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

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, TIME FOR CHANGE is a 2-hour landmark documentary that was filmed after the death of George Floyd and chronicles the tragic event of his death and the subsequent worldwide social impact. This unbiased and compelling documentary is replete with hard-hitting interviews, as well as a historical retrospective regarding the roots of racism in America and practical steps we need to take as a nation to bring peace and lasting change.
Change only happens if we want it too and it can start with each one of us in our own communities.
Founder and executive producer of the Borunda Media Group, Daniel Borunda.
He has followed his childhood passion through his film and television production education and was selected into UCLA’s coveted Masters of Fine Arts program and earned the highest grade possible for his documentary short-film “Hollenbeck Hero”.
He sold his first screenplay to Columbia Pictures, “Welcome Home” and went on to write three more screenplays and co-produced two mini-series for television, “Count of Monte Cristo” and “William the Conqueror”.
In addition to writing and producing a couple of independent films, in 2018, Daniel launched an innovative, news series “America Unscripted”. The hard-hitting television series covers both national and global news and also deals with the issues that are dividing our nation and presents solutions.
#georgefloyd #policebrutality #defundthepolice #blacklivesmatter #malcolmX #martinlutherking #backtheblue #policepolicies #unbiasednews #filmdocumentary #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #socialimpact

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, Robin Wang’s short film NEITHER DONKEY NOR HORSE is one of the best films I have seen this year. It has the feel and look of a multi-million dollar feature film.
The story is so intriguing and from the first frame to the last one, your attention is focused on the story brought to life on screen by an all-star stellar cast. With the likes of Chris Pang from Rich Crazy Asians, to Jim Lau, Michael Monasterio, Albert Kuo to name a few.
NEITHER DONKEY NOR HORSE takes us through the 1910 Manchurian Plague, which was the world’s first major outbreak of pneumonic plague, eventually claiming more than 60,000 lives.
director/producer Robin Wang. His expansive filmography has been honored with a Student Academy Award, three DGA Awards Grand Prize, and two College Television Awards.
As a director and producer, Robin has brought his works to over a hundred international film festivals worldwide.
From 2023 to 2024, Robin helmed numerous higher-budget genre films and period pieces as the director. Notably, he co-directed the feature film Jack & Lou: A Gangster Love Story, starring Linda Hamilton from the Terminator Franchise. The film is set in 1920s Al Capone’s Chicago, with select scenes filmed on the Warner Brothers Studio Lot.
He is especially known for directing the historical biopic short film, Neither Donkey Nor Horse, based on the life of the first Nobel Prize-nominated Chinese scientist, Dr. Wu Lien-teh.
The film, sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival, won the Student Academy Awards, and the DGA Student Film Awards Grand Prize. The film is currently long-listed for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
#N95 #oscars #academyawards #manchurianplague #manchurian #DrWu #warnerbrothers #terminator #telluride #cinema #cinematography #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #medicine #traditionalmedicine #pnuemonic

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, OVER THE BOARD, a story about twin brothers who meet for the first time, under unique circumstances. Before they can come together, however, they must first overcome their differences.
Ian is a top collegiate chess player. Eric is an inmate with a gift for the game. Eric and Ian are identical twins who have never met, until today. When their worlds collide, one thing becomes immediately clear-they both share a passion, and talent, for the game of chess. But will this be enough to make them family? The only way to settle their differences, the only way to understand each other, is over the board.
This film keeps your attention because the storyline is focused and it blends seamlessly into the cinematography of being shot mainly in black and white, until the ending of the film when the use of color brings something very special. I will not spoil the end as this is a must see short film.
There is a bit of Ian and Eric in all of us. In this film we see book smart versus street smart or in this case prison smart creates incredible exchange of dialogue, thought and emotion. But when two people didn’t know each one existed, there is a growth period and we see that within the 27 minutes of this film.
#oscars #academyawards #chessmatch #chessgame #twins #identicaltwins #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #actor #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #cinematography #screenwriter #filmproducer #blackandwhite #chessboard

