Demigod is coming to theaters and On Demand on Friday, October 15, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Just in time for the Halloween season, Demigod, starring Rachel Nichols, Jeremy London, and Elena Sanchez opens nationwide in theaters and On Demand on Friday, October 15, 2021. Upon the death of her grandfather, a woman and her husband return to her birthplace in Germany’s Black Forest, only to find a terrifying secret awaits them. Directed by Miles Doleac. (Demigod, 2021)
After her grandfather dies, Robin (Rachel Nichols) and her husband Leo (Yohance Myles) travel to Germany to return to her childhood home in the Black Forest. She grew up there surrounded by the wonders of the forest and has memories of spending time with her grandfather. The more time she spends there, the clearer those memories become and they are not all pleasant ones. Soon after, a group of local witches captures the couple and they, along with other captured locals, become part of an ancient hunting ritual meant to appease Cernunnos. Cernunnos was an ancient Celtic god who represented nature, flora and fauna, and fertility. He is frequently depicted in Celtic art wearing stag antlers or horns and usually a torc around his neck.
Demigod is a horror movie composed mostly of suspenseful horror instead of the type of horror that scares people and haunts them after the movie is over. The Black Forest is the perfect location for this type of dark movie that centers around witches, a demigod, and winter solstice rituals. It also provides excellent cinematography that envelops the action and makes it come alive. Cernunnos’ dark red eyes stand out against the bleak background for dramatic purposes. Having a group of people struggling to survive reveals the strength of the human survival instinct and how far they are willing to go to protect a loved one. Prepare for a plot twist at the end.
Overall, Demigod is entertaining, suspenseful, and at times creepy. The violence is not too graphic, which might otherwise turn off more sensitive viewers. At only an hour and a half long, the story is short and to the point. There is some German dialogue with subtitles.
Digital platforms: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox/Microsoft, Comcast/Xfinity, and more. Demigod, 2021 1 hr. 35 min.
*The author received an opportunity to pre-screen this movie for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Maja Francis brings Swedish emo country pop to the forefront with debut full-length album A Pink Soft Mess. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In taking a step back from her signature synth-laden, sparkling pop music, Swedish singer and songwriter Maja Francis rediscovered her roots—and her piano—while writing songs for her full-length debut album A Pink Soft Mess. Released worldwide last month, A Pink Soft Mess finds the daughter of a record store owner embracing her melancholy and emotional country-pop sound which matches brilliantly with the album’s shimmering pink design themes—fitting for an artist often described as “Emo Dolly Parton.” Recorded with and produced by Johannes Runemark and David Wikberg together with Maja Francis, A Pink Soft Mess can be streamed or purchased right now at this link. (Maja Francis, 2021)
A Pink Soft Mess opens with the previously released single, “Anxious Angel,” which fans may have heard on Netflix’s acclaimed series Love & Anarchy. “This song is to all my fellow anxious angels,” says Francis. “To make us feel less lonely.” “Tiny Tornados” comes next; the first song Francis wrote on her way back to loving music again. “I opened up to fall in love with writing songs and singing them again,” she recalls of the writing of “Tiny Tornados.” “It’s also kind of a tribute to my ADHD, and how it feels to live with the constant ups and downs.” Also included is a stellar cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work,” a song which has always made Francis “feel physical sensations.” “I love when music does that to you. Like…shakes you around like a snow globe,” she says. “I think Kate wrote this song for a movie about birth from a man’s perspective. But for me it’s about loss. Losing someone or yourself—and how painful that is.”
Album single “PMS Party” is the low-key women’s anthem of the year. “I’m having a PMS party and nobody’s invited / I wanna be lonely and do whatever I want.” “I wrote ‘PMS Party’ on a moody PMS day, it’s the fastest song I’ve ever written,” recalls Francis. “I didn’t know if the boys in the studio would get it but I took it with me the next day, they loved it and after a while I found them in a room singing ‘pms party’ backing vocals.” The final single from A Pink Soft Mess, “Mama,” is an unreleased collaboration with Johanna and Klara Söderberg—better known as First Aid Kit. A tribute to Francis’s mother, “Mama” is about feeling a mom’s love and learning how to reciprocate it. “Now that I’m all grown up, I understand so much more about her struggles and her pain, and I also see so much of myself in her,” says Francis about her “mama.” Fans should also stay tuned for an upcoming music video for “Mama.”
