Film Forward

Isaac Elliot and Oli Pizzey Stratford are amazingly talented and charming filmmakers. In today's episode they discuss two of their incredible films, the documentary We Are Sexual Beings, and the dark comedy Don't Come In... Yet! Isaac and Oli discuss their craft and how their being wheelchair users affects their thematic approach to their projects. You can see We Are Sexual Beings on Friday, September 22nd with LADFF. Don't Come In... Yet screens with LADFF on Saturday, September 23rd. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com.

Me Night is a wild, hilarious, and honest depiction of one woman's night alone. Filmmakers Lauren Knutti and Anna Salinas join us for an in-depth conversation on the heart of their film and the brilliant technical approaches to making it. Me Night screens on Saturday, September 23rd with the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

Bubjan is a powerful documentary that chronicles an Iranian man who has been living in exile in the United States since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. He was a member of the Iranian parliament, where he dedicated his life to cultivating a progressive, modern, and free society in Iran. But the rise of the Islamic Republic eclipsed those aspirations and forced him to leave behind everything he knew. Joining us on the Film Forward are director Nicholas Mihm and producer Rostam Zafari. Don't miss Bubjan - screening with LADFF on Saturday, September 23rd. Tickets are on sale now at LADFF.com

LADFF alum Emelie Claxton returns to Film Forward to discuss her new project, Doggone. In this deep dive, Emelie talks about her writing process, the heart of her story, and pre-production, which includes her Kickstarter campaign. You can donate to Doggone's crowdfunding campaign at DoggoneShortFilm.com from now through September 15th.

Felicia Pride's work spans television, film, and podcasts. In this episode of Film Forward, she discusses how her work on shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Queen Sugar" sharpened her craft and prepared her for personal projects like "Look Back At It." Felicia and host Nicholas Ybarra discuss the importance of making a place for yourself in the film industry, carving your own path, and honing your true voice. "Look Back At It" screens with LADFF on Friday, September 22nd. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

Joshua Coppenbarger's short film Opening Night screens this week at LADFF's 10th Anniversary Celebration. In this episode of Film Forward, Joshua discusses his journey from sports documentaries to narrative romance. PLUS: the triumphant return of our Gimme Three segment! See Opening Night on August 17th at the Laemmle NoHo 7. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

Films have incredible power to change lives and perspectives and evoke empathy. Sometimes, they can piss us off as well. Such is the case with one 1997 indie-darling, Chasing Amy. Twenty-six years after the film's release, a beautiful counterpart to the film is released, Chasing Chasing Amy. A documentary that examines the complex legacy of Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy (1997) on LGBTQ+ people and its life-saving impact on director Sav Rodgers.

Two years ago, we were honored to speak with Academy Award-winner Sam Pollard, a legend among editors and documentary filmmakers. He talked to Film Forward about his documentary MLK/FBI. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are proud to revisit our discussion about this pertinent and essential film. In this episode, Mr. Pollard elaborates on how he and his team approached this wonderfully crafted film and what audiences can take away from the lessons of the past. The film is available to stream now on Hulu.

Returning guest Ryan Lacen joins us for another installment of Gimme Three. This week's theme is Female-Led Thrillers, as we celebrate the Los Angeles Premiere of Save Me From Everything, a mystery thriller starring Paige Henderson. Ryan Lacen and Nicholas Ybarra each provide three pulse-pounding thrillers led by powerhouse performances from Zoe Kravitz, Jodie Foster, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, and Sofia Boutella. Check out all six of these fantastic films, then see Save Me From Everything, hosted by LADFF on January 12th at the Laemmle NoHo7. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com.

Writer, producer, and star, Jéan Elie joins the podcast to discuss his incredible series, Send Help, which can be streamed right now on allblk.tv. Elie (Insecure, Rap Sh!t) discusses the journey to tell his own story and what it was like to sit in the director's chair for the first time. Jéan also highlights the birth of his own production company, Bassett House Pictures - visit their website bassetthousepic.com for more info on their upcoming film festival.

