Salt Lake Dirt
By Kyler Bingham
Salt Lake DirtOct 13, 2020
Matthew Taggart - THE COUNTERFEIT KID - Episode 242
Today on Salt Lake Dirt, I welcome back filmmaker Matthew Taggart. Matthew was on the show last summer when we were covering the Wyoming International Film Festival. His film The Counterfeit Kid brought in several awards at the festival and was one of my top picks that year. The Counterfeit Kid is now streaming on most platforms so make sure to check it out!
I had a great time chatting with Matthew about his early inspirations, growing up in Wyoming, and the challenges and advantages of indie filmmaking.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Logline:
"Jack will need his friends to help him outwit the outlaw “Bloody” Ben Harris, find treasure, and return to his true love, Olivia."
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Michael Cavalieri - La Porta Dell’Inferno - Episode 241
In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, actor and filmmaker Michael Cavalieri (Ritornato; La Porta Dell'Inferno) takes us on a cinematic pilgrimage to Sicily, where he uncovers stories of strength and sacrifice. Michael's narrative weaves through the landscapes of his ancestry, culminating in a documentary and feature film that celebrate the human spirit. Hear how a small Sicilian village and its resilient people ignited Michael's drive to create films that not only entertain but also educate and unite. Experience the power of reconnecting with one's roots and the transformative impact it can have on storytelling.
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SYNOPSIS: "La Porta Dell'Inferno" (The Door to Hell) is a true story of courage, sacrifice and the love of family. This documentary chronicles the inspirational stories of some of the last surviving men who worked in the sulfur mines in central Sicily. These Marvel superheroes, as I call them, give us a deep insight into the slave-like conditions they were forced to work under by private ownership for many years up until 1963. Their courage, will and determination is the centerpiece of this film as they discuss their families and relentless pursuit to keep them together. There was only one choice they could make if they wanted to keep their families together, it was immigration or the sulfur mines... They all chose the sulfur mines.
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Charlene Elsby - VIOLENT FACULTIES - Episode 240
Dive into the mind-bending world of Violent Faculties, a novel by Charlene Elsby that blurs the lines between philosophy and fiction. Join podcast host Kyler Bingham as he uncovers the genesis of this gripping tale, where a philosophy professor turned experimental maverick pushes the boundaries of human decency. Discover the creative process behind Elsby's unapologetically bold narrative and find out why this book is a must-read for those who dare to venture into the dark corners of academic satire and existential authenticity.
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Liv Rylan - Episode 239
Lucas Harger - SXSW - Episode 238
Dive into the world of film editing with Lucas Harger on the latest episode of Salt Lake Dirt. Discover the journey behind the scenes of two extraordinary sports documentaries Lions of Mesopotamia and Clemente, both set to premiere at South by Southwest. Join us as Lucas shares his unconventional path from making wakeboarding videos to cutting feature-length documentaries, the art of storytelling through editing, and the powerful narratives that unite and inspire through sports.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Episode Links:
Sal Velez Jr. & Larry Krask - SWITCH UP - Episode 237
Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome Sal Velez Jr. (actor/executive producer) and Larry Krask (executive producer/actor/restaurateur). We talk about their latest film Switch Up which will premiere at SXSW this year. With anecdotes from their diverse careers, including stints at Second City and heart-stopping moments on the set of Black Summer, this episode is a celebration of creativity and resilience. Don't miss this heartwarming and hilarious journey behind the scenes of an indie film that is about to capture audiences at one of the biggest film festivals in Texas.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Episode Links:
Erik Fuhrer - GELLAR STUDIES - Episode 236
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Episode Links:
Erik-Fuhrer.com
IG: @erikjfuhrer
Tommy Burke - NOT JUST SUNGLASSES AND AUTOGRAPHS - Episode 235
Join Kyler Bingham as he welcomes Tommy Burke, a seasoned film and television production veteran with a story that transcends the usual Hollywood narrative. In his compelling memoir, Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs, Burke shares the highs and lows of his 30-year career, interwoven with profound life lessons and near-death experiences. From battling cancer while on set to facing Parkinson's, this episode is an inspiring journey through the life of a man who faces life's challenges with optimism and an incredible sense of humor.
Thanks for listening!
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Ben Tanzer - THE MISSING - Episode 234
Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome author Ben Tanzer. His novel The Missing will be released on March 21 on 7.13 Books.
