Podcasts about film forward

Send us a textWe kick off our month-long horror film extravaganza by also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. In this episode (a re-release from a 2020 Film Forward episode), co-host Nicholas Ybarra chats with award-winning filmmaker Felix Martiz, and they each provide three outstanding horror films by Hispanic filmmakers. Ybarra and Martiz discuss these incredible films:Issa Lopez' beautiful and grounded cartel-inspired horror, Tigers Are Not Afraid. Mexico's 1968 classic (in every sense of the word) Even The Wind Is Afraid. If you're curious about tentacle lovin', you may be into the bizarre and freaky film The Untamed.Next, we gush over Robert Rodriguez's homage to grindhouse cinema, Planet Terror.We can't do a Hispanic Horrors episode without talking about Guillermo Del Toro's anti-fascist horror film, The Devil's Backbone.George Romero's Dawn of the Dead takes on a whole new meaning when viewed through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Support the showSign up for our Patreon for exclusive Bonus Content.Follow the podcast on Instagram @gimmethreepodcastYou can keep up with Bella on Instagram @portraitofacinephile or Letterboxd You can keep up with Nick: on Instagram @nicholasybarra, on Twitter (X) @nicholaspybarra, or on LetterboxdShout out to contributor and producer Sonja Mereu. A special thanks to Anselm Kennedy for creating Gimme Three's theme music. And another special thanks to Zoe Baumann for creating our exceptional cover art.

On this episode, I release the full recording from our second ever live podcast show. It was filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 4 Year Anniversary celebration on Sat, April 6th at the Happier Camper Outdoor Showroom + Happier Cafe here in Los Angeles. The guest panel featured SoCal Hometown Heroes such as Karla Amador (founder of @52hikechallenge), Cris Hazzard (creator of HikingGuy.com), Anjelica Avella (Lead Protagonist / Story Producer in the film “Forward”), and myself as the moderator. We chatted about each of their impactful work in the community, their most meaningful outdoor adventures / nature experiences, what the community each has cultivated has taught them, and the one must do experience that any outdoor enthusiast should at least do once.  After the group discussion, we opened up a live Q&A to the audience so that everyone could join in on the fun and ask the guests their own questions. The overall group panel talk was inspirational, impactful, informative, entertaining, and a blast of time. ________________________ Filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 4 Year Anniversary 4.6.24 Watch Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyo5fdGGj4Q We'd like to thank our sponsors: Cotopaxi - https://www.cotopaxi.com/ KEEN - https://www.keenfootwear.com/ 52 Hike Challenge - https://www.52hikechallenge.com/ Parch - https://drinkparch.com/ Juneshine - https://juneshine.com/ Easy Rider - https://drinkeasyrider.co/ Tony's Chocolonely - https://tonyschocolonely.com/us/en Event was in partnership with Happier Camper, Happier Cafe, and Tada Coffee.  Use code “TADAATREK” on https://happiercamper.com/ for an exclusive upgrade to any camper purchase. With this code you receive and choose one of two options 1) Full-shell Gel Coat of any standard color (Mojave Sage, Palms Springs Yellow, Venice Breeze, Topanga Turquoise) valued at $1,500.00 or 2) $1,500.00 of Adaptiv Credit towards a custom made-to-order camper. Follow our guest panelists on instagram www.instagram.com/lovekarlamador,  www.instagram.com/52hikechallenge,  www.instagram.com/hikingguy_com, and  www.instagram.com/adventureswithanjelica Support Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

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

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.

