Bond on Cinema

Inside the Making of Night Fight - A Groundbreaking SXSW Film! - A Discussion with Filmmaker Khary Jones

Khary Jones drove alone down the quiet roads of a Canadian resort town, the predawn darkness folding in around him. The stillness shatters—headlights appear in his rearview mirror, growing closer, tracking him with quiet menace.
For twenty minutes, he is pursued by a vigilante, the night stretching longer than time itself. Seven years later, he returns, not to seek revenge or even understanding, but to confront what remains of himself in the wake of that encounter.
NIGHT FIGHT is a film that should be seen by everyone and we need absorb the story and history that Khary is trying to convey here. Racism is prevalent in every nation on Earth. Is there a solution? We have to work much harder and truly become a people who respect each other and stop judging by outward appearances alone.
Award-winning director and film editor Khary Saeed Jones, his newest film, the SXSW-selected NIGHT FIGHT is a work of aching introspection, memory, and the relentless weight of history.
This haunting cinematic journey—part memoir, part meditation, part reckoning—examines the violent interruptions that fracture Black life and the silent battles waged long after the danger has passed.
#documentary #film #cinema #canada #racism #vigilante #memoir #meditation #reckoning #blackhistory #blackfilm #blacklife #sxsw #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #introspection #bondoncinema 

Director Emily Sheskin's Feel Good Short LIVESTREAMS WITH GRAMDAPUZZLES: A Puzzling Grandma and Her Wisdom on Twitch

Adele Tiffith’s lifelong love for puzzling becomes her unexpected salvation when her hobby suddenly becomes a lifeline to preserve her mental health and connect with others through her growing Twitch community.
Emily Sheskin’s heartwarming and uplifting documentary LIVESTREAMS WITH GRANDMA PUZZLES will bring a smile to face and will most likely inspire you to go out buy a puzzle and spend time putting it together, either alone or with family and friends.
Puzzling is far more fun and even therapeutic than sitting on your smartphone in the evenings wasting time swiping from one post to the next.
Emily Sheskin is an award winning film and commercial director who tells stories full of optimism and resilience, without glossing over life’s challenges.
Her short films have featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Atlantic, and even pirated on TikTok (though she’d prefer credit).
Her first feature film, JESSZILLA, premiered in 2023 at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival where it was in competition. It went on to play at notable festivals around the world (IDFA, DOC NYC, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival) and won awards with Slamdance, Rhode Island Film Festival, and others.
Emily’s newest short is a heartwarming and uplifting documentary LIVESTREAMS WITH GRANDMA PUZZLES premiered at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival where it won an audience award for “Favorite Short Film”, and just recently screened at the Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival.
#grandmapuzzles #puzzles #puzzling #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #cinema #bondoncinema #filmmaking #filmmaker #mentalhealth #filmfestival #documentary #grandma #wisdom

Actress Nakia Burrise Raises the bar for Family-Friendly Entertainment with BACK TO BRIDGEWOOD

BACK TO BRIDGEWOOD is a heartwarming comedic tale reminiscent of "Bruce Almighty" meets "Abbott Elementary" on the silver screen.
Liz Johnson played by Nakia Burrise, a privileged sitcom star, faces a drastic turn in her life after an accident lands her in a coma for three months.
Upon awakening, she confronts the harsh reality of losing everything: her job, Hollywood status, and financial security.
I’m not going to spoil this movie for you, you have to see for yourself. It’s a wonderful film for the whole family and may even cause you to look inside your own self so a better version of you can come out.
You can catch BACK TO BRIDGEWOOD on AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, Fandango and more. Check out and you’ll be glad you did!
While attending high school, Nakia auditioned for UCLA's prestigious theater department, and out of 50 applicants was the only African American female freshman accepted that year. She booked her first role as a series regular on the hit kids' TV show Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo, as the Yellow Power Ranger Tanya Sloan for 75 episodes and a feature film.
Nakia has done numerous commercials, print ads and television shows over the course of her 30+ year career. In 2012 Nakia launched Sovereignty Entertainment Inc., a production company dedicated to producing family-friendly television and films.
In 2015 she created, co-wrote, and produced 2 seasons of the single camera comedy, the award winning Life After Saving the World, which was loosely based on her life.
In 2020 Nakia and Catherine Sutherland launched their YouTube channel, Power Rangers Playback, exploring past Power Rangers episodes with commentary, nostalgia, and more.
Nakia is here to talk about her new feature film, BACK TO BRIDGEWOOD.
#yellowpowerranger #nakiaburrise #actress #film #featurefilm #filmmaker #filmmaking #cinephile #familyfriendlyentertainment #entetainment #celebrity #faith 