With a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of both husband and wife, The Missing offers a raw and intimate look at the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Tune in as Ben shares the inspiration behind his characters, the challenges of writing dual narratives, and the poignant moments that bridge the gap between fiction and reality. --- Book Synopsis: "Gabriel and Hannah's daughter Christa is missing. Has she run away with her older boyfriend or has something worse happened to her? As Gabriel and Hannah wait for the police to find her, they're forced to confront the fissures in their marriage and who they've become as parents and individuals. With Gabriel's alcoholism and womanizing always lurking and Hannah's guilt over possibly pushing her daughter away taking a toll on her mental health, they must decide if they can be better people for each other...whether Christa comes home or not. From the Emmy-award-winning author of Upstate and Orphans, The Missing is a deeply psychological portrait of a marriage that is both full of pathos and frighteningly real." --- Episode Links: TanzerBen.com IG: @tanzerben --- PURCHASE The Missing from these Independent Bookstores: Exile in Bookville (Chicago) The Book Cellar (Chicago) Volumes Book Cafe (Chicago)
Melissa Shapiro - PIGLET - Episode 233
Today on the show I welcome Melissa Shapiro. Melissa is a veterinarian, author, and animal advocate. Her life changed when, along with her husband Warren, they adopted a one pound deaf-blind puppy named Piglet.
We talk about her journey with Piglet, from fostering to creating an educational movement. I was fascinated to hear how Piglet's challenges became a source of strength, leading to a memoir, a children's book and a nonprofit dedicated to teaching resilience and inclusivity (Piglet Mindset).
Amazing chat!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Episode Links:
- Piglet Mindset
- PURCHASE Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family
- PURCHASE the children's book Piglet Comes Home
- Piglet Mindset for Educators
- IG: @pinkpigletpuppy
- FB: @pinkpigletpuppy
- TikTok: @pinkpigletpuppy
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Tara Giancaspro - Episode 232
Today I welcome writer and musician Tara Giancaspro. I had a blast talking with Tara about her writing process, the pros and cons of Substack, and how she unexpectedly began creating music.
Great chat! Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Artist Bio:
Tara Giancaspro is the creator of xoxo Gossip Giancaspro, a weekly Substack including personal essays, pop culture commentary, and the various and sundry of her silly little life. She has released music under the name Sweaty Lamarr, available to stream everywhere, including "Abbey, I'm Sorry I Stole Your Man," a Jolene sequel from Jolene's perspective. She has been published in Wig-Wag Mag and Drunk Monkeys Literary, is a Cancer sun, and got bit by a dolphin once - establishing a potentially generational blood feud. Giancaspro can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @SweatyLamarr. She is based in New Jersey, if you couldn't tell by the hair.
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Episode Links:
Twitter: @SweatyLamarr
IG: @SweatLamarr
Alison Rich - PATHOLOGICAL - Episode 231
Today I welcome back actor, writer, and director Alison Rich to the show. Her short film Pathological recently screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. When I heard that Alison had another film at Sundance (previously Training Wheels in 2022) I made it a priority to check it out.
The short film is hilarious and thought provoking. I look forward to more projects from Alison in the future.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Logline:
A compulsive liar's fabrications suddenly come to life, confronting her with the fantastical reality she created through deception.
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- SUBRCRIBE to our Substack
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
THE DEATH TOUR - 2024 Slamdance Film Festival - Episode 230
2024 Slamdance Film Festival
**THE DEATH TOUR**
One of SLD's Top Picks this Year!
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Step behind the scenes of the documentary film The Death Tour. Today's episode offers a front-row seat to the passion, pain, and glory of a wrestling tour like no other. Hear directly from the creators and wrestling icons who bared their souls on screen, discussing the film's inception, the emotional bonds formed with communities, and the indomitable spirit that drives them to perform in the harshest conditions. It's a testament to the spirit of wrestling and the power of storytelling that transcends the screen.
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Synopsis:
Each winter, a gang of professional wrestlers leaves Winnipeg on a wrestling trip through remote indigenous communities of Northern Manitoba. Wrestling insiders call it the “Death Tour” - both for the physical hardships endured on the road and the emotional toll it takes on those who experience it. Famous for its star-studded alumni, the trip offers wrestlers a chance to see if they have what it takes to make it in pro wrestling. The Death Tour is a meditation on the inner strength some discover when alone, exhausted and pushed to the limit. This deeply personal documentary travels through Canada’s frozen North and into the wrestlers’ minds as they battle the elements, each other, and the impacts of our colonial past. The wrestlers and their fans come together over their shared love of wrestling. They’re both fighting for their futures and searching to heal themselves along the way.
