Film Festival Radio

Filmmaker Andrew Davies Gans joins us today to talk about his new documentary Voices: The Danny Gans Story, honoring his father, the late Danny Gans—one of Las Vegas’ most iconic and beloved performers. The film, which celebrates Danny’s impact on fans and the Vegas entertainment community, is set to screen at the upcoming San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (April 25, 26, 27). The film, which has won numerous awards on the film festival circuit, marks Andrew's directorial debut. TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/1074112327 www.slofilmfest.org #andrewdaviesgans #dannygansdocumentary #lasvegaslegend #dannygans #sanluisopispointernationalfilmfestival #slofilmfestival2026 #lasvegasentertainment Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we’re spotlighting one of the biggest global celebrations in the world -- The Crunchyroll 10th Annual Anime Awards (May 23, 2026) live from Tokyo, Japan. This event is colossal! It brings together millions of fans from around the world together. Joining us for this special conversation are two voices who know the awards inside and out. Tim Lyu, one of the co-hosts of the pre-show event, and Nicholas Friedman, host of Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect, both stopped by to break down this year’s nominees, fan‑favorite categories, and the trends shaping the future of anime around the world to honor the creators, performers, and series that defined the year in anime. Pop music recording artist The Weeknd is one of the many special guest performers. Cast your votes until April 15, 2026 at the website below: https://www.crunchyroll.com/animeawards/ #timlyu #nicholasfriedman #crunchyroll #anime #animeawards #animepopculture #theweeknd #animefandom Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we’re joined by filmmakers Jeremiah and Wendy Ginsberg, the creative team behind the new feature film Mendel’s Messiah — a project that began as a hit Off‑Broadway musical and has now made the leap to the big screen. They’re here to share the story behind the film, its beloved characters, and the journey from stage to cinema. The duo shares insights on bringing their beloved stage production to the screen, the creative process behind the story, and the cultural themes that make Mendel’s Messiah resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/KTX21LCOH68?si=gA6xq7MWqT2rE7E9 WEBSITE: www.mendelsmessiah.com #MendelsMessiah #JeremiahGinsberg #WendyGinsberg #OffBroadwaymusical #faithbasedfilms #Jewishstorytelling #inspirationalfilm #comedydrama Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stanley Nelson is the foremost chronicler of the African American experience working in nonfiction film today. His documentary films, many of which have aired on PBS. Nelson’s latest documentaries include Sound of the Police for ABC News Studios/Hulu, and Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom and Becoming Frederick Douglass for PBS. His previous documentary Attica for SHOWTIME Documentary Films was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 94th Academy Awards and earned him the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. Marcia Smith is co-founder and former president of Firelight Media, which produces documentary films, provides artistic and financial support to emerging filmmakers of color and builds impact campaigns to connect documentaries to audiences and social justice advocates. Marcia Smith has written several films alongside documentarian Stanley Nelson including: Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities; Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama; Freedom Riders; Jonestown: The Life and Death of the Peoples Temple; Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind; and The Murder of Emmett Till. Smith received a Primetime Emmy nomination and won the Writers’ Guild Award for best nonfiction writing for her work on The Murder of Emmett Till. Ms. Smith is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, sits on the Peabody Board of Directors (East Coast) and is a member of the Board for Martha's Vineyard Film Society. www.blackpublicmedia.org www.firelightmedia.tv #Stanleynelson #MarciaSmith #BPM #BlackPublicMedia #PitchBlackSessions #PitchBlackForum #documentaryfilmmakers #firelightmedia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Bailey Tippen, who stars as 'Sylvie' on Tyler Perry's runaway hit drama series BEAUTY IN BLACK, on Netflix. The series explores power, corruption, family betrayal, and reinvention, all set against the backdrop of a beauty‑care dynasty with deep underground ties. Beauty in Black is holding down the #1 rated show or in the top 10 of shows on Netflix around the world! TRAILER: https://youtu.be/HAq7dpjG-T0?si=1wRPe9sd8XwIs0ZG #baileytippen #sylvie #beautyinblack #tylerperrystudios #netflixdrama #tylerperry Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest Drea Cooper chats about his latest documentary -- Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait (premiering March 30, 2026, on Prime Video). The film chronicles Rory McIlroy’s 14-year, often painful pursuit of a Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam. The documentary features intimate interviews and highlights Rory's 2011 meltdown, years of near-misses, and the ultimate 2025 triumph, revealing his mental struggle to conquer Augusta National to finally win the title. The Masters remained elusive, the missing piece that prevented him from completing golf's most exclusive achievement, the career Grand Slam. Built around the dramatic final round of the 2025 Masters and unfolding hole by hole, the film is a cinematic battle between man and course, revealing why sport is never just sport, but myth played out in real time. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/G8F2OM1OJ5A?si=RPaBZgA7poxhzMam # RoryMcIlroy #golf #TheMasters #PGA #Augustanational #primevideo #dreacooper #themasterswait #careergrandslam #championshipgolf #amazonoriginal #PGATour #TheMasters2026winner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Melton is the creator, writer and executive producer of the new docuseries ADVENTURE IN WONDER. It's currently exclusively on Wonder Project’s subscription on Prime Video in the U.S.The series follows two families from opposite worlds learning from each other: the Meltons, a Texas family who, after health scares, reprioritized what matters most, and the Woods, who've spent years sailing the globe while raising their children. Together, they navigate Croatia's stunning coastline, treacherous waters, cultural discoveries, and personal breakthroughs. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/ReBtKO8c3Tg?si=Wa-UZP-83GLCFk2S #jasonmelton #adventureseries #Primevideoseries #docu-series #sailing #Croatia #explorationandadventure #wonderprojectseries #thewoodsfamily #themeltonsfamily Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we’re shining a light on a powerful new documentary that’s already sparking global conversation. It’s titled UNBROKEN: The Untold Story of Shen Yun — a film that goes far beyond the stage to reveal the resilience, the history, and the human stories behind one of Shen Yun, the world’s most recognized performing arts companies. Joining us are two of the film’s key voices: Steve Lance (executive producer) and Levi Browde (advocate, has 2 sons who perform with the dance company). Both guests have been deeply connected to the mission and message behind Shen Yun for years, and they bring a unique perspective to the challenges, the artistry, and the truth this documentary uncovers. This is the 20th season of the great SHEN YUN, the world’s most recognized performing arts companies. This film can be viewed in its entirety at the link below. Trailer-- https://youtu.be/ByZ1GO_sMCE?si=RhaNoAVutqHsGLHh www.unbrokensheyunmovie.com www.ganjingworld.com (watch full movie) www.NTD.com #unbrokendocumentary #sheyun #theuntoldstoryofShenYun #humanrightsdocumentary #ganjingworld #behindthescenesofshenyun #stevelanceshenyun #Levibrowdeshenyun #culturaldocumentary #artisticfreedom #FalunDafa Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GUESTS are: Zoe Tyson and Louie Rinaldi. They are the stars and executive producers of the new film DADDIE'S BOI. SYNOPSIS: Ride-or-die best friends are desperately clinging to relevance in a city that worships youth—Los Angeles. When their longtime sugar daddy dumps them on their “28th” birthday for a younger model, and debt soars to new heights, the duo dives headfirst into L.A’s unconventional gig market of sex work and companionship services. Armed with multiple 'sugaring' profiles, shifty side hustles, and unhinged dates, they set their sights on a seductive new app called 'Daddies Boi' that promises fast cash and fresh opportunities. And the adventure begins! TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/1151443352 www.cinequest.org #daddiesboi #zoetyson #louierinaldi #cinequest #Sugarbaby #sugardaddies #datingapps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

BIRITA is a moving, deeply personal feature documentary set in the Faroe Islands, where a family of lifelong theater-makers attempts an extraordinary artistic undertaking: staging King Lear with their mother, Birita Mohr, in the title role — even as she lives with Alzheimer’s and can no longer speak. Her son is our guest, filmmaker and theater director Búi Dam. He leads the production, driven by his belief that his mother still longs to return to the stage. As he directs the play, he must also confront the ethical and emotional weight of the project, while his father — a retired theater director — balances caregiving with his own well-being. Búi Dam Zoom in to talk with us all the way from The Faroe Islands. www.biritafilm.com @biritafilm Trailer: https://youtu.be/le0n23_SnrY?si=f-6dEodLykNvj5cg #biritadocumentary #Biritafilm2026 #Alzheimers #CPHDOX2026 #thefaroeIslands #BiritaMohr #Nordicdocumentary #BúiDam Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Film Festival Radio is celebrating the Oscar‑winning film SINNERS with a special tribute. We’re revisiting two standout conversations from our 2025 archives — actress Wunmi Mosaku and blues legend Bobby Rush. Wunmi received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, and blues legend and Grammy winner Bobby Rush worked as an on-set consultant, performed harmonica parts for the character Delta Slim, and contributed to the soundtrack, including the song "Juke". Rush also performed "I Lied to You" at the 2026 Oscars as part of the film's promotion. #SINNERS #sinnersmovie #Oscarwinningfilm #AcademyAwards2026 #WunmiMosaku #BobbyRush #MichaelBJordan #RyanCoogler #bestactressnomination Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you love classic tv, you will love our guest Award-winning actress and beloved television icon Kathy Garver has released her latest book, Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories, a heartfelt celebration of enduring romances from Hollywood’s golden eras to the present day. Blending personal insight with behind-the-scenes stories, Romancing with the Stars explores serendipitous on-set romances and decades-long partnerships that defined Hollywood glamour and devotion. Beloved by generations as “Cissy” on the classic CBS sitcom Family Affair, Garver’s career spans more than six decades, beginning with her early role in The Ten Commandments and expanding into award-winning work across film, television, audiobooks, and voice acting. Garver recently earned a GRAMMY nomination for her audiobook narration of Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story with David Longoria. The book is available on Amazon, Bear Manor media or signed copies at www.kathyGarver.com #kathygarver #romancingwiththestars #classictvstars #familyaffairactress #hollywoodlovestories #classictvicons #cissycharacter #familyaffairsitcom Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story” follows the whimsical life and career of iconic ‘80s accordion-playing “comedienne” Judy Tenuta. Winner of Best Indie Short at L.A. Film Fest. A mini biopic on Judy Tenuta, who became nationally known in 1987 for her first HBO comedy special “Women of the Night”, starring alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Rita Rudner, and Paula Poundstone. Judy was a two-time Grammy nominee, winner of “Best Female Stand-Up Comic” at the American Comedy Awards in ’88. This film is a love letter to the self-proclaimed “love goddess”, and was made in close collaboration with her estate, family, and friends. Taylor Blackwell is the writer/director/ of “It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story”, an award-winning biopic on the late-great comedienne. It's now playing in the Cinequest Film Festival March 14th and 16th, and available for online rental through CINEJOY March 24-31st. @themusicalmushroom https://www.instagram.com/themusicalmushroom/?hl=en #taylorblackwell #JudyTenuta #Judytenuta #accordion #ithappenedthejudytenutastory #judytenutabiopic #cinequest2026 #cinejoy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Mechanics of Borders follows a young man whose quiet, isolated life is disrupted when he’s asked to retrieve his estranged sister from the U.S. The unexpected journey through the southern U.S. becomes a backdrop for reopening old wounds. The film deals with absence, resentment, and the fragile attempt to rebuild a broken bond, from a childhood marked by absence and emotional fracture. Guests are actress Sophie Fekete, who stars as Heidi, the sister, and the film's director Hubert Caron‑Guay. The Mechanics of Borders will be screened during the Cinequest Film Festival. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/t05o_Q-a9ck?si=ilTUuShuFEIynzFb www.cinequest.org #themechanicsofborders #cinequest #southernroadtrip #comingofagefilm #siblingsdrama #personalhealing #estrangedsiblings #hubertcaronguay Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re spotlighting one of the most talked‑about new films on the festival circuit, 96 Pounds of Dynamite. The documentary profiles Chad “Shorty” McDaniel, a genetically diminutive man–in stature only–who didn’t let his health condition, osteogenesis imperfecta/brittle bone disease, define him. He’s a celebrity in the billiards world. Chad has become a pool champion in the world of billiards. In fact, billiards/pool legend Jeanette Lee, aka 'Black Widow' is the executive producer of the film. This documentary explores the many highs, lows and perseverance of Shorty's life. Chad and the film's director Loren Goldfarb talk about their inspiring new film, which will be premiering at the Cinequest Film Festival. www.cinequest.org @96lbsofdynamite