Actor and Musical aficionado Max Sopkin joins the podcast for another installment of Gimme Three. Not only do we discuss some spectacular movie musicals, but we also explore the very definition of what a movie musical is. Max and host Nicholas Ybarra tell us how these musicals changed their life trajectory, work, and friendship. Let us know what your favorite movie musicals are!

In her debut solo special, No Bad Days, Alyssa Limperis takes the audience through a funny and relatable journey of grief, love, and strength. She blends stand-up comedy and a one-woman show to create a unique and powerful special not soon to be forgotten. In this episode of Film Forward, Alyssa joins us to discuss her writing process, finding comedy in grief, and the intricacies of filming a stand-up special. No Bad Days is available to stream right now on Peacock! Check it out and let us know what you think.

It's our 100th episode!! On our 100th episode of Film Forward, we are joined by LADFF Festival Director Sonja Mereu. Together, Sonja and Nicholas preview the 2022 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival and highlight a few of the films they are excited about. Tickets are available for LADFF right now! Visit LADFF.com/2022fest.

Our series covering the 2022 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival continues as we do a deep dive into the beautiful and ethereal short film, Letters To Axel. Filmmakers Miles Adonay Lopez and Jonathan De La Torre discuss their writing process and the creative challenges of blending the real world with the dream world. Letters To Axel screens with LADFF on Friday, August 19th, as a part of the Love. Lust. Lost. block. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com/2022fest.

On this episode of Film Forward, we chat with Rae Binstock and Maria Fernanda Diez, producers of the wildly entertaining short film DIVR, which will screen at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival on August 18th. DIVR follows three founders of an exclusive lesbian sex app, shattering the start-up world's glass ceilings, but the pressures of success have threatened the integrity of their friendship - and worse, their brand. Tickets for DIVR are available now at LADFF.com/2022fest. Join us for a fantastic night after you listen to these kick-ass filmmakers.

Our series on 2022's Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival continues with Diliana Deltcheva and Alex Frnka, makers of the gripping short film Blue Moon. Blue Moon follows a family that unravels one evening as they struggle with the best course of care for their mother, who is in the later stages of Alzheimer's. Diliana and Alex discuss their uncomfortable but relatable subject and the importance of creating a family off-screen and on-screen. Blue Moon screens as a part of the block Love. Lust. Lost. on Friday, August 19th. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com/2022fest.

Our series highlighting the filmmakers from the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival continues with the director of the powerful short film When She Was Good. When a young girl discovers that Santa is not real, she questions the lies told by adults and the terrible secret that she has been forced to keep. Join us at LADFF to see When She Was Good, screening Saturday, August 20th, as a part of the Through Her Lens block. Tickets are available right now at LADFF.com

As a part of our series highlighting filmmakers from the 9th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival: Wet Seal Cigarettes blends and bends cinematic genres to create a world where consumerism is eating individualism alive. This short film takes every opportunity to inspire the individual to be more than what they consume, whether it be their environment, media, or even the illustrious Wet Seal Cigarette. Writer/Director Percival Bernard and Producer/Star Nicholas G. Sims join Film Forward to discuss the pertinent themes of Wet Seal Cigarettes, as well as the film's intoxicating style and performances. See Wet Seal Cigarettes at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival on August 20th as a part of the This Is America block. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com.

Director and Producer Emelie Mahdavian joins Film Forward to discuss her new film, Bitterbrush. The beautiful and immersive documentary follows two friends who traverse the changes in season, as well as the changes in their lives. Emelie discusses her relationship with the fascinating subjects of the film and what it was like adapting to the conditions in rural Idaho. Bitterbrush is screening this week in select theatres and will be available on VOD starting June 24th. Let us know what you think. https://magpictures.com/bitterbrush/

Katt Shea has directed some of the most memorable cult films of the last quarter-century, including Poison Ivy, The Rage: Carrie 2, and Streets. In this episode of Film Forward, Katt discusses her storied career, from her start working with Roger Corman to her recent work in family films with Netflix. We also discuss her latest film, Rescued By Ruby, a heartwarming movie available to stream now on Netflix. Drop us a line and let us know what you think! You can find out more about Katt and her acting workshops at https://www.kattshea.com/.

