Bond on Cinema

What REALLY Happens When Jewish and Muslim Traditions Meet on Circumcision in SNIPPED Short Film

My guests today are writer/director Alexander Saul and producer Rebecca Pruzan and their short film SNIPPED.
Alexander Saul is a screenwriter and director and has worked on a number of narrative sketches and short films. 
In 2020, his first short film DARLING premiered in competition at the Odense International Film Festival. In 2022, he followed up with the short film VALERIE.
That same year, he won the first prize in the pitch competition Pitch Me Baby at the OFF Awards for his project LOVESICK, which in 2024 has been showcased at several international festivals, earning multiple nominations and awards.
Rebecca Pruzan has worked in the media industry her entire professional life. She graduated with a Masters of Science in IT, Rebecca was employed at DR and she worked there in numerous positions until 2017. Her last position at DR was Commissioning Editor at DR Ramasjang and DR Ultra.
Since then, Rebecca has worked as a Consultant and Producer and has produced several live action short films, including IVALU for which she was nominated for an Oscar in 2023. And I had the honor to interview filmmaker Anders Walter about that incredible film.
Ladies and gentlemen, SNIPPED is a film that is not just about circumcision, it much larger than that. 
Peeling back the skin of society and seeing who we truly are as people. SNIPPED uses the power of humor and teaches us that we still have cultural and religious divides. 
Can we as a society can we reach the point of coexisting without judging or hating each other? 
In SNIPPED, the power lies in the listening to the dialogue. And just in real life, it’s the power of listening that opens doors to reconciliation and we find we all want the same thing. Acceptance of both identity and the world in which we come from. 
I loved SNIPPED so much I watched it multiple times. The story is on point. 
#shortfilm #filmmaker #interview #bondoncinema #film #movie #filmdirector #filmmaking #filmfestival #faith #jewish #muslim #circumcision

Writer/Director Natalia León's Animated Short Film Address the Daily Violence Against Women in Mexico

My guest today is filmmaker Natalia León. She left Mexico at the age of 17 to study at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris, where she specialized in animation. Passionate about writing and storytelling, she decided to complete her training at The School of Visual Arts in New York, where she studied screenwriting and directing.
In 2021, during her final year at ENSAD, she wrote and developed the project Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragado, translated to AS IF THE EARTH HAD SWALLOWED THEM UP, her first short film, produced by Xbo films.
Ladies and gentlemen, Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragado, which translates to AS IF THE EARTH HAD SWALLOWED THEM UP is about Olivia, a young woman living abroad, returns to her hometown in Mexico in the hope of reconnecting with her past. But the violence she witnessed as a child has not abated, and the journey rekindles memories that are impossible to reconcile with.
Currently, more than 10 women a day are killed in Mexico. Many more disappear and are never found. So many that they become invisible, paradoxically: just numbers and statistics. In a way, this invisibility is the final violence they suffer, leaving their families what has happened to them. #filmmaker #shortfilm #interview #bondoncinema #film #movie #filmdirector #filmmaking #filmfestival #mexico #diappearance #animation

Rippin Sindher’s Oscar-qualified FLIGHT 182 is Personal and Powerful Short Film

My guest today is Rippin Sindher, an award-winning filmmaker and producer with industry experience spanning the Directors Guild of America and major network television. 
She is a two-time recipient of the Bank of America Big Tell Film Award, which backed her anti-hate documentary SEVA, earning special Congressional recognition. 
On the narrative front, Rippin wrote, directed and produced Broken Drawer and The Hideout — both won multiple festival awards and landed her a feature film writing assignment to adapt The Village Bride of Beverly Hills. 
This led to Rippin being selected as a directing fellow and production consultant on S.W.A.T. and previously, joining a directing intensive for Criminal Minds and being the first directing fellow on Ryan Murphy’s Ratched for Netflix.
Rippin Sindher is Vice President of RISE, Dan Lin’s accelerator for Proof of Concept creators.
She won the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge with CAPE and Janet Yang Productions for her Oscar-qualifying short FLIGHT 182, executive produced by Emmy winner Archie Panjabi. Which is our discussion today. 
Ladies and gentlemen, Rippin Sindher’s Oscar-qualified short film FLIGHT 182 is based on the true story of Air India Flight 182, the deadliest aviation attack in the world until 9/11. 
329 people lost their lives when a suitcase bomb exploded in luggage compartment of a 747 off the coast of Ireland in 1985. 
Rippin Sindher brings just one story out of hundreds who died that day. FLIGHT 182 is compelling, tense and no way for the audience to stop the unpreventable. 
The cinematography of FLIGHT 182 is spot on, the home’s 1980s decor. Add the perfect color palette and the audience is taken back in time. We feel the concerns of Mandeep, played by actress Sundeep Morrison who gives an outstanding performance in the film. 
FLIGHT 182 is powerful, compelling, tense and gives us a sense of worry, something not found in very many films today. 
It’s Oscar season, so keep your eye out for FLIGHT 182.
#flight182 #airindia #canada #filmmaker #shortfilm #interview #film #bondoncinema #movie #filmmaking #filmfestival #cinematography #avaition

