Thursday , June 11 2026

Independent Cinema

SXSW Film World Premiere: ‘Weed the People’ Abby Epstein, Ricki Lake

Weed the People, Abby Epstein, Ricki Lake, SXSW FF screening & Q and A

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?

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SXSW Movie Review: ‘A Vigilante’ Starring Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde, A Vigilante, World Premiere ,SXSW Film Festival

Premiering at SXSW,  A Vigilante directed, written by Sarah Daggar-Nickson, and starring Olivia Wilde, highlights the plight of an abused wife who seeks freedom from her abuser. During the arc of the film as a vigilante, the protagonist gradually empowers herself. Working through her rage she evolves and learns why she …

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SXSW World/US Premieres: ‘Take Your Pills,’ ‘Half the Picture,’ ‘Ali & Cavett, The Tale of the Tapes’

SXSW Film Festival, Generation Wealth

The SXSW Film Festival 2018 included 136 feature films: 89 World Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, 6 U.S. Premieres, and 49 feature films from first-time filmmakers.

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TIFF, NYFF Movie Review: ‘Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,’ Oscar Nominated Documentary

Thomas Sung, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, Steve James

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail by Steve James nominated for an Academy Award in the Documentary Feature Category sends an alarm to every thinking citizen in our culture. Indeed, the film reminds Americans of what remains crucial for a democracy to function. Equitable justice and accountability must thrive. Often it …

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Movie Review: ‘Django’

Étienne Comar, Romani people Reda Kateb, Django Reinhardt, Django

Django Reinhardt needs no introduction to jazz and blues aficionados. Indeed, Reinhardt remains one of the greatest jazz guitarists and composers of the twentieth century. Interestingly, Reinhardt rose above his impoverished background to become celebrated, and he became the first notable jazz talent to emerge from Europe. Consequently, his skills …

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