opportunity to shape ideology through film, aligning himself with the Nazi regime to fulfil his artistic ambitions. In De Propagandist (2025), director Luuk Bouwman unearths Teunissen's unsettling legacy, tracing his trajectory from outcast filmmaker to the chief propagandist of the NSB and Nederlands SS. In conversation with host Kiriko Mechanicus, Bouwman examines cinema's complicity in propaganda, the moral compromises Teunissen made in pursuit of his craft, and how the language of wartime propaganda lives on in modern advertising.Get tickets to our CC Film Club: Everything, Everywhere All At Once @ LAB111

In collaboration with Go Short, the Netherlands' premier short film festival (April 1–6 in Nijmegen), we explore the power of short-form cinema. Host Hugo Emmerzael sits down with artistic director Mathieu Jansen to explore why short films aren't just stepping stones but playgrounds for experimentation, bold storytelling, and pushing cinematic boundaries. From urgent reflections on war and occupation to the festival's first-ever dive into video games, this year's lineup is breaking new ground and audiences should take note.Want to be there? We're giving away two day passes! Email us at celebratingcinema@lab111.nl with your favourite short film, and you might just find yourself at Go Short.Get tickets for Go Short Film Festival (1-6th April)

Hailed as the Citizen Kane of bad movies, The Room (Tommy Wiseau, 2003) has transcended its origins as an enigmatic vanity project to become a bona fide cult phenomenon. But how did it achieve such status, and what, beneath its layers of unintentional surrealism, is it really about? Hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms unravel the film's bizarre legacy, offering an essential guide to its chaotic production, the rituals of its legendary interactive screenings, and its place in the pantheon of so-bad-it's-good cinema.Get tickets to The Room @ LAB111Get tickets to CC Film Club: Old Boy @ LAB111Get tickets to Straight to Video @ LAB111Get tickets to Go Short Film Festival

When Parasite won Best Picture, it put Korean cinema in the global spotlight, but it was the result of decades of bold filmmaking. With Mickey 17 now out, it's the perfect time to dive into the bloody brilliance of the Korean New Wave. Hosts Laura Gommans and Kiriko Mechanicus explore Korea's obsession with vengeance, shaped by its turbulent history and uncensored filmmaking. They also examine why Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood work feels so different from his Korean films.Korean cinema captures vengeance like no other, blending brutal violence with raw emotion. While Bong mixes social critique with suspense, Park Chan-wook's Oldboy and The Handmaiden embrace operatic violence and eroticism. Join us as we dissect the thrills and bloodstained poetry of the Korean New Wave.Book tickets to Mickey 17 @ LAB111Book tickets to Parasite @ LAB111Book tickets to CC Film Club: Old Boy @ LAB111Listen to Do Two Robert Pattinsons Make Mickey 17 Twice the Fun?

In our latest review round-up, Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 has Laura and Hugo at odds, Mike Leigh's Hard Truths steals their hearts, and Brazilian awards darling I'm Still Here sparks a heated debate between our two hosts—is it Oscar bait or a worthy contender? Tune in and have your say on this month's biggest releases!Book tickets to Mickey 17 @ LAB111Book tickets to Hard Truths @ LAB111Book tickets to I'm Still Here @ LAB111Book tickets to CC Film Club: Old Boy @ LAB111

In this review roundup, hosts Laura Gommans and Hugo Emmerzael dive into three films that have caught their attention. Oz Perkins' latest offbeat horror, The Monkey, leaves them both questioning if the American director knows how to land an ending. Hugo shares insights from his Cannes conversation with Jia Zhang-ke about his latest work, Caught by the Tides. But while Hugo sees something transcendental, Laura isn't so convinced—questioning whether it's all just pretension and an easy ride to the Cannes Film Festival. Finally, they close with Payal Kapadia's fiction feature debut, All We Imagine as Light - a film that moved both hosts, though for very different reasons. (No surprises there!)

