KUCI: Film School

Box Of Rain / Film School radio interview with Director Lonnie Frazier

Lonnie Frazier’s intimate and endearing documentary film, BOX OF RAIN, asks and answers the question… What do you do when you’re seventeen, suicidal, and believe that the only thing the world has to offer you is violence and pain? You get in your car and drive across the United States to go see the Grateful Dead, of course. At least, that’s what you do if you’re lucky.  In 1985, Lonnie’s life was spiraling out of control. Through a twist of fate she found healing in an unexpected place: the Deadhead community. It all started with a road trip and free tickets to see the Grateful Dead at Red Rocks in Colorado. BOX OF RAIN is an exploration of the Deadhead family, past and present, and the qualities that make it unique. We follow Lonnie as she reconnects with the women she traveled with in her youth, and makes new friends along the way. Through wide ranging interviews, she seeks to dispel the common stereotypes about Dead-heads and document the beauty of the community. We learn how the Grateful Dead touched the lives of so many people, the healing they found through the music, and the memories they cherish most. Twenty-five years after the road trip that started it all, Lonnie returns to Red Rocks in her quest to complete this film. On this journey, she discovers healing, and the power to write her own story. Director Lonnie Frazier joins us for a conversation on the enduring power of the Grateful Dead’s music to inspire, and connect people to another for their own long, strange trip through life.
 
For updates and screenings go to: boxofrainfilm.com

The Will To See / Film School Radio interview with Co-director Bernard-Henri Lévy (Marc Roussel)

THE WILL TO SEE shadows the old-time war reporter, philosopher and writer, Bernard-Henri Lévy as he accept a dangerous and essential assignment, in the pandemic year 2020, from a consortium of newspapers that includes Paris Match, La Reppublica, The Wall Street Journal, to bear witness and report from hotspots around the world disrupted by war with the most challenging geopolitical disasters. From the trenches in Donbas, Ukraine and the resistance in the Panjshir Valley fighting the Taliban to the Kurdish fighters combating ISIS, THE WILL TO SEE is an unflinching look at the world’s most unreachable war zones and urgent humanitarian crises and has one message: pay attention and care for common humanity. Co-director Bernard-Henri Lévy (Peshmerga, The Oath of Tobruk) joins us to reflect on our collective human history of warfare and cruelty, usually visited upon the most vulnerable amongst us, as well as the state of a world being torn apart by war and violence that is seemingly unable or willing to see it.
For updates and screenings go to: the-will-to-see
For more: bernard-henri-levy.com/the-will-to-see

Monstrous / Film School Radio interview with Director Chris Sivertson

In Chris Sivertson’s latest film, MONSTROUS, a terrifying new horror awaits Laura (Christina Ricci) and her seven-year-old son Cody when they flee her abusive ex-husband and try to settle into a new life in an idyllic and remote lakeside farmhouse. As they begin to settle into their new life, they encounter a bigger, more terrifying horror that threatens their already fragile existence and pushes their physical and mental well-being to the limit. MONSTROUS stars Christina Ricci (Buffalo 66, Monster, The Opposite of Sex), with Colleen Camp ( Always Shine, American Hustle) Santino Bernard (Penny Dreadful), Don Balderamos and Nick Vallelonga (Green Book). MONSTROUS director Chris Sivertson (All Cheerleaders Die) joins us for a conversation on his collaboration with screenwriter Carol Chrest, working with award-winning actor Christina Ricci and striking a balanced approach between psychological thriller with an illuminating character study.
For news and updates go to: screenmediafilms.net/Monstrous
To watch Monstrous go to: monstrousmovie.net

The Wobblies / Film School Radio interview with Co-directors Stewart Bird & Deborah Shaffer