Inside The Making Of BOYS LIKE YOU With Award-Winning Stars!

BOYS LIKE YOU is a powerful, mysteriously tense compelling film that creates more questions from the audience than answers and that is a good thing. Films today need to create conversations from the audience and BOYS LIKE US does just that.
The cinematography is excellent, the framing of each shot adds to the tenseness and depth of the story. This isn’t just about the outward elements, but the extreme closeups are used to take us inside the minds and hearts of the characters.
The acting of Lindsay and Liam is superb as it comes across as natural, not forced. Again, you feel every emotion they portray onscreen, a power that draws the audience into their story and doesn’t let you go.
BOYS LIKE US is an excellent short film and has all the elements of being a top award winning film.
Writer/actress Lindsay Bennett-Thompson and actor Liam Francis Collins and their film BOYS LIKE YOU.
Lindsay Bennett-Thompson is an actor, artist, and writer. She took a hiatus to tour with a rock band and returned to the industry in 2010. She has worked in many major theaters, had roles in a variety of daytime and prime-time TV and has appeared in several award winning short films and feature films and global brand commercials.
Liam Francis Collins received the award for "Best Supporting Actor" at this years "British Short Film Awards"
After finishing filming on “Salvable” alongside Toby Kebbell & Shia LaBeouf, Liam also stared in and produced “Boys Like You” that has been quoted by director "Shane Meadows" as being a short but potent punch in the cinematic guts that leaves you wanting more.
The film has been BAFTA & BIFFA selected and was the official selected short at the SCAD Film Festival. It was also awarded the prestigious "Golden Bee" at this year's Manchester Film Festival.
#shortfilm #shortfilms #motherson #relationship #adoption #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #actors #actor #actress #UK #shialabeouf #cinematography #cinematographer #cinephile 

Director Seong-ho Jang Discusses His Animated Feature Film THE KING OF KINGS

Ladies and gentlemen, The King of Kings is Jay Jang’s most deeply personal project to date, a rich, vibrant and world-changing story that has allowed him to reach his peak of passionate filmmaking.
In THE KING OF KINGS, a father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.
This is one of the best animated feature films I have seen in the last couple of years and to see the greatest story ever told brought to life in a new way will be a great blessing to all believers, but will show others Jesus in a whole new wonderful light.
THE KING OF KINGS debuts in theaters on April 11th, Easter weekend so take your family and friends as this movie is for all ages and I promise you, you will LOVE IT!
Filmmaker Seong-ho Jang, who is one of the most respected filmmakers in Korea and an unparalleled pioneer in the visual effects realm. Entering the industry as a storyboard artist for feature films before transitioning to VFX, Jang has been responsible for much of the VFX in Korean films, setting new benchmarks and pushing boundaries in quality media content since 1995.
His 100+ credits across the past three decades include Grand Bell Awards Best Film honoree Joint Security Area, Starz’s popular Spartacus television series, Cannes Film Festival entry The Taste of Money, the Clive Owen/Morgan Freeman starred Last Knights, and the fantasy adventure comedy sequel Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, which shattered several Chinese opening weekend box office records.
His newest feature film, THE KING OF KINGS is Jang’s most deeply personal project to date, a rich, vibrant and world-changing story that has allowed him to reach his peak of passionate filmmaking.
Featuring an all-star cast—including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac.
#animatedfilm #animation #thekingofkings #jesuschrist #jesus #faith #charlesdickens #film #filmmaking #filmmaker #bondoncinema #cinema #cinematography