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Episode Links:
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Guests on this Episode:
- Stephan Peterson - Director - @stephanpetersonofficial
- Sonya Ballantyne - Co-Director - @sonya_ballantyne
- Sage Morin "The Matriarch" - @deadliestdiva
- Sean Dunster "Massive Damage" - @tattooed.terminator
- Levi Night - @levi_night
ROLL BUS ROLL: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary - Ilya Popenko - Episode 229
Today on the show I welcome filmmaker and photographer Ilya Popenko. His film Roll Bus Roll: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary is one of my top picks from both Sundance and Slamdance this year. If you have the chance to see this film in person (or through the Slamdance Channel), please do so. I highly recommend it!
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Synopsis:
Roll Bus Roll casts an eye at the life and art of Jeffrey Lewis, one of the most prominent musicians associated with NYC's anti-folk scene.The film opens with an exploration of the anti-folk, offering a glimpse into the unique movement that challenges traditional folk conventions. Then the viewer follows Jeffrey on tour, across cities and continents. Jeffrey, is a self-deprecating genius, introduced through contrasting narratives: his own modest self-assessment, and the views of fans and fellow artists such as Adam Green.The documentary reaches its emotional climax as Jeffrey opens up about a lost love, revealing his mental health struggles that impacted his relationship.
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SLAMDANCE Screenings:
- Sat, Jan 20th, 2:30 PM @ The Summer and David Theater @ The Yarrow Hotel
- Wed, Jan 24th, 10:00 AM @ The Summer and David Theater @ The Yarrow Hotel
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Episode Links:
Giuseppe Garau - The Accident - Episode 228
Join us with filmmaker Giuseppe Garau, whose feature film, L'Incidente (The Accident), had its North American premiere at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Discover the enthralling narrative of a single mother's transformation through loss and resilience, captured through the lens of traditional film—without the safety net of modern technology. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative mind that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, the courage it takes to trust in the unseen, and the universal threads that connect audiences across the globe.
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Synopsis:
After being fired, Marcella, a gentle hearted mother going through separation, buys a tow truck; she gets trapped deeper and deeper in a cynical and aggressive world until a terrible opportunity shines in front of her.
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Episode Links:
DARUMA - 2024 Slamdance - Episode 227
Episode 227: Interview with Filmmakers/Cast of Daruma
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Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking journey of Daruma, a film that defies conventional storytelling by featuring two leads with disabilities in a narrative about the human condition. Join Kyler Bingham at Slamdance 2024 as he sits down with the passionate team behind this cinematic marvel. Discover the emotional roller-coaster from conception to the screen, the authentic casting triumphs, and the industry barriers shattered along the way. This episode is not just a behind-the-scenes look; it's a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the relentless spirit of independent filmmaking.
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Synopsis:
Daruma follows PATRICK (wheelchair user) who discovers he has a four-year-old daughter from a one-night stand years ago. He agrees to take her and becomes the beneficiary of her mother’s life insurance policy, but soon discovers he’s not fit to parent and that she’d do better living with her maternal grandparents on the East Coast. Unable to drive and reluctant to fly for fear of damaging his chair, Patrick enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (double amputee) to drive them. Along the way, they discover the meaning of self-sacrifice, forgiveness and what it truly means to be a family. Daruma is a heart-warming tale of how to pick yourself up and move forward in life when it seems impossible. DARUMA has been lauded for its authenticity and is the first known feature film to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming a disability.
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Episode Links:
GUESTS:
Alexander Yellen (Director/Cinematographer)
John W. Lawson (Actor)
Kelli McNeil-Yellen (Writer/Producer)
Abigail Hawk (Actor/Associate Producer)
Marc Dahlstrom (First Assistant Director)
Lauren Appelbaum: (RespectAbility - Non Profit Organization)
Rasheed Stephens & Tehben Dean - All I've Got & Then Some - Episode 226
One of my favorite films from Slamdance this year is All I've Got & Then Some. While in Park City I had the chance to talk to the creative team behind the film. Rasheed Stephens and Tehben Dean join me to talk about how the film came about and their experience so far at Slamdance.
Great film, great chat!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Synopsis:
Based on a true story, All I've Got & Then Some follows a day in the life of Rasheed, a homeless stand-up comedian living out of his car in Los Angeles, giving everything he’s got to make his dreams come true.
Having booked his first paid stand-up gig, this day is special for Rasheed, but what should be a smooth day quickly turns into a circus of events that could ruin his shot at getting his first big break.
Supported by his best friend Rose, Rasheed stumbles through the untimely and often bizarre twists and turns of the day as he criss-crosses Hollywood, relentlessly reminding us that each day can be the best day of our lives.
