interviews

Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 19 (Interview with Coach Stuart Krohn)

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The Meaning of a Mentor: A Conversation with Coach Stuart Krohn

by Christopher M. Rzigalinski

If we’re lucky, we get at least one mentor that changes the direction of our lives. That person could be a teacher, a coach, or a family member. The student athletes of the Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF) Rugby program are lucky enough to have all three in Coach Stuart Krohn. After an All-American college rugby career and a professional playing career in France, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa, Krohn settled in Southern California to coach the Santa Monica Rugby Club in 1999. During that time he started teaching English and designing a plan to bring rugby to the economic disadvantaged communities of South Los Angeles.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 18 (Interview with Nicholas Bushman)

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Playing and Praying for Life: A Conversation with Nicholas Bushman

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

On this edition of the Cinephellas Podcast I’m chatting with director Nicholas Bushman about the DVD and Blu Ray releases of his movie Union Furnace, both out on August 15th. Union Furnace tells the story of Cody, a small-town criminal, played by Mike Dwyer, with little going for him. After crashing a stolen car, the mysterious Lion, played by the brilliantly sadistically Seth Hammond, offers Cody the chance for financial security and a way out of their small Ohio town. The only condition is that Cody must win an 8 round life or death competition against other town misfits. Only by avoiding death can he begin living.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 17 (Interview with Brendan Muldowney)

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Fostering Faith: A Conversation with Brendan Muldowney

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

What is faith? What does it mean to actively have faith in something? How necessary is it to have faith in yourself versus a higher power? These are just some of the philosophical questions I discuss with Irish director Brendan Muldowney on this edition of the Cinephellas Podcast. I got keen insight into the quest for spirituality that informs his new film Pilgrimage, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 16 (Interview with Marko Zaror)

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A Conversation with Marko Zaror

by Christopher M. Rzigalinski

On this episode of the Cinephellas Podcast, I’m talking with Marko Zaror about his role in film Savage Dog. The film is written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson and produced in association with our good friends XLrator Media. It stars Scott Adkins in the origin story of the myth that gives itself to the title. Set in Indochina at an anarchic moment in 1959, the story takes place after the French military had left the area and a few years before the American presence during the Vietnam War. The region is filled with Vietnamese warlords and European war criminals avoiding prosecution in the wake of both World War II and the Korean War. Scott Adkins plays “Martin Tillman,” a former-champion boxer that ends up stuck competing in an underground fighting ring, battling for his life. That’s until he’s forced on a journey of revenge. Marko Zaror plays “Rastignac,” the man responsible for destroying Martin’s last vestiges of hope.

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Killing Ground (2017) – Interview with Harriet Dyer

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Anatomy of Salvation: A Conversation with Harriet Dyer

by Christopher M. Rzigalinski

Attending Catholic school for half my life taught me that salvation meant being saved from damnation by Jesus Christ. The contours of that salvation were difficult to define, though. The very thought that I, an ordinary person, was empowered enough to save myself, let alone others, was overwhelming. Since becoming an adult, however, I’ve been thrust into the role of protector several times. No discrediting Christian doctrine, but it’s equally as important to validate the agency of individual human beings.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 15 (Interview with Mathieu Ratthe)

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Following Passion : A Conversation with Mathieu Ratthe

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

What scares you most? For me, it’s the unknown. If Freddie Kruger, Jason Vorhees, or Chucky showed up at my door, I’d have to check my underwear. But at least I’d know how to defend myself. The first step to conquering a fear is facing it. But what about terror you can’t see?

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Review – The Villainess (2017) Fantasia International Film Festival!

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by Vincent Leblanc

The time is finally here for the 21st edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival to begin in downtown Montreal, Quebec. It started on July 13th and runs until August 2nd. This year’s opening film was the North American premiere of the South Korean film The Villainess (Ak-Nyeo). It was my first of twenty-four screenings I’ll attend this year.  

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 14 (Interview with Michael Alago)

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Translation of Beauty : A Conversation with Michael Alago

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

We’re often reminded that beauty exists in the eye of the beholder. But that revelation takes for granted that the beholder is already positioned in front of the subject she or he is admiring. Seldom do we hear about the influencers that make the relationship between subject and admirer possible. Without them, how would we even have the opportunity to recognize beauty? Michael Alago has made a career of interpreting art and presenting it for large audiences. Who the F**k is that Guy?: The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago, director Drew Stone’s documentary about Alago’s life and career, explores Michael’s ability to translate his personal passions into shareable ideas. Whether in the role of show booker for the legendary Ritz club in New York, A & R (Artist & Repertoire) scout for Elektra Records, or as an independent photographer, Alago has a vision for understanding the talent that makes his subjects unique and different. And in the film, we get to see the world through his eyes.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 13 (Interview with Matt Schrader)

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Complementary Rhythms: A Conversation with Matt Schrader

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

On this episode of the Cinephellas Podcast we have my conversation with Matt Schrader, making his directorial debut with Score: A Film Music Documentary. Matt provides keen insight into how this film was made. We discuss how his previous career as a major network news producer influenced his approach to directing, his favorite cinematic memories, and the difficulties of making a fact-based documentary in the era of Fake News. The conversation made me want to see the movie ten more times; I hope it gets you excited, too.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 12 (Interview with Blake Freeman)

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Calling for Community: A Conversation with Blake Freeman

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

On this episode of the Cinephellas podcast we have my conversation with the multitalented Blake Freeman. We’re discussing his new comedy, All About the Money. Blake wrote the screenplay, directed, produced, and stars in the film. But he consistently points out that the project was only possible thanks to the community of people he worked with, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. He’s got some great co-stars, including Eddie Griffin and Casper Van Dien. This is Eddie’s return to the big screen after about two years doing other projects. And Casper gives a great performance playing against his usual all-American type. Blake also gave me some info about his upcoming TV project based on tech and gaming culture. It’s a timely look at contemporary digital culture.

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