What Makes Scars We Love So Special? An interview with Director Raphael Jouzeau and Francescar Betteni-Barnes

My guests today are writer/director Raphael Jouzeau and producer Francesca Betteni-Barnes and their award winning short film SCARS WE LOVE.
Raphaël Jouzeau is a cartoonist, illustrator, and filmmaker. He works as a storyboarder on various live-action and animation projects, notably on the series Boys Boys Boys directed by Valentine Vendroux. He is also an animator for Hermès, the luxury brand bringing their illustrators' designs to life.
Producer Francesca Betteni-Barnes studied modern literature and philosophy in Italy, she moved to Paris at the age of 23 with a one-year scholarship to the École normale supérieure.  She began a PhD in Film History, but meeting a film producer changed her path: she left university to pursue independent production. 
She is one of the founders of Balade Sauvage production, where she has produced short films and two feature films, including a documentary and a fiction feature film.
Their newest short film SCARS WE LOVE has been Oscar-qualified and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Ladies and gentlemen, SCARS WE LOVE is an award winning animated short from France. The story is about Gaspard, who is still very much in love with Leïla. They meet in a crowded bar a month after she left him. The conversation turns awry and Gaspard seeks refuge under the tablecloth, away from prying eyes and closer to his memories.
For an animated short film, it is moves with great emotion. Each scene takes the audience into the relationship between Gaspard and Leila. You feel Gaspard’s love for Leila as well as her desire to see the real Gaspard, but he keeps his emotions close to his heart.
The SCARS WE LOVE is a true love story that ends like so many others around the world and there is a sadness there. Sometimes the waves of emotion are so strong that we fight against the current instead of moving along with them. We would probably be better off if we did.
The animation is wonderful and the music score by Pierre Oberkampf is beautiful and adds so much emotion to the film. SCARS WE LOVE is now an Oscar-qualified animated short film and deserves it. #animation #frenchfilm #filmmaker #shortfilm #cinema #interview #film #lovestory #tragiclovestory #filmmaking #filmdirector #animatedshort

Film Composer Michael Llewelyn Barker Shares Secrets to Creating EMOTIONAL Soundtracks

My guest today is Michael Llewelyn Barker, a film composer known for his evocative and immersive scores. His music blends a rich palette of analogue synths, sampling techniques, and tape textures with acoustic and amplified instrumentation, ranging from intimate solo performances and chamber groups to full orchestral forces.
A lifelong cinephile, Michael has an innate sense for the pace, rhythm, and emotional depth of a scene. He has led the music department on over thirty projects, including short films, feature films, and documentaries such as The Mourning Bird, What We Wished We Could Be, and Alasdair Mackay’s debut feature Anonymous.
He has a long-running collaboration with the Academy Award-winning production company Slick Films, working closely with director Chris Overton on multiple projects. Michael regularly collaborates with world-class session musicians and leading orchestras across the UK and Europe.
In 2020, Michael’s compelling score for Those Last Moments won ‘Best Original Score’ at the Paris Film Festival and the Imagine Rain Independent Film Awards, along with nominations at the International Sound and Film Music Festival and Paris Arts and Music Awards 2021. In 2024, Michael won ‘Best Original Song’ (Aidan’s Song, performed by West End star Jamie Muscato) and was nominated for ‘Best Original Score’ at the International Sound and Film Music Festival for his work on What We Wished We Could Be directed by Luke Shelley. One of my favorite short films of all time as the music played a huge role in the film.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you are a filmmaker and looking for one of the best composers in film, check out Michael’s website at MLBARKER.com for his music and if you are looking for someone to score your film, I’m sure he’ll be happy to discuss your project with you.
Ladies and gentlemen, you can catch all of the Bond on Cinema interviews at BondonCinema.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. #filmmaker #shortfilm #cinema #film #movie #filmmaking #bondoncinema #musiccomposer #filmscoring #filmscore #musicscore