Invest In Her host Catherine Gray talks with Emily Best who is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a unique organization that accelerates the cultural impact of storytelling.  Seed&Spark's crowdfunding platform and national education program have helped thousands of bold storytellers raise tens of millions of dollars to bring to life entirely new stories, and they've built an engaged community of a half million creators from around the world. Seed&Spark built a curriculum around a curated selection of those stories and delivers them for maximum impact through Film Forward, an enterprise training platform that helps some of the world's largest brands build more innovative and accountable cultures.   And today…the Girls Just Wanna Have Funds movie grassroots fundraiser rolls out! Click here to learn more about how your tax deductible contribution can help! https://bit.ly/3D7KYlF   www.sheangelinvestors.com  https://seedandspark.com/   Follow Us On Social Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Neil Koenig, ideaXme interviewer, senior television producer and journalist, interviews Rachel Goslins, Director of the Arts and Industries Building, at the Smithsonian Institution. Neil Koenig comments: What does the future mean to you? A forthcoming exhibition in America's capital city will attempt to help visitors to answer this question. The Arts and Industries Building (AIB) in Washington DC is one of the oldest parts of America's vast Smithsonian Institution. It originally opened in 1881 as the first national museum in the US. Over the years, millions of visitors have experienced world-changing inventions like the electric light bulb, the steam locomotive and Alexander Graham Bell's telephone at AIB. After almost a century of showing exhibits such as these, the building's 100,000 square foot halls closed completely in 2004. AIB will be relaunched soon with a new exhibition, called FUTURES. This multidisciplinary project will feature artefacts drawn from the Smithsonian's vast collection and research centres, as well as large-scale commissioned artworks and dozens of interactive exhibits, with the aim of “encouraging visitors to embrace their own role in shaping what is to come”. In this ideaXme interview, AIB Director Rachel Goslins talks to journalist and producer Neil Koenig about re-launching a museum in the middle of a pandemic; the wider challenges facing the museum sector; and her goals for the FUTURES show, and the original research under-pinning it, which reveals that what most of us want from the future is “not flying cars and robots” but values like “peacefulness and sustainability”. RACHEL GOSLINS, FIRST DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING Rachel Goslins has more than 20 years of experience across the worlds of art, law and public policy. Before her new role as AIB's Director, Rachel served as Executive Director of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, advising the Obama White House on cultural policy from 2009 to 2015. Under her tenure, the Committee spearheaded campaigns of cultural diplomacy and national investment in the arts, including: the Turnaround Arts project, the first federally-led, public-private partnership to introduce arts education programs to low-performing elementary schools, and Film Forward, which recovered and restored Haitian art and artefacts endangered by the 2010 earthquake and its aftermath. Earlier, Rachel founded a documentary production company, directing feature documentaries for the Public Broadcasting Service, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel and History. She is a 2012 Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. VIDEO AND IMAGE CREDITS Contemporary images of Arts + Industries Building and portrait of Rachel Goslins by Farrah Sheiky All video b-roll and images courtesy Smithsonian except: Images of FUTURES exhibition, renderings courtesy Rockwell group. me + you in the Smithsonian's Arts + Industries Building, rendering, courtesy Reddymade. Pegasus' vehicle, 2020, Virgin Hyperloop, courtesy Virgin Hyperloop. Goddard 1935 A-Series Rocket, 1935, Robert H. Goddard, courtesy National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Water Harvester, Waha, Inc. courtesy Waha, Inc. LINKS Rachel Goslins https://www.si.edu/about/bios/rachel-... FUTURES exhibition at the Arts and Industries Building https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/future... ideaXme https://radioideaxme.com ideaXme is a global network - podcast on 12 platforms, 40 countries, mentor programme and creator series. Mission: To share knowledge of the future. Our passion: Rich Connectedness™!

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

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.

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.

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

640: Kindness Gets Stories Sold , Jennifer Jordan-Pellerin, Film Forward   Kindness Gets Stories Sold Jennifer Jordan-Pellerin, Film Forward   – The Sharkpreneur podcast with Seth Greene Episode 640 Jennifer Jordan Pellerin Jennifer Jordan-Pellerin loves the power of a great film. A film can inspire one to greatness, it can further one's compassion, knowledge, and personal power. And, it all begins with a wonderful story. To Jen, combining the use of storytelling and expression on film is one of the most powerful tools in solving the issues that our global community faces.    Listen to this illuminating Sharkpreneur episode with Jennifer Jordan-Pellerin about using kindness to sell stories. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How Film Forward services the underdogs of film like independent film makers. ●    How Film Forward helps film makers do things on their own terms without a studio. ●    Why people who want to work in the entertainment industry shouldn't give up. ●    Why people who believe in their idea and project shouldn't take no for an answer. ●    How doors will open for people who are genuine and have integrity.     Connect with Jennifer: Guest Contact Info Instagram @filmfowardllc Links Mentioned: filmforwardllc.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

Film Forward returns and is joined by a good friend of LADFF, David Radcliff. David is an active member of the Committee for Writers with Disabilities at the Writers Guild of America, West and is writer on the hit Netflix show Waffles + Mochi. David and host, Nicholas Ybarra discuss the highly creative episode construction of Waffles + Mochi. He also discuss how working on this show parlayed into a roll on the Academy Award nominated film, Crip Camp. As always, our guest gives us three film recommendations in our favorite segment - Gimme Three. Waffles + Mochi is available to stream now on Netflix. It’s a great show for kids and adults.

