SummaryAlex Lebovici shares his first movie memory and discusses his love for cinema. He talks about going to the theater with his parents and how they would watch movies at home almost every night. Alex also talks about his experience with different movie theater formats, such as drive-ins and 4D theaters. He discusses how his taste in movies evolved over time and how he started choosing his own movies as a teenager. He shares how the movie 'Bowfinger' inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking and talks about his experience in film school. Alex Lebovici and Jessica Kantor discuss their experiences with movies and their children in this conversation. They talk about introducing their kids to different films, dealing with scary scenes, and creating a safe, enjoyable movie-watching experience. They also discuss the film 'Boy Kills World' and how personal taste and the marketplace influence the projects they choose. The conversation touches on the power of movies to transport and inspire and the importance of creating unique and honest films.See Boy Kills World in theaters as of Friday, 4/26/2024. TakeawaysMovie memories can be formed at a young age and can have a lasting impact.Different movie theater formats offer unique experiences.Taste in movies can evolve over time and be influenced by various factors.The movie 'Bowfinger' inspired Alex Lebovici to pursue a career in filmmaking.Film schools can provide opportunities to explore and appreciate a wide range of films. Introducing children to movies can be a fun and exciting experience, but it's important to consider their age and sensitivity to scary scenes.Creating a safe and comfortable movie-watching environment, whether at home or in a theater, can enhance the enjoyment of the film.Personal taste and the marketplace play a role in the projects that filmmakers choose to produce.The film 'Boy Kills World' combines comedy, innocence, horror, and thriller elements, creating a unique and unexpected viewing experience.Movies have the power to transport and inspire and can create lasting memories and connections with loved ones.International travel can provide opportunities to explore different theaters and experience movies with diverse audiences.The film 'Road to Perdition' is recommended as a movie to show children in their early teens, as it showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of filmmaking.TitlesThe Impact of Film SchoolEvolution of Movie Preferences Boy Kills World: A Unique Blend of GenresRoad to Perdition: A Cinematic MasterpieceChapters00:00 First Movie Memories and Early Cinema Experiences06:03 Evolution of Movie Preferences15:03 The Movie That Inspired a Filmmaking Career31:20 Boy Kills World: A Unique Blend of Genres38:56 Exploring Movies in Different Theaters and Cultures New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode, Jessica Kantor talks through highlights of the previous 48 Raising Cinephiles Interviews. She discusses how movies can create conversation starters and shared memories between parents and children. She also explores the topic of when to show kids certain films and the impact of cinema on a child's perspective. Additionally, she highlights the spark of curiosity that movies can ignite in children and how cinema can open up their point of view to the world. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to screen time.Keywords movies, kids, shared experiences, conversation starters, memories, when to show, impact, curiosity, diversity, careers, imagination, play, screen timeTakeawaysMovies create shared experiences and memories between parents and children.Watching movies can be a bridge for discussing social issues with kids.Choosing the right time to show kids certain films is important.Movies can spark curiosity and inspire children's interests.Cinema introduces diversity and different perspectives to children.Movies can inspire careers and creative play.Quality content is more important than quantity when it comes to screen time.EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode, Stephen Moyer, an actor, director, and producer, shares his early movie memories and influences. As a child, he recalls attending Saturday morning pictures and being captivated by Laurel, Hardy, and The Lone Ranger. Stephen also discusses the sentimental value of his childhood toys and the importance of preserving memories. He then delves into his journey into filmmaking, from discovering his passion for acting to realizing the possibility of a career in film. Stephen reflects on the transition from theatre to film and the challenges and adaptations that come with it. In this conversation, Steve Moyer discusses his experience introducing movies to his children and balancing family life with filmmaking. He shares how he and his wife worked together as creative partners and managed to create parallel experiences for their children to enjoy being kids while their parents worked.  