The Film Verdict SHOWCAST

TFV's Matt Micucci wraps up his showcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain by highlighting "A Journey in Spring" from the festival's official selection. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Taiwanese filmmakers Tzu-Hui Peng and Ping-Wen Wang, who talk about weaving a tale that explores a man's profound grief for his late wife. In this conversation, the directors talk about wanting to explore the theme of mortality and their film's deliberate choices of style and pacing, and discuss the genesis of their creative partnership. (We'd also like to extend our gratitude to Luis Roucero Mayor for his translation.)

Our Showcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival continues by highlighting a remarkable work from its New Directors section, "The Gamma Rays." TFV's Matt Micucci is joined by its director Henry Bernardet, whose social realist drama delves into the lives of a group of young Canadians from immigrant communities, navigating through their everyday existence and experiencing a wide range of formative events. In our discussion, the director talks with us about being inspired by Montreal's multicultural landscape and his fascination with crafting a coming-of-age drama of young individuals and their contemporary experiences. He also shares insights into collaborating with a youthful ensemble of non-professional actors, highlighting their instrumental role in moulding the storyline of "The Gamma Rays" through their imaginative contributions to their fictional counterparts' daily trials and tribulations.

TFV's Matt Micucci's podcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival continues with a conversation with Japanese filmmaker Kei Chika-Ura. His second feature film, "Great Absence," celebrated its European Premiere in the festival's official selection. The film chronicles the forced reunion between a son and his long-estranged father after 20 years. In this podcast, we talk with the director about the personal experiences that shaped the narrative and the intricate representations of dementia in cinema. Other topics explored include the origins of his own interest in filmmaking and his experience of working on this project with a legend of Japanese film, actor Tatsuya Fuji, who was awarded the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance for his role in the movie.

The latest episode of the SHOWCAST is a candid conversation about "The Successor" one of the most talked-about films from the official selection of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival. Joining TFV's Matt Micucci are its director Xavier Legrand (already an award-winner at the 2017 Venice Film Festival with "Custody") and its lead actor, Marc-André Grondin. Briefly, the film explores a fashion designer's life unravelling after his estranged father's death. In this podcast, we speak with our guests about its critique of patriarchy and the theme of masculinity at large, and we also ask Legrand about his interest in flirting with genre techniques, most notably horror film conventions, to make a powerful statement.

This latest episode of the Showcast from the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival finds TFV's Matt Micucci joined by an animation luminary, Isabel Herguera, making her feature debut with "Sultana's Dream," featured in the festival's official selection. The film is inspired by the feminist utopian sci-fi short story of the same name, penned by Begum Rokeya at the dawn of the 20th century and exploring the mythical Ladyland. The narrative of the movie follows the journey of a fictional young artist, Inés, and draws from Herguera's personal experiences and passions. During our discussions, Herguera provides insights into her multi-year undertaking on "Sultana's Dream," the influential moments and stories that shaped it and the profound impact of animation as an artistic medium. We also delve into her artistic influences, the portrayal of women in media and what continues to make Rokeya's original short story an enduring and resonant masterpiece.

Producer Kateryna Shevchenko and music composer Luke Corradine join TFV's Matt Micucci for a Showcast conversation about Ukrainians for the Arts, Culture and Education, also known as UFACE, at the 2023 San Seastián International Film Festival. This relatively new association is dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Ukrainian artistic values and heritage through a range of Spanish and international projects. Among them, a captivating series of live shows for silent Ukrainian films, including Alexander Dovzhenko's 1930 masterpiece "Earth," with brand-new scores by Corradine, which made their debut at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles and July. In this conversation, we delve into the heart of UFACE, its mission, vision and exciting upcoming projects, and discover the importance of preserving national heritage and nurturing artistic excellence through this passionate endeavour.

