479. Peter Menchini “When Mama & Me Lived Outside- One Family’s Journey Through Homelessness”

A Very Happy New Year’s Eve to You All!

I hope everyone is feeling healthy, rested and peacefully reflective on this past year. One thing that certainly filled my 2024 cup to the brim is all the amazing chats with talented, interesting filmmakers. I’m thrilled to end the last day of this year with one more, and I think it’s a great one.

Peter Menchini directed the animated short, “When Mama and Me Lived Outside,” that took home the Grand Jury Award for Best Short Film – Animation at Film Invasion Los Angeles in 2023.
I referred to this film as an “animated documentary” and Peter agreed.
This unique, compelling and meaningful film tells the story of Tiny Gray-Garcia’s children’s book of the same name, utilizing the artwork in creative and original ways to support the story.

We had a wonderful screening of “When Mama and Me Lived Outside” at FILA 2023 that included a great Q&A with Peter and Tiny.
I knew that it would be a wonderful and rewarding interview if or when Peter had time to do the podcast.
Much to my delight we were able to record a Zoom interview and Peter did not disappoint, as the conversation is fantastic and, to me, particularly meaningful.

Peter shared the following links:

Anyone who wants to buy Tiny’s book, and you SHOULD, can do so here: https://www.poorpress.net/

You can learn more if you visit Poor Magazine’s website: https://www.poormagazine.org/

And, finally, Peter shared this fun video with us: https://vimeo.com/270538513.
In his words, “A scene from Barton Fink for a directing class. Charlie, carrying a shotgun, sets the hotel on fire, then goes upstairs where 2 cops have Barton handcuffed to his bed.
Each shot becomes more orange, and then we also had to simulate flames with no budget. I just think that’s so fun.”

I think it’s fun, too!
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Source: Discover Film

478. 4Qs with Jim Vendiola

What are the 4Qs? (1) Three favorite films. (2) An underrated film. (3) An overrated film. (4) A lesser-known film people should seek out.

Before listening to today’s 4 Questions, I certainly hope you had the chance to listen to Tuesday’s chat with Chicago-based filmmaker Jim Vendiola. It’s a good one!
Jim brought his brilliant short film “Pretty Pickle” to Film Invasion Los Angeles in 2023 and took home the award for Outstanding Screenplay – Horror.
As we discuss, it’s impossible to narrow your favorite films just to three, but check out out some of Jim’s inspirations here!

Learn more about Jim and their work at https://www.jimvendiola.com

as well as at @jimvendiola at https://letterboxd.com/
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Discover Indie Film

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Source: Discover Film

477. Jim Vendiola “Pretty Pickle”

A happy Tuesday to you all!

How are we already a week away from the Holidays? Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, all or none of the above, I hope you’re taking time for yourself. Especially if that rejuvenating alone time means listening to this week’s episode!

Jim Vendiola brought his short film “Pretty Pickle” to Film Invasion Los Angeles in 2023 and took home the award for Outstanding Screenplay – Horror.
In my opinion this brilliant film deserves way more recognition for its originality and arthouse aesthetic.
Not to say that the FILA jury got it wrong; the story of “Pretty Pickle” is wonderfully original while also feeling remarkably authentic.
Chicago-based Jim hopped onto Zoom to chat with me. We had done his festival Q&A the same way. I secretly prefer those Q&A’s where there no strict time limit and no pesky audience asking their own questions.

Learn more about Jim and their work at https://www.jimvendiola.com

as well as at @jimvendiola at https://letterboxd.com/
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Discover Indie Film

Website – Instagram – Facebook – X/Twitter

The INDIE Channel

The INDIE Channel Website – Instagram – Facebook – X/Twitter – TikTok

Source: Discover Film

V. – Freaky Friday

2024 Official Selection: Immersive Short – AR/VR/MR/360

Dive into the most immersive music video through VR as V. takes you and her homegirls around L.A. for a lovely day in the city, and onto an unforgettable night.

Director(s): David Lazaro
Writer(s): David Lazaro
Producer(s): David Lazaro
Song written & performed by V.
Song produced by Anderson Knight
Key Cast: V., Imani Kelai, Anica Le, Kerry Fongthavisay

Country: USA

 

Source: SOFF