Filmmaker William Kaufman and Actors LaMonica Garrett and Daniel Bernhardt spoke with our Gadi Elkon about MAN OF WAR
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YOUNG WASHINGTON – A Review by John Strange
Angel Studios began promoting this film last year, preparing us to see the film on the United States’ 250th birthday. This first promotion gave us a good trailer and the opportunity to buy tickets REALLY early. It was a great idea to tie the film into the country’s birthday celebrations.
I have now seen the film. I was not disappointed in the presentation. Young Washington follows the early life of George Washington, a colonist from the Virginia Colony.
The colonies were full of unrest as two of the powerhouses of the time, France and Great Britain, jostled each other to see who would end up possessing the lion’s share of the New World’s land.
During this period in our history, the conflict centered on who would possess and control the Ohio Territory. The French were surging into the territory, building forts and trying to occupy as much of the land as possible.
Young George Washington convinces the powers that be to allow him to survey the Ohio Territory to help prove British ownership of the territory. Following his return from this task, as the French and their allies (Indian tribes) prepare for war, the colonial administrators are convinced to make George a Major of the Virginia Militia.
The truth is that George’s first attempt at leading the militia into battle was a failure. What is also true is that the young Major learned from his mistakes. His actions in the later battles and the times in between are what made him the commander we needed when the colonists decided that rule from across the ocean was not working.
Young Washington is a well-made film filled with excellent acting talent. My favorites were: Mary-Louise Parker as George’s mother. Ben Kingsley as Robert Dinwiddie, a British colonial administrator who was the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Kelsey Grammer as Lord Fairfax, the mentor, employer, and close friend of a young George Washington. And Andy Serkis as General Edward Braddock, a British Army officer and commander-in-chief of all British forces in North America during the early French and Indian War. Braddock was in command of the forces that attempted to capture Fort Duquesne (now modern-day Pittsburgh) and failed, but the attempt showed George’s growing talent for winning battles.
This film is a perfect addition to your July 4th celebrations! And it’s a lot cooler in the movie theater than outside under the sun!
Director: Jon Erwin
Cast: Mary-Louise Parker, Andy Serkis, Ben Kingsley, Kelsey Grammer, Joel David Smallbone, William Franklyn-Miller, Michael Benz, Mia Rodgers, Jonno Davies, Angus Castle-Doughty, Ryan Begay, Alfie Kiely, Will Joseph, John Foss, Ian Dillon, Leo Hanna, Eoin Lynch, Jo Dow, Clement Toyon, Nicholas Antoniou, Eduard Kalmakov, Fearghal Geraghty, Paul Delahunty, Gerard Power, David Sweetman
MPA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of strong war violence and some bloody images)
Selig Rating: 4.5 Stars
Runtime: 125 Min.
Release Date: 07/03/2026
Language: English
Genre(s): Action, Biography, Drama, History, War
Movie Site: YOUNG WASHINGTON Official Site
Trailer: YOUNG WASHINGTON Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
Variety to Honor Matthew McConaughey with the Legend & Groundbreaker Award at Filmland
Variety will honor Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey with the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award at Filmland on Friday, August 14 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The award recognizes artists who have broken barriers in the industry and withstood the test of time. McConaughey will accept the honor for his career achievements, including his upcoming role in Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals of Amziah King.
McConaughey will participate in a Q&A with Arkansas Cinema Society co-founder Jeff Nichols – best known as the director of Mud and The Bikeriders – following a screening of The Rivals of Amziah King.
McConaughey has been a force in the industry since his breakout role in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused back in 1993. He has continued to gain critical acclaim over the years and earned both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for his leading role in Dallas Buyers Club. Additionally, he has appeared in films such as Mud, Interstellar, The Lost Bus, and for his transformative performance in season one of True Detective, McConaughey earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
“For multiple decades, Matthew McConaughey has been making an impact in the entertainment industry, bringing his signature charm and skill to each and every role he takes,” said Variety director of features Emily Longeretta. “His role in this year’s The Rivals of Amziah King is just the latest example of a transformative, beautiful performance. We couldn’t be more honored to celebrate him at Filmland.”
