Exposure screens films about Black cowboys at ICA
Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor This month, Exposure Cinema presented “Nu West,” a series of films about Black cinema and the American West at the Institute for Contemporary Art. There is one screening left, and it is free to the public. Exposure Cinema is a “collective cinematic investigation,” according to their website. Founder and VCU alum […]
Mom I’m Still On Drugs: Richmond-made film celebrates anniversary
Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor In August 2024, local filmmaker Ken Brisby premiered their debut film release “Mom I’m On Drugs.” One year later, Brisby held a VHS release party at the Black Iris Social Club in Richmond’s Art District. The VHS tapes are manufactured by a small business in Raleigh, North Carolina, called Terror Tapes, […]
Cillian Murphy’s early filmography is just as interesting as his face
Kofi Mframa, Opinions Editor With a face carved by the hands of Michelangelo himself, Cillian Murphy’s film presence seldom goes unneeded. The Irish actor isn’t Hollywood’s most recognizable leading man. He’s spent most of his career traversing from underrated role to underrated role, giving him an incredibly diverse filmography. Now, as his titular role in […]
‘Another Shot’: new short film from VCU alumnus explores the transgender experience
Hadia Moosvi, Contributing Writer Four years ago, VCU alumnus Arlen Kerndt didn’t expect his name to be on a big screen. Now, Kerndt’s short film is premiering soon at the Richmond International Film Festival. “It’s so affirming to get that kind of affirmation from a festival that runs in the city that gave this film […]
New Surge Productions: Student filmmakers assemble against industry restrictions
Fabian Fontanez, Contributing Writer As a woman in the film industry, junior Samantha Ratliff said she was often told where she belonged, including “in the kitchen.” In response, she started her own filmmaking club and production company: New Surge Productions. Established last spring, Ratliff said the club provides a space and voice for aspiring and […]
Katherine’s Perspective | Films that portray mental illness
Katherine Noble, Contributing Writer We don’t expect movies to be entirely truthful. It’s often fun to suspend disbelief and lose yourself in a fun, fictional storyline. However, when films incorrectly portray mental illness, it can be harmful, reinforcing negative stereotypes and glamorizing real conditions. This makes it harder to break down stigmas and have conversations […]
The Oscars’ lack of representation is reflected in VCU’s cinema department
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor We’ve all heard the question: “Why are the Oscars so white?” This year is no different. The awards ceremony is still very white and male-centered, making this year’s nominations unrepresentative of the country’s diversity. While the Academy has been claiming it would like to diversify its nomination pool for nearly three years […]
French Film Festival 2018: Lineup features French culture, history and relationships
More than 40 directors, actors and other film specialists traveled from France to speak at the screenings of 26 films shown at the 2018 French Film Festival hosted at the Byrd Theatre. The festival is sponsored by VCU and the University of Richmond, organized and founded by professors at both universities. Some of the films, […]
“Hail Storm” shows importance of Black chef in southern culinary innovation
There isn’t anything particularly new about Shola Walker’s bakery, Mahogany Sweets. She says she’s a “manifestation” of the work of John Dabney, a renowned 19th century Richmond chef. Walker participated in a panel discussion about “Hail Storm: John Dabney in Virginia,” a film by Hannah Ayers and Lance Warren of Field Studio, a documentary […]
First-time feature filmmaker debuts at RVA Environmental Film Festival
First-time feature filmmaker David Schumacher’s film, “The New Fire” uses documentary storytelling to suggest nuclear energy as a solution to climate change. The film screened on Feb. 15 at the RVA Environmental Film Festival, followed by a discussion led by Schumacher and Sama Bilbao y León, Director of Nuclear Engineering Programs at VCU. “Climate change […]