By Joan Amenn Recently seen as Desire in Netflix’s “The Sandman” and now in a new role in the reboot of the science fiction series “Quantum Leap” on NBC (alternately, you can catch it on Peacock), Mason Alexander Park has been stealing scenes in one riveting performance after another. We got to sit down with them and chat a little about both series and they … Continue reading Exclusive Interview with Mason Alexander Park
Film critic Calum Cooper reviews the stunning new documentary from Laurs Poitras, “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed”. Continue reading LFF2022 Review: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
By Joan Amenn Meg Messmer is an incredibly talented actor best known for “Mr. Mercedes” (2018) and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2015) but is also gifted behind the camera and we are so lucky to be able to sit down with her and talk about her latest project, “Intersection” (2022), a miniseries now streaming on YouTube. A dark comedy with a very pertinent message, … Continue reading Exclusive Interview with Meg Messmer, Creator of “Intersection”
Ask any inspiring filmmaker out there about the difficulties of making their first feature film and they’ll be able to reel off a dozen difficult encounters and challenges that they had to face. However, Clayton Scott’s experiences and struggles filming the tense crime thriller “Below the Fold” are something special. Continue reading Exclusive Interview With Clayton Scott, Director of “Below the Fold”
By Morgan Roberts Writer/director Marina Michelson is back with her latest short film, “Stagiaire”(2021). “Stagiaire” follows an eager young cook, Leila, as she starts her first day in elite kitchen. As the day unfolds, Leila experiences relentless forms of hazing from the predominantly male kitchen staff, while finding some allies in the face of adversity. That all comes to a head after she is cornered … Continue reading Exclusive Interview with “Stagiaire” Writer/Director Marina Michelson
In her latest short film, “Someone to Carry You”(2022), writer/director Cyrina Fiallo explores the nuances and beauty of female friendship. The film is an ode to her own friendship with her real-life friend Laura. It is a piece of art that blurs the lines between fiction and archival, art and artist. It is a lovely film that highlights the power of friendship and an ode to the people who see you for your unique self. Continue reading Exclusive Interview with “Someone to Carry You” Writer/Director Cyrina Fiallo
gotten to know over the years had projects there, and I was looking forward to not only their new work, but- for at least one- getting to meet them in person for the first time. By the time that 2 1/2 days ended, there were more filmmakers whose work connected with me, and I’d had one of the strongest communal experiences watching film in my life. No filmmaker made an impression on me that weekend, however, quite like K/XI (pronounced K Eleven), and her feature film, “Black Lake.” Continue reading Emotional Journeys Through Horror: A Profile of K/XI
By Joan Amenn Fresh from winning the Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at SXSW this year, I got to sit down with Kestrin Pantera and talk about her film, “Pretty Problems” (2022). Also, I learned she has an adorable cat and is a talented musician in addition to being a savvy film director. Joan: What films influenced your vision in creating this film? Kestrin: For the … Continue reading Exclusive SXSW 2022 Interview: “Pretty Problems” Director Kestrin Pantera
By Morgan Roberts Premiering at this year’s Sundance, “Sirens” is a documentary feature film following the lives of the women in the Lebanese metal band Slave to Sirens. The film explores the complexities of being in an all-female band, being misunderstood by society, and finding one’s voice. The film is directed by Moroccan-American filmmaker Rita Baghdadi. Baghdadi’s first feature film, “My Country No More,” was … Continue reading Sundance Interview with “Sirens” Director Rita Baghdadi
Director Nina Menkes of the Sundance 2022 documentary “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power,” and her colleagues discuss objectifying film techniques, the male gaze, and encouraging an “individual gaze” for creative filmmaking. Film site In Their Own League has more details. Continue reading “I’m Into an Individual Gaze”: Director Nina Menkes and Colleagues at Sundance 2022 Talk Sexism and Being “Brainwashed”
In Their Own League 