TFV's Matt Micucci explores one of the highlights of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival's Horizontes Latinos section in the latest Showcast episode, featuring a conversation with Guto Parente, the talented Brazilian director of "A Strange Path." The film tells the story of a filmmaker who returns to Brazil to screen a movie at his hometown's film festival but when the pandemic derails his plans, he's left with no other choice but to reconnect with his estranged and eccentric father. Unusual events unfold in this work, which marks the fusion of Parente's background in experimental filmmaking with genre conventions. We talk about this fusion in our conversation, as well as the autobiographical elements that inspired the story of "A Strange Path," the origins of the director's cinephilia and much more.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Cristi Puiu, one of the trailblazers of the fabled Romanian New Wave, from the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival. The acclaimed director shared a portrait of the COVID era through a series of provocative fictional vignettes in his latest film, "MMXX," presented in the festival's official selection. Puiu defies conventions and truly embraces the art of free-flowing dialogue. We're really tearing up the script in this latest episode of the Showcast, which covers not only some of the main themes of MMXX but also such wide-ranging topics as the illusion of control and the filmmaker's great admiration for Elvis Presley.

TFV's Matt Micucci continues his podcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival with a conversation with the talented Belgian filmmaker Delphine Girard about her feature directorial debut, Through the Night. This gripping cinematic experience, part thriller and part exploratory drama, recently earned acclaim in Venice and Toronto, and kicks off with a heart-pounding car sequence, a woman in danger and a fateful call to the police. Join us as we uncover the film's complexities and artistic brilliance, and gain insights into Girard's own influences and ambition.

TFV's Matt Micucci continues his exclusive coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival, sharing a conversation about one of the gems from its New Directors section. "Achilles" is the brainchild of Crystal Bear-winning Iranian director Farhad Delaram. Inspired by autobiographical events, Achilles tells the story of a young filmmakers in the throes of a personal crisis who forms a bond with a mental patient with a mysterious past. The two take to the road and their short trip becomes a profound journey of self-discovery. In this conversation, Delaram shares some of the challenges, including personal struggles, that he overcame to make "Achilles," and reflects on his path to this moment, post-Berlinale success and the crisis that shaped his artistry.

TFV's Matt Micucci continues his Showcast coverage of the 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival with a free-flowing conversation with Joachim Lafosse. The renowned Belgian director presented one of the most buzzed-about titles from the festival's official selection, A Silence, starring Daniel Auteuil and Emmanuelle Devos. The film finds him revisiting some aspects of his previous themes, including dark family secrets and the psychological warfare of domestic settings. In this podcast conversation, Lafosse talks about family, perversion and power, and shares his profound interest in psychoanalysis, his thoughts on contemporary mainstream cinema and much more.

TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Sashko Chubko and Valeria Sochyvets, producers of La Palisiada, in his first on-location Showcast episode from the 2023 San Sebastián Film Festival. La Palisiada marks the feature directorial debut of Philip Sotnichenko and has been making waves on the festival scene this year, having won awards in Rotterdam and Sarajevo. The film is is described as a police detective neo-noir set in the last months of capital punishment in Ukraine in 1996. Find out more about it in this episode of the Showcast, where we also talk about the role of the arts during times of war in Ukraine and the collective of filmmakers that are making an impact on the country's independent scene, making movies not for money but for the soul.

Join us for a truly special edition of Noir360 as we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Richard Gant, an American actor and passionate social activist whose illustrious career in film and television includes iconic roles in movies like "Rocky V," "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps," "Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie," and "The Big Lebowski." Additionally, he has graced hit television series such as "Deadwood," "Men of a Certain Age," "Seinfeld," and "Friends."

Richard brings his unique perspective to the impending Hollywood strike between studios and actors and writers. This crucial discussion revolves around various pressing issues, including the impact of emerging technologies like AI, the need for better financial accountability within streaming media distribution and studios, and the protection of image and voice rights for actors.

Our conversation also delves into Richard's remarkable journey, tracing his presence and evolution from the vibrant era of the New York Theatre Renaissance to the heart of Hollywood. Through his unwavering dedication and talent, he has risen to become an actor who demands the attention of any serious artist.

