Pasqual Gutierrez’ Serious People Explores Work, Identity, and Fatherhood

🎬 Serious People

“Life’s a Movie”

Written and Directed by: Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson
Produced by: Ryan Hahn, Laurel Thomson, Teddy Lee
Starring: Pasqual Gutierrez, Christine Yuan, RJ Sanchez, Miguel Huerta

Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival 2025
In Theaters: November 14, 2025
On Demand: December 16, 2025 (all major platforms)

Tribeca Films x Memory Present Serious People

About the Film

Serious People follows successful music video director Pasqual Gutierrez, who faces a life-altering dilemma on the due date of his first child: accept the biggest music video project of his career or finally step back and focus on his family. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Frustrated by his lack of balance, Pasqual makes a bold decision, he casts a doppelgänger named Miguel to fill his shoes in his directing duo, Cliqua, while he takes paternity leave. But as he spends more time teaching Miguel how to inhabit his life, the line between real and replacement begins to blur.

The result is a sharp, funny, and emotionally charged look at ambition, identity, and the replaceability of people in clout-driven Los Angeles. The film ultimately asks: What does it mean to be a director, a parent, and, most of all, a real person?

Running Time: 86 minutes (USA, Feature Film)

Behind the Camera

Pasqual Gutierrez

An award-winning American filmmaker, Gutierrez is best known as one half of Cliqua, the powerhouse directing duo behind some of the biggest music videos of the past decade. Together with RJ Sanchez, he’s collaborated with Bad Bunny, Rosalia, J Balvin, Madonna, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd, among many others.

Gutierrez’ work has earned multiple nominations and an MTV VMA, and his debut short film Shut Up & Fish, now Oscar-qualified, has been making waves on the festival circuit. Serious People marks his first narrative feature film, which made its world premiere at Sundance 2025.

Ben Mullinkosson

Co-writer and co-director Ben Mullinkosson brings his documentary sensibility to Serious People, blending realism with dark humor. His 2023 documentary The Last Year of Darkness won the Special Jury Mention at CPH:DOX and was released by MUBI.

Mullinkosson’s earlier work includes Gnarly in Pink (Tribeca Film Festival, 2013), distributed by The New York Times Op-Docs, and a series of acclaimed shorts that have earned Vimeo Staff Picks and millions of online views.

Why Serious People Matters

Serious People is a reflection on modern creativity, work, and self-worth. It’s a satire of hustle culture wrapped in a heartfelt story about fatherhood and identity. The film captures what it feels like to be torn between personal meaning and professional validation, a tension many of us know all too well.

Opening in theaters on November 14, with a Video On Demand release on December 16, this debut feature promises to be one of the most talked-about indie films of the year.

Serious People poster. Photo: Tribeca Films/Memory, used with permission.

The Spells’ 1997 Masterpiece The Night Has Eyes Finally Sees the Light

The Spells to release debut LP nearly 30 years later. Photo: Nick Zinner, used with permission.

The Spells Unearth Long-Lost 1997 Debut The Night Has Eyes

Long-lost NYC trio The Spells has announced the long-overdue release of their 1997 debut album The Night Has Eyes, arriving Halloween 2025 on vinyl and digital via Garganta Press. The deluxe LP package includes a 16-page booklet filled with never-before-seen photos and stories from the band’s brief but unforgettable run. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

Originally shelved after the band dissolved in 1998, The Night Has Eyes became the stuff of underground legend, whispered about among fans of ‘90s garage punk and NYC’s darker sonic corners. Now, nearly three decades later, it finally sees the light of day.

From Austin to NYC: A Short, Brilliant Flame

The Spells, made up of Nicole Barrick (guitar, vocals), Marisa Pool (bass, vocals), and Leni Zumas (drums) formed in Austin, TX in 1995, rising from the ashes of an earlier project called The Red Scare. They relocated to New York City, where they recorded their debut with producer Greg Talenfeld (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Pavement, The Walkmen) at Waterworks Studio in November 1997.

