Sundance Selects

First up [4 mins. 0 secs.], half the filmmaking team behind the dramatic thriller, Walking Out, Alex Smith (Winter in the Blood, The Slaughter Rule) returning to the podcast; he last appeared with his filmmaking partner & twin brother, Andrew J. Smith on Episode 235. Walking Out is currently screening in various theaters around the country and also available for streaming on iTunes. Once a year, fourteen-year-old David (Josh Wiggins) travels from his mother’s home in Texas to visit his loner father, Cal (Matt Bomer), in the remote mountains of Montana. There, the two embark on their annual hunting excursion, during which the taciturn Cal attempts to connect with his smartphone-addicted son. But when a terrifying turn of events leaves Cal critically wounded, it’s up to the teenage David to summon enough strength for both of them. Infused with a deep reverence for the rugged beauty and harsh realities of the Montana landscape, Walking Out is both a tense survival saga and a disarmingly moving father-son tale. Featuring Bill Pullman.

Then [27 mins., 48 secs.], I’m joined by the director of the documentary Dealt and the film’s subject, card mechanic (or close-up magician) Richard Turner. One of the most renowned card magicians of all time, Richard Turner astounds audiences around the world with his legendary sleight of hand. What they may not even realize – and what makes his achievements all the more amazing – is that he is completely blind. Charting Turner’s colorful life from his tumultuous childhood to the present, Dealt reveals how through determination and force of will, he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to rise to the top of his profession. It’s both a tantalizing, up-close look at the secretive world of magic and a candid, awe-inspiring portrait of a man who lives beyond his limitations. Check out the FIlmwax Radio Facebook page for some of Turner’s sleight of hand, just for the podcast.

Filmwax Radio is presented by Rooftop Films. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. The podcast is also available on iTunes, Stitcher & Youtube.

International filmmaker Claire Denis whose latest film, Bastards, just premiered at the New York Film Festival; and Angad Bhalla, the filmmaker of the documentary Herman’s House, are the guests.

Rooftop is thrilled to announce that a special screening of The Myth of the American Sleepover will take place on July 17th, at the Ace Hotel. This incredibly beautiful and intimate film about being a teen, seeking adventure, forming bonds, falling in love, and growing up will be followed by a Q&A with the director, David Robert Mitchell himself, as well as some fun sleepover games!