A podcast about independent & international cinema with "One Week Only" theatre runs that deserve a closer look. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar and Conor Holt.
"The Vast of Night" is a terrifically entertaining Sci-Fi thriller about a small town in 1950s New Mexico that is beset by a strange sound on the radio. It won the Audience Award at the 2019 Slamdance Film Festival, and it's now playing in Drive-In Cinemas across the country, before coming to Amazon Prime on May 29th. We interviewed producer Melissa Kirkendall about working with first-time director Andrew Patterson, filming in a real small town with local actors, and how filmmakers are coping with the shutdown. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Stories I Didn't Know" is a documentary at this year's Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival.
"Stories I Didn't Know" is a documentary at this year's Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, which is going on this week online! We interviewed directors Rita Davern and Melody Gilbert Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Film Producer Samuel M. Sherman is a legend of Grindhouse Drive-In Cinema, who made such films as "Satan's Sadists" and "Brain of Blood" with director Al Adamson. With the recent shutdown of indoor cinemas, Sherman is starting a tour of Drive-In theaters across the country with his beloved genre mashup "Dracula vs Frankenstein" starting on May 26th. We interviewed Sherman about his long career in movie-making, his love of Drive-Ins, and his upcoming memoir. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Raising Buchanan" is a dark comedy about a cash-strapped woman who steals the body of President Buchanan, but finds that nobody wants to pay the ransom. We interviewed writer/director Bruce Dellis and Producer/Star Amanda Melby about making a comedy about our "worst" President, balancing humor and crime drama, and working with the late character actor René Auberjonois. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Shadows of Freedom" is a documentary about the Jewish resistance fighters in Algiers during WWII, who helped the Allied forces take back North Africa from Vichy France. Now available on VOD! We interviewed directors Amos Carlen and Aline Robichaud about how they first about this incredible story, tracking down information on the resistance fighters, and why this forgotten WWII story still matters today. hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Riplist" is a funny & thoughtful documentary about a celebrity deathpool, where members try to predict which aging celebrities will die in the coming year. We interviewed director Mike Sholtz about how he heard about this comedically morbid hobby, and why he's fascinated by the weirdest corners of the Midwest, including Viking history and competitive puzzle competitions. The film is now available to rent online via the Twin Cities Film Fest. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Skin Deep: The Battle Over Morgellons" is a documentary about the mysterious Morgellons disease, a skin disorder that affects thousands of people, but many doctors don't believe exists. We interviewed Pi Ware about how heard about Morgellons, how he reached out to those on both sides of the debate, and how Morgellons compares to other afflictions that we eventually proved after decades of denile. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Since movie theaters are closed, let's talk about Virtual Cinema! Indie film distributors are working with independent cinemas to release smaller films and share the profits. It's the best way to support films & theaters during this terrible crisis. Listen to our reviews of "The Platform" (on Netflix), "Saint Frances," "Bacurau" and "Zombi Child" which are now available to stream. "And Then We Danced" which we reviewed last episode is also streaming now. We also discuss "First Cow," "I Was At Home, But..." and "Wendy" which were playing in theaters before they closed. You can also support your local cinemas by buying gift cards and membership. Hopefully we'll all be able to return to cinemas soon. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"The Boy Who Sold The World" is a documentary about Ben Pasternak, who moved to New York and started created Apps when he was only 16. The film was set to premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival, which was sadly cancelled due to COVID-19 virus. We interviewed director Adam Barton about how he met Ben, staying objective as a filmmaker, and the experience of SXSW being cancelled. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"At The Video Store" is a loving documentary tribute to video stores and the people who love them, featuring Bill Hader, Nicole Holefcener, John Waters & more. We interviewed director James Westby about how this film got made over 7 years, why people were excited to be a part of it, and why video stores still matter today. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Blood On Her Name" is a small-town thriller about a single mother who accidentally murders and man and wrestles with her conscience over what to do with the body. Opens Friday in select cinemas! We interviewed director Matthew Pope & producer Don M. Thompson about starting a story with a dead body, filming in a small town & genre audience reactions. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Parasite won Best Picture! That's the best news from this year's Oscars. But we're still sad about I Lost My Body, and JLo's snub. We also look back on this year's Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals, including Minari, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Identifying Features, I Carry You With Me, The Nest, Bloody Nose Empty Pockets, Some Kind of Heaven, Animation Outlaws, and much more. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
