The first drive-in theater opened in June 1933 in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Since then, drive-ins, originally referred to as “park-in” theaters, popped up around the country, offering a unique cinematic experience that’s been immortalized in films like Grease (1978), The… Read More ›
independent film
“Sylvie of the Sunshine State” highlights how struggles are universal even in isolation.
In the late months of 2019, there were rumblings of a virus with the potential to grow catastrophic. There had been instances like this previously with outbreaks of H1N1 in 2009 and Ebola from 2014-2016, but it always been contained… Read More ›
UFO researchers Seth Breedlove and Shannon LeGro take their investigations to West Virginia in “On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky.”
When we talk about strange and mysterious subjects that we’re nowhere close to understanding, like unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, it’s more useful to pose open-ended questions than to try and pinpoint definite answers. Asking… Read More ›
“In The Land of Lost Angels” is an indisputable debut for writer/director Bishrel Mashbat.
When one looks back on a director’s early works, you can usually see the beginnings of whatever will become their signature POV or narrative approach. In The Land of Lost Angels is the first feature film from writer/director Bishrel Mashbat,… Read More ›
Sick of Hallmark holiday love stories? Try Joe Duca’s authentic “Evergreen.”
Romantic relationships as depicted in film often receive derision for being too picture perfect, creating unrealistic expectations for what love is really like between two broken people hoping to find a fulfilling partnership. In traditional romances, those which have an… Read More ›
“All Roads to Pearla” is a strong feature-debut from writer/director Van Ditthavong.
Some argue that a town only truly comes to life once the sun has set. That’s when the things hiding from sunlight feel more comfortable to come out, stretch their legs, and roam the streets freely; when those who strive… Read More ›
“Ashens and the Polybius Heist” is going to steal your heart and little else.
Stuart Ashen joined YouTube in Feb 2006 and has developed a long history of comedy videos that are a mixture of gadget reviews, food reviews, and other assorted nonsense. This hustling multi-hyphenate has developed short form and long form narratives… Read More ›
Indie drama “Take Out Girl” delivers a thoughtful meal, not a dissatisfying snack. [Indie Memphis Film Festival]
There are many paths to success. Even one generation ago, that meant going to school, getting a job, and working there until retirement. On that path at that time, a single income was typically enough to provide for an average… Read More ›
Discover surrealist artist Reine Paradis in the VOD documentary “Queen of Paradis.”
The tale of Reine Paradis begins with the story of how the French-born artist came to the United States to pursue her dream of being an artist. After being fired as a photographer’s assistant, she had to make a decision,… Read More ›
Jimmy Olsson’s short “Alive” teaches a straightforward lesson, confronting biases about romance and sex.
Swedish writer and director Jimmy Olsson, who is known for short films like Repressed (2011) and 2nd Class (2018), examines some difficult subjects in his latest short, Alive. Running at just twenty-three minutes, Alive deals with ableism and relational boundaries… Read More ›
Heather Young’s “Murmur” Explores Aging, Addiction, and Animal-Human Connection. [Slamdance Film Festival]
Heather Young’s Murmur (2019) explores aging, addiction, loneliness, and the emotional pull of the animal-connection, through one woman’s experience while working in an animal shelter for court-mandated community service. This first full-length feature film directed by Young (Fish) won the… Read More ›
Indie drama “Enthusiastic Sinners” strips its characters bare physically and emotionally.
In all aspects of films, the trickiest part is categorizing it. What genre does it fall into? Who does it target? To whom does the film speak? It’s easy to do with most superhero films, while prestige pictures more often… Read More ›
Awkward anti-comedy “Tapeworm” checks all the boxes for quirky indie flick. [Slamdance Film Festival]
The Slamdance Film Festival, which runs at the same time and in the same city as the more widely known Sundance Film Festival, gives new and aspiring filmmakers the chance to showcase their work in front of other industry professionals…. Read More ›
New documentary “To Kid Or Not To Kid” explores the diverse perspectives of having kids.
The question of whether or not to have children is faced by the majority of people at a certain point in their lives. Depending on factors such as each individual’s cultural background or socio-economic standing, there may be varying responses… Read More ›
Andrew de Burgh’s “The Bestowal” is a journey of self–reflection through the examination of humanity.
When most films are focused on action, there’s something to be said for a film more interested in dialogue over everything else. A stripped down, bare bones, minimalistic tale where the audience sits and listens as ideas are presented and… Read More ›
Robin McKenna’s documentary “Gift” is a thoughtful and sincere piece of work, all wrapped up in a nice package.
Receiving a gift can be a really special thing. All the hard work or all the good will you put in can be worth it because one day you’ll get something special in return. The latest documentary Gift, directed by Robin McKenna,… Read More ›
“Luke & Jo” utilizes the right place/right time trope as a jumping off point to examine internal struggles.
Loneliness is a universal condition. It begins as a notion that tickles in the back of our minds before drilling deep into the bones, settling in our soul. The shame is that one does not need to be alone to… Read More ›
Documentarian Pamela B. Green and her team unearth the legacy of Alice Guy-Blaché in “Be Natural: The Untold Story Of Alice Guy-Blaché”.
It’s not going to surprise anyone to read that the amount we don’t know frequently outweighs the vast amounts of information we think we do. Sometimes it’s hubris which makes us think this way, but more often than not, it’s… Read More ›
“The Spy Behind Home Plate” explores baseball player Moe Berg’s life as a spy during World War II.
The new documentary The Spy Behind Home Plate, written, directed, and produced by Aviva Kempner, depicts the incredible true story of Morris “Moe” Berg, a notably successful Major League Baseball athlete who played for five different teams over the course… Read More ›
Documentary “Origin Story” presents a raw and emotional journey for closure.
Imagine that you’re 14 years old, your parents are constantly fighting and you find yourself frequently in the middle of one of their arguments. You’re still in your formative years and this kind of persistent angst is routine in your… Read More ›