The Pearl Comb: A Film Discussion with Ali Cook about an Unearthly Power of Mystery

THE PEARL COMB, tells a thought provoking and captivating story blending historical drama with elements of myth and mystery.
Its narrative highlights the resilience of women in a time when their voices were often silenced, drawing inspiration from the true story of the ‘Edinburgh Seven.’ 
It was nominated for five awards at The British Short Film Awards, winning two, and will screen at the upcoming, Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival.
THE PEAR COMB is about a fisherman’s wife, who captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to ever cure someone of tuberculosis. A doctor is sent to investigate her miraculous claim. Determined to prove that a woman’s place is in the home and not practicing medicine, he soon discovers the source of her unearthly power.
THE PEARL COMB is an 1800s period piece and every element is spectacular. This short film has the look and feel of a feature film and it looks like a million bucks.
This film is draws you in from the moment you watch the first scene. The audience is moved along with intrigue, mystery and a few twists to keep you captured and firmly planted in your seat. This is one of those films in which you don’t want to miss a thing.
This film has synergy from the cinematography, the colorization, special effects and the special effects make up to the wonderful cast of characters and the acting is top notch.
I love everything about this film and I expect to see this film go a long way. Finally, a short film with the feel of a feature film, but so original, it stands out and will stand out among all the short films that will be at all of the film festivals this year. I can’t say enough about this film. With writers and directors like Ali Cook who know how to tell a story, the future of cinema is in great hands.
#thepearlcomb #mermaids #mystery #thriller #horror #shortfilm #shortfilms #cornwall #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #filmproducer #cinema #bondoncinema #cinephile #filmcritic #filmreview #filmbreakdown

THE INVISIBLE ENEMY: Exposing the Dangers, Denials, Injustice Endured by Those Who Served at the Nevada Test and Training Range

THE INVISIBLE ENEMY is a documentary short film by Douglas Brian Miller and Mark Shapiro, which exposes the dangers, the denials, the injustice and the tragic consequences endured by the men and women who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range.
The film includes interviews with Dave Crete and others who have worked at the Nevada Test and Training Range. This film is powerful, compelling and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Dave Crete created The Invisible Enemy Foundation is working with Congress to pass legislation that officially recognizes the veterans exposed to dangerous radiation and chemicals while serving on the Nevada Test and Training Range. H.R. 1400 is a new Bill that could pave the way for victims and their families to receive comprehensive medical care and fair financial compensation.
Filmmaker Mark Shapiro and former military veteran Dave Crete.
Mark Shapiro is a filmmaker, producer and movie marketing professional with broad experience in the festival, distribution and film production environment. He formerly headed entertainment brand management for the animation studio LAIKA, where, he handled marketing endeavors for LAIKA's five Oscar-nominated features: Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link.
We also have, Dave Crete, who served in the US Air Force from 1983-1989.  For most of that time he served as a Security Policeman at a classified location within the Nevada Test and Training Range, protecting such programs as the F-117A Stealth Fighter and the Red Eagles, an Air Force unit flying Russian MiG fighters. 
#shortfilm #shortfilms #nevadatestingtrainingrange #military #radiationexposure #departmentofdefense #veteranadministration #film #filmdocumentary #documentary #filmmaking #filmmaker #oscars 

COTTAGE GROVE Short Film: Writer/Director George Ellzey, Jr & Actor/Producer TJ Harris Discuss their Compelling Film of Reconciliation