“The Arkansas Cinema Society is elated to welcome Matthew McConaughey back to Arkansas and to Filmland this August to receive the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award,” said Filmland executive director Kathryn Tucker. “After his unforgettable collaboration with ACS co-founder Jeff Nichols on Mud, this truly feels like a homecoming. We’re grateful to our partners at Variety, and we’re honored to continue what has become an annual Filmland tradition of celebrating legendary and groundbreaking filmmakers. The onstage conversation between Matthew and Jeff will undoubtedly be one not to be missed by our enthusiastic audience of film lovers in Arkansas.”
Filmland runs from August 12-16, 2026, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Since 2018, the festival has hosted award-winning filmmakers like actors Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Will Forte, Ted Danson, David Arquette and ACS board member Mary Steenburgen along with directors including Chloé Zhao, Richard Linklater, David Lowery, Neil LaBute, David Gordon Green and Jeff Nichols; and producers such as Evan Hayes, Jayme Lemons, Christina McLarty Arquette, Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones.
Filmland has showcased award-winning films such as The Bikeriders, Nomadland, The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Free Solo from top festivals like Sundance, Telluride, Toronto and Venice before they had a theatrical release in Arkansas. Each screening features a Q+A moderated by Writer/director and ACS Co-founder Jeff Nichols, board members, or staff, and every night wraps with a party for filmmakers and attendees. Filmland also features selections from Filmland: Arkansas and the short film created each year by our Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls.
Tickets are limited, and they will go fast. Sponsors get the very first access on June 23, members on June 25, and general public on Friday, June 26. Becoming a sponsor or member is the surest way to land your seat before they’re gone.
Want first access? Become a sponsor or member today and get in on the presale. To learn more about sponsorship, email sponsor@arkansascinemasociety.org.
This is just the first of several Filmland 2026 announcements, with more to come soon.
For more information on Filmland and the Arkansas Cinema Society, please go to: filmland.org.
Filmland is made possible by ACS Headline Presenting Sponsor: the Tyson Family Foundation; Premiere Presenting Sponsor: the Rahman Family Fund; Presenting Sponsor: Saracen Casino Resort; Workshop Sponsor: the Windgate Foundation; Marketing Partner: Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; Industry Partner: Panavision; Media Partner: Variety; and Youth Education Partner: City of Little Rock.
JULY CONTINUES TO HEAT UP AS THE AWARD-WINNING TV SERIES “BLOODY MURRAY” LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVELY ON CHAIFLICKS
ChaiFlicks is really turning up the heat this July with one of the most popular Israeli romantic comedy series – the multi-award-winning “Bloody Murray” featuring two of Israel’s hottest actresses, Rotem Sela (A Body That Works, The Beauty & the Baker, The Chef) and Naomi Levov (On the Spectrum, Yona ). The witty and smart romantic comedy series is a fresh take on the “messy magic of friendship”, following two 30-something roommates, Murray (Levov) and Dana (Sela), both successful, bright – yet still single women. The series highlights their contrasting, yet deeply connected personalities, their somewhat messy romances, and the inevitable ticking time clock of being a 30-something single woman.
Murray is a film lecturer specializing in romantic comedies, and Dana is a gynecologist at a hospital. Their friendship is tested when Dana falls for the man Murray ditched in a hit-and-run accident (which was Murray’s fault), who then shows up at their doorstep to give Murray a piece of his mind and return a lost piece of luggage. Murray, who is struggling with feelings of loneliness and regret, realizes she has feelings for him, too. Despite their turbulent first interaction (the hit and run) Murray convinces herself that he is actually meant for her – after all, this is how all classic romantic comedies begin…isn’t it?
With clever references to iconic American romantic films including “La La Land” and “When Harry Met Sally,” “Bloody Murray” captures the universal themes of unrequited love, optimism, and the search for a happy ending that connect us all.