In 2019, LADFF screened the beautiful short film Disfluency. Three years later, we're proud to be screening the feature film version of Disfluency. In this episode of Film Forward, we speak with writer/director Anna Baumgarten. She discusses the journey from short to feature, shooting a movie in her hometown, and the catharsis of telling a personal story. LADFF's special screening of Disfluency is April 21st at the Laemmle NoHo 7. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

StoryNosh is a digital storytelling competition served in delicious bite-sized pieces. Four themes are explored throughout this initial season, each featuring a handful of stories released weekly on YouTube. The web series' Director Aysha Wax and producers/showrunners David Chiu and Daphna Shull join Film Forward to discuss their selection process and their adaptation and creative process. You can check out the Web Series, presented by The Braid, at the-braid.org/storynosh.

The HBO Documentary, ICAHN: The Restless Billionaire, explores the fascinating contradictions at the heart of the famed financier Carl Icahn. He has amassed close to 20 billion dollars over the last half-century was at the forefront of some of the most legendary business deals of our time; the film dissects his legacy and the American system that helped create it. On this episode of Film Forward, we are joined by the film's writer/director, Bruce David Klein. Bruce discusses the film's long road and what it was like working with Icahn himself. As always, our guest gives us three excellent film recommendations in our Gimme Three segment. ICAHN: The Restless Billionaire is streaming now on HBO Max. Watch this riveting and informative documentary, and please let us know what you think.

2021 was a tremendous year for cinema. Not only were we treated to a beautiful array of stories, but it was also the year when we were able to return to the cinemas. In this episode of Film Forward, our producers Sonja Mereu, Anselm Kennedy, and Nicholas Ybarra each give three of their favorite films from the year that was 2021. Please give us a listen and let us know what your favorites from 2021 are in the comments.

We conclude our series on All The World Is Sleeping with one of the film's stars, Kristen Gutoskie. Kristen discusses the detailed work that created her character Nell, both from a physical and emotional standpoint. In our Gimme Three segment, Kristen highlights some incredible performances that informed and inspired her work in All The World Is Sleeping.

Film Forward continues its series on the film All The World Is Sleeping. In the episode, we're joined by composer Emily Greene. Emily discusses her composition process, inspirations, and what it was like laying vocals down in her music. Emily also helps us with a special edition of Gimme Three. Listen and show her some love. And see All The World Is Sleeping on January 20th. Tickets are available at LADFF.com

All The World Is Sleeping follows Chama, a mother in New Mexico who's fighting for her own life and the ones she loves. She sinks deeper into her addiction while struggling to surface for her daughter. On this episode of Film Forward, we're joined by All The World Is Sleeping writer and director Ryan Lacen. Ryan discusses the impactful backstory of the film, the importance of creating a familial feeling on set, and the collaboration with his fantastic cast and crew. All The World Is Sleeping is screening for one night with LADFF on January 20th at the Laemmle NoHo7. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com.

Red Rocket is a new film by acclaimed writer/director Sean Baker. The film follows Mikey Saber, a washed-up porn star who returns to his small Texas hometown, not that anyone wants him back. On this episode of Film Forward, we're joined by Red Rocket's cinematographer Drew Daniels. Drew discusses his creative collaboration with Sean Baker, working with a micro-sized crew, and the significance this project had on him. Red Rocket is playing in theaters, and the film begs to be seen on the big screen. Check it out and let us know what you think.

"Juice WRLD: Into The Abyss" follows the meteoric rise of the late hip-hop artist. The powerful HBO documentary features archival footage of Juice WRLD performances, his artistic process, and his struggles. Director Tommy Oliver joins us to discuss his exploration of the footage and his emotional connection to the incredible artist gone too soon.

