For Your Reference

Send us a textAn insecure Chinese-American teenager undergoes experimental surgery to appear white, hoping to secure the prom queen title and peer acceptance. Slanted will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 9th, 13th & 15th. As suggested by Amy, double feature watching of Slanted & Being ThereCheck out the video interview.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textWith strikingly intimate access, Mistress Dispeller follows this unfolding family drama from all corners of a love triangle. Mistress Dispeller will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 7th, 8th & 13th. Note: this interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textFarming the Revolution captures a mass movement in vivid close-up, as 12 million farmers challenge the Indian government, forcing it to retract its unjust farm laws. Farming the Revolution will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 5th & 7th. This film is also a part of Collection: Focus on Nishta Jain screening The Golden Thread and Gulabi Gang.Note: this interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week we have the opportunity to chat with Jaron Lockridge for Betray: Thirst, the second offering of the Betray series. We discuss his hands-on approach of producing, writing and directing as well as the importance of friendships and keeping love alive.Check out the video interview.Betray: Thirst is available on Apple TV + and Amazon Prime.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week we have the opportunity to chat to Adam & Zach about Bloodlines, focusing on the presence of Bludworth in the franchise and reflect on the life and legacy of icon Tony Todd. Rest in love.Check out video interview.FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES ONLY IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS MAY 15As suggested by Zach & Adam, big recommend to pair Bloodlines with Candyman. We also have a full review on the podcast.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week, we discuss the impact of queer Asian cinema, Andrew reflects on the significance of his works, including his remake of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet, and the evolution of queer community dynamics since 1993. We delve into themes of culture, sexuality, and family explored in his films and discuss how these elements resonate with audiences. Andrew also shares personal insights on queer family building and recommends essential queer literature and films, including Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet and Portrait of a Lady on Fire.Check out the video interview.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Celebrating Queer Asian Cinema00:57 The Impact of 'The Wedding Banquet'02:55 Exploring Identity and Authenticity05:27 Family Dynamics and Growth06:24 Modern Queer Family Building09:41 Hope and Optimism in Filmmaking11:51 Queer Literature Recommendations13:28 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsWebsite | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textIn this week's Reference Max we have something for everyone, intoxicated by the thrill of Drop, galloping into the visual arms of On Swift Horses, getting insight on the danger and importance of journalism in The Correspondent, making new friendos and lovers with Clowns in a Cornfield and finding the harmony in Tinā.NOTE: On Swift Horses is currently out in US cinemas and has just been announced as part of Sydney Film Festival program. Clown in a Cornfield in AUS cinemas May 8 and US cinemas May 9.Thanks to studios & PR for interviews on most of the films covered...Interview with “DROP” Director, Christopher Landon (video/audio)Interview with “On Swift Horses” Director, Daniel Minahan (audio only)Interview with “The Correspondent” Director, Kriv Stenders (audio only)Interview with “TINĀ” Director/Writer, Miki Magasiva and Actor, Anapela Polataivao (video/audio)Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textDirector/Writer Miki Magasiva and Actor Anapela Polataivao join us on the podcast to chat about TINĀ. We delve into representation, storytelling and balancing traditional and cultural musical numbers.Check out the video interview.TINĀ is in Australian cinemas May 1.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textWe sit down with Director Daniel Minahan to discuss recently released On Swift Horses. Travelling back to the 1950s, Dan walks us through colour themes and visual language that reflect emotional journeys as well as the filmmaking process from book to screen.On Swift Horses is out in US cinemas now. We will update if there is a date for AUS.This interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textPass the vibe check and the juke joint of remembering bodies, conversating numbers and strum humming. Pierce the veil of life and death with Sinners this week.Check out our write ups for press events we were invite to:Our question for Ryan Coogler was asked: Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and now Sinners—you have a poetic ability to speak truths. How do you balance heart and story? Are they one and the same, or do you see them as separate?Blood on the Bayou: 7 