When it is all said and done, A Pink Soft Mess is distinctive, emotional, personal, the result of a variety of strong sources of inspiration, experiences, and collaborations. With this new material, Francis has abandoned the world where music creation is captivated by demands and expectations and where commercial success becomes the only significant point of assessment. Now, when Francis returns with her new music, it comes straight from the heart.
A Pink Soft Mess Track list: 1. Anxious Angel 2. Tiny Tornados 3. PMS Party 4. Mama (ft. First Aid Kit) 5. Lava Love 6. This Woman’s Work 7. Lucky 8. Emo Butterfly 9. How Are We Doing
Zych’s Dante’s Inferno Part I will be released on October 22, 2021. Photo: Metal Assault Records.
Happy October, heavy metal fans! Here are this month’s upcoming new releases from Metal Assault Records. (Metal Assault Records, 2021)
ZYCH Solo artist Zych’s eponymous debut album, the epic progressive power masterpiece Dante’s Inferno Part I, will be released October 22 via Metal Assault Records. The album’s second single “Canto V – Lust” is now live, along with an awe-inspiring guitar play through video. Pre-orders for the album (digital, CD, merch bundles) are available now.
Dante’s Inferno Part I will begin a series of solo albums dedicated to the poetry of Dante Alighieri. Unlike other albums based on Dante’s Inferno, this album goes in-depth into each canto. The album is nearly 70 minutes long with eight intense songs (No fillers). This is a progressive metal album that drops the boundaries between all genres. Every track takes on its own direction with an all-star musical cast of internationally well-known musicians. Also included for each song will be a work from a well-established visual artist. This is a heavy metal soundscape as you read the first eight cantos of The Inferno.
Dante’s Inferno Part I track listing: 1. Canto I – Overture (8:56) 2. Canto II – Gates Of Sorrow (5:23) 3. Canto III – All Hope Abandon (8:27) 4. Canto IV – Limbo (10:04) 5. Canto V – Lust (6:37) 6. Canto VI – The Gluttonous (8:24) 7. Canto VII – The Avaricious & The Wrathful (9:08) 8. Canto VIII – Into the Depths of Hell (11:21) Total Runtime: 1:08:20
DAEMONELIX A collaboration between musicians from the US, Canada, Australia and Spain, Daemonelix will release their four-track stomper Devil’s Corkscrew on October 15, 2021 via Metal Assault Records. Engineered and mixed by bassist / rhythm guitarist Derek W. Phillips and mastered by the prolific Maor Appelbaum (Candlemass, Armored Saint, Faith No More, Halford, Dream Theater and several others), Devil’s Corkscrew will be released on digipack CD and digital platforms. CDs, merch bundles and digital downloads are now available for pre-order.
Exhibiting a wide range of influences from Black Sabbath to Tool to Clutch to Lamb Of God and everything in between, Daemonelix has created a sound that is as unique as it is instantly identifiable. Devil’s Corkscrew hits the listener hard with elements of doom, death and groove metal, among several other styles and sub-genres within the heavy music spectrum. Romanian artist Mihai Manescu a.k.a. Obsidian Nibs designed the cover art for Devil’s Corkscrew.
Devil’s Corkscrew track listing: 1. Daemonelix (3:57) 2. Raise Crows (3:37) 3. In the Name of Freedom (5:02) 4. Sing For The Moon (5:58)
Daemonelix is: Vocals – Ana Garcia Lopez (Spain) Bass / Guitar – Derek W. Phillips (USA) Drums – Pat Labuda (Canada) Lead Guitar – Andrew Luddy (Australia)
ABSOLUM Louisiana heavy metal band Absolum will unleash their debut album Grand DesignOctober 15 via Metal Assault Records. The album’s second single + video “Black To Red” is now live, and pre-orders for the album (digital, CD, merch bundle) are now available. Tearing through the confines a single sub-genre; Absolum bellows with aggression and groove on Grand Design. Thick, heavy and thrashy, Absolum exhibits a broad range of talent across each track while maintaining their distinctly Louisiana metal vibe throughout the album.
Grand Design track listing: 1. Believer (4:09) 2. Grand Design (3:48) 3. Chemical Abyss (3:29) 4. Black to Red (5:34) 5. The Apath (2:58) 6. Exordium (3:26) 7. Thin Skin (2:43) 8. Bloodlust (4:07)
Total Runtime: 30:14
VANDALIZER New York City heavy rock ‘n rollers Vandalizer will release their three-song spinner Ride on October 29, 2021 on Metal Assault Records. The anticipated EP is available to pre-order now and will be issued on cassette tape and on all digital platforms. Pre-orders include exclusive merch bundles in addition to the release format of your choice, available now.