Champion Hoop Dancer turned Filmmaker, Eric Hernandez's brings his story to the short film COURAGE

My guest today is filmmaker Eric Hernandez. He is a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, is an esteemed Native American hoop dancer with over 20 years of experience. Mentored by Terry Goedel, Eric's skills took center stage as the lead in Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM, touring over 17 countries. 
A recent TEDx speaker, his mission is to challenge stereotypes and spread ancestral wisdom about Native Americans through the art of hoop dance. 
Now, Eric brings his story to the screen as the writer and director of COURAGE, a powerful short film inspired by his real-life journey of learning hoop dance from his Uncle Terry. 
Courage is a tribute to the strength of cultural storytelling and the importance of reclaiming identity through tradition.
Ladies and gentlemen, COURAGE is about a young Native American boy who struggles with self-confidence and societal expectations, his uncle re-introduces him to the transformative art of Hoop Dance. Through this tradition, he discovers strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace his heritage. 
This short film is inspired by true events, Courage is a heartfelt story about identity and empowerment. 
You don’t have to be Native American to enjoy this powerful short film. We all need to be encourage and to see the light that truly shines in all of us. The film COURAGE does all that and more. 
#courage #hoopdance #hoopdancing #hoopdancer #indiantribe #tribaldance #lumbeetribe #reservation #cirquedesoleil #thetonightshow #nativeamerican #nativetribe #nativeindian #tradition #heritage #identity

Writer/Actress Lisa Brenner's Feature Film ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY: When a DNA Test Reveals More than the Truth

My guest today is writer/producer/actress Lisa Brenner, who is best known for her role as "Anne Howard" in the classic American Revolutionary War film, The Patriot. She starred in many indie films such as Cesar Chavez, Finding Home, What Boys Want, Bad Samaritan and The Remains. 
Lisa also guest starred in numerous television shows such as all three CSI's, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist, Leverage, Perception, Almost Paradise, My Life in Pieces and SyFy’s The Ark.
Aside from acting, Lisa has produced multiple films, such as the romantic comedy Say My Name, as well as Roku Original, The Deal. 
She wrote, produced and stars in the upcoming theatrical comedy “One Big Happy Family” starring the late Linda Lavin, which is our discussion for today. 
Ladies and gentlemen, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is Lisa Brenner’s very personal true story about her tumultuous journey in taking a DNA test, only to find out that her biological father is not who she thought.
The film is a female-dominated film presenting a true woman’s voice that resonates between three generations – a grandmother, a mom, and a soon-to-be bat-mitzvah daughter. 
Lisa Brenner plays Rachel, the anxiety-filled scared to death of public speaking actress that finds out the father who raised her wasn’t her father. 
Linda Lavin gives a stunning performance as Lenore. Portraying a perfect Jewish mother and grandmother who truly loves family regardless how they were conceived. 
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is a humorous, endearing heart-warming story with enough of twists and turns to keep you entertained throughout the film. 
If you loved MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING then you need to be in the theater to see ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. 
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is coming to an AMC theater near you on October 3rd. Don’t miss it! 
#featurefilm #DNAtest #ancestry #siblings #film #newfilm #movie #newmovie #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #screenplay #lindalavin #family #relationships #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematography

TOO GOOD Short Film: What if Life's BIGGEST Questions Were Answered in a Funny Way?