With a new wave of nostalgia-driven musical biopics—A Complete Unknown, Better Man, Maria—flooding theaters, hosts Laura Gommans and Hugo Emmerzael ask: what does it take to make a great musical biopic these days? A genre weighed down by formulaic storytelling and its own well-worn bingo card of narrative beats, the musical biopic too often settles for a greatest-hits retelling rather than embracing the radical possibilities of cinema. In this episode, we revisit the films that transcend mere homage, interrogate why audiences remain captivated by these glossy reenactments, and consider how the genre might break free from its own nostalgic loop.Book tickets to CC Film Club: Velvet Goldmine @ LAB111Book tickets to A Complete Unknown @ LAB111Show Notes & Films Mentioned

In our first edition of the Review Roundup, a new biweekly cinematic dispatch, Laura Gommans and Elliot Bloom get into the latest films everyone's talking about. From the swirling controversies surrounding Brady Corbet's Academy-nominated The Brutalist to the unexpected Marvel-like crossover in Pablo Larraín's Maria, Laura and Elliot share their reactions. Also in focus: the enduring allure of Luis Buñuel's Belle de Jour, a film as provocative and hypnotic now as it was upon its release, returning to the big screen in all its dreamlike splendour. Book tickets to The Brutalist @ LAB111 Book tickets to Belle de Jour @ LAB111 Book tickets to Buñuel 125 @ LAB111 Book tickets to CC Film Club: Velvet Goldmine @ LAB111

Legendary filmmaker Ernest Dickerson joins host Elliot Bloom for a compelling journey through his remarkable career. From his early love of sci-fi and fascination with the practical elements of filmmaking to meeting long-time collaborator Spike Lee on his first day of film school, Dickerson reflects on the defining moments that have influenced his work. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of cinema, he discusses his pivotal role in shaping Black American cinema over the last 40 years and the stories behind the making of his iconic films. In a candid conversation, Dickerson also reveals the unexpected path that led him to make a feature film about Curaçao. Book tickets to ⁠CC Film Club: Velvet Goldmine⁠ @ LAB111 Show Notes and Films Mentioned

Fresh off winning the Dutch Film Critics' Choice Award at the Netherlands Film Festival, LAB111 resident filmmaker Jeroen Houben joins host Kiriko Mechanicus to discuss his bittersweet, offbeat drama Torch Song. The film tells the story of an eccentric former pop singer who reconnects with her estranged half-brother in the Netherlands, only to unravel his life when she discovers a muse in his girlfriend. Houben delves into his aim to craft a raw, nuanced portrayal of a struggling artist, sidestepping tired clichés, while offering a fresh perspective on Amsterdam through the eyes of an international community. He also reflects on composing the film's songs in tandem with the script, his fascination with musicals, and a formative (and unsettling) childhood memory of an animated dog. A bold tribute to the power of music and storytelling, this episode offers an illuminating look into the creation of a film where ambition and emotion collide. Book tickets to Torch Song @ LAB111 Book tickets to CC Film Club: Juice

A fearless voice against systemic injustice, Raoul Peck has crafted a body of work that interrogates the legacies of colonialism, racism, and power with unflinching clarity. In this episode, Peck joins our producer Elliot to discuss his latest film, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, an intimate exploration of South Africa's first apartheid-era photographer. Reflecting on Cole's haunting images, Peck draws striking parallels between apartheid South Africa, modern systems of segregation, and the enduring consequences for those displaced. Peck's films stand as a testament to the radical potential of cinema to confront, reimagine, and connect the world's entrenched narratives. He leaves us with a powerful reminder: “The world will be what each one of us lets it be. If we don't act, our inaction will shape the future.” Book tickets to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found Book tickets to The Raoul Peck Collection Book tickets to CC Film Club: Juice

This year, vampires emerge from the shadows once more with Robert Eggers' haunting reimagining of Nosferatu. But why does the vampire continue to linger in our cultural imagination? In this episode, hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms embark on a cinematic journey through the dark, blood-soaked history of vampires and night stalkers. From terrifying symbols of society's deepest fears to complex, oddly relatable figures, they explore how these creatures of the night have evolved. What began as a reflection of our anxieties has transformed into a mirror of our own desires, struggles, and yearnings. Join them as they unravel the vampire's enduring appeal and ask: are these bloodsuckers misunderstood souls searching for something deeper than just human blood? Tune in—if you dare—and uncover why these creatures of the night refuse to let go. Get tickets to Lust For Blood program Get tickets to CC Film Club: Juice Listen to our conversation with Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke

In a village under constant threat of displacement, where homes and schools are torn down and the land is slowly seized, how does one resist? For Basel, the camera is a weapon in the fight to preserve his community of Masafer Yatta. No Other Land is an unflinching documentary of settler violence, created by two Palestinians and two Israeli filmmakers. What they capture is undeniable. On this episode of Celebrating Cinema, Basel and Yuval join Elliot for a powerful conversation about living under separate laws of the same state. They discuss their role as storytellers, connecting the fractured pieces of this crime, and uncovering the emotional truth behind life under occupation. Through their lenses, they expose Israeli state policies fuelling land grabs and illegal occupation, while underscoring the urgent need to document and bear witness. Book tickets to No Other Land Book tickets CC Film Club: Juice Book tickets to The Raoul Peck Collection

To mark the release of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, a 40-year passion project with a staggering $140 million price tag, we turn our attention to cinema's most audacious, eccentric, and underappreciated visions — the “ugly ducklings” that, against all odds, have found their place in the cultural canon. This episode explores the daring, often misunderstood passion projects of filmmakers who, like Coppola, have risked everything to bring their boldest dreams to the screen. From extravagant failures to cult masterpieces, we examine why cinema desperately needs these fearless auteurs, willing to gamble their careers and fortunes for the sake of their art. We also delve into the curious phenomenon of these “megalomaniac” films — why it often takes decades for them to be properly appreciated, and how audiences can learn to embrace even the most challenging works, regardless of whether they “succeed” on traditional terms. Through these cinematic oddities, we celebrate the vital necessity of creative ambition, the glory of artistic missteps, and the long road to recognition that only the most daring films must travel. Book tickets to Megalopolis @ LAB111 Book tickets to Hugo's Megalomania Program Show Notes and Films Mentioned

When 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Republic of Benin) would finally be returned from France, filmmaker Mati Diop was granted rare access to document this historic moment. Dahomey, Mati's deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary, is the result of that access—a cinematic meditation that not only chronicles the repatriation of these artefacts but also imagines the voices of the objects themselves while focusing on the emotional responses of the Beninese people.  Building on the genre-defying spirit of her debut Atlantiques, Mati uses this personal and collective journey as a lens to explore the themes of return, restitution, and memory. Again weaving together fiction and reality in search of deeper truths. In conversation with host Elliot, Mati reflects on the making of Dahomey, the cultural significance of the treasures' homecoming, and the profound, ongoing relationship between history, identity, and filmmaking.

Trigger warning: Please be advised that this episode includes discussions about sexual violence. In this powerful episode, host Elliot sits down with Shiori Ito to discuss her film debut, Black Box Diaries. The documentary is a firsthand account of Shiori's harrowing experience of sexual violence by media mogul Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a man with ties to Japan's political elite, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Shiori's decision to speak out in a culture where sexual assault is often silenced sparked a movement that resonated far beyond her personal story. Through Shiori's unwavering resolve, Black Box Diaries critiques Japan's archaic laws surrounding sexual violence, which often leave survivors with little recourse for justice. The film transcends its role as an exposé, offering a deeply personal narrative of trauma, healing, and resilience. Shiori's journey of reclaiming her voice and confronting systemic patriarchy underscores the power of solidarity in the pursuit of truth. In this intimate conversation, Shiori reflects on the emotional toll of her fight, the necessity of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence, and the broader societal forces that shield perpetrators from accountability. Join us for a discussion on courage, justice, and the transformative power of speaking out. Book tickets to Black Box Diaries Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart

In Kneecap, Rich Peppiatt delivers a raw and politically charged origin story about JJ, a Belfast teacher, and two self-proclaimed "low-life scum," Naoise and Liam, who form the first Irish-speaking hip-hop group. The film is a powerful act of cultural resistance, celebrating the revitalization of the Irish language through music. Peppiatt discusses with our host Elliot the film's roots in Belfast's rich, turbulent history and the creative process that unfolded over many drinks with the Kneecap group. This conversation explores the film's personal and political layers, focusing on the vital importance of storytelling in preserving language and identity. Book tickets to Kneecap Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart Show Notes and Films Mentioned

