Bond on Cinema

Rising Filmmaker Urvashi Pathania's SKIN The SHOCKING Short Film and the Truth About Colorism and Beauty Standards

My guest today is writer-director Urvashi Pathania, who makes a striking return to the short film landscape with SKIN’s that makes its U.S. premiere at the prestigious 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival following its world premiere at the renowned Fantasia Festival in Montreal. 
Urvashi, a 2024 Sundance Screenwriters Lab fellow and rising voice in independent film, is known for fusing genre with deep emotional insight. Her previous work includes the Tribeca-premiering short BEAST, and UNMOTHERED, which was acquired by HBO Max.
Her new short film, SKIN is a bold new entry in the evolving conversation around identity, beauty, and self-worth.
Let’s welcome filmmaker Urvashi Pathania and her short film SKIN to the show. 
Ladies and gentlemen, Urvashi Pathania’s short film SKINS is a psychological thriller rooted in personal history and cultural critique, SKIN explores the corrosive impact of colorism and beauty standards through the story of a young Indian American woman’s visit to a mysterious skin-lightening clinic.
Inspired by her own experiences with skin bleaching, SKIN is a surreal and emotionally resonant tale of two sisters caught in a seductive but dangerous pursuit of transformation. 
With unsettling precision, the film confronts the toxic pressures imposed on women of color to conform to Eurocentric ideals, posing the question: how far would you go to be seen as “enough”?
I loved this film, because the message is powerful and it will resonate with many if they are willing to listen and answer honestly. 
Urvashi, thank you for sharing your wonderful film with me today and much success to you at HollyShorts and beyond. 
Ladies and gentlemen, you can catch all of the Bond on Cinema interviews at BondonCinema dot com. Check out our Prime Show, our YouTube Channel and you can listen to us on your way to work on Spotify and more. 
You’ll either see me at the movies or on the red carpet.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #hollyshorts #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #bondoncinema #filmfestival #beauty #selfesteem #colorism #skinbleaching #cinematography 

Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Sam Davis Brings an Ambitious Short Film - THE SINGERS: The Interview!

My guest today is Sam Davis, an Oscar-nominated multi-hyphenate filmmaker with a foundation in cinematography. 
After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he produced, shot, and edited the Academy Award-winning Netflix short Period. End of Sentence. Since then, his films have gone on to receive honors at Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW among others.
In 2023, Sam was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography work on the SXSW-winning New York Times Op-Doc Long Line of Ladies, which he also produced under his banner Junk Drawer. 
He later produced and shot the Disney+ short Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2024. 
Most recently Sam collaborated with Sean Wang as the cinematographer on the 2024 Sundance Film Festival breakout, Dìdi, which won the Audience Award. 
He is here today to discuss the much talked about short film THE SINGERS! Let’s welcome Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Davis and his short film THE SINGERS to the show.
Ladies and gentlemen, The Singers is a short film adaptation of a 19th-century short story written by Ivan Turgenev, in which a lowly pub full of downtrodden patrons connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off. 
With a cast comprised of viral video singing talents and other one-of-a-kind personalities from the unlikeliest corners of the internet, the film is an experimental docu-musical hybrid crafted like an improvisational play.
Sam Davis is a visionary filmmaker bringing a story to life with no script, first time actors and placing it on 35mm film. 
Everything about this short film is beautiful. The story, the setting, the characters, the songs and the cinematography. 
Everyone is talking about this film. The expectations are high when a film keeps getting selected at every top film festival and yes, it’s early, but there is already an Oscar buzz about THE SINGERS. Does it have the magic formula? Yes, but I’m not going to tell you what that formula is, but I see in THE SINGERS. 
For all of you out there you desire to sing, act, dance or play a musical instrument. The world is waiting on you. Step out of your comfort zone and bless the world with what you have. We’ll be happy to applaud you and you’ll be happy to set your talent free, because you got the whole world in your hands. 
Thank you Sam for sharing one of the most incredible short films I’ve seen this year and much success to you on your run up to the Oscars. 
Ladies and gentlemen, you can catch all of the Bond on Cinema interviews at BondonCinema dot com. Check out our Prime Show, our YouTube Channel and you can listen to us on your way to work on Spotify and more. 
You’ll either see me at the movies or on the red carpet.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #cinema #film #hollyshorts #oscars #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #35mm #filmproduction #singer #singers #pub #impromptu #bondoncinema #cinematography 

