Film Festival Radio

Today we're joined by acclaimed children's author Kara LaReau, whose latest novel, Licorice, is a charming, heartfelt, and mysterious story about a kitten trying to find her place in a new home while living in the shadow of a beloved cat who came before her. Blending humor, suspense, and themes of love, loss, and belonging, Licorice is already capturing the hearts of young readers. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Licorice is a charming pick for young readers, especially those who know firsthand that pets are part of the family.  Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

https://karalareau.com...

With the midterm elections less than a week away, civic engagement is more important than ever. On this episode of Film Festival Radio, host Janice Malone welcomes Kim Miller, founder and president of America's Women, a grassroots organization dedicated to informing, engaging, and mobilizing women across the country. Kim discusses the organization's mission, the importance of women’s voices in the political process, the "You + 2" voter engagement initiative, and what she believes women can do to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming election and beyond.

www.AmericasWomen.org

#KimMiller #AmericasWomen #Politicalactivism #MidtermElections #WomenEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #Yo...

 From SHARON CAMERON, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick The Light in Hidden Places, comes a new novel based on an extraordinary true story set in the most hellish circumstances possible—the Sobibor death camp in Poland in 1943. Sharon Cameron became inspired to write UP FROM THE ASHES after discovering Selma Engel’s oral history interview on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s website. The history was fascinating, but it was Chaim (Kah-yeem) and Selma, and the hope born from love that they forged together—the hope that helped them survive—that truly inspired her.

Actor-turned-first-time-director Nadir Saribacak chats about his new indie film GAZELLE. This new film follows the lead character 'Yakup', a Turkish music teacher seeking asylum in New York while his wife and young daughter remain in Turkey under surveillance. When his case stalls, he faces an impossible choice: wait what could be years for legal reunification, or risk everything to bring his family over by dangerous, clandestine means. Inspired by the real stories of the filmmakers and the people around them, GAZELLE is a psychological drama about exile, separation, and the lengths one man will go to keep his family...

Romance scammers stole more than $1 billion from Americans in 2025, and award‑winning journalist Mariana van Zeller is determined to uncover how they operate. To do it, she goes undercover — deliberately becoming the target of a romance scam. By allowing herself to be drawn in, she exposes the tactics, technologies, and psychological manipulation that make these schemes not just widespread but alarmingly effective. Her investigation ultimately leads her to the scammer’s true identity, pushing her into a real‑world journey across West Africa to confront him face‑to‑face. Also included in this interview is documentary participant Leslie Pickett, who shares h...

Guest for this show is Emmy-nominated director/writer Suzi Yoonessi. Her new feature film, MOTHER WOLF, stars Academy Award winner Melissa Leo and features an amazing, talented cast. This dark comedy genre film will make its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 17th. Melissa Leo's character, 'Babs' is a retired teacher whose life is upended when she takes responsibility for her free-spirited daughter’s children, asking how far a mother will go to protect her “cubs.” Melissa is also one of the producers of the film.

www.woodstockfilmfestival.org

#Motherwolf #SuziYoonessi #darkcomedy #Woodst...

Film Festival Radio on KSHP 1400 AM and 107.1 FM in Las Vegas aired on October 11, 2026. On this edition, the guests are independent filmmaker Trinette Faint, as she chats about her journey from leaving corporate America to becoming an award-winning filmmaker. How did she do it? Listen in to find out, plus details about her next film Happy to Share.  And our second guests are award-winning film director Susanne Rostock and award-winning civil and human rights activist Carmen Perez. Both ladies will be discussing the new documentary FOLLOWING HARRY. The film traces the late great, legendary artist and civil rights leader H...

Joining us are two extraordinary women whose voices and leadership helped shape this project. First, we’ll hear from Susanne Rostock, the award‑winning filmmaker who directed the new documentary FOLLOWING HARRY. We’re also joined by Carmen Perez, the award‑winning civil and human‑rights leader whose work has influenced national movements and empowered communities across the country. Carmen appears in the documentary and brings a powerful perspective on Belafonte’s mentorship, his activism, and the blueprint he left behind for today’s organizers and advocates. . FOLLOWING HARRY, will be released nationwide in the US on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango a...