Beyond his acting career, Richard's off-screen pursuits include co-founding "My Mandela Moment," a social networking campaign that celebrates and upholds the principles of leadership and community service as exemplified by Dr. Nelson Mandela.

In this engaging episode of Noir360, we are thrilled to host Yolonda Brinkley, a remarkable individual who has embarked on a transformative journey from being a corporate marketing/PR manager at a Fortune 500 company to becoming a self-proclaimed global disruptor and marketing communications practitioner specializing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy.

Yolonda's unwavering passion has led her to create "Diversity in Cannes," an independent global film movement dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

During our conversation with Yolonda, we gain unique insights into the experiences of people of color who attend one of the world's oldest and most enduring film festivals and markets, the Cannes Film Festival. Yolonda's perspective on Hollywood's approach to inclusion is thought- provoking, and we explore the intriguing comparisons between the entertainment industry in the United States and France, particularly within the context of a renowned event like Cannes.

In this captivating episode of Noir360, we delve into an open and candid conversation with none other than the renowned showrunner, director, and producer, Kevin Arkadie. With a trailblazing career that has left an indelible mark on television, including iconic shows like "New York Undercover," "The Shield," "Soul Food," "NYPD Blue," and many more, Kevin's creative genius knows no bounds. He's not only a creative force but also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, imparting his wisdom to the next generation of storytellers.

Currently, Kevin serves as the Executive Producer (EP) and Showrunner for the BET+ streaming TV series "Sacrifice," which is being filmed amidst the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In this episode, Kevin generously shares his insights into the evolution of his career, offering invaluable advice to aspiring writers looking to break into the industry. His contributions to the world of entertainment have not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globes, Audelco Awards, and nominations for Emmy and Humanitas Prize.

Join us on this captivating episode of Noir360, as we sit down with the remarkable Patrick Coleman, a multifaceted talent who has made his mark as a producer, director, and independent filmmaker. Patrick's journey within the Hollywood studio system has been nothing short of inspiring, and in this episode, we delve deep into his path to becoming a co- producer on Paramount Studio's hit show, "The Game."

Our conversation with Patrick begins by exploring his upbringing in the picturesque peninsula of Hampton, Virginia. We learn about the early seeds of his passion for storytelling and communication, which eventually led him to Morris Brown College, an HBCU in Atlanta, where he pursued a degree in Mass Communication.

From there, we embark on his post-university adventure, which took him to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. It was here that Patrick's dreams of working in television and film truly came to life. Throughout his career, he's lent his talents to some of the industry's biggest players, including the Walt Disney Company, HBO, and CBS.

Patrick's current role as Co-Producer on the Paramount Plus streaming series, "The Game," is a testament to his dedication and expertise. In our conversation, we not only discuss his pivotal role on this hit show but also explore his involvement in a series of both commercially and critically acclaimed productions, such as NCIS, The Shield, Judging Amy, and many more.

The 71st edition of the San Sebastián International Film Festival is fast approaching, set to take place from September 22-30. TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his podcast festival coverage by previewing its program with Joxean Fernández, who has been a member of the festival's management committee since 2011 and is the director of the Basque Film Library. The conversation touches on a wide range of topics, from this year's official selection to the ways in which the festival helps showcase talent from the Basque region. We also spoke about the festival's multi-decade history, the traits that distinguish it from other film festivals held throughout the year, its industry section and some more recent challenges, including its response to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

In the final episode of our podcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with Lorenzo Esposito, curator of a dedicated festival section titled "Another Birth: Iranian Cinema, Here and Now," which celebrates the achievements of independent Iranian cinema of the past four years. In this episode, we'll also hear insights from TFV's Editor and Senior Critic Deborah Young, who lends her expertise to provide further understanding of Iranian cinema's landscape and shed light on the formidable challenges that Iranian filmmakers must surmount to bring their creative visions to life.