Join us for a cinematic road trip through the films of visionary director Wim Wenders, whose work has redefined cinematic storytelling. In conjunction with the LAB111 program Drifters and Dreamers: The Films of Wim Wenders and the stunning 4K restoration of Paris, Texas (1984), Tom Ooms and Elliot Bloom explore the recurring themes of transience, memory, and the search for meaning that define Wenders' expansive body of work. Known for his haunting cinematography (often crafted by Dutch cinematographer Robby Müller) and his deeply humanistic perspective, Wenders' films are both personal reflections and universal meditations on existence. We'll examine his recurring motif of the traveler—whether an angel, filmmaker, or pilgrim—navigating between real and imagined worlds. From the fractured narrative of Paris, Texas to the contemplative Perfect Days (2023), we delve into how Wenders transcends genre boundaries, using the road movie to create a unique cinematic language that speaks directly to the soul. Whether revisiting his classics or discovering his work for the first time, this episode offers an essential guide to Wim Wenders' vision—why his films may not be for everyone, but are undeniably worth experiencing. Book tickets to The Films of Wim Wenders Book tickets to Master of Light: Robby Müller Show Notes and Films Mentioned

Following a packed-out CC Film Club screening of Knight of Cups, host Hugo chats with Tom van der Linden, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Like Stories of Old, to explore this often-overlooked masterpiece by Terrence Malick. Like Stories of Old combines media analysis with personal reflection in emotive video essays, offering viewers a fresh perspective on cinema. With millions of views, Tom inspires us to engage with films in new and meaningful ways. Whether you're a fan of Knight of Cups or new to Malick's work, this discussion highlights the art of looking and how we can appreciate cinema on a deeper level. Discover more about Malick's unique creative process in the making of this film. Check out Like Stories of Old channel Show Notes & Films Mentioned

Visionary director Tarsem Singh joins Kiriko to reflect on The Fall (2006), once dubbed by the filmmaker himself as “the most expensive passion project” until Megalopolis. A film nearly derailed by Harvey Weinstein, The Fall has since been reclaimed by a dedicated fanbase, championed by figures like Roger Ebert. Now with a stunning 4K restoration, this cult classic is ripe for rediscovery—an ode to the enduring power of storytelling. Seventeen years in the making, spanning 27 countries, the film captures breathtaking beauty—both human and natural—in a visual tapestry unlike any other. Tarsem shares the challenges of realizing such an ambitious project, from shooting in remote, inaccessible locations to the personal motivation behind this pursuit. Special thanks to MUBI for arranging this interview. Book tickets to The Fall @ LAB111 Show Notes & Films Mentioned

Crafted on a shoestring budget, Kevin Boitelle's feature debut, Trip-Tych, serves as both a film about the art of filmmaking and a reflection on the creative struggle inherent in the process. In conversation with host Kiriko, Kevin reminisces about his formative film experiences and his early collaborations with friends, emphasizing his desire to preserve the joy of collective creativity. This audacious comedic satire offers a piercing glimpse into the Dutch film industry, where Kevin champions the need for filmmakers to embrace boldness and surprise, both in narrative and approach. Join us as we explore the intersection of passion and artistry, celebrating a work that challenges conventions and invigorates the discourse around independent cinema. Book tickets to CC Film Club: Knight of Cups Show Notes & Films Mentioned

There is nothing as hypnotizing than the larger-than-life women that we see on the screen—captivating, outrageous, and irresistibly seductive. Join us as we celebrate some of cinema's most iconic female archetypes, from the bold ladies who are both excessive and exciting to the enigmatic witches who cast their spell through exaggerated feminine mannerisms. To coincide with the "Girls of Plenty" program now running at LAB111 and the release of her illuminating essay Liggend Naakt, film journalist and curator Basje Boer guides us through the magic of femininity in film. Together, we'll delve into the performances of some of the founding mothers of exaggerated female stereotypes, revealing how playing out a gender role is nothing more than a really great performance. Get a copy of Basje Boer's Liggend Naakt Book tickets to Girls of Plenty @ LAB111 Book tickets to CC Film Club: Knight of Cups Show Notes & Films Mentioned

Fresh off her feature debut opening the Netherlands Film Festival, one of LAB111's resident filmmakers Laura Hermanides joins Hugo to discuss Witte Flits—a project that began as a documentary but evolved into a striking fictional narrative. The film tackles the complex, timely debate surrounding euthanasia, particularly in cases of unbearable psychological sufferings. Inspired by a real-life story, Laura examines whether the theory survives the reality, focusing largely on the profound challenge parents face in overcoming their love to set their child free of pain. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the film's journey—from working with a 700-page journal written by the father and forming a lasting friendship with the mother, to developing a distinctive cinematic language. Laura reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling in uncertain times. Get your ⁠tickets⁠ for Witte Flits @ LAB111. Show Notes & Films Mentioned

