Upcoming new book release: ‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ by Sougata

‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ is available for pre-order now. Release date is January 12, 2024. Photo: Sougata, used with permission.

Political thrillers often center around a high stakes power struggle. Authors such as John le Carré, Vince Flynn, and Robert Ludlum are some of the best known authors of political thrillers. In a geopolitical thriller, that power struggle is affected by geographical elements such as boundaries, coalitions, spatial networks, or natural resources. If you enjoy the suspense of a good geopolitical thriller, consider today’s upcoming new book release “Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic” by Sougata. A secretariat plot and conspiracy in the Arctic beckons you into a world where politics and profit collide in a relentless battle for global supremacy. This title will be released on January 12 and is available for pre-order now through Amazon.

“Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic” Geopolitical Thriller (DEN SMIL series – Geopolitical Thriller Book 1) – In the frozen expanse of the Arctic circle, where icy winds howl and secrets lie buried beneath the snow, an epic geopolitical thriller unfolds. The story is real and this will leave readers grasping for breath with suspense, thrill, twists, and adventure. (Sougata, 2024)

Former war correspondent turned United Nations Secretariat operative Den Smil finds himself thrust into the heart of a chilling conspiracy codenamed ‘Polar Bear.’ What starts as a mission to mediate a Russian coal mine dispute in Svalbard soon spirals into a perilous journey to expose a global plot that could reshape the very fabric of the world order. Governments, business houses, and shadowy alliances converge in a dance of intrigue. Den Smil must navigate a treacherous web of deception to unearth the truth.

The story starts with the United Nations climate conference in Katowice, Poland but the prelude of the conspiracy was planned long back in Svalbard to exploit the Arctic’s natural pattern for economic gain. The story unfolds in a pursuit of power through a complex spider web. Den will be trapped in Ethiopia but he has to travel across Greenland and Norway to consolidate the leads and uncover the sinister plot. There is negligible chance that he would discover the root cause and catch the mastermind legitimately. If he can’t make it, the Earth and the world power will change forever. The espionage, assassination, malfunctioning, and complex business deals shroud the Arctic in uncertainty, as the fate of Earth’s economy, rare resources, and crucial trade routes teeter on a precarious edge.

Geopolitics heats up in the icy embrace of the North Pole.

As you turn the pages, prepare to be drawn into a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists, and realize the Arctic Circle emerges as the epicenter of a geopolitical storm.

Are you ready to embark on a journey where secrets could thaw the world order anytime? Witness it.

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‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ is available now for pre-order. Photo: Sougata, used with permission.
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Dole kicks off a year of health and hunger relief initiatives

Dole is presenting sponsor of the ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ initiative targeting national fitness and wellness influencers in January 2024. Photo: Google

Dole Food Company has started a busy year of health, wellness, and hunger-relief initiatives by extending its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a campaign of Share Our Strength, committed to ending hunger and poverty, for a third consecutive year in 2024. The company’s alliance with the national nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions more U.S. children were left facing hunger. (Dole Food Company, 2024)

Dole’s ongoing work with No Kid Hungry includes nutrition education, fundraising support, and at-retail initiatives to help the thirteen million kids in the U.S. who are living with hunger to have access to three healthy meals a day.

The produce leader is also the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, an influencer-based health and wellness fundraising initiative designed to rally the nation’s top fitness and nutrition experts to host health-related livestream classes and web-based instruction throughout January. In addition to sponsoring the program, Dole is encouraging its own partner bloggers and influencers to inspire their followers to get fit and give back in the New Year by donating to No Kid Hungry.

The renewed collaborations with No Kid Hungry are part of a milestone year for Dole that will include virtual health and wellness workshops, new brand ambassadors, dozens of new, produce-based recipes and local and national celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of DOLE® Bananas.

