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Indian cinema is the largest national film industry in terms of the number of films produced, with 2,446 feature films produced annually as of 2019. But until today...I haven't talked about it for the podcast. That changes with the extraordinary story of Rohini Jadhav, who recently filmed her debut short ANOKHI.
In this episode, we talk about her journey from architect to Hollywood; how the world of production design fits for those used to constructing buildings; the type of stories that aren't being told in Indian and South Asian communities; the importance of spouses, partners, and family for indie filmmakers; the state of Indian independent film; and what's next for this exciting new voice in filmmaking.
Rohini's Indie Film Highlight: HALWA (2018) dir. by Gayatri Bajpai and Nirav Bhakta; FOUR SAMOSAS (2022) dir. by Ravi Kapoor; THREE OF US (2022) dir. by Avinash Arun; POLITE SOCIETY (2023) dir. by Nida Manzoor; A DEATH IN THE GUNJ (2016) dir. by Konkona Sen Sharma; Guneet Monga Kapoor; THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS (2022) dir. by Kartiki Gonsalves
Links:
Rohini Jadhav's Website
Rohini Jadhav's Instagram
Anokhi Crowdfunding Campaign
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Love letter to New York City? Check. A humble, kind, smart filmmaker? Check. A bold name and a bold film on Kickstarter? Check, check, check.
In this episode, I talk with Louis Momméja about his new film, REFUCTORING; his journey from Paris to New York, with a stop in Los Angeles; the realities of trying to keep up with a filmmaking career while also making money; the challenges of highlighting darker topics in one's work (no lie -- Wendy Corn's episode was the most downloaded last year); the international value of living and working in New York City; and the exciting future for Louis and his film.
If a guy named his film REFUCTORING and makes it work, I'm betting on that guy to go a long way.
Louis' Indie Film Highlight: THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED (2023) dir. by Joanne Arnow
Links:
REFUCTORING Kickstarter
Louis Momméja Instagram
REFUCTORING Instagram
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BARBECUE (2014).
Director: Éric Lavaine
Written By: Éric Lavaine; Hector Cabello Reyes
Cast: Lambert Wilson; Franck Dubosc; Florence Foresti; Guillaume de Tonquedec; Lionel Abelanski
SYNOPSIS
On his 50th birthday, a man who's been watching his weight, health and temper all his life suffers a heart attack. He's been doing everything he was told he should do and it still didn't help. He decides to turn the page and let loose.
Watch The Episode on YouTube.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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In a first for the First Time Go podcast, I talk with a filmmaker in person -- Ibrahim Nash'at, the multi-award winning Egyptian documentary filmmaker who made HOLLYWOODGATE, which premiered at DC/DOX 2024.
(Let me apologize upfront about audio quality. It's not the standard I expect of myself and I'll do a better job with in-person interviews next time. Thanks for understanding and being supportive.)
We talk about how he got involved in filmmaking; his journey to Afghanistan to make this film while everybody else was leaving; what makes a good documentary filmmaker; the portrayal of the Taliban and women in Afghanistan; issues surrounding access for documentarians; and what's next for Ibrahim.
A documentary is frequently labeled important even when it isn't but that isn't the case at all with HOLLYWOODGATE; the film is an extremely moving cinéma vérité style look at a world that Ibrahim risked his life for us to get to see.
Ibrahim expressed an interest in screening the film for military and veteran audiences -- I look forward to that, too. In sum, his work is the best kind of filmmaking: it shows you not what you may want to see, or what you expect, but what is.
Links:
HOLLYWOODGATE Trailer
HOLLYWOODGATE Review
Ibrahim Nash'at Instagram
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: SEX, LIES, AND VIDEOTAPE (1989).
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Andie MacDowell; Peter Gallagher; Laura San Giacomo; James Spader
SYNOPSIS
Ann (Andie MacDowell) is trapped in a sexually and emotionally unfulfilled relationship with her husband, John (Peter Gallagher), a successful but unpleasant lawyer who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The underlying tensions in the couple's marriage rise to the surface when Graham (James Spader), a friend of John's from college who's been drifting for nine years, returns to town and videotapes Cynthia and Ann as they talk about their sexual desires.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/CbeVd07nK3s
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
There's been (roughly) 100 episodes of the podcast. So when you hit on topics you haven't talked with anybody about before (IRAs, 401(k)s, faith-based organizations), you know you are in for something special.
But I knew that already from his trenchant social media posts. In this episode, I talk with filmmaker Kyle Prohaska about perseverance, resilience, and becoming a jack of all trades in the filmmaking business. We talk about his start as a filmmaker and working in the faith-based sector; the problems with expensive short films that just have to make festivals; the lack of QC in indie filmmaking; and where you should expect to see Kyle in a couple of years. "Prepare for your future" is Kyle's main advice; if yours is indeed in filmmaking, chances are you'll see Kyle Prohaska there.