TFV's Matt Micucci continues his Showcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic with an exclusive conversation with Sofia Alaoui, director of Animalia. The film was presented in the festival's Horizons section, following its award-winning premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The movie follows the extraordinary journey of Itto, a young pregnant woman whose seemingly idyllic life takes a dramatic turn when a powerful storm unleashes a chain of enigmatic events, blending elements of dystopian uprising, environmental calamity and an impending apocalyptic reckoning. Animalia intertwines the realms of sci-fi disaster, road movie and spiritual odyssey, skillfully weaving a thought-provoking critique of Moroccan society with profound introspection into the very essence of existence.

TFV's Matt Micucci shines a spotlight on two remarkable documentaries presented at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, sharing conversations with director Cyril Aris about Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano and with Luka Beradze about Smiling Georgia. Set against the backdrop of the catastrophic explosion that shook the Port of Beirut in 2020, Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano follows a film crew facing an extraordinary dilemma: should they press on with their movie production amidst the ruins or succumb to the overwhelming chaos engulfing their city? Smiling Georgia transports us to a tranquil Georgian village where the country's governing party, during their 2012 election campaign, enticed the poorest residents with the promise of new teeth in exchange for their votes. But after their election defeat, the film uncovers a bitter and toothless aftermath, raising questions about the worth of ordinary people in the eyes of self-serving politicians. Although their specific contexts differ, these films share common themes that resonate deeply, including political promises, socioeconomic disparity, personal stories and critical examination of leadership.

TFV's Matt Micucci talks with Joseph Fahim, curator of a retrospective on the works of Japanese filmmaker Yasuzo Masumura at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Known for his rebellious spirit and promotion of individualism, Masumura's films challenged societal norms and left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Active since the late 1950s, Masumura was a true powerhouse, creating films that defy simple categorization. His stories, rooted in classic narrative structures, encompass a wide range of emotions - from anger to clarity, from pulp to sophistication. They are broad yet controlled, nihilistic yet moralistic. However, despite his brilliance, Masumura's close affiliation with the studio system led to his marginalization by critics and curators for nearly six decades. As we approach the 100th anniversary of Masumura's birth, KVIFF and Fahim took the lead in celebrating this extraordinary filmmaker and invited us all to rediscover his remarkable body of work.

Description: TFV's Matt Micucci sits down with Behrooz Karamizade, the talented director of Empty Nets, winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. In his feature directorial debut, Karamizade fulfils his goal of telling stories about his native land, shining a spotlight on the poignant tale of Amir and Narges, two star-crossed lovers trapped by the societal constraints of modern-day Iran. In this episode, we'll explore the captivating narrative of Empty Nets and embark on an intimate exploration of Karamizade's artistic journey.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares his conversations with director Ernst De Greer, and actors Asta August and Herbert Nordrum, about 'The Hypnosis,' one of the highlights from the main competition of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. This satirical gem follows the journey of André and Vera, who navigate the world of business and personal relationships, but whose life is turned upside down after Vera's hypnotherapy session takes an unexpected turn. The Hypnosis garnered much critical acclaim, winning both the FIPRESCI Prize and the European Cinema Label Award, as well as Best Actor for Nordrum.

TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his Showcast coverage of the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic by sitting down with none other than Karel Och, its artistic director. The Karlovy Vary Film Festival holds a special place in the hearts of film professionals and film enthusiasts worldwide and we'll delve into its rich history and significance. As we explore the 57th edition of this iconic event, we'll uncover the exciting and wide-ranging features that characterized its program. In addition, we have the opportunity of knowing Och better by taking a fascinating journey into the birth of his own cinephilia, discovering the sparks that ignited his passion for the big screen, and the enduring connection that he has forged with the festival, including as its longstanding artistic director.