“We’ve been honored to work alongside No Kid Hungry over the past three years in their quest to ensure that every child in the U.S. gets the healthy food they need to thrive. While we’ve made some great strides together, there is still much work to do to fulfill both organizations’ goals of addressing hunger and food insecurity for children.” – William Goldfield, Dole Food Company’s director of corporate communications

“Access to healthy food unlocks so much opportunity for our nation’s kids. When kids have access to three meals a day, they can dream big and have a bright future. That’s why we’re so incredibly grateful to Dole and our other Get Fit partners, as well as the many fitness, health and wellness experts hosting ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ livestream classes this January to help raise awareness and funds to connect kids to the food they need. Together, we can get fit, give back and make sure kids across the country have access to the fuel they need to grow up healthy and strong.” – Carla Warner, senior director of Revenue Innovation at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign

Active in the health and wellness blogger and influencer space since 2009, Dole recruited several Get Fit for No Kid Hungry influencers participating in the 2022 and 2023 programs. The company is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.

Dole plc

Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education.

No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.

New book release: ‘Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery’ by J. Thomas Witcher

‘Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery’ is the new mystery novel by J. Thomas Witcher. Photo: J. Thomas Witcher, used with permission.

Mysteries and suspense thrillers are some of my ultimate favorite books to read. They keep readers guessing and often have plot twists to keep things interesting. If you love a good suspense thriller and looking for your next big read, check out today’s new book release: “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery” by J. Thomas Witcher. It is book 2 in the Kalanu Mountain Mystery series featuring Tobias Atkins, a former detective with the Kalanu County Sheriff’s department. Even though he is now retired, a haunting new mystery draws him in. It is available on Amazon.

J. Thomas “Tommy” Witcher has been writing since the age of 10 when he discovered the magic of words both in prose and poetry. Gathering knowledge and ideas from his varied life as an Air Force brat, U.S. Marine (Purple Heart recipient in Vietnam), and police officer, he has further broadened his horizons in the past few years as an actor in several productions with the Henry Players in McDonough, Georgia. Educated and reared in England and Georgia, with Marine service in Vietnam, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, he has a truly cosmopolitan view of life. Tommy is happily married and lives in Cleveland, Georgia. In his new book “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery,” they thought Tobias Atkins was finished as a cop. They thought wrong. (J Thomas Witcher, 2024)

“Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery” – Retired detective Tobias “Swede” Atkins is in for a rollercoaster ride. Battling post-coma challenges, a perplexing ex-wife, and accusations of arson, his world spirals into a tangled web of suspicions and doubts. As he navigates a town on the edge of chaos, a woman’s desire to turn a restaurant into a battleground unravels a historic murder and concealed secrets fanned by the mountain’s fiery whispers. Swede discovers the past haunts the present and truth is as elusive as mountain winds.

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Upcoming new movie release – Reflect

The sci-fi metaphysical thriller Reflect will be released on cable Video On Demand and Digital HD on January 9, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Cranked Up Films is excited to kick off their 2024 slate with the North American VOD release of Reflect, the feature film debut of writer/director/star Dana Kippel. The sci-fi metaphysical thriller follows a group of friends on a spiritual obstacle course hoping to improve their lives, but they don’t know they are being monitored by mysterious hooded entities, eager to take over their bodies. Reflect debuts on Digital VOD January 9, 2024, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

Dana Kippel headlines the film as Summer, rounded out by a cast including Grace Patterson, Jadelyn Breier, Marissa Patterson, Ariana Williams, Corey Brooks, Eric Scott Woods, Dash Katz, Maya Knell, Ryan Jack Connell, and Joe Filippone. Kippel produced under her Crazy Carrot Films shingle, alongside Zac Coats, Ryan Jack Connell, Brian Duss, Grace Patterson, Loan Thach, and Rhiannon Moller-Trotter. Michael DeLano of COTU Media served as executive producer.

Reflect world premiered at the Chandler International Film Festival and went on to screen at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the Sydney Science Film Festival, and the ETHOS Film Awards International Film Festival.

Reflect –

Unhappy with her current relationship, Summer sets out on a road trip to Sedona, AZ, accompanied by her four gal pals to a spiritual obstacle course. Upon arriving, they are greeted by their uncanny host, Hermes who leads them into the vast desertscape which becomes the foreground for the interdimensional game show they unknowingly are participating in.

