Shows
TFV NetworkShowcast: Podcasts, a Film Industry Tool w/ Eric MikaEric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict, a leading independent review platform for the international film industry, joins us to explore how podcasts are shaping global film dialogue and helping amplify the reach of film projects by harnessing the medium’s distinctive strengths. He also reflects on the evolution and potential of TFV Network, which offers new opportunities for collaboration with film festivals, industry summits, sales agents, distributors, filmmakers, and more.As the multimedia arm of The Film Verdict, in just over a year, TFV Network has laid a strong foundation with its podcast-driven model. Its reach sp...2025-04-2410 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Antidote & Venom, 20 Years in the MakingTFV Network presents a recording of a panel discussion from the 2025 Dublin International Film Festival, hosted by Antidote, by one of Ireland's leading commercial production companies. Titled "Parallel Frames: Connecting the Dots Between Ads & Film," the event explored the intersection of advertising and filmmaking.This panel, moderated by TFV's Matt Micucci, focused on the 20-year parallel journeys of Venom, a company renowned for producing high-quality documentary films, and Antidote, known for producing high-end commercials. The panel featured director Ken Wardrop and producer Andrew Freedman, co-founders of both Antidote and Venom, along with Jessie Hayden, producer and development co-ordinator at Venom...2025-03-0438 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: Nawi, Nosferatu, The WitnessTFV ON POINT: Nawi, Nosferatu, The WitnessWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Nawi," directed by Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler and Tobias Schmutzler; "Nosferatu," directed by Robert Eggers; "The Witness," directed by Nader Saeivar.For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(00:24...2025-02-1403 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: Crocodile Tears, Wolf Man, Yana WaraWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three different recently-released films, or films that recently premiered at different film festivals around the world. They are: "Crocodile Tears," directed by directed by Tumpal Tampubolon; "Wolf Man," directed by Leigh Whannell; "Yana Wara," directed by Tito Catacora and Óscar Catacora.For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(00:26) Crocodile Tears(01:16) Wolf Man(01:57) Yana Wara(02:49) Outro2025-01-1403 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 Cairo Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney.In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival: "Ab Zabaal 89," directed by Bassam Mortada; "From Ground Zero," an anthology film directed by 22 different Palestinian directors; "Spring Came On Laughing," directed by Noha Adel.For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(00:25) Abo Zabaal 89(01:11) From Ground Zero(02:06) Spring Came On Laughing(02:49) Outro2024-12-0503 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 San Sebastián Film Festival Reviews (Ep. 3)Welcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three more films screened in the program of the 2024 San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "Hard Truths," directed by Mike Leigh; "Modi, Three Days on the Wings of Madness," directed by Johnny Depp; "The Wailing," directed by Pedro Martín-Calero. For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/ CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:31) "Modi" (01:42) "Hard Truths" (02:34) "The Wailing" (03:40) Outro2024-10-2504 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 San Sebastián Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain: "When Fall Is Coming," directed by Francois Ozon; "Emmanuelle," directed by Audrey Diwan; "The Red Virgin," directed by Paula Ortiz. For the full reviews, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/ CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:31) "When Fall Is Coming" (01:34) "Emmanuelle" (02:35) "The Red Virgin" (03:30) Outro2024-10-0204 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Venice Film Festival: "My Late Summer," directed by Danis Tanović; "Family Therapy," directed by Sonja Prosenc; "A Fidai Film," directed by Kamal Aljafari. CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:25) "My Late Summer" (01:20) "Family Therapy" (02:14) "A Fidai Film" (03:05) Outro2024-09-2003 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 Locarno Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Locarno Film Festival: "Eight Postcards from Utopia," directed by Radu Jude and Christian Ferencz-Flatz; "Toxic" by Saule Bliuvaite, the winner of this year's Pardo d'Oro; "The Sparrow in the Chimney," directed by Ramon Zürcher. CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:26) "Eight Postcards from Utopia" (01:10) "Toxic" - Pardo d'Oro winner (02:03) "The Sparrow in the Chimney" (02:43) Outro2024-09-1303 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "His Girl Friday" (dir. Howard Hawks, 1940) | Venice Classics 2024 FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "His Girl Friday" from 1940, directed by Howard Hawks. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:28) Review (01:38) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation2024-09-0701 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 Venice Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In this episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Venice Film Festival: "Babygirl," directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman; "Maria," directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie; "One To One: John and Yoko," directed by Kevin Macdonald, a documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono. To read the full reviews of these films and other titles presented at the 2024 L...2024-09-0603 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Clashing Peaks and Family Ties w/ Jan-Willem van Ewijk (Venezia 2024)TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with director Jan-Willem van Ewijk, the creative mind behind "Alpha.," a film making waves at the 2024 Venice Film Festival's Giornate degli Autori competition. "Alpha." is no ordinary adventure film. It's an existential journey set against the breathtaking and unforgiving beauty of the Alps. The story follows a snowboard instructor whose life takes a turn when his father shows up there. As they venture into the snowy mountains together, unresolved tensions and clashing personalities come to a head, leading to a collision with both the overwhelming nature around them and each other. In this episode, we...2024-09-0516 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Ecce Bombo" (dir. Nanni Moretti, 1978) | Venice Classics 2024 FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "Ecce Bombo" from 1978, directed by Nanni Moretti. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:29) Review (02:27) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation2024-09-0402 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Revisiting Belgium's Most Haunting Scandal w/ Fabrice Du Welz (Venezia 2024)TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with director Fabrice Du Welz, whose latest film, "Maldoror," is premiering out of competition at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. A gripping and intense thriller, "Maldoror" tells the story of a young and impulsive Belgian cop on a desperate search for justice, all set against the backdrop of one of Belgium's most haunting scandals - a series of kidnappings of young girls that shook the nation in the 1990s and that left a deep scar in the Belgian soul. In our conversation, Du Welz opens up about the challenges of revisiting such a traumatic ch...2024-09-0325 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Bend of the River" (dir. Anthony Mann, 1952) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "Bend of the River" from 1952, directed by Anthony Mann. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.2024-09-0102 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Exploring Refugee Trauma and the Child Resignation Syndrome w/ Alexandros Avranas (Venezia 2024)In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Alexandros Avranas, who's making waves at the Venice Film Festival with his latest film, "Quiet Life," featured in the prestigious Orizzonti section. "Quiet Life" is a gripping story about a refugee family in Sweden, thrust into unimaginable trauma when their youngest daughter mysteriously falls into a coma after their asylum request is denied. As the parents search desperately for a cure, their resilience is tested to the limit. Join us as we explore the origins of this intense film, with Avranas revealing how he was inspired by an...2024-08-3122 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "La Notte" (dir. Michelangelo Antonioni, 1961) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "La Notte" from 1961, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.2024-08-3002 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Echoes of a Dystopian Tomorrow w/ Aude Léa Rapinhis episode of the Showcast features TFV's Matt Micucci's conversation with director Aude Léa Rapin, the visionary director behind "Planet B," the opening film of the Critics' Week section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. With this film, Rapin presents a sci-fi movie grounded in realism, following a group of eco-activists who find themselves trapped in a mysterious and nightmarish world.In our conversation, we discuss how the film was inspired by the social and political tensions of our time, blending these elements with the rise of technology to create a haunting vision of a not-so-distant dystopian future. Join us...2024-08-2919 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Gold of Naples" (dir. Vittorio De Sica, 1954) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Tonight's film is "The Gold of Naples" from 1954, directed by Vittorio De Sica. The review coincides with the screening of the film in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival.2024-08-2502 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Cranes Are Flying" (dir. Mikhail Kalatozov, 1957) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Cranes Are Flying" from 1957, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov.2024-08-2202 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (dir. Adam McKay, 2004) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" from 2004, directed by Adam McKay.2024-08-1902 min