Film Forward returns with acclaimed writer/director Philippe Lacôte to discuss his new film, Night of the Kings. The movie is nominated for and Independent Spirit Award and is the Ivory Coast’s official selection for the 2021 Academy Awards. Night of the Kings follows a young man who is sent to “La Maca,” a prison of Ivory Coast in the middle of a forest ruled by it’s prisoners. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman and must tell a story to the other prisoners throughout the night… or pay the price. Philippe and host Nicholas Ybarra discuss the film’s response from the Ivory Coast in the middle of a turbulent political climate. The filmmaker also does a deep dive on the construction and filming of the “La Maca” prison, and he explains the significance of Kings and Queens to Ivory Coast culture. As always, our guest takes part in our Gimme Three segment, providing us three films that inspired him and inspired his work. Night of the Kings is available on demand right now. Check it out and please let us know what you think.

Film Forward returns with another edition of our Gimme Three Episodes. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we bring you Gimme Three Romantic Comedies. Our guest for this week is Adriana Lopez, a dear friend who has a doctorates degree in Rom-Coms (just kidding, I don’t think that exists - but if it did - Adriana would have one). Join us as we celebrate love, laughs and some of the greatest rom-coms to ever grace the silver screen.

2020 was an unprecedented year for cinema. For much of the year, we weren’t able to immerse ourselves in the engrossing theatre experience. Yet, 2020 provided us with some outstanding and fresh filmmaking. This episode just scratches the surface of some of the best that the year 2020 had to offer. Film Forward host Nicholas Ybarra, LADFF director/PGA member Sonja Mereu and Film Forward producer Anselm Kennedy get together for the annual Gimme Three Favorites of 2020 episode. The trio do deep dives on their favorites from the year and discuss why their picks made an impact on them. Let us know what your favorites of the year were. Drop a comment or message us on social media: Twiter: @LADFF Instagram: @ladiversityfilmfest

The United States of America has inaugurated it’s 46th president. Film Forward marks this occasion with another one of our patented GimmeThree episodes. Return guest David Chiu joins us for Gimme Three: Presidential Films. David and host Nicholas Ybarra each provide three of their favorite presidential pictures (real or fake). They dissect the incredible writing and directing in each film. They also discuss the historic relevance of the presidents and how their terms have impacted the nation today. Join us as we look at our past, present and try to make sense of our future through the beautiful art of film. This episode was a lot of fun to make, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Film Forward returns with another one of our patented Gimme Three episodes. Given the unprecedented year that this was, we decided to theme this episode; Gimme Three: Films that Embody 2020. Joining us to tackle this deep prompt is Mr. David Chiu; writer, director, cinephile and close friend of the the podcast. David and host, Nicholas Ybarra each provide three recommendations of films that they feel epitomize the whirlwind year of 2020. The pair suggest films that address political strife, racial injustice, the pandemic and how the human condition reacts to it all. It’s been a hard year for all of us. This podcast will not provide the answers on how we move forward. But our goal is that this podcast can offer some insight, perspective, and perhaps even some hope. If nothing else, this podcast will provide you with some epic movies to watch.