On Ride, Vandalizer mixes 1980s NWOBHM with the sounds of ’70s Punk N’ Roll for an exhilarating listen. Stream the EP’s lead single “Time Can’t Count” originally premiered September 3 and is now on YouTube. Vandalizer first entered the scene with their debut EP New Curse in 2015, followed by the Desensitize EP in 2017, giving listeners concise doses of exactly what they describe themselves as – a thoroughly enjoyable hybrid of old-school punk, rock ‘n roll and heavy metal.
VANDALIZER is: Mike McWilliams: Vocals/Guitar Stosh McMichael: Drums/Backup Vocals Sam Harris: Bass/Backup Vocals
River’s End will be released on Video On Demand on November 2, 2021. Photo: Giant Pictures, used with permission.
River’s End explores the global water crisis, using California as a microcosm. It reveals how water politics that led to the draining of the Owens Valley by Los Angeles, made famous by the filmChinatown, continue to this day in ongoing efforts to take ever more water from Northern California’s San Francisco Bay estuary. Except this time, the water grab is at the hands of industrial agriculture and its powerful corporate investors. River’s End inspires viewers to learn where their water comes from so that we can save our rivers and the ecosystems and communities that depend upon them. (River’s End, 2021)
River’s End is a feature documentary film by Jacob Morrison. It will be released on Video On Demand in the United States, Canada, and the UK on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Run time: 81 minutes (USA)
VOD Platforms: Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu (US, Canada, UK)
Cable Platforms: InDemand TVOD (Comcast, Spectrum, Cox), DirectTV/AT&T and more (US)
JACOB MORRISON- WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Jacob Morrison is a filmmaker releasing his feature directorial debut, River’s End. Morrison has produced series for Viceland and Fullscreen, wrote and starred in a multi-episode explainer series for Vice, and directed a half-hour television pilot. He is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and a native of Southern California.
Giant Pictures is a leading digital distributor that is committed to empowering filmmakers to own their distribution. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, we work directly with rights owners to distribute movies and TV shows to VOD and streaming platforms in North America and worldwide. Our content partners range from first-time filmmakers to award-winning independent producers, as well as notable studios Alamo Drafthouse Films, Abramorama Selects, Participant, Tribeca Enterprises, Utopia Distribution, and XYZ Films. A division of Giant Interactive, the award-winning digital media and technology services company, we distribute across 45+ platforms, including AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Peacock.
Kirk Luye is a Latin pop artist on the rise from Chicago, IL. Photo: Untelevised Media.
Kirk Luye is a Latin artist from Chicago, IL. Raised by his Puerto Rican mother in Chicago, Luye developed a passion for his music. Being a well-rounded artist is something he strives for as he continues to tap into his Latin roots and his sound resonates with the rhythms found on the streets and in the neighborhoods of Chicago. His new song, MA stresses that “behind every great man there’s a powerful woman. The two become one.” (Kirk Luye, 2021)
His music comes from the heart of an artist who celebrates the hope found in the building of the city and in redemption from a hard past. His lyrics are the poetry of a true rapper. His sound resonate with the rhythms found on the streets. Since his start as a musician, he has grown as an artist, expanding his sound and widening his musical scope. Luye’s work has received acclaim from local artists, fans, and well-known DJs, who cite the extremely high quality of its production and hail it as very needed in the city. (Ace Music Booking Agency, 2021)
These classic programs will be released on home video for the first time. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The David Susskind Archive announces four classic programs for release on home video for the first time: Paul Newman – The Paul Newman Trilogy on DVD and Digital on October 5, The Power And The Glory on DVD and Digital on October 5, Harvey on DVD and Digital on November 9, and The Bridge Of San Luis Rey on DVD and Digital on December 14. (MVD Entertainment Group, 2021)
Paul Newman – The Paul Newman Trilogy Three early live TV performances starring Paul Newman as a college kid, a clothing manufacturer, and a cowardly soldier. Produced by David Susskind for inclusion in various TV anthology series, these shows have not been seen since their original air dates in 1956-57. Featuring all-star casts, headed by Paul Newman and starring Jack Lord, Nehemiah Persoff, Sydney Pollack, and Frank Campanella, each episode contains the original commercials and previews of future shows.
