EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently spoke with some of the team behind the documentary "I’m ‘George Lucas’: A Connor Ratliff Story," which premiered at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Director Ryan Jacobi and producer Patrick Cotnoir discuss their doc’s approach to examining the power of creative expression through the lens of actor, comedian, and host of "The George Lucas Talk Show," Connor Ratliff. Jacobi and Cotnoir also dive deep on everything from the importance of learning lessons from failure to Griffin Newman’s zany portrayal of Watto the Toydarian junk dealer.

Official Synopsis:
For five years, comedian Connor Ratliff has performed as filmmaker George Lucas in his monthly UCB NY cult comedy show, "The George Lucas Talk Show". Co-hosted by actor Griffin Newman and featuring A-list guests booked by producer Patrick Cotnoir, the show allows Connor to both exalt and poke fun at the vast world of Lucas, including Star Wars. However, Connor begins to question if the show should continue due to its ongoing stress with little financial and career gain. By following the live performances and behind the scenes for one year, the mysteries of Connor's inner self are explored in this portrait of an artist, and his own feelings on his history, value, and legacy are revealed.

Screening during Slamdance Film Festival 2024.

For more information, head to the official I'm "George Lucas": A Connor Ratliff Story Slamdance webpage: 
https://slamdance2024.eventive.org/films/6570bb3a7f0806007d28478b

Film Trailer:
https://youtu.be/cyFuO_IIJvM?si=733x3MjcpZ8Zs9hT

Festival Trailer:
https://youtu.be/ze0Tvqm-izw?si=rIRH_tpPQzwCVjiK

EoM Presents

A Conversation with documentary I'M 'GEORGE LUCAS:' A CONNOR RATLIFF STORY team

EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently sat down with co-writer and director Tara Pirnia to discuss her work on the romantic comedy “Switch Up,” which premiered at SXSW. Pirnia talks about the importance of setting the film in Texas, collaborating with producer Elizabeth Avellán, and the excellent cast including Cristián de le Fuente, Julieth Restrepo, Jeff Fahey, and Shondrella Avery. 

"Switch Up" held its world premiere during SXSW 2024. 

Official Synopsis:
Ricardo de la Cruz has it all. His success as a talk show host has given him every perk life could offer. When his ratings drop, he finds himself broadcasting from South Texas at a homeless shelter run by Cassie Harris to show his “charitable side”. Scandal erupts as Ricardo is falsely accused for running a ponzi scheme. He loses everything and is now stranded in South Texas. Cassie and her family bring him into the shelter. With the assistance of a homeless vet named Charlie, Cassie’s family, and his producer Marie, Ricardo regains his throne. However, the life he once had has lost its shine. He finds a way to win Cassie’s heart and gains a renewed sense of purpose in his life.

World premiere during SXSW 2024. #SXSW #SXSW2024 #SwitchUp  

https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/films/2198717

Directed By: Tara Pirnia
Written By: Felice Heather Monteith, Tara Pirnia, Tina Contogenis, Pamela Beach
Cast: Cristian de la Fuente, Julieth Restrepo, Jeff Fahey, Shondrella Avery, R. Brandon Johnson, Temple Baker, Donnell Rawlings, Alicia Witt, Manuel Uriza, Felice Heather Monteith

A Conversation with "Switch Up" filmmaker Tara Pirnia. [SXSW]

Today, according to autismspeaks.org, one in 36 children, and one in 45 adults identify with some form of Autism. On this episode of Screen Scene, we meet Evan James, an individual whose infectious spirit radiates the world around him. Diagnosed in the early 90s with Autism, Evan's world is brilliantly displayed in the documentary "You Have No Idea."

Released on April 2, World Autism Day, on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+, this award-winning doc explores the power of love and community. 

Music for this episode provided by Zac Nelson, "Moonlight Kiss."

You Have No Idea documentary review

After a national search process, on March 27th, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named one of its own, GWU Associate Coach Jeremy Luther as the head coach of the men’s basketball program.

In his 11 seasons at GWU, Luther contributed a wealth of knowledge and played a vital part of the program’s 188 wins. Luther also helped lead the program to its first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in 2018-2019.

Today on Dawg Tracks, Phil Constantino talks with Luther about his desire to lead the Runnin' Dawgs, and what's ahead for the program

Jeremy Luther Named GWU Head Basketball Coach

Today, we welcome back members of the Division of Student Success to Webbchat. On episode 19, we explore how the division provides guidance and support for students as they move towards the goal of graduation.

*Episode 19 is hosted by Noel T. Manning II.

####

This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms.