We return with another installment of our famous Gimme Three episodes. This month, Film Forward explores the theme “Animal Heroes.” As we approach the holiday season - we wanted to pay respects to our non-human friends, show them some love and maybe think twice about what we put on our plates at Thanksgiving dinner. Our guest is Asher Brown. Asher is a director, producer, the founder of CEO of PollutionTV and the co-founder of the non-profit, Switch4Good. He is also an animal rights activist and a champion for Veganism (don't worry, he loves non-vegans too). Asher and host, Nicholas Ybarra do a deep dive on their favorite films with animal protagonists. We also debut a new segment during our break: LADFF Festival Director gives us Sonja’s Movie Minute. Follow Asher on Instagram: @smasherbrown Follow Nicholas on Instagram: @nicholasybarra Follow LADFF/Film Forward on Instagram: @ladiversityfilmfest Follow LADFF on Twitter: @LADFF

We conclude our coverage of the 2020 New Orleans Film Festival with a documentary about the rise and fall of the infamous Six Flags New Orleans. The film is Closed for Storm. The director is Jake Williams. Jake joins us on Film Forward to discuss his infatuation with Six Flags New Orleans and what it was like to step foot on the abaondoned park for the first time. The film is both powerful and informative. As always Jake partakes in our Gimme Three segment, providing us with three film recommendations of work that inspired him and his career. You can see Closed of Storm at the New Orleans Film Festival until Nov. 22nd. For tickets, visit: https://neworleansfilmsociety.org To stay up to date with the film, visit: https://www.closedforstorm.com

We are honored to be joined by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, the directors of the breathtaking documentary The Letter. The Letter follows Karisa who travels from Mombasa back to his rural home when he finds out that his grandmother has been accused of witchcraft. It turns out the threats and accusations aimed at his grandmother are coming from his own family members. The Letter has been selected as the official Kenyan submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Feature. You can watch this gripping film at the New Orleans Film Festival until November 22nd. Visit https://neworleansfilmsociety.org for tickets. To stay up to date on all things Film Forward, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram at @ladiversityfilmfest Follow The filmmakers of The Letter on IG: @maialekow or at @the.letter.film

This week’s episode of Film Forward highlights the gripping short documentary Do Not Split, which puts audiences in the middle of the intense Hong Kong protests that took place in 2019. We are joined by the film’s director Anders Hammer as he takes us through his filmmaking process and the importance of social awareness in documentaries. As always, our guest partakes in our segment Gimme Three. Mr. Hammer provides the audience with three incredible recommendations. You can watch Do Not Split at the New Orleans Film Festival, available until November 22nd. Visit https://neworleansfilmsociety.org for tickets. Follow Anders Hammer at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersshammer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anders.hammer Twitter: https://twitter.com/andershammer Website: www.andershammer.com Website: https://fieldofvision.org

This episode of Film Forward features the writer, director and star of the new film, Good, Mr. Justin Etheredge. Good is follows Payton, who becomes the caretaker of Gregory Devereaux, a wealthy man facing his final months. As they become close, Gregory's past sins force Payton to decide between his dreams and a pregnancy that could squander them all. As always, our guests join us in our segment Gimme Three, where they hook us up with 3 film recommendations of films that have inspired them and inspired their work. Good will be available to view at the Austin Film Festival from October 22nd - 29th. Visit AustinFilmFestival.com for tickets.

This episode of Film Forward features the documentarian Lucas Millard, co-director of the new film, Baato. Baato is follows Mikma and her family as they travel by foot from their village deep in the Himalaya of Nepal to sell local medicinal plants in urban markets. This year, construction of a new highway to China has begun in their roadless valley, and things are never going to be the same. As always, our guests join us in our segment Gimme Three, where they hook us up with 3 film recommendations of films that have inspired them and inspired their work. Baato will be available to view at the Austin Film Festival from October 23rd - 25th. Visit AustinFilmFestival.com for tickets.