Transported, they begin a colorful, surrealistic journey of the soul, diving into issues surrounding trauma, mental health, and female relationships. The girls start to go missing one by one as we discover mysterious hooded figures are following them. As the tension rises, who will figure out how to escape this and become the last one standing, ultimately winning The Game of Life?

New book release: ‘Martian Economics: A Guide to Redesigning Monetary Theory on Earth’ by Joseph Thomas Plummer

‘Martian Economics: A Guide to Redesigning Monetary Theory on Earth’ is the new book by Joseph Thomas Plummer. Photo: Amazon

Economics is a social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. (Google) If learning more about economics with a link to the possibility of life on Mars sounds intriguing, consider today’s new book release: “Martian Economics: A Guide to Redesigning Monetary Theory on Earth” by Joseph Thomas Plummer. This new guide has the power to reshape our future and enhance the quality of life for every Earth inhabitant. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a revolution in economic thinking – pick up your copy today on Amazon.

Joseph Thomas Plummer is an economist and author. He is an alumnus of Virginia Tech and Babson College with graduate degrees in Business, Education, and Natural Resources. His new book thought-provoking book, “Martian Economics: A Guide to Redesigning Monetary Theory on Earth” he guides readers through a cosmic thought experiment, drawing parallels between the potential life on Mars and the intricate complexities of our earthly monetary system. (Joseph Thomas Plummer, 2024)

“Martian Economics: A Guide to Redesigning Monetary Theory on Earth”

Attention, Earthlings! Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey through the cosmos of economics written by the brilliant Joseph Thomas Plummer.

Imagine a world where the very foundation of our economic understanding is redefined. Just as you might ponder the characteristics of a distant planet, the author challenges us to reconsider the fundamental principles of monetary theory. In this compelling exploration, he takes us beyond the boundaries of Earth, presenting a fresh perspective that could revolutionize our economic landscape. How much money should exist on Earth? The answer lies in shedding preconceived notions and venturing into uncharted intellectual territory.

Join him on this visionary quest, where science, engineering, and economic theory converge. As we contemplate the dynamics of a colonized Mars, we unlock a framework for reimagining monetary systems, trade, conflict, and governance on our very own planet.

Read it now and be a pioneer in the next frontier of economic understanding!

Our journey to a brighter economic future begins here.

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Music community app connects artists everywhere

Touring musician Brandon Taj Hanick founded Indie Town and invites bands and artists to book better tours and strengthen their DIY communities at home and across the world. Photo: Google

After two decades of releasing albums and touring in the U.S. and Europe with bands King of Prussia, Future Lives, and more, Athens, Ga. songwriter Brandon Taj Hanick has co-founded Indie Town, the completely free, invite-only app that lets independent bands and artists easily find, connect and share with one another. (Indie Town, 2023)

Calling it “the first international DIY artist community,” Hanick co-founded the app to help bands and artists connect, book shows and tours together, and share their creations without the burden of repressive algorithms or pay-for-play schemes. 

Unlike existing social media platforms, Indie Town is exclusively built for musicians and artists. Featuring easy-to-create music and video players on profiles, the app lets artists search for community members by genre, location or name, listen to members’ music, check out photos and videos, send messages, and become friends.

“After touring and making albums for years, my friends and I knew there was something missing for DIY bands and artists: An easy way to meaningfully connect the people we’d meet on tour who are creating thriving, interesting music scenes,” said Hanick.

“Community is important to artists, but there wasn’t a digital indie town square,” he continued. “So we built a place to reflect the DIY spirit that drives creativity and creation through collaboration.”

Since Indie Town’s soft launch in November 2023, artists and music community members from all over the U.S. and 13 countries, including The U.K., Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Czech Republic, have joined the community.

Indie Town streamlines community-building by integrating music and video players from Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube and Soundcloud, so bands can easily create their profiles – which serve as mini-websites – in about 90 seconds.

Bands choose from genres like lo-fi, hip hop, glam or bedroom, plus 50 more. “Artist community” users include DIY venues, small labels, zines, videographers and studios, among others. 