A Hidden Treasure Resurfaces

The newly mastered LP, produced by Greg Talenfeld and The Spells and mastered for vinyl by Honza Kapak at Hellsound Studio in the Czech Republic, captures the raw energy and shadowy allure of the late-‘90s NYC underground.

The 16-page booklet features unseen photos from Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Iggy Pop) and Lilian Lee, taken during the band’s final years in 1997–98.

Read the full story and in-depth interview with The Spells today via It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine.

Pre-orders for The Night Has Eyes are available now HERE.

Artist: The Spells
Album: The Night Has Eyes
Record Label: Garganta Press
Release Date: October 31, 2025

The Night Has Eyes tracklist:

Lilith
Vanishing Act
Strange
Snow White’s Coffin
The Night Has Eyes
If The World Should End Tonight
Isadora
Yumiko

Photo: Nick Zinner, used with permission

Dead Giveaway: The Hilarious Horror Premiere Lighting Up the Philadelphia Film Festival

Mikaela Hoover and Ruby Modine in Dead Giveaway. Photo: VP Independent, used with permission.

🎬 Philadelphia Film Festival 2025: Celebrating the Best in Global Cinema

Every October, the Philadelphia Film Festival transforms the city into a global stage for cinematic storytelling — welcoming tens of thousands of film lovers, emerging talents, and celebrated filmmakers for an electrifying 11-day experience. (Philadelphia Film Society, 2025)

Curated by the Philadelphia Film Society’s expert programming team, who travel the world from Sundance to Cannes, Berlin to Toronto, the Festival delivers a handpicked lineup of the year’s most talked-about, award-winning, and visionary films. From bold debuts to international sensations, every screening is a chance to discover the next big thing in film.

This year’s Festival runs October 16–26, 2025, featuring 11 days of world-class cinema, exclusive events, and celebrations that bring the city’s film community together.

🌟 Spotlight Feature: Dead Giveaway

World Premiere | Section: Filmadelphia

One of the most anticipated screenings of the Festival is Ian Kimble’s Dead Giveaway, a wickedly funny horror-comedy making its world premiere right here in Philadelphia. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Film Details

Feature Film (USA)
Genre: Horror Comedy
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2025

Written and Directed by: Ian Kimble
Producers: Suzann Toni, Andrew Vogel, Ian Kimble
Executive Producer: Hallee Adelman
Co-Producer: Amanda Frederick

Starring:

Ruby Modine (Silent Night, Deadly Night, Shameless)
Mikaela Hoover (Superman [2025])
Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween)

🩸 Synopsis

Jill (Ruby Modine) wakes up from a blackout night of drinking and partying to find herself covered in blood — and sharing her bed with a dead man. Hungry, hungover, horrified, and possibly a murderer, she scrambles to clean up before her roommate Sarah (Suzann Toni) notices.

When her best friend Lia (Mikaela Hoover) shows up, half-concerned, half-annoyed, she reluctantly agrees to help Jill figure out what happened, but only under one condition: they have to make it to brunch before 3 p.m.

What follows is a blood-soaked comedy of errors involving mistaken identities, suspicious visitors, and a very inconvenient corpse. Between hiding bodies, dodging questions, and keeping their mimosas on schedule, Jill and Lia stumble through a hangover-fueled nightmare where every fix only makes things worse.

With an endlessly creative script by Ian Kimble, Dead Giveaway delivers a sharp mix of horror and humor — and the irresistible chemistry between Ruby Modine and Mikaela Hoover keeps audiences laughing (and screaming) until the very end.

🎥 About the Filmmaker

Ian Kimble is a writer, producer, and director with a background in award-winning short films and independent features. Dead Giveaway marks his feature debut as writer, director, and producer — expanding on one of his original short films. With this project, Kimble cements his place as one of Philadelphia’s most exciting emerging filmmakers.