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Episode Links:
AFRICAN GIANTS - Omar S. Kamara & Leo Blumberg-Woll - Episode 225
On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt we are live at the Slamdance Film Festival, where the film African Giants is making waves. Hear from the creative forces, Omar S.Kamara (writer/director/producer) and Leo Blumberg-Woll (producer), as they reveal the inspiration behind their film's authentic dialogue and the intense casting process that found "the Ugandan Marlon Brando." Explore the challenges and triumphs of indie filmmaking, from securing a unique house location to the emotional resonance of their Slamdance premiere. This is a behind-the-scenes look at indie cinema that you won't want to miss.
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Synopsis:
Alhaji (28), an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, is visited for a weekend by his younger brother, Sheku (25), a law student. Unknown to Alhaji, Sheku has come with a specific intention: to reveal the secret that he will be dropping out of law school and moving to LA to pursue acting, just like his older brother. Over the course of the weekend the brother’s relationship is tested and tensions rise as they converse about a variety of subjects with differing views and life philosophies. Alhaji pushes back on Sheku’s newfound dream as the facade of his own life begins to show. When bad news leads Alhaji to put himself in a precarious position, Sheku, the younger brother, comes to his aid and is a hero to his normally domineering older brother. Sheku leaves for the weekend and both brothers realize their relationship has changed for the better forever.
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Episode Links:
Sam Wasson - Episode 224
Today on the show I am thrilled to welcome writer and historian Sam Wasson. Sam is my favorite Hollywood historian. He is the author of several fantastic books including Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m. and The Big Goodbye. He co-authored Hollywood: The Oral History with film scholar and educator Jeanine Basinger. Sam's latest book is The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story.
I had such a great time chatting with Sam. We talk about our mutual love for early Hollywood, Coppola's company American Zoetrope, and how Sam came to publish a limited run of Bruce Wagner's masterpiece The Marvel Universe.
Amazing chat! Make sure to check out Sam's new book.
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Episode Links:
PURCHASE a signed copy of The Path to Paradise
PURCHASE The Marvel Universe by Bruce Wagner
Tim Almeida - DOG SPELLED BACKWARDS - Episode 223
Discover the profound connection between humans and canines in Dog Spelled Backwards. Join Kyler Bingham as he delves into the heart of dog rescue with filmmaker and dog trainer Tim Almeida. Their conversation uncovers the stark realities of shelter life and the transformative power of patience and love in rehabilitating rescue dogs. This episode is not just a story about dog training. It's a narrative about the human condition, our capacity to cope with loss, and the unexpected lessons our four-legged friends teach us about life.
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Synopsis:
Tim Almeida is a certified professional dog trainer, having begun his work in Los Angeles county in 2018. After rescuing a dog named Alger from a local animal shelter, Tim was forced to make the painstaking decision to euthanize his dog after Alger attacked a young baby being held in her mothers arms. This life changing event catapulted Tim into the Animal Shelter/Rescue world and the work it involves, inspiring the vision for the documentary series, "Dog Spelled Backwards." Highlighting animal shelter cases, the film navigates the difficult and often heartbreaking landscape known as "Animal Rescue." More importantly, viewers learn first hand the challenges of working with dogs living in animal shelters
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Episode Links:
Slamdance Screening Information:
Pete Ohs - LOVE AND WORK - Episode 222
2024 Slamdance Film Festival:
Dive into the world of Love and Work, a film that defies the norm with its dystopian yet comedic take on a society where working is illegal. Join Kyler as he sits down with multifaceted filmmaker Pete Ohs to discuss the conception of this fascinating film. From the eerie allure of a shoe factory setting to the film's striking black and white visuals, get ready to explore a narrative that challenges our cultural relationship with work and the haunting beauty of a world turned upside down.
Love and Work will screen at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival.
PURCHASE Tickets below:
- Sat, Jan 20th, 6:45 PM @ The Summer and David Theater @ The Yarrow Hotel
- Thu, Jan 25th, 2:15 PM @ The LUMIX Theater @ The Yarrow Hotel
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Synopsis:
Diane arrives at the shoe factory looking for a job. She meets the boss, nails the interview and gets hired on the spot, immediately joining a small team of co-workers led by a helpful Texan named Fox.
She’s great at her job but before her first day of work ends, the factory gets shut down, the boss is in big trouble and all the employees are suddenly unemployed.
Because in this world, manufacturing is prohibited and it's illegal to employ or be employed. That means no jobs. Unfortunately, Diane and Fox love to work.
Together, Diane and Fox seek employment and in the process, fall in love. But balancing love and work is easier said than done.
