#SXSW: “OFFSEASON”

By Amanda Gilmore This Midnighter tells the story of Marie (Jocelin Donahue) who, after receiving a mysterious letter about her mother’s vandalized grave, travels to a desolate island town and soon becomes trapped in a nightmare.  Writer-Director Mickey Keating creates a mythical Horror film that delivers on suspense. From the moment Marie gets onto the island there is an eerie atmosphere with the use of his production, lighting and sound design. As the ... Read more

#SXSW: “WITCH HUNT”

By Amanda Gilmore Set in present-day America where witches are real and witchcraft is illegal, Claire (Gideon Adlon) and her family help two young witches avoid law enforcement and cross the border for asylum in Mexico. Writer-Director Elle Callahan has created a fun witch tale with a strong cast of young up-and-coming talent.  Films about witches have been done time and time again. However, Callahan has given it a fresh take by setting them in the ... Read more

#SXSW: “THE FALLOUT”

Review by Amanda Gilmore During a deadly high school shooting, Vada (Jenna Ortega) and fellow students Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Miles Fitch) survive by hiding in a bathroom stall. In the aftermath, Vada struggles with processing her emotions and suffering from PTSD. Her relationships with her family and friends, along with her view of the world are forever altered. Canadian Actress-Writer-Director Megan Park makes her Feature-debut with this heartbreaking look at one ... Read more

#SXSW: “PAUL DOOD’S DEADLY LUNCH BREAK”

Review by David Baldwin Paul Dood (Tom Meeten) wants to be famous. He has the costume, the dance routine and the ambition to win the national talent competition. Except everyone treats him like a walking punchline, and his attempts at getting to the audition are thwarted by the narcissistic actions of five different individuals. Distraught over missing his shot, Paul swears revenge and plans a deadly rampage lunch break against everyone who wronged him. PAUL DOOD’S DEADLY LUNCH BREAK ... Read more

#SXSW: “THE RETURN: LIFE AFTER ISIS”

By Amanda Gilmore This timely Documentary follows a group of Western women who left their respective countries to join ISIS. Now they want to return home but their countries don’t want them back. Therefore, resulting in them and their children being held in detention camps in northern Syria.  Director Alba Sotorra Clua has created an empathetic and sensitive documentary by giving these women a chance to tell their story. Two women in the camp many may have heard about ... Read more

#SXSW: “HERE BEFORE”

Review by Amanda Gilmore Writer-Director Stacey Gregg is making her Feature debut with this unsettling Psychological Thriller. It follows Laura (Andrea Riseborough) who, along with her husband and son, is grieving the loss of her young daughter, Josie. When a new family moves in next door, Laura becomes close with their daughter, Megan (Niamh Dornan), who would’ve been the same age as Josie. When Megan begins talking about intimate details involving Josie and the night she ... Read more

#SXSW: “RECOVERY”

Review by David Baldwin It is February 2020, and Jamie (Whitney Call) is celebrating her birthday at home with her friends and her sister/roommate Blake (Mallory Everton). The pair are happy and excited for all the things they plan to do in the months ahead. Flash to March, as the COVID-19 pandemic sets in and everything changes overnight. Weeks into lockdown, they discover a letter informing them of a COVID outbreak at their Nana’s (Anna Sward Hansen) retirement community. Fearing for ... Read more

#SXSW: “BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION”

Review by David Baldwin It is 1999, and James (Harry Shum Jr.) is working late nights as a Video Archivist. One evening, he discovers a bizarre broadcast that aired over top of the regular programming he archives. He watches curiously multiple times, trying to understand who or what it is. Once he finds out there may be more pirated broadcasts in existence and how they may have a personal connection to him, James becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. At first glance, I assumed ... Read more

#SXSW: “DEMI LOVATO: DANCING WITH THE DEVIL”

By Mr. Will Wong SXSW attendees were lucky enough to get to see all four episodes of DEMI LOVATO: DANCING WITH THE DEVIL tonight as the Opening Night Selection of the Festival this year. The four-part YouTube Docu-Series is directed by Michael D. Ratner who also directed Justin Bieber's SEASONS Docu-Series. Global Superstar Lovato made headlines in 2018 when she overdosed shockingly and the Series is about that moment, very piece that led to it and why Lovato got there. The Series ... Read more

#SXSW: “THE LOST SONS”

By Amanda Gilmore This shocking Documentary tells the story of Paul Fronczak and his family. In 1960s Chicago, the Fronczaks had their baby stolen from the hospital. Fifteen months later a toddler is abandoned in New Jersey. The FBI claimed this toddler was Paul Fronczak, but was he? The Lost Sons is a compelling watch that keeps its audience gripped from beginning to end. Director Ursula Macfarlane documents this unbelievable story to the screen with powerful ... Read more