Review: Hello, Bookstore
When Tannenbaum falls on hard times due to the pandemic, he has no choice but to turn to his community whom he has served for so many years for help. Continue reading Review: Hello, Bookstore
Category: Writers
Exclusive Interview with “Someone to Carry You” Writer/Director Cyrina Fiallo
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
A Look Back at Malignant: The underrated horror gem of 2021
By Tom Moore Although it’s been great to see director James Wan’s vision stretch outside of the horror genre, his return to horror with “Malignant”(2021) delivered one of his best films to date but didn’t get the recognition it deserved. While “Malignant” certainly got the opportunity to be seen with it debuting in theaters and HBO Max on the same day, it’s lack of strong … Continue reading A Look Back at Malignant: The underrated horror gem of 2021
Top 15 Female-Directed Films of 2020 #5-#1
The moment of truth is upon us! Here are the top 5 films of our list. Enjoy! 5. Never Rarely Sometimes Always By: Bianca Garner 2020 has been the year of the female filmmaker. There have been many female-directed films that have impressed me, such as “Nomadland,” “The Assistant,” and “First Cow,” all of which made a lasting impression. However, I’ve found myself repeatedly returning … Continue reading Top 15 Female-Directed Films of 2020 #5-#1
ITOL Anniversary: Why I Write About Film
Films, we have been reliably and repeatedly told, give us all a uniting cultural context in which we can share our feelings and experiences. This is basic Film Class 101 and it’s not wrong, even if it has become cliché. Recently, the Pacific Northwest has experienced an eerie foreshadowing of what a nuclear winter would be like due to smoke from wildfires. If I told you I fully expected to see Viggo Mortenson trudging down my street pushing a shopping cart I’m sure you would know exactly what the sky over my head looked like for about a week. That’s the power of film. That mental image that I can share through a cinematic reference gives context to what I experienced and enables me to explain it quite vividly to others. Continue reading ITOL Anniversary: Why I Write About Film
“Cuties” and Netflix’s Betrayal of Maïmouna Doucouré
By Caz Armstrong When thinking about closely observed films about childhood a few spring to mind. “Water Lilies” and “Tomboy” by Céline Sciamma show children learning about their bodies and sexuality. The Florida Project by Sean Baker shows a child unaware of the poverty and struggles around her. “Cuties” (Mignonnes), the directorial debut of writer/director Maïmouna Doucouré, explores rebellion, obligation, and sexualisation. It has been caught … Continue reading “Cuties” and Netflix’s Betrayal of Maïmouna Doucouré
Review: “Saint Frances” #EdFilmFestAtHome
“Saint Frances” is a smart, funny, touching and stigma-busting comedy which shows that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Written by Kelly O’Sullivan (who also plays the lead), it’s unafraid to be bold but it’s also tender and has something important to say. Continue reading Review: “Saint Frances” #EdFilmFestAtHome
Review: Banana Split
“Wait, which Sprouse is this?” I asked myself as “Banana Split” began. The Sprouse in question here is Dylan–brother of Cole Sprouse (as seen on Netflix’s Riverdale); one of two twins who’ve left their Disney days behind. The Sprouse brother here plays Nick, yer typical high school beach blonde with long hair and a toned physique. This tale begins with him and his best friend, April (Hannah Marks); they instantaneously mutually decide to take their friendship to the next level. Within the film’s first two minutes, you see it all: their first date, their first fight, the first time they have sex (if seeing Zack Martin of “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” in a sex scene served as a reminder of how old you’ve gotten: welcome to the club, I’m here for you), and their eventual breakup. Continue reading Review: Banana Split
Women’s History Month: Frances Marion
In this day and age female screenwriters still face barriers within the film industry. In fact, a study conducted in 2017 found that women represented just 11 per cent of the writers on the United States’ top 250 films. They fared a little better in the world of Television, where they made up 33 per cent of television writers during the States’ 2016-17 season. One has to wonder what the great screenwriter Frances Marion would have to say about these figures.
There’s a high chance that you haven’t heard of Marion, but her screenwriting attributes have had a long-lasting impact on cinema and helped shaped the language of storytelling on the big screen. She wrote the stories and scenarios for over three hundred films in a career that spans from early days of cinema and into the sound era. Her work earned her two Academy Awards for screenwriting. Continue reading Women’s History Month: Frances Marion
Interview: “Lost Transmissions” director Katharine O’Brien
Moving drama “Lost Transmissions” (2020) is Katharine O’Brien’s debut feature about one man’s struggle with schizophrenia in a healthcare system ill-equipped to help.
Theo (Simon Pegg) is a music producer who stops taking his medication and begins a rapid downward spiral, losing grip on reality and getting into increasingly dangerous situations. His friend Hannah (Juno Temple) chases him through LA and psychiatric institutions to try to get him the support he needs but is thwarted by an inadequate healthcare system.
Based on writer-director Katharine O’Brien’s experiences of trying to support her own friend who went off his medication, the film is deeply affecting. It highlights the difficulties that people suffering from mental health conditions, and their loved ones face.
I spoke with Katharine at the Glasgow Film Festival 2020. Continue reading Interview: “Lost Transmissions” director Katharine O’Brien
In Their Own League 