The first season of “Bloody Murray” consists of nine episodes,25 minutes each, and was created and written by Stav Idisis, produced by Kastina Communications and yes TV, and distributed by yes Studios. The series begins its U.S. streaming premiere on ChaiFlicks July 19, with subsequent episodes dropping every following Sunday.
The series has received critical acclaim across the board with The Jerusalem Post hailing the series as “… a kind of Israeli Sex and the City [set in Tel Aviv]…” while Critiques Cinéma Séries says “‘Bloody Murray’ makes you want to see what happens next” and “…there’s a breath of fresh air… and a sparkling quality…” with Seriencamp describing the series as “…razor-sharp dialogue and dry humor…”
Descriptions of Season One episodes are below.
Episode 1
This Is Not La La Land
Dana and Murray are successful, thirty-something roommates struggling to find lasting relationships. Their friendship is put to the test when a chance encounter sets the stage for romantic complications.
Episode 2
How Does Love Begin?
Murray is forced to confront her earlier hit-and-run casualty, Lior, and the fallout from her earlier actions, while Dana grapples with uncertainty about her growing feelings toward him. The day ends with an unexpected surprise.
Episode 3
Life Is Beautiful
As Dana’s birthday approaches, Murray and Lior reluctantly spend time together looking for a gift. Meanwhile, an accidental meeting with Murray’s ex-boyfriend, Gur, leads to a small lie that quickly snowballs into something much larger.
Episode 4
Cinde-Fucking-Rella
Still jealous of Dana and Lior’s relationship, Murray pursues her own romantic fantasies. She begins to realize that finding her fairy-tale ending requires more than simply waiting for it to happen.
Episode 5
Murray, Come Back Home
Dana and Lior return from Italy with news that Dana has trouble breaking to Murray. At the same time, Murray’s encounter with a celebrity convinces her that she may be living inside her own romantic comedy.
Episode 6
Thelma & Louise Forever
Dana and Murray move in with their respective partners leaving their shared apartment behind. For a moment everything seems like a happy ending, but quickly ends up being more complicated, just like “Thelma & Louise.”
Episode 7
Romeo and Juliet
Murray starts dating an Arab man and becomes convinced she’s starring in a modern-day “Romeo and Juliet” story. However, the real star-crossed romance may belong to Dana and Lior instead.
Episode 8
Imperfect People
Lior returns from Australia and finds Dana changed and uncertain about her future. Murray throws herself into writing her script hoping it will provide a fresh start and a new direction in life.
Episode 9
Lost in Tokyo and All Over the World
Murray and Dana are no longer speaking. Murray discovers a new source of hope, and Dana comes to an important realization about what-and who- she truly wants.
“IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD, WORLD” Screenings in 70MM in Beverly Hills on July 5th 2026
This 70mm screening of Stanley Kramer’s epic, 1963 Oscar- winning classic ” It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World” at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills will be screened in ULTRA-PANAVISION and is presented in association with “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World” as part of the 2nd Sunday 70mm PLUS Series. The screening event is hosted by actress/performer Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe-Kramer, daughter and widow of Stanley Kramer and producing partners with their KNK Productions, Inc.
Actor/comedian Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) will be in attendance as “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World” is a favorite movie of his, and made a deep impression, as he was greatly influenced by the brilliant performance of Jonathan Winters, and the cast of legends that include Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Ethel Merman, Edie Adams, Mickey Rooney, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Barrie Chase, Dick Shawn, Jimmy Durante, Dorothy Provine, Marvin Kaplan, Carl Reiner, Jim Backus, Jack Benny, Buster Keaton, Peter Falk, Don Knotts, Jerry Lewis, Leo Gorcey, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Sterling Holloway, Andy Devine, Joe E. Brown, The Three Stooges, Minta Durfee, and more.