Join TFV's Matt Micucci as he dives into the depth of El Crítico, screened within the Larger Than Life section of the 2023 Transilvania International Film Festival, in a conversation with its directors Juan Zavala and Javier Morales Pérez. The film is a documentary on Carlos Boyero, one of Spanish cinema's most revered and feared critics. The conversation also touches on the state and influence of film criticism today.

TFV's Matt Micucci takes you on a journey through the 22nd edition of the Transilvania Film Festival in the charming city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, through a conversation with the festival's artistic director Mihai Chirilov. From June 9-18, the festival showcased a dynamic program celebrating the past, present and future of cinema, and testified to the rebellious spirit of the annual film event, one of the most important for the region.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation about the forgotten Iranian-born filmmaker Sohrab Shahid Saless with film scholar Vivien Buchhorn, founder of the Saless Archive. Saless was a renegade filmmaker who was also part of a cast of creatives working in the film diaspora of Germany throughout the 1970s and 1980s. While he was part of the fabled New German Cinema movement of these years, along with such revered figures as Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Werner Herzog, Saless is relatively unknown today but it is thanks to such scholars as Buchhorn and the Saless Archive that his oeuvre is once again restored and celebrated through initiatives of restoration, education, exhibition and beyond. Indeed, the conversation was recorded to mark as special occasion: the return of a film by Saless to the Forum section of the Berlinale via a special screening of his film, 1980's Order.

Eric Mika and Kelly Jones from The Film Verdict round out AFCI week in Los Angeles by speaking with Nomine Erdine from one of the newest international film commissions: Mongolia's.

Eric Mika, president and publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with his co-host Rashid Bahati to speak with Carlota Guerrero from the Catalunya Film Commission at AFCI week about the exciting possibilities presented for filmmakers there and the initiatives for inclusion and diversity across the industry.

President and publisher of The Film Verdict, Eric Mika, sits down with his co-host Kelly Jones to speak with Steven Davenport from Screen Ireland at the 2023 AFCI conference in Los Angeles, California, about the exciting opportunities Ireland presents to filmmakers and their impressive pedigree of awards and honors.

The program of this year's Berlinale featured movies told from a characteristic and unapologetic female perspective. In this latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares conversations with artists who presented such first. First off, filmmaker Emily Atef talks about Someday We'll Tell Each Other Everything from the festival's official competition, an erotic tale set in 1990 East Germany, following a young woman who begins a relationship with a charismatic farmer who is twice her age. Secondly, we speak with Sacha Polak, director, and Vicky Knight, director of Silver Haze. The film offers a fascinating hybrid of reality and fiction, based on the lead actor's lived experiences, starring a cast of non-professional actors and making much use of improvisation.

Flashback to the AFCI week in Los Angeles as Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict sits down with his co-host, Kelly Jones, to speak with Bega Metzner from the Moab film commission in Utah about the exciting possibilities for filmmakers venturing out to the Moab to Monument Valley region.

Flashback to the AFCI week in Los Angeles as Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict sits down with his co-host, Kelly Jones, to speak with Tristan Albrecht from the Valais, Switzerland film commission, an organization dedicated to welcoming, assisting, and supporting audiovisual projects in the canton and encourage the local industry.

Each year, the European Film Market welcomes film professionals from different parts of the world to Berlin, Germany. This year was no exception and TFV's Matt Micucci sought the opportunity to record conversations about the current film and audiovisual industry scene of three different countries: Taiwan, Ukraine and Chile. This latest episode of the Showcast features conversations with: Chia-Hua Yeh, section manager of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA); Polina Tolmachova, marketing director of FILM.UA; and Ashley Salman, international producer with CinemaChile.

Unconventional parents and idealistic teachers were among the most fascinating characters of films presented within the program of the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. In this latest episode of the SHOWCAST, TFV's Matt Micucci shares conversations with filmmakers who presented works featuring such characters. Director İlker Çatak talks about The Teachers' Lounge, about an idealistic teacher who decides to take matters into her own hands after one of her students is suspected of theft, which was this year's big winner of the Berlinale's Panorama section. We also speak with Zara Dwinger, director of Kiddo, a mother-daughter road movie that is a coming-of-age film with a not to the lovers-on-the-run genre.