“Five In Judgment” has two hitch hiking college kids forced to seek shelter from a storm in a small town diner where they are falsely accused of committing murder. The diner customers and owner terrorize the boys in the belief they committed the murder, only to discover the horrible truth. “The Rag Jungle” has Newman working for his father as a clothing manufacturer. They run up against racketeers demanding protection money, Newman refuses to pay and after his father is attacked, he organizes other manufacturers to stand up against the gangsters. “The Army Game” portrays Newman as a spoiled mama’s boy, a 9 letter man in college and a narcissist who does not want to be in the Army. His efforts to get a discharge anger his friends and barrack mates and it is not until he is attacked in the barracks that he is given his discharge.
The Power And The Glory The Graham Greene novel that made the world gasp, the drama of a priest who somehow stumbled onto the road to martyrdom. In the 1930s, a cynical Catholic priest is sent to Mexico to preach in post-revolution Mexico: a cleric who risks his life by continuing to conduct the Catholic Mass in secret after the totalitarian government has outlawed the Catholic Church. To confer the Christian sacraments, the priest must have wine but his attempts to obtain wine will call attention to his clandestine activities.
Featuring an all-star cast with multiple Oscar winners, the film was released theatrically in Europe and was nominated for an Emmy and DGA awards. The novel was recommended reading by Barack Obama in 2008. For fans of: As You Like It, Merchant of Venice, 21 Days, The Fugitive.
Harvey Due to his insistence that he has an invisible six-foot rabbit for a best friend, a man is thought to be insane. The classic stage hit gets the Hollywood treatment in the story of Elwood P. Dowd, an endlessly pleasant and delightfully eccentric bachelor living in a small town that is not aware that its newest citizen is an invisible 6’3″ white rabbit named “Harvey” that only he sees. After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for the family to heal.
Featuring an all-star cast (Art Carney, Larry Blyden, Fred Gwynne, Marion Lorne, Elizabeth Montgomery, Charlotte Rae, Jack Weston), the Paley Center for Media provided the film master elements. The Elwood P. Dowd character and imaginary rabbit are referenced in a variety of places: The Simpsons, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Field of Dreams, Shawshank Redemption, Farscape, Bob’s Burgers, and Scrubs. The novel won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize, instead of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. For fans of: The Honeymooners, Munsters, Bewitched, and Donnie Darko.
The Bridge Of San Luis Rey A friar is tried by the Inquisition for questioning God’s intentions when five die in the collapse of an Andean bridge. In early 18th century Peru (1714), an old Inca rope bridge over a gorge in the Andes, collapses, plunging five travelers to their deaths. Brother Juniper, who was within minutes of being on the bridge himself, becomes obsessed with discovering how five people of differing class and circumstances came to be on the bridge at that moment. The Catholic friar wants to know if it was mere existential happenstance or part of God’s cosmic plan. After researching the lives of the victims for five years and publishing his findings in a book, he is accused of heresy by the worldly Archbishop of Lima and put on trial for his life by the Inquisition.
Starring Judith Anderson (who received an Emmy nomination for her role) and Theodore Bikel, Hume Cronyn, Rita Gam, Viveca Lindfors, and Kurt Kaznar, the film originally aired as part of Dupont Show Of the Month which was watched by 47% of the available audience. “The Bridge Of San Luis Rey,” Thornton Wilder’s second novel, won a Pulitzer Prize and is #37 on the American Modern Library’s list of “100 Best 20th Century Novels.” For Fans of Our Town, and Hello Dolly.
The Devolver Album, the band’s new album in eight years, will be out November 12, 2021. Photo: Beatallica, used with permission.
World renowned mash-up (bash-up) metal phenomenon Beatallica have confirmed they will release their fourth studio album (their first since 2013) on Metal Assault Records. Forged from the influences of two of history’s greatest bands, Beatallica are the world’s first live mash-up or “bash-up” band. Their wit, creativity, subversiveness, and flair are as sharp as the point they make. Beatallica destroys the boundaries of creativity and reveals how original compositions of music can be crafted for those who identify with humor and biting commentary. All the while, they show appreciation and reverence to The Beatles and Metallica, grandfathers of their respective genres. (Beatallica, 2021)
On the arrival of The Devolver Album and what to expect from the new release, the band issued the following comment: “Beatallica are stoked to finally be releasing The Devolver Album after many years of arranging, re-arranging, and deranging concepts! Our relationship with Metallica has been a blessing and we thank them for their support and allowances. The Devolver Album will have all the elements of past Beatallica recordings plus more. Listeners will notice the mash-up between original music and lyrics and Metallica compositions along with Beatles sensibilities, style, and influence. Thrashy, heavy, clever, subversive, and hesh, of course. Beatallica are made up of highly experienced song writers and we had a great time working in original material on this release. Our first single and video for “Wherever and Everywhere” will be out soon. Beatallica are pumped to be working with Metal Assault Records and we look forward to playing live, in support of The Devolver Album, before too long. Information and show dates can be found at [Beatallica] and merch will be at [Bandcamp.] Hells yeah!!”