Kyle's Indie Film Highlight: (the first time we ever had a recommendation for a film that has been an episode on the podcast): YOUR LUCKY DAY (2023) dir. by Daniel Brown; THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY (2023) dir. by Francis Galluppi; MASS (2021) dir by Fran Kranz
Links:
Prohaska Studios
Kyle Prohaska's Threads Account
Kyle Prohaska's X Account
Kyle Prohaska's Instagram
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BEGINNERS (2010).
Director: Mike Mills
Screenplay: Mike Mills
Cast: Ewan McGregor; Christopher Plummer; Mélanie Laurent
SYNOPSIS
After his mother dies, Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is stunned when his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer), recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, comes out of the closet. When Hal passes away a few years later, Oliver grows depressed, struggling with his failing career as an artist while constantly remembering his childhood and time spent with his dad. Oliver's loneliness is eased when he meets actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent), but their relationship is threatened by their mutual fear of commitment.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/wr3Xa-d5uGc
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
I urge you to go watch TWICE THRICE TOLD and if you’ve seen something like it, let me know. And once you hear the story behind it — no post-production, one take — you’ll be simply astonished by Brennan Hershock’s story.
In this episode, we talk about how ex-FBI agents helped Brennan get his passport renewed in time to go to the Straight 8 events in Cannes and London; what the Straight 8 competition is; how he feels about short films and niche film competitions like Straight 8; and what's next for this award-winning (yep, top 8 of the Straight 8) indie filmmaker. Put him down for another episode in 2029 for his first feature.
Brennan's Indie Film Highlight: RIDDLE OF FIRE dir. by Weston Razooli
Links:
Straight 8 Films on YouTube (Twice Thrice Told is at 23:23)
Brennan Hershock's Instagram
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (2016).
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenplay: Richard Linklater
Cast: Glen Powell; Tyler Hoechlin; Zoey Deutch
SYNOPSIS
In 1980 Texas, a college freshman meets his new baseball teammates, an unruly group of disco-dancing, skirt-chasing partyers, and they navigate their way through the freedom and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/krhyTGFexng
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
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I talk with film director Patiparn Boontarig about his debut film, SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE. Described as a "tender, atmospheric debut...set in a coastal town in southern Thailand", the reviewer wrote that the film "uniquely tackles climate change, tradition, identity, and LGBT love."
I felt the same way -- it's a gorgeous meditation best seen in a theater. And if you live in the Pacific Northwest, you can on July 10th -- the podcast is hosting its first film screening at the Beacon Cinema that night.
In this episode, Patiparn and I talk about his deeply personal story and the filming of his debut feature; the genre of climate films; what it's like to be a filmmaker in Thailand; and what's next for him.
We do agree -- it's best to see SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE in a theater.
If you are an alumni guest of the podcast and wish to attend for free, please reach out to [email protected] for the code.
Links:
July 10th, 2024 Seattle Screening of SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE (https://lu.ma/p592rce0)
LG OLED Movie Club Interview of Patiparn Boontarig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNvQoVCiU8k&t=3s)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017).
Director: Sean Baker
Screenplay: Sean Baker; Chris Bergoch
Cast: Brooklynn Prince; Willem Dafoe; Bria Vinaite
SYNOPSIS
Set in the shadow of the most magical place on Earth, 6-year-old Moonee and her two best friends forge their own adventures, while Moonee's struggling mom and a kindhearted motel manager protect the kids from the harsh reality that surrounds them.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/WNw_njqdD4c?si=48lbYuQLTWX21OHh
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
I talk with filmmaker Sierra Urich about her film JOONAM, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023 and has gone on to win several awards as well as nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
In this episode, we talk about the deeply personal film she made; how to make a documentary film stand out in the crowded doc landscape; the fact that making Sundance is only the start of your journey, not the end; what you should be doing at any film festival you attend; and the importance of making a story that's true to you rather than trying to figure out what to sell.
Sierra engaged with the tough questions, and what emerges from this conversation is an extraordinarily thoughtful examination of what it's like as a documentary filmmaker today.
Check the link to the film on Instagram for screening times and locations.
Sierra's Indie Film Highlight: Camden International Film Festival; True/False Film Fest
Links:
JOONAM Website
JOONAM on Instagram
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: OWNING MAHOWNY (2003).
Director: Richard Kwietniowski
Writers: Gary Stephen Ross; Maurice Chauvet
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman; Minnie Driver; Maury Chaykin
SYNOPSIS
A bank manager with: (a) a gambling problem and (b) access to a multimillion dollar account gets into a messy situation. Based on the story of the largest one-man bank fraud in Canadian history.
Watch The Episode: https://youtu.be/rFd0xWRsMFQ
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
What happens when your complex short film DIAGONALE hits 50 million views on YouTube (well -- now 58 million and maybe much higher when you're reading this)? Anne Thorens will tell you...and the story is incredible.
Over the objections of some crew members, Anne made the story SHE wanted to make and the result is the most watched short in the history of Short of the Week. In this episode, we talk about trusting yourself; how to film intimate relations; the market for short films; Swiss filmmaking; and when to expect a feature from Anne. I absolutely cannot wait to see that film.
If you ever needed a pod episode as an indie filmmaker to help you trust yourself, this is it.
