Indie Film

Review: COAST

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Review written by Ruby Lawson.

COAST, is an 2022 independent film directed by Jessica Hester and Derek Schweickart from a screenplay by Cindy Kitagawa, who was inspired by her own childhood experiences, COAST blends the explorative experience of self-discovery with the untarnished filter of youth.

The film’s vibrant ensemble cast is anchored by Fátima Ptacek (longtime voice of Dora the Explorer); stand-up comedian Cristela Alonzo (Cars 3); and Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter).

Restless music-lover Abby (Ptacek) is desperate to escape the predominantly agricultural central California coast, where young thrill-seekers clash with generations of tradition. A new rebellious friend shakes up her crew, and she clashes with her newly-single mother (Alonzo), who is facing her own midlife crossroads and finding unexpected encouragement from an ailing patient (Leo). When Abby falls for the lead singer of a touring rock band (Kane Ritchotte), she finds herself on the precipice of a life-altering decision. Supported by a killer soundtrack and breakout performances, COAST is about finding your truth and letting the music take you home.

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Review: Clapboard Jungle (FrightFest 2020)

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Clapboard Jungle is a new documentary about the life and struggles of today’s indie film-makers, told by & from the perspective of film-maker Justin McConnell (Lifechanger) as we follow his personal film journey and struggles as well as a series of insighful ‘talking heads’ from a variety industry figures including Guillermo Del Toro, Richard Stanley, Barbara Crampton, Paul Schrader, Tom Savini, George A. Romero, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Michael Biehn, Frank Henenlotter & Lloyd Kaufmann. Continue reading →

Review: Film Hawk (2017)

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Film Hawk is a feature documentary about the life and career of indie film consultant and pioneer Robert Hawk; from film-makers Tai Parquet & JJ Garvine.

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Review: Char Man

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Char Man is a found footage horror movie from writing/directing duo Kurt Ela & Kipp Tribble who also appear as main cast in the film.

Two friends visit fire-ravaged Ojai, California, intent on making a fake documentary about the infamous Ojai Vampire. However, things take a bizarre and frightening turn when they learn about a different local legend: The Char Man.

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Review: A Legacy of Whining

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A Legacy of Whining is a new comedy feature from writer/director/star Ross Munro.

The past ain’t all it’s cracked up to be when two former high school friends reunite thirty years later in a painfully comedic and bittersweet rollercoaster of an evening.

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Review: Raiders of the Hidden Donald Trump Fetish Doll (Short)

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‘Raiders of Hidden Donald Trump Fetish Doll’  is a comedy short from writer/director Angel Connell; who also stars playing a version of himself.

“An independent movie director (Angel Connell) in the middle of a crowdfunding campaign fends off a variety of malevolent individuals who seek to steal his ultimate crowdfunding perk: a Donald Trump fetish doll.” 

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Review: Better Than Love (2019)

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Better Than Love is the debut from writer/director Ted Carney; co-written by Tim Schaff. The film stars Andrew Lawrence, Alexandra Rodriguez, DeRon Brigdon, Lily Berlina & Matthew Lawrence. 

“19-year-old Jon’s (Andrew Lawrence) hopes of escaping the suburban ghetto get derailed when his drug-hustling childhood friend is incarcerated. Jon’s loyalty challenges his morality as he ascends to benevolent “Kingpin” of his neighborhood. Jon develops a relationship with a beautiful recovering addict, AJ (Alexandra Rodriguez). Everything comes to a halt when Jon suffers a severe accident. Jon’s physical and emotional pain leads him to a new romance, with OxyContin. Unable to track down AJ, Jon falls into the deep hole of addiction. Caught between love and death, Jon tries to save everyone but himself.”

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Review: Chasing Leia (2020) – a short film about fandom and addiction.

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Chasing Leia is the short film debut from writer/director Henry Wentworth; who also appears in the film. The story follows Billie (Harry Wight); a recovering addict as he battles with his addiction and inner demons with the aid of his group of friends; who are all members of the local comic book/pop culture geek community.  

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‘One Voice, One Mic’ Podcasting documentary released

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‘One Voice, One Mic‘ the new short documentary from director Ben Gummery takes an upbeat yet honest look at the rise of podcasting as well as examining the state of the medium; considering whether podcasts are becoming over-saturated and demystifying how the monetisation of podcasts actually works in practice; with a particular focus on the UK podcasting scene.

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Review: Huckleberry (2018)

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Huckleberry; from writer/director Roger Hill follows our titular transgender character (Daniel Fisher-Golden); who is navigating high-school life in a small rural town. He experiences discrimination and ‘Dead-naming’ from various authority figures in the community; which is a very timely issue to show on screen (and is currently often discussed in the media). This, however is not the film’s main thrust but more serves as a cultural backdrop to a ‘Romeo & Juliet’ style love story; as Huckleberry vies for the affections of Jolene (Sarah Ulstrop). She, in turn is trying to walk away from an abusive relationship with ‘Jock’ boyfriend Clint (Justin Rose). This is an interesting reversal of stereotypes and also a classic tale of teenage angst and the struggles of young people in small rural communities.

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