Esme Allen & Josie Charles - FISHING - Episode 221
Join us as we catch up with the creative team behind Fishing, a short film that will screen at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Director Josie Charles and writer/actor Esme Allen discuss the evolution of their film, the intimacy of a camcorder storytelling approach, and the emotional depth required to bring the character Lola to life. Learn about the meticulous planning and raw emotion that went into this single-take narrative, and why this film is not just a story, but an experience that defies the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
Incredible film, check it out!
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Synopsis:
A dark comedy exploring female sexuality and the impact of pornography, ‘fishing’ is a single-take short film shot on a camcorder.
It’s 2006. Lola has been stuck in her room for three days and refuses to leave. She plays around with a camcorder, but is rudely interrupted by her Mum, nagging her to come out. Alone again, Lola tells a tale of whirlwind romance that culminates in a rather disappointing ‘first time’. But before she can reveal the climax of this journey, another knock at the door. This time it’s her dearest friend Amy with concerns about Lola’s safety, forcing her to confess the truth of her confinement.
Episode Links:
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Slamdance Screenings of Fishing:
Cynthia Garcia Williams - LEGEND OF EL CUCUY - Episode 220
Great film, great chat!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Episode Links:
Cynthia's website
IG: @cynthiagwilliams
IG: @legendofelcucuy
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Slamdance screenings:
Fri, Jan 19th, 8:45 PM @ The Summer and David Theater @ The Yarrow Hotel
Mon, Jan 22nd, 6:30 PM @ The Student Union Theater @ University of Utah
Jack Dunphy - BOB'S FUNERAL - Episode 219
In this episode, we welcome back filmmaker Jack Dunphy to discuss his Sundance-bound film, Bob's Funeral. Jack is one of my favorite guests so I had to have him on for a full length episode.
Jack talks about the eight-year creative process that brings him back the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Great film, amazing chat.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Logline:
Searching for the root of generational trauma, the director takes a camera into his estranged grandfather’s funeral.
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Episode Links:
E'an Verdugo & Caleb Davis - RESTORAGE - Episode 218
Today on the show we have E'an Verdugo (Director/Writer) and Caleb Davis (Writer/Prodcuer), the creative minds behind Restorage, an episodic film that will screen at this year's Slamdance Film Festival.
Great film, great chat!
Kyler
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Synopsis:
A fractured group of siblings each receive a portion of their inheritance. Robert receives the business legacy, Lisa is given the family estate and a priceless family heirloom, and Chase, receives an old storage unit filled with junk. Chase and Robert quarrel and he inadvertently breaks the vase causing a greater rift in the family.
Chase goes to the storage unit and discovers that it can repair anything that has been broken that has been placed inside. Chase takes his siblings to the storage unit in an attempt to fix the broken vase but everything goes mysteriously sideways.
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Episode Links:
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Slamdance Screenings:
Radha Mehta - DOSH - 2024 Slamdance - Episode 217
Today on Salt Lake Dirt, filmmaker Radha Mehta joins me to talk about her film Dosh. Radha shares her compelling story of transforming personal trauma and the challenges into an evocative film that tackles the taboos of mental health and physical disability. Discover how her South Asian roots and a partnership with AFI helped her create a narrative that's as authentic as it is impactful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about film, storytelling, and the human spirit's resilience.
Dosh will screen at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival on Saturday January 20th at 12:45pm and Wednesday January 24th at 4:00pm. Grab your tickets HERE.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Logline:
DOSH, which means both "flaw" and "fault" in Hindi, is about a Hard-of-Hearing South Asian woman who overcomes her cultural taboo of shame by choosing to stop at nothing to save her family, which in turn ends up saving herself. This is an immigrant story about love, family, and overcoming cultural taboos around mental health and physical disability.
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Episode Links:
- PURCHASE Slamdance tickets
- Official Trailer
- DoshFilm.com
- LinkTree - @doshfilm
- IG: @dosh.film
- IG: @radhamehta
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- SUBRCRIBE to our Substack
- Listen on the radio at KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Angeline Walsh - THE CORONER'S ASSISTANT - Episode 216
Dive into the darkly humorous world of The Coroner's Assistant with writer-director Angeline Walsh as she unveils the intriguing Victorian London setting of her web series. Discover the accidental journey of medical student James Rigby into the macabre trade of cadavers, all wrapped in a comedic package. Explore the challenges of creating an authentic period piece on a budget and the serendipitous moments that brought the talented cast together. Listen to how a passion for history, storytelling, and iconic films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Mummy' shaped Angeline's creative path, leading to an award-nominated web series that's captivating audiences on YouTube.