Orson Welles stands as a visionary filmmaker, a notorious showman, and an enigmatic storyteller who blurred the lines between fact and fiction. In this episode, Tom and Elliot dive deep into the life and legend of one of America's most celebrated yet elusive filmmakers, exploring the enduring allure of his work. As we celebrate the re-releases of The Third Man and F for Fake here at LAB111, we unravel the layers of myth Welles wove around himself—always performing, always crafting his narrative. Was he ever telling the truth, or was it all part of his grand act? Listen to a fascinating journey into the complex mind of the man who redefined American cinema, leaving behind a legacy as compelling and mysterious as his films. Book your tickets for The Third Man @ LAB111 Book your tickets for F For Fake @ LAB111 Show Notes & Films Mentioned

After his 1980s collaboration with legendary filmmaker Michael Powell on a documentary chronicling Powell's career, director David Hinton knew the story was only half told. Now, Hinton returns with the complete portrait of The Archers, Britain's visionary filmmaking duo, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. In this episode, Hinton sits down with host Elliot to reveal why only Martin Scorsese could narrate the intertwined lives of these cinematic icons, the enduring magic of Powell & Pressburger's films, and how their partnership—rooted in friendship and migration—redefined British cinema. This documentary isn't just a tribute, it's a celebration of how two kindred spirits shaped the art of film forever. Book your tickets for Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger @ LAB111 Show Notes & Films Mentioned

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the acclaimed stop-motion epic Coraline, Laura Gommans had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Henry Selick about his illustrious career and lifelong love for cinema. From scary tales at Aunt Lib's house to being terrified by the cyclops in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Henry reveals the origins of his eerie yet tender storytelling style. His obsession with stop-motion animation has not only pushed the boundaries of filmmaking but also reimagined what children's narratives can be. Henry passionately explains why it's crucial for children to experience a touch of fear in films, believing it helps them navigate and understand the complexities of the world. Show Notes & Films Mentioned Book your tickets for Coraline @ LAB111

From screwball comedies to the golden age of 90s and early 00s romcoms, our love for romance remains strong. In this episode, entertainment journalist Laura Gommans joins us to discuss our favorite romantic comedies and what makes them so special. What appears to be a straightforward genre leads us to question whether the familiar clichés define a romcom or if there's more to it. As our values of love and romance have evolved, it seems the essence of romcoms has stagnated. Could the decline of mid-budget movies be a factor? Despite shifts in the industry, the audience's appetite for love stories will never fade. So, what does the future hold for romantic comedies?

Lukas Moodysson shares with Hugo his experiences of making Fucking Åmål, how a story close to his heart has taken on a life of its own and evolved into a queer classic. Reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, the Swedish director discusses his career and the recurring themes at the core of his films: rebellion, loneliness, sincerity, and humor. Get your tickets for Fucking Åmål @ LAB111.

For a country known for wholeheartedly consuming cinema from abroad, the Netherlands has never been great at celebrating their own Dutch filmmakers and their films. With the re-release of George Sluizer's Spoorloos, one of the greatest Dutch films ever made, we explore what holds us back from recognizing the great directors of our small nation. Could the prevalence of lousy vacation romcoms in our cinemas indicate a sense of cultural insecurity? And how are the next wave of Dutch filmmakers responding to the cringe we feel about our language? Find out why it's about time we celebrated films from this tiny postage stamp we call home. Book tickets to Spoorloos @ LAB111 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Collectively known as The Ross Brothers, Bill and Turner Ross are utterly unique in their approach to filmmaking. In a conversation with our host Elliot Bloom, these American directors discuss how film can serve as a vehicle for social experiments, aiming to uncover deeper truths about ourselves and society. Their latest film, "Gasoline Rainbow," offers a bold exploration by giving five Gen-Z teenagers the freedom to be entirely themselves on a classic American road trip. But what did The Ross Brothers learn on their own journey while making this film? Book tickets to Gasoline Rainbow on June 26 Book tickets to Hit The Road this summer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