This episode of Film Forward features the incredible directors, Cassie Hay & Amy Winston as we discuss their new film Queens of Pain. Queens of Pain is an intimate portrait of three athletes of Gotham Girls Roller Derby League. The film follows Suzy Hotrod, Evilicious, and Captain Smack Sparrow as they find their power on and off the track and face down the odds to play the sport they love. As always, our guests join us in our segment Gimme Three, where they hook us up with 3 film recommendations of films that have inspired them and inspired their work. Queens of Pain will be available to view at the Austin Film Festival from October 24th - 29th. Visit AustinFilmFestival.com for tickets.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Emelie Claxton, the writer/director of the thriller Heather Would Never. Heather Would Never follows Dani, a tired young woman who invents a sexy persona called Heather to tease her tactless boyfriend - until that persona starts acting out. Emelie discusses the inspirations for her honest and eye-opening script. Her and Nicholas have a little too much fun chatting about Emelie’s Gimme Three! You can follow Emelie here: Website: https://www.emelieclaxton.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emelie.claxton/?hl=en You can watch You Decide at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Taiki Sugioka, the director of the feature documentary, You Decide. Logline: Months away from starting her first job, Kaede Hatashima discards her male form and begins her journey as a working transgender woman. You can learn more about the film at: Website: https://www.youdecide.jp/en You can watch You Decide at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Sasha Pasternak, the director of the gripping short film Make Me The Tennessee. Logline: In 1983, when the vengeful Kathy Morris attempts to poison the Tennessee cop who aided and abetted in the death of her sister, she gets cold feet. After all, the cop is her husband. Sasha and Nicholas discuss the powerful themes in her short and what is was like working with her incredible cast; Annika Marks and Chris Sullivan (This Is Us). You can learn more about the film at: Website: https://www.makemethetennessee.com You can watch Make Me the Tennessee at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Hanna Mathis, the director of the documentary Wheels of Madness as well as the subject of the film Gal Mizrachi. Wheels of Madness follows Gal to his favorite music festival, Sziget in Hungary, where he shows that everyone has the ability to find their passion in life. Our guests discuss the making of this powerful documentary and how they are both coping without music festivals this summer. You can follow Hanna & Gal: Gal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galfestival/ Hanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannathemathis/ You can watch Wheels of Madness at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Adriana Barbosa and Thiago Zanato, the directors of the mind-blowing short film La Flaca. La Flaca follows Arely Vazquez, a transgender woman and leader of the Santa Muerte (Saint Death) Cult in Queens, New York. During her yearly celebration to the Bony Lady ("La Flaca" as she likes to call her), Arely faces life threatening challenges in order to fulfill a promise she made ten years ago. Adriana and Thiago discuss their brilliant execution of docu-fiction, blending reality and surrealist filmmaking. You can follow Adriana & Thiago: Adriana Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chica_barbosa/ Thiago Website: http://www.thiagozanato.com/la-flaca You can watch La Flaca at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Justin Andrew Davis, the writer/director and star of the thriller You Look Great. You Look Great follows Peter. After secretly struggling with his weight for years, his body shame forces him to go further than before in pursuit of complete control. The film is based off of Justin’s personal experiences, him and Nicholas discuss what is was like to prepare for the role and revisiting these tough moments in his past. We do a deep dive on his gripping, unsettling and necessary short film. You can follow Justin here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinandrewd/ Website: https://www.justinandrewdavis.com You can watch You Look Great at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com. Follow us at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Website: https://www.ladff.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Michelle Gritzer, director of the wonderful comedy Do You Have A…? Do You have A…? Tells the story of Amy, a timid people-pleaser who unexpectedly gets her period at her new job, she must learn to let go of her past and stand up for herself in order to obtain a tampon before her life (and her pants) are ruined. Michelle and Nicholas discuss her masterful blend of comedy and drama and working with her stellar cast, including star Britt Baron. As always, our guest helps us out with our favorite segment Gimme Three, providing three films that have inspired her work and her career. You can follow Michelle here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgritzer/ Website: http://www.michellegritzer.com You can watch Do You Have A…? At the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com Follow us at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiversityfilmfest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LADFF/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LADFF If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Emil Gallardo, director of the gripping short film 1, 2, 3 All Eyes On Me. 1, 2, 3 All Eyes On Me follows a passionate teacher doing her best to manage her challenging class, suddenly finds herself trapped in a crisis that engulfs her elementary school campus, threatening the children in her care. Emil and Nicholas discuss the difficulties in tackling the subject of mass shootings. We also dive into Emil’s very effective techniques for working with the child actors in his film. As always, our guest helps us out with our favorite segment, Gimme Three, providing three films/shows that have inspired his work and his career. You can follow Emil here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilg80/ Website: https://www.waterlightfilms.com You can watch 1, 2, 3 All Eyes One Me at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

This month, Film Forward is highlighting filmmakers from the 2020 Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. In this episode, we interview Symone Baptiste, director of the hilarious short film, Sixteen Thousand Dollars. Sixteen Thousand Dollars imagines a world in which reparations are given to African-Americans in the form of a check, which ultimately doesn’t amount to much. Symone and Nicholas discuss the necessity of reparations and the brilliance of using comedy as a avenue of tackling important subjects. As always, our guest helps us out with our favorite segment, Gimme Three, providing three films that have inspired her and her career. You can follow Symone here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symonejett/ Website: https://www.symonebaptiste.com You can watch Sixteen Thousand Dollars at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival from August 4th - August 30th at LADFF.com If you dig this episode, please subscribe and review.

