A Soul-Stirring Triumph of Queer, Spiritual Cinema

Every once in a while, a short film arrives that doesn’t just move you—it reorients your emotional and moral compass. WITNESS, the extraordinary new work from directors Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan, is one of those rare pieces. Bold, tender, and quietly revolutionary, this film is a masterclass in storytelling that pulses with empathy and moral clarity. Bold, tender, and quietly revolutionary, Set in a devout, … Continue reading A Soul-Stirring Triumph of Queer, Spiritual Cinema

REVIEW: JessZilla – Triumphant Documentary of a Boxing Icon

JessZilla from director Emily Sheskin, is a triumphant and deeply affecting documentary that goes far beyond the ropes of the boxing ring, recounting a young girl’s extraordinary journey marked by blood, sweat and many tears. The focus is on 15-year-old Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva from New Jersey, a fierce and charismatic fighter training to become a professional boxer while navigating the everyday joys and burdens of … Continue reading REVIEW: JessZilla – Triumphant Documentary of a Boxing Icon

I WANT TO FEEL FUN – Jessica Sanders’ Improvised, Irresistible Comedy at Tribeca

Oscar-nominated director Jessica Sanders returns to the festival circuit with I WANT TO FEEL FUN, a breezy, sharp-witted short comedy premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival. Known for her skillful balance of documentary authenticity and narrative craft, Sanders again proves why she’s one of the most versatile voices in independent cinema. Inspired by something as delightfully mundane as a Nicki Minaj shower curtain spotted in Esther … Continue reading I WANT TO FEEL FUN – Jessica Sanders’ Improvised, Irresistible Comedy at Tribeca

From Pain to Purpose: The Quiet Power of RISE

Jessica J. Rowlands’ RISE is not only a monumental moment in Zimbabwean cinema—being the first film from the country selected for a premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival—but also a deeply moving piece of storytelling that resonates far beyond its local setting. Rooted in the true story of Tobias Mupfuti, a boxing coach who turned personal pain into collective purpose, RISE is a short film that punches far above … Continue reading From Pain to Purpose: The Quiet Power of RISE

CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Florence Bouvy’s WHERE WE STAY takes a poetic look on love and loss

Florence Bouvy’s Where We Stay (2024) is an intimate portrait of unspoken love that is finally brought into the open through tragic circumstances. The story centers on Carry and Daniel, two close friends who have spent their lifetimes skirting around their true feelings for each other, but now as Carry lies on his deathbed, time is running out for them to finally confront what has … Continue reading CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Florence Bouvy’s WHERE WE STAY takes a poetic look on love and loss