Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts tagged political film festival
EP. 1169 - Filmmaker Andre Joseph (DISMISSAL TIME)

DISMISSAL TIME, 29min,. USA
Directed by Andre Joseph
When a black high school student in a reputable prep school becomes the victim of a vicious form of cyberbullying, his history teacher makes it her mission to bring those responsible to task when the administration fails to act. Inspired by true events

Get to know the filmmaker:

I experienced racially-motivated bullying as a high school freshman where I was one of the few black students in my class. For years, I tried to suppress the trauma privately even though there were times I was uncomfortable in my skin. When the murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a national reckoning on race relations in America, I felt motivated to speak about my experience through film and I began to write Dismissal Time that summer inspired by my history.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

January 21, 2023 - Filmmaker M. Kaplan (Liar-In-Chief: A Chronicle of the Trump Presidency)

Liar-In-Chief: A Chronicle of the Trump Presidency Through the Eyes of An Outraged Graphic Artist, 82min., USA, Documentary
Directed by M Kaplan
A multi-award winning, often biting satirical documentary, using original still photo montages and short videos created by the director, chronicling the horrors of Trump’s presidency.

https://twitter.com/GQPFascists

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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August 17, 2022 - Filmmaker Duffy Hecht (SHOPPING CART PEOPLE)

Shopping Cart People presents an unflinching exploration of people living in today’s world as homeless and those advocating for them. Stories are told, lives are shared, as a filmmaker delves into a community’s efforts to help those without a voice and protect their belongings. You’ll see interviews with community members and activists as they grapple with this controversial issue.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/shopping-cart-people-trailer

https://matthewtoffolo.com/2022/07/28/interview-with-filmmaker-duffy-hecht-shopping-cart-people/

Director BIO:

As a producer, Duffy’s films include the independent feature “First, Last and Deposit.” Peter Marin of Atlantic Magazine called it “the best movie about the homeless since Midnight Cowboy.” After winning awards at the San Francisco and New York City Independent Film Festivals, “FLD” became a popular staple on TV's Independent Film Channel.

His next two films were with with writer-director Stuart Gordon (Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Re-Animator). Their first project was the film version of Charlie Higson’s novel “King Of The Ants,” followed by “Edmond,” written by Pulitzer-prize winner David Mamet. “Edmond” featuring William H. Macy (Best Actor winner at Mar del Plata and Newport Beach), Julia Stiles, Joe Mantegna and Mena Suvari.

His films and videos have screened at many of the world’s great film festivals including Venice, Telluride, Seattle, Sitges, Leeds, the Berlin Film Market (sponsored by IFP and Kodak), Vienna, Deauville, Santa Barbara (twice), Seattle, Rio De Janeiro, Puchon (Korea), Cinequest as well as IndieFests in the US and abroad.

A life-long political activist, Duffy served on the board of the Santa Barbara Legal Defense Center. This activist spirit is reflected in his directing debut, “The 8th Street Bridge,” as well as his next directing effort, “Occupy Santa Barbara.” Both were Official Selections of The Santa Barbara Film Festival.

In 2020, Duffy Produced and Directed the documentary “Our Two Years With Trump” which screened at film festivals in Los Angeles, Taos, Prague and Bengal, India, winning awards for Best Documentary and Raising Social Awareness.

His latest documentary as Producer/Director is “Shopping Cart People” a look at an underreported segment of the homeless community. This project reunites Duffy with composer Bobby Johnston (This American Life, Wristcutters) for their third project together.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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June 9, 2022 - Filmmakers Jesse Grace & Steve Weiss (Democracy Vs. The Big Lie)

“Democracy Vs. The Big Lie: The Truth Behind Mail-In Voting,” narrated by Alec Baldwin, is a feature-length documentary that follows the controversy surrounding mail-in voting during the 2020 U.S. election.

Winner of best feature film at the POLITICAL FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Conversation with filmmakers Jesse Grave & Steve Weiss on the process from concept to distribution, and how to make sure the right people watch this documentary.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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March 11, 2022 - Filmmaker David Maddox (ALTERNATIVE MATH)

You can watch the FULL MOVIE “Alternative Math” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh3Yz3PiXZw&t=4s . Over 10 million views!

