KUCI: Film School

The God Cells / Film School interview with director Eric Merola

irector Eric Merola’s THE GOD CELLS explores one of the most controversial and polarizing subjects facing mankind today: the harvesting of stem cells from aborted fetuses to be used for therapeutic use. Currently, the clinical practice fetal stem cell therapy is illegal in the United States, but research toward seeking FDA-approval has been underway for more than a decade. Stem Cell research and therapy have been growing at a rapid rate over the past 15 years. Scientific advances coupled with consumer demand has proven that stem cell therapy is the wave of the future, and is poised to change the face of medicine. THE GOD CELLS takes the audience on a journey by following those who are seeking fetal stem cell therapy abroad—while avoiding these seemingly insurmountable roadblocks at home. THE GOD CELLS follows patients from all walks of life who sought fetal stem cells for a variety of reasons: including Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Lupus and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Also included are interviews with some of the patients’ doctors, who were once highly skeptical, but now stand baffled by the full remissions their patients have achieved due to fetal stem cells. In addition to THE GOD CELLS Merola’s other documentaries, Burzynski (2010-2013), and Second Opinion have received rave reviews by the mainstream press with the New York Daily News saying: “Though a documentary, it’s dramatic enough to be reminiscent of ‘The Insider,’ the whistleblowing thriller about Big Tobacco.” Director Merola stops by to talk about many of the religious, scientific, cultural, financial and political this very promising therapy will have to overcome to become a viable option for people in need.
For news and updates go to: stemcellsmovie.com

The House on Coco Road / Film School interview with director Damani Baker

THE HOUSE ON COCO ROAD is the personal and intimate account of filmmaker Damani Baker’s mother – Fannie Haughton – and her role and participation in American history. Over the years she has been active as a student, teacher, writer, scholar, and activist/organizer. In this family portrait of nationalism and freedom, Baker draws on poignant archival footage and insights from well-respected activists, including Angela Davis offering historical and emotional truths through the journey of one family striving for a better society. In the midst of the racial violence sparked by President Reagan’s war on drugs, leading a normal life had become unfeasible for many citizens of Oakland, California. In a moment of inspiration, activist and teacher Fannie Haughton decided to show her children a different way of life. She and her children moved to the island nation of Grenada to participate in an Afro-centric revolution with the goal of realizing a utopian, socialist society. But in Grenada, a U.S. military invasion threatened their safety and dreams. THE HOUSE ON COCO ROAD director Damani Baker joins to talk about his family’s remarkable journey through the worlds of racism, activism and international politics.
THE HOUSE ON COCO ROAD will have it’s WORLD PREMIERE at the LA FILM FESTIVAL
facebook.com/The-House-on-Coco-Road
damanibaker.com/grenada-a-dream-deferred

They Call Us Monsters / Film School interview with director Ben Lear

THEY CALL US MONSTERS takes viewers behind the walls of the Compound, the facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals. To their advocates, they’re kids. To the system, they’re adults. To their victims, they’re monsters. Three such young offenders sign up to take a screenwriting class to write a movie while they await their respective trials: Jarad, who was arrested at 16 and faces 200-years to life for four attempted murders; Juan, who was arrested at 16 and faces 90-to life for first-degree murder; and Antonio, who was arrested at 14 and faces 90-to life for two attempted murders. Halfway through the class, Antonio returns to juvenile court and gets released with time served. Once back in his neighborhood, he quickly falls victim to the same environment and patterns that led to his incarceration in the first place. Meanwhile, the realities of Jarad and Juan’s crimes and pending trials set in. Ultimately, the film asks how should the system deal with offenders like these young boys. Do they have a capacity to change and return to society one day? Does society have a responsibility to these kids? Or to their victims? Do they deserve a second chance? Director Ben Lear stops by to talk about all of the social, political and cultural issues that have made children “irredeemable” and vilified when it comes to crime and punishment.
For news and updates go to: theycallusmonsters.com

