Never underestimate opportunity and the vision of innovative genius.

Even one as horrific as the seafaring Devil may deserve a bit of sympathy. His job to separate mankind from God so the Christmas Child can bring them together is a bitter, noxious one. This and the play's other messages shine in the fullness of glory in this production.

A confusing play about teenage angst, with a twist that seemed to perplex many in the audience.

At night, the blooms seem to vibrate transcendently. You smell dense aromas of the chocolate, vanilla, jasmine, and lemon scents of the dancing-lady orchids. Especially during these Orchid Evenings, the senses delight.

First Reformed screened as a “Festival Favorite at SXSW. Paul Schrader’s film presents conundrum after conundrum, slippery slope after slippery slope. This drama as a twisting, stark thriller strikes at the heart of our questions about purpose, consequence and soul strength. When one has nothing to live for, does redemption …

The World Premiere documentary The Director and the Jedi by Anthony Wonke screened with great buzz as a “Spotlight” film at SXSW Film Festival. Mark Hamill appeared on the Red Carpet and stayed for the screening and the Q and A afterward with Rian Johnson. Naturally, fans crushed my feet …

"Blindspotting" is an homage to Oakland, its vital neighborhoods, and street lifestyles. On the other hand, the storyline echoes warnings about race, class and social inequality that characterize yet move beyond Oakland, California.

Opioids jeopardize the immune system and addict the patient. Cannabis alleviates pain and inflammation and promotes healing. Why can't citizens choose life and healing with a nontoxic herbal over chemical toxins which addict the user and destroy the liver and kidneys? This becomes one of the film's main themes. The desperate parents profiled in it chose life for their children. Cannabis oil was there for them. What if it wasn't?

Outside In screened its U.S. Premiere at SXSW Film Festival in the "Narrative Spotlight." Directed by Lynn Shelton, written by Lynn Shelton and Jay Duplass, the quiet drama/romance uplifts.

Director/screenwriter Shana Feste presented her engaging and robust feature world premiere 'Boundaries' at SXSW Film Festival.