My guest today is filmmaker Meron Alon. Her newest short film TOO GOOD brings both irreverent humor and philosophical weight.
The film invites viewers to question their own assumptions about choices, consequences and worthiness. The film’s powerhouse cast elevates its sharp, playful script.
Six-time Emmy-winning actor Jean Smart reigns supreme as a jaded, no-nonsense God, bringing both bite and surprising warmth to her portrayal of the Almighty. Opposite her, comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery grounds the film with his signature wit and emotional honesty.
Ladies and gentlemen, Meron Alon’s TOO GOOD, a darkly comedic yet heartfelt short film, follows a recently deceased man Michael played by Lil Rel Howery who finds himself at the Gates of Heaven. Instead of the solemn judgment he expects, he’s confronted by an unconventional
God played by six time Emmy winning actress, Jean Smart who puts his life, flaws, and choices under an unexpected and humorous lens. What begins as a celestial interview quickly becomes a provocative exploration of human imperfection, redemption, and what it truly means to be “good enough.”
TOO GOOD is hilarious and gives a chance to laugh at ourselves about some of the trivial things we have done in our life. Everything little decision is a choice and doesn’t mean we are actually flawed, it could be we are just lazy. Like kicking the ice cube under the refrigerator instead of picking it up or not returning the shopping cart to its right place in the parking lot.
TOO GOOD proves that humor is the medium that will make us think, laugh at ourselves and who knows make us better people. Or in the film’s case, maybe save us from eternal damnation. #god #questions #goodenough #shortfilm #filmmaker #film #movie #bondoncinema #filmfestival #entertainment #cinephile #cinematography #jeansmart #lilrelhowery #actor

Mike Flynt's TRUE STORY: Playing College Football at the age of 59: The Film "THE SENIOR"

Mike Flynt, the real-life inspiration behind the new movie, The Senior. 
He attended Sul Ross State University on a full football scholarship and earned a degree in Physical Education and Business. 
He served as the first Strength and Conditioning Coach in the PAC-10 at the University of Oregon, supporting 16 men’s ad women’s varsity teams. He later held the same role at Texas A&M University, overseeing training for 18 sports programs. 
In 2007, at age of 59, Flynt returned to Sul Ross State University and made history as the oldest starting linebacker in NCAA football. 
In THE SENIOR, nearly four decades later and after being kicked off his team, Mike returns to his alma mater to take the hit that changed everything. Bruised, doubted, and nearly broken, he fights for one last shot at the ending he still believes is possible.
Ladies and gentlemen, in 2007 at the age of 59, Mike Flynt may be too old to be on a college football field, but not too old to feel the weight of unfinished business. 
After nearly four decades, he returns to his alma mater to take the hit that changed everything. Bruised, doubted, and nearly broken, he pushes for one more game, not for glory, but for the teammates he lost, the family he fractured, and the ending he still believes is possible. 
THE SENIOR is the inspirational film we need right now. Some of you have unfinished business in your own life, so maybe it’s time you suit up and forgive people along the way. 
#football #collegefootball #featurefilm #truestory #film #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmreview #filminterview #bondoncinema #michaelchiklis 

Director Ash Blodgett's Short MAY I PUT YOU ON HOLD? Begs the Answer: Are We Wasting Precious Time?

Award winning director Ash Blodgett who is passionate about telling stories that spotlight modern social issues through the lens of comedy.
Her short films have screened at major festivals around the world. In 2022, Ash was selected for the Women In Film Mentoring Program and was later hired to direct a live-action recreation of a scene from LAIKA Studios’ Oscar-nominated film ParaNorman to celebrate its 10-year anniversary.
Her 2023 short Good Grief won Best Cinematography at the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival, earning a $60K Panavision film grant, and she was named Best Female Director at the 2024 Central Coast International Film Festival. 
On her new short film, May I Put You On Hold, 80% of the cast and crew were women, and key roles were held by BIPOC and API creatives.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ash Blodgett’s short May I Put You On Hold? took five years to complete and was paused twice, once due to COVID and again during the dual WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes. Along the way, they also faced wildfires and the unpredictable nature of indie filmmaking.
The film follows Liz who is suddenly transferred to the Afterlife while battling the absurdity of telephone customer service. There, she discovers it’s just as bureaucratic, frustrating, and illogical as Earth. Now stuck between eternity and hold music, Liz must navigate cosmic red tape and confront what really matters before she can return to the land of the living. But in doing so, she realizes she’s been putting the most important things in life on hold. How many of us are actually putting the important things in our life on hold?
How many people are actually waiting on us? We spent most of our time sleeping or waiting, but this film MAY I PUT YOU HOLD shows us that we have the power to stop waiting on the things that are actually important.
I love films with a message and one that gets us moving. #shortfilm #filmmaker #film #movie #bondoncinema #filmfestival #entertainment #cinephile #cinematography #filmdirector #filmmaking