Writer/Director Kiyan Agadjani's Short LINDA! LINDA! is a Lost Love Story told in Super 8mm and Super 16mm

My guest today is Luxembourg-Iranian filmmaker, Kee-yon Aja-jani. 
He found his way to the arts first through classical piano, which was soon replaced with a love for the silver screen. 
He moved to the UK in 2018, where he studied filmmaking at the University of Kent and makes his first short film George Barton in 2021. 
His short film Arman & Elisa in 2023 won the award for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT at the Austin Film Festival, which qualified him for the 2025 Academy Awards. 
With his newest short film Linda, Linda!, Kee-yon takes a shift from two social dramas to a genre film, all while trying to stay true to what matters to him the most: celebrating the sympathy for otherness within all of us.
Ladies and gentlemen, LINDA! LINDA! Was film in Luxembourg. A former bank robber Linda longs for her turbulent past. When one day her former partner-in-crime Tony reappears, she is faced with a choice: to do one last job or to bid him farewell. 
LINDA! LINDA! Is a delightful film of the past and present. The realism comes from the film being shot on Super 8mm and Super 16mm bringing the audience into the past and the present through the memories of both Linda and Tony. 
Just like Bonnie and Clyde, this is a love story, but not a rekindled love story as that was the past. The present is now faced with financial uncertainty and the longing for the lost youth of yesterday. 
I loved LINDA! LINDA! And this film comes with a surprise and you’ll have to watch it to find out what that surprise is. Is love rekindled or does revenge become sweet? I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to see for yourself. 
#luxembourg #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #bondoncinema #filmproduction #bankrobber #spythriller #suspense #cinephile #hollyshorts #filmfestival 

Filmmakers Chris Johnson & Michelle Draper's Suspense Thrilling Short GREEN: The Film Discussion

My guests today are Director Chris Johnson and writer/producer/actor Michelle Draper and their short film GREEN.
At a very young age, Michelle Draper realized that performing could be a job. Upon venturing west, she found her way into a small group of artists known as the Actor’s Gym. 
Helmed by Bobby Moresco, the group workshops new writing as well as performance pieces. It was here that Michelle became enamored with the storytelling process.
Though Michelle has worked on many projects since arriving in Los Angeles, her new short film GREEN marks her first substantial move into the role of writer and producer. 
Director Chris Johnson is the co-owner of Cineatra Media, an LA based production company.  He first picked up a video camera as a teenager to make skate videos, and ended up turning it into a lifelong passion and full time career. Chris attended film school at Boston University and as an avid adventurer, has used filmmaking to travel the world.
Their short film, GREEN is an official selection at the HollyShorts Film Festival this year, so let’s welcome director Chris Johnson and writer/producer and actor Michelle Draper to the show.
Ladies and gentlemen, GREEN is a short film where a woman wakes up in the desert holding a bloody knife and lying next to a dead body; she has no idea how she got there until memories of the past 24 hours start to rise to the surface.
I could see GREEN as a future feature film where jealousy becomes a sci-fi cosmic force that wrecks havoc among the unlucky or those standing in the way. 
For a film that is 8 minutes in length, it keeps your attention and wastes no time getting to the point, no pun intended. 
GREEN is an official selection at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival and I am sure it will get great reviews.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #horror #suspense #thriller #cinema #film #hollyshorts #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #marriage 

Filmmaker Jack Howard's Impressive Short THE SECOND TIME AROUND: Interview/Film Discussion