📅 Screening Schedule

Philadelphia Film Festival 2025 Official Screenings

World Premiere
📍 Friday, October 17 at 9:45 p.m.
Location: Film Society Center
1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Encore Screening
📍 Sunday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Film Society East
125 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just love a clever dark comedy, Dead Giveaway is a must-see at this year’s Philadelphia Film Festival, proof that the city’s film scene is as bold, fresh, and fearless as ever.

Bill Scorzari’s Sidereal Days (Day 1) is a Soulful Journey Across Time and Truth

Bill Scorzari announces double album release. Photo: Dreamspider Publicity, used with permission.

Bill Scorzari Returns with Sidereal Days (Day 1) — The First of a Double Album Project

HUNTINGTON, NY — New York-based singer-songwriter, recording artist, and performer Bill Scorzari is set to release his fifth and sixth albums, Sidereal Days (Day 1) and Sidereal Days (Day 2). (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

The first installment, Sidereal Days (Day 1), arrives October 17, 2025, with Day 2 scheduled for release in 2026.

Scorzari has independently released four acclaimed studio albums to date:

Just the Same (2014)
Through These Waves (2017)
Now I’m Free (2019)
The Crosswinds of Kansas (2022)

A Writer’s Writer

Known for his poetic lyricism and emotional depth, Scorzari has often been described as a “writer’s writer.” His music has drawn comparisons to Sam Baker, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt, and Chris Stapleton.

What sets Scorzari apart is his distinctive voice, one that can be both subtle and striking, as he examines the complexities of the human condition.

The Sound of Sidereal Days (Day 1)

The ten tracks on Sidereal Days (Day 1) are both wide-ranging and deeply personal. Listeners will find:

Songs of love and regret
Tracks that came together quickly, and others that took years to shape
Multi-layered arrangements balanced with short, sublime pieces

Scorzari’s music reflects a deep pursuit of clarity — his songs are as much about introspection as they are about connection. The result is a blend of the radio-ready and the contemplative, showcasing his gift for nuance and storytelling.

From Huntington to Nashville

Scorzari recorded his instrumentation and vocals for the double album himself at First Thunder Recording, his studio in Huntington, New York. Beginning in July 2022, he spent two years refining the compositions before heading to Skinny Elephant Recording in Nashville in August 2024 to collaborate with engineer Dylan Alldredge, with Scorzari and Neilson Hubbard co-producing.

Final mixes were completed by engineer Nic Coolidge at Dead Pop Studios in Providence, RI, in early 2025. Mastering was done by Hallie Melton in Nashville in April 2025, bringing the project to its polished conclusion.

Sidereal Days (Day 1) tracklist

All This Time
And Carries Me Away
And So (Deep Into the Dark)
Borrowed Hearts
Can’t Break This Fall
Did We Tie
Endgame
From Your Heart
Grace
Breathe

Tally Koren: The Voice Turning Familiar Melodies into Unforgettable Moments

Tally Koren announces new EP featuring epic interpretation of Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars.’ Photo: TCK Productions, used with permission.

Tally Koren: Redefining the Art of the Cover Song

A rising artist making her mark on the UK music scene

Tally Koren is quickly becoming a name to watch in the music industry. Known for her innovative approach to both covers and original compositions, she recently reached No. 10 on the UK Club Chart, solidifying her reputation as a creative force with staying power. (TCK Productions, 2025)

Best known for her acclaimed single “Beauty of the Duty,” Koren boasts an impressive catalogue of live performances, including appearances at The Royal Albert Hall, The National Arboretum, The Belgrade Theatre (Coventry), and The House of Lords. She also performed live at the MK Dons Stadium to open a match on International Peace Day 2019.

A recipient of the Fringe Award for Best Singer-Songwriter, Koren has been featured on BBC Radio 2 with Graham Norton, Chris Evans, and Steve Wright—further testament to her growing influence and recognition.

A Bold New Chapter: Reimagining “Chasing Cars”

The acclaimed artist is set to captivate audiences once again with her highly anticipated new EP, featuring a stunning reinterpretation of Snow Patrol’s classic “Chasing Cars.” It is set for release on October 10, 2025.