TFV's Matt Micucci shines a light on the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam, in conversation with its director Vanja Kaludjercic. The conversation was recorded at the 2023 European Film Market and not long after the conclusion of what many consider to be the first major film festival of the calendar year. As such, this episode of the Showcast features a discussion of its program, including its films, installations, dedicated sections highlighting specific themes and films from specific regions, as well as the Cinemart and beyond.

Noir360, the podcast that celebrates Black global film, culture and history with Rashid Bahati has a conversation with Floyd Webb, a filmmaker, and founder/curator of Blacknuss.tv, as his guest. 

We discuss Floyd's extensive experience in the film industry that includes being the associate producer of the award-winning film, Daughters of the Dust (US 1992), directed by Julie Dash. He was also the Chicago producer of the American Masters film, The World of Nat King Cole (2006). In our interview, Floyd shares his journey in the film industry and the challenges he faced as a black filmmaker.

We also chat about his work as a producer and consultant on several documentaries, including the 50th Anniversary of The March, directed by John Akomfrah of U.K.-based Smoking Dogs Films and co-produced by Robert Redford's Sundance Productions. Floyd's dedication to showcasing the richness and diversity of African-American culture through his platform, Blacknuss.tv, is truly inspiring. We delve into the importance of representation in the media and the impact it has on shaping our perception of ourselves and our communities.

This interview is an important look at intersection of film, culture, and history.

Tune in to Noir360 to hear Floyd Webb's incredible story and his vision about independent Black film today.

Noir360, the podcast that celebrates international Black film in all its diversity Rashid Bahati is thrilled to have Rahmatou Keïta, a Nigerien journalist, writer, and film director, as his guest. Rahmatou's career in film began in 1990, and she has since become an accomplished filmmaker, winning the prestigious 7 d'or for L'assiette anglaise (2005) and the Sojourner Truth Award for her first feature film, Al'lèèssi... Born in Niger, Rahmatou is of Fulani, Songhai, and Mandingo heritage. After studying philosophy and linguistics in Paris, she worked as a journalist for European TV channels before transitioning into filmmaking. In our interview, we delve into Rahmatou's experiences as a journalist turned filmmaker, her creative process, and her dedication to telling authentic stories that are "off" the beaten tracks.

Rahmatou's films have received critical acclaim, including Al'lèèssi..., which was selected at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Documentary Award at Montreal, FIFAI, and the Sojourner Truth Award.

This is a very essential interview for all interested in the intersection of film, and culture. Tune in to Noir360 to hear Rahmatou Keïta's journey as an African women in the world of global cinema.

In this episode of Noir360, Rashid Bahati has an exclusive conversation with Valeriya Biyen, co-owner of Yelhy Technology Africa and owner of the newly opened 22N6 Tech Lounge based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Valeriya Biyen is originally from Ukraine and lives currently between Europe and West Africa.  We discussed her passion and involvement in Ouagadougou to engage the Burkinabe youth, in eSports Gaming, at her new facilities in Ouaga2000 area of the city.  She hosted the inaugural edition of the Filmmaker Accelerator Program Awards ceremonies at 22N6 during the 28th edition of FESPACO the film and television festival in the beginning of March 2023.  Valeriya shares her vision of creating opportunities for the youth of Burkina Faso, particularly in the areas of technology and gaming. We explore her journey in building Yelhy Technology Africa and how it is contributing to the development of the tech industry in Burkina Faso. Her new facility, 22N6 Center and Tech Lounge, is a hub for Burkinabe gamers and technology enthusiasts, and Valeriya talks about the impact it's already having on the local community.

