Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - January 26, 2025
To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.
-Danny Boyle
Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - January 26, 2025
Here are some filmmaking articles that we found interesting the past week. We hope you enjoy!
IndieWire – Brian Welk
The lineup includes a mix of star-studded premieres and promising indie discoveries. Notable titles include “Jimpa,” “Rebuilding” starring Josh O’Connor, and “Love, Brooklyn.” The article emphasizes that uniqueness is key this year, with buyers looking for unexpected hits rather than just big-name casts or commercial premises. Some standout films mentioned are “The Thing With Feathers” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, the supernatural body horror “Together” with Alison Brie and Dave Franco, and “Omaha” starring John Magaro. The piece also notes that last year’s unexpected success of “Thelma” has encouraged distributors to take more risks on indie films this year.
The Hollywood Reporter – Mia Galuppo
Justin Lin, renowned for his work on the “Fast & Furious” franchise, has made a return to independent filmmaking with “Last Days,” a psychological thriller set in Taiwan premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This marks Lin’s first non-English language feature, drawing from his Taiwanese heritage. In the interview, Lin discusses his motivation to revisit indie filmmaking after years of big-budget projects, highlighting the creative freedom and challenges of working on a smaller scale. He reflects on the differences between directing blockbusters and intimate indie films, emphasizing the importance of storytelling regardless of budget.
Lin also shares his thoughts on the current state of the film industry, particularly regarding streaming and theatrical releases, and hints at his future plans, which may include both indie and mainstream projects. Throughout the conversation, Lin expresses enthusiasm for exploring diverse narratives and the personal nature of “Last Days,” while also discussing his experience working with a predominantly Taiwanese cast and crew.
IndieWire – Harrison Richlin
Mel Gibson recently praised Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” during an interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” He specifically highlighted a profound and effective shot from the beginning of the film, where Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, runs his hand over wheat in a field. Gibson admitted he doesn’t fully understand why the shot works so well, but he recognizes its emotional and spiritual impact.
Gibson commended Scott’s visual storytelling abilities, describing his work as “eye candy” and “a feast for the eyes.” He emphasized the importance of conveying emotions and spiritual themes through imagery without being overt.
Interestingly, Gibson was initially considered for the role of Maximus before it went to Russell Crowe. The film went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Crowe.
More Filmmaking Articles
IndieWire – CHRISTIAN BLAUVELT
Sarah Jessica Parker recently discussed her involvement in “The Librarians,” a documentary premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Dawn Porter, the film explores book banning in the United States. Parker, who narrates the documentary, shared her personal connection to libraries and emphasized their crucial role in providing equal access to information. She expressed concern about the recent surge in book banning attempts and praised librarians fighting against censorship. Parker highlighted libraries’ importance as community spaces offering various services beyond books. “The Librarians” aims to spark conversations about intellectual freedom and the value of diverse literature in society.
CBS News – Lee Cowan
The Sundance Film Festival 2025 showcases a diverse lineup of independent films. Highlights include “Kiss of the Spider Woman” starring Jennifer Lopez, “The Wedding Banquet” directed by Andrew Ahn, and “Opus” featuring John Malkovich and Ayo Edebiri. The festival also presents documentaries like “Sly Lives!” by Questlove and “Middletown” by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, exploring environmental activism. Notable themes include social justice, political polarization, and the power of journalism. The event offers both in-person and online screenings, with a focus on projects that inspire change in the U.S. Anticipated films cover topics ranging from space exploration to prison dramas, reflecting the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling and addressing contemporary issues.
IndieWire – HARRISON RICHLIN, CHRISTIAN BLAUVELT
“Bubble & Squeak,” an indie film premiering at Sundance 2025, is a surreal comedy exploring themes of loneliness and connection. Directors Georgie Weedon and Freddie Griffiths, along with writer Natasha Hodgson, crafted a story about two lonely individuals who form an unlikely bond. The film blends absurdist humor with poignant observations on human relationships. Set in a world where people can transform into household objects, it uses this fantastical premise to examine feelings of isolation and the desire for companionship. The creators drew inspiration from their own experiences of loneliness during the pandemic, aiming to create a film that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant. They emphasize the importance of balancing humor with genuine human emotion to engage audiences in a meaningful way.
If you’ve found anything interesting this week let us know and we can spread the word next time!