TFV NetworkTFV ON POINT: 2024 Locarno Film Festival ReviewsWelcome to TFV on Point, a new podcast series turning reviews from TFV's leading industry film critics into audio broadcasts. The show is hosted by Sarah Vianney. In the first episode of the series, we turn our attention to three films screened in the program of the 2024 Locarno Film Festival: "Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry," directed by Elene Naveriani; "Shambala," directed by Min Bahadur Bham; and "Reinas," directed by Klaudia Reynicke. To read the full reviews of these films and other titles presented at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, visit https://thefilmverdict.com/ CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro (00:27) "Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry" review (01:34) "Shambala" review (02:28) "Reinas" review (03:10...2024-08-1503 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Vampyr" (dir. Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1932) | FILM REVIEWWelcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Vampyr" from 1932, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.2024-08-1402 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Irish Mythology, Historical Trauma and the Power of Horror w/ Aislinn ClarkeIn this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci dives deep into one of the most talked-about films from the 2024 Locarno Film Festival's out-of-competition lineup, Fréwaka. Join us as we sit down with Aislinn Clarke, the director of this haunting horror film that explores Irish mythology, as well as some of the darker corners of the country's history and personal trauma. We discuss the film's inspiration, and the significance of it being an Irish-language production featuring an almost all-female cast and crew. Plus, we delve into the power of horror as a cinematic genre for storytelling and catharsis.2024-08-1316 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "A Few Good Men" (dir. Rob Reiner, 1992)Welcome to "The Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "A Few Good Men" from 1992, directed by Rob Reiner.2024-08-1102 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Motherhood and the Revolution w/ César Díaz (2024 Locarno)In the latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci is joined by the talented filmmaker César Díaz. His latest film, "Mexico 86," is screening in the Piazza Grande section of the 2024 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. The film tells the gripping story of a Guatemalan rebel activist, forced to flee to Meixco to save her life in her battle against her country's corrupt military dictatorship. Throughout the movie, we follow her dilemma, as she is torn between her duties as a mother and her relentless commitment to the revolutionary cause. Díaz's powerful narrative not only dives into the...2024-08-1023 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "American Fiction" (dir. Cord Jefferson, 2023)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "American Fiction" from 2023, directed by Cord Jefferson.2024-08-0602 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Other Sided of Hope" (dir. Aki Kaurismäki, 2017)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Other Side of Hope" from 2017, directed by Aki Kaurismäki.2024-08-0501 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" (dir. Simon Wincer, 1991)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" from 1991, directed by Simon Wincer.2024-08-0401 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Dust in the Wind" (dir. Hou Hsiao-Hsien, 1986)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Dust in the Wind" from 1986, directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien.2024-08-0302 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Paul" (dir. Paul Mottola, 2011)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Paul" from 2011, directed by Greg Mottola.2024-08-0201 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Happy Hour" (dir. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, 2015)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Happy Hour" from 2015, directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi.2024-08-0101 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Easy Money" (dir. James Signorelli, 1983)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Easy Money" from 1983, directed by James Signorelli.2024-07-3101 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "It Must Be Heaven" (dir. Elia Suleiman, 2019)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "It Must Be Heaven" from 2019, directed by Elia Suleiman.2024-07-3002 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Beaver" (dir. Jodie Foster, 2011)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Beaver" from 2011, directed by Jodie Foster.2024-07-2901 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Spaceballs" (dir. Mel Brooks, 1987)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Spaceballs" from 1987, directed by Mel Brooks.2024-07-2801 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Soleil O" (dir. Med Hondo, 1967)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Soleil O" from 1967, directed by Med Hondo.2024-07-2702 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Mississippi Burning" (dir. Alan Parker, 1988)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Mississippi Burning" from 1988, directed by Alan Parker.2024-07-2602 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Stranger" (dir. Satyajit Ray, 1991)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Stranger" from 1991, directed by Satyajit Ray.2024-07-2502 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Days" (dir. Tsai Ming-liang, 2020)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Days" from 2020, directed by Tsai Ming-liang.2024-07-2401 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Triple Agent" (dir. Éric Rohmer, 2004)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Triple Agent" from 2004, directed by Éric Rohmer.2024-07-2301 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Twixt" (dir. Francis Ford Coppola, 2011)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Twixt" from 2011, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.2024-07-2201 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Personal Shopper" (dir. Olivier Assayas, 2016)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Personal Shopper" from 2016, directed by Olivier Assayas.2024-07-2101 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Bernie" (dir. Richard Linklater, 2011)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Bernie" from 2011, directed by Richard Linklater.2024-07-2001 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "The Agony" (dir. Julio Bressane, 1976)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "The Agony" from 1976, directed by Julio Bressane.2024-07-1901 min
