Bola Gbadebo's debut documentary, Confidence, delivers an empowering exploration of self-belief through a lens of vulnerability, resilience, and the shared human experience. Known for her talents as a journalist, poet, musician, and filmmaker, Gbadebo uses Confidence to redefine what it means to trust in oneself, particularly when life’s challenges test our inner resolve. This film stands out not only as a personal reflection of Gbadebo’s journey but also as a collective one, as she engages with individuals in her community to understand their own experiences with confidence.
Read MoreThings Will Be Different (2024)
Things Will Be Different is a mind-bending sci-fi horror that firmly cements Michael Felker as a director to watch. Produced by genre stalwarts Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, this time-travel thriller excels in creating an eerie atmosphere, blending familial drama with supernatural dread. While the film might feel, at times, like an extended episode of Black Mirror—and that's not a bad thing—it stands on its own as a gripping and original piece of cinema.
Read MoreThe Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee (2024) #FantasticFest
The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee is a brilliantly crafted documentary that takes you through the astonishing life of one of cinema’s most enduring figures. Directed by Jon Spira, it blends archival footage, puppetry, animation, and interviews to tell the story of Christopher Lee—a man who was much more than Dracula or Saruman. His life reads like an adventure novel: aristocratic Italian roots, ties to Ian Fleming, wartime heroics, Nazi hunting, and even a late-life stint as a heavy metal singer.
Read MoreBinary (2024) #FantasticFest
Binary is an intense and visually striking exploration of identity and inner conflict, merging body horror with a deeply personal narrative. Directed by David-Jan Bronsgeest, this 42-minute film tells the story of Nisha, a trans woman from Pakistan living in the Netherlands, as she grapples with her upcoming gender-affirming surgery. The film delivers a unique blend of psychological and supernatural horror, offering both visceral thrills and a thoughtful depiction of the complexities of self-discovery.
Read MoreWitte Wieven (2024) #FantasticFest
Witte Wieven is an atmospheric dive into gothic horror, a film that thrives on tension and mystery while delivering striking visuals. Set in a small Dutch village during the Dark Ages, the story centers on Frieda, a woman burdened with the blame for her inability to conceive. After narrowly escaping an assault by the local butcher, who mysteriously vanishes in the forest, Frieda’s safe return raises suspicions.
Read MoreBody Odyssey (2023) #FantasticFest
Body Odyssey is a mesmerizing journey into the obsessive world of bodybuilding, where the pursuit of physical perfection becomes a double-edged sword. Grazia Tricarico's directorial debut is a visual marvel, offering a beautifully crafted and bizarre underworld where reality feels constantly in flux. The film’s protagonist, Mona, played by real-life bodybuilder Jacqueline “Jay” Fuchs, is a fascinating character whose internal and external battles intertwine, creating a captivating narrative about the cost of obsession.
Read MoreOpportunity (2024)
Opportunity is a quirky, indie gem that brings humor, heart, and grit to the table in a uniquely entertaining way. Directed by Rusty Rehl, this film tells the story of Patrick Getty, a 30-something man living in his van, who dreams of owning a home but gets pulled into a chaotic world of crime by his reckless best friend, Donnie. Together, they face off against an unusual gang of Mormon gangsters, making for a wild, unexpected ride.
Read MoreUnder Streetlights (2024)
Danielle Loy’s feature film debut, Under Streetlights, transcends typical coming-of-age narratives; it's a vibrant, musically infused journey that breaks boundaries and forges connections, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates on multiple levels. From the very first scene, the seamless transitions between moments captivate you, keeping the narrative flow visually dynamic and emotionally engaging. The use of color throughout adds emotional depth to each landscape, with Central Australia providing a rich backdrop.
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