Anne's Indie Film Highlight: OLGA (2021) dir. by Elie Grappe; THE LAND WITHIN (2022) dir. by Fisnik Maxville; LAST DANCE (2022) dir. by Delphine Lehericey
Watch On YouTube now: https://youtu.be/wv3Xx704A10
Links:
DIAGONALE (2019) dir. by Anne Thorens
Anne Thorens' Instagram
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I talk with filmmaker Morgan Chen about his amazing life story -- from Oregon to Atlanta, and now about an upcoming documentary -- SCHOOL OF THE OPEN -- in New Hampshire. It's a journey you won't want to miss.
In this episode, we talk about his unique and powerful journey; his style of documentary filmmaking; his excitement (with trepidation) for hybrid docs and AI; the underlying values that underpin his upcoming feature doc; and what's next for this visionary, thoughtful filmmaker.
Morgan's Indie Film Highlight: THE WAR ROOM (1993) (https://boxd.it/1tWa); Errol Morris (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001554/)
Links:
Morgan Chen Productions (https://www.morganchenproductions.com/)
Morgan Chen's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/speedomorgan/)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content -
Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: TWO LOVERS (2008).
Director: James Gray
Writers: James Gray; Ric Menello
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix; Vinessa Shaw; Gwyneth Paltrow
SYNOPSIS
Following a broken engagement, sometime photographer Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) moves in with his parents in Brighton Beach. He soon becomes involved with Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), an honest and sensible young woman. They appear to be a perfect match, then Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow) enters the picture. Beautiful but manipulative, she wraps him around her finger, even though she has a rich, married boyfriend.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Watch on YouTube now: https://youtu.be/g-rX9TpRFVU
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If your film makes it to number one on Netflix, you get a re-release of your podcast episode. Congratulations to Joshua on the success of this film.
From 2023: I talk with Joshua Caldwell, director of MENDING THE LINE. We talk about making films in high school, the film school of just making films, and how he brought MENDING THE LINE to life in an industry that doesn’t fund military and veteran films.
How did he do that? What choices did he make to appeal to the widest audience? Every director who wants to film post traumatic stress scenes should listen to the care Joshua gives the topic in his film. It's a must-listen.
We talk short films, film school, crowdfunding, and what he calls live environment filmmaking.
In an uncertain environment for emerging filmmakers, he offers hard-won lessons in the trenches of independent film.
Support the Podcast Through Membership (https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9ddc691d-2273-47d5-a1b9-5a4acb0670f5/exclusive-content)
Links:
Watch MENDING THE LINE on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81768966)MENDING THE LINE (https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/mendingtheline)Joshua Caldwell Website (https://www.meyd-ent.com/)Joshua Caldwell, 6k Filmmaker Site (https://www.6kfilmmaker.com/enroll)
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: Ex Machina (2014).
Director: Alex Garland
Screenplay: Alex Garland
Cast: Alicia Vikander; Oscar Isaac; Domhnall Gleeson; Sonoya Mizuno
SYNOPSIS
Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) a programmer at a huge Internet company, wins a contest that enables him to spend a week at the private estate of Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), his firm's brilliant CEO. When he arrives, Caleb learns that he has been chosen to be the human component in a Turing test to determine the capabilities and consciousness of Ava (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful robot. However, it soon becomes evident that Ava is far more self-aware and deceptive than either man imagined.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod
Watch on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEPqEti32KE&t=2s
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I talk with South African filmmaker Lola Aikins, who is currently crowdfunding for her film NALEDI on Kickstarter through May 27, 2024.
Lola is a one of a kind artist -- literally, I mean, 1 out of 7 billion type artist -- who is blazing a trail in independent film in the medium of animation and bringing people along with her. In this conversation, we talk about her start; how she looks for representation in front of AND behind the cameras; her challenge to Christopher Nolan; how the next big filmmaker for a studio project should be African; animation in film; the role of short films in her career; how she comes up and develops new ideas; and when you can expect to see NALEDI.
I don't think you can aurally tell the difficulties we had in recording this episode -- Riverside kept wanting me to refresh -- but that's because Lola is the ultimate game time filmmaker; she didn't miss a beat.
You should be able to tell easily, though, how excited I was to hear her story. I think you will be, too.
Lola's Indie Film Highlight: Uzo Ngwu (https://uzongwu.com/)
Links:
NALEDI's Website (https://www.naledimovie.com/home)
NALEDI Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aosv/naledi-animated-short-film)
NALEDI's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/naledifilm/?hl=en)
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: 5 TO 7 (2014)
Director: Victor Levin
Written by: Victor Levin
Cast: Anton Yelchin; Berenice Marlohe; Olivia Thirlby; Glenn Close; Frank Langella
SYNOPSIS
A young writer (Anton Yelchin) begins an affair with an older woman (Bérénice Marlohe) from France whose open marriage to a diplomat (Lambert Wilson) dictates that they can meet only between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Watch The Indie Film Highlight On YouTube: https://youtu.be/E1ZHf2geN2M
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content - Visa fler