TFV NetworkCinephile Corner: "Jimmy's Hall" (dir. Ken Loach, 2014)Welcome to The Cinephile Corner! Every day, TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia. Today's film is "Jimmy's Hall" from 2014, directed by Ken Loach.2024-07-1802 min
TFV NetworkCelebrating Authenticity with "Diplodocus" w/ Wojtek WawszczykIn the latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Polish director, animator and writer Wojtek Wawszczyk. His new animated feature, "Diplodocus," premiered at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. The film tells the captivating tale of a young dinosaur on a quest to rescue his mysteriously missing parents, traversing a variety of strange worlds in the process. It also tells the parallel tale of the artist who created him, struggling to stay true to his vision. In our conversation, we'll dive deep into the film's messages, its stylistic influences and the lengthy, dedicated process of...2024-06-2713 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Power of Storytelling w/ DeVon Franklin (2024 AVP Summit)In this episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci converses with DeVon Franklin, acclaimed producer, as well as founder and CEO of Franklin Entertainment. In this episode, Franklin talks about the origin of his passion for storytelling, the motivation behind becoming a film producer and how he eventually came to establish Franklin Entertainment, as well as the vision behind the company and the stories that he wanted to produce. We also reflect on the current state of the audiovisual industry, amidst intense cultural and technological changes. In our conversation, Franklin...2024-06-2414 min
TFV NetworkVeneto Film Commission w/ Jacopo ChessaOur latest episode of the Showcast from the 2024 AVP Summit features TFV's Matt Micucci in conversation with Jacopo Chessa, head of the Veneto Film Commission, one of the most important film commissions in the country. Chessa offers an overview of his film commission's many activities, from nurturing audiovisual talent to promoting the region's potential and benefits on an international level. In addition, he also talks about some of the more recent notable film productions that have been filmed in Veneto and discusses some of the more forward-thinking initiatives that it has embraced. Following up on that, Chessa offers his thoughts...2024-06-2315 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Embracing New Technologies in Audiovisual Storytelling w/ Christina Lee Storm (2024 AVP Summit)In the latest Showcast episode recorded at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci converses with Christina Lee Storm, an audiovisual producer with over 20 years of experience of working on major projects. Additionally, Lee Storm has been at the forefront of strategic and creative development of emerging technologies for series, film and multi-platform storytelling, including as founder and CEO of her company, Asher XR. In this episode, Lee Storm talks about some of the biggest innovations within audiovisual storytelling, touching on such diverse topics as immersive experiences and artificial intelligence. She also shares with us her thoughts...2024-06-2122 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Italy's Audiovisual Producers Association w/ Marco FolliniIn our latest episode of the Showcast recorded live from the 2024 AVP Summit, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with Marco Follini, head of Italy's Audiovisual Producers Association (APA), organizer of the event, which took place this year in Reggio Calabria, in the South of Italy. Follini provides us with an overview of the APA and its many activities within the country's audiovisual sector. He also talks about the importance of the AVP Summit, which gathers together top professionals and producers of this sector for networking opportunities, stimulating conversations, panel discussions and much more. Beyond more industry-related topics...2024-06-2012 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Calabria, Beautiful Like Cinema w/ Anton Giulio Grande (2024 AVP Summit)In this latest episode of the Showcast recorded live from the 2024 AVP Summit, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Anton Giulio Grande, a renowned name in the world of high fashion and head of the Calabria Film Commission, the film commission of the Italian region that hosted this year's edition of this major event. Grande shares with us the growing prominence and presence of the audiovisual sector in Calabria. He talks about some of the projects that have been shot in this region in recent times and discusses the experience of Calabria hosting this year's edition of the AVP Summit. He...2024-06-1910 min