The United Artists release was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Walter Elliott, Best Sound Effects. The movie boasts a rousing score and popular theme song composed by Ernest Gold. The stunt work and car chases alone are the stuff of legend, as are the Southern California locations including Agoura, Kernville, Long Beach, Malibu, Oxnard, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Palos Verdes Estates, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Twentynine Palms, Universal City and Yucca Valley.
Barrie Chase, the iconic actress/dancer who is the last living cast member from the film will be in attendance. Sandy Hackett, comic and actor son of Buddy Hackett, Josh Mills, host of the “Rareified Heir” podcast, and son of Edie Adams will also be in attendance plus many more.
According to Kat Kramer: “I decided to present my late father’s comedic masterpiece as the 15th installment for “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World” because the timing is relevant with the greed that is currently escalating in our government, and on our planet today. Also, watching it in 70mm on the big screen, with a live audience, is a much needed “experience.” Of course people can view it on their iphones, or watch on a blu- ray at home, but there’s nothing like laughing at the same time with friends and family. The first time I ever presented Stanley Kramer’s films for my cinema series was November 2025, a Stanley Kramer “double-feature” of “Judgment At Nuremberg” and “On The Beach,” both social justice films. Plus, this Fourth of July weekend celebrates the 250th Birthday of the United States. There are scenes in this 1963 epic comedy (made way before my time) that reference the differences between America and England, clever jokes and dialogue that are still relevant, written by the brilliant team William and Tania Rose. I want all ages to enjoy the 70mm screening, and the goal is to introduce this landmark movie to the next generation.
The special screening will also feature a trivia contest giveaway, Q and A with special guests, and a book signing with author James Curtis for his highly anticipated new book “Comedy Is a Grim Business: The Making Of It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World.” The over 300-page book will be available on June 30th, and the July 5th event will be the first LA area book signing upon release. Curtis is best known for his acclaimed book “Buster Keaton: A Filmmakers Life.” .
“It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World” originally had the world premiere at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood on November 7, 1963, and the general release date was July 25th, 1964. The Fourth of July weekend and celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States is a perfect way to spend the holiday weekend with the movie classic presented in 70mm on the big screen.
The movie and book are on a mini tour that includes MoMI New York on August 30th Presented by MUBI, as part of MoMI Presents the 11th edition of See It Big:70mm. “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World” and James Curtis “Comedy Is A Grim Business” will make impact at the newly restored Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on November 1st, 2026 also presented by “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World” and KNK Productions, Inc.
Arrivals at 12:30pm, Introductions and film screening at 1pm, followed by panel/Q and A with book signing with author James Curtis on the Fine Arts stage. Tickets are $10 available on the Fine Arts website: www.fineartstheatrebh.com
Atlas Distribution Company has acquired THE TOWN THAT TAKES and will release the suspense-filled supernatural horror thriller in select theaters across the top 20 North America markets, on Friday, July 10th, 2026
Atlas Distribution Company has acquired festival favorite THE TOWN THAT TAKES and announced today that it will release the suspense-filled supernatural horror thriller in select theaters across the top 20 North America markets, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Inspired by CROATOAN, the only clue left behind following the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the film transforms one of America’s most enduring unsolved mysteries into a chilling blend of Southern Gothic atmosphere, investigative suspense, and supernatural terror. See the trailer here.
THE TOWN THAT TAKES stars Miles Mussenden (Doom Patrol, Cloak & Dagger), Mike Markoff (Hit Man), Grace Patterson (Slotherhouse), and Britt Bankhead (Insane Like Me). Directed by Bankhead from a screenplay by Bankhead and Jon Blaze, the film is executive produced by Bankhead and Patterson.
For generations, historians, researchers, authors, and paranormal enthusiasts have searched for answers surrounding the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. With no definitive explanation ever discovered, the event remains one of the most debated mysteries in American history. The only clue left behind was a single word: CROATOAN.
Now, THE TOWN THAT TAKES imagines a terrifying answer.
“This is the kind of film that reminds you why summer belongs in a theater,” said Harmon Kaslow, President of Atlas Distribution Company.