My guest today is filmmaker Jack Howard. He was part of comedy duo Jack & Dean on YouTube, a venture that garnered over 73 million views. The highlight of this collaboration was the production of two seasons of 'Jack & Dean of All Trades', co-starring BAFTA winner Jessica Hynes, and earning acclaim with a 'Best Series' award. 
He directed 'The Beko Inheritance' for Beko, which won a Cannes Lion and he also directed across 5 episodes of series 3 of Andy & The Band for CBBC.
In 2021, Jack directed 'East Mode' for Comedy Central. His short film 'Emotional Baggage' was a finalist at the LOCO film festival.
Jack is here today to talk about his incredible short film THE SECOND TIME AROUND, one of the most incredible short film I have ever seen.
Ladies and gentlemen, THE SECOND TIME AROUND is one of those films that once you see it, you want to watch it again. The film left me speechless in so many ways. 
The film starts on a rainy night, while closing a cafe, a waitress is confronted by a mysterious older woman. And that sense of mystery is carried throughout the film and never lets you go. 
Every element of this film fits perfectly together. The rain, the cafe, two people who have never met, a small yet intimate personal conversation that leaves the audience hanging on every word. 
Jack casted a line and hooks the audience and reels them into each of the women’s lives. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a cinematic experience you have to see, feel and experience. 
I see hundreds of short films each year and there are usually less than five films that capture me that I will never forget. THE SECOND TIME AROUND is one of those films and it is definitely in my top five this year. 
I’ve seen this film so many times, I get the same sense of wonder and awe every time I watch it. Is THE SECOND TIME AROUND a perfect film? From a filmmaking point of view? I think it is.
Make sure if you are attending HollyShorts that you see this film and if not at there, be sure to see at whatever film festival appears. 
I speak from the heart and I would suggest many of my Academy member friends, seek this film out and watch it and let me know if you feel the same way I do about it.  
#shortfilm #shortfilms #cinema #film #movie #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #filmproducer #cinematography #cinematographer #cinephile #storytelling #bondoncinema
 

Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild - Our Discussion with author Samuel Garza Bernstein about Cesar's Legendary Career

My guest today is Samuel Garza Bernstein, a Stonewall Book Award-winning writer, screenwriter, and playwright, as well as the author of Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon.
He has lived all over the world and worked in just about every aspect of show business, in a career that began at the age of 17 when he graduated a year early from high school in Austin, Texas, and moved alone to New York City.
His newest book, Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild is our discussion today, so let’s welcome acclaimed author Samuel Garza Bernstein to the show.    
Ladies and gentlemen, Samuel Garza Bernstein’s newest book, Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild is available now on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble, so check it out. If you are film buff, then you will enjoy this fantastic read.
#thejoker #joker #batman #cesarromero #movies #moviestar #valentino #joancrawford #falconcrest #marlenedietrich #cinema #film #tvshow #tvseries #cinephile #author #newbook #biography

Interview/Film Breakdown of the short film HALFWAY HAUNTED with filmmakers Sam Rudykoff and Mark DeLottinville

My guest today are award-winning writer/director Sam Rudykoff and award-winning producer Mark DeLottinville and their newest short film, the horror comedy HALFWAY HAUNTED. 
Sam Rudykoff is a Toronto-based writer-director. His previous short film Cruise in 2022 was an official selection at over 75 festivals including Fantastic Fest, Fantasia, and Seattle International. It was awarded best Canadian Short at the Calgary Underground Film Festival in 2022, and selected as a Vimeo Staff pick.
Mark DeLottinville is an award-winning producer and president of Big Pig Co. He has won several awards for his work, including Best Canadian Short at the Calgary Underground Film Festival. 
His work has premiered at festivals like Fantasia, Hollyshorts, LA Shorts, Galway Film Fleadh, London Short Film Festival, Seattle International, and Rhode Island.
There newest short film HALFWAY HAUNTED stars Hannan Younis (What We Do in the Shadows), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black, Ready or Not and The Recruit), and Sugar Lyn Beard (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates).
Ladies and gentlemen, HALFWAY HAUNTED is about a broke tenant teaming up with the ghost haunting her apartment to fight a ruthless developer trying to erase their home and the history it holds.
Set against the backdrop of mass eviction and gentrification, HALFWAY HAUNTED flips the haunted house trope on its head—where the ghost isn’t the threat, but the last line of resistance. It’s a dark comedy with bite, blending horror, satire, and social commentary into a timely story about housing insecurity, community, and survival.
Everything about this film, screams I want to be a feature film  and I would love to see it grow into one. 
The case of Hannan Younis, Kristian Bruun and Sugar Lyn Beard was absolutely perfect. They are all opposites, but that’s what create the synergistic comedy in this film. The comedic timing is perfect. The storyline moves along so effortlessly because the cast literally brings it to life. 
If you are attending HollyShorts Film Festival, be sure to be in the theater to see this film on the silver screen. You laugh and laugh.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #horror #comedy #darkcomedy #film #cinema #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #filmproducer #bondoncinema #cinematography #storytelling #gentrification #socialimpact 
 