TFV NetworkA Digital Production Studio for Audiovisual Storytellers w/ Morgann Brun (2024 AVP Summit)In this episode of the Showcast, recorded at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Morgann Brun, production manager of La Planète Rouge, a digital production studio located in Marseilles in the South of France. Some so many technological innovations and developments have swept up the realm of audiovisual storytelling over the past years and on this episode, we will be focusing on digital production studios. In the case of La Planète Rouge, it entails a studio with a custom LED volume and Brompton video processors specifically serving as highly realistic, im...2024-06-1821 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Staying Ahead of the Audiovisual Game w/ Lori McCrearyIn today's episode of the Showcast, recorded live at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down with Lori McCreary, the American producer and CEO of Revelations Entertainment, which she co-founded with Morgan Freeman in 1996. McCreary discusses the company's history and mission, highlighting some of its most acclaimed productions and previewing upcoming projects, including Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated adaptation of the sci-fi classic, "Rendezvous With Rama." Reflecting on the AVP Summit's themes, we explore the factors that have influenced the audiovisual production industry in recent years and the importance of nurturing co-productions. In addition, McCreary, who...2024-06-1520 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Let's Talk About Screenwriting w/ John August (2024 AVP Summit)In the latest episode of the Showcast from the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with John August, the acclaimed screenwriter of behind such films as "Go," "Big Fish," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." August delves into the art of screenwriting, recounts his journey in film and his directorial experience, and shares insights into his writing habits. He also discusses the current film landscape, technological advancements and the impact of artificial intelligence on the audiovisual sector. Additionally, as a Writers Guild of America (WGA) member and part of the negotiation committee...2024-06-1422 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Reimagining Television w/ Wayne Garvie (2024 AVP Summit)TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television, at the 2024 AVP Summit in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Garvie shares insights on the current audiovisual production landscape, addressing the disruptions caused by technological advancements, including the growth of artificial intelligence, and shifting audience viewing habits, such as the rise in popularity of short-form audiovisual content. Reflecting on his nearly four-decade career, Garvie discusses the evolving definition of television. Among other topics discussed, Garvie also highlights Sony Pictures Television's ongoing transition, following the recent conclusions of landmark series like The Crown and Sex...2024-06-1320 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Vibrant Art Scene of Mozambique w/ Carlos Vargas (Tribeca 2024)TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Carlos Vargas, director of "Hidden Era," which marks his feature directorial debut and was presented in the Viewpoints section of the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City, New York. Unfolding in the the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique, the film chronicles the artistic and personal evolution of Phambi, a painter working in the region, as he struggles with real-life challenges, including providing an education for his son, and awakens to new ways of thinking, including via the influence of two young feminist women who pose for his artworks. "Hidden Era" offers is a thematically dense f...2024-06-1120 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Human Side of Political Resistance in Belarus w/ Mara Tamkovich (Tribeca 2024)TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Mara Tamkovich, making her feature directorial debut with "Under the Grey Sky," presented in the International Narrative Competition of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, New York. Based on a true story, the film talks about a couple of journalists and their resilience, when their cause and love are crushed under the oppression of Belarusian authorities. The film particularly focuses on the aftermath of the mass protests in the country in 2020. In this Showcast episode, Tamkovich shares insights into the true story that inspired her film and its socio-political context, as well as he...2024-06-1017 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Immersive Competition at the Cannes Film Festival w/ Max BorgTFV critic Max Borg joins TFV's Matt Micucci to discuss the inaugural edition of the Immersive Competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The section showcased immersive works, from mixed reality to virtual reality works and beyond, representing a new era of storytelling and embracing new technologies. The winner of the competition was Colored, an augmented-reality, location-based experience by Stephane Foekinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud. Max talks with us about his first-hand experience of the Immersive Competition, and the quality and range of the works presented within this program. He also shares some thoughts and opinions about whether the Cannes Film Festival e...2024-05-3011 min