Koren’s latest project promises to be her most ambitious yet, offering listeners an immersive musical experience that invites them to “escape and forget the world.” Working alongside her trusted team of producers, she has crafted a version that blends her signature laid-back vocal style with a heartfelt yearning for unity and connection.

“When I do covers, I never like to listen to the original and like to make the song my own,” explains Koren. “I will not dream to make the song as good as the original—it’s one of my favorite singers—but I know my version makes you fly higher.”

Making the Familiar Feel New

This fresh approach to reimagining classic songs has become Koren’s trademark. Her ability to honor the spirit of a beloved track while transforming it into something uniquely her own sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.

Her interpretation of “Chasing Cars” takes listeners on a journey through sound and emotion, turning a familiar melody into an epic, transcendent experience that showcases both her artistic vision and vocal power.

Continuing Her Ascent

This new EP marks an exciting milestone in Tally Koren’s musical journey. Building on her recent chart success, it reflects her evolution as an artist unafraid to take risks and push creative boundaries.

With her distinctive voice and her gift for breathing new life into established songs, Koren continues to establish herself as a truly unique presence in the contemporary music landscape.

Paz Lenchantin Breaks Free with Triste, a Bold New Chapter in Her Career

Paz Lenchantin’s solo album Triste is set for an October 17 release. Photo: David Alvarado, used with permission.

Paz Lenchantin Steps Into the Spotlight with Debut Solo Album Triste

Paz Lenchantin, the Argentine-American musician best known for her nearly three-decade career as bassist, vocalist, and co-writer for iconic bands like Pixies (2014–2024), A Perfect Circle, Zwan, and The Entrance Band, is now stepping forward on her own. Her debut solo album, Triste, arrives October 17 via her own label, Hideous Human Records. (another side, 2025)

A First Glimpse: “Novela”

Lenchantin recently released Triste’s opening track and recent single, “Novela.”

“The track is a melodramatic story that resolves with accepting that you are the way you are—‘Sos como sos’,” explains Paz.

Drawing from the emotional tradition of Spanish balladry, “Novela” sets the tone for the album with raw, restless compositions. The accompanying video, directed by longtime friend and filmmaker Maximilla Lukacs, is available to watch now.

A Fusion of Roots and Reinvention

The 12-track Triste blends Latin folk textures with American rock structures, placing Paz at the piano and weaving her signature string arrangements around the rock foundations she helped shape in past projects. She performed all instruments before inviting collaborators, including former A Perfect Circle bandmates Josh Freese (drums) and Troy Van Leeuwen (guitar), to add depth to the record’s sonic landscape.

Each song unfolds with both editorial precision and mystical intuition, creating music that feels timeless while firmly rooted in the present.

Written in Mexico, Mixed with Vision

The seeds of Triste were planted in Petatlán, Mexico, where Paz spent much of 2024 writing about faith, doubt, and self-discovery in the wake of her departure from Pixies. The album was later mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), giving the project a lush yet intimate finish.

A Statement of Independence

For Paz, Triste is more than an album—it’s a declaration of self.

“I had to make this record on my own—not to prove anything, but just to have faith that music can nurture me back. And it did.”

With Triste, Paz Lenchantin opens the first chapter of her solo career: deeply personal, sonically adventurous, and undeniably her own.

✨ Listen to “Novela” now and watch the video, then mark your calendar for the release of Triste on October 17, available for pre-order/pre-save.

