Bond on Cinema

Writer/Director Maia Scalia's Powerfully Moving Short Film HIS MOTHER touches on Gun Violence and Mental Health

My guest today is filmmaker and actress Maia Scalia.
Inspired by a true story, Maia Scalia’s directorial debut HIS MOTHER takes the viewer through a gripping and terrifying journey as a mother races to stop her son from doing the unthinkable. This riveting short highlights the complexities of being a mother of a child who commits a violent crime and broadens the ongoing dialogue around mental health and gun violence by offering a perspective that is so often silenced in social dialogue.
As a society, we are going to have to be bolder, but also compassionate to the hidden darkness and pain that many people live with on a daily basis. We can’t continue to be numb and avoid the signs that are before us.
Maia Scalia’s film is a much needed reminder, that goes far beyond if you see something say something.
The short film HIS MOTHER, actress Bethany Anne Lind gives an award winning performance that reaches the very depths of your soul and rips your heart out. For some it could be excruciating to watch and it should be. Mental health is no joke.
The cinematography of this film is stellar. Filming from inside a car dealing with multiple changes in light and shadows is not an easy task, but Matt Clegg made it look easy.
The camera movement added to the tense situation as well as the varieties of tense dialogue.
She had supporting roles in Sony Marvel’s MORBIUS, Phyllis Nagy's CALL JANE starring Elizabeth Banks and Sigourney Weaver and the Starz series THREE WOMEN.
Maia comes from a family rich in film history, her father Pietro Scalia is a two time Academy Award Winner. 
Her latest short film, titled HIS MOTHER is inspired by a true story which touches on gun violence and the impact this has on a mother who is trying to stop her son from doing the unthinkable. This incredibly gripping film has been selected for the OSCAR Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival and Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. 
Executive producer/editor Pietro Scalia of HIS MOTHER has been nominated for four Academy Awards, and won Oscars for JFK and BLACK HAWK DOWN. Re-recording mixer Kevin O’Connell has 20 Academy Award nominations to his name, winning once for HACKSAW RIDGE.
In the film, actress Bethany Anne Lind gives a captivating performance as the mother Julie. She is best known roles in OZARK, STRANGER THINGS and played the lead in the film BLOOD ON HER NAME.
#maiascalia #hismother #shortfilm #shortfilms #gunviolence #motherhood #parenthood #mentalhealth #mentalillness #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #moviedirector #cinematography #cinematic

Director Derek Magyar & the Cast of RIVER OF GRASS discuss this Powerful Short Film

My guests today are director/actor Derek Magyar, actress Marceline Hugot and actor Dylan McTee, and the very powerful short film RIVER OF GRASS.
The short film, RIVER OF GRASS set in the 1970’s Florida Everglades that shares the story of a young veteran suffering from PTSD, who returns home to his drug smuggling family. His efforts to prove himself collide with his brothers’ criminal affairs, triggering his erratic behavior.
The acting is exactly what you expect from its stellar cast, and because of that you will want more of this story and Derek I hope you will give us just that. More of this story. This could be another Yellowstone-type hit.
Derek Magyar’s directorial debut was the feature film FLYING LESSONS which starred Academy Award nominee Hal Holbrook, and Academy Award winner Christine Lathi. He has also starred in such films as BOY CULTURE, TRAIN and NO ONE LIVES alongside the hit TV shows CSI, CRIMINAL MINDS, STAR TREK, and THE WATCHMEN.
Actress Marceline Hugot has starred in Julie and Julia, United 93, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, Woody Allen’s Alice, and her first film experience which she still holds dear to her heart, the hit movie Working Girl.
Her television appearances, include, Black Mirror, Ozark, Better Call Saul, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and 30Rock to name a few.
And we have actor Dylan McTee who quickly gained attention for his compelling portrayal of the charismatic predator, Nate Griffin, in MTV series Sweet/Vicious.
Dylan has since starred in a range of critically acclaimed indie films, including IFC's The Wind and Midnighters. His television work includes a notable recurring role in The CW's Roswell, New Mexico. He was the lead actor in the film Wrong Turn.
#riverofgrass #derekmagyar #cast #shortfilm #shortfilms #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriting #everglades #ptsd #veteran #vietnam #hollyshorts #hollyshortsfilmfestival #filmfestival #oscars

