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

EoM Presents

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]

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.

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.

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning sits down with the cast and crew of the indie horror-thriller film "Come Home," including Nicole Pursell (co-director, producer, writer), Caitlin Zoz (co-director, producer, writer, star), and Chinaza Uche (star, producer, writer). The group speaks about the narrative’s themes of isolation and developing the film during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of the sound design to the tense atmosphere, and the folk horror stories of the Adirondack Mountains. 

Available on VOD and digital October 1st, 2024.

Official Synopsis:
Newlyweds Mel and Ikenna abandon their bustling city life after inheriting a secluded family home in the Adirondack Mountains. They seek solace in its isolation but quickly find their dream of tranquility turning into a nightmare when they are joined by friends Taylor and Arjun, only to encounter a sinister force that preys upon them one by one. Mel and Ikenna must confront an eerie presence that seems to entrap them in the forest's haunting past. Struggling with their growing paranoia and the forest’s chilling echoes of time, they must unravel whether they are haunted by vengeful spirits or simply unraveling from the strain of isolation. Winner of the Golden Ring for Best Film at the Ravenna Nightmare Film Fest, "Come Home" is a meditative exploration of loneliness and the relentless power of place.

https://www.instagram.com/comehomethefilm/

Directed By: Caitlin Zoz & Nicole Pursell
Written By: Paton Ashbrook, Audrey Hailes, Bill Keller, Nicole Pursell, Sathya Sridharan, Chinaza Uche, & Caitlin Zoz
Cast: Chinaza Uche (“Silo”, A Good Person), Caitlin Zoz (“Silo), Sathya Sridharan (The Whale), Paton Ashbrook (“Power”), Audrey Hailes, Daphne Ashbrook (Doctor Who)

A Conversation with "Come Home" filmmakers Nicole Pursell, Caitlin Zoz, and Chinaza Uche

In this conversation, EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning chats with Jijo Reed about his LA-based post-production house Sugar Studios and the evolution of his filmmaking career. Reed is an Emmy-winning producer who has worn many hats in the film industry, from working as a post-production supervisor on movie trailers such as Martin Scorsese’s "Casino" and James Cameron’s "Terminator 2: Judgement Day," to executive producing dozens of film and television projects. Notable upcoming projects from Sugar Studios include the documentary "Vice is Broke," which premiered at TIFF in 2024, and the feature film "Waltzing with Brando," starring Billy Zane as Marlon Brando. 

https://sugarstudios.com/

A Conversation with Sugar Studios Founder Jijo Reed.

In this conversation, EoM Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning chats with writer Chuck Hayward about the remake of "Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead." Hayward discusses director Wade Allain-Marcus’ reimagining of Stephen Herek’s 1991 film (written by Neil Landau and Tara Ison), crafting dark humor, and writing for a cast that includes Simone Joy Jones, Miles Fowler, June Squibb, and Nicole Richie.

Available on digital November 19th, 2024.

https://www.shoutstudios.com/dont-tell-mom-the-babysitters-dead

Official Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell (Simone Joy Jones) can't wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But when her mom (Ms. Pat) decides to head to a much-needed wellness retreat in Thailand, Tanya is forced to stay home with her three siblings instead. Following the unexpected death of their elderly babysitter (June Squibb), Tanya gets a job working for the confident and ambitious Rose (Nicole Richie). Juggling work, family, and a complicated romance, Tanya faces the responsibility of adulthood at the cost of her summer of freedom.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/gzpSfCDStqI?si=3c_joBQj9zR82jR7

Directed By: Wade Allain-Marcus
Written By: Chuck Hayward
Cast: Simone Joy Jones, Patricia Williams, June Squibb, Nicole Richie, Donielle T. Hansley, Jr., Ayaamii Sledge, Carter Young, Miles Fowler

A Conversation with "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" writer Chuck Hayward

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning talks with writer and director Corey Sherman about his debut feature film "Big Boys." This queer coming-of-age comedy has been nominated at the GLAAD Media Awards in addition to the Film Independent 2025 Spirit Awards. Sherman discusses Isaac Krasner’s relatable lead performance as a painfully awkward teen, as well as the art of editing in comedy. 

Available on DVD, VOD, digital June 11th, 2024.

https://www.bigboysfilm.com/

Official Synopsis:
Jamie’s dream camping trip is ruined before it begins when he finds out that his cousin is bringing her new boyfriend. However, his initial jealousy of the competent and confident Dan quickly turns into a friendship as they bond over cooking, games and both being ‘big boys’. As his burgeoning crush gets him into awkward scrapes and arguments, Jamie begins to come to terms with who he is, and his desires. Hilarious and heartwarming, "Big Boys" is the type of coming-of-age film we need more of.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/VPPS3SbnTCk?si=QGOfyYHzrw7rUO0q

Directed/Written By: Corey Sherman
Cast: Isaac Krasner, David Johnson III, Dora Madison Burge, Emily Deschanel, Taj Cross

A Conversation with "Big Boys" writer/director Corey Sherman.

In this interview for EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning talks with the cast and crew of the new film “Zero,” including writer and director Jean Luc Herbulot, actor, writer, and producer Hus Miller, and actor Cam McHarg. This geo-political thriller from Well Go USA Entertainment was filmed on location in Dakar, Senegal and explores the oppressive system of capitalism with tightly crafted suspense and tension, as well as a darkly comedic tone. Plus, Oscar-nominee Willem Dafoe appears in a key voice role, acting as the film’s de facto narrator. 

In theaters and on digital April 11th, 2025.

https://wellgousa.com/films/zero

Official Synopsis:
Two strangers searching for purpose in Dakar, Senegal, wake up with bombs strapped to their chests, counting down from ten hours. Controlled by a mysterious voice, they must complete a series of chaotic missions with devastating consequences. As the city erupts in protest against Western influence, the reluctant partners race for redemption. "Zero" is a thrilling, darkly humorous tale of survival, connection, and the human search for meaning.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/_wVUlt_kWko

Directed By: Jean Luc Herbulot
Written By: Jean Luc Herbulot, Hus Miller
Cast: Hus Miller, Cam McHarg, Gary Dourdan, Roger Sallah, Moran Rosenblatt, Willem Dafoe

A Conversation with "Zero" filmmaker Jean Luc Herbulot and actors Hus Miller and Cam McHarg.

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.

New tracks tagged #Thomas Manning