In the riveting documentary film, THE WOBBLIES, Filmmakers Deborah Shaffer and Stewart Bird weave history, archival film footage, interviews with former workers (in their 80s and 90s during the making of the film), cartoons, original art, and classic Wobbly songs (many written by Joe Hill) to pay tribute to the legacy of these rebels who paved the way and risked their lives for the many of the rights that we still have today. “Solidarity! All for One and One for All!” Founded in Chicago in 1905, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) took to organizing unskilled workers into one big union and changed the course of American history. This compelling documentary of the IWW (or “The Wobblies” as they were known), narrated by Roger Baldwin, one of the founders of the ACLU, tells the story of workers in factories, sawmills, wheat fields, forests, mines and on the docks as they organize and demand better wages, healthcare, overtime pay and safer working conditions. In some respects, men and women, Black and white, skilled and unskilled workers joining a union and speaking their minds seems so long ago, but in other ways, the film mirrors today’s headlines, depicting a nation torn by corporate greed. Co-directors Deborah and Stewart Bird join us for a conversation on their own journey of making THE WOBBLIES, more than 40 years ago, their reflections on the significance of that nascent labor movement, the deadly violence brought down on those men and women who dared to ask for a fair wage and a decent life and what lessons we can glean from the first labor movement that could be successful in today’s virulently anti-labor workplace.
For updates and screenings go to: kinolorber.com/film/the-wobblies

Jeannette / Film School Radio interview with Director Maris Curran & Subject Jeannette Feliciano

Director Maris Curran’s feature documentary, Jeannette, is a striking and intimate vérité, this portrait of competitive bodybuilder and queer single mother Jeannette Feliciano. The story unfolds as a nuanced story of balancing the relentlessness of daily existence with the realities of living through trauma. In the wake of Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub shooting, Jeannette continues to coach other survivors at the gym while raising her son. Life seems calm again, until Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico and Jeannette is thrown back into crisis mode. Skirting headlines to instead focus on the tenderness of healing, Maris Curran (Five Nights in Maine) delivers her feature documentary debut with the World Premiere of JEANNETTE. Director Maris Curran and the subject Jeannette Feliciano joins us for a conversation on the process of becoming comfortable with each other as Jeannette facilitates Maris’s camera and crew into every aspect of her life why it was important for both of them to give the horrifying reality of the Pulse Club mass shooting the appropriate perspective in the sweep of Jeanette’s complex and rewarding life.
For updates and screenings go to: thefilmcollaborative.org

Flint: Who Can You Trust? / Film School Radio interview with Director Anthony Baxter

Anthony Baxter’s Flint: Who Can You Trust? exposes the political arrogance and constant danger facing thousands of Flint, Michigan residents. Caused, in large part, by the actions of an unelected governing body, made up of unelected political hacks appointed by the governor. On April 25, 2014, for reasons that remain shrouded in mystery, Michigan governor Rick Snyder signed off on an order that switched the source of Flint water system from the Lake Heron of Great Lakes to the Flint River. That decision resulted in the poisoning Flint residents and leading to one of the worst human-caused environmental disasters in American history. Award-winning journalist / filmmaker Anthony Baxter's FLINT: WHO CAN YOU TRUST goes beyond the headlines to investigate the escalating betrayal and deceit by government officials, the breakdown in public trust and faith in official science, and ultimately, the community's enduring fight for one of our most basic rights: clean water. Director and Producer Anthony Baxter (You've Been Trumped, You've Been Trumped Too) joins us for a conversation on his searing indictment of local, state, and federal governance, merciless scammers, junk science, charlatans, systemic racism, social and political indifference that is still costing thousands innocent people their dignity, health and for too many, their lives.
For updates and screenings go to: Flintdocumentary.com
To watch go to: flintdocumentary.com/watchnow
To stop more Flints go to: flintdocumentary.com/resources

Women of the White Buffalo / Film School Radio interview with Deborah Anderson

Deborah Anderson’s WOMEN OF THE WHITE BUFFALO takes a comprehensive look at the ancient, Native, and matriarchal Lakota nation, a community that has been upended by centuries of genocide and colonialism. This sustained assault has resulted in a culturally sabotaged and isolated people that are in a constant struggle to save what remains of their sacred identity. The Lakota women living on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations in South Dakota, are rising up against the forces that continue to suppress them. By preserving and protecting their ancestral values and wisdom, they provide a source of hope to their people. With exclusive access to the lives of 9 women, ranging in age from 10 to 98, we explore powerful testimonials of loss and survival as we gain insight into the experience of a modern day Indigenous American living on an Indian Reservation. Gripping historical accounts and startling timely statistics guide viewers down the path that has led to these present day conditions. The indelible voices of these determined women inspire us with their strength, gifting us with ancient insights that speak to our current global, environmental and cultural crises. These are the powerfully rich stories of the brave women and children living in the poorest county in the United States. Director Deborah Anderson takes us along as we listen to their stories of loss, suicide, murder and epidemic meth addiction amongst their community, mirrored by their deep ancestral roots, traditional ceremony, prayer and hope. 
For news and screenings go to: womenofthewhitebuffalo.com

