Movie Review: ‘Wiener-Dog’

I have seen a number of independent films and have thoroughly enjoyed the majority of them. Unfortunately, Wiener-Dog does not fall under that category. Due to its unique form, style and storytelling, it just wasn’t for me. But there were…

Sundance 2016: Farts in ‘Swiss Army Man’ and a ‘Wiener-Dog’ On A Cold Day

The festival environment is drastically inconsistent, shifting quickly from the mild sun to a dark cold in the evening, a slight sprinkle to an intense blizzard. Sundance can be friendly and inviting or distant and chilly. When most of your…

The Film Canon: Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)

SPOILERS AHEAD Middle school was hell for me. And don’t try to say that middle school wasn’t hell for you because I know you’re lying. Middle school sucked for everyone, some more than others. When I first saw Welcome to…

First Time Fest: Closing Night Ceremony Award Winners

The final installment of the First Time Fest, the Closing Night Ceremony was held on March 4th. Hosted by Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), the Players Club lit up with flashes of cameras and smiles of the first…

‘Jack Goes Boating’ Interview with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan

At the First Time Fest, there was a “First Exposure” series in which well known and accomplished directors would get their first directed films shown and have the chance to speak about the process. Some of these well known actors…

First Time Fest Supports New Filmmakers and Honors Esteemed Directors

The First Time Fest was created by Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward as a way to showcase new upcoming filmmakers and their works, and to get them a head start in their industry. The festival occurred on March 1st to…

An Introduction to First Time Fest

This past weekend, March 1st to 4th, marked the first ever First Time Fest at The Player’s Club in New York City. The festival is a celebration of the films from first time filmmakers, which also features a competition in…