Stephen also talks about the development process of his film A Bit of Light and how he found hope in difficult subject matter. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and healing in storytelling.  The film will be available in theaters and on streaming Friday, April 5th, 2024. A BIT OF LIGHTDIRECTED & PRODUCED BY STEPHEN MOYER STARRING & PRODUCED BY ACADEMY-AWARD WINNER ANNA PAQUIN & BAFTA-AWARD NOMINEE RAY WINSTONE A Bit of Light | Official TrailerA Bit of Light, directed by Stephen Moyer from a screenplay by Rebecca Callard—based on her Bruntwood Prize-nominated play of the same name. The film stars Academy® Award winner Anna Paquin [True Blood, X-Men, Flack)], Bafta-Award Nominee Ray Winstone [currently in Netflix's Damsel & The Gentlemen,The Departed, Black Widow], Pippa Bennett-Warner [Gangs Of London, See How They Run], BAFTA nominee Youssef Kerkour [Home], and in his big screen debut Luca Hogan. Moyer, who can currently be seen in Paramount +’s Sexy Beast, the final two episodes he directed, also helmed several episodes of True Blood and Amazon Prime Video’s Flack, starring Paquin and executive produced by the pair.  He made his feature directing debut with The Parting Glass, also produced by Moyer/Paquin. A Bit of Light unfolds as an intimate story about a recovering alcoholic named Ella (Paquin). A series of tough breaks forces Ella to move back in with her father, Alan (Winstone), while her daughters are under the care of her ex-husband, Joseph (Kerkour), and his new partner, Bethan (Bennett-Warner). Mired in guilt, the protagonist finds herself in fights with Joseph and Bethan about the kids and Alan over AA meetings. However, an unlikely friendship with Neil (Hogan) opens her eyes to taking responsibility and making the changes she needs to make.Produced by ANNA PAQUIN, STEPHEN MOYER, PHIL GLYNN AND AXEL KUSCHEVATZKY (Infinity Hill), ISABELLE GEORGEAUX (Pont Neuf Productions).TakeawaysChildhood movie experiences can have a lasting impact on a person's love for film.Nostalgia and sentimental value can be attached to childhood toys and movies.Discovering a passion for filmmaking can lead to a career in the industry.Transitioning from theatre to film requires learning new techniques and adapting to different challenges.Chapters00:00Introduction and First Movie Memories02:24Early Film Influences06:02Childhood Toys and Nostalgia08:13Family Movie Watching09:38Discovering a Passion for Making Movies14:08Realizing the Possibility of a Career in Film22:27Exploring Filmmaking Techniques25:32Challenges and Adaptations in Filmmaking35:55Introducing Movies to Kids37:30Working as Creative Partners39:19Family Dynamic on Set44:36Coming to the Material of A Bit of Light46:30Finding Hope in Difficult Subject Matter48:48Healing and Authenticity in A Bit of Light51:22Introducing Film to Children in Different Generations55:07Creating a Love for Cinema in Children New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode, Jessica Kantor interviews Christina Ybarra, the Director of education and Public Engagement at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. They discuss their first movie memories and their movie experiences growing up. They also explore the challenges and strategies of getting younger generations to sit through longer films and engage with cinema. Christina shares insights from her work with the museum's teen council and the interest young people have in the craft of filmmaking. They also discuss the importance of representation in films and the desire for more coming-of-age stories. Finally, they talk about the experience of bringing young children to the movie theater and the need for more family-friendly screenings. In this conversation, Christina Ybarra discusses how she introduces her daughter to cinema and the transition between TV and film. She also shares the goals of the museum's programming, including creating an intergenerational and accessible experience. Christina talks about upcoming programs and workshops, including a teen-led film festival. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a creative community and the impact of the Academy Museum. Finally, she recommends the movie Willy Wonka as a great introduction to cinema for children.TakeawaysMovies can be a powerful storytelling tool and create lasting memories and experiences.Younger generations are interested in the craft of filmmaking and want to learn about every aspect of the process.Representation and authentic storytelling are important to young audiences.Engaging young children in cinema can be a challenge, but early morning screenings and relaxed atmospheres can help create positive experiences.Family workshops and programs can provide opportunities for families to explore and enjoy cinema together. Introducing children to cinema can be done through a variety of platforms, including TV shows, films, and YouTube videos.The Academy Museum aims to