We are honored to be joined by Award-Winning Filmmaker, creative partner and dear friend Ryan Lacen (The Dust Storm, All The World Is Sleeping). During these… “interesting” times of self-isolation and quarantining, the team at Film Forward wanted to help out by offering 3 amazing and poignant double features to check out while you are cooped up at home. Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think of the movies!

For this episode of Film Forward, we decided to do something a little different. Each of our producers joins us as our guests as we all do a Gimme Three for 2019. Check out this fun episode and listen to us discuss some of our favorites from last year, and if you choose to watch any of them (and we hope that you do), please let us know what you think by leaving a comment. If you like this episode, please subscribe and share with your friends. You can follow LADFF on Instagram: @ladiversityfilmfest

Disfluency director, Laura Holliday joins Film Forward to the power of their film and her transition from comedy to drama. This episode is part of our series on the films of LAdies Night - a special pop up screening hosted by LADFF on May 18th.

Producer Shannon Riggs chats with us about her new documentary The Smartest Kids in the World. We also discuss her Netflix docu-series The Innocent Man, her award-winning film Gleason, and the differences between narrative and documentary filmmaking.

Film Forward is for Cinephiles and by Cinephiles and it is the official podcast of the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival whose mission is to establish a true multicultural experience represented by the world's independent film community. In our first episode we chat with filmmaker America Young about her feature, The Concessionaires Must Die! We also discuss Barbie Vlogs, working with Stan Lee and her non-profit organization The Chimaera Project which is dedicated to empowering women in the film industry.

Kweighbaye Kotee felt like she was in Disney World when she first stepped into a movie theater. But as she grew older, she went from being mesmerized with the sights and sounds of a film, to getting behind the camera to create a piece of art that told a story. A story that matters, and oftentimes a story we’re robbed of because people behind it are deemed powerless due to the color of their skin, their ethnicity or perhaps their gender. Seeing inequality all her life, Kweighbaye was motivated to open doors and curate rooms filled with emerging directors, actors, actresses, writers and producers from all backgrounds. This is the story of Kweighbaye Kotee, filmmaker, founder of the Bushwick Film Festival and an advocate for underrepresented voices in film. This show is produced by Hueman Group Media. Sincerely, Hueman is on Instagram @sincerelyhueman. Also Facebook and Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sincerelyhueman/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sincerelyhueman/support

On a very special episode of the Wages of Cinema, we have a special guest - only this isn't a 'Local Vocal', at least officially. This is a look at this year's Cannes Film Festival - the 68th to be exact - at the winners, the best of the lot and the worst... All by someone who was there! Kent Turner, founder-editor of the independent/art-house/foreign film site-cornucopia Film-Forward and is a writer/editor for School Library Journal. Kent's been now to Cannes three times, knows the different categories of competition (there are many!) and saw 34 films at the fest. What'd he think? Jack and Kent talk about what's good, what to expect this year, and things distribution, audiences, and the French. Make sure to check out www.film-forward.com, and visit us at iTunes, facebook.com/wagesofcinema, and wagesofcinema@gmail.com for all of your questions/inquiries/suggestions et al.

Keri Putnam discusses Film Forward, an initiative of the Sundance Institute and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Now in its second year, the program aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue through film. [25:49]

Keri Putnam discusses Film Forward, an initiative of the Sundance Institute and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Now in its second year, the program aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue through film. [25:49]

Keri Putnam discusses Film Forward, an initiative of the Sundance Institute and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Now in its second year, the program aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue through film. [25:49]

Keri Putnam discusses Film Forward, an initiative of the Sundance Institute and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Now in its second year, the program aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue through film. [25:49]