TFV NetworkNDWA Calls for More Values-Based Storytelling in Hollywood w/ Kristina Mevs-ApgarIn today's episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci is joined by National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) Culture Change Director Kristina Mevs-Apgar. NDWA is an advocacy organization promoting the rights of domestic workers in the United States. NDWA recently organized an open letter calling on Hollywood studios to produce more stories and projects that prioritize social impact. The letter comes not long after the closure of Participant Media, the production company distinguished for its commitment to producing films with a social consciousness, including such award-winning films as "Good Night and Good Luck" (2005), "The Help" (2011) and "Roma" (2018). The letter has been...2024-05-2821 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Saudi Arabia and the Transformative Power of Art w/ Tawfik Alzaidi (Cannes 2024)In the latest episode of Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a conversation with director Tawfik Alzaidi regarding his debut feature film "Norah." This film, part of the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, achieved a historic milestone as the first Saudi feature included in the festival's official selection. "Norah" is set in the 1990s, a period when artistic expression was restricted, and follows Nader, a new teacher and clandestine artist, who is posted to a remote Saudi Arabian village for his inaugural teaching assignment. Here, he develops a bond with a young woman whose life is...2024-05-2319 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 70 Years of German Films w/ Simone BaumannIn the latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films, Germany's national information and advisory centre for the promotion of German films worldwide. This year marks its 70th anniversary, so this conversation will cover the past, present and future of German Films, including some of the celebratory events that German Films will be hosting around the world. We'll also be talking about some of German cinema's most noteworthy film productions and discuss whether this is a golden period of filmmaking in the country. Baumann also shares her thoughts on...2024-05-1620 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 2024 Marché du Film Preview w/ Guillaume EsmiolThis week, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Guillaume Esmiol, director of the Marché du Film, the major film market held annually in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival. Esmiol takes time off his busy schedule to reflect on his second year in charge of the event, which will take place from May 14-22 in Cannes, France. Together, we discuss some of the highlights, key offerings and attractions that will be available to the many global professionals attending, discuss Switzerland's role as this year's country of honor at the Marché du Film and much more. (Featured photo: Loïc Thébaud/Marc...2024-05-0913 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Serial Screenwriting w/ Joachim Friedmann (2024 Meeting Point Vilnius)In our latest episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with German screenwriter, creative producer, media scholar and educator Joachim Friedmann. At this year's edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, Friedmann held a workshop for Lithuanian screenwriters on serial storytelling. In our conversation, Friedmann talks about his extensive experience of writing for various media, spanning comic books, television, cinema and beyond. We also reflect on the role of writing in the contemporary landscape, including the potential impact of AI technologies. (Featured photo courtesy of Meeting Point Vilnius.)2024-04-1144 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Art of Showrunning w/ Gabija Siurbytė and Wiktor Piątkowski (2024 Meeting Point Vilnius)Listen to our Showcast conversation with showrunners Gabija Siurbytė and Wiktor Piątkowski from the 2024 Meeting Poing Vilnius. In the latest instalment of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a dynamic discussion with Gabija Siurbytė from Lithuania and Wiktor Piątkowski from Poland. The focal point of their conversation is showrunning, delving into the intricacies of overseeing the writing and production of television series episodes. They also delve into the unique aspects of series storytelling and what draws them to this craft. Throughout the podcast episode, Siurbyte and Piat...2024-04-0934 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Sometimes, Love Is Not Enough w/ Greta Grinevičiūtė (2024 Meeting Point Vilnius)In the latest episode of Showcast, recorded live at the 2024 Meeting Point Vilnius in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci engages in a compelling conversation with Greta Grinevičiūtė, the lead actress of the acclaimed and award-winning Lithuanian film "Slow," directed by Marija Kavtaradze. This cinematic gem defies stereotypes by beautifully portraying intimacy and closeness in a relationship, while also offering a rare and sincere depiction of asexuality on screen. Greta delves into the film's themes and her profound connection to the story and character, intertwining her insights with her passion and expertise in contemporary dance. Beyond discussing the movie, the con...2024-04-0434 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: An Introduction to Intimacy Coordination in Film and TV w/ Amanda Blumenthal (2024 Vilnius Meeting Point)In the latest episode of the Showcast, recorded live from the 2024 Meeting Point Vilnius, part of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania, TFV's Matt Micucci sits down for a conversation with Amanda Blumenthal, a trailblazer of intimacy coordination