Takeaways from the Sinners Press Junket with Ryan Coogler & CrewSinners: Inside Ryan Coogler’s Genre-Bending, IMAX-Shot, Blues-Infused Horror MasterpieceWebsite | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Kriv Stenders to discuss his impactful body of work and his latest film, 'The Correspondent.' Standers delves into his motivations for choosing certain stories, the challenges of bringing true events to the screen, and the unique approach of sticking closely to Peter's perspective in the film. The conversation covers the intricate process of adapting real-life experiences, the ethical responsibilities involved, and the emotional complexities of Peter's 400-day ordeal. Standers also touches on the importance of authenticity, creative storytelling, and the immersive experience intended for the audience.THE CORRESPONDENT WILL BE IN CINEMAS NATIONALLY ON 17TH APRIL.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week we sit down with Christopher Landon to discuss his thrilling new film, "Drop." Delving into the movie's unique blend of horror and grounded reality, we explore the challenges of translating modern anxieties about technology onto the screen and the conscious effort to create a strong, resilient female protagonist in Violet. Check out the video interview.DROP is released in Australian cinemas on April 17Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week we have a special Anime Reference Max we review the first episodes for To Be Hero X, Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers and whole seasons of Solo Leveling,Mashle: Magic and Muscles & Fable.If you’re looking for more we have full review episodes on Naruto & Demon Slayer on the podcast feed.While you’re here, check out our chat with Aleks Le (English dub voice actor) for Solo Leveling: https://youtu.be/fS_3Rn5-FtAWebsite | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textIn this week’s Reference Max we review the majority Trans cast and crew led film She’s the He, dreamy Academy award winning Flow, Frankie Muniz led Renner & Double the De Niro with The Alto Knights.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textGrab a snack and a lover as we give splooshes and flowers to the Leading Black Women and Men in Hollywood with the Number One on the Call Sheet films.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textIn this week’s Reference Max we reviewPamela Anderson’s The Last Showgirl, Queer coming of age Big Boys, Julia Stiles directorial debut Wish You Were Here & hummingbird doco Every Little Thing. We also welcome another Marcellus Cox work, Liquor Bank.01:37 Liquor Bank06:41 The Last Showgirl12:30 Big Boys15:49 Wish You Were Here16:47 Reflecting on '10 Things I Hate About You'22:45 Every Little ThingWebsite | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textIn this week's Reference Max we review the Keke x SZA powered One of Them Days, an emotional road trip in The Last Journey, Ving Rhames and white girl boxing in Uppercut & cartoonish humanity printed Mickey 17.Apologies for the last ten mins, we did our best to fix the audio but also just a heads up.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textWelcome friends and lovers to the Grand Reference Tour where we will be riding in our GNX with Anita Baker to talk about the post rap beef, GNX, Super Bowl and reflecting on the cultural impact.Thanks again to Andre, Countryboi (One Mic: Black History), Cameron & Jordan (White People Won’t Save You) for another banger!Enjoy this epic collab and check out all the cool stuff our friends and lovers are up to!Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textThis week, we host another exciting interview, this time with the multi-talented Keke Palmer. The episode covers an engaging discussion about Palmer's leading role in the film 'One of Them Days', where themes of gentrification, community, and the realities of young adulthood are explored. The conversation with Keke Palmer also includes her insights on the film industry and her recommendation for a double feature pairing with 'One of Them Days'.One of Them Days will be released in Australian cinemas on March 6.This interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

Send us a textWelcome to our Reference Degustation where we take you through a month long double dolly celebration of Spike Lee Joints.Infiltrate the hotline and navigate the streets of love and hate to make change from the inside? Read between the Tarzan lines with the BlacKkKlansman this week. Are-uh you down?If you’d like to watch along, we will be covering the below…Do The Right Thing (1989)Malcolm X (1992)Bamboozled (2000)BlacKkKlansman (2018)Thanks to patrons and guests for contributing to common and recurring themes we will be incorporating as we review. Check out Brent/Home Video Hustle's review episode of BlacKkKlansman and Dan Mecca's piece on Spike Lee.Check out more tasty Reference Degustations…2020 – Hayao Miyazaki2021 – Taika Waititi2022 – Quentin Tarantino2023 – Takashi Miike2024 – Martin ScorseseWe also posted coverage for exclusive early access to Sinners Trailer 2 and had our submitted question answered by Ryan Coogler.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Inst