Yingying Zhang is a name many will probably not instantly recognize. The 26-year-old Chinese scholar came to the U.S to study ecology at the University of Illinois in April 2017. Full of aspiration, knowledge, and excitement, she came to the states in pursuit of the American dream. Traveling all the way from China, leaving her … Continue reading ‘Finding Yingying’ Preserves Life Through Raw Endearment – Review
'Inside the Rain' is a Hopeful Step For Mental Awareness in Film – Review
Aaron Fisher's Inside the Rain comes at an interesting time for the entertainment industry. Marginalized groups are seeing a surge in representation like never before - although, the progress, is just beginning. Roughly half of the content that thrives on highlighting marginalized communities, such as people of color or the LGBTQ community, actually comes from … Continue reading 'Inside the Rain' is a Hopeful Step For Mental Awareness in Film – Review
The Rules of the Game Change in John Leguizamo’s ‘Critical Thinking’ – Review
One will probably never see chess reach nail-biting velocity outside of Critical Thinking. Even if they do, it will be without the authenticity that John Leguizamo pumps into this directorial debut. The Colombian born and New York raised actor is well known for being in front of the camera in esteemed work such as When … Continue reading The Rules of the Game Change in John Leguizamo’s ‘Critical Thinking’ – Review
Jayro Bustamante’s ‘La Llorona’ is Quintessential Latinx Horror – Review
Guatemalan director and writer Jayro Bustamante has just delivered one of the most unique horror films of not only the decade, but of the 21st century so far. The tale of La Llorona is the most famous Latin urban legend on earth. By now, the female phantom who cries out for her drowned children needs … Continue reading Jayro Bustamante’s ‘La Llorona’ is Quintessential Latinx Horror – Review
Interview: Massoud Bakhshi Talks Creating ‘Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness’
Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival to thunderous applause. The film was among 11 other high caliber entries in the World Cinema Dramatic competition. Iranian filmmaker Massoud Bakhshi's sociopolitical tale of a woman's fight for survival is one of the most engaging experiences anyone can have in a theater … Continue reading Interview: Massoud Bakhshi Talks Creating ‘Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness’
Sundance 2020: ‘Summer White’ Breaks Down Toxic Latinx Habits – Review
"Mamitis" is not a term one hears every day. Those with Latin roots are more than likely familiar with the saying. The slang is meant to be taken as a negative connotation for a mother's boy. Summer White (Blanco de Verano) explores the idea of "mamitis" but takes it to personified toxic levels. Director and writer … Continue reading Sundance 2020: ‘Summer White’ Breaks Down Toxic Latinx Habits – Review
Sundance 2020: Mateo and Moisés Arias Put the American Dream to Test in ‘Blast Beat’ – Review
Colombian director and producer Esteban Arango plows through borders with his feature debut, Blast Beat. Named after a drumbeat style heavily associated with metal music and its derivatives, Blast Beat explores the trials and tribulations of the American dream through a Colombian family. Forced to leave Colombia due to political turmoil in 1999, tension rises between … Continue reading Sundance 2020: Mateo and Moisés Arias Put the American Dream to Test in ‘Blast Beat’ – Review
Sundance 2020: The Horrors of Being a Refugee Rise in ‘His House’ – Review
Director/screenwriter Remi Weekes gives Netflix a sure to be modern classic with His House. This being Weekes' first feature cements his name as one to look out for in the coming years. His House follows a married couple from South Sudan in desperate search of a better life in London. The two catch a glimmering break when … Continue reading Sundance 2020: The Horrors of Being a Refugee Rise in ‘His House’ – Review
Sundance 2020: Tradition and Empathy Stand Trial in ‘Yalda, A Night For Forgiveness’ – Review
Iranian filmmaker Massoud Bakhshi delivers an unparalleled gem at Sundance 2020 with Yalda, A Night for Forgiveness. Women who are found guilty of murdering their husbands are sentenced to death under Islamic law. On the contrary, Islamic law also allows those guilty to escape death if and only if they are forgiven by the victim's … Continue reading Sundance 2020: Tradition and Empathy Stand Trial in ‘Yalda, A Night For Forgiveness’ – Review
Sundance 2020: ‘Mucho Mucho Amor’ is the Beautiful and Worthy Reflection of Latinx Icon Walter Mercado We Need – Review
Walter Mercado needs no introduction to a Latinx audience. The Puerto Rican Astrologer first took Latin America by storm with his televised horoscopes in the 70s. If Mercado was decked out in capes reading horoscopes on TV, people would have no choice but to sit quietly and wait for their sign to be read. "¡Libra... … Continue reading Sundance 2020: ‘Mucho Mucho Amor’ is the Beautiful and Worthy Reflection of Latinx Icon Walter Mercado We Need – Review