Dr. Feelgood / Filmschool interview with director Eve Marson

In 2004 Dr. William Hurwitz was convicted of over 50 counts of narcotics distribution and handed a 25-year prison sentence. Eve Marson’s documentary, DR. FEELGOOD, traces Dr. Hurwitz’s trial and eventual appeal, detailing the events that lead to his arrest. Testimonies from the witnesses in Dr. Hurwitz’s case contradict one another – some revere him, while others condemn him. Taken together, their accounts reveal a profile of a compassionate yet flawed doctor. DR. FEELGOOD, in telling his story, underscores the tension between every patient’s right to pain relief and the lawful need for drug control. In 2016, statistics of drug abuse are skyrocketing nationwide and doctors continue to be targeted by the DEA. The federal government recently issued its first national guidelines to control opioid prescriptions. There could not be a more critical time to spark a discussion on this topic and call for careful thought and action. Director Eve Marson has worked on a wide variety of documentary projects, including television programming for PBS, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet and independent feature films such as Fed Up (released with Radius-TWC May 2014) and Craigslist Joe (released with Gravitas Ventures, August 2012). Marson has also created a large library of nonfiction video work in collaboration with GOOD Inc. and other social-action organizations. evemarson.com. Director / Producer Marson join us for a conversation on her balanced and thought provoking portrait of a doctor who’s life and practice embodies the best and the worst in modern medicine.
For news and updates go to: drfeelgoodfilm.com

I am Gangster / Film School interview with Director Moritz Rechenberg

Inspired by real-life stories from the perspective of youth street gang members in Los Angeles and by Los Angeles filmmaker Charles Burnett's KILLER OF SHEEP, I AM GANGSTER brings a realistic non-judgmental portrait of life on the street set in the contemporary City of Angels. First time feature director Rechenberg has assembled a spectacular cast of talented individuals who show us the hurt and love that these characters go through in dealing with street gangs and the challenges of daily survival. Newcomers Rick Mancia (EAST LOS HIGH), Gilberto Ortiz (LADY DYNAMITE) and impressive first timer Abraham Bobadilla lead the cast with explosive and touching performances that will leave audiences wanting to see more of them on screen in the future. Director Moritz Rechenberg stops by for a conversation on his electrifying feature film debut.
For news and updates go to: reflektivfilms.com/iamgangster or iamgangsterfilm.com

Los Punks: We Are All We Have

Holy Hell / Film School interview with Director Will Allen

Almost Holy / Film School interview with director Steve Hoover

ALMOST HOLY follows Pastor Gennadiy Mokhnenko as he attempts to rescue homeless and drug-addicted Ukrainian youth, utilizing highly controversial "tough love" methods in which he forcibly abducts street kids. A powerful portrait of a unorthodox folk hero, the film serves as a eye-opening look into Ukraine's rapidly evolving social and political reality. The critically acclaimed sophomore feature documentary from director Steve Hoover (Sundance Grand Jury and Audience Award winner Blood Brother) is executive produced by Terrence Malick and features a score by Atticus Ross (Gone Girl, The Social Network). The film premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. Director Steve Hoover stops by to talk about a courageous man on a crusade to impact the live and the surroundings of the most vulnerable.
For news and updates go to: almostholyfilm.com

Margarita with a Straw / Film School interview with Director Shonali Bose

In Margarita with a Straw Indian writer/director Shonali Bose beautifully portrays the story of a luminous Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who leaves her homeland to study in New York, falls in love with a young blind woman, and begins a remarkable journey to self-discovery and independence. Bose was inspired to write this humane story by her cousin's experience with cerebral palsy. Margarita with a Straw features award-winning performances from some of India's most acclaimed actors, including Kalki Koechlin as Laila in a remarkable and life affirming portrayal. Margarita with a Straw is told with insight and humor. Director Sonali Bose joins us for a conversation on censorship, changing perceptions within her home country of India on same sex relations and how her own life experience inspired the making of this warm hearted film.
Official Facebook page for Margarita with a Straw

The Idol / Film School interview with director Hany Abu-Assad