create intergenerational and accessible programming that allows families to have a shared experience.Upcoming programs at the museum include a careers and film summit for high school students and a teen-led film festival.Fostering a creative community is important for young filmmakers, and the museum provides opportunities for collaboration and learning.The Academy Museum is a new institution that aims to preserve cinema history and celebrate the films of the past and present.Chapters00:00Introduction and First Movie Memory01:13Movie Experience Growing Up06:10Exposure to Advanced Movies as a Younger Sibling08:30Using Movies to Have Conversations11:03Getting Younger Generations to Sit Through Longer Films13:01Emotional vs. Intellectual Processing of Movies15:20Teen Council and Interest in Film Craft21:03Engaging Young Children in Cinema22:17Family Workshops and Early Morning Screenings23:01Movie Theater Experiences with Young Children24:06Introducing Children to Cinema28:37Goals for Museum Programming33:02Upcoming Programs and Workshops36:40Teen-Led Film Festival39:36Creating a Creative Community43:24The Academy Museum and its Impact49:33Recommendation: Willy Wonka New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode, actress and producer Shanti Lowry discusses her passion for cinema and the impact of movies on her life. She shares her first movie memory and its profound effect on her. Shanti also talks about her moviegoing experiences with her family and the conversations that followed. She reflects on the role of movies in shaping her desire to become an actor and the importance of representation on screen. Finally, she discusses her film 'Persona' and the challenges of finding the right distribution for independent films. In this conversation, Shanti Lowry and Jessica Kantor discuss the challenges and joys of balancing work and motherhood in the film industry. They explore the importance of supporting female filmmakers and creating opportunities for women in the industry. They also share their experiences of involving their children in the filmmaking process and the impact it has on their lives. The conversation highlights the significance of age-appropriate films and the role of movies as teaching tools. They conclude by discussing the movies they recommend to make children fall in love with cinema.TakeawaysMovies have the power to create a shift in the audience and evoke deep emotions.Conversations about movies can enhance the viewing experience and foster understanding and empathy.The film industry should strive for better representation and diverse storytelling.The future of cinema and theaters is uncertain, but there is still a need for the communal experience of watching movies on the big screen.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Film Background00:54 First Movie Memory03:01 Influence of Siblings on Movie Choices04:20 Impact of Conversations about Movies06:03 Decision to Become an Actor08:32 Movies as a Tool for Learning10:02 Using Movies to Teach History11:51 Appreciating Films with Depth12:19 The Importance of Craft in Movies13:03 Subjectivity of Art and Taste14:14 The Future of Cinema and Theaters25:31 Distribution Plans for 'Persona'27:33 Supporting Female Filmmakers28:23 Balancing Work and Motherhood29:35 Involving Children in Filmmaking31:34 The Impact of Children on Set33:42 The Role of Grandparents35:04 Introducing Children to Movies36:08 Choosing Age-Appropriate Films37:03 Movies as Teaching Tools38:29 Creating a Cinematic Experience40:08 Movies That Inspire43:05 Movies That Make You Fall in Love with Cinema New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In a new regular monthly episode format, What We're Watching, Jessica Kantor and Lily Vonnegut discuss the movies they are watching with their children of varying ages (2, 8, and 10) and how their children are reacting. They also share what they are watching and what's inspiring them. Lily's Picks for Wyatt (10) and Jack (8):Father of the Bride: Both boys loved it, especially Martin Short's character.Parent Trap: A favorite inspired Jack to want to go to sleepaway camp.My Girl: They liked the soundtrack and the innocence of the 70s setting.The Breakfast Club: Lily plans to show this next, exploring themes of adolescence and relationships.Jack's Movie Preferences:Interested in filmmaking and movie history.Enjoys classic movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off.Wants to watch Jaws, but Lily is hesitant due to the intensity.Jessica's Picks for Miles (2):Monsters, Inc.: Helped him overcome his fear of monsters.Elemental: A new Pixar movie they enjoyed watching together.Winnie the Pooh: Jessica sees a deeper meaning in the Heffalumps storyline.What Lily's Watching Herself:Anne of Green Gables: A nostalgic revisit from her childhood.What Jessica's Watching Herself:Killing of a Sacred Deer & Poor Things: Elevated horror movies for research.War Games: Considers showing this to Wyatt and Jack due to its relatable teenage protagonist.General Discussion:Kids' movies today are longer and lack the tight storytelling of older movies.Trailers reveal too much, diminishing the mystery and excitement of movies.Importance of exposing children to a variety of films, including older ones.Lily recommends Now and Then for her kidsLily suggests Curious George  for Miles.Key Takeaways:Movie choices should consider the child's age, interests, and maturity level.Classic movies can offer valuable lessons and entertainment for children.Sharing movie experiences with children can be a bonding activity.  