In 2021, Beatallica was signed to Metal Assault Records and the label will release their long-awaited fourth studio full length offering, The Devolver Album on CD and digital platforms on November 12, 2021. A music video for the album’s lead single “Wherever and Everywhere” is available on the band’s YouTube channel, along with the pre-order launch of the album in the aforementioned formats on Bandcamp. All digital and physical album pre-orders will come with an instant download of the lead single.
Beatallica continues to change the face of music on the internet, in live settings, and over radio waves around the globe. They flourish with music lovers from all areas of the world at their side. Throw your fist high into the air, become a “Beatallibanger,” and open your mind to a one-of-a-kind brand of musical mayhem.
Beatallica is: Jaymz Lennfield – lead vocals, guitars Grg Hammettson III – lead guitar, backing vocals Jimmy Ul-nic – drums, percussion, backing vocals Dr. Robert Stujillo – bass, backing vocals
Produced by Beatallica, The Devolver Album was recorded at Hamtone Audio and engineered by Jeff Hamilton and Lodi Broekhuizen. Flemball Rasmartin at Shane Olivo Audio and Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering oversaw mixing and mastering duties, respectively. The incredible artwork featured on the cover of The Devolver Album was created by Matt Wells.
The Devolver Album track listing: DEVOLVER PLAY ME OVERDRIVE GUITAR NEVER BORNE WHEREVER AND EVERYWHERE HESH TODAY HERE COMES REVENGE NUMBERNINE B. C. H. C. THE DAMNING OF HELLEANOR HIPPIE
Beatallica. Photo: Beatallica, used with permission.
Demigod opens in select theaters on October 15, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Just in time for the Halloween season, Demigod, starring Rachel Nichols, Jeremy London, and Elena Sanchez opens nationwide in theaters on Friday, October 15, 2021. Upon the death of her grandfather, a woman and her husband return to her birthplace in Germany’s Black Forest, only to find a terrifying secret awaits them. Directed by Miles Doleac. (Demigod, 2021)
Demigod – “Already plagued by terrifying visions of childhood memories she cannot quite make sense of, Robin, nevertheless, remembers fondly her grandfather Karl’s (Jeremy London) deep connection to the natural world, the animals, and even the “spirits” of the ancient forest. Soon after arriving at her grandfather’s secluded cabin, however, Robin realizes that the inheritance left her is far more macabre than she had bargained for. She finds herself entrenched in an ancient hunting ritual that will force her to reckon with her family’s past and her own will to overcome the monstrous obstacles in her path.” (Movie Insider, 2021)
Creed Fisher’s Whisky and the Dog is due out October 22, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
With over 22 million combined streams on Spotify and over 17 million views on YouTube with past releases, “Life of A Workin’ Man,” “The Way That I Am,” and “This Place Called USA,” Texas born and bred southern rock artist Creed Fisher is gearing up for the release of a new album, Whiskey and the Dog, on October 22, 2021. (Creed Fisher, 2021)
Released through Dirt Rock Empire and distributed by CMDSHFT, the 14-track album reflects Fisher’s hardships, outlaw living, and blue-collar lifestyle and represents a community of hard-working men and women. Produced by Bart Rose, Josh Rodgers, and Fisher, Whiskey and the Dog is now available for pre-save on all streaming services here.
With eleven songs written entirely by himself and three others co-written with Mark Jones, Whiskey and The Dog is different than anything Fisher has done to date and stays true to who he is. Unapologetic, patriotic, and passionate, the album remains true to Creed Fisher’s unwavering form, speaking to and for his fans. His songwriting harkens back to the roots of genuine outlaw country music, taking listeners back to a place and time when the fine art of storytelling flowed effortlessly.
Fisher’s second single off the album, “High on the Bottle,” is out now along with the official music video. The single is available on all streaming services here. With the strum of a guitar and his unfiltered, seasoned vocals, the track gives fans a listen into the album’s southern rock, honky-tonk country tone.