This Valentine's Day, you have quite an array of wonderful new romantic movies to choose from! Most importantly, one of our favorite films from last year gets a wide release this weekend: Portrait of a Lady on Fire! This sweeping masterpiece from Céline Sciamma is an absolute must-see. You can also read Carlos' interview with Sciamma on RogerEbert.com We also review the intimate marriage drama "Ordinary People," the Georgian LGBT dance drama "And Then We Danced," and the moving Russian period drama "Beanpole" that was shortlisted for Best International Feature at the Oscars. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Ordinary Love" is an intimate marriage drama from Northern Ireland starring Lesley Manville & Liam Neeson. It's the perfect Valentine's Day movie that celebrates a loving middle-aged couple dealing with the struggles of everyday life. We interviewed directors Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn about making this film after their 1970s period film "Good Vibrations," working with playwright Owen McCafferty & telling a universal story about love. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Omniboat: A Fast-Boat Fantastia" is a wild anthology film made by 14 directors, all centered around a speedboat in Miami. We attended the press line at the Sundance Film Festival premiere, and talked to some of the filmmakers: Phil Lord, writer Hannah Fidell, director Jillian Mayer, director Lucas Leyva, director Xander Robin, director Julian Yuri Rodriguez, director Brett Potter, director Doug Lussenhop, actor Jason David Frank, actor Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Ask No Questions" is a gripping documentary investigation into a suspicious public suicide in China and the subsequent government persecution of the Falun Gong religious movement. We interviewed directors Jason Loftus and Eric Pedicelli about how they came across this story, and how they found the man Chen Ruichang who was tortured by the Chinese government for questioning the official story. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Jasper Mall" is an intimate documentary portrait of a small town mall on it's last legs, as customers dwindle and stores close up shop. We interviewed directors Brett Whitcomb & Bradford Thomason about their interesting in disappearing culture and making a film with a 2-person crew. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Animation Outlaws" explores the wild history of Spike & Mike's Festival of Animation, which started playing independent animated short films back in the 1970s and help launch the careers of Pete Doctor (Pixar), Nick Park (Wallace & Gromit) and many more! We talked to Craig "Spike" Decker and director Kat Alioshin at the Slamdance Film Festival about how it's "about damn time" this story got told, and how excited all the filmmakers were to be part of this documentary. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
At this year's Sundance Film Festival, Conor was able to attend the Press Line for Kirsten Johnson's new documentary "Dick Johnson Is Dead"! Here is a brief interview with Johnson about the inspiration for the film, and the importance of cinema in preserving memories. The film will be released by Netflix this year. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
The documentary "Big Fur" follows World Champion taxidermist Ken Walker as he builds a life-size Bigfoot. It's a funny, thoughtful exploration of artistic passion, Bigfoot mythology & life's complications. We interviewed Walker and director Dan Wayne at the Slamdance Film Festival about making a film about taxidermy, and what it means to put your life on screen. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Bastards' Road" is a documentary about Veteran Jonathan Hancock who walked 5,800 miles around the United States to visit fellow soldiers and help deal with his PTSD. This powerful film just won Best Documentary at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. At the Slamdance Film Festival, we talked to director Brian Morrison and producer/writer Mark Stafford about how they met Jonathan and the emotional experience of interviewing veterans about their service & their emotional wounds. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
The Oscar Nominations are out! Parasite is nominated for Best Picture! But the rest of them... oof. We lament the biggest snubs, from Jennifer Lopez to Atlantics. But now we're about to see a whole bunch of new films at Sundance! We highlight some films we're excited to see, including Wendy, Mucho Mucho Amor, Charm City Kings & more. Conor also recommends the other Park City festival, Slamdance! Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"The Wave" is a psychedelic Sci-Fi comedic thriller about a drug trip that warps into an existential exploration on doing the right thing. We talked to director Gille Klabin about making his first film, what draws him to science fiction, and the challenges of indie film distribution. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
It's almost the end of the year, so here are our Top 10 favorite films of 2019! Carlos: Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Atlantics, I Lost My Body, Invisible Life, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, The Souvenir, Pain and Glory, Monos, The Chambermaid, The Farewell Conor: The Farewell, I Lost My Body, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Diane, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, The Nightingale, Transit, Parasite, Pain and Glory, 63 Up Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