The Coroner's Assistant has been nominated twice for an Astra Award. One for Best Writing in a Streaming Comedy Series, while her Costume Designer Aimee Morgan is a contender for a Creative Arts Nomination for Best Period Costumes. The Astra Awards will take place on January 8th, 2024 in Hollywood.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Episode Links:
FOLLOW Angeline on Social Media
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- SUBRCRIBE to our Substack
- Listen on the radio at KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Adam Roberts - THE DEATH OF SIR MARTIN MALPRELATE - Episode 215
In the latest episode, Adam Roberts discusses his new book, The Death of Sir Martin Malprelate, a novel where the classics come alive. Explore a re-imagined London where the greatest literary minds coexist, and a mysterious death unfolds a story of intrigue and suspense. Listen as Roberts gives an intriguing glimpse into the making of a novel that promises to captivate fans of history, literature, and mystery alike.
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- SUBRCRIBE to our Substack
- Listen on the radio at KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Clem Flowers - Episode 214
Today I welcome poet Clem Flowers to the show. Clem is originally from the South but now calls Salt Lake City home. We talk about some of their collections such as LUSH EYED// BLEED MOONSHINE, New Pansies For The Blue Dogs, and I'VE BEEN GOING THRU SOME THINGS. When I started reading Clem's work, I completely fell in love with it. I encourage you to check it out! Links below.
Clem even wrote a poem for Salt Lake Dirt called Instruments of Lavender, which I was completely blown away by. I'm honored and will treasure this act of generosity forever. Thank you Clem. Scroll to the bottom to read it.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Episode Links:
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Instruments of Lavender
[For Salt Lake Dirt]
Feel the warm earth beneath
aching hands & tired arches
Br e a th e
D e e p
Whip up feel your heart wrapped around a vienesse waltz light
snatches down your spine hunger
shines high in your skull & the poor
soul aches for a
new freedom inches away & then
it's dawn - the streetlights have all
been snatched away. You still see
the moon over the mountains
& grin
the blue dogs sing
you “Mojo Pin” by
Jeff Buckley as
you drift back
to sleep
Cacti blue flax sage
they'll keep you
safe & warm all day
Mallory Smart - I KEEP MY VISIONS TO MYSELF - Episode 213
Today on the show I welcome back writer Mallory Smart. I recently read her new novel I Keep My Visions to Myself, and I absolutely loved it! I know that our regular listeners will too. Highly recommended!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Logline:
"Step into Stevie's world, a 26-year-old musician on the brink of fame. A tour offer catapults her into an existential voyage through life's intricate maze. Within this tense spiritual journey, Stevie confronts the age-old dilemma of fame versus the safety of a simpler existence, all while searching for her elusive tribe."
--- Episode Links:
- MallorySmart.com
- PURCHASE I Keep My Visions to Myself
- Textual Healing (Podcast)
- That Horrorcast (Podcast)
- IG: @malsmart
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Salt Lake Dirt Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- SUBSCRIBE to our Substack Newsletter
- SLD's BookShop
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Carla Malden - MY TWO AND ONLY - Episode 212
On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler interviews Carla Malden about her powerful new novel My Two and Only. They dive into the book's exploration of love, loss, and reinvention as a widow struggles with expectations to move on. Carla provides fascinating details about the four-year writing process and how she drew from personal experience. Their thought-provoking discussion touches on relationships as identity, the challenges of change, and craft elements like perspective. This conversation will resonate with anyone who has grappled with profound loss or the journey of redefining oneself.
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Episode Links:
- CarlaMalden.com
- IG: @carlamalden
- PURCHASE My Two and Only from Diesel Bookstore
- PURCHASE from Amazon
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Ben Davis - THE JELLYFISH MAN - Episode 211
FilmQuest Episode #37
GUEST: Ben Davis
FILM: The Jellyfish Man
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Logline: Spencer’s neighbor refuses to turn off his music, but it’s unclear who is disturbing the peace.
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Episode Links:
WATCH the film beginning 11/28/23 on Omeleto
IG: @this.bendavis
Daniel Weizmann - The Last Songbird - Episode 210
This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I talk with author Daniel Weizmann about his writing journey from the LA punk scene to his most recent novel The Last Songbird, a mystery involving a Lyft driver and a famous folk singer.
Great book, great chat!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Synopsis:
"A struggling songwriter and Lyft driver, Adam Zantz’s life changes
when he accepts a ride request in Malibu and 1970s music icon Annie Linden enters his dented VW Jetta. Bonding during that initial ride, the two quickly go off app— over the next three years, Adam becomes her exclusive driver and Annie listens to his music, encouraging Adam even as he finds himself driving more often than songwriting.