**Background music for this episode features:
“Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)

Webbchat episode 19

EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently sat down with multi-talented artists Bobby Lee and GaTa to talk about their roles in the film “Sweet Dreams,” directed by Lije Sarki and starring Johnny Knoxville. Lee and GaTa share about the cathartic experience of making this film that explores rehabilitation, mental health, and the power of community.

In theaters April 12th, 2024.
Available on digital April 16th, 2024.

Official Synopsis:
Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, Bobby Lee, and Kate Upton unite in this wild and off-the-wall journey of second chances from the producer of The Peanut Butter Falcon. Forced into rehab at Sweet Dreams recovery center, Morris (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life. But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run.

Directed/Written By: Lije Sarki
Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, Erik Anthony Gonzalez, Beth Grant with Jay Mohr and Kate Upton

A Conversation with “Sweet Dreams” actors Bobby Lee and GaTa.

Caitlin Cronenberg is set to make her feature-length directorial debut with "Humane," a horror thriller releasing in theaters April 26th via IFC Films and Shudder. Ahead of its public debut, Cronenberg and two of the film's actors, Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire, sit down with EoM Contributor Joel Winstead to explore the film. 

In the interview, they discuss what it means to make a Canadian film and how that translates to characters, as well as a common Cronenberg visual/technical connection. 

In select theaters April 26 2024. #Humane #IFCFilms #Shudder 

Official Synopsis:
"Humane" takes place over a single day, mere months after a global ecological collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman has invited his grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the father’s plan goes horribly awry, tensions flare and chaos erupts among his children.

https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/humane

Directed By: Caitlin Cronenberg
Written By: Michael Sparaga
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, Peter Gallagher, Enrico Colantoni, Sebastian Chacon, Alanna Bale, Sirena Gulamgaus, Uni Park, Martin Roach

A Conversation with "Humane" director Caitlin Cronenberg and actors Jay Baruchel & Emily Hampshire.

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning sits down with Hayley Erin and Sonya Walger, the stars of the thriller film “New Life,” directed by John Rosman. Erin and Walger speak about the directorial vision of Rosman, and the real-life inspiration of his journalism career on the film – specifically the story of the late Summer Whisman, an ALS patient to whom the film is dedicated.

“New Life” premiered at the Fantasia International Film Fest last year, and is getting a theatrical and VOD release in North America on May 3.

Official Synopsis:
A mysterious woman is hunted down by a resourceful fixer sent by the CDC, and the stakes of the pursuit rise to apocalyptic proportions.

https://www.brainmedia.com/catalog/1/product/new-life

Directed/Written By: John Rosman
Cast: Sonya Walger, Hayley Erin, Tony Amendola

A Conversation with "New Life" actors Hayley Erin and Sonya Walger.

Freya Allen (Mae) from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes chats with Open Dialogue about stunt work, resonating themes, and the impact of the film franchise on society.

Freya Allen Q&A: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The Meet me at the Movies crew offer an expanded review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. 

Meet me at the Movies airs weekly on C19 and WGWG. #KingdomOfThePlanetOfTheApes

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Review

Writer/director Chris Nash's first feature-length film, "In a Violent Nature," premiered during Sundance 2024 and left audiences stunned, a feat it's continued to do through festival screenings leading up to the wide U.S. release on May 31st. Ahead of the release, two of the actors, Andrea Pavlovic (Kris) and Ry Barrett (Johnny), sit down to chat with EoM Contributor Joel Winstead on a brand new episode of EoM Presents in which they discuss Pavlovic's turn as a final girl, Barrett's specific movements for Johnny as to develop a unique style, and more.

In theaters May 31 2024. #InAViolentNature #IFCFilms 

Official Synopsis:
When a locket is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the woods that entombs the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year old crime, his body is resurrected and becomes hellbent on retrieving it. The undead golem hones in on the group of vacationing teens responsible for the theft and proceeds to methodically slaughter them one by one in his mission to get it back - along with anyone in his way.

https://www.inaviolentnature.com/
https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/in-a-violent-nature

Directed/Written By: Chris Nash
Cast: Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, Cameron Love, Reece Presley, Liam Leone, Charlotte Creaghan, Lea Rose Sebastianis, Sam Roulston, Alexander Oliver, Lauren Taylor

A Conversation with "In a Violent Nature" actors Andrea Pavlovic and Ry Barrett

Elements of Madness is an entertainment website focused on cinematic releases past, present, and future. With so many channels to watch films, and more arriving every day, EoM seeks to help cut through the clutter by focusing on not just the big studio pieces, but also the smaller indie pictures hitting theaters and streaming services. Though our team is small, the combination of their particular talents and view of cinema is the mixture that leads to madness.

A Conversation with documentary I'M 'GEORGE LUCAS:' A CONNOR RATLIFF STORY team

Elements of Madness

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