DMX's connection with his passionate fanbase is on full display in the riveting documentary, DMX: Don't Try To Understand. This immersive film follows Earl “DMX” Simmons through one eventful year of his life. We are honored to be joined by the film's director, Christopher Frierson, who discusses their odd first encounter, what it was like touring with the hip-hop legend, and stories about the man, Earl Simmons. The incredible documentary is available to stream now on HBO MAX. Check it out and let us know what you think.

What do Ethan Hawke, Jim Carrey, Terry Gilliam, Fritz Lang, and Robin Wright have in common? Sci-Fi premonitions! Film Forward returns with one of our patented Gimme Three episodes. The theme for this installment is Sci-Fi Premonitions. Host Nicholas Ybarra and guest David Chiu each recommend three amazing science-fiction films that accurately predict the future. Enjoy this fun discussion, and let us know what you think of the films!

Film Forward is thrilled to be joined by award-winning actor and author Murisa Harba. Murisa discusses her insightful and eye-opening book Acting With Energy. In Acting With Energy, Murisa outlines her signature CHAKRA APPROACH to performance. This episode is not only a must-listen for aspiring actors but also aspiring writers and directors. Acting With Energy is available to purchase now on Amazon.

In this episode of Film Forward, the accomplished producers Daniela Alatorre and Elena Fortes discuss their brilliant and inventive documentary, A Cop Movie. The Netflix doc, A Cop Movie, takes us deep into the Mexican police forces with the story of Teresa and Montoya, together known as ‘the love patrol.' In this thoroughly original and unpredictable documentary, the filmmakers play with the boundaries of nonfiction and immerse the audience into the human experience of police work within a dysfunctional system. A Cop Movie is available to stream right now on Netflix. Check it out, and let us know what you think! This genre-bending documentary is not to be missed.

Earlier this year, LADFF had the honor of screening a compelling and pertinent film, In The Dark of the Valley, which airs this Sunday, November 14th on MSNBC - 10 PM ET and 7 PM PST. In the Dark of the Valley is a deep dive into the nuclear meltdown at Santa Suzana Field Lab and the persistent effort to hide the meltdown and its effects on the community. More importantly - the film follows the people who are working tirelessly to get that site cleaned up and hold the responsible parties accountable. In this edition of Film Forward, we revisit our discussion with the film's director, Nicholas Mihm, and a mother who took it upon herself to fight for what is right - Melissa Bumstead.

On this episode of Film Forward, we are joined by the filmmakers of the wildly creative and raunchy short film 1-800-D-Direct. While working a mundane job selling dishwashers in 1960's Manhattan, Joyce and Frances secretly start a secret database of all the meant in New York City-based on sexual performance. This jam-packed episode features director Clare Macdonald and writers/producers/stars Haley Bishop and Gemma Yates-Round. You can see 1-800-D-Direct at LADFF's REEL WOMEN showcase, screening October 15th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at LADFF.com.

The powerful and pertinent film Jane is set during the burgeoning women's rights movement in the era before Roe v. Wade. Teresa and Josie are a part of an underground group that breaks the law and risks everything to help women access safe abortions. When their trusted doctor doesn't show up, will they be forced to turn away women in need? On this episode of Film Forward, we are honored to be joined by the film's writer/director, Natalija Vekic. Natalija discusses her research process for the film based on actual events, the collaboration with her incredible cast (Mishel Prada, Mekenna Melvin), and some of the challenges she and her team experienced when shooting their most crucial scene. You can see Jane on the big screen at LADFF's Reel Women Showcase at the Let Live Theatre in West Hollywood. October 16th! Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

Bring Your Own Brigade is a gripping investigation into our landscape's hidden fire stories and on-the-ground experiences of firefighters and residents struggling through deadly fires. We discuss this incredible documentary with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker. Lucy discusses her experiences filming intense fire sequences and what she learned from these personal and heartbreaking stories. Bring Your Own Brigade is the most in-depth look at the horrifying wildfire epidemic. It is a must-see film - you can see it now on the big screen in select theaters! It will also be available on the CBS News App and Paramount+ on August 20th.