Director Emily Dhue & Writer/Actress Deana Taheri's Dark Comedy Short Film BILL: Interview & Film Breakdown

My guests today are Writer/Director Emily Dhue and Writer/Producer/Actress Deana Taheri and their new short film BILL.
Emily is one-third of the Space Fish Productions team and focuses her filmmaking on subjects that feel both urgent and honest. Her work has been recognized and screened by Virginia Film Festival, Atlanta Women's Film Festival and Chelsea Film Festival.
Deana Taheri is known for her roles in "TRANSPLANT", "Blitz", "Piss Party", and for her audiobook work featured on major platforms such as Audible and iTunes with "Peaces" by Helen Oyeyemi, the "Victoria's Highway" series by Crystal Lyn, and "I Was Born For This" by Alice Oseman.
They are here today to talk about their short film BILL. A dark comedic short film that explores power, control, and societal expectations. The story follows a woman who, after years of enduring her sexist husband, takes matters into her own hands by murdering him and turning his corpse into a puppet of the perfect husband. This bold narrative challenges viewers to think critically about gender dynamics in a uniquely humorous and horrifying way. #hollyshorts #shortfilm #shortfilms #darkcomedy #comedy #horror #writer #filmmaking #screenwriter #filmdirector #cinematography #movie #moviewriter #moviedirector #filmmaker #filmdirector #screenwriting #cinema

EXCLUSIVE: The Legacy of Award-Winning Television Director Steve Binder in His Own Words (Elvis, Diana Ross, Steve Allen & more)

The legendary award-winning producer, director, Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee, Steve Binder.
Steve has written, produced, and directed dozens of television shows and TV specials. It was his creative and visionary talents that ushered in new ways to entertain television audiences across the globe.
Steve Binder was a hidden talent working in the mailroom, until one man placed him in the director’s chair.
And at the time with no experience. But that soon changed, and with each year he was making television as well as music history.
He was influential in creating programming with racially and ethnically diverse casts, and broke the color barrier long before Norman Lear ever did.
The Los Angeles Times called Steve Binder’s first feature film, The T.A.M.I. Show, “the greatest of all rock and roll films.” From there it was Hullabaloo, to the famed Petula Clark TV Special with the ‘touch’ seen around the world.
He directed Diana Ross’ iconic concert in Central Park. Steve Binder is so talented, I believe he cued up the thunderstorm during her first set, that is still talked about today. The man knows how to get an audience’s attention with lighting, and maybe with lightening.
In 1968, lightening struck in the most mysterious of ways. He conceived, directed, and produced ELVIS, The ’68 TV Special for NBC. Elvis fans give sole credit to Steve Binder for saving and resurrecting Elvis’ career beginning on December 3rd, 1968 when 42% of US households tuning in, to watch Elvis regain his magic, and keep the crown as the King of Rock and Roll. 
It is now my honor to welcome a gentleman that can only be described as a legend, an icon, a ground-breaking visionary who made stars into superstars and paved the way for today’s television shows and more.
The incomparable Steve Binder! 
#stevebinder #elvis #elvispresley #graceland #ElvisTVSpecial #coloneltomparker #elvismovie #priscillapresley #lisamariepresley #dianaross #steveallen #gilligansisland #Emmywards #barrymanilow #soupysales #filmmaking #filmdirector #tvdirector #tvproducer #interview #celebrity #NBC #TVnetwork 

Director Michael Perez-Lindsey & Writer Rhett Lindsey discuss their Phenomenal short film WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN?