New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode of the Raising Cinephiles podcast, Jessica Kantor interviews the Nelms Brothers, Esham, and Ian, who are independent film directors. They discuss their first movie memories, growing up watching movies, discovering their different tastes in films, and their inspiration to make movies. They also talk about their preparation process and collaboration as co-directors. The conversation covers topics such as the power of reading movie scripts, the growth and confidence of filmmakers, introducing movies to children, the impact of movies on children, creating movie theater experiences for children, the nostalgia of physical media and movie discovery, the loss of tangible media and movie discovery, and memories of Miramax and working in the film industry. The conversation also touches on the importance of separating the art from the artist. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the impact of wildness and deviance in films. They explore how wild characters can bring brilliance to a story and how it's important to keep that wildness on the screen. Their film,  RED RIGHT HAND, is in theaters on 2/23/24. View the trailer. TakeawaysChildhood movie experiences can have a profound impact on one's love for cinema.Watching movies together as siblings can create a shared language and taste in films.Making movies requires collaboration, preparation, and a willingness to learn and improve.Having a distinct vision and understanding each other's strengths can enhance the co-director dynamic.Chapters00:00Introduction and First Movie Memories05:27Growing Up and Watching Movies10:27Discovering Different Tastes in Movies22:14Inspiration to Make Movies28:12Preparation and Collaboration33:28The Power of Reading Movie Scripts36:10The Growth and Confidence of Filmmakers37:42Introducing Movies to Children39:12The Impact of Movies on Children44:44The Influence of Movie Content on Children46:33Creating Movie Theater Experiences for Children51:36The Nostalgia of Physical Media and Movie Discovery59:45The Loss of Tangible Media and Movie Discovery01:00:42Memories of Miramax and Working in the Film Industry01:01:49Separating the Art from the Artist01:02:18The Brilliance of Wildness New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

In this episode, Roma Roth, a writer, showrunner, and entrepreneur in the film industry, shares her first movie memories and how they influenced her love for cinema. She discusses her transition from anthropology to the film industry and why she chose romance as her genre of choice. Roma also talks about balancing motherhood and her career and how she introduces her children to cinema. She shares her role models and inspirations in the industry. The conversation covers future projects, IP-driven development, passion projects, pitching, and movies to inspire a love for cinema.ROMA ROTHRoma Roth is the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the CW/CTV/Fremantle Canadian series SULLIVAN’S CROSSING starring Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson.  Based on the Robyn Carr novel, the show became the #1 Canadian drama when it premiered, drawing higher numbers than any Canadian drama in the last three years. Following its premiere on The CW in the U.S., the show quickly became the #1 drama series on the network. Roth's previously executive produced the successful series VIRGIN RIVER for Netflix. Also based on Carr's book of the same name, Roth was instrumental in bringing the show to life.  Now heading into its sixth season, Virgin River has become a global phenomenon, and is one of only a handful of shows to spend 100 days on Netflix’s top ten list.  