NewFest: All We’ve Got
A fairly unpolished yet important documentary explores the decline in lesbian community spaces with a focus on the ones that are still thriving.
Interview with Neasa Hardiman, director of Sea Fever
Raquel Stecher interviews Neasa Hardiman, director of Sea Fever, a science fiction film that had its world premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
TIFF: Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a mesmerizing and atmospheric lesbian love story. Highly recommended.
TIFF: Disco
Norwegian film follows a talented teenager plagued with problems who loses herself through her involvement in Christian cults.
TIFF: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood takes an unconventional route to tell the story of an extraordinary man. Mister Rogers is the supporting actor in his own movie and that’s just the way he would have wanted it.
TIFF: Pelican Blood
Set in the bucolic countryside of Germany, Pelican Blood tells the story of Wiebke, an adoptive mother and talented horse trainer. It’s at her horse camp there that she trains … Continue Reading TIFF: Pelican Blood
TIFF: Hope
Directed by Maria Sødahl and based on a true story, Hope is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman who must face her terminal cancer diagnosis and at the same time mend her broken relationship.
TIFF: Sea Fever
An enthralling sci-fi film from Irish filmmaker Neasa Hardiman. Feels both classic and brand new. Stays true to its story and doesn’t rely on splashy special effects to be thrilling.
Rafiki
Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Rafiki stars Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva as two young Kenyan women who fall in love and have to face the ramifications of their anti-LGBTQ culture. Available on DVD from Film Movement.
The Spy Behind Home Plate
Part baseball history part WWII history. A new documentary explores the life of Moe Berg, a catcher for MLB and a spy for the US during WWII.
The Fever and the Fret
The Fever and the Fret is a powerful anti-bullying tale that isn’t afraid to dive into the pain and the torment victims suffer and the feeling of helplessness as those who hold social power continue to victimize them.
Albatross Soup
Albatross Soup is a documentary layered on top of a surreal animated fantasy. It’s filled with bright, bold colors and shape-shifting scenes.
SXSW Interview: Amy C. Elliott, director of Salvage
At the recent SXSW Film Festival, I had the pleasure of chatting with the documentary filmmaker Amy C. Elliott. Her latest film Salvage had its world premiere on opening night. … Continue Reading SXSW Interview: Amy C. Elliott, director of Salvage
SXSW: La Mala Noche
Calvache’s film is a heart-pounding thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s brilliantly directed with some terrific cinematography and excellent story telling. Lead actress Noëlle Schönwald delivers a powerful performance.
SXSW: Being Impossible
Director Patricia Ortega’s Being Impossible/Yo imposible is a hard pill to swallow. It’s a heavy-handed story that offers little to an audience that will be overwhelmed by the subject matter.
SXSW: Qualified
ESPN documentary about race car driver Janet Guthrie, a marginalized figure in sports history. Her setbacks were so frustrating but her determination is awe-inspiring. A strong female role model for women of all ages.