Not Going Quietly follows Ady Barkan, whose life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS. Still, a confrontation with a powerful senator catapults him to national fame and ignites a once-in-a-generation political movement. In today's episode of Film Forward, we are joined by director Nicholas Bruckman and producer Amanda Roddy. They discuss the challenges of filming a documentary on the road, the insanity of watching Ady's rapid fame, and what they learned from Ady's journey. Not Going Quietly plays in select theaters (Los Angeles: Laemmle Town Center 5 in Encino). See it on the big screen and let us know what you think! It is an uplifting, empowering, and inspiring film.

The Pine Ridge Reservation (in South Dakota) declares a State of Emergency when youth suicide rates reach the highest levels in the country. A respected female elder leads the Oglala Sioux Tribe's suicide prevention team while mentoring a group of suicide-survivor teenagers to find their voice. This is the story of The Bears on Pine Ridge - a powerful, eye-opening, and empowering documentary by filmmaker Noel Bass. In this episode of Film Forward, Noel discusses the making of his first film, what it was like living on the reservation, the relationships he built and how people can help the Bear program. The Bears on Pine Ridge will be streaming at LADFF.com from August 9th - August 14th. It is a film that must be seen - check it out and let us know what you think!

Duet is the story of one fateful day in the lives of 8-year-old girls May and Shadmit, who dislike each other but learn that their lives have become oddly intertwined forever. On this episode of Film Forward, we are joined by Duet's writer and director, Mika Orr (former LADFF Best Director Award Winner). Mika discusses the long journey with this personal story, filming across two countries, and what she took away from an extended post-production process. As always, Mika also provides three film recommendations of work that inspired her in our Gimme Three segment. Watch Duet in the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 5th - August 9th in the program, A Many Splendored Thing. Go to LADFF.com to stream or for tickets.

The feature film documentary In the Dark of the Valley is a chilling examination of the 1959 partial nuclear meltdown at the Santa Susana Field Lab, and the decades-long effect it's had on the community and its residents. The film is both gripping and uplifting, thanks to the work of community leaders, parents, and Melissa Bumstead - the mother of a cancer survivor who is fighting to get the spill cleaned up 60 years after the disaster. In this episode, we are honored to be joined by Melissa Bumstead herself and the film's director Nicholas Mihm. In the Dark of the Valley is playing at the Laemmle Town Center in Encino as a part of the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. Tickets for the event are available at LADFF.com

This week, the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival returns for it's 8th installment. In this episode of Film Forward, Festival Director Sonja Mereu and Program Director Nicholas Ybarra discuss some of their favorite films from this year's lineup. LADFF will hold three In-Person screenings - July 29th, August 5th and August 12th. Online streaming for LADFF will be available from August 1st - August 14th at LADFF.com Tickets, info and full festival lineup are available right now at LADFF.com

Hello, From Taiwan is a personal and intimate story from writer/director Tiffany Frances. In this episode of Film Forward, Tiffany discusses her experience in writing a personal story, the challenges of shooting a period piece on a budget and what it was like working with her incredible cast. Hello, From Taiwan is nominated for two LADFF Jury Awards; Best Short Film and Best Director. You can see the incredible short at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival, streaming from August 5th - August 9th. Tickets are available now at LADFF.com.

LADFF's first In-Person screening will be taking place on July 29th and we couldn't have picked a better film to return to the big screen with. Best Summer Ever is hilarious and uplifting musical/rom-com. We are so excited to be joined by the film's star Shannon DeVido, an incredible actor and comedian. Best Summer Ever is not only a terrific film, it is the first film to have over 50% of the cast and crew be people with disabilities. Shannon takes us behind the scenes of the making of this epic movie; we laugh, we learn and we love. And as always, our guest participates in our favorite segment - Gimme Three! You can see the film at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival on July 29th at the Laemmle Town Center in Encino. Tickets are available right now at LADFF.com.