What early members are saying:

“Indie Town will be transformative in helping bands alleviate some of the headaches of booking. It’s something we’ve needed for a long time and I’m stoked about what it will mean for touring musicians!” – Athens, Ga. songwriter/musician Annie Leeth

“Independent bands make our world more beautiful and weird, so we shouldn’t be forced to use artless, celebrity-obsessed platforms to connect with other artists. Indie Town is built for DIY artists, by DIY artists.” – Porto, Portugal songwriter/singer Vasco Batista (Big Summer)

Indie Town is available on the App Store, Android Store, and web. Interested artists can request an invite. 

 

 

Upcoming new album release: Your Very Own Dream – Clay Parker and Jodi James

Your Very Own Dream is set for a January 19 release. Photo: Clay Parker and Jodi James

Before their artistic paths converged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in late 2014, Clay Parker and Jodi James roamed the musical landscape as lone troubadours, each nurturing their own raw and genuine sound. Now, almost a decade after their first long-distance co-writing collaborations, the duo’s distinct sound has maintained a minimalist yet unpredictable quality—in part by reflecting the ways the artists themselves have changed both together and as individuals. Following their self-titled debut EP in 2016 and 2018’s The Lonesomest Sound That Can Sound, the duo who jokingly refers to themselves as a “band without a name” are returning with a brand new LP in 2024: Your Very Own Dream will be released on January 19, 2024. (IV-PR, 2023)

Parker and James have gained a fanbase by creating worlds within their records, populating each song with points of view that are archetypical yet unique. With Your Very Own Dream, the pair hones this technique to a razor’s edge; equal parts plaintive folk existentialism, blue-note bluster, prairie-fire idealism, and fever-dream ballad with which fans of Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings will feel right at home. Parker and James consistently present music that carves a most-direct, excess-free path to its listeners and patiently displays the duo’s true nature as creators of a primitive kind of beauty—stark yet expressive, accessible yet deep, shadowy yet real.

The duo recently released the first single from Your Very Own Dream, the James-led, slow-burner, “Nothing At All.” Fooling very little with the trivial and getting to the heart of the matter quickly, “Nothing At All” rides a mellow, mid-tempo arrangement akin to late 90s alt-country acts like Whiskeytown or Uncle Tupelo; a heartbeat of Americana music in the modern age where the song comes first and everything else is lagniappe.

Fans can stream or purchase “Nothing At All” and pre-order or pre-save Your Very Own Dream ahead of its January 19 release.

Your Very Own Dream track list:
Fire For The Water
Hey Hey Hey
Nothing At All
In The Cool Of The Evening
Flatfoot
How High Would I Have To Fly
A Matchbook Song
Your Very Own Dream

Catch Clay Parker and Jodi James on tour:
January 19 – Baton Rouge, LA – MidCity Ballroom – Album Release Show
February 16 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
February 17 – Austin, TX – House Show
February 18 – Austin, TX – NeWorlDeli
February 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – House Show
February 21–25 – Kansas City, MO – Folk Alliance International
February 28 – Nashville, TN – 5 Spot
February 29 – Dunlap, TN – House Show
March 1 – Chattanooga, TN – The Woodshop
March 2 – LaGrange, GA – Pure Life House of Music

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New children’s book release: ‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker

‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ is the new children’s book by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

Children’s books are so versatile because they can be educational, entertaining, or both. They can be instrumental in teaching children important life lessons, inspiring creativity, and cultivating social skills. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the child in your life or to add to your child’s library, consider today’s new children’s book release. Written by Alex L. Walker, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is the first in the Cosmic Kids book series and teaches children important values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy. Other books in the series will address Responsibility, Leadership, Respect, and other necessary skills. Pick up your copy today – “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” is available on Amazon.