In addition to being a writer and director, Roma is also President of Reel World Management (RWM), a production and distribution company that develops, finances and produces features and TV series. Roma has also written and/or produced over 70 TV movies as well as multiple episodes for Sullivan's Crossing's first season. She has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and is a member of the WGA, WGC, DGC, PGA, and the Television Academy. TakeawaysEarly movie experiences can have a lasting impact on a person's love for cinema.Choosing a specific genre, such as romance, can help connect with a dedicated audience.Balancing motherhood and a career in the film industry can be challenging, but having a supportive partner and open communication can help.Movies can be used as a tool for conversations and teaching important lessons to children.Having role models and inspirations in the industry can help shape one's career path. Established filmmakers have more creative freedom in the industry.IP-driven development is a common approach to reach a wide audience.Passion projects allow filmmakers to explore their personal interests.Persistence is key in the pitching process.Blade Runner and the new Planet of the Apes are recommended movies to inspire a love for cinema.Chapters00:00 Introduction and First Movie Memories03:24 Early Movie Experiences and Love for Cinema08:10Transition from Anthropology to Film Industry12:16 Choosing Romance as a Genre16:27 Creating Drama with Romance19:17 Balancing Motherhood and Career26:33 Introducing Children to Cinema31:10 Using Movies for Conversations37:20 Role Models and Inspirations40:06 Future Projects and Creative Freedom41:01 IP-Driven Development Slate42:17 Passion Projects43:20 Pitching and Persistence44:06 Movies to Inspire Love for Cinema New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Dr. Yalda Uhls joins host Jessica Kantor and discusses the effect of storytelling on our kids. They discuss how media shapes children's worldview and how it's not how much a child watches but what they are watching that truly matters. Yalda T. Uhls, a former senior exec at MGM and Sony, left the movie world to study child development, earning a Ph.D. in Psychology at UCLA. Uhls recently founded The Center for Scholars & Storytellers, an organization dedicated to bridging the work of child development researchers and youth content creators. Uhls is also an assistant adjunct professor at UCLA where she does research on how media affect the social behavior of tweens and teens and teaches a class on Digital Media and Human Development. She is an advisor for YouTube Kids and Family, The Bill and Melinda Gates Equitable Future project, Common Sense Media and the Jacobs Foundations Learning and Science Exchange and the author of the parenting book Media Moms & Digital Dads: A Fact not Fear Approach to Parenting in the Digital Age. Research conducted by Dr. Uhls has been featured in Time Magazine, the NY Times, USA Today, NPR and many others, and published in academic journals such as Developmental Psychology and Computers in Human Behavior. New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Erik Davis joins Jessica Kantor on Raising Cinephiles. They discuss film discovery, how that's evolved for today's audience, and the first movies his kids fell in love with!Erik Davis is a proven leader and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the digital media space; Erik is a deeply dedicated, passionate, and motivated collaborator who has worked on hundreds of theatrical and home entertainment titles and helped grow the Fandango network to over 100 million subscribers across platforms.Additionally, as one of the nation's leading movie commentators, Erik brings over a decade of experience writing about movies for Fandango, Movies.com, AOL Moviefone, Cinematical and others, as well as talking extensively about movies on television, YouTube, podcasts and radio.Erik has appeared regularly on The TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, CNN, MSNBC, New York Live, Good Day NY, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, Cheddar, CNBC, PBS and more, and he has sat on the "Masters of the Web" panel at San Diego Comic-Con three times, as well as hosted panels at SXSW and inside Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con. Erik is also a proud voting member of the Critics Choice Association, and he has hosted dozens of interviews with many of the biggest names in entertainment.Erik has worked with and edited over 100 different writers, many of whom are now at places like the New York Times, The Daily Beast, MTV News, LA Weekly, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Indiewire, the LA Times, Business Insider, and a bunch of other sites you read daily. Erik is on Twitter @erikdavis, and is verified with over 90,000 followers. New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Barnaby Clay joins host Jessica Kantor this week on Raising Cinephiles. Barnaby shares his introduction to horror films and how that's shaped his filmmaking. Barnaby discusses his new film, The Seeding, and how a TV show from his early childhood unconsciously inspired ideas in the film. The Seeding will be in select theaters and on digital January 26th. And finally, they discuss the challenge of introducing our children to cinema with all the competing content.  About Barnaby Clay: Prior to The Seeding, Barnaby directed the documentary SHOT! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock which chronicles the story of legendary rock photographer Mick Rock. His award-winning short films include Carousel, starring Chloe Sevigny, and Sickdog, starring Tunde Adebimpe and Natasha Lyonne.While his new movie has its feet firmly planted in the horror/thriller genre, Barnaby's background is rooted in the music and art space, having directed numerous music videos for bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs and TV On The Radio and creating unique art installations like Live On MarsRevisited, a reimagining of the Mick Rock directed video for David Bowie's "Life On Mars". He also regularly collaborates with Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O (who he's also married to), including the immersive installation An Encounter With Lux Prima, which was done in collaboration with Danger Mouse.  New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Producer Monica Levinson joins Jessica Kantor on Raising Cinephiles. We discuss the grit and tenacity it takes to work in the industry, seeing her Jewish culture in movies and how that shaped her taste, and how she shares her world with her nieces and nephews.  Monica Levinson is a prolific film and television producer with an expansive career of diverse projects. Working alongside top innovators in entertainment, she is frequently lauded for her passion to protect and further the creative aspects of filmmaking, with a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.Her recent credits include: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (for which she won the 2021 Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, and has been nominated by the Producers Guild for the PGA Awards' Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures), Tara Miele's Wander Darkly, David Oyelowo's The Water Man, Aaron Sorkin's The Trial Of The Chicago 7, and "Women In Film: Make it Work!" (CW's virtual benefit highlighting WIG's #HireHerBack initiative).Levinson served as President of Production of ShivHans Pictures from its inception in 2014 through 2019 and oversaw all aspects of film and television development, production, post-production, financing, and distribution turnover. There she produced a distinctive slate of projects including Trumbo, Captain Fantastic, Beirut, The Polka King, and Brian Banks.Before joining ShivHans, Levinson's credits include Borat, Bruno, Zoolander, Dodgeball, and Larry David's Clear History. Starting her career in broadcast news in her hometown of Washington, D.C., she made her transition into narrative storytelling working with visionary directors including Alan J. Pakula and Sidney Lumet.Levinson is an executive board member of AMPAS (Producers Branch), PGA, DGA, and on the leadership team for Women's Production Society. On films she produces, she started a training program for underrepresented groups, is a founding member of INDIE (representing independent films in various endeavors), mentors young filmmakers, and often guest lectures at universities.   New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

To kick off 2024, Oscar-nominated producer Axel Kuschevatzky joins host Jessica  Kantor on Raising Cinephiles. We discuss his unconventional career path, his sharing his passion for cinema with his family, and the state of international film finance!  Axel Kuschevatzky is a veteran movie producer with more than 80 feature credits. His film Argentina, 1985, was nominated for an Oscar in 2023 in the best foreign film category. In November 2019, he teamed with producers Phin Glynn and Cindy Teperman to launch L.A, London, and Buenos Aires-based company Infinity Hill to develop and produce both feature films and TV series. Among their first projects are "The Doorman," starring Ruby Rose and Jean Reno, directed by Ryûhei Kitamura; the Berlin Film Festival contender "The Intruder" and the hit TV series "Staged," for BBC One starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen. New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Vanessa Simmons joins host Jessica Kantor this week on Raising Cinephiles. They discuss how the film Clueless inspired Vanessa's pursuit of fashion and how her artistry as an actress continues to evolve as we embark on our fourth decade. Vanessa also discussed her online community, U4IA (Euphoria), and how important it is to create a foundation of healthy beauty and wellness as an example for our children. Vanessa Simmons is a model, actress, entrepreneur, and eldest daughter of hip-hop legend Rev Run of RUN DMC – she is best known for appearing on the iconic reality series RUN’S HOUSE on MTV, which chronicled the lives of the Simmons family and followed she and her sister Angela as they built their sneaker line, Pastry. Vanessa is also a dedicated beauty & wellness enthusiast and is the founder of U4IA (pronounced euphoria), an online community built around fact-based beauty & wellness tips and mental health awareness. LINKSVanessa Simmons IG: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/U4IA