In this interview, EoM contributor Thomas Manning speaks with Regan Linton and Brian Malone, co-directors of the new documentary "imperfect," which premieres at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival. During their conversation, Linton and Malone speak of the importance of representation for the Disability Community in the arts, the power of empathy to be found in acting, and the vulnerability of crafting such an intimate and personal documentary.

EoM Presents

EoM Presents: "imperfect" co-directors Regan Linton and Brian Malone

EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently spoke with legendary character actor Peter Stormare about his role in the new film "Food and Romance," a rom-com from Swedish filmmaker Annika Appelin. Stormare speaks about the film's potent themes of finding love and passion in later years, and tells us why "it's never too late to start a rock band." 

Official Synopsis:
A sudden change forces Karin to re-evaluate her life. With the help of friends, food and passion, she refuses to accept that life has an expiration date and takes the second chance she is given.

In theaters and on VOD December 2nd, 2022.

http://www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com/food-and-romance/

EoM Presents: A Conversation with "Food and Romance" actor Peter Stormare

EoM contributor Thomas Manning recently spoke with filmmaker Zia Mohajerjasbi about his feature film directorial debut, "Know Your Place." In this discussion, Mohajerjasbi talks about his personal connection to the city of Seattle, Washington and describes why “no story is too small.” The interview can be found here in audio form, and has also been transcribed into written form on ElementsofMadness.com, edited for clarity.

Official Synopsis:
In this debut feature by writer-director Zia Mohajerjasbi; Robel Haile, an Eritrean-American boy of 15, embarks on an errand to deliver a huge and heavy suitcase across town destined for a sick family member in his parents' homeland. He enlists the help of his best friend Fahmi Tadesse, when an unexpected turn transmutes his simple task into an odyssey across the rapidly gentrifying city of Seattle; navigating directions to make his delivery on time, along with the challenges of familial responsibility, self identification, and dislocation amid the ongoing redevelopment and economic displacement of the only community he's ever known as home.

Screening during Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2023.

For more information, head to the official "Know Your Place" website: https://www.knowyourplacefilm.com/

