Independent Film News, Reviews, Interviews, Videos

A scene from Rahmatou Keïta's THE WEDDING RING, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

Film Reviews

SFFILM: ‘The Wedding Ring’ a welcome and joyous remembrance (Review)

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.17.2017

Stark Insider indie film review: The Wedding Ring (original title: (HAWSA) ZIN’NAARIYÂ!) which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Rahmatou Keïta has…

Tara Lee and Seána Kerslake in Darren Thornton's A DATE FOR MAD MARY, playing at the 60th San Francisco International Film Festival, April 5 - April 19, 2017.

Film Reviews

Strong directing and Seana Kerslake win us over in ‘A Date for Mad Mary’ at San Francisco Film Festival

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.17.2017

Stark Insider indie film review: A Date for Mad Mary which recently screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM). Director Darren Thornton’s 2016 comedy…

The Wedding Ring - San Francisco Film Festival

Independent Film

Wedding Ring, Long Excuse: On location at the San Francisco International Film Festival

BY JEANNE POWELL — 04.13.2017

Jeanne Powell is on the ground at the annual San Francisco International Film Festival. Here’s her quick look at the influential fest. The San Francisco…

Independent Film

Spotlight on True/False Film Festival

BY JANICE NIEDER — 03.29.2017

I had heard about Columbia’s True/False Film Festival for years, but since it wasn’t anywhere near my neck of the woods I never got around…

Culture

Stark Insider Oscar Picks: La La Land, Lion, Moonlight, more (Plus Interviews)

BY MONICA TURNER — 02.26.2017

The 89th Academy Awards are moments away. Here’s Stark Insider’s picks for winners in the top Oscar categories. Plus video interviews with some of the…

Damien Chazelle directing on set of LA LA LAND. Photo courtesy: Summit.

Culture

BTS La La Land: Damien Chazelle directing Emma Stone

BY CLINTON STARK — 02.09.2017

One of the most talked about films in recent memory is La La Land. There’s good reason for that. Writer-director Damien Chazelle has done the…

Culture

‘The Comedian’ Film Review: De Niro leads all-star cast with convincing performance

BY JEANNE POWELL — 01.31.2017

Director Taylor Hackford has been creating critically acclaimed films for decades, and The Comedian is no exception. Starring Robert De Niro, Edie Falco, Patti LuPone and…

Culture

Oscar Watch: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling lead record-tying 14 nominations for LA LA LAND (Video)

BY MONICA TURNER — 01.24.2017

“I didn’t even know he could dance.” That was actress Emma Stone talking about her dashing co-star Ryan Gosling. Turns out that, yes, they both…

Culture

Oscar Watch: Nicole Kidman scores best actress nomination for LION (Video)

BY MONICA TURNER — 01.24.2017

Nicole Kidman’s understated and riveting performance in Lion has not only won over new and existing fans alike, but also is receiving glowing reviews from…

Culture

Smash or Trash? New Blade Runner 2049 trailer is here

BY CLINTON STARK — 12.19.2016

“Replicants are like any other machine. They’re either a benefit or a hazard. If they’re a benefit it’s not my problem.” Don’t mess with a…