Then, Annie disappears, and her body washes up under a pier. Left with a final, cryptic text— ‘come to my arms’— a grieving Adam plays amateur detective, only to be charged as accomplice-after-the-fact. Desperate to clear his name and discover who killed the one person who believed in his music when no one else in his life did, Adam digs deep into Annie’s past, turning up an old guitar teacher, sworn enemies and lovers, and a long-held secret that spills
into the dark world of a shocking underground Men’s Rights movement. As he drives the outskirts of Los Angeles in California, Adam comes to question how well he, or anyone else, knew Annie— if at all.
The Last Songbird is a poignant novel about love, obsession, the price of fame and the burden of broken dreams, with a shifting, twisting plot that's full of unexpected turns."
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Charles Mudede - THIN SKIN - Episode 209
This week's episode of Salt Lake Dirt features an in-depth interview with Charles Mudede, director and co-writer of the new film Thin Skin. Charles provides fascinating behind-the-scenes details on the film's inspiration from Ahamefule J. Oluo's off-Broadway show Now I'm Fine, the years-long process of writing and fundraising, and finishing post-production during the pandemic.
Great film, great chat!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Synopsis:
Ahamefule Joe Oluo's days are spent at a soul-deadening corporate job and his nights come alive behind a trumpet at Seattle jazz clubs. As he struggles to climb out of the ruins of his broken marriage, Aham has to deal with endless bureaucracy, a boss trying to lead him to the Lord, and his mother who won't cut ties with his ex. Aham is living with his entire family once again in his sister's cramped one bedroom apartment. The one person missing from this living situation is Aham's estranged Nigerian father. His brief reappearance sends the family into a tailspin and a search for meaning. Pressed together in this vise of a home, the family struggles with adult life and the meaning of family.
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Episode Links:
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Events:
- Seattle Screening | November 16-19, with special Q&A on Nov. 18
- Los Angeles Screening | November 16
- New York Screening | November 30
- VOD RELEASE DATE 11.28.2023
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Joe Gietl & Cameron S. Mitchell - THE FLEDGLING - Episode 208
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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FilmQuest Episode #36
GUEST: Joe Gietl & Cameron S. Mitchell
FILM: The Fledgling
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Synopsis: Orphan Charlie wakes up in a hospital bed with a mysterious health condition that makes her averse to sunlight, and a hazy recollection of how she got there. If she is to survive, she will have to put the pieces of the night together in the shadows and avoid the light.
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Episode Links:
Kelsey Edwards - Box Boy (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 207
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #36
GUEST: Kelsey Edwards
FILM: Box Boy
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Synopsis: A boy raised in a rigid, beige society where boxes define life meets a colorful girl who changes the way he views the world.
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Episode Links:
Ryan Couldrey - You Have Reached Your Destination (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 206
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #35
GUEST: Ryan Couldrey
FILM: You Have Reached Your Destination
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Synopsis: With the Google Maps app leading him in circles, a man suspects his phone is purposely lying to him.
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Episode Links:
IG: @rycouldrey
YouTube: @ryancouldrey
Lexi Kent-Monning - THE BURDEN OF JOY - Episode 205
Lexi Kent-Monning joins me to talk about her new book The Burden of Joy. From her career in the music business to her writing process we covered a lot of ground in this episode. I had a blast!
You can purchase a copy of The Burden of Joy HERE.
Great chat, amazing book!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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Synopsis:
Lexi Kent-Monning’s debut novel, The Burden of Joy, is an incessant dagger to the heart. After Lexi’s husband leaves her on Valentine’s Day to join a commune that time forgot, her home stops belonging to her. Instead, she discovers a parade of dead animals, a man who turns her blue eyes green, true love in equal parts cocaine and MDMA, and a revolving door of solitude. In the end, Lexi must ask herself, is her craving to nurture virtuous or hedonistic? (Rejection Letters, 11.01.23)
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
- www.saltlakedirt.com
- Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
- Listen on APPLE Podcasts
- Listen on SPOTIFY
- Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Reuben Dendinger - CURSED IMAGES - Episode 204
This week Reuben Dendinger joins me to discuss his new book Cursed Images. I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. Highly recommended!
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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Cursed Images (Hyperidean Press, August 31, 2023) is a dream-journal of late capitalism in 13 stories, a Gothic tarot of desire and fear. Driven by the cruelty of market society into wildernesses of neurasthenic horror, artists and lovers seek out phantoms of forgotten beauty in this epic compendium, equal parts satire and nightmare.
