Amazon, Ecuador — From Sarayaku to Yasuni and Lago Agrio - a region devastated by the Chevron Texaco corporation -, several Indigenous communities are still trying to make their voices heard. Denouncing the social, cultural, environmental and human damage caused by oil extraction, these communities propose different alternatives. How does one rethink development? What solutions are to be found through education? Dialogue with those who resist and bringing forth other frameworks of society.
I was able to sit down and talk with up and coming producer and director Ryan Polomski who talked about his latest project Raymond Lewis: LA Legend. It's a documentary about basketball star Raymond Lewis and here is what I found out.
The plot could’ve really been interesting if the elements of lycanthropy was integrated with perhaps the struggle of identity of being LGBTQ+. It's an experience for so many that as they’re starting to realizing their true selves, they feel like a monster, especially if they come from unsupportive homes or communities. Instead, the horror and transformation elements seem thrown in without contemplation of how this could deepen the narrative.
While Mortals Sleep is enthralling quick-fix horror that offers thrills and excitement with such a short runtime and left me truly impressed with all levels of filmmaking.
I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good, and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be than me.
We chat with Penelope Lawson about her short film, The Dinner Party, her experience founding her own production company, and fun cinema.
So do I recommend that people see this movie, yes 100%, but do I think they are going to come out of it with 80 hot takes, yes 100%.