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, this heartwarming tug at your heart short film RYAN CAN’T READ delves into the struggles of Ryan, played by Lewis Ian Bray, a man facing immense financial hardship and the overwhelming burden of bills. His inability to claim benefits pushes him to the edge of despair. However, a lifeline is thrown his way when his friend Tyrone, portrayed by James Nelson-Joyce, offers him a chance at redemption.
This short film is a tearjerker, set against the vibrant backdrop of Liverpool, England, examines the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
With a screenplay co-written by Rhys Chapman and Lewis Ian Bray, RYAN CAN’T READ paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives and the profound impact of friendship.
We all have Ryans in our life and we all need to be more like Tyrone in helping those that need a bit of love, encouragement and motivation. We can all be mentors and this beautiful short teaches us that very thing.
RYAN CAN’T READ is one of my absolute favorite films of the year as I am a sucker for heartwarming and endearing stories that have the power to put tears in your eyes. And this film has put those tears in my eyes six times already.
My guests today are producer Bryony Pulizzi and writer/actor Lewis Ian Bray and their heartwarming and endearing Oscar-qualified short film RYAN CAN’T READ.
Bryony's debut as a producer was on 2022 BAFTA shortlisted "ROY" from Academy Award winning production company Slick Films, closely followed by "Ryan Can't Read" and "Gladstone Girls". She has also worked in the industry as a Casting Assistant for TV and Film. She is also a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Lewis Ian Bray is a neuro-divergent actor and screenwriter known for his commitment to authentic storytelling and underrepresented voices. He co-wrote and starred as Ryan in the Academy Award-qualifying short film RYAN CAN’T READ. Praised by Ken Loach as "touching" and "important," the film earned Lewis the Best Actor award at Tokyo's ShortShorts Film Festival.
In addition to his role in Channel 4's upcoming drama series PATIENCE, Lewis is involved in several exciting projects set to air in 2025/26. He is also the founder of Scribble Pictures, a neuro-divergent-led production company.
#shortfilms #illiteracy #cantread #oscars #academyawards #friendship #mentor #mentorship #heartwarming #endearing #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #screenwriter #actor #neurodivergent #ryancantread #bondoncinema #cinema #cinematic #cinematography

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, the short film DIVE is a melancholic exploration of adolescent love in a world beset with violence. The drama follows Roman and Julia, two young adults enjoying the vitality of their youth, when their day out on the beach is suddenly shattered by the looming presence of war.
The very minimum use of dialogue allows you to experience the film on a deeper level into you subconscious to relive your long lost youth. We can see how youth is fleeting, from a moment of love, joy, freedom and a bit a living in a dream. And all of shattered with the strong introduction of war, an element of life that we can’t control.
War steals adolescent, youth, hope and dreams. In this poignant film called DIVE it leaves us wanting relive our own youth.
The cinematography is beautiful and the use of real film gives it depth, just like the souls of Roman and Julia, even before they dive into the ocean.
The soundtrack adds so much emotion. As Roman and Julia dive Into the water, the music brings them together in an aquatic dance that is beautiful and free, exactly what love should be. Being under the water and away from the realities of life is a feeling we need to experience more and Aldo Luliano gives us that feeling in this compelling film.
Director Aldo Iuliano and he is known for his award-winning short films, both in Italy and internationally. In 2016, he directed Penalty, which was shortlisted for the Nastri d'Argento, selected for four Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the 2017 Globo d'Oro. His debut feature film, Space Monkeys, was released in theaters in 2022.
His newest soulful short film DIVE premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, where it was in official competition, the drama was further selected for other Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the Special Award at the 2024 Nastri d'Argento. The film has qualified for the 2025 Oscars.
#shortfilms #oscars #academyawards #beach #youth #RussianUkrainianWar #Italy #ocean #swimming #landmines #wartime #lostyouth #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #art #artistry #cinematography #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #screenwriter #filmdirector