within the audiovisual industry. Blumenthal, founder of the Intimacy Professionals Association, leads the charge in creating safer environments on set for performers involved in scenes of nudity, simulated sex or other intimate content. She assists directors in realizing their creative vision, while also addressing legal considerations and other crucial aspects. This role is relatively new in the audiovisual industry and Blumenthal...2024-04-0136 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Documentary Filmmaking, Madness Required w/ Agnieszka Zwiefka (2024 Meeting Point Vilnius)TFV's Matt Micucci returns with the second Showcast episode from the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, the audiovisual industry event taking place within the context of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania. This episode features an insightful conversation with renowned Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Zwiefka, who attended a special presentation of Wika!, her documentary portrait of an 85-year-old star DJ from Warsaw. Matt also takes this opportunity to ask her about her latest documentary, Silent Trees, which unveils the story of a Kurdish refugee girl stranded in a no-man's land between Belarus and Poland, and that recently premiered in CPH:DO...2024-03-2829 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Spotlight on Lithuanian Animation w/ Agnė Adomėnė and Dovydas Vilkelis (2024 Meeting Point Vilnius)TFV's Matt Micucci kicks off his Showcast coverage of the 2024 edition of Meeting Point Vilnius, the annual audiovisual industry event taking place within the context of the Vilnius International Film Festival in Lithuania. In the first episode from this event, we shine a light on the current state of the Lithuanian animation industry and its growing status at an international level by exploring some of its diversity, represented by Agnė Adomėne, Founder of Art Shot, and Dovydas Vilkelis, CEO of Animatrix. Art Shot is an animation production company focused on the development and international co-production of artistic animated films, in...2024-03-2720 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 2024 Visions du Réel Preview w/ Emilie BujésIn this latest episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci delves into the program of this year's edition of Visions du Réel, one of the world's most important festivals of nonfiction films. This year, the festival is set to take place in Nyon, Switzerland, on April 12-21. In this episode, Matt is joined by the festival's Artistic Director Emilie Bujés, who shares with us some of the highlights from its program's offerings and details about its industry section. She also takes time to share with us some details about the history of Visions du Réel and its mis...2024-03-2230 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Peaches Unveiled w/ Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer (2024 Berlinale)In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci spotlights another gem from the Panorama Dokumente section of the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. The focus turns to a vibrant documentary on the trailblazing Peaches, known for her daring blend of electronic music, pop and hip-hop, and her fearless exploration of sexuality and societal norms that have captivated audiences worldwide. Teaches of Peaches not only chronicles her recent anniversary tour celebrating her seminal album of the same name, originally released in 2000, but also weaves together recent footage with a wealth of archive material for a truly immersive experience, fit for anyone r...2024-03-1922 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: A Life in Still Photography w/ Klára Tasovská and Lukáš Kokeš (2024 Berlinale)Today's episode of the Showcast features TFV's Matt Micucci sharing a conversation about one of the highlights from the Panorama Dokumente section of the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. The film is titled "I'm Not Everything I Want to Be" and focuses on the life and work of little-known Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková. From the aftermath of the Prague Spring of 1968 through the 1970s and 1980s, Jarcovjáková prolifically documented her own life through endless series of still photographs, which are woven into a narrative throughline, aided by her own diary entries, which she narrates throughout the film. We talk ab...2024-03-1224 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Luxembourg's First Western w/ Loïc TansonIn our latest Showcast conversation, TFV's Matt Micucci speaks with Loïc Tanson, director of what has been defined as Luxemburg's first western movie, "The Last Ashes." The film is a modern Western set in Luxembourg from the early to mid-1800s and tells the story of a woman who returns to her native village under a new identity, looking for revenge against those who harmed her and her family. In our conversation, we discuss this visionary feature directorial debut but also find out about Tanson's journey, from his early cinephile memories to his formative experiences, working as a film c...2023-12-0528 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Tragedy of Letting Go w/ Tzu-Hui Peng and Ping-Wen Wang (2023 SSIFF)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 R...2023-10-0611 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: A Portrait of Teenage Multicultural Montreal w/ Henry Bernardet (2023 SSIFF)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 c...2023-10-0618 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Reunion of a