Today’s guest is an award‑winning filmmaker who took a courageous leap from the corporate world into the creative one. After serving as an executive partner at Google, Trinette Faint stepped into filmmaking and immediately made her mark with her award‑winning debut short, PARTY PANTS. She’s now preparing to shoot her next film, HAPPY TO SHARE, in Providence, Rhode Island from October 23–26. With a bold voice and a fearless storytelling style, Trinette is inviting supporters to join her journey through her GoFundMe campaign for the new film. See link below:

www.HappytoShareFilm.com

Watch Tr...

Guests are directors and brothers, Lars and Torsten Brinkema. Unfolding over the course of a single, high-stakes cross-country ski season, THRESHOLD follows Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins as she pushes herself to compete at the highest level while battling a severe eating disorder. and recovering from injuries that threaten to derail her career. Filmed in present-day vérité, from Arctic Circle races to the first World Cup on American snow in twenty-five years, THRESHOLD asks what happens when a sport built on precision and control turns that same demand inward, and what it costs to compete while fighting for yo...

Filmmaker Mark Sowerby embarks on a journey across five continents and seven oceans in a desperate bid to overcome fear and trauma and reclaim his life. As a result of this journey, Mark documents his remarkable journey in the new documentary DON'T BE PREY. He competes as an open swimmer and takes on Oceans Seven, which is one of the most extreme forms of open‑water swimming events in the world. It involves long‑distance channel crossings in unpredictable, often dangerous natural environments — oceans, straits, and open channels — with no wetsuit, no flotation, and no protection from currents, wildlife, or weath...

On this episode, we’re joined by two standout voices from the 8th Annual DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF), kicking off this weekend in Los Angeles. First, Chadwick Pelletier, founder of DIFF and the visionary behind one of the most artist‑driven independent film festivals on the circuit. And Emmy‑winning filmmaker Sunny Zhao, whose new film THE GIFT — a moving, visually rich story about compassion and human connection — will be screened at the festival on Saturday, (September 26th). Two creators, one remarkable weekend of film. Let’s get into it.

www.davincifilmfestival.com

THE GIFT TRAILER...

We’re joined by the visionary directors behind National Geographic’s powerful new three‑part series Chilean Mine Rescue: Race Against Time. Directors Chloe Campbell and James Parris. When 33 miners became trapped more than half a mile underground in northern Chile, the entire world held its breath. Over 69 days, rescuers raced to try to save them while the men underground fought to survive. Featuring unseen archive footage and powerful interviews with survivors and rescuers, this documentary series tells the definitive story of one of history's most compelling disasters. The 3-part series premieres September 25th at 8pm (EDT), all 3 episodes stream...

The new documentary ISKY, tells the story of Ed "Iaky" Iskenderian, one of the pioneers of hot rodding and drag racing, and the group of innovative racers and engineers who helped transform a grassroots hobby into a global motorsports industry. ISKY is a vivid, character‑driven film that explores the extraordinary life and legacy of this pioneer who became known as The Camfather of American hot‑rodding. Our guest is director/writer Cheyanne Kane. Her latest film brings Ed's remarkable story to the screen, preserving an important chapter of American cultural history, and why the spirit...

On this show we’re joined by acclaimed actor Hakeem Kae‑Kazim, who stars as 'Sipho' in the Paramount+ eight‑part drama Average Joe, led by comedian Deon Cole. Hakeem breaks down the layered menace and dark humor behind his gangster character, shares stories from his extensive voiceover and animation work, and gives us an early look at his upcoming directorial debut in a new indie film, which he wrote. It’s a smart, lively conversation with one of the most versatile talents working today.

Average Joe trailer:  https://youtu.be/OW_ks37ZEqU?si=1diSvZ2443BiKG0n

...

Guest for this show is best-selling and award-winning children's author Aida Salazar. She chats about her latest new bookSTREAM. The book is a very timely coming-of-age story about two young teens who are forced to disconnect from social media and the online world and in so doing, they re-connect to the natural world of real books, people, culture and the beauty of outdoor nature.