My guests today are Michael Perez-Lindsey and Rhett Lindsey about their new short film WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN.
Michael Perez-Lindsey's journey in the film industry began at the young age of 16 with an internship at Raleigh Studios Manhattan Beach (now MBS Studios), where he worked on productions such as THE OC and CSI: MIAMI. After earning his BA in Film and Electronic Arts at CSULB, Michael worked on PHANTOM starring Ed Harris.
He has since collaborated with top cinematographers as a DIT on productions like “HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS,” A24’s “THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE,” and popular TV shows including Showtime’s “THE L WORD: GENERATION Q,” “WITH LOVE” on Amazon Prime to name a few.
Rhett Lindsey, known for his role as TJ in the 20th Century Fox film BIG MOMMA’S: LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, is the founder and CEO of Siimee, a social impact tech company dedicated to reducing bias in recruiting and hiring. His work has been highlighted in The Washington Post, CNBC, and CBS News This Morning. Passionate about storytelling, Rhett will be pursuing his Master's in Creative Writing and Literature at Harvard’s Extension School in the Fall of 2024.
Ladies and gentlemen, this powerful drama delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring impact of unresolved conflicts. It explores the complexities of male friendship and the courage required to face uncomfortable truths. As Max and Paul confront their past, they must also confront who they have become, and in doing so, they uncover the transformative power of honesty and reconciliation.
The brilliance of this film is in the story and in the dialogue. Award winning performances from each of the main characters. You will walk away remembering some of the lines in this film, and when you do, those words are going to penetrate your heart and your soul.
More importantly, when you see this film, you will be left changed for the better. You may have a hidden heaviness in your own life, and now you’ll see how forgiveness will care that heaviness away.
And that ladies and gentlemen, is what pure unadulterated cinema is all about. I can see this short film WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN as a major contender this award season.
#williseeyouagain #shortfilm #shortfilms #hollyshortsfilmfestival #hollyshorts #film #cinema #cinematography #screenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #hoseachandez #nichwechsler #annamariehorsford #LGBTQ #forgiveness #redemption #conflict #drama #selfawareness 

Writer/Director Wendi Tang discusses Her Unique Short Film FISHTANK: Interview & Film Breakdown

Writer/director Wendi Tang's work focuses on character-driven stories that explore various corners of female narratives.
Her short films have been selected by numerous Oscar-qualifying film festivals worldwide, including Flicker's Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Norwegian Short Film Festival, deadCenter Film Festival, HollyShorts, and more.  She is a 2022 NYC Women’s Fund winner and a BAFTA Connect Member. She’s currently developing her first feature film.
Wendi Tang’s stunning new short FISHTANK follows Jules, portrayed by actress Tiffany Chu, a Chinese American woman, who has been sober for a year, but can’t stop vomiting goldfish. Things take an unexpected turn when she suddenly meets a fish enthusiast. This surreal drama combines traditional narrative with experimental elements to challenge audiences’ understanding of the norms ingrained in society. 
FISHTANK is the Tribeca Women Filmmaker’s Program Winner, the Film Pipeline Short Script Competition Winner in 2022. The film will screen at the upcoming Oscar-qualifying Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival and HollyShorts Film Festival.
#fishtank #shortfilm #wenditang #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaking #filmmaker #film #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography #bondoncinema #tribecafilmfestival #rhodeislandinternationalfilmfestival #rhiff #fish #marinebiology #alcoholism #alcoholaddiction 

SCARS UNSEEN: Film Documentary that is Changing the Conversation Around Domestic Violence - The interview

My guest today is filmmaker Meredith Yinger along with her new documentary film SCARS UNSEEN. 
This film is a collaborative effort co-created and co-executive produced by Meredith along with cinematographer Natalie Perez and features interviews from survivors Maha Bodhi, Adrienne RoWon and Trish Steele, offering a poignant and empowering narrative that sheds light on the unseen scars of domestic violence.
Scars Unseen is an inspiring documentary highlights each individual’s experience involving domestic violence, focusing not on the grim details of their trauma, but rather on the tools and techniques that helped them to persevere on their healing journey.
Again, SCARS UNSEEN aims to illuminate the power of healing, de-stigmatize victimhood, and encourage open communication about the causes, treatment, and prevention of abuse. This documentary focuses on the resiliency of three phenomenal women and encourages us all to be more trauma informed. Scars Unseen is changing the conversation around domestic violence.
If you a victim of domestic violence right now, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. As Trish Steele stated in the film, there is always a way out.
#scarsunseen #filmdocumentary #domesticviolence #womenempowerment #womenshealth #wellbeing #wellness #conversation #interviews #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #hotline 

Filmmaker Amy Nicholson’s newest film documentary, HAPPY CAMPERS: Americana at its Best