“Britt Bankhead took one of the oldest unsolved mysteries in American history and built a supernatural thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. It is genuinely frightening, it is smart, and it delivers the kind of edge-of-your-seat dread that audiences will want to experience together on the big screen. We are proud to bring it to theaters.”
Blending edge-of-your-seat suspense, supernatural terror, and emotional family drama, the film follows Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran attempting to rebuild a relationship with his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, following the sudden death of his ex-wife.
Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they stop in a remote backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the word CROATOAN. After a brutal murder leaves Dean as the prime suspect and Wyatt suddenly disappears, he is forced into an uneasy alliance with veteran Detective Douglas O’Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair as a series of unexplained deaths, disappearances, and impossible encounters begin spreading throughout the region.
As evidence points toward something far older and more sinister than a simple murder investigation, Dean races to uncover the truth behind the legend before an ancient evil claims another victim.
The deal was negotiated by Britt Bankhead on behalf of the filmmakers, with Harmon Kaslow representing Atlas Distribution Company.
To bring THE TOWN THAT TAKES to your market, please contact David Johnson, Head of Sales at Atlas Distribution Company, at djohnson@atlasdistribution.com.
Film Synopsis: Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, travels to North Carolina following the sudden death of his ex-wife. After the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word “CROATOAN.” After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered and he becomes the prime suspect.
As veteran Detective Douglas O’Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with O’Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim.
NEON SETS HOME ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCH DATE FOR BOOTS RILEY’S ABSURDIST, KALEIDOSCOPIC ADVENTURE ‘I LOVE BOOSTERS’
NEON announced today that I LOVE BOOSTERS — a one-of-a-kind capitalist critique from the brilliant mind of Boots Riley— will be available for digital purchase starting June 23, 2026 and available on Blu-Ray/4K and DVD starting September 22, 2026.
After an unforgettable opening night premiere at the SXSW film festival and subsequent nationwide theatrical release, I LOVE BOOSTERS has garnered widespread acclaim as well as a loyal online fanbase. Earning the distinction of “Certified Fresh” and a score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, I LOVE BOOSTERS has already made its mark as one of the year’s best, most original films. The film follows a group of female shoplifters— anchored by the hilarious Keke Palmer— that join together in order to take down an exploitive fashion mogul played by Demi Moore. With an all star ensemble cast and instantly iconic visuals, I LOVE BOOSTERS is funny, heartfelt, and a fresh film that fans are already rewatching.
Purchasing I LOVE BOOSTERS on 4K UHD/Blu-Ray or DVD comes with an array of exclusive bonus content including a feature commentary with Boots Riley, never before seen cast interviews, a “The Making of I LOVE BOOSTERS” documentary featurette, and a blooper reel.
A crew of professional shoplifters take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like community service.
JOHN LEGEND/LA TIMES PARTNER TO RELEASE SXSW WINNING SHORT DOCU “I GOT MY BROTHER” DIRECTED BY VICTOR GABRIEL – NOW STREAMING ON YOU TUBE – LA TIMES SHORT DOCS
The award-winning short documentary “I GOT MY BROTHER,” directed by Victor Gabriel, launched on Juneteenth – June 19 – on the Los Angeles Times’ YouTube channel as part of the L.A. Times Short Docs series. This moving and poetic documentary is set as a conversation-style interview with brothers Jarrett and Baylon Harper reflecting back on their time spent in a Los Angeles foster home where they were routinely abused and neglected. Though the candid memories are rooted in unimaginable trauma, they are woven with elements of magical realism, wry humor and an unbreakable brotherly bond that is put to the test when 17-year-old Jarrett is sentenced to life in prison without parole for taking the life of their abuser.
Throughout the film, Jarrett and Baylon reflect on their candid and often humorous memories of surviving the foster care system and prison, realizing along the way that their path to healing has always been each other.