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN, a film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose's emotional journey as he grapples with balancing his daunting real-life workload with the profound sense of loss.
Through an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. and a gripping sound design that acts as a character in the film, "A Place to Fall Down" explores themes of grief, empathy, healing and the power of love. It's in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of unconditional love shine the brightest.
Duane has created elements you must watch very closely. The environment is dark, an environment in which grief lives, but with glimpses of light. The cinematography close ups on Clifton are poignant because grief can feel like the world is closing in on the one who is experiencing it.
Writer/director Duane Fernandez and he has had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders in the industry, from Netflix, Disney, Marvel, A24, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate, to Paramount and Sony Pictures to name a few.
The his directorial debut of A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a poignant short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief he feels after losing his beloved wife.
If you are dealing with grief, seek counseling and don’t go at it alone.
Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr., A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: Can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma?
#shortfilms #grief #depression #mentalhealth #oscars #academyawards #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #garage #automotive #mechanic #cinema #cinematography #storytelling #cinematic

Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, this beautiful and endearing short film, FROM ABOVE is about a father looking to reconnect with his child after falling on hard times. The story follows Morten, once well-respected but now homeless, as he attempts to turn his life around after a chance encounter with his daughter after eight years apart.
Morten looks his daughter in the eyes for the first time in 8 years. After that he decides to get in touch with her again and uses very unconventional and spectacular methods to get her attention and forgiveness.
Everything about this film is wonderful. The storytelling is superb, the cinematography is what you would expect coming from Henrik Christensen and the Academy Award winning M&M Productions and of course the acting is incredible.
This is the type of film that wins awards, but more importantly it wins hearts. And it has won my heart and I will not soon forget this wonderful short film.
Ever since graduating from theater school in 1994, Nicolaj Kopernikus has become a prominent figure on stage, film and television. He made his big breakthrough in the 1997 feature film “Let’s Get Lost” and is also known for his portrayal as an alcoholic in the drama film “The Bench” alongside Jesper Christensen.
Nicolaj gained worldwide recognition for his role as the killer in the BAFTA and International Emmy nominated TV series “The Killing”, which had great success around the world and spawned an American remake. Nicolaj has recently taken a seat behind the camera and directed various TV series and is currently working on numerous TV and film projects.
Following the success of his Oscar shortlisted film “The Stenophone”, well-renowned Danish actor is back with FROM ABOVE, which he has written, directed and also stars in. Once again he teams up with multiple Academy Award winning production company, M&M Productions.
#shortfilms #denmark #fromabovce #perspective #fatherdaughter #divorce #filmmaker #filmmaking #actor #filmdirector #screenwriter #nicolajkopernikus #danish #thekilling #jesperchristensen #oscars #academyawards #art #artfilm #homelessness #reconnection #cinema #bondoncinema #cinematic #cinematography

Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
BUSCANDO ALMA is about a Honduran immigrant who is given the chance to meet her mother after nearly two decades of separation. As she grapples with the uncertainty of their reunion, she is confronted by traumatic memories of her past.
This film is so good. The storyline is emotional from the perspectives of Alma the mother as well as Cristina. Two lives connected yet separated for almost 20 years, like two spirits trying to find their way home.
The cinematography is beautiful, the flashbacks properly placed giving us the backstory. Not easy to do in a short film, but it was stellar filmmaking. From scene to scene to frame to frame the story and the love flow seamlessly together to the very end.
If you are a lover of film, you will want to replay the ending a few times, because it is not only something to see, it an experience to feel and you can feel the incredible power of a mother’s love in that scene. And you can feel the unconditional love and acceptance that Cristina receives from her mother.
Melissa Fisher is a member of the International Cinematographer's Guild and has over 12+ years of industry experience working on Academy and Emmy Award winning films and television series. Melissa worked her way up from the camera PA on Michael Bay’s “Pain & Gain,” to camera assist on films like "La La Land," to eventually running the camera department on hit television shows like “GLOW” and “The Dropout”.
Melissa has made several short films that have screened in Academy Accredited festivals.
Her most recent film "Buscando Alma" won the Oscar-Qualifying Jury Award at the Out On Film Festival in Atlanta.
Carolina Gutiérrez is a Colombian actress and has recently been nominated for best actress by the Association of Colombian Actors in the TV/Film category for her role as Sara in the Colombian television show "La Costilla de Eva”. More recently, her latest film "Buscando Alma" premiered at the Out on Film Festival and received first place for a short film becoming Oscar qualified.
Carolina has also appeared in several television shows, movies, including her role as assassin Emma Ruiz on NCIS LA, Marissa on The L Word Generation Q, Sara on La Costilla de Eva in Colombia, and the lead in a national car commercial with Nissan.
#buscandoalma #motherchild #motherson #motherdaughter #transgender #trans #identity #selfidentity #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematographer #cinematography #storytelling #equality #diversity #LGBTQ

Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, on July 17th, 2014, Flight MH17 crashed after being hit by a surface-to-air missiles, 50KM from the Russian-Ukrainian border, carrying predominantly Dutch passengers.
The miners of Rozsypne were the first to arrive at the crash zone and spent days retrieving and identifying hundreds of bodies scattered all over the highly militarized area of Donetsk.
298 died on flight NH17 that day. Many of the victims’ families attempted to reach their loved ones by reported hearing strangers speaking a foreign language, answering their calls.
MOEDER, Dutch for mother is a heartbreaking emotional short film that deals with the reality of that tragic day.
The cinematography of MOEDER is beautiful, but amplifies the tense drama, the emotional inner turmoil of a young Vitaly who is torn between wanting to tell the mother who keeps calling for her son that he has died and being told to go search and help locate the dead from flight MH17.
Salomon Ligthelm brings a very strong contender to the Oscar race with MOEDER and when you get a chance to see it, it is a powerful film.
#MH17 #Russia #Ukraine #RussianUkraineWar #planecrash #airdisaster #shortfilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography #cinephile #oscars #academyawards

Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Evelyn Lorena is an actress and filmmaker. Her production collective Nouvelle Entertainment, where she has written and produced films that have premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival, Outfest Los Angeles, and Festival Regard.
Evelyn was one the directing semi-finalists for the inaugural Brisk Creator's Class, sponsored by Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society.
Her latest short, and directorial debut, “Gabriela,” was awarded with the prestigious Latino Film Institute’s Indigenous Latino Fellowship supported by Netflix.
Evelyn’s short film GABRIELA is a visually captivating coming-of-age story, with a poetic reflection on identity and personal resilience – and the liberating power of water.
Ladies and gentlemen, Evelyn Lorena’s Oscar-qualified short film GABRIELA about a young undocumented Guatemalan woman, who pursues her dream of swimming for a prominent Country Club swim team. Despite her single-minded determination, Gabriela is continually confronted with her over-protective mother’s fears, limitations on her economic and legal status, and her own self-judgment. As she questions her self-worth against the structures of contemporary American Southern life, Gabriela embarks on a quest towards personal freedom and self-acceptance.
This film goes beyond the normal storyline, this is a film that should help each of us reach down and pull out those long lost and/or dormant dreams we were called to pursue. When a dream is birth from inside, only the Creator put it there and it was made to be watered and fed so it can come to life.
Dreams were made to pursue and this film GABRIELA should be viewed as an inspiration and a motivation for you to step out in faith and get going.
#shortfilms #shortfilm #latino #latinox #hispanic #motherdaugher #opportunities #dreams #cinema #cinematography #cinematic #cinephile #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #latinofilm #oscars #academyawards

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.