Freeze follows Joy, whose fairytale romance crashes and burns on her 35th birthday, the incessant TICK-TOCK of her biological clock pushes her to try new things. Freeze is a surrealist dark comedy that fires on all cylinders. In this edition of Film Forward, we are joined by Freeze's writer/director Maya Albanese who discusses her inspiration for the short, it's poignant commentary and it's unique visuals. Freeze will be a part of the 8th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival, streaming from August 1st - August 5th in the “That's What She Said” block. Tickets and info available now at LADFF.com

The powerful documentary Crip Camp just earned the Peabody Award, an incredible and well-earned accomplishment. Last year we spoke with Crip Camp directors Jim Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham about their beautiful film, the history of disability rights and what's next for the movement. The Academy Award nominated Crip Camp is available to stream right now on Netflix. Enjoy!

In the Heights is an epic return back to the cinema! The film pulsates with energy and love. If you haven't seen it yet - now would be the perfect time to do so! Last year we spoke with In the Heights star Melissa Barrera about the upcoming release of the film (of course the release got pushed back due to the pandemic). We are re-releasing this episode for all of the new In the Heights fans to hear Melissa share some amazing stories about the production. We also discuss the powerful series Vida which Melissa co-stars in. All three seasons of Vida are available to stream now on Starz. In The Heights is playing in theaters globally! Go see it… and see it again!

Film Forward returns with another one of our patented Gimme Three episodes. On this installment, returning guest David Chiu and host Nicholas Ybarra do a deep dive on their favorite films from the year 2001! There must have been something in the water that year as many of the films we discuss happen to have many similar themes, including loneliness, existentialism, tech horror and of course - dreams! Join us as we celebrate these film’s twenty year anniversary - and let us know what your favorite film from 2001 is!

Warrior is a heart-pounding, masterfully executed series based on an original concept and treatment by the legend Bruce Lee. The series is executive produced by his daughter, Shannon Lee. And on this episode of Film Forward, we are joined by Warrior’s Assistant Stunt Coordinator Johnny Yang. Johnny Yang discusses what it means to be for a super fan of kung fu to be on a Bruce Lee show. He explains how he and the rest of his stunt team are able to create such incredible and consistent fight sequences and how the creative team balanced the series’ perfect balance of homage and invention. As always, Mr. Yang partakes in our Gimme Three segment where he provides the audience with three film recommendations of movies that’s inspired him and his work. Seasons 1 & 2 of Warrior are available to stream on HBO MAX.

The new comedy film Golden Arm follows a tough lady trucker who trains her wimpy best friend to compete in the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship.  On this episode of Film Forward, we were honored to be joined by Maureen Bharoocha, the director of Golden Arm. Maureen discusses what it was like to work with some of the funniest comedians in the game and she kept each arm wrestling scene feel fresh and exciting.  The film is wall to wall laughs and you’ll have the opportunity to check it out this Friday, April 30th! Golden Arm will be available in select theaters and also On Demand. This film is worth a few watches - it is that much fun!

Some of the most underrated and under appreciated artists that work in cinema are stunt performers. Not only does their work involve immense creativity and technical knowledge, but they also put their bodies on the line; not in the metaphorical way, they literally put their bodies on the line. So during Oscar week, we want to give some love to the department that the Academy has ignored for yet another year - the Stunt Department. We bring you another one of our patented Gimme Three Episodes; Gimme Three Stunt Films. Helping us out with this kick-ass (pardon the pun) theme is Luci Romberg. An accomplished stunt woman a national champion gymnast. Luci has worked on dozens of films as a stunt performer including Thunder Force, Bird Box, Spy, The Conjuring, Zombieland and Ghostbusters. Luci and host Nicholas Ybarra each give us three movies that blew their stunt-loving minds. Next time you’re watching a film or a television show, keep an eye out for the stunt work and give them a round of applause. They’ve more than earned it. Enjoy the episode! Let us know what your favorite stunt films are!