“As a filmmaker and licensed therapist who has been doing community therapy in Compton, Watts, and South Central, I wanted to invite audiences into Jarrett and Baylon’s healing journey,” states director Gabriel. “At the end of the day, it’s about two brothers doing what we all do: joking, laughing, reminiscing.”
Gabriel adds: “The June 19th premiere date coincides with Juneteenth and the seventh anniversary of Jarrett’s release from prison. With a little hope, maybe this year it will mean a little more than usual.”
I GOT MY BROTHER is produced by Breakwater Studios, the Schultz Family Foundation, and LA Times Studios, and is executive produced by John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius of Get Lifted Film Co.
“I met Jarrett during a 2015 visit to Lancaster Prison. He had already spent nearly two decades inside, and even in a place built to take away a person’s hope, I saw a man who refused to be defined by the worst thing he had survived,” shares John Legend. “I was proud to help fight for his freedom, and grateful when Governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence and Governor Newsom sent him home. What moves me most is what Jarrett has done since returning to the community. He carries the pain of a childhood spent in foster homes that should have protected him, and he has turned it into purpose. He has brought attention and compensation to survivors of abuse in the foster system. He mentors foster youth, fights to end life sentences for children, and through Better Days, works to break the foster care to prison pipeline that nearly swallowed his own life. This film is Jarrett and his brother Baylon telling their own story, in their own words. You listen to them, and somewhere in there, you stop seeing strangers and start seeing two kids who belonged to all of us. That is what film can do. It closes the distance. I’m proud to share it through Get Lifted, and I hope you watch.”
“When I saw Victor Gabriel’s short film Hallelujah, I knew he was a filmmaker with a rare gift,” states Ben Proudfoot, executive producer of the short and CEO of Breakwater Studios. “What I loved most was his ability to explore trauma while making you laugh. It was an honor for us at Breakwater to support his first documentary and to work alongside Jarrett Harper in his mission to interrupt the foster care-to-prison pipeline.”
“I’m grateful to the Los Angeles Times for championing this story, to the Schultz Family Foundation for generously supporting Victor’s vision, and to John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius for helping bring this beautiful and important film to a wider audience,” adds Proudfoot.
“We believe strongly in the power of storytelling and its ability to drive meaningful change and create opportunities for those who may otherwise not have them,”says Sheri Schultz, co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation. “No child should endure the loss of parents and at the same time, experience the challenges associated with a broken foster care system. In getting to know Jarrett personally, we knew his story was an important one that had to be told and we’re proud to be shining a light on the difference a second chance can make in one’s life.”
“This film is about the incredible bond between two brothers and their devastating story of survival in the foster care-to-prison pipeline in Los Angeles,” states Los Angeles Times executive editor Terry Tang. “We are honored to be releasing I GOT MY BROTHER as part of our L.A. Times Short Docs series.”
I GOT MY BROTHER is directed by Victor Gabriel and produced by Rachel Earnest. The film is edited by Nadine Mundo, cinematography by Robert Hunter, and original music composed by Katya Richardson. Executive producers include John Legend, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius, Ben Proudfoot, and Josh Rosenberg. The film won the Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at the SXSW 2026 Film Festival.
I GOT MY BROTHER is available to watch now through You Tube at https://youtu.be/ft4xxpAn_9E .
TEMPEST – Interview with Actress Allison Pistorius
This Friday June 19th is the world premiere of the feature film, Tempest, at Dancing With Films LA. Our Gadi Elkon spoke with Actress Allison Pistorius who plays Ariel in TEMPEST.
