CHICAGO – When two passionate content creators got together, they sought not only to produce a work of entertainment, but a higher philosophy within it. Co-Writers/Directors and Executive Producers Adriana Leonard and Carley Marcelle have created “Beta” A Digital Series, and they are about to launch it.
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Podtalk: Michael Shannon is Electric in ‘The Current War’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 28, 2019 - 7:21pmCHICAGO – It is a solid assertion that actor Michael Shannon is one of the finer performers currently working in stage and film. Recently he brought to light the real-life character of George Westinghouse, as he was rival to Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) for control of the new fangled electricity grid in ‘The Current War.’
Film News: ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is Top Film at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2019 - 12:31pmCHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival is competitive, and the 55th edition presented its awards on October 25th, 2019, at CHEZ venue in Chicago. The winner of the Gold Hugo as Best International Film was “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (France), directed by Céline Sclamma.
CLOSING DAY 12 Podtalk: Jim Farrell of 'The Torch’ at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2019 - 10:07amCHICAGO – Closing Night at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival will have a decidedly Chicago-centric feel. The legendary Buddy Guy, the Blues guitar man from Louisiana – who made his mark in the South Side clubs of the Windy City, and then internationally – is the subject of a new documentary, “The Torch,” which is directed by Jim Farrell.
DAY 11 Podtalk: 'The First Rainbow Coalition’ at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2019 - 11:08amCHICAGO – A little known part of Chicago history has been revived in a new documentary called “The First Rainbow Coalition.” Filmmaker Ray Santisteban tells a comprehensive story of the first people-powered activist group that rose from the coming together of races and city sectors to fight police brutality and poverty.
Podtalk: Actress Thomasin McKenzie Hops Into ‘Jojo Rabbit’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 25, 2019 - 5:48amCHICAGO – Thomasin McKenzie is a 19-year-old actress with a purposeful, intellectual and historical approach to her craft, and those characteristics are on display in her latest film, “Jojo Rabbit.” McKenzie portrays Elsa, a teenage girl who is hiding from the Nazis during World War II, and is aided by the title character.
DAY TEN Podtalk: ‘The Components of Love’ at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 25, 2019 - 4:26amCHICAGO – When a director makes her international debut, there is a certain magic in the air. German director Miriam Bliese chose the 55th Chicago International Film Festival for that particular showcase, with her first feature film “The Components of Love.” The film will have its second screening at the Fest TODAY, October 25th at 5:30pm.
DAY NINE Podtalk: Haroula Rose of ‘Once Upon a River’ at 55th Chicago International Film Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 24, 2019 - 7:53amCHICAGO – A Chicago director comes into focus with her debut film, “Once Upon a River” with a prime time screening on Friday, October 25th, 2019, at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival. Haroula Rose is a local filmmaker and notable musician who shot this film in Antioch, Illinois.
Exclusive Photos: C.M. Punk in 'Girl on the Third Floor’ at the 55th Chicago International Film Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 23, 2019 - 9:51amCHICAGO – The film ‘Girl on the Third Floor’ caused a sensation at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival in the “After Dark” series screenings, selling out two show on October 18th, 2019. Beforehand at the Red Carpet, cast members Phil Brooks (also known as C.M.
DAY EIGHT Podtalk: Maura Delpero of ‘Maternal’ at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 23, 2019 - 9:04amCHICAGO – A new director screening is one of the most exciting events of any film festival, and Maura Delpero will represent her narrative film, “Maternal” at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival today (October 23rd) at 5:45pm. This exploration of motherhood and desire is Delpero’s first fiction film, after two documentaries.
DAY SEVEN Podtalk: Thomasin McKenzie of ‘Jojo Rabbit,' 55th Chicago International Film Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2019 - 8:23amCHICAGO – Thomasin McKenzie – a rising young actor – has just had her second high profile role, as Elsa in the upcoming “Jojo Rabbit.” The 55th Chicago International Film Festival had a special screening of the film on October 21st, 2019, and New Zealand native McKenzie walked the Red Carpet. The Film Festival continues through October 27th.
Film Review: 'Zombieland: Double Tap' Not Fresh But Still Has Some Life
Submitted by JonHC on October 21, 2019 - 2:07pmCHICAGO - Zombieland: Double Tap lacks the freshness or the belly laughs of its predecessor, but I was surprised to see that this outrageously overqualified cast has not worn out its welcome. It’s ridiculous that three Oscar nominees and one Oscar winner headline a movie devoted solely to blowing zombies up. But when you employ Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, you’re going to get some unexpected surprises.
DAY SIX Podtalk: Chinonye Chukwu for ‘Clemency’ at 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 21, 2019 - 6:46amCHICAGO – “I’m a filmmaker” proclaimed director Chinonye Chukwu on the Red Carpet at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival, before the screening of her new film “Clemency.” That exchange took place on Black Perspectives Night, October 19th, 2019, and it expressed the passion of creating the film.
DAY FIVE Podtalk: Producer Gigi Pritzker at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 20, 2019 - 1:23pmCHICAGO – Another member of the notable Pritzker family has been making a name, in this instance the film business. Gigi Pritzker is a veteran producer who has guided films like “Drive,” “The Way Way Back” and “Hell or High Water.” She walked the Red Carpet on Opening Night (October 16th, 2019) of the 55th Chicago International Film Festival for her new film as producer, “Motherless Brooklyn.”