“High on the Bottle” is personal to Fisher as it stands as a real-life example of his past self-choosing between his music dream and the woman he loved. Fisher explains, “It’s a tough one to understand if you haven’t lived it. There’s a personal side that isn’t so glamorous in this business that other musicians can agree to. It’s the rigors of being on the road. Always having to be here and there makes for the biggest challenge, often times-let downs. Overall, music is what I love and what I will continue to do as I watch those white lines on the highways continue to zip right past the window as life passes us all.”
Currently, Creed Fisher is on tour with his most recent album release, How Country Music Sounded Before It All Went to Shit, Vol. 1, and is experiencing success at Texas radio. With his last three albums debuting in the Top 5 on iTunes, Fisher hopes his new album Whiskey and the Dog will continue to help him defy the odds.
Like a steely-eyed gunslinger from a Sergio Leone western, he is a man of few words and lets his music tell his story. Fisher has never been one to sell his soul to trends. Keeping it real means writing songs that real people can relate to; the good, bad, and even the ugly. His previous singles, “Rock & Roll Man,” “Be the Hope,” “I’m Growing Older, But I’m Not Growing Up,” and “A Few Good Ol’ Cowboys” all hit Top 10, Top 25, or Top 30 on the Texas Charts. He was also named the BigStar97 Outlaw Country artist of the Year in 2018. Fisher has upped the ante, joining forces with renegade record label Dirt Rock Empire for the release.
Whiskey and the Dog Track List: 1. “High on The Bottle” (Creed Fisher) 2. “This Town” (Creed Fisher) 3. “Girls with Big Titties” (Creed Fisher) 4. “Whiskey and The Dog” (Creed Fisher and Mark Jones) 5. “Hundred Dollars Short” (Creed Fisher) 6. “Gray Skys” (Creed Fisher and Mark Jones) 7. “Don’t California My Texas” (Creed Fisher and Mark Jones) 8. “The Good Ol’ U.S. of A.” (Creed Fisher) 9. “Down To The Riverbank” (Creed Fisher) 10 “Find My Way Back Home” (Creed Fisher) 11.“Honkey Tonk Drankin’” (Creed Fisher) 12.“I’m Crazy And You’re Gone” (Creed Fisher) 13. “Jesus, Haggard & Jones” (Creed Fisher and Mark Jones) 14. “Hankles” (Creed Fisher)
The final film by maverick filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi is a love letter to the power of cinema and will be playing on the big screen as it was intended. Photo: Crescendo House, used with permission.
Born in Hiroshima in 1938, Nobuhiko Obayashiwas a director, screenwriter and editor of films and television advertisements. He began his filmmaking career as a pioneer of Japanese experimental films before transitioning to directing more mainstream media, and his resulting filmography as a director spanned almost 60 years. He was notable for his distinct surreal filmmaking style, as well as the anti-war themes commonly embedded in his films. He died on 10 April 2020 at the age of 82 from lung cancer in Tokyo. The final film by Nobuhiko Obayashi finds the late director returning to the subject of Japan’s history of warfare following the completion of his “War Trilogy” which ended with Hanagatami.Labyrinth of Cinema will be released in New York at The Metrograph on October 20 and in Los Angeles at The Lumiere Cinema on October 29 (co-presented by Acropolis Cinema), with more regional dates to follow including Phoenix, Santa Ana, Tulsa, Seattle, New Orleans, Portland, Dallas, Vancouver (Canada), and more. (Crescendo House, 2021)
Labyrinth of Cinema – On the last night of its existence, a small movie theater in Onomichi—the seaside town of Obayashi’s youth where he shot nearly a dozen films—screens an all-night marathon of Japanese war films. When lightning strikes the theater, three young men are transported into the world onscreen where they experience the violent battles of several wars leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima. A breathless cinematic journey through Japan’s past, Labyrinth of Cinema finds Obayashi using every trick in his book to create an awe-inspiring, visually resplendent anti-war epic that urges us to consider cinema as a means to change history. The culmination of an exceptional 60-year career worth celebrating.
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi (House) Cast: Takuro Atsuki, Takahito Hosoyamada, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Rei Yoshida, Riko Narumi, Hirona Yamazaki, Takako Tokiwa Feature, 2019, 179 minutes In Japanese with English subtitles
Crescendo House is a new boutique distribution company that aims to reinvigorate the American film landscape with a new model for distribution. Our goal is to expand the mainstream visibility of international or otherwise underrepresented films to provide viewers with an array of choices that more accurately reflects the diverse world we inhabit.
SA Examiner 