Fostering Faith: A Conversation with Brendan Muldowney
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.
A Conversation with Marko Zaror
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.
Following Passion : A Conversation with Mathieu Ratthe
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?
Translation of Beauty : A Conversation with Michael Alago
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.
Complementary Rhythms: A Conversation with Matt Schrader
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.
Calling for Community: A Conversation with Blake Freeman
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.
New Perspectives: A Conversation with Ward Horton
Who’s your favorite movie villain? What makes an antagonist threatening enough to fear, but vulnerable enough to find relatable? Too often these questions are ignored in favor of stereotypical performances. In the the new film Midnighters, however, Ward Horton develops a multi-layered anti-hero. Questions surround the identity of his character, “Smith,” forcing Horton to perform a spectrum of personality traits from suave to demonic. His ability to transform gives brings to fruition several plot points in the journey of Midnighters’ protagonist, Lindsey, played with sincere vulnerability by the phenomenal Alex Essoe.
Bobby V. : The Most Positive Man in Comedy
On today’s episode of the Cinephellas podcast we’ve got my conversation with Bobby Venetz, known by his stage name Bobby V. He’s an up-and-coming stand up comedian in the Los Angeles area that performs regularly with the Rebels of Comedy revue organized by another insanely funny man that you’ve seen on shows like Comics Unleashed, TK Matteson.
Removing Borders: A Conversation with Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter
On this episode of the Cinephellas podcast I’m talking to the Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter, co-directors of Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation. The documentary uses lacrosse, which the Iroquois nation calls its “medicine game,” as a lens through which to explore Iroquois history and indigenous peoples’ relationships with the United States and Canada. How is it, the film asks, that countless schools and universities across North America play teach the game to its students without relating its ceremonial past? To answer that question, the Peters and I discuss the Catholic Church’s oppressive Doctrine of Discovery, the Iroquois challenges to traditional ideas of sovereignty, and how sports can be used as a tool for activism. Spirit Game is a powerful statement about how popular culture can help change the world for the better.
The Representation Game: A Conversation with Matthias Hoene
Pop culture products like movies and TV shows help us recognize social issues that need discussing. If we’re lucky, they enlighten us in entertaining ways. Sometimes they even make us uncomfortable because they force us question our own beliefs. Enter the Warriors Gate, the latest film from director Matthias Hoene, does all that work and more.
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