Ladies and gentlemen, I see hundreds of short films per year and there are those that stand out for various reasons. COTTAGE GROVE is one of those films that stand out because of the brilliant writing and acting that matches the writing.
George Ellzey, Jr solidified himself as a filmmaker who is one to watch in the world of cinema. COTTAGE GROVE follows Emmanuel, a mild-mannered, rule-following paralegal (and a ticking time bomb of anger, who finds peace in his daydreams), and his estranged father, Senior, has had a stroke. He only can say five words and moves with a limp.
The film is set in the south side of Chicago during the Summer. Father and son, or I should say son and father try to find common ground in a grocery store parking lot.
The closed space of the front seat of a car mimics a boiling pot with the lid on it, and sometimes that’s a good thing, because eventually it all has to come out. Healing only begins when what’s inside festering has to come to the surface so the sins can be forgiven and the wounds of those hurt can begin to heal.
The cinematography matches the brilliance of the writing and acting. If I saw this in a theater, I would expect them to turn off the AC so you can feel what the characters are feeling.
COTTAGE GROVE could actually be a feature film that could rival Nickel Boys or Sing Sing. It has everything, emotion, tension, insecurity, blame, forgiveness, love and ultimately healing.
COTTAGE GROVE is available now on AMC+ and I encourage you to watch it. When you see it, you’ll feel what I feel and know that the story will resonate with you, and that cinema is in great hands with the likes of George Ellzey, Jr and TJ Harris.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #writer #filmdirector #actor #filmproducer #forgiveness #reconciliation #fatherson #storytelling #family #absenteefather #filmmaker #filmmaking #cinema #cinematography #chicago #cinephile 

HELLO BEAUTIFUL Feature Film Breakdown with Director Ziad H. Hamzeh and Writer Christine Handy

Ladies and gentlemen, Hello Beautiful is a powerful and emotionally charged film that delves into the harrowing yet transformative journey of Willow, a successful model whose life is shattered by a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. Based on Christine Handy’s bestselling novel Walk Beside Me, the film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Guided by Christine Handy’s real-life experiences, the film offers an unfiltered look at the raw, often painful reality of battling cancer while balancing the perspectives of those around Willow—her family, friends, and the medical professionals fighting alongside her. Through powerful performances, particularly by Tricia Helfer as Willow, Hello Beautiful captures the vulnerability, strength, and complexity of those affected by life-altering diagnoses.
A story of survival, transformation, and the enduring power of human connection, Hello Beautiful is more than a film about illness—it is a testament to the spirit of those who rise from their darkest moments, embracing life with newfound purpose and love.
HELLO BEAUTIFUL is a feature film that knows how to tell a complete story. Tricia Helfer brings Willow to life and embraces every emotion of one who is facing her mortality and finding her true self in the process of the unthinkable.
This film gets five stars from Bond on Cinema as it is a must see film. Once you see it, you’ll walk away a different person and if you don’t, you need to see it again.
#film #featurefilm #cancer #breastcancer #cinema #cinematography #cinephile #family #marriage #selfdiscovery #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmfestival #mortality #trueself #purpose #supermodel

Broadcast Journalist Charlie Webster discusses the ABC/HULU Docu-Series SCAMANDA: A Woman Faking Cancer

Host Ward W. Bond and broadcast journalist Charlie Webster discuss the shocking truth about Amanda C. Riley faking cancer for attention. This story is highlighted in the ABC/HULU docu-series.
In 2012 a young, San Jose mom started a blog, documenting her journey after getting a devastating diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The blog quickly took off as she went through treatment after treatment. She wrote about being told she would not live to see her 30th birthday. But despite the terminal prognosis, Amanda C. Riley became a beacon of hope, bravery, and perseverance. She had a gift of immediately connecting with people, which she used to her advantage. Her blog told amazing stories of generosity, grace, and love, rallying friends, family, and strangers to help. But someone believed that Amanda Riley was lying.
For the rest of the story, you’ll have to watch the mini-series. Charlie Webster’s hit podcast SCAMANDA became the source for this mini-series. The four-episode limited series peels the many layers of this incredible saga, revealing never-before-told details of the investigation, the friends and family who supported Amanda, and what has happened since the podcast ended.
#fakingcancer #cancer #cancersurvivors #manipulation #narcissism #investigation #investigativereporting #broadcastjournalism #journalism #docuseries