Independent Cinema

"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.

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?

Outside In screened its U.S. Premiere at SXSW Film Festival in the "Narrative Spotlight." Directed by Lynn Shelton, written by Lynn Shelton and Jay Duplass, the quiet drama/romance uplifts.

Director/screenwriter Shana Feste presented her engaging and robust feature world premiere 'Boundaries' at 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 …

Headlining at SXSW, 'Final Portrait,' starring Armie Hammer and Geoffrey Rush, examines eighteen days the zany, brilliant artist attempts to paint his American friend, writer, art aficionado and collector James Lord.

The SXSW Film Festival 2018 included 136 feature films: 89 World Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, 6 U.S. Premieres, and 49 feature films from first-time filmmakers.

In Bob Geldof, the "smiling public man" of Irish letters finds yet another champion. Yeats' words have never stopped ringing, but his life was just as fascinating.

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail by Steve James nominated for an Academy Award in the Documentary Feature Category sends an alarm to every thinking citizen in our culture. Indeed, the film reminds Americans of what remains crucial for a democracy to function. Equitable justice and accountability must thrive. Often it …

Legacy Recordings' 'Lady Bird' soundtrack comes highly recommended (3.5 stars) and is available in explicit and edited versions.