CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Patrick McDonald
Interview: Barry Jenkins & Tarell McCraney of ‘Moonlight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 12, 2016 - 5:19pmCHICAGO – One of the biggest buzz releases of recent weeks is the brilliant new film “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins, from a story by Tarell McCraney. The narrative, structured in three parts of one boy-to-man’s life, is an emotional journey that connects to important empathy and a vital passionate heart.
Interview: Jean-Claire Fitschen of Comcast on Launch of Xfinity LGBTQ Specialty Content
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 12, 2016 - 12:57pmCHICAGO – Comcast is a company of diversity, and has launched several options through that diversity with their Xfinity system options, and within their corporate culture. Joining the Spanish bilingual choice, and their in-house Accessibility Lab benefitting persons with disabilities, Comcast recently announced the launch of speciality content with LGBTQ themes. The Executive Director of Multicultural Services, Jean-Claire Fitschen, was recently in Chicago to promote the launch.
Film Review: Science of the Human Condition Makes an ‘Arrival’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2016 - 7:11pmCHICAGO – The film genre of aliens from other planets is as old as the movies. But it hasn’t been told as boldly and humanely as the new film “Arrival.” Its theme is communication, and how this interaction relates to the concept of the life cycle. Yes, it’s lofty, but it is also edge-of-the-seat engaging.
Interview: Omar Epps & D.C. Young Fly of ‘Almost Christmas’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2016 - 7:56pmCHICAGO – Every year, the “season” gets earlier and earlier, and the first out of the gate for the holidays is the new film, “Almost Christmas.” This warm-hearted comedy involves a large African American family gathering at the Yuletide, and features Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, and introducing D.C. Young Fly.
Film News: New Documentary Previews at Kartemquin Fall Festival on Nov. 4, 2016
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2016 - 3:55pmCHICAGO – Kartemquin Films is concluding its Fall Festival tonight on Friday, November 4th, 2016, with a special presentation of clips from three upcoming documentary projects. The film house, famous for the legendary “Hoop Dreams,” will show previews of ”America to Me” by director Steve James; “Eating Up Easter” by Sergio Rapu; and ”Dilemma of Desire” by Maria Finitzo. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Interview: Director James Redford on His Essential Film ‘Resilience’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2016 - 3:13pmCHICAGO – James “Jamie” Redford is on a righteous mission. Using the power of his latest documentary film, “Resilience,” he is informing all of society to something WE ALL can relate to – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Why is this important? Because virtually everyone is affected by these traumas, and it may be the key to healing many mental AND physical health problems, as well as some societal ills.
Interview: Directors Mike Mitchell & Walt Dohrn of ‘Trolls’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 3, 2016 - 9:01pmCHICAGO – The delightful new animated film “Trolls” takes the familiar doll to a new level of fun and heart. Behind this invention is the director team of Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, who have worked together in various animation roles over the years before teaming up in their first collaboration for Dreamworks Studio.
Interview: Festival Director Eve Studnicka on the Driftless Film Festival From Nov. 3-6, 2016
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 3, 2016 - 10:00amCHICAGO – For seven years, the town of Mineral Points, Wis., has hosted an ever evolving event called the “Driftless Film Festival.” And for all those years, from the time she was a young teenager to the present day, Eve Studnicka has worked within and around the festival. For the past two years, she has been the Festival Director, all while completing her undergraduate degree at Columbia College in Chicago.
Slideshow: Red-Carpet Portraits at 52nd Chicago International Film Festival for Local Films
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 2, 2016 - 9:14amCHICAGO – The 52nd Chicago International Film Festival wrapped last week, but the Red Carpet presentations continued right up to that end date. The Chicago connections films, either made in the area or by Chicago filmmakers or actors, had two major Red Carpets, and HollywoodChicago.com was there to capture them. Actors and filmmakers from the new films “Middle Man” and “Imperfections” were there.
Interviews: City & State Short Film Directors at the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 1, 2016 - 6:26pmCHICAGO – One of the great nights at the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival is the short film presentation celebrating the best of area filmmakers, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Included in the program were three notable filmmakers, Anne Beal (“Positioning”), Filip Kojic (“HUH”) and Brian Zahm (“The Nude”).