Bond on Cinema
Veteran Television host Ward W. Bond brings you the in-depth interviews with the top film directors, producers, screenwriters, editors, composers, actors and more. Learn about the art and beauty of filmmaking. Meet award winning film professionals as they tell their side of the creative journey of movie-making. The ”Bond on Cinema” podcast is interviews with filmmakers for filmmakers. Bond on Cinema is also available on Prime and YouTube
Episodes

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Director Seong-ho Jang Discusses His Animated Feature Film THE KING OF KINGS
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
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

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
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

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
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

Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
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

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
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

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
My guest today is the multi-talented and award-winning actor and producer Neal McDonough.
Many of you have seen Neal’s scene stealing performances in Paramount’s YELLOWSTONE opposite Kevin Costner, and TULSA KING with Sylvester Stallone and who can forgot his role as Sean Cahill in SUITS?
He also owns the silver screen with past roles in MINORITY REPORT with Tom Cruise, Van Helsing, Boon, Homestead and how his newest film, THE LAST RODEO.
Ladies and gentlemen, Neal McDonough’s newest film, THE LAST RODEO is about a retired rodeo star who is trying to save his grandson.
Along the way, he confronts his past, discovers faith, and proves that true courage lies in family.
The story of THE LAST RODEO is powerful, emotionally moving, a bit of humor, but with the power of faith and family. Jon Avnet directs every scene with a watchful and with precision.
THE LAST RODEO stars not only Neal as the lead, but also incredible performances by Sarah Jones, Christopher McDonald, Mykelti Williamson, Graham Harvey and a special appearance by Ruve McDonough herself.
THE LAST RODEO is a must see film for the whole family. It comes to theaters on May 23rd, so plan on having a family night at the movies with candy, popcorn and the togetherness of family.
#film #featurefilm #newfilm #angelstudios #angelguild #cinema #bondoncinema #rodeo #bullriding #family #faith #inspiration #filmmaking #filmmaker #screenwriter #actor #yellowstone #tulsaking #minorityreport #tomcruise #kevincostner #sylvesterstallone #vanhelsing

Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Turning movies into a Primary Tool for Healing and Growth, Of Substance is an innovative nonprofit creating premium narrative short films - from uproarious comedies to heart-pounding thrillers - designed to explore mental health struggles in bite-sized brilliance.
They make our films available for therapists to use as tools in treatment, rehab, hospitals, prisons, schools and beyond.
Alex Kaplan’s mini-movies aren't just entertainment; they're catalysts for transformation, boosting engagement, deepening absorption, and expediting outcomes of emotional growth and behavioral change.
Visit OfSubstance.org now to unleash the magic!
Of Substance is an innovative nonprofit creating premium narrative short films - from uproarious comedies to heart-pounding thrillers - designed to explore mental health struggles in bite-sized brilliance.
They help people open up, lower barriers, and accesses deeply guarded feelings, thoughts, and emotions - using movies to accelerate the healing process.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #addiction #alcoholaddiction #alcoholism #drugaddiction #sexualabuse #physicalabuse #film #cinema #cinematography #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #moviereview #filmreview #counseling #rehab #therapy

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Actor William Baldwin who has distinguished himself as an actor/producer/writer and who continues to showcase his multitude of talents in the world of film and television.
He has starred in over 80 films of varied genres and over 30 television movies and series.
He made his feature film debut in Oliver Stone's "Born on the Fourth of July,” starring Tom Cruise who should have won the Oscar that year, and he is best known for his roles in Flatliners and Backdraft.
In 2005, he starred with Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels in the critically acclaimed award-winning film "The Squid & The Whale" and was recognized on over 200 Top 10 Lists that year.
He also appeared in the hit comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," with Kristen Bell & Russell Brand, co-starred with William Hurt & Tim Robbins in the independent comedy “Noise.”
He is with us today about a very important upcoming film, No Address, a scripted drama about the epidemic of homelessness in our communities.
It stars Patricia Velasquez, Beverly D’Angelo, Ashanti, Xander Berkley, Ty Pennington and others.
The movie No Address is about a group of people that are experiencing homelessness and realize they must bond together as a family if they are going to survive.
They all have no address, but earlier in life they did. The day-to-day struggle on the streets is emotionally charged with uncertainty at every corner. Shelter, food and ongoing safety threatens their daily life as each one of them has arrived on the streets through unexpected circumstances. While meeting a few gracious advocates along their journey, the family finds a refreshing new hope to live and get their lives back.
#noaddressmovie #billybaldwin #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #actor #homeless #homelessness #cinema #cinematography #bondoncinema #ashanti #xanderberkley #patriciavelasquez

Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, in the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray voice by actor Domhnall Gleeson fantasizes about everything he’d love to do in retirement, once he finally has the “time.”
John Kelly’s touching and funny animated short is a meditative stream of possibilities on the beauty, curiosities and fears that we wish to embrace when confronted with an escalating awareness of our own finite mortality.
RETIREMENT PLAN made its premiere at the Galway Film Festival and will screen at the upcoming Dublin International Film Festival and SXSW.
John Kelly, a filmmaker specializing in animation. His newest animated short, RETIREMENT PLAN— co-written with Tara Lawall – was inspired by his own possible mid-life crisis.
John studied at the Royal College of Art in London, and lives and works in Dublin, Ireland, where he is developing a number of projects that explore a similar line between tragedy and absurdity, including a feature-length animated documentary.
#animation #animator #graphicart #shortfilm #shortfilms #retirement #retirementplan #filmmaking #filmmaker #cinema #filmdirector #SXSW #GalwayFilmFestival #Dublin #Ireland #midlfiecrisis

Ward W. Bond
Interviews with the top filmmakers in the world. Covering feature films to short films. The directors, producers, screenwriters and actors giving you the in-depth look at their work and the process it took to create cinematic art.