Heartwarming Documentary “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” Gives Donation to Reading Is Fundamental Timed to Global Release
Timed to the 30th anniversary of Wishbone, Novel Tails in association with Loud Pictures, has brought home to audiences around the globe the charming documentary “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” and the filmmakers are giving 10% net proceeds donation to the legendary non-profit Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) from this global TVOD/Digital release, (available on Apple, Amazon, YouTube Movies, and all the major digital platforms now in the more than 60 countries worldwide where the award -winning PBS series ran). For over 60 years, Reading Is Fundamental has connected children with the joy of reading to spark imaginations and possibilities, putting kids on a path of reading proficiency. Because every child deserves the chance to succeed. Directed by Joey Stewart (“Wishbone,” “The Night of the White Pants,” “The Seventh Day,” “Walker, Texas Ranger”), the documentary “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” pulls back the curtain on how a small dog with a big imagination brought classic literature to life for millions of kids earning television’s highest achievements, the Peabody Award as well as multiple Emmy Awards, and a loyal fanbase around the globe. Featuring the writers, cast and the voice of Wishbone, alongside the creators behind the show, the film explores the ambition, chaos, and lasting impact of one of the most unique children’s series ever made.
“We are grateful to Novel Tails for this partnership and shared commitment to the power of storytelling,” said RIF President & CEO, Alicia Levi. “Together, we’re celebrating how stories spark imagination, foster a love of reading, and open doors to possibility for children everywhere.”
The films debut airing on Public Television Stations (formerly known as the Public Broadcasting Service) from May 27th through June 9th, 2026 – a perfect return home, covered more than 200 stations coast-to-coast before beginning its global TVOD/Digital release on June 10th on all platforms where you can rent or buy movies across the more than 60 countries where the series aired.
“This is a gift we are grateful to give to children everywhere. Wishbone gets to inspire future generations to read,” states “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” director Joey Stewart.
This incredible behind-the-scenes look at the beloved PBS series that turned classic literature into must-see TV, became a cultural phenomenon for a generation. Featuring rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes stories, and commentary from voices including Mo Rocca (“Bewitched,” “The Good Wife”), George W. Bush, and Dan Rather, as well as Creator/Executive Producer Rick Duffield, Producer Betty Buckley (Emmy and Peabody award winning producer & founder of Women in Film Dallas) the Voice of Wishbone Larry Brantley (veteran voice actor), Head Writer Stephanie Simpson (BAFTA winning writer of animated series “Arthur,” “Hilda,”), Wishbone’s Trainer Jackie Kaptan, Cast Mary Chris Wall (“Criminal Minds”), Angee Hughes (“Scrubs”), Jeanne Simpson (“Joan of Arc”), Matt Tompkins (“Frankenstein”), Production Designer Chris Henry (“Talk Radio”), Costume Designer Steven Chudej (“Raising Arizona”), Makeup & Hair Designer Gigi Coker (“Eight Men Out”), Post Production Supervisor Mike Losurdo Jr. (“Sea Warriors: The Royal Navy in the Age of Sail”), and Visual Effects Supervisor Caris Turpin (“Howard the Duck”).
The documentary shares how the series captured the imagination of audiences—and why it’s influence still resonates decades later. The film offers a uniquely personal perspective on the making of the show. “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” clocks in at just under 90 minutes from the team who helmed the original award-winning series – directed by Joey Stewart (“Wishbone,” “The Night of the White Pants,” “The Seventh Day,” “Walker, Texas Ranger”), produced by Betty Buckley (Emmy and Peabody award winning producer & founder of Women in Film Dallas), Joey Stewart, Larry Brantley (veteran voice actor and the voice of “Wishbone”), Stephanie Simpson (BAFTA winning writer of animated series “Arthur,” “Hilda,” and writer of “Wishbone”).
Originally airing in the mid-1990s, Wishbone reimagined classic works of literature through the adventures of a Jack Russell Terrier, introducing a generation of kids to stories ranging from Sherlock Holmes to The Odyssey. This documentary revisits the creative team behind the series and reveals how an ambitious idea became a lasting cultural touchstone. Through the voices of the writers, directors, producers, and cast, this film explores how it all came together—and how something that felt chaotic at the time ended up meaning so much to an entire generation.
Find the film in your market or your preferred platform at www.whatsthestorywishbone.com and follow the film on Instagram: @thewishbonedocumentary and on Facebook: @wishbonedocumentary