Welcome to the roaring 20s, where CHARLEY CHASE AT HAL ROACH: THE LATE SILENTS (1927) brings the era's shine back to life. This painstakingly curated collection of silent shorts showcases Charley Chase's pivotal role in shaping comedy, not just of the time, but in general. With its historical significance and passionate restorations by CineMuseum LLC, this compilation is more than just a nostalgic trip; it explores the ingenuity of the silent era.

In HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN, director Andrew Walsh skillfully crafts a story as layered as Melbourne's unpredictable climate, transforming Eleanor Grey’s life from a chaotic moment in time into a finely painted portrait of personal growth. Olivia Fildes's performance as Eleanor perfectly captures the essence of a woman striving for renewal amidst the chaos of her past. From her first step into the ironically named boarding house "The Hotel California," her journey develops with raw emotional authenticity.

Stepping into the director’s chair with an unequivocal flair, Dylan Anglin presents PESADILLA. This film marries elements of indie cinema with the visceral thrills of the horror genre. Despite its shoestring budget and a tight filming schedule of just 25 days peppered with setbacks like equipment malfunctions and personal challenges, PESADILLA emerges as a raw exploration of grief and moral ambiguity, underscoring its cast and crew's tenacity and resolve.

As Tommaso Santambrogio unveils his directorial debut, THE OCEANS ARE THE REAL CONTINENTS, viewers are transported into a cinematic vision that frames the small town of San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba, in stark black-and-white. This transforms the city from a mere backdrop to a formation embodying the unresolved tensions between Cuba’s storied past and its unstable future. The film's ambiance becomes as palpable as the emotions of its characters, each frame a canvas for the interplay of light and shadow that narrates stories without words.

Venturing into the shadows of avant-garde cinema, RAMPO NOIR carves a niche as a quintessential example of horror and psychological depth. This anthology plunges into the abyss of the human psyche, presenting four distinct narratives that unravel the chilling tales of Edogawa Rampo. The film crafts a mosaic filled with intrigue and existential terror.

Under the expansive skies, SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA explores a compelling tale that merges the untamed beauty of nature with the meta aspects of filmmaking. This narrative binds the destinies of two men from worlds apart, each wrestling with their entrenched ideals in the rugged backdrop of Big Sky Country.

How can I best describe the new film, BIRDEATER? Well, it's best just to expect the unexpected! The film challenges traditional cinema by exploring deep, dark relational dynamics set against the untamed Australian outback. Directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir throw the audience into a psychological melange, where the line between reality and madness blurs under the intense heat of raw emotion. This film doesn’t just tell a story; it screams it from the barren expanses, making every frame a vision of the complexities of power, control, and the poison of toxic masculinity.

Director Gia Coppola explores the often-overlooked depths of a Las Vegas performer's life after “fame” in THE LAST SHOWGIRL. This film strips away the city’s sparkling facade to spotlight the realities of those who dazzle us onstage. Led by a powerhouse performance from Pamela Anderson as Shelly, the film invites us into the world of a longtime showgirl facing the twilight of her career. With a cast featuring the talents of Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd, and Brenda Song, Coppola crafts a tale rich with themes of perseverance, aging, and the price of artistic dedication.

Lucy Lawless’ directorial vision, NEVER LOOK AWAY, dives into the gritty reality of Margaret Moth, capturing her relentless spirit and undying courage. Moth, a New Zealand-born CNN cameraperson, navigated the battlefields of the 1990s, starting with the Desert Storm conflict. Lawless’ directorial eye moves beyond simple storytelling, immersing the audience in the complex depth of a woman whose life story is as intricate as the wars she documented.

From the first scene, SMILE AS YOU KILL defies the norms of indie thrillers, injecting a darkly humorous twist into its core. This clever concoction of comedy and tension grabs the audience right from the opening—a desperate man, gun in hand, pleading into the camera for life-saving funds. This stark and powerful image hooks viewers and sets the stage for a gritty exploration of ethical boundaries pushed to their limits. (I promise, some moments will make you laugh and then feel guilty about it.)

The "Road to..." series is a testament to the charm and ingenuity of classic Hollywood comedy. Over seven films, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, and others wove a delightful journey of humor, music, and romance that defined the genre and entertained audiences for over two decades. With each installment, the series evolved yet maintained the spirited chemistry and playful irreverence that made it iconic.

OUR DAD, DANIELLE, tells its story in a way that captures the essence of an intimate journey. It blends personal struggles with broader societal issues in a way that hooks viewers from the start. This documentary explores identity and acceptance within the LGBTQIA2S+ community, set against political and personal challenges. Arguably, it is one of the most personal tales of identity I can remember watching.

In Los Angeles, where sunshine is the norm, rain transforms the landscape into a canvas of mystery and suspense. In the film WHEN IT RAINS IN LA, directed by David M. Parks and starring Monroe Cline, Leslie Stratton, Mike Ferguson, and Eric Roberts, the weather becomes more than a backdrop—it’s a catalyst for the unfolding enigmatic narrative that marries elements of horror, mystery, and a dash of camp.