This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, gaming, and youth development in Africa. Tune in to Noir360 to hear Valeriya Biyen  inspiring story and her vision for a brighter future in Burkina Faso.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares an extensive conversation with the legendary American experimental filmmaker James Benning, who presented his latest film, Allensworth, in the Forum section of the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. The film centres on the title location, the first self-administered African-American municipality in California. A great starting point for a conversation covering several aspects of Benning's filmmaking and art, from the political nature of his works to his admiration of Henry David Thoreau.

TFV's Matt Micucci has a conversation with Jaclyn Philpott, Executive Director of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), the only global non-profit organization representing city, state, regional, provincial and national film commission members on six continents. It provides commissions with advocacy, connectivity and education necessary in the screen sector to foster economic growth, initiates the groundwork for strong infrastructure and provides the essentials for professional development in a fair, sustainable and socially-diverse manner worldwide. The AFCI Week, one of its marquee annual events, will be taking place in Los Angeles on March 27-30, as a multi-day exclusive event open to AFCI Members, Affiliates and Sponsors, offering networking and educational opportunities targeted at enhancing business practices and much more.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares conversations with filmmakers who premiered new films about human connection from different parts of the world at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. This episode of the SHOWCAST features a conversation with Romanian filmmaker Vlad Petri, whose Between Revolutions tells the story of the friendship between two women who meet in the 1970s in Bucharest but who are separated by the political turmoil of their respective countries of Romania and Iran. It also includes a conversation with Nigerian filmmaker Babatunde Apalowo, who premiered All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White. The film offers a compassionate depiction of the experiences of the queer community in Nigeria and made history by becoming only the second ever Nigerian feature-length film to have officially premiered at the Berlinale.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares insight on different initiatives that, while different, promote the cinema of the future. This episode of the SHOWCAST features a conversation with Darryl C. Marks, CEO and Founder of Adapt Entertainment, a creative technology company that developed a proprietary AI neuro-rendering process to sync a film or series' original performance with a new language, allowing for a more inclusive enganced storytelling experience without dubbing or subtitling. We also speak with Marco Orsini, Founder of International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA), and Paul Robinson, CCO of NEFT Vodka. Together, they talk about the NEFTI Awards, designed to celebrate and challenge filmmakers from emerging economic regions to showcase their creative skills and to expand their reach into regions that may otherwise not have been available to them.

SHOWCAST HITS: Alpha Film Festival

3 - Kings of Infinite Space

Alpha Film Festival is a groundbreaking peek into the future of interactivity in art. Hosted by the MILC platform in a Web3 Metaverse, AFF represents an exciting evolution of the film festival.

SHOWCAST HITS: Alpha Film Festival

2 - Behold This Strange Intelligence

Alpha Film Festival is a groundbreaking peek into the future of interactivity in art. Hosted by the MILC platform in a Web3 Metaverse, AFF represents an exciting evolution of the film festival.

SHOWCAST HITS: Alpha Film Festival

1: Present is Prologue

Alpha Film Festival is a groundbreaking peek into the future of interactivity in art. Hosted by the MILC platform in a Web3 Metaverse, AFF represents an exciting evolution of the film festival.

TFV's Matt Micucci shares insight into filmmaking in Iran by interviewing two of the most renowned Iranians in the international film community on the latest episode of the SHOWCAST. Recorded live at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival, this new episode features a conversation about the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association with producer Kaveh Farnam, universally acclaimed for his award-winning productions, cultural advocacy and socially-conscious projects. It also includes a conversation with the internationally celebrated actress and filmmaker Niki Karimi, one of the special guests of the Retrospective section of this year's Berlinale, speaking about a wide range of topics, including the enduring legacy of Abbas Kiarostami and the persistence of Iranian filmmakers against all odds.

Showcast's Matt Micucci dives deep into Italian film's standing among world cinema and asks, "has it lost its shine to not win an Oscar?" to Directorate General of Cinema and Audiovisual-Ministry of Culture at Cinecittá, Roberto Stabile. He is the man behind ANICA's renewed drive to revive and expand Italy's international film markets.

https://thefilmverdict.com/captain-italia/