Long-Estranged Father and His Son w/ Kei Chika-Ura (2023 SSIFF)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 J...2023-10-0518 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Sins of the Patriarchy w/ Xavier Legrand and Marc-André Grondin (2023 SSIFF)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 wi...2023-10-0517 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Ladyland Revisited w/ Isabel Herguera (2023 SSIFF)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 mu...2023-10-0317 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Ukrainians for the Arts, Culture and Education (UFACE) w/ Kateryna Shevchenko and Luke Corradine (2023 SSIFF)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 J...2023-10-0330 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: A Sort of Homecoming w/ Guto Parente (2023 SSIFF)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. W...2023-10-0221 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Are We Really Ever in Control? w/ Cristi Puiu (2023 SSIFF)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 a...2023-09-3018 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: There's No Such Thing as the Perfect Victim w/ Delphine Girard (2023 SSIFF)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. (Featured photo: Playtime)2023-09-2922 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Art, Redemption and Resistence in Iran w/ Farhad Delaram (2023 SSIFF)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 o...2023-09-2829 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Toxic Family Secrets and Silences w/ Joachim Lafosse (2023 SSIFF)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. (Featured photo: Les Films du Lo...2023-09-2824 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Making Movies for the Soul in Ukraine w/ Sashko Chubko and Valeria Sochyvets (2023 SSIFF)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 wa...2023-09-2716 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival Preview (2023 SSIFF)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 ot...2023-09-1924 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Another Birth. Iranian Cinema, Here and Now w/ Lorenzo Esposito (2023 KVIFF)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. (Featured...2023-08-1023 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 'Animalia' and the Interconnectedness of Everything w/ Sofia Alaoui (2023 KVIFF)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 mo...2023-07-1920 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Portraits of Political Betrayal w/ Cyril Aris and Luka Beradze (2023 KVIFF)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 tranqu...2023-07-1926 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Yasuzo Masumura, a Maverick of Japanese Cinema Rediscovered w/ Joseph Fahim (2023 KVIFF)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, Ma...2023-07-1726 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Love and Economic Hardships in Modern Iran w/ Behrooz Karamizade (2023 KVIFF)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. (Featured photo: Pluto Film)2023-07-1325 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Self-Actualization and Hypnosis w/ Ernst De Greer, Asta August and Herbert Nordrum (2023 KVIFF)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. 2023-07-1329 minTFV NetworkShowcast: The Cinephile Splendor of Karlovy Vary w/ Karel Och (2023 KVIFF)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...2023-07-0724 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Making Music for Silent Film w/ Stephen Horne and Martin Pyne (2023 TIFF Romania)Matt Micucci from TFV talks with renowned music artists Stephen Horne and Martin Pyne, who hold esteemed positions in the realm of live performances accompanying silent films. Their collaborative efforts infuse a fresh vitality into Tod Browning's evocative 1927 masterpiece, 'The Unknown,' which was screened at the esteemed Transilvania International Film Festival in 2023. This remarkable event sparks a thought-provoking dialogue on the art of composing scores for silent cinema, tailored to resonate with modern audiences, while also revealing intriguing insights into the intricacies of performing at these immersive cinematic experiences. 2023-06-3023 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Most Feared Film Critic in Spain w/ Juan Zavala and Javier Morales Pérez (2023 TIFF Romania)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. (Featured photo: Warner Bros. Discovery)2023-06-2924 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: 2023 Transilvania International Film Festival Preview w/ Mihai ChirilovTFV'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. (Featured image: TIFF Romania)2023-06-2429 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Rediscovering Sohrab Shahid Saless, a Forgotten Master of Cinema w/ Vivien Buchhorn (2023 Berlinale)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...2023-05-3127 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: The Female Gaze w/ Emily Atef, Sacha Polak and Vicky Knight (2023 Berlinale)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...2023-05-1823 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Taiwan, Ukraine and Chile at the European Film Market w/ Chia-Hua Yeh, Polina Tolmachova and Ashley Salman (2023 EFM)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.2023-04-2740 min
TFV NetworkShowcast: Unconventional Parents and Idealistic Teachers w/ İlker Çatak and Zara Dwinger (2023 Berlinale)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 co...2023-04-2037 min