Aida Re: New book:  https://youtu.be/ealx7WDVmMM?si=nPpWnianaHK2dznH

Website:  www.AidaSalazar.com

#AidaSalazar #streambook #teenfiction ##youthempowerment #Mexicanculture #LatinxAuthor #comingofagebook #youthliterature

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Today we’re celebrating Jimmy Buffett Day (September 4th), and we’ve got a special guest to mark the occasion. Filmmaker John Cunningham joins us to talk about his new feature documentary, OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: The First Coral Reefers, premiering today in theaters across the nation. The film takes us back to the 1970s and early ’80s to explore the origin story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band — the musicians who helped shape the sound and spirit fans still love. The film's been a big hit on the film festival circuit and will with a national digital release to follow i...

Guests are two of the fiercest culinary forces on television — elite chefs, innovators, and Titans on Bobby’s Triple Threat. Michael Voltaggio, a James Beard–nominated chef known for his bold creativity and boundary‑pushing technique, and Brooke Williamson, a celebrated restaurateur and Top Chef champion whose precision and instinct make her one of the most respected competitors in the industry. Together, they strike fear into challengers, delight judges, and make the rest of us wonder why our grilled cheese doesn’t look like fine art. They’re here to talk food, strategy, and what viewers can expect in the new seas...

Lion is a 4-part nature series that captures the extraordinary true story of a lion cub named Kio on his epic journey to become a king. Filmed over four years, this sweeping saga of family, hope and courage follows Kio as he grows from a vulnerable cub into a powerful leader. Along the way, he faces loss, exile and fierce rivals in a fight to survive. Combining cinematic storytelling with groundbreaking natural history filmmaking, this series captures the complete coming-of-age story of a lion — and the remarkable making of a king. Our guest is the series producer Jane Atkins, as...

Our guests today are Wes and Amanda Llewellyn, the filmmakers behind the new documentary UFOs and GOD. Their film dives into the surprising crossroads between faith and unexplained phenomena, bringing fresh voices and bold questions to one of the most intriguing conversations happening right now. This 90-minute documentary explores the UFO craze and its impact on Christians, featuring experts in astronomy, theology, sociology, military intelligence, archaeology, biblical history, experiencers, skeptics and astrophysicists. The film premieres September 11th. Check the website for more information.

Website:  www.UFOsandGod.com

Trailer:  https://www.ufosandgod.com/trailer

#Am...

Guest is Jason Berry – Award‑Winning Filmmaker, Author & Journalist, CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS Jason Berry is an acclaimed New Orleans filmmaker, author, and journalist. His documentary CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS: Parading for the Dead in New Orleans traces the rich, centuries‑long history of New Orleans jazz funerals and second‑line parades. Through music, ritual, and cultural memory, Berry reveals how the city honors its dead and celebrates the living in one of America’s most enduring traditions. This film is being released nationwide on local public television stations by American Public Television, and also available to stream on...

Guests:  Casey Carter – Filmmaker, TO USE A MOUNTAIN. Casey Carter is an independent filmmaker whose new feature documentary TO USE A MOUNTAIN explores communities across America grappling with the environmental, political, and emotional realities of nuclear waste storage, and how it's all affecting the people in various regions. Second guest is Jason Berry – Award‑Winning Filmmaker, Author & Journalist, CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS Jason Berry is an acclaimed New Orleans filmmaker, author, and journalist. His documentary CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS: Parading for the Dead in New Orleans traces the rich, centuries‑long history of New Orleans jazz funerals and secon...

Today's guest is British Jamaican filmmaker Hayden Mclean, the writer and director behind the powerful new short film FAREYE — a striking, spiritually charged story that’s already generating buzz on the festival circuit. The film was shot entirely on location throughout the beautiful country of Jamaica. Fleeing the chaos of home, a young Jamaican boy finds refuge within a community guided by music, spirit and faith, awakening something deep within that will change the course of his life forever.  FAREYE will make its official debut at the HollyShorts Film Festival on August 15th in Los Angeles, where audiences will get t...

best‑selling author and artist Sandra Magsamen, whose new book HELLO BABY celebrates the wonder, joy, and emotional connection that begins the moment a child enters the world. And later, we welcome Motown music legend Martha Reeves, the iconic voice behind classics that defined a generation. Martha is stepping back into the spotlight with SEARCHING, her first new album in 22 years, arriving August 14, 2026.

www.marthareeves.net

https://www.sandramagsamen.com/ 

#marthareeves #motownlegend #marthaandthevandellas #searchingnewalbum #RandBmusic #dancinginthestreet #heatwave ##NOLA #neworleans #chrisroe # DelfeayoMarsalis #sandramagsamen #hellobaby #childrensbook #bestsellingauthor #earlychildhooddevelopment #parenting #newbornbaby