A film's success often rests on the shoulders of its most bankable stars. But have stars once born to seduce the silver screen become influencers more than actors? Joined by actor Mike Gomez, we try get to the bottom of what exactly makes us fall in love with an actor. Among the giants whose shoulders many actors stand on today is none other than Marlon Brando, cinema's OG pretty bad boy. The latest episode of Celebrating Cinema talks acting, movie stars and the hearts they steal. Book tickets here for Marlon Brando 100 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Sean Price Williams, a stalwart in American indie cinematography, has boldly embarked on his directorial debut with The Sweet East. This exhilarating journey, starring the captivating Talia Ryder, serves as a critical love letter to the fractured landscape of America's East Coast. In a candid discussion for our Celebrating Cinema podcast , both Sean and Talia share, with our host Sophie, their collaborative experience on this wild road trip. Find out how Sean's eclectic cinematic influences enrich his storytelling, while Talia's insights breathe authenticity into the character of Lillian. By the end you might just be left wondering if Sean makes films simply to play his favourite songs. Book tickets here for The Sweet East @ LAB111 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Liberated from the arthouse cliches of cinema, Bertrand Bonello is a rare kind of director. Our host Hugo Emmerzael spoke with Bertrand about his daring approach to filmmaking, and why his films focus on translating our collective social anxieties. Find out how influences from Lynch to Jarmusch all unconsciously seep into this French director's work, as well as what it's like working with Lea Seydoux and her unique acting approach for his latest film The Beast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Baloji is a prolific francophone rapper, known for his visually striking and poetic style. So his turn to filmmaking only seemed like a natural evolution of his talents. Speaking with the Belgian-Congolese director, Elliot discusses Baloji's feature debut Augure, unpacking this incantatory drama about identity and grief. Inspired by the weight of his own name, which took on the loaded meaning of “evil sorcerer” in colonial times, Baloji explains the clashes of culture, mixing Western & African folklore. Raised by the do-it-yourself mentality of hip-hop, Elliot explores with Baloji his role in not only writing and directing but also costume design and soundtracks that all contributed to this visually stunning ensemble story. Rooted in magical realism, find out how Baloji invites the audience to experience rather than to watch. Book tickets to Augure at LAB111 here. Book tickets to Touki Bouki here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Do AI portrayals in film predict a future of robotic overlords or simply offer a chance to innovate cinema? Artificial Intelligence in cinema goes way back. Spanning from Fritz Lang's 1927 Metropolis and robot Maria, to the iconic Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey, our tech obsession runs deep in film. But why is it all so dystopian? What now seems to be a serious technological shift, we discuss how A.I. could impact cinema and what film depictions of sentient machines might tell us of what's to come. (This was not written by ChatGPT) Come watch 2001: A Space Odyssey with us as part of our first ever Celebrating Cinema Film Club - book your tickets here. Show Notes & Films Mentioned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Amidst the abundance of parodies, memes, and impersonations, there exists an undeniable uniqueness to the American actor Nicolas Cage. It's easy to dismiss him as an over-the-top actor, yet beneath the surface lies a talent that positions him among the greatest actors of our time. With an unconventional, almost avant-garde approach to acting that defies the conventions of naturalism prevalent in most mainstream cinema, Cage's body of work invites a deeper exploration. On this episode of Celebrating Cinema we open the Cage and analyze the eclectic performances, the larger than life persona, and how in recent years Cage has become more and more aware of his oddball status. Book tickets to Nicolas Uncaged @ LAB111 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

If you don't know already, Molly Manning Walker's feature debut How To Have Sex (2023) has taken the world by storm. This coming-of-age drama follows Tara (a mesmerizing performance by Mia Mckenna-Bruce) and her two best friends on a rites-of-passage holiday in Malia that slowly derails. Speaking with host Elliot, Molly shares how our stereotypical view of Gen-Z is limiting discussions on consent and why cinema can help reframe these conversations, especially when we watch films communally. Book your tickets here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

After a steamy winter featuring Emerald Fennell's Saltburn, the internet was sent into a frenzy over - a fairly mediocre - erotic murder drama, that had copious amounts of sex. Naturally, Laura Gommans, friend of the podcast, was left questioning what happened to all the sex scenes in cinema today. The 90s marked an era of iconic scenes of intimacy in films like Wild Things, Cruel Intentions, Eyes Wide Shut, Indecent Proposal, Risky Business, Basic Instinct, it was a horny time. In contrast, studios like A24 are currently showcasing some truly jarring sex scenes. How did we get here? And why are blockbuster movies like Avatar deleting their sex scenes? Intrigued by these cinematic shifts, seasoned entertainment editor Laura joins the discussion to unpack the significance of sex in film while getting to the bottom of just exactly why desire on screen has become so contentious. CONFESSION: We had not seen All of Us Strangers OR Poor Things before recording, otherwise this would've featured in our discussion. We never need an excuse to talk about Paul Mescal. TRIGGER WARNING: Please note this episode contains references to explicit sexual content including sexual assault and violence that may be triggering for some. Book ⁠tickets⁠ for LAB111 ⁠Show Notes & Films Mentioned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

