Chas Joynt’s award-winning, solo documentary debut, based upon his 2018 critically acclaimed short of the same name, casts a critical eye over trans histories as marked out by the singular, exceptional, trans person in the popular domain. This follows the documentary No Ordinary Man based on the life of Billy Tipton that he co-directed with…
Fragments Festival: “To Kill The Beast” Review
To Kill The Beast is the first feature film of Agustina San Martin, whose short films have garnered prestigious awards at film festivals including Cannes with Monster God (2019). The Argentinian director has also worked as a screenwriter, colourist, and cinematographer. Between 2020 and 2022, she was mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor, singer, songwriter and…
“I Hope That We Can All Do What We Love, But Also in a Way That Can Best Shape a More Equal World.” – In Conversation with James An
While being an independent artist carries some risks, independence is indeed an important aspect for many, especially musicians. Not only does it allow them to communicate directly with their audience, it also enables them to promote their music whenever and however they wish. Frankly speaking, you don’t need to have a label to be a…
When is a Zombie not a Zombie: “The Retaliators” Review
A word to the wise, never show characters watching a seminal film that is far better than the one they are in (here the film is Romero’s classic The Night of the Living Dead). A pastor, Bishop (Michael Lombardi), loses his eldest daughter as a result of a drug exchange that goes wrong and must decide…
79th Venice International Film Festival – “Burning Hearts” Review
Deep in the Apulian countryside, resides two powerful families with a venomous hatred of each other – the Malatestas and the Camporeales. It’s been around 40 years since their last bloodshed and ever since both families have been stuck in a tense stalemate with each other. All until the young Malatesta heir Andrea (Francesco Patanè)…
79th Venice International Film Festival – “World War III” Review
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Houman Seyedi’s World War III starts with this quote oft-attributed to Mark Twain. One of the four Iranian titles premiering at Venice this year and the director’s sixth feature, the Orizzonti section finalist proves a bracing slow-burner that leaves you gaping by the time the credits start…
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks – Wonho Takes Over Indigo at the O2 in London
What makes K-pop such a global phenomenon? There are many reasons: ingenious approach to music videos, sophisticated choreography, the charming personalities of idols, and catchy songs. Although lyrics might not always be relatable, the melody itself can be enough to hook listeners. But what about vocal abilities? While I am strict in my judgement when…
A Night to Remember – JUNNY Shows off His Vocal Talent at The Garage in London
The Garage is one of the most iconic music venues in London. Although average in its capacity, the artists who have passed through its doors over the years include Green Day, Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, My Chemical Romance, and Oasis. On August 28th, JUNNY, a Korean-Canadian R&B singer came to The Garage to perform…
“Laundromat on the Corner” Review
The Laundromat on the Corner is a 17-minute short film and the directorial debut of Japanese producer and writer, Tetsuki Ijichi. While it takes the form of a traditional “Asian” ghost story, it uses this form to relate an intercultural love story, which crosses not only cultures but also the boundary between life and death….
“A Wicked Tale” Review
A Wicked Tale is an experimental film that reworks the cautionary story of Little Red Riding Hood. With a running time of just over 44 minutes, Singaporean director Tzang Merwyn Tong’s debut feature premiered at the 34th Rotterdam International Film Festival in 2005. While there are numerous versions of Little Red Riding Hood across cultures,…
Let the Music Play! Let SUNMI Sing! – SUNMI Brings Refreshing Energy to London’s Troxy
Troxy, London. The clock strikes 8 pm, the lights fade away, and music begins to play. SUNMI, to the piercing cheers of her fans, appears on stage alongside her dancers. She commences her performance with Siren, an enchanting song from her 2018 EP, Warning, which is inspired by the retro beats of the 80s. Following…
“When I Listen To Music That I Like, My Heart Beats Way Too Fast” – In Conversation with SUNMI, a Singer, Dancer and Record Producer
What makes a great singer? It is hard to answer such a question. We all have our own music preferences, so it can be difficult to stay objective when discussing our favourite artists. However, when you find a singer who is able to deliver every note, every word, and every emotion, you will instantly know…
“The Roundup” Review
When The Outlaws, written and directed by Kang Yoon-sung, came out in 2017, the film became the third highest-grossing film of that year in South Korea. The production had enough thrills and suspense to satisfy even the most jaded sensation-seekers. It took a few years before the second instalment, The Roundup, was released onto the…
“Perhaps Love” Review
Do not be fooled by the title: Perhaps Love is not your typical rom-com. In fact, it is not a rom-com at all. This emotionally honest, amusing screwball comedy offers us different angles on what love is and what it can be, more in line with the Greek differentiations of the concept. The most interesting…
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