TRAILER: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fz-hcLfgm1NaYHNtcXdDp-uRo_FarmnD/view?usp=sharing #96poundsofdynamite #chadshortymcdaniel #festivalspotlight #cinequest #survivalandhealing #billiards #poolchampion #lorengoldfarb #indiefilm Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DANCING ON THE ELEPHANT is an intimate, character‑driven drama that follows two unlikely companions who find themselves at emotional crossroads. When a burned‑out musician and a fiercely independent young woman are thrown together by circumstance, their unexpected road trip becomes a journey of healing, truth‑telling, and second chances. As they confront the “elephants” in their lives—grief, regret, and the weight of unspoken dreams—they discover that connection can arrive in the most surprising places. Our guest is Jacob Smith, the co-director of the film, which will be premiering at the Cinequest Film Festival. www.cinequest.org www.dancingontheelephant.com #cinequestfilmfestival #dancingontheelephant #roadtripstory #roadtripstory Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Launching on Apple TV (March 13th), “Twisted Yoga” is a three-part documentary series that follows a group of young yoga students from around the world who were drawn to the ancient practice in search of inner peace and purpose, only to fall under the influence of reclusive Romanian ‘guru’ Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual leader of an international network of yoga studios specializing in tantric rituals. As they begin to fear they’ve joined a cult, they discover that Bivolaru, who often summoned select female students to his Paris apartment for private initiations, has a dark past. Bivolaru now faces charges in France, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape, allegations he denies, as these women work with French authorities to convict him. Guests are Oscar and Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Suzanne Lavery, Executive Producer and Rowan Deacon, Director of the series. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/0iKOvNHhnBo?si=UEIJt_JVefRmo5qO #TwistedYoga #Appletvplus #tantricyoga #docuseries #documentaryseries #Gregorian Bivolaru #truecrimedocuseries #cults Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest Daniel Roebuck chats about his new film THE HAIL MARY. This is a heartfelt comedy-drama written and directed by veteran actor and filmmaker Daniel Roebuck. THE HAIL MARY follows a down‑on‑his‑luck former high school football star whose life has stalled far from the glory he once imagined. When an unexpected crisis forces him back to his hometown, he’s pushed into confronting old wounds, fractured relationships, and the faith he thought he’d outgrown. www.thehailmaryfilm.com Trailer: https://youtu.be/d2gwga8EvMc?si=rqQLePQyFtGfdtxF #thehailmaryfilm #danielroebuck #catholicschool #LeHighValley #faithbasedfilm #redemptionstory #highschoolfootball #pennsylvania Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Director Joseph Zentil chats about his latest film BORN TO LOSE. A story about broken men, broken families, and whether the next generation can break the cycle," underscoring the film's blend of motorcycle culture and masculinity with intimate, emotionally resonant character work. the film delivers a raw, character-driven look at fathers, sons, trauma, and choosing one’s own destiny. The film will be screened March 14th at the upcoming Cinequest Film Festival. TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/1170415571/0ba5834714?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci www.cinequest.org #josephzentil #borntolose #cinequestfilmfestival #bikerculture #vintagemotorcycles #paducahkentucky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This show takes us inside one of the most haunting and heartbreaking cases of the last decade — the story at the center of Hulu’s new 3-part docuseries Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese. Director Claire Titley joins us to discuss how she approached this complex, deeply emotional narrative with sensitivity, nuance, and a focus on the real young woman. We’re also honored to be joined by Eric Finch, a close friend of Skylar’s, who offers a personal perspective that reminds us of the vibrant, funny, loving teenager whose life was cut far too short. His voice adds heart and humanity to a case often reduced to its shocking details. Together, Claire and Eric help us understand not just the tragedy, but the friendships, the community, and the lasting impact Skylar Neese left behind the headlines. The series premieres March 6th on HULU. Trailer: https://youtu.be/r3LrDEJVTwo?si=cB648gCb0d9u8tdR #friendslikethese #HULU #skylarneese #claireTitley #ericfinch #truecrime #docuseries Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve been glued to Netflix lately, you already know the buzz — 'Finding Her Edge' is the latest hit series everyone’s talking about. It's a runaway hit! And right at the center of it is pour guest, actress Alexandra Beaton, one of the standout talents of the show, who brings depth and fire to her role as 'Elise Russo,' the eldest sister in the Russo family. Finding Her Edge is a high-stakes teen drama set inside the fiercely competitive world of elite figure skating, where Olympic dreams feel tantalizingly close. Check out our previous interview with cast member Madelyn Keys, who stars as 'Adriana Russo.' In this fun, fast‑paced video interview, Alexandra opens up about her experience working on the series, what she’s looking forward to before Season 2 kicks off, and so much more. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/ppZ3qgtFOME?si=CXOZvGu-Nv6j0g7I #FindingHerEdge #Netflixseries #Alexandrabeaton #YAAdaption #WinterOlympics #figureskating #lovestory #younglove #Netflix Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author/filmmaker Nicole Diamond Austin joins us with her powerful debut book, The Gospel of Caiaphas, a bold reimagining of one of the most controversial figures in biblical history - High Priest Caiaphas from the New Testament. In her first book, Austin steps into the shadows of the ancient world to explore the life, motives, and humanity of Caiaphas—the high priest often remembered only for his role in the trial of Jesus. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, she invites readers to reconsider a familiar narrative from an unexpected point of view. Ms. Austin brings a fresh voice and a fearless curiosity to a story that has echoed for centuries, making The Gospel of Caiaphas a striking and a good conversation‑starter, especially in the season of Lent. During the entire month of March the author will be giving away, FREE (50 copies), of the Kindle edition of the book. See her website and Instagram links for more details below. www.nicolediamondaustin.com @nicolediamondautin #nicolediamondaustion #thegospelofcaiaphas #Jesus #Lentseason #caiaphashighpriest #newtestamentstory #faithbasedstory #religiouhistory #Easterseason Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SEEDS is an award-winning documentary that looks into the lives of southern Black generational farmers, who have farms that have been in their families for several generations. It shows the challenges of maintaining legacy and the value of land ownership. The film captures the significance of owning land, the fragility of a legacy, financial struggles, and systemic issues these families face in maintaining their land, which deserves to endure. Guests are SEEDS director Brittany Shyne, and producer Sabrina Schmidt Gordon. The film won the Sundance Film Festival 2025 Grand Jury Prize, Winner, U.S. Documentary. www.seedsthefilm.com TRAILER: https://youtu.be/HBKshPlz750?si=6vhziBlA-L-Z7UCJ #seedsdocumentary #blackfarminghistory #centennialfarmers #ruralSouthstories #blackfarmers #BrittanyShyne #SabrinaSchmidtGordon #SundanceFilmfestival Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Film Festival Radio, we’re joined by someone whose story is as powerful as the films he creates. Bryan Bishop is a cancer survivor, an outspoken advocate, a celebrated filmmaker, and a New York Times best‑selling author. His new feature documentary, GROWTH, is a deeply personal, sharply observed look at resilience—how we evolve, adapt, and find meaning in the moments that challenge us the most. With honesty, humor, and a filmmaker’s eye for truth, Bryan turns his own journey into a universal story about what it really means to move forward. Some of the top stand-up comedians make cameo appearances. We’re honored to have him here to talk about the making of the film, the life behind it, and the message he hopes audiences carry with them long after the credits roll. GROWTH will make its world premiere March 15th at the 2026 Cinequest Film Festival. Trailer here: https://youtu.be/KgUkoGoBmX8 #bryanbishop #growthfilm #baldbryan #cinequest #worldpremiere #cancersurvivor #inspirationaldocumentary #adamcarolla Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GUESTS are: Award-winning director Alain Martin and NY Times Award-Winning author Roxane Gay. The film, The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, examines the hypocrisy of the U.S. occupation, where American attitudes and systemic racism from the Jim Crow South were imported to the Caribbean, often forcing Haitians into service under threat of violence. Directed by Martin, he uses a letter-writing) style, addressing his grandfather, Brunel Martin, who lived through the occupation. Author Roxane Gay serves as the film's executive producer. The documentary features insights from scholars and notable figures, including Edwidge Danticat and Patrick Bellegarde-Smith. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/767261258 WEBSITE: www.theforgottenoccupation.com @theforgottenoccupation, @alainemartin @roxanegay74 @monkeywrenchfilms Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.