The 1970s horror scene was unlike any other era in the genre. BLOOD AND LACE combined psychological thriller elements with sinister plot twists that transcend conventional slasher norms. This film pioneered genre-defining elements and created a unique eerie tension that grips and terrifies its audience. As it journeys through chilling atmospheres and twisted corridors, BLOOD AND LACE ensures its place as a cult classic, leaving a lasting impression of disturbance.

Philippe Mora's THE BEAST WITHIN carved a unique niche in the horror genre by exploring dark secrets and eerie transformations, reflecting the spirit of 1980s horror cinema. The film, driven by Tom Holland and Edward Levy’s script, delves into the complex tale of identity, monstrous inheritance, and the shadows lurking in human nature.

The art world is constantly evolving, and a new chapter began (or was reinvented) with the advent of NFTs. MINTED chronicles these changes, showcasing the surging and subsequent decline (and possible resurgence?) of the NFT phenomenon. Directed by Nicholas Bruckman, this documentary takes us through the digital art revolution, highlighting the new avenues it opens for artists and its challenges.

ISABEL'S GARDEN offers viewers a storyline as layered and complex as the relationships it explores. This film delves into the life of Maya Carlile (Karen David,) whose unwavering career ambition is dramatically altered by the sudden death of her husband, Diego (Manuel Rafael Lozano.) Thrust into a new role as a stepmother to Isabel (Gabriela Flores,) her late husband's daughter, Maya finds herself navigating uncharted dynamics. The torn feelings further complicate the story by including Christina (Valery M. Ortiz), Diego’s ex-wife. This journey is further engulfed by Maya’s confrontation with Grace (Jayne Taini,) a character with plenty of secrets. The plot captures the challenges and intricacies of creating bonds not by blood but by choice. (believe it or not, the story is immensely personal, even with everything happening!)

In the lush spectacle that is LADY LIKE, we are whisked into the transformative life of Rex Wheeler, known on stage as Lady Camden, with a narrative that captures the essence of personal metamorphosis and artistic devotion. Directed by Luke Willis, the documentary does more than trace the steps of a performer; it paints a landscape of identity exploration and the relentless pursuit of one's voice against the crushing weight of expected societal norms.

Chantal Akerman's NO HOME MOVIE is a powerful, unflinching look at her mother Natalia's final days. This film strays far from the conventional documentary path to offer an authentic glimpse into the profound intimacy and inevitable detachment of approaching death. Here, Akerman does not sugarcoat or ease the viewer into a comfortable viewing experience; instead, she presents a stark reality filled with moments of silence that are as expressive as any dialogue. This is a film that you must be prepared for; make sure you’re in a good place before clicking play!

In the future of 3477, the classic narrative of Aladdin receives a bold transformation in ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM. Under the direction of Matt Busch, this adventure retools an ancient tale into an odyssey across time and technology. Aladdin (Erik Steele), an ambitious orphan, encounters mystical allies and formidable challenges on his journey, making this film a blend of lore and vision.

Stepping into the foggy shadows of 1930s England, INVITATION TO A MURDER brings a new addition to the spellbinding aura of a whodunit mystery flick with a visual flair that promises much but delivers an uneven narrative pace. While it beautifully captures the period's atmospheric charm, the film sometimes stumbles, but if you like KNIVES OUT or the 1985 classic CLUE, you’ll likely enjoy it!

Venturing into the shadows of World War II, a documentary fascinates with its tale of valor and endurance. It traces the fate of a Japanese freighter, doomed by a torpedo strike in 1942, setting the stage for an exploration of human resilience. Central to its narrative is the heroic rescue by Chinese fishermen who, at great peril, saved British POWs from the icy clutches of the sea. This film reframes the wartime narrative, highlighting the often-missed acts of compassion and courage that unfold during the direst times.

I have a fond nostalgic connection to this film, but I don’t remember why. I must’ve watched it at a critical time in my film education, and I still love it! From the moment SNAKE EYES begins, it’s clear that visionary Brian De Palma has crafted a thriller that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you straight into its chaotic world. With Nicolas Cage as our lead, Rick Santoro, a brash and morally ambiguous detective, the movie thrives on high energy, slick visuals, and an exploration of power and deceit. Packed with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of the theatrical, this film walks a fine line between innovative and indulgent. Without question, the film has a very late 90s vibe, but this world has never looked better, thanks to this 4K presentation!

Arthur Dong's latest curated set from Kino Lorber is an ambitious foray into the lives and struggles of the Asian American and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. This collection isn’t just another series of documentaries; it’s a deep dive into history and identity through eight films, each bringing perspective on these underrepresented communities' social challenges and victories. This series provides a cinematic exploration of these rich narratives, demonstrating Dong’s ability to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.