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 964 (04/26/24): The Mummy (turns 25) / Funny Girl (William Wyler #5) / We Grown Now
From WBEZ | Part of the Filmspotting (weekly series) series | 54:00
Back in ‘99, Josh was a fan of “The Mummy.” Film snob Adam skipped it. With the film back in theaters for its 25th anniversary, they give it a fresh look. Plus, Barbara Streisand in her film debut “Funny Girl” (film number five in the William Wyler Marathon), and a Golden Brick nod for the new Chicago-set film “We Grown Now.”
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
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- 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:
MABEL -- Nicholas Ma Interview
From Andrea Chase | Part of the Behind the Scenes series | 17:57
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- MABEL -- Nicholas Ma Interview
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- Andrea Chase
When I spoke with Nicholas Ma via Zoom on April 27, 2024, I had to start with how his film, MABEL, mentions the role that mycelium plays in allowing trees to communicate with one another. It’s one of the many fascinating, and controversial, ideas arising from the nascent field of neuro-botany that populate his film about a middle-school girl whose best friend is a plant. During our conversation, it turned out that we also share a love for slime molds, and thew ay they can hunt, negotiate mazes, and have a favorite food (oat flakes) even though they don’t have a brain.
We went on to talk about why he chose to tell the story from a girl’s perspective; wanting to leave his audience with more curiosity, and coming to terms with the limitations of what a parent can do for his or her child.
We finished up with the ebullient Ma discussing the intricacies of working with a mimosa, the impact the Sloane Prize had on him, and how meeting Mr. Rogers when he was a kid made him a better director as an adult.
MABEL is Ma's directorial feature film debut and follows a middle-school girl whose best friend is a plant. The girl, Callie, is obsessed with botany, which makes it harder for her to fit in at the new school to which she transferred mid-year. Until she meets Ms. G, a graduate student in botany who is bringing her fascination for plant life, and some of botany’s more controversial lines of research to Callie’s school. What follows is a sensitive, perceptive film about growing up in two worlds, and reconciling obsession with being part of more than just plant life.
The film stars Lexi Perkel as Cassie, Christine Ko as her mother, Quincy Dunn Baker as her father, Judy Greer as Mrs. G, and Lena Josephine Marano as Cassie’s 4th-grade neighbor who teaches her a few things about life.
Ma directed from a script he co-wrote with Joy Godwin. His previous work includes co-producing the documentary about Mr. Rogers, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR, and UNFINISHED BUSINESS about the history of the WNBA.
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
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- Indie on Demand Reviews FIGHTVILLE
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- 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: Unsung Hero
From Kristin Dreyer Kramer | Part of the Reel Discovery series | 03:00
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- Reel Discovery: Unsung Hero
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- 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 follows a family’s true story of hardship and determination in Unsung Hero.
To read more, 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:
Rael Jones - UK Based Film Composer - Les Miserables, Suite Francaise, Sherlock, My Cousin Rachel, Harlots, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris, and Seize Them
From MergingArts Productions | Part of the Spoiler Alert Radio series | 29:00
Rael’s musical background, rooted in classical training, began at the age of 6. He graduated from the Tonmeister Course with First Class Honors, winning both available prizes for composition.
Rael has worked on a variety of roles in film, including: Composer, Music Producer, Orchestrator, Music Editor, Music Programmer and Session Musician.
Rael’s film work includes: Les Miserables, Alan Partridge, Suite Française, My Cousin Rachel, Oasis: Supersonic,, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris, The Sound Of 007, Role Play, and Seize Them.
Rael's television work includes: Sherlock, Ill Behavior, Harlots, The Salisbury Poisonings, The Kings, and Ten Percent.