The documentary "Midnight Family" follows the Ochoa family in Mexico City, who run a private for-profit ambulance service, due to the severe lack of government ambulances. We interviewed director Luke Lorentzen about first meeting the Ochoa family, shooting a film inside an ambulance, and dealing with the ethical questions of the situation. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Director Robert Putka came on the podcast 3 years ago with his first feature film "Mad" from Slamdance. Now he returns with his new indie film "We Used To Know Each Other" about a young couple struggling to take their relationship to the next level. Listen as we discuss the challenges of making your second film, how they shot the movie in only 10 days! The film debuts on Amazon Prime on December 15th! Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Broadway Treasures" is a new documentary about the historic movie palaces of Los Angeles and the people working to restore them and keep their magic alive. We interviewed director Haeyong Moon about her 10-year quest to make this documentary. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Filmmaker April Wright has made two documentaries about "Going Attractions": the first explored drive-in theaters, and now her latest looks at the great movie palaces of the golden age of Hollywood. We had the chance to interview Wright about her love of all kinds of "going attractions", researching such huge topics across the country, and her thoughts on the current challenges to theaters, like streaming, Disney taking over Fox, and the possible end of the Paramount decrees. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Our report from the 2019 AFI Fest in Los Angeles! Listen to our thoughts on this year's festival, from the world premieres of Queen & Slim and Richard Jewell, to the LA Premiere of the documentary He Dreams of Giants. We also review Hala, The Last To See Them, The Traitor, A Hidden Life, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Our report from the 2019 Animation Is Film Festival in Los Angeles! The third year featured another fantastic lineup on animated films. Listen to our thoughts on White Snake, Marona's Fantastic Tale, The Swallows of Kabul, Bombay Rose, Son of the White Mare, and I Lost My Body. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
The 2019 AFI Fest (presented by Audi) is happening right now in Los Angeles, and along with World Premieres and major award-winners, the festival also features the "New Auteurs" section with bold new films by breakout filmmakers. One of the those films at this year's festival is "The Planters" by Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder, who not only star in the film, but are also the writers and directors. It's a unique, idiosyncrasy about an unlikely friendship between a reclusive telemarketer and a woman with multiple personalities. We interviewed Kotcheff and Leder about where the idea for the film came from, working together as filmmaking collaboratives, and how they created some hilarious stop-motion animation interludes. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"The Wrong Todd" is a sci-fi comedy about a man named Todd who meets his own twin from a parallel universe, who has come to steal Todd's girlfriend. We interviewed director Rob Schulbaum about making science-fiction on a low budget, and focusing more on the human themes than the special effects. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound" is a new documentary about the history of sound design in motion pictures. We interviewed director Midge Costin about her history in the sound world, interviewing the likes of George Lucas and Walter Murch for the film, and what the film means to people around the world. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"1BR" is a thriller about a young woman who moves to Los Angeles, but discovers her "perfect" apartment might not be perfect after all... Conor interviewed director David Marmor about his own experience of moving to LA, and the challenges of filming an independent film in the city. The film just had it's LA Premiere at Beyond Fest. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Harpoon" is a dark comedy horror film about three friends with buried secrets trapped on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. We interviewed director Rob Grant (Fake Blood) about shooting on a boat, creating three very complex lead characters, and getting Brett Gelman to be the narrator at the last second. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 147 of One Week Only! We're catching up on some of the best films of the summer! Listen to our reviews of "The Farewell," "Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles," "Luce," "The Nightingale" and "Tigers Are Not Afraid"! Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"MOOP" (Matter Out Of Place) is the 2nd film from director Arin Crumley. His first film "Four Eyed Monsters" with Susan Buice was a breakout indie film hit in 2005, nominated for 2 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin McLeod at www.incompetech.com
We're a month late, but here's our Top 10 Films of the 2019 so far, from January 1st to June 30th! Carlos' Top 10: The Souvenir, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Climax, Funan, Our Time, The Chambermaid, Birds of Passage, Holiday, Diamantino, An Elephant Sitting Still Conor's Top 10: Diane, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Transit, Funan, Toy Story 4, Climax, Relaxer, The Souvenir, Hail Satan?, Birds of Passage Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
We're at Outfest Film Festival in LA this week! The documentary "Vision Portraits" looks at four visually disabled artists - a filmmaker, a photographer, a dancer & a writer - who still create, despite their visual impairment. We interviewed director Rodney Evans about finding these fellow artists, deciding to put himself on screen and where he wants to go in his future projects. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 146 of One Week Only! Our key film this episode is "Our Time" (Nuestro Tiempo) by Carlos Reygadas We also review the animated fable "Pachamama", the soulful drama "The Last Black Man in San Francisco", the Egyptian road trip drama "Yomeddine", the unlikely friendship comedy "Papi Chulo", the powerful animated drama "Funan", the Chilean coming of age drama "Too Late To Die Young" and the compelling documentary "The Raft". Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 145 of One Week Only! Our key film this episode is "Diamantino" We also review the true-story drama "Trial by Fire", the New Zealand documentary "Merata: How Mum Decolonized the Screen", the French comedy "Non-Fiction" from Olivier Assayas, the British drama "The Souvenir" from Joanna Hogg and the Chinese period action film "Shadow" from Zhang Yimou. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 144 of One Week Only! Our key film this episode is "Sauvage/Wild" We also review the indie Superhero drama "Fast Color," the funny & provocative documentary "Hail Satan?" about The Satanic Temple, the ethereal documentary "Instant Dreams" about Polaroid film, the transcendent documentary "Black Mother" about Jamaican culture, and the wild fantasy "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" from Terry Gilliam. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 143 of One Week Only! We're back with new reviews of independent and international films in cinemas! Our key film this week is the Chinese drama "Long Day's Journey Into Night" We also review the anime comedy "Penguin Highway," the feminist war drama "Girls of the Sun," the Blues documentary "Satan & Adam," the surreal sci-fi "High Life" from Claire Denis, the period comedy biopic "Wild Nights With Emily," the Italian crime drama "Dogman" & the Singaporean family drama "Ramen Shop". Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Another interview from the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival! The documentary "Seadrift" looks at the small fishing town of Seadrift, Texas in the 1970s, when incoming Vietnamese immigrants received racist backlash from the community. Conor interviewed director Tim Tsai and consultant Dr. Thao Ha about telling this town's story and how the community has evolved over the past 40 years. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
We're at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival this week! The documentary "Eating Up Easter" looks at the island of Rapa Nui, aka Easter Island, and how the rampant tourism and overwhelming garbage is threatening the future of the island's native people. Conor interviewed director Sergio Rapu about his people's side of the story and hopefully reaching a worldwide audience. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 142 of One Week Only! Our key film this week is "3 Faces" (28:15) We also review "In Reality", "The Burial of Kojo", "Diane", "Sunset", and "Relaxer" Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"Satan & Adam" is a documentary portrait of a very unlikely Blues duo: Adam Gussow, a young Jewish harmonica player, and Sterling Magee (aka Mr. Satan) an elderly Blues guitarist playing on the streets of Harlem. Conor talked with director V. Scott Balcerek about how he met Satan & Adam and the process of shooting a documentary over 20 years. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 141 of One Week Only! We're back with more reviews of the latest independent & international films in cinemas! Our key film this week is "Transit" We also review the documentary "Apollo 11" about the landmark space mission, the romantic drama "Gloria Bell" from Sebastián Lelio & starring Julianne Moore, the Chinese drama "Ash is Purest White" from Jia Zhangke, the documentary "Las Sandinistas!" about the women involved in the Nicaraguan revolution, and the French LGBT drama "Sorry Angel" set during the AIDS crisis. Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
"In Reality" is a meta rom-com about Ann Lupo - who wrote, directed & stars in the film - as she explores her own obsession with falling in love. The film premiered at last year's LA Film Festival, where it won a special jury prize, and is now coming to select cinemas and VOD. Conor had the chance to talk with Ann Lupo about turning her life experiences into a film, filming an independent film in New York, and pulling off and incredible climactic musical number. See the film starting Friday, March 29th at the Arena Cinelounge in Hollywood, or see it on VOD starting Tuesday, April 2nd! Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
Episode 140 of One Week Only! It's been a busy month with the Miami Film Festival and the San Luis Obispo Film Festival. Our key film is "This Magnificent Cake!" We also review the Icelandic eco-thriller "Woman At War", the wild & surreal "Climax" from Gaspar Noé, and the Irish horror film "The Hole in the Ground". Hosted by Carlos Aguilar & Conor Holt. Music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com
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