Filmmaker Carson Lane's Short Film HOLE: Taking Interpretation of Art too far

My guest today is filmmaker Carson Lane. She studied screenwriting at the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at California State University, in Northridge.
Her script, "Triumph," was one of less than 3.5% of scripts on the Black List to have earned a score of 8. Her writing has been recognized by AFF, Page, Screencraft, and others.
Her directorial debut short film, “HOLE,” which we are talking about today, stars David Pasquesi from VEEP, and was an official selection in the HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival and the Pasadena International Film Festival.
Ladies and gentlemen, Carson Lane’s short film HOLE, isn’t about filling the emptiness in your life, but it seems to fill the hole up with all the mess in your life.
Of course every one has a different perspective. Now art is in the eye of the beholder. But David Pasquesi takes it a bit too far, which is both dark and comical at the same time. Again, I’m like ‘chill out dude’, it’s just a painting. #shortfilm #shorts #filmfestival #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #art #interpretation

Writer/Director/Actress Kerry Frances' Dramatic Short MAMA MAMA: Interview/Film Discussion

Kerry Frances’ MAMA MAMA is a story of a dissociated mother who sees a toddler where everyone else sees a dog.
It is an emotionally tense and yet heartbreaking short film. For those of you who do not know what dissociation is, it’s a mental process where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity, often as a response to trauma or stress. It can manifest in various ways, such as memory loss or feeling detached from reality.
Kerry Frances’ performance in the film, makes you truly believe she is dealing with dissociation and gives the audience a feeling of uneasiness, watching someone deal with this mental process. 
MAMA MAMA is an official selection at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival so go and see it.
Actress/singer Kerry Frances. She is best known from the hit movie KNIVES OUT, POKER FACE on Peacock, and can be seen now in WAKE UP DEAD MAN opposite Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, and Josh O'Connor. 
She has done theatre, playing the daughter of Topol, Harvey Fierstein, and Theo Bikel in Fiddler On The Roof, along with originating the lead in an Off-Broadway show, and countless other productions. 
Kerry made her writer and director debut on her short film MAMA MAMA, which will have its LA Premiere in the iconic HollyShorts Film Festival.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #motherhood #dissociation #mentalhealth #cinema #bondoncinema #actress #knivesout #pokerface #hollyshorts #filmfestival #cinematography #storytelling #cinephile #filmproduction 

Writer/Director Freddie Fox Discusses his short film, the romantic THE PAINTING & THE STATUE

I loved this film. Completely unexpected just like when two people meet and their spirits and their hearts come alive, when they first lay eyes on each other.
THE PAINTING AND THE STATUE is a slow, subtle waltz of two entities in the same room brought to life by one person who believes in love and romance. The film is as magical as both THE PAINTING & THE STATUE seeing each other for the first time.
Love is an emotion so powerful, it can’t be ignored and it can awaken the hearts and minds of those who feel they will never find it. But in this case, one person’s intuition leads to two people from different centuries finding each other.
I won’t tell you how it ends, so you’ll have to see for yourself at the HollyShort Film Festival. And this is one film we will have to keep an eye on as it could a long way this award season.
Freddie Fox, an English actor, director, and producer. He is known for the roles as singer Marilyn in the BBC's Boy George biopic Worried About the Boy, James Leighton-Masters in The Riot Club, Freddie Baxter in Channel 4 hit series Cucumber and Banana, Commander Pope in historical film Black '47, Detective Sergeant Wilbur Strauss in the Victorian sitcom Year of the Rabbit, and Jeremy Bamber in the true crime drama series White House Farm.
But he is here today to talk about his delightful romantic short film THE PAINTING & THE STATUE. Two lonely strangers meet across a crowded room. It just takes one held look, one breathless moment, to bring them completely alive…literally. #shortfilm #shorts #romance #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaking #filmmaker #houseofthedragon #cinema #cinematography #art #painting #sculpture #lovestory #romcom