In his latest film, a crucial masterpiece titled ‘Why War’, Amos Gitai reminds us of an exchange of letters between Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychoanalysis, and Albert Einstein, the scientific genius. If only we’d listen to these brilliant men.
Read More
Why Karim Aïnouz's reworking of Katherine Parr's story in 'Firebrand' is the most important film you'll watch this fall
Ever wonder why there are only male leaders and visionaries mentioned in your history books? Well, the key lies in the word itself — “his-story.” Thankfully, a film releasing this September in the UK revolutionizes the tale of Henry VIII and his last wife, by retelling the story from her POV.
Read More
Venice Orizzonti opening film 'Nonostante' by Valerio Mastandrea is an ode to love and loss
It’s not often that a film changes the chemistry of my beliefs. ‘Nonostante’ which in English is called ‘Feeling Better’ is one of those films and I’m better for watching it — also after interviewing its talented filmmaker and star.
Read More
'Catapults to Cameras' review: changing the world, five kids at a time
When Kolkata-born wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur traveled to rural Bengal, she stumbled upon a disturbing hunting trend being passed on to the younger generations. What she chose to do next sends a powerful message, through her short but strong new documentary.
Read More
Photo by © Akis Bado, used with permission
Locarno Golden Leopard winner 'Toxic' by Saulė Bliuvaitė reviewed
The film, which was awarded top prize by a jury chaired by Austrian auteur Jessica Hausner, was also the winner in the separately juried First Feature Competition.
Read More
Bérénice Béjo and Matheo Labbé in a still from ‘Mexico 86’
Review of 'Mexico 86' by César Diaz: A film with its heart in the perfect place
The fictionalized, yet personal story of the troubled relationship between the filmmaker and his own mother, ‘Mexico 86’ offers a viewpoint into the price women pay when trying to balance motherhood, and a revolution.
Read More
Wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur's 'Catapults to Cameras' nominated for prestigious award at Jackson Wild
Roundglass Sustain, a non-profit foundation which commissioned this film, is the only conservation platform in India that collaborates with partners such as photographers, filmmakers and NGO’s to create stories that impact change and behavior.
Read More
'Deadpool and Wolverine': Cameos, bromance and a rocking soundtrack turn Marvel film into a worldwide hit
In the first R-rated film for Marvel, and a marketing win for Disney all around, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman bring it, to an entertaining blockbuster that is this summer’s ‘Barbie’.
Read More
Joan Chen and Izaac Wang in a scene from Sean Wang’s ‘DÌDI’
Joan Chen, Izaac Wang and filmmaker Sean Wang talk 'DIDI', a film you simply cannot miss
An American coming of age story like you’ve never watched on the big screen before, ‘DÌDI’ opens this weekend and it is a must watch. I caught up with the stars and the visionary filmmaker for a Zoom press conference and here are a couple of takeaways to whet your appetite.
Read More
'Why War' may be Amos Gitai's most important film to date and will screen at this year's Venice Film Festival
For a man whose personal mission has been to “build bridges through cinema,” as he told La Repubblica newspaper in an interview just published this week, his latest film may prove the most important peace-making link yet.
Read More
Venice Film Festival line up includes latest from Amos Gitai, Scandar Copti, Pedro Almodóvar, plus a series from Alfonso Cuarón, Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer' and Pablo Larraín's 'Maria'
All wrapped up with the Lady Gaga starrer ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, Tunisian gem ‘Aïcha’ by Mehdi Barsaoui and ‘Wolfs’ starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt — talk about a festival for the stars!
Read More
Image copyright Fondo Giuseppe Quatriglio, used with permission
A "dialogue between absence and presence": Costanza Quatriglio on her stunning, personal doc 'The Secret Drawer'
The film, which world premiered at this year’s Berlinale, will enjoy its UK Premiere as part of the 3rd bi-annual Cinecittà Italian Doc Season, on July 20-21 at London’s Bertha DocHouse.
Read More
Karim Aïnouz's 'Firebrand' will be in UK cinemas starting September 6th courtesy of MetFilm
And not a moment too soon if you ask me!
Read More
My hacks for learning to love Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Kinds of Kindness' -- a quick review
Hint: it’s a film all about reinvention, rebirth but also the dynamics of control.
Read More
Redefining the Hero: Laura Poitras' 2017 film 'Risk' and the True Julian Assange
This review of the film was originally posted on the HuffPost, in May of 2017 as the film was opening in the US. I felt this film is more poignant than ever, as Assange is finally released and returns to his home country.
Read More
Sophia Loren in a frame from the film ‘L’oro di Napoli’ by Vittorio De Sica
Vittorio De Sica's classic 'L'oro di Napoli' is pre-opening film of 81st Venice Film Fest
The Pre-opening film will screen on Tuesday August 27th of the 81st Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia, on the 50th anniversary of the death of Vittorio De Sica and the 70th anniversary of the film.
Read More
DreamWorks Animation launches brand new trailer for 'The Wild Robot' in Annecy
The latest DreamWorks Animation title will be distributed by Universal and is a new adaptation of the literary sensation by Peter Brown.
Read More
Richard Linklater's 'Hit Man' is an all around hit you should watch in cinemas, and on Netflix
Here are a few reasons why… One hint? Glen Powell smolders. You’re welcome.
Read More
Three things I loved about 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' in Cannes
I know, I know, I’m not the film’s target demographic, so instead of showing my age and complaining about the noise and video game aesthetics, I’ll share three things I loved about the latest installment of the series, directed and co-written by George Miller.
Read More
'Being Maria' Cannes Review: A problematic woman or simply someone who dared to call it like it is?
Cinematic, albeit scandalous history was made in 1972 when Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘Last Tango in Paris’ was first screened. Now French filmmaker Jessica Palud, with the help of a book written by Maria Schneider’s cousin, retells the story to finally bring out the heroine in a woman who simply stood up for herself. And, as is often the case for strong women, lost.
Read More