Amy Nicholson film projects often explore the essence of Americana with a humorous eye and a warm respect for her subjects.
Amy’s previous documentary, a short titled Pickle, won multiple audience awards, was selected for The New York Times’ Op Docs, and was featured on the Criterion Collection alongside Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven.
Amy has also produced and directed several features. Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride won the Special Jury Prize at DOCNYC and was held over twice at the IFC Center.
Amy Nicholson’s newest film documentary, HAPPY CAMPERS. Chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life.
In a waterfront campground off the coast of Virginia, residents spend their summers living spitting distance apart in rust-bitten RVs. They chuckle about the modest rent they pay for a million-dollar location, but what makes them the luckiest people in the world is more than just stunning sunsets, it’s the community they’ve created.
Beneath cliched trailer park stereotypes lies an unlikely utopia where all are welcome. Neighbors help each other out, and share everything from power tools to simple pleasures. 
When their affordable paradise is sold to developers, the residents brace for eviction and the loss of friendships that span generations. They hold tight to their final days in the sun. The well-heeled crowd that takes their place will never be as wealthy.
This documentary is a must see for more reasons than just seeing people lose their homesteads on the coast of Virginia. This film will show you what’s really important in life, and it’s the relationships we form and bond with in person, not on social media.
#happycampers #campers #vacationers #community #friendship #family #connections #film #documentary #virginia #vacationdestinations #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography 

Film Director Adam J. Graves: Interview & Film Breakdown of his short film ANUJA

Writer/director Adam J. Graves is a philosopher-turned-filmmaker, who holds a B.A. in South Asian studies and a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Religion from the University of Pennsylvania.
Adam has lived extensively in India, where he studied Sanskrit at the Ba-nair-as Hindu University, conducted grant-supported research, and volunteered with several youth-focused non-profits.
He is a professor of philosophy at MSU Denver, where he teaches film & philosophy, and directs Dphi, a center for philosophy, film, literature, and the arts.
Adam wrote, directed and produced the award winning short film Cycle Vé-ree-teé in 2021 and produced and edited the documentary short The Other Side of the Sun in 2024. 
Adam is here to discuss his newest short film, ANUJA. Where a precocious nine-year-old who works in a back-alley garment factory is suddenly offered a rare chance to attend boarding school, she faces a choice that will determine the fate of her future and her family.
ANUJA is a short narrative film that was created with the help of the Salaam Baylack Trust, a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and education to thousands of street and working children. The character Anuja is played by Sajda Pathan, who lives at a Salaam Baylack residential center that provides a home for girls rescued from the streets of Delhi. #anuja #shortfilm #adamjgraves #hollyshorts #filmmaker #filmdirector #filmproducer #filmwriting #screenwriter #cinema #cinematic #cinematography #bollywood #hollywood #india #garmentfactory

Writer/Director Danielle Baynes: Powerful Short Film THE DOG starring Kate Walsh - Interview and Film Breakdown

Danielle Baynes, an award-winning actor, writer and director based in Australia. With a passion for performance-driven narratives, Danielle’s work often explores coming-of-age, connection and identity.
Danielle was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild Award and Australian Directors' Guild Award for her debut short film, COLD HEARTS. Co-written and co-directed with Yolanda Ramke, COLD HEARTS won Best Narrative Short and Exceptional Emerging Artist awards at the Hollywood Film Festival.
Her second short film, COMMENTS, won the Audience Award at Freshflix Film Festival 2022 and was launched as a social impact campaign in support of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. It is now used in schools around the world as a education tool on the impact of cyberbullying.
Danielle debuts her fourth short film, THE DOG, starring Kate Walsh of GREY’S ANATOMY & EMILY IN PARIS, which we discuss in-depth in this interview.
Ladies and gentlemen, you need to keep your eye on Danielle Baynes’ short film THE DOG. This is going to a major contender in every film festival it goes too. It deserves a run this Oscar season. When you get a chance to see, it’ll be the most emotional 11 minutes you’ll live.
Over the course of one night at a 24-hour clinic, struggling veterinarian Claire contends with the pressures of her shift and a persistent inner turmoil. Mental illness and suicide are subjects we cannot take lightly. Millions around the world are dealing with things we can’t define, but we must use our senses of seeing, hearing, maybe learning how to read the room in some cases to see who could be suffering silently.
Learn to listen, learn and love. I call them the three L’s because just doing those things will have a profound effect upon those suffering the unimaginable emotional toll of mental illness.
#thedog #dogs #veterinarian #pets #shortfilm #shortfilms #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #filmproduction #australia #katewalsh #cinema #cinematographer #cinematography #mentalillness #suicideawareness #burnout