“A well meaning math teacher finds herself trumped by a post-fact America.”

Conversation with filmmaker David Maddox on the making of this multiple award winning films.

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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October 26, 2021 - Filmmaker Melissa Jo Peltier (The Game Is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters ......)

“The Game Is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories” was the winner of BEST FEATURE FILM at the 2021 POLITCAL Feedback Film Festival. You can watch the film HERE this Thursday all day for FREE.

Go to https://americandignitypac.com/ and learn more about the film and its agenda.

“A GOP congressman-turned right wing shock jock; a rising star in the Young Republicans; a party-loyal Ohio farmer; a US Army Veteran & hardcore 'MAGA'; and three evangelicals all recount their evolutions from Trump supporters in 2016 to adamant adversaries in 2020. The film takes a deep dive into their motives for voting, their doubts, and the epiphanies that changed their minds.”

Conversation with Melissa Jo Peltier on why the film was made and her pursuit to get it done.

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September 15, 2021 - Filmmaker Barak Heymann (COMRADE DOV)

COMRADE DOV is the Israeli hit feature documentary film that is also playing at the September 2021 POLITICAL Feedback Film Festival in North America. Winner of BEST FEATURE FILM for the 2021 year.

“Comrade Dov” is a surprising, thought-provoking portrait of a unique politician, who refuses to give up even as reality deals him one cruel blow after another.

Conversation with filmmaker Barak Heymann on his 6+ year journey making this film.

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July 6, 2021 - Filmmaker Nox Yang (THE STORY OF LILY LEE CHEN)

THE STORY OF LILY LEE CHEN chronicles the life of retired politician Lily Lee Chen, as she recalls her experiences of becoming the first Chinese American woman mayor and fighting against the anti-Asian/anti-immigrant sentiment in the 1980s.

Playing at the POLITICAL Short Film Festival TODAY. Watch the festival HERE


Amazing and unique story of how this film came together. We chat with filmmaker Nox Yang on the process and collaboration with Lily Lee Chen.

Follow WILDsound Podcasts on all social media channels: @wildsoundpod

Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

Subscribe via Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildsoundfest


July 5, 2021 - Filmmaker Kate Haug (POST-ELECTION WORKS)

In POST-ELECTION WORKS, filmmaker/artist examines a circular nature of history and her identity as it evolves within the context of contemporary politics. A collage of internet imagery and personal reflection

Playing at the POLITICAL Short Film Festival TODAY. Watch the festival HERE

Conversation with artist/filmmaker Kate Haug on the process making this film.

June 7, 2021 - Filmmaker Benedict Kasulis (TOUCH THE BOULDER)

“Touch the Boulder” is a feature documentary that follows a satirical sports blogger’s longshot campaign against a corrupt political machine for a State House seat in rural Ohio.

Playing at the POLITICAL Film Festival this Friday. Get your FREE tickets HERE.

Conversation with filmmaker Benedict Kasulis on the process making the documentary and finding the story in editing.

Follow WILDsound Podcasts on all social media channels: @wildsoundpod

Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

Subscribe via Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildsoundfest

Jan. 20, 2021 - Filmmaker Max Westerman (SMALL-TOWN POLITICS IN THE AGE OF TRUMP)

WATCH MY FRIEND, THE MAYOR: SMALL-TOWN POLITICS IN THE AGE OF TRUMP at our POLITICAL Film Festival this upcoming Friday: https://lafeedbackfilmfestival.com/virtual-cinema-screening/

Streaming for FREE all day. RSVP to be able to watch.

Candid conversation with the filmmaker and how this film came to be.

Summary of FILM: Among the first to be hit by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s, Sean Strub’s political ambitions took a backseat as he struggled to survive. Now 60, he is running for mayor of a conservative town in Pennsylvania. How will this liberal, openly gay ex-New Yorker and founder of POZ, a magazine for people with HIV, fare in a rural community that voted for Donald Trump?

Follow WILDsound Podcasts on all social media channels: @wildsoundpod

Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

Subscribe via Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildsoundfest