Playlist: Movie Series and Pieces
Compiled By: PRX Editors
Indie and mainstream, actors and producers — here are movie series on PRX of various lengths.
Got a movie series not on this list? Email our editorial address.
Filmspotting (weekly series) (Series)
Produced by WBEZ
"Filmspotting" is an hour-long program about film, including: movie reviews, interviews, top 5 lists, listener feedback and insightful film talk. Filmspotting is available on PRX by noon (CST) on Fridays. Promos are available on PRX earlier in the week.
Most recent piece in this series:
Filmspotting 821 (04/09/21): Rocky (7 From ’76) / Detour (’40s Noir #4)
From WBEZ | Part of the Filmspotting (weekly series) series | 54:00
Whatever backlash "Rocky" has received over the years for beating out the likes of "Taxi Driver," "All The President's Men" and "Network" for the 1977 Best Picture Oscar, it has largely faded as people discover -- or rediscover -- that the populist hit that spawned a mostly forgettable (and occasionally ridiculous) franchise has more in common with its gritty '70s peers than it gets credit for. Among those who remain unconvinced, however, is Josh. Thankfully, Adam comes to Rocky's defense and the two go 15 rounds before ending the review in a split decision. Plus, raves for the nasty '45 Noir "Detour" -- part of the '40s Noir Marathon.
Sounds Familiar #5: Sex, Death and Morals in Horror.
From Blake Cooper | Part of the Sounds Familiar series | 17:00
In 1980, during a “very special episode” of Siskel & Ebert, Roger Ebert made a provocative claim about the emerging genre of “slasher” horror films: “these films hate women.” Whether that’s true—and why—is a little more complicated.
Indie Outlook (Series)
Produced by Matt Fagerholm
Chicago film critic Matt Fagerholm highlights the latest and greatest in modern independent cinema.
Most recent piece in this series:
Duncan Riddell on "Older Children"
From Matt Fagerholm | Part of the Indie Outlook series | 23:10
- Playing
- Duncan Riddell on "Older Children"
- From
- Matt Fagerholm
Filmmaker Duncan Riddell joins host Matt Fagerholm to discuss his new film, "Older Children," which premieres in Chicago November 10th. The program was produced at Columbia College Chicago. Technical producer was Rebecca Nystedt. An Indie Outlook production.
Behind the Scenes (Series)
Produced by Andrea Chase
Filmmakers and actors talk with Andrea Chase. New insights, unexpected revelations, and a wry sense of humor. Series pieces are various lengths from 8 to 25 minutes.
Most recent piece in this series:
DEAR SANTA -- Dana Nachman Interview
From Andrea Chase | Part of the Behind the Scenes series | 14:06
- Playing
- DEAR SANTA -- Dana Nachman Interview
- From
- Andrea Chase
The first thing I asked Dana Nachman when we spoke via Zoom on November 20, 2020, was what her budget for Kleenex was while making DEAR SANTA. Her documentary about the USPS’ Operation Santa hits all the right, and defiantly non-manipulative, notes about what the Season of Giving should be, and viewers of it will shed buckets of happy tears as the program tries to deliver presents to kids (and their parents), who might otherwise be doing without.
The program has been around for over a century, and Nachman herself had been reading about it for eight years, courtesy of a book given to her by her mother, which Nachman read to her own daughter every Christmas season. That last was my second question. What was the aha moment that led to the documentary about postal elves helping to match letters that kids and adults have written to Santa with volunteers who all but move heaven and earth to deliver the goods
We went on to talk about the advantages of editing an uplifting film during quarantine; how to be in the right place at the right time over a rushed five-week shoot; spending a year in the Christmas season; and the decision not to shame a few Grinches.
We finished up with Nachman’s choice to make uplifting films about sometimes difficult subjects and how to get involved (and you’ll want to after watching DEAR SANTA);
What the film makes clear is that it’s not just the woman who lost everything in California’s wildfires, but still makes it her mission to get gifts to others, or the man who got the best present of his life from Operation Santa and is determined to pay it forward, or the family that essentially turns their lives over to the program as they organize the gifts, wrap them up, and get them to the right kid on time and with a huge smile, it’s the joy of selflessness among the recipients. These aren’t people who take things for granted, and who are as delighted with what siblings receive as what comes to them.
Seriously. There won’t be a dry eye in the audience.
The Indie on Demand Movie Review (Series)
Produced by Daniel Persons
A short, weekly review show dedicated to highlighting independent films available via on-demand platforms. Produced and hosted by film journalist and critic Dan Persons.
Most recent piece in this series:
Indie on Demand Reviews FIGHTVILLE
From Daniel Persons | Part of the The Indie on Demand Movie Review series | 01:59
- Playing
- Indie on Demand Reviews FIGHTVILLE
- From
- Daniel Persons
Film critic Dan Persons reviews FIGHTVILLE, an intense and intimate documentary focusing on the brutal sport of mixed martial arts.
THE INDIE ON DEMAND MOVIE REVIEW is a short, weekly, module-style review show dedicated to highlighting independent films available via on-demand platforms. Produced and hosted by film journalist and critic Dan Persons (The Huffington Post, IFC, Air America), each 2-minute episode will feature a review of an independent film that has recently debuted on-demand, incorporating cleared audio clips and Dan's detailed analysis to provide listeners with an entertaining and insightful glimpse into the exciting and innovative world of independent film, with all titles available immediately for viewing at home.
Reel Discovery (Series)
Produced by Kristin Dreyer Kramer
Each week on Reel Discovery, host Kristin Dreyer Kramer takes a quick look at the latest in movies -- from the hottest new blockbusters to little-known indies and even Blu-ray releases. Whether you prefer explosive action movies or quiet dramas, you're sure to discover something worth watching. On the latest show, Kristin takes a look at the horror homage of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie.
Most recent piece in this series:
Reel Discovery: The Rookies
From Kristin Dreyer Kramer | Part of the Reel Discovery series | 03:00
- Playing
- Reel Discovery: The Rookies
- From
- Kristin Dreyer Kramer
Each week on Reel Discovery, host Kristin Dreyer Kramer takes a quick look at the latest in movies -- from the hottest new blockbusters to little-known indies and even Blu-ray releases. Whether you prefer explosive action movies or quiet dramas, you're sure to discover something worth watching. On the latest show, Kristin takes on terrorists with a group of misfits in the Hong Kong crime thriller The Rookies.
To read the full review, visit NightsAndWeekends.com.
It's Movie Time (Series)
Produced by Kristin Dreyer Kramer
A weekly five-minute film review series with critics John DeSando and Kristin Dreyer Kramer.
Most recent piece in this series:
It's Movie Time; July 6, 2012: The Amazing Spider-Man, To Rome with Love
From Kristin Dreyer Kramer | Part of the It's Movie Time series | 05:00
Films reviewed: The Amazing Spider-Man, To Rome with Love
Spoiler Alert Radio (Series)
Produced by MergingArts Productions
Toni Pennacchia discusses all things film with independent directors, writers, producers, composers, cinematographers, editors, promoters, and more, in this 29-minute series.
Most recent piece in this series:
Chaitanya Tamhane - Indian Writer and Director - Six Strands, Court, The Disciple
From MergingArts Productions | Part of the Spoiler Alert Radio series | 29:00
Chaitanya is based in Mumbai, and his debut feature film Court premiered at the Venice Film Festival, before eventually winning more than thirty film festival awards.
After being mentored by Alfonso Cuaron as part of the Rolex Mentor-Protege Arts Initiative, Chaitanya wrote and directed The Disciple, examining a lifetime journey devoted to the art of Indian classical music.
Chaitanya's acclaimed feature, The Disciple, won awards at Venice and Toronto and has continued to garner acclaim worldwide, including being awarded the Sundance Institute Open Borders Fellowship presented by Netflix and winning Best Screenplay and the FIPRESCI International Critics’ Prize.