Triste tracklist:

01 – Novela
02 – Lows & Highs
03 – Woman Of Nazareth
04 – Hang Tough
05 – Wish I Was There
06 – Si No!
07 – In The Garden With The Devil
08 – Adam
09 – Lucia
10 – Sin Dios
11 – Save It For Hell
12 – Triste

Triste Artwork By Camila Doring

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Canadian Death Metal Newcomers Dying Remains Drops Debut Album

Merciless Suffering is the new album by Canadian band Dying Remains. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Maggot Stomp Announces Debut Album from Dying Remains: Merciless Suffering

Maggot Stomp is proud to unveil the debut full-length album from Canadian death metal upstarts Dying Remains. Titled Merciless Suffering, the record cements the band as a skull-cracking force blending unrelenting brutality with infectious riffs and grooves. Fans of Obituary, Frozen Soul, Tribal Gaze, and Jungle Rot will feel right at home. (Haulix, 2025)

New Video: Hung and Drawn

Alongside the album announcement, Dying Remains has unleashed a chilling new music video for the track “Hung and Drawn” — a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The video isn’t just a performance clip; it’s a short horror film. Drawing heavy inspiration from ‘70s and ‘80s B-grade gore flicks, the visual depicts one gruesome chapter in the album’s overarching narrative of a sprawling torture chamber. Directed by Aron Diaz, the film perfectly complements the band’s dark lyrical themes, bringing their macabre vision vividly (and violently) to life.

About the Album: Merciless Suffering

Merciless Suffering is a towering slab of modern death metal rooted in the genre’s classic traditions. The record delivers:

Crushing brutality paired with catchy, well-crafted grooves
A sound that echoes the seminal work of Morta Skuld, Jungle Rot, and Obituary
A fresh, uncompromising edge designed for today’s generation of death metal fans

This is death metal at its most relentless and primal — a monolithic force that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.

On Tour Now

Dying Remains are currently tearing across the U.S. on their first-ever tour, bringing the ferocity of Merciless Suffering to the stage night after night.

🔥 Whether you’re a fan of old-school brutality or hungry for the next wave of death metal devastation, Dying Remains’ Merciless Suffering is an album that demands to be heard.

Finnr’s Cane Explores Nature and Spirit in Their Fourth Album

Finnr’s Cane unveils self-titled debut with Nordvis Produktion. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Finnr’s Cane Returns with Their Self-Titled Fourth Album

The mystic Canadians Finnr’s Cane return with their self-titled fourth album — a haunting and introspective journey through the frozen landscapes of the mind. Marking their debut with renowned Swedish label Nordvis Produktion, this release continues the band’s unique blend of atmospheric black metal, doom, and ambient soundscapes. (Nordvis Produktion, 2025)

A Band Forged in the North

Formed in 2008, Finnr’s Cane consists of The Peasant and The Bard—pseudonyms chosen to maintain anonymity. Hailing from the icy expanse of Sudbury, Ontario, the band has always thrived on the fringes, letting the music speak for itself.

One of their most distinctive traits is the absence of a traditional bass guitar, replaced instead with the deep, melancholic resonance of a cello. Paired with an improvisational songwriting style, this approach gives their music an organic, almost ritualistic quality.

The New Album

Arriving as summer fades into autumn, the self-titled album delves deep into themes of nature, introspection, and spiritual connection to the land. Listeners are guided through passages that shift from somber acoustic meditations to powerful, distorted crescendos, with the cello remaining a central pillar throughout.

For fans of Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Fen, this record offers a compelling exploration of liminal spaces and the sacred elements of the wilderness.

Since their 2010 debut Wanderlust and subsequent critically acclaimed releases on Prophecy Productions and Frostscald Records, Finnr’s Cane have carved out a singular voice. This latest work— their first collaboration with Nordvis—feels like a natural continuation of their vision.

From the Band

“The final form of this album emerged slowly and instinctively, informed by our experiences and emotions over a long period of time. We carefully distilled it into what we’re certain is our absolute best work to date.”
— The Bard

Album Details

Artwork: Mark Seydewitz
Layout: Thomas Väänänen
Format: CD / LP / Digital

Singles Release Timeline

June 20, 2025 — Twilight Glow
July 25, 2025 — Awaken the Sleeping Forest

Availability

Worldwide: Streaming on all major platforms + Bandcamp
Europe: Available now via Silent Future Distribution
Rest of the World: Physical release begins September 19, 2025 with the launch of Nordvis’ new U.S.-based store