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Guest is Tom Barbor‑Might — the showrunner and director behind National Geographic’s powerful new three‑part docudrama Pompeii: Out of Time. Hosted by award-winning actor Tom Hiddleston, Pompeii: Out of Time guides viewers through a gripping, time‑spanning investigation that blends cutting‑edge archaeology, dramatic reenactments, and a narrative that moves between ancient Rome and the present day. July 22, 2026 — Pompeii: Out of Time premieres on the National Geographic channel July 22nd and begins streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on July 23rd.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/7k52aJRs3gA?si=jFX-7VSgCCZ6FzMa

#PompeiiOutofTime #TomBarborMight #TomHiddleston #L...

Today we’re shining a spotlight on the new independent film LAST SHOT and the creative team bringing its intensity to life. Joining me is director Andy Palmer, whose sharp visual style and storytelling have made him a standout voice in indie filmmaking. And with him is actor Dylan Friedman, who delivers a gripping performance as Cadan — a character layered with emotion, conflict, and mystery. I’m excited to dive into the making of this film and the journey behind it with both of them.
https://vegassummerleagueevents.com/film/last-shot/

#LastShotindependentfilm #AndyPalmerdirector #DylanFriedman #LasVegasSummerLeagueFilmFestival #comingofagefilm #JamiePressly #NBA #N...

After more than two decades, Martha Reeves, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon is returning with her first new album at nearly 85 years old, proving her influence, voice, and cultural impact are as powerful as ever. The new album SEARCHING, debuts August 14th, and the first single "To Know You Is to Love You," is currently available. The legendary Motown powerhouse whose timeless hits with Martha Reeves & The Vandellas include “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “Jimmy Mack,” and “Nowhere to Run.” Searching was recorded in New Orleans alongside acclaimed trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and co-produced by Marsalis and Reeves’ longtime...

The film BABY DOE examines the case of Gail Ritchey, a woman from a conservative Christian community in rural Ohio who, thirty years ago, gave birth to a baby she believed to be stillborn and subsequently left the newborn in the woods. Thirty years later, her quiet suburban life was upended when DNA evidence linked her to the infamous cold case known as "Geauga's Child," leading to her arrest for murder. Baby Doe opens July 10 at DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York City for a week-long run, with Los Angeles screenings to follow on July 14 and 15. The film will...

The Smithsonian's Our Shared Future: 250 is a multi-year nationwide initiative celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. It includes a $2.5 billion The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future aimed at advancing democracy, honoring founding ideals, and expanding research and conservation efforts. Dr. Ellen Stofan, the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for Science and Research, shares how the Institution is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary through dynamic science programming and nationwide engagement.

https://www.si.edu/visit/museums

#EllenStofan #TheSmithsonian #OurSharedFuture250 #July4th #museums #AmericanHistory

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Acclaimed screenwriter Tom Provost chats about being the co-screenwriter and the making of the upcoming new epic historical drama YOUNG WASHINGTON, opening in theaters July 3rd. The film explores the formative years of George Washington before he became the nation's first US president. The film features an all‑star cast, including William Franklyn‑Miller in the title role, with standout performances from Mary‑Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, and Ben Kingsley. Tom is here to share how this sweeping story came together on the page.

Young Washington website:  https://www.angel.com/movies/young-washington

Young W...

Guests: Dr. Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian, chats about how the Institution is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary through dynamic science programming and nationwide engagement through their new “Our Shared Future: 250” initiative. And acclaimed screenwriter Tom Provost chats about being the co-screenwriter and the making of the upcoming new epic historical drama Young Washington, opening in theaters July 3rd. The film explores the formative years of George Washington and features an all‑star cast, including William Franklyn‑Miller in the title role, with standout performances from Mary‑Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, and...

Vanessa Roth is an Academy Award and Emmy winner with 25+ years in documentary — and the daughter of Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Dune). The Righteous Road Trip follows Jonny Daniels, a British Israeli humanitarian, and his dog Tyson on a 3,000-kilometer winter road trip through Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. He's visiting the last living Righteous Among the Nations — the non-Jewish people who secretly saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. There are only about 65 of them left, most in their 90s and 100s. Jonny shows up in Christmas sweaters with a van full of...