Anaïs in Love / Film School Radio interview with Director Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet

From first-time feature writer/director Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet (Pauline Enslaved, Joujou) comes a vibrant new French romantic-comedy ANAIS IN LOVE. The film is a sensitive portrait of a complex and impulsive young woman. Anais, beautifully portrayed by Anaïs Demoustier (Alice and the Mayor, Pauline Enslaved, Sweet Evil) is thirty and broke. She has a lover, but she’s not sure she loves him anymore. After attending a friend’s party, Anaïs meets and falls into an affair with a middle-aged publisher named Daniel, played by Denis Podalydès (The Conquest, Caché, The Da Vinci Code). As their relationship quickly begins to fall apart, Anaïs discovers and becomes enchanted by the literary work of Daniel’s wife, Emilie, played by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (Like Crazy, Human Capital, It’s Easier for a Camel…), and after a chance encounter with Emilie, Anais begins to pursue her. A lighthearted nod to classical romances, the film explores the longings of wayward hearts. ANAIS IN LOVE made its world premiere at Cannes International Film Festival Critics Week. Director Charmine Bourgeois-Tacquet joins us for a bilingual conversation on the striking the right balance of drama, comedy and calamity, working again with Anais Demoustier to create a recklessly complex character with the innate ability to charm.
For news and updates go to: magpictures.com/anaisinlove
To watch go to: magpictures.com/anaisinlove/watch-at-home
Anaïs in Love will open theatrically on April 29 and digitally and on-demand May 6.

Ride Till I Die . Film School Radio interview with Director Tony Rammos

RIDE TILL I DIE follows the man from Davie, Florida, Ricky m. Ricky comes for a troubled past. His father walked out on his family and Ricky was on his own at 15 years old, but he had already found solace in bull riding. The eight-second duel of man versus beast was his emancipation and Ricky was successful early and often. Prize money earned in the arena was adding up and a chance to make the pro circuit was in sight. But despite all his success, Ricky could never win a championship and with the rigorous schedule came a heavy price. Ricky suffered many injuries, including a horrific incident where his face was crushed in 2010 which nearly ended his career. Twenty-five years later, along with his son, Lil’ Ricky, and fellow rider Ernie Courson, Ricky continues to ride and despite warnings from his wife, mother, and his ailing body. In RIDE TILL I DIE Ricky realizes his time is running out. His body is constantly in pain as over two decades of bull riding has taken its toll. Despite all the broken bones and permanent scars, Ricky keeps riding. Ricky is determined to chase that elusive title or die trying. Director Tony Rammos joins us for a conversation on the insanely dangerous world of bull riding, cowboy culture and what makes Ricky Ringer ride.
For updates and screenings go to: ridetillidiefilm.com

Marvelous and the Black Hole / Film School Radio interview with Director Kate Tsang

MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE focuses on a teenage delinquent, Sammy, played by newcomer Miya Cech, (Always Be My Maybe) as she attempts to befriend a surly magician Margot played by Rhea Perlman, (“Cheers," Matilda) who may or may not be able to help her navigate her inner demons and dysfunctional family with sleight of hand magic. A coming-of-age comedy that touches on unlikely friendships, grief, and finding hope in the darkest moments. Director Kate Tsang joins us for a conversation on the importance of telling a story that did not talk down to a younger audience, that gave voice to the character of Sammy that embraced her volatile behavior and voice to her anger at the loss of a loved one as well as navigating a story that swings between light-hearted comedy and mournful ire and working with the great Rhea Perlman.
For more go to: filmrise.com/marvelous-and-the-black-hole
To watch go to: filmrise-screenings.com/marvelous