"Obviously Doctor, you've never been a 13-year-old girl." (Cecilia, Virgin Suicides) Affectionately known as cinema's favorite 'Nepo Baby', Sofia Coppola has come a long way from her initial appearance in her father's iconic trilogy, The Godfather. Now standing as a unique auteur truly shaping the narrative of the 'girl era.' With pitch-perfect precision, Coppola translates the fabric of girlhood, revealing the heartaches and struggles of her characters as they journey into adulthood. These dreamy personas are stuck in a patriarchal society, always yearning for something more, a taste of authenticity and freedom beyond their current lives. Joined by Sacha Gertsik, film producer and Coppola-fanatic shares both tales from her interview with Coppola at the Venice Film Festival last year, and her rich archive of Coppola-soaked memories, discussing how this American director continues to elevate the essence of girl-fabrication. Book tickets to Lost in Coppola @ LAB111 Show Notes & Films Mentioned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

“I would like to make a film to tell children "it's good to be alive".”― Hayao Miyazaki It's hard to find someone who doesn't love Hayao Miyazaki's films. Regardless of age, there is something profound to be gained from watching any of this Japanese animator's masterpieces. In this celebration of Miyazaki and the wonders he has created, we delve deep into the nostalgic yet fictional universe of Studio Ghibli. For many of us, our earliest film memories are of the Totoro, Kiki the Witch, Princess Mononoke, or Spirited Away. But how have his films shaped our worldview? We explore Miyazaki's process and discuss why his animations remain just as relevant today. Book tickets to Studio Ghibli @ LAB111 Show Notes & Films Mentioned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

“Hope is political. If you have hope then you have confidence you can change things” After 60 years of filmmaking, British filmmaker and icon Ken Loach offers what may well be his most urgent message yet, calling for solidarity and the power that hope can instil in his latest film The Old Oak (2023). Speaking with our host Elliot, Ken reveals how he never runs out of stories to tell when it comes to championing the everyday people. He says, these are the very stories and people that can pave the way for change. At 87 years old, we hear the films of the 1960s Ken still returns to and how he still carries the spirit of filmmaking during these revolutionary times with him today. If there was ever a time to be reminded of hope and solidarity it is now.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

Movies have always been a way to understand the world around us, and so, confronted with the brutal horrors of both Hamas's attacks on October 7th and Israel's disproportionate slaughtering of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians, we question if cinema can try to make sense of such atrocities. For this episode of Celebrating Cinema, we focus on Gillo Pontecorvo's seminal classic The Battle of Algiers, a brutally candid exposé of the French colonial mindset, which recounts a similar bloody struggle for the liberation of the Algerian people in the 1950s. Ultimately, this film both humanises and complicates the reality of violence between the oppressor and the oppressed. As we discuss public oppression, organised resistance, how violence begets violence, as well as the media's power in ‘selling' a colonial occupation and the consequences for the civilian people caught in the middle of all this. But most importantly we focus on how a film like The Battle Of Algiers can offer hope for freedom in these tragic times. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message

For this edition of Future Frames, you can hear from our rising filmmakers who we'll be screening at Volk's Hotel Sunday Shorts on 10th Dec. You can buy tickets here. Bram Ruiter is a filmmaker of a different kind. He has a unique ability to extract the poetry of the mundane, experimenting as much as he can within the realms of the moving-image. Not tied to traditional narrative structures, Bram's obsessed with the inner-mechanics of filmmaking, taking film elements apart and seeing how they work - often breaking the ‘rules' to do so. But strangely it's the mechanics of big blockbusters he finds beauty in, citing Steven Spielberg and Tony Scott as heavy inspirations. But how does this influence a non-narrative filmmaker who's much more experimental with their films? Bram shares how he's led by the practical process of filmmaking in creating his films. From the use of digital, analogue, phones & video games to the scratching and experiments with film emulsions - Bram takes us down a rabbit-hole of a whole other realm of filmmaking. You can watch his tender film Here & Elsewhere at Volks Sunday Shorts or visit his website to discover more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lab111/message