Today, we’re opening the Film Festival Radio archives to honor one of the true architects of modern music‑video choreography. With the renewed excitement surrounding the blockbuster Michael Jackson movie, it’s the perfect moment to revisit my classic conversation with the late, great Michael Peters—the visionary behind iconic movement in Thriller, Beat It, and so many more cultural touchstones. His influence shaped an entire generation of dancers and storytellers. Here now is a rare interview with the legendary Michael Peters. (photo courtesy: African American Registry (aaregistry.com)

#MichaelPeterschoreographer #MichaelJackson #Thriller #BeatIt #Michaelfilm #MTV #TonyAwardwinner #MichaelP...

Guest Jimmy Conrad, CBS Sports soccer analyst and former World Cup player, a 2006 U.S. World Cup veteran, chats about LG Channel’s World Pup event. It launches June 10th as a global celebration of rescue dogs and giving back through pet adoptions. Get all of the details at the website link below.

www.LGchannels.com

Trailer:  https://youtu.be/4YIHqD1N98k?si=sJqMM4ULH5g5hIgT

#LGchannelWorldPup #Jimmyconrad #WorldPup2026#puppysportstournament #LGChannels #rescuedogs #dogadoption #shelterdogs #petadoption

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Guests are Joshua Jones and Troy Paff chat about new film - TEXAS MUSIC REVOLUTION. This documentary follows producer Joshua Jones and indie station KHYI‑FM. Directed by Troy Paff, the film captures the heart of Texas’ independent country and Americana scene, spotlighting the artists, the culture, and the behind‑the‑scenes hustle that keep one of the nation’s biggest indie music festivals alive. Second guest is acclaimed best-selling author Veronica Roth, who is the author of the global hit Divergent series, which is also a major motion picture film franchise. Veronica is back to chat about her late...

June is Internet Safety Month. This is good time for families to pause, check-In, and ensure their online settings reflect their values. Speak with digital safety expert and best-selling author Cathy Pedrayes.  TikTok has partnered with Cathy to share details with families about the latest in internet online safety that parents can experience with their family together. Cathy Pedrayes is a family digital safety expert, national TV contributor, and author of The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety & Security (Simon & Schuster). She reaches more than 2.6 million followers with practical guidance on protecting kids online, spotting scams, and nav...

Guest for this show is Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis, the creative force behind the powerful new documentary This Ordinary Thing. The film shines a light on everyday non‑Jewish individuals who made extraordinary choices during the Holocaust — risking their own lives to save Jewish strangers. Through moving testimonies, rare archival footage, and a remarkable cast of narrators, the documentary reveals how ordinary people can rise to moments of profound moral courage. Nick is here to share the stories behind the film and what he hopes audiences will carry with them after watching. This very moving documentary THIS ORDINARY THING will...

Joining us today is actress, writer, and director Cece King, the creative force behind the new original stage play Redemption Song. The production is gearing up for its world premiere on June 6th at The Broadwater’s Second Stage as part of this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. Cece brings a powerful, multi‑hyphenate vision to this story, and we’re excited to hear how she shaped this compelling new work as it makes its debut on one of the most vibrant festival stages in Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the honky-tonk South, the production features original music fro...

Guests are Joshua Jones and Troy Paff chat about new film - TEXAS MUSIC REVOLUTION. This documentary follows producer Joshua Jones and indie station KHYI‑FM. Directed by Troy Paff, the film captures the heart of Texas’ independent country and Americana scene, spotlighting the artists, the culture, and the behind‑the‑scenes hustle that keep one of the nation’s biggest indie music festivals alive. Over the years the festival has created household names, but top bands such Kiefer Sutherland and his band, along with many other talents have performed there. The Texas Music Revolution Festival takes place June 5 - 6 in McKi...

Many listeners will remember Myesha and her former husband from the hit reality series Preachers of L.A., where they appeared as part of the cast while leading one of Southern California’s prominent mega‑churches. Their ministry, their marriage, and their family were all part of a very visible world. But life has chapters we don’t always see on camera. A part of Myesha's life was one shaped by divorce, reinvention, and the courage it takes to start over when the life you built no longer exists. Today, Myesha is opening up about her next chapter in her jus...