Friday , March 29 2024

Independent Cinema

SXSW Film Favorite: ‘First Reformed,’ Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried

Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, First Reformed, SXSW FF

First Reformed screened as a “Festival Favorite at SXSW. Paul Schrader’s film presents conundrum after conundrum, slippery slope after slippery slope. This drama as a twisting, stark thriller strikes at the heart of our questions about purpose, consequence and soul strength. When one has nothing to live for, does redemption …

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SXSW Review: ‘Blindspotting’ Starring Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal

Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal, Blindspotting, SXSW Film Festival

"Blindspotting" is an homage to Oakland, its vital neighborhoods, and street lifestyles. On the other hand, the storyline echoes warnings about race, class and social inequality that characterize yet move beyond Oakland, California.

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SXSW Film World Premiere: ‘Weed the People’ Abby Epstein, Ricki Lake

Weed the People, Abby Epstein, Ricki Lake, SXSW FF screening & Q and A

Opioids jeopardize the immune system and addict the patient. Cannabis alleviates pain and inflammation and promotes healing. Why can't citizens choose life and healing with a nontoxic herbal over chemical toxins which addict the user and destroy the liver and kidneys? This becomes one of the film's main themes. The desperate parents profiled in it chose life for their children. Cannabis oil was there for them. What if it wasn't?

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SXSW Movie Review: ‘A Vigilante’ Starring Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde, A Vigilante, World Premiere ,SXSW Film Festival

Premiering at SXSW,  A Vigilante directed, written by Sarah Daggar-Nickson, and starring Olivia Wilde, highlights the plight of an abused wife who seeks freedom from her abuser. During the arc of the film as a vigilante, the protagonist gradually empowers herself. Working through her rage she evolves and learns why she …

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