IG: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/U4IA Website: https://www.u4ianow.com/ New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Neil Turitz joins host Jessica Kantor this week on Raising Cinphiles. Neil is an extra special guest for Jessica since they partnered together on a newsletter called Film News Briefs, which had a profound impact on both of their careers. Neil Turitz is a journalist, essayist, author, and filmmaker who has worked in and written about Hollywood for more than 25 years, though he has never lived there. These days, he splits his time between New York City and the Berkshires. He’s not on Twitter, but you can find him on Instagram @6wordreviews.Read Neil's article, The Accidental Turitz: Earth Has a New Resident and There Is Much to Teach Him (About Movies)z New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Simon Cellan Jones joins host Jessica Kantor on Raising Cinephiles. They discuss how his own family life inspired his new film, The Family Plan, which is streaming on Apple TV+ starting December 15, 2023. Simon also discusses his love of genre-bending stories that stem from growing up loving the film Bugsy Malone.  From directing BAFTA-winning programs in the UK to working in the U.S. with big names like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Jason Momoa, Alexander Skarsgård, Keri Russell, and more, filmmaker Simon Cellan (pronounced Keth-Lan) Jones now delivers his biggest film to date with an action comedy for the whole family.  Simon has spent his career honing his craft and demonstrating a command behind the camera across a wide array of genres and turning in award-winning work in the process.Having grown up in/around the industry, one of his earliest memories is as an extra alongside Glenda Jackson in a film directed by his dad, the late James Cellan Jones.  From there, life would take him through many experiences before finding his way as a director, starting with a job in the mailroom at 20th Century Fox London, where he'd find himself holed up in the screening room much of the time watching films from the projection booth. From there, he would detour into photography, embedding himself as a civilian in the war-torn areas of Beirut, Russia, and Afghanistan, capturing impactful, hard-hitting visuals that would influence his work upon returning to film/TV. New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Carrie Coon joins host Jessica Kantor on Raising Cinephiles to discuss her introduction to cinema at her grandparent's house and a discovery of how her introduction to cinema may have an influence on bringing Bertha Russell to life in The Gilded Age. Season two is now streaming on Max. Originally from Copley, OH, Carrie Coon is a Chicago-based theatre, television and film actress. She received a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Mount Union and her MFA in Acting at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Coon was nominated for a Tony Award in the Best Featured Actress category for her Broadway debut as Honey in the transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre's production of "Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", directed by Pam MacKinnon. Although Coon did not win in 2013, the production was awarded Best Revival, Best Director (MacKinnon) and Best Actor (Tracy Letts).  New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Luca De Laurentiis joins Jessica on this week's podcast.  Luca is a film producer who has expanded into the role of executive producer in commercial and branded innovation. He comes from a generation of filmmakers, including his grandfather, the legendary Dino Di Laurentiis, who made the 1976 King Kong, amongst other incredible films. Dino gave Luca his start, and now he's looking forward to sharing his love of cinema with his one-year-old daughter.Luca started his production journey working on feature films, television, and branded content.  As a producer, Luca evolved with the times, curiosity pushing his limits to work outside the traditional boundaries. In 2015, as a confounding member of UNIT9 North America, Luca began exploring integrated production. He became a pioneer in working with emerging technology and building teams that allowed them to create the unthinkable. They experimented with machine learning, generative art, custom prototyping, and Ai. Most recently, Luca has been working with the team at VTPRO Design, where they play with bespoke hardware and have fun with robotics. Luca helped attract a new data set of clients while encouraging  partners to keep pushing the limits. Luca is now consulting and advising with new and emerging companies such as 3D anamorphic content houses out of Barcelona, BCN, and Toronto-based tech partner ZeMind.Movies Discussed Include:PinocchioHome AloneTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesCity SlickersDumb and dumberHannibalMan of LamonchaSwimming with SharksI’m a born liarThe ClockPinocchio (new)LucaHarry PotterThe Wizard of OzGood Will Hunting New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