A Conversation with "Know Your Place" writer/director Zia Mohajerjasbi

EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently sat down with “God is a Bullet” producer Michael Mendelsohn to talk about his work on the Nick Cassavetes-directed film, including the adaptation process for this project based on the novel by Boston Teran. Mendelsohn also discusses the importance of not shying away from stories that examine darker sides of the real world, and looks back at the evolution of his career in the film industry as a producer and financier. Additionally, Mendelsohn speaks about the significance of the current WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
~~~
Official Synopsis:
Based on true events and the novel of the same name. Vice detective Bob Hightower finds his ex-wife murdered and daughter kidnapped by a cult. Frustrated by the botched official investigations, he quits the force and infiltrates the cult to hunt down the leader with the help of the cult’s only female victim escapee, Case Hardin.

Available on VOD and digital July 11th, 2023.

For more information, head to the official XYZ Films "God is a Bullet" webpage: www.xyzfilms.com/god-is-a-bullet

EoM Presents: A Conversation with producer Michael Mendelsohn.

EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning recently spoke with writer and director Francis Galluppi about his directorial debut, "The Last Stop in Yuma County." A selection for Fantastic Fest 2023, this western flick stars the likes of Jim Cummings, Jocelin Donahue, Richard Brake, Faizon Love, and Michael Abbott Jr. In this conversation, Galluppi discusses the production of this unique single-location film, as well as his background in directing music videos for the rock band Mt. Joy. 

World premiere during Fantastic Fest 2023:
https://2023.fantasticfest.com/films/64dba08fcd428000504ec6a8

Official Synopsis:
When a traveling knife salesman is forced to wait for fuel at an isolated rest stop, violence erupts around him when two bank robbers arrive during their getaway from a big heist.

https://www.instagram.com/thelaststopinyumacounty/
https://www.facebook.com/localboogeymanproductions

Directed/Written By: Francis Galluppi
Cast: Jim Cummings, Jocelin Donahue, Richard Brake, Nicholas Logan, Faizon Love, Michel Abbott Jr., Alex Essoe

A Conversation with "The Last Stop in Yuma County" creator Francis Galluppi. [Fantastic Fest]

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

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

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning sits down with filmmaker Andrew Cumming about his feature film directorial debut, "Out of Darkness." Cumming shares a glimpse into the invaluable work of the sound design team and the development of the original score from composer Adam Janota Bzowski on this Paleolithic horror film. The director also looks back on his roots as an animator and how they manifested in the storyboarding process on "Out of Darkness."

In theaters February 9th, 2024.  

https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/out-of-darkness

Official Synopsis:
45,000 years ago, a small boat reaches the shore of an inhospitable landscape. Six people have struggled across the narrow sea in hopes of finding a new home. When night falls, hope turns to terror as they realize they are not alone. As relationships in the group begin to fracture, a determined young woman confronts the terrible actions needed to survive this horrifying and mysterious new enemy.

Directed By: Andrew Cumming
Written By: Oliver Kassman, Ruth Greenberg, Andrew Cumming
Cast: Safia Oakley-Green, Kit Young, Chuku Modu, Iola Evans, Arno Lüning, Luna Mwezi

A Conversation with "Out of Darkness" filmmaker Andrew Cumming.

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning talks with writer and director Meredith Hama-Brown about her feature film directorial debut "Seagrass." Hama-Brown spends time discussing the 35mm cinematography, the powerful performance from actress Ally Maki, and creating an honest depiction of the emotional ebbs and flows of life. This award-winning family drama was recognized with the International Film Critics Awards FIPRESCI Prize at TIFF 2023. 

Official Synopsis:
"Seagrass" follows a Japanese-Canadian woman grappling with the death of her mother as she brings her family to a retreat. When her relationship with her husband begins to affect the children's emotional security, the family is forever changed.

In North American theaters beginning February 23rd, 2024.
Available on VOD throughout North America April 2nd, 2024.

https://www.gametheoryfilms.com/seagrass

Directed/Written By: Meredith Hama-Brown
Cast: Ally Maki, Luke Roberts, Chris Pang, Sarah Gadon, Nyha Breitkreuz, Remy Marthaller

A Conversation with "Seagrass" filmmaker Meredith Hama-Brown

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning speaks with writer and director Shannon Triplett about her debut feature film "Desert Road." Triplett talks about the real-life inspiration for the script, the intense, physically demanding lead performance from Kristine Froseth, and the film’s use of natural lighting in the cinematography from Nico Navia. 

"Desert Road" is screening at SXSW 2024. 

Official Synopsis:
A woman crashes her car and walks down the road for help - only to find no matter which way she walks she ends up back at her crashed car again.

World premiere during SXSW 2024. 

https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/films/2197925

Directed/Written By: Shannon Triplett
Cast: Kristine Froseth, Frances Fisher, Beau Bridges, Ryan Hurst, D.B. Woodside, Max Mattern, Rachel Dratch, Edwin Garcia II

A Conversation with "Desert Road' filmmaker Shannon Triplett. [SXSW]

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

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]

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.

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 contributor Lindsey Dunn chats with "Reel Redemption: The Rise of Christian Cinema" writer/director Tyler Smith about his documentary which explores the often contentious relationship between faith and cinema.

Available for streaming now on FaithLife TV. #ReelRedemption

https://faithlifetv.com/reel-redemption

Official Synopsis:
Hollywood and the Church make for odd bedfellows. But the success of many faith-based movies can’t be denied.

Join writer and director Tyler Smith as he explores the dichotomy of the sacred and the secular in the film industry. This feature-length video essay dives into the history of Christianity’s suspicion and admonishment of conventional cinema and the surprisingly popular genre of Christian films that has managed not only to persevere, but often, to flourish.

EoM Presents: A Conversation with Tyler Smith.

In this conversation, EoM contributor Thomas Manning sits down with documentarian, film historian, and Alfred Hitchcock scholar, Laurent Bouzereau, to discuss the new "Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection." 

The brand new collection includes four iconic films from the universally recognized Master of Suspense, including the original never released uncut version of "Psycho," "Rear Window," "Vertigo," and "The Birds." The essential collection features hours of bonus features such as documentaries, expert commentaries, interviews, screen tests and much more. The "Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection" is now available in 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack with Blu-Ray and digital codes. 

https://www.uphe.com/movies/the-alfred-hitchcock-classics-collection

Official Synopsis:
Universally recognized as the Master of Suspense, the legendary Alfred Hitchcock directed some of cinema's most thrilling and unforgettable classics. The "Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection" features four iconic films from the acclaimed director's illustrious career including "Rear Window," "Vertigo," "Psycho" and "The Birds" in stunning 4K resolution. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren, Kim Novak and Rod Taylor, this essential collection features hours of bonus features as well as the original uncut version of "Psycho" for the first time ever.
~~~~
Thomas Manning is a member of the NC Film Critics Association, and also the co-host of the television show and radio program “Meet Me at the Movies.” He has served as a production assistant and voting member on the Film Selection Committee for the Real to Reel Film Festival. He is currently studying film, television, and English at Gardner-Webb University.

EoM Presents A Conversation with Laurent Bouzereau

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.

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