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
Listen on APPLE Podcasts
Listen on SPOTIFY
Instagram: @saltlakedirt
STORIES FOR MY CHILDREN'S CHILDREN: LESSONS FROM THE HOLOCAUST - Episode 203
Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome Christopher Wells and Daniel Rolnick to talk about their film Stories For My Children’s Children: Lessons from the Holocaust.
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking film that I HIGHLY recommend.
Great chat, incredible film.
Thanks for listening!
Kyler
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LOGLINE: This isn’t a Holocaust documentary; it’s a personal tale about two people, the horrors that befell them and how their survival can influence the next generation.
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UPCOMING SCREENINGS:
Nov 8th at 8PM at Cinema Village in Manhattan
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Episode Links:
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SLD Podcast Info:
Listen on APPLE Podcasts
Listen on SPOTIFY
Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Russell Goldman - Closing Time (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 202
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
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FilmQuest Episode #34
GUEST: Russell Goldman
FILM: Closing Time
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Synopsis: An estranged friend surprises his old college buddies with an unusual reunion.
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Episode Links:
IG: @russell_goldman
Nicholas Acosta & Bill Moldt - Alone (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 202
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #33
GUEST: Nicholas Acosta & Bill Moldt
FILM: Alone
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Synopsis: After a catastrophic disaster at a Mars research station, a fearless astronaut finds herself adrift in deep space, where she encounters a mysterious entity.
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Episode Links:
IG: @unrenderedmedia
Zack Hosseini - A Cotton Moon (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 200
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #32
GUEST: Zack Hosseini
FILM: A Cotton Moon
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Synopsis: A feckless loner uncovers cryptic TV broadcasts of a mysterious deity (Academy Award-nominee Eric Roberts) whose teachings inspire a strange and radical holy awakening.
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Episode Links:
IG: @zack.hosseini
Dan Shapiro - Escape Attempt - (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 199
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #31
GUEST: Dan Shapiro FILM: Escape Attempt
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Synopsis: A soldier escaping a WWII concentration camp finds himself on an unknown planet in a distant future only to discover a frozen gulag controlled by a brutal alien race.
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Episode Links:
IG: @aggressivetv /// @escapeattempt
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SLD Podcast Info:
Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST
Listen on APPLE Podcasts
Listen on SPOTIFY
Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Phillip McLaughlin - Toad Boy (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 198
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #30
GUEST: Phillip McLaughlin
FILM: Toad Boy
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Synopsis: A concerned principal reaches out to a troubled student but quickly learns helping the boy may require a sacrifice he’s unwilling to make.
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Episode Links:
IG: @shorrorts (Film) @potatolover (Director)
Moe Najati - Ensouled (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 197
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #29
GUEST: Moe Najati
FILM: Ensouled
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Synopsis: Clara, burdened by grief, embarks on a soul-stirring journey of self-discovery at Eternia. She forms an unexpected bond with a enigmatic man along the way, blurring reality’s boundaries and leaving her questioning the essence of existence.
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Episode Links:
IG: @moenajati
Michael Rich - The Queue (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 196
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #28
GUEST: Michael Rich
FILM: The Queue
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Synopsis: An internet content moderator confronts the darkness within the videos he screens.
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Episode Links:
IG: @mikerichfilms
Nabil Chowdhary - Recollector - (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 195
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #27
GUEST: Nabil Chowdhary
FILM: Recollector
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Synopsis: A futuristic detective (a Recollector) attempts to solve a murder case by infiltrating the victim’s last moments of life, while dealing with the mental anguish and torment his profession brings.
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Episode Links:
Liang-Chun Lin - A Dire Straight (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 194
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #26
GUEST: Liang-Chun Lin
FILM: A Dire Straight
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Synopsis: A new Taiwanese mother tries to survive the strictest postpartum tradition and follows all the family rules, but soon realizes that she needs to escape.
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Episode Links:
Amy Geist - Dysmorphia - (2023 FILMQUEST) - Episode 193
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could.
Great films, incredible conversations!
Thanks for listening.
Kyler
FilmQuest Episode #25
GUEST: Amy Geist
FILM: Dysmorphia
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Synopsis: After Isabella, a destitute beauty-addict, fakes cancer to pay for her next cosmetic surgery, she is haunted by a shadow figure demanding it’s penance of flesh. This film takes a terrifying look at a woman’s relationship to her body and the horrors women self-inflict for acceptance.
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Episode Links:
IG: @amygeist_la