Gelila Bekele joins Jessica Kantor on Raising Cinephiles, and they talk about her most recent film, MAXINE’S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY, which is available to stream globally on Prime Video. Gelila discusses her journey into discovering cinema and how it led to this most recent film, a generational story about healing and resilience. Gelila Bekele is a model and a documentary filmmaker. Her modeling career began in 2006, appearing in leading magazines, beauty campaigns, and numerous publications. She is a devoted global advocate for young girls' right to equal opportunities, with a focus on fundamental necessities and education.Her mission of bringing a voice to under-recognized global issues has birthed a creative platform that increases awareness and allows for exhibition through storytelling. In 2013, Gelila began her narrative and documentary film career. Her most recent releases at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and Berlinale Mai: Life is not Honey (Director) and Anbessa (Executive Producer) The Model Activists 2017 ( Director). Gelila is the author of the book Guzo! (2018), which documents the daily lives of native Ethiopians centering on customs, cultural traditions, religious practices and dwellings. New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram 

 Alex Winter joins Jessica Kantor this week on Raising Cinephiles. Alex is an actor and filmmaker; you might recognize his voice from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure or not because he won't be in character. He came on this week to discuss a film he directed, The YouTube Effect, which explores how YouTube is affecting culture from many different angles.Alex Winter is a director, writer and actor who has worked across film, television and theater.Winter entered show business as a child actor with co-starring roles on Broadway in The King & I and Peter Pan, and came to prominence in movies such as Warner Bros’ hit The Lost Boys and the wildly popular Bill & Ted franchise. As a filmmaker, Winter’s narrative features include the cult classic Freaked, for 20th Century Fox and the critically acclaimed Fever, for Lionsgate, which screened in the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.Winter is the founder of Trouper Productions, which services his documentary work. In 2020, Winter released two new documentary feature films; Showbiz Kids, premiered on HBO to widespread critical acclaim, garnering a Critics Choice nomination for Best Score. Followed by  Zappa, the first all-access documentary on the life and times of Frank Zappa. The Kickstarter campaign for this project was the highest funded documentary in crowdfunding history. Zappa was released by Magnolia Pictures to widespread critical acclaim. A Critics Pick in the New York Times, Zappa was nominated for Best Music Documentary by the Critics Choice Awards.The highly anticipated third installment in the Bill & Ted franchise,  Bill & Ted Face The Music, opened in August, 2020, as the number one movie both in the U.S. and the UK, and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.Previous documentary work includes The Panama Papers, about the biggest global corruption scandal in history and the journalists who worked in secret and at great risk to break the story. A multiple award-winner, The Panama Papers is executive produced by Laura Poitras, opened to a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and is out now on Hulu, AmazonPrime and Epix in the US. Also in release worldwide is Trust Machine, about the rise of bitcoin and the blockchain, available on VOD.Deep Web is about the online black market Silk Road, and the trial of its creator Ross Ulbricht. The film premiered on the Epix network, opening as the #1 documentary on iTunes and earning a Cinema Eye nomination among several award wins. Deep Web is now available for streaming and VOD. Downloaded is a VH1 RockDoc about Napster and the digital revolution. The film premiered at SXSW, garnering worldwide critical acclaim at theatrical and festival screenings.Just completed is Winter’s next feature documentary, The YouTube Effect. Produced by Winter/Trouper Productions in partnership with Gale Anne Hurd/Valhalla Entertainment and Glen Zipper. The film had its world premiere at Tribeca in June, 2022, completed a sold-out theatrical run in July of 2023 and is now being released worldwide on digital beginning August 8, 2023, from Drafthouse Films.Films Discussed:The Yellow Submarine Match GameLittle RascalsThe GeneralSherlock JrHoly Grail (Monty Python)Willy WonkaWest Side StoryNapster Doc New Episodes Every Wednesday!EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia MurphyBe sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on  Instagram