Este Haim, Christopher Stracey talk Suncoast, Composing Score

Este Haim and Christopher Stracey spoke with Solzy at the Movies about composing the score for Laura Chinn‘s new film, Suncoast. Suncoast is a semi-biographical film from first-time feature filmmaker Laura Chinn. The film, which revisits the early 2000s, follows Doris (Nico Parker) and her mother, Kristine (Laura Linney), during one of the most vulnerable times for her family. Doris’s brother is spending his final days at the same Florida hospice facility as Terry Schiavo,…

"Este Haim, Christopher Stracey talk Suncoast, Composing Score"

A Real Pain – Sundance 2024

Jesse Eisenberg’s sophomore feature film, A Real Pain, is a buddy comedy about a pair of cousins on a Holocaust tour in Poland. I watched A Real Pain on Thursday as soon as the virtual edition got underway. Knowing it was from Jesse Eisenberg and knowing it dealt with Jews touring through Poland, it was always going to kick off my virtual programming on Wednesday. Being Jewish myself, my family lived in Eastern Europe before…

"A Real Pain – Sundance 2024"

Sundance 2025: Why I’m Not Attending or Covering Next Year

Draconian transphobic laws quickly made their way through the Utah legislature, passing both chambers during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. I wish I didn’t have to write this. It’s really unfortunate that it has come to writing yet another piece about the transphobic attacks on rights. I guess I could say that I saw it coming a year ago on what was the penultimate day of Sundance. The transphobic laws continued this year with some…

"Sundance 2025: Why I’m Not Attending or Covering Next Year"

Sue Bird: In the Clutch – Sundance 2024

Sue Bird: In the Clutch is a newly premiered documentary that celebrates the career of one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. WNBA players do not get the same amount of respect as NBA players. The respect for one of the greatest point guards in history isn’t the same. They certainly do not make the same amount of money. Unfortunately, this is why so many of them turn to playing overseas in Europe.…

"Sue Bird: In the Clutch – Sundance 2024"

Thelma – Sundance 2024

A 93-year-old woman finds herself falling victim to a phone scammer in Thelma and sets out on an adventure to reclaim what is hers. I’m glad that the film is available on the Sundance Film Festival viewing app. Many films in the Premieres section are not available for virtual viewing. While watching from my apartment, one of my thoughts was that it requires a  shared communal experience. This is why I’m hoping it gets a…

"Thelma – Sundance 2024"

Between the Temples – Sundance 2024

A cantor is facing a crisis as he trains his former grade school music teacher for an adult Bat Mitzvah in Between the Temples. It’s always amazing to hear about the genesis behind a project. In this case, real life events would inspire this moving and funny film. It’s entertaining and I love how it’s not just Jewish stereotypes coming across the screen. These are real people and for my Jewish LGBTQ friends, there’s also…

"Between the Temples – Sundance 2024"

Sundance Film Festival: Transphobic Laws In Utah Will Prevent My Attendance

The Utah state government’s transphobia was loud and clear when last year’s Sundance Film Festival ended–this year is no different. On the penultimate day of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, I learned that Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth. It was already bad enough that there was still a hint of transphobia in laws targeting transgender athletes, especially girls. What I found out upon coming back online after…

"Sundance Film Festival: Transphobic Laws In Utah Will Prevent My Attendance"

Sundance Film Festival Kicks Off 40th Edition This Week

The Sundance Film Festival kicks off its 40th edition when crowds gather at Park City and Salt Lake City theaters on Thursday. I started going to Sundance back in 2018. I’ve since attended in person again in 2019, 2020, and 2023. Because of Covid, I attended virtually in both 2021 and 2022. This year will be different with once again attending virtually from the Windy City. The thing about going in person is not only…

"Sundance Film Festival Kicks Off 40th Edition This Week"

2024 Sundance Film Festival: Initial Lineup Announced

An initial 82 films, eight episodic titles, and a New Frontier interactive experience have been selected for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival will take place January 18–28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25–28, 2024. This year’s festival will be the 40th edition as audiences take part in person or join virtually. In-Person Ticket Packages and Passes and Online Ticket…

"2024 Sundance Film Festival: Initial Lineup Announced"

John Carney talks Flora and Son

John Carney spoke with Solzy at the Movies about the crowd-pleasing Flora and Son, which is now streaming on Apple TV+. Flora and Son marked the third time that Carney world premiered a film at Sundance following Once and Sing Street. Begin Again played at both TIFF and Tribeca ahead of its 2014 release. Apple quickly acquired the rights following the Sundance premiere. It’s so nice to see you for the first time since Sundance.…

"John Carney talks Flora and Son"