In this conversation, EoM contributor Thomas Manning speaks with director/co-writer Julian Higgins about his debut feature, "God’s Country."

During this discussion, Higgins talks about adapting James Lee Burke’s short story into a feature film, working with Thandiwe Newton in this character-driven drama, filming on location in Montana, and the stunning cinematography captured by Director of Photography, Andrew Wheeler.

"God's Country" trailer: https://youtu.be/sd7YOMRPLjE

Official Synopsis:
A black former police officer turned professor in a rural college town is drawn into an escalating battle of wills that puts her most deeply held values to the test in this gripping modern day Western.

In theaters September 16 2022. 

https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/gods-country

EoM Presents

EoM Presents: A Conversation with “God's Country” director/co-writer Julian Higgins.

Episode 51 of EoM Presents features EoM Contributor Joel Winstead sitting down with directing duo, brothers Colin and Cameron Cairnes about their new film "Late Night with the Devil." They discuss creating characters in horror films that are more than just ax fodder, creating the perfect 70s aesthetic, and Australian influences.

In theaters March 22nd, 2024.
Available on Shudder April 19th, 2024.

Official Synopsis:
October 31, 1977. Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy hosts a syndicated late night talk show ‘Night Owls’ that has long been a trusted companion to insomniacs around the country. A year after the tragic death of Jack’s wife, ratings have plummeted. Desperate to turn his fortunes around, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other, unaware that he is about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America.

https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/late-night-with-the-devil

Directed/Written By: Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes
Cast: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, Josh Quong Tart

A Conversation "Late Night with the Devil" filmmakers Colin and Cameron Cairnes

The Meet me at the Movies crew reviews Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire review

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]

Alexander Jeffery joins Meet me at the Movies 542 to engage in dialogue about the feature documentary "You Have No Idea." 

This is the story of Evan, an autistic individual whose impact on the community around him is mind-blowing. It is also the story of family, friends and the bonds that form through love, compassion and perseverance and the thirst for understanding. 

The documentary releases on April 2, World Autism Day, on Amazon and Apple TV+.

Noel T. Manning II is host of Meet me at the Movies and is a registered film journalist and film critic with various guilds and groups.

Alexander Jeffery on Meet me at the Movies

Meet me at the Movies travels back in time and explore what may have happened to the lost 18 1/2 minutes of Richard Nixon tapes with director Dan Mirvish. Mirvish brings a "what-if story" to life, and on Meet me at the Movies 541, he covers the behind the scenes stories of the making of this film. 

18 1/2 is available for home delivery with a special edition DVD complete with a 113 minutes "making of"  doc, commentary track, live audience track from the world premiere at the Woodstock Film Fest and more. 

18 1/2 stars Willa Fitzgerald and John Magaro.

Meet me at the Movies 541

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.

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.

EoM Presents: A Conversation with “God's Country” director/co-writer Julian Higgins.

Elements of Madness

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