Infinity Dream Announces New Album Silver Lining, Out This October

Infinity Dream’s *Silver Lining* promises dark atmosphere and soaring vocals. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Infinity Dream Signs with Nameless Grave Records for New Album Silver Lining

The underground metal scene is about to get a powerful new chapter. Rising melodic heavy metal band Infinity Dream is set to return this fall with their most ambitious release yet. Blending dark atmosphere, soaring vocals, and timeless heavy riffs, their upcoming album promises to captivate both long-time metal fans and newcomers alike. (Nameless Grave Records, 2025)

Nameless Grave Records is proud to announce the signing of melodic heavy metal visionaries Infinity Dream for the release of their highly anticipated second full-length album, Silver Lining.

Arriving October 17, 2025, the record expands upon the band’s acclaimed 2022 debut, Memories, with greater atmosphere, soaring harmonies, and the seamless interplay of male and female vocals. Pre-orders for Silver Lining are now available.

A Band Forged in Darkness and Melody

Formed in 2019, Infinity Dream draws influence from the dark grandeur of Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath, the drama of Dio, and the mysticism of Warlord and Rainbow—while forging a sound that is uniquely their own.

Their music blends doom’s heaviness with the melodic spirit of classic rock, making Silver Lining a compelling listen for both underground devotees and the new wave of fans drawn to bands like Ghost and Witchcraft.

Behind the Album

Recorded at Wootensound Studios
Drums tracked at Sonark Studios
Produced by John Wooten III & Chris Bennett
Mixed by Steven Raets (Sonark Media)
Artwork & design by Chris Harris

Band Lineup

Chris Bennett – guitars, vocals
Dina Altum – keys, vocals
John Wooten III – bass
Anthony Bowden – drums

🎶 For fans of Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath, Witchcraft, Ghost, Dio, Savatage, and Ozzy.

Silver Lining tracklist:

1. Blood Moon

2. Silver Lining

3. Lost Embrace

4. The Ones That Remain

5. Freeze

6. Rewinding Time

7. Sins of the Past

8. The Will to Survive

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From Haunted Houses to Last Rites: The Legacy of The Conjuring Universe

The latest installment of The Conjuring movies is now in theaters. Photo: The Conjuring Movie

The Conjuring Movies: Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More

Few horror franchises have left as big a mark on modern cinema as The Conjuring series. Blending supernatural chills with the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films go beyond simple jump scares. One big difference is the human element, the Warrens’ deep bond as a couple. Their love, faith, and unshakable resilience ground the terrifying stories, making audiences feel invested not only in the hauntings, but also in the people fighting against them.

The gothic atmosphere, expertly timed scares, and “based on true events” tag keep moviegoers coming back for more, proving that fear feels a little more real when it’s rooted in history.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – A Spine-Chilling Farewell

Released this week, The Conjuring: Last Rites closes out the first phase of The Conjuring Universe with an emotional and terrifying send-off. As the sequel to The Devil Made Me Do It, it doesn’t just aim for scares, it aims for closure.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, reminding us why they’ve become horror icons. Their chemistry elevates every scene, balancing tenderness with the heavy burden of confronting evil. This time, we also see the Warrens’ daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy) step into the story, which adds fresh family stakes.

At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the movie packs in plenty of eerie set pieces, bone-chilling encounters, and a sense of finality that longtime fans will appreciate. It’s less about reinvention and more about honoring the legacy of what came before, a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion.

Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 2 hr 15 min

A Look Back at The Conjuring Universe

Over the past decade, the franchise has delivered both hits and spin-offs, expanding into one of the most successful horror universes of all time:

The Conjuring
Annabelle
The Conjuring 2
Annabelle: Creation
The Nun
Annabelle Comes Home
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
The Nun II
The Conjuring: Last Rites

With Last Rites, the Warrens’ chapter may be closing, but the fear they’ve stirred on screen will linger for years. Are you a fan of these movies? Which one is your favorite?

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