With 15 years of experience in children’s learning psychology, Alex L. Walker is a talented author dedicated to nurturing creativity, compassion, confidence, and capability in young individuals. Through his engaging books, he imparts valuable life lessons to children. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

His debut, “Cosmic Kids: Spacewalks to Kindness,” marks the beginning of a 35-book series. Each book concludes with interactive questions designed to inspire creativity, moral lessons, character insights, and artistic expression. It’s also a valuable resource for parents and teachers to interact with and better understand their children.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Alex finds joy in gardening, beekeeping, and playing table tennis at the local club. Join him on this incredible storybook journey and witness your child grow, learn, and flourish with the timeless wisdom within these pages. (Alex L. Walker, 2024)

“Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness” – Cosmic Kids Book 1
Are you ready for an intergalactic adventure through kindness, compassion, and empathy? Meet Astra Lumin, a young navigator excited about her first spacewalk to explore Empathy, the super-sensory satellite. Her mother, Commander Andromeda Lumin, has always told Astra to remember to care for others. So, when Astra meets Hurgul, a young blue-green alien who was really nervous about the upcoming adventure, she decides to follow her mother’s advice. Join Astra and Hurgul on their “Spacewalks of Kindness,” which will help young readers learn more about how empathy and kindness can affect someone’s life and why it is important to encourage inclusivity and cultivate social skills.

Why Kids (And Their Parents) Love “Spacewalks of Kindness”
Featuring beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, this children’s storybook will help kids understand how to treat others with respect, recognize and manage their feelings, and promote acts of kindness.

Discover The Must-Read Space Educational Kid’s Storybook Series
This is the first installment in the “Cosmic Kids” book series. It follows the adventures that the children of space scientists get themselves into and focuses on learning lessons through epic journeys. Other books in the series will cover Curiosity, Responsibility, Leadership, Active Listening, Honesty, Respect, Gratitude, and more.

The Ultimate Gift That Keeps On Giving
Whether you are looking for a new educational illustrated storybook for your child or a thoughtful gift idea for your niece, nephew, grandson, or granddaughter, look no further. Surprise any young astronaut today and harness the power of storytelling and eye-catching art to teach valuable lessons.

Put On Your Spacesuit and Get Ready For Blastoff!

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‘Cosmic Kids: Spacewalk to Kindness’ by Alex L. Walker. Photo: Alex L. Walker, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness’ by Drake Wells

‘Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness’ is the new wellness guide by Drake Wells. Photo: Amazon

The new year is upon us with promises of new and better beginnings. For many people, their New Year’s resolutions include physical and mental wellness. I can attest to the restorative powers of spending time in nature and I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Just a simple walk outdoors can do wonders for your overall mood. Today’s new book release by Drake Wells touches on this important topic. “Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” embraces the healing power of getting back to nature to cure our mental ills. So if you are looking for a resource guide to mental wellbeing, consider this new book. It is available now on Amazon.

Drake Wells is a Division I runner, Eagle Scout, and outdoor enthusiast living in Houston, TX. He has written descriptive poetry connecting themes in nature to mental clarity, including his published work, “Embers,” which won the Scholastic Gold Key award in 2020. Drake’s experiences with the outdoor world, from sailing the Florida Keys, to surviving the wilderness, have equipped him to illuminate the transformative impact of nature on human well-being, seen through the eyes of someone who has lived it. His new book “Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” offers not just insight but a holistic remedy for societal ailments. (Drake Wells, 2023)

“Nature’s Antidepressant: Harnessing Earth’s Gifts for Wellness” – In the chaotic modern world, yearning for simplicity and clarity is a common sentiment. Imagine a time when our ancestors thrived, deeply connected to nature’s rhythm. Could the remedy for today’s mental malaise lie not in medicine cabinets but in rekindling our ancestral bond with nature?

Join Drake Wells on a transformative journey through “Nature’s Antidepressant,” where he explores the contrast between ancient roots and contemporary lives. In vivid detail, Wells portrays our ancestors harmonizing with the environment, highlighting the stark contrast to our comfort-driven present. As modernization escalates, so does depression and anxiety.

Wells delves into the therapeutic power of nature, presenting scientific and psychological evidence of its profound impact on well-being. This book is more than a critique; it’s a call for a paradigm shift, a return to our natural roots. Envision a world where emotional struggles find resolution not in synthetic medications but in embracing the raw, rejuvenating power of our surroundings.

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New movies coming up in January

Revenge thriller Roadkill will have a theater and Video On Demand release on January 5, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

These are just a few of the new movies coming up in January. (October Coast, 2023)

Norwegian Dream
Video On Demand – January 2, 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – Best First Feature Film, Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival 2023
NOMINEE – dFlights Award, Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema 2023

Cast: Øyvind Brandtzæg, Karl Bekele Steinland, Izabella Dudziak, Runar Koteng Frønes, Hubert Milkowski, Jakub Sierenberg, and Edyta Torhan

Robert, a Polish immigrant working at a fish factory in Norway, has come to earn money to pay off his mother’s debts. Robert realizes he has feelings for his colleague Ivar. For fear of losing his position within a group of Poles at the factory, he hides his feelings, especially when it turns out that Ivar is doing vogue and is an aspiring drag queen.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Roadkill
Theater and Video On Demand – January 5, 2024
THEATRICAL RELEASE IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES; NY, LA, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis
Starring Caitlin Carmichael, Danielle Harris, Ryan Knudson, Warren Fast, Trenton Hudson
Rating: TV-MA Runtime : 90 Mins

Caitlin Carmichael, Ryan Knudson, and horror icon Danielle Harris star in this full-throttle revenge thriller. Written and directed by Warren Fast, Roadkill plays as a throwback to the classic action-thrillers of the 80s and 90s.

Lost while traveling through a rural county in 1983, a young woman crosses paths with a hitchhiker headed the same destination and offers a ride in exchange for directions. Their journey takes a violent turn when the two are caught up in a police manhunt for a fugitive killer. As victims begin to amass and authorities close in, it becomes a fight for survival on the open road. Featuring fun chase sequences, strong special effects and great kills, Roadkill is written and directed by Warren Fast, who also co-stars.

Hellhounds
Video On Demand – January 9, 2024
Director: Robert Conway
Cast: Nathaniel Burns, Eva Hamilton, Cameron Kotecki, Dana Kippel

A pack of werewolves known as the Hellhounds wage a war against a fanatical order of werewolf hunters called the Silver Bullets. The Hounds and the Bullets now roam the country appearing to the outside world as rival biker gangs. After all his brothers and sisters are wiped out by the Bullets, the last remaining Hellhound, Alias, embarks on a bloody quest of revenge. The hunt is on!

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Place of Our Own
Theater – January 12 and Video On Demand – January 16, 2024
DIRECTED BY EKTARA COLLECTIVE 2022 INDIA 88 MINS

Shining with quiet authenticity and a fierce heart, A Place of Our Own is the story of two transwomen in Bhopal, India, fighting for a life that is more than marginal. Directed and crewed by the Ekarta Collective, which blends experienced and first-time filmmakers whose lives and identities mirror their characters, this film — which won the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival — is crafted with grit and care.
Centering on Laila and Rashni as they seek a new home after an unjust eviction, the deceptively simple plot illuminates the wide range of prejudice they face. Determined to find a space to thrive, Laila and Rashni depend on each other and their own inner strength to withstand the hatred that surrounds them. As challenges mount, the women find friends and support in unexpected places. The unwavering dignity of Laila and Rashni — deftly portrayed by first-time actors Manisha Soni and Muskaan, respectively — is the magnetic centerpiece to this intimately shot narrative. With candor and subtle humor, A Place of Our Own ultimately asks not only where, but in whom do we find home.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Scalper
Theater and Video on Demand – January 16
Director: Chad Ferrin
Cast: Susan Priver (Clementine Carter), Jake Busey (Detective Hayden), Bai Ling (Jade Mei), Kate Patel (Detective Lupino), Scott Vogel (Bob Tarkovskiy)

Everyone around psychic Clementine Carter is being brutally murdered by a masked killer dubbed ‘The Scalper.’ Is it dead psycho Andrew Lubitz back from the grave, a copycat killer or a horror beyond imagination? Clementine must use her second sight to stay one step ahead of the maniac’s blade to solve the mystery.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Stroking An Animal
Theater and Video On Demand – January 16
Director: Ángel Filgueira
Cast: Xulio Besteiro (Tomás), Ángela Ríos (Ada), Lidia Veiga (Mariña)

Mariña, Ada and Tomás form an irregular triangle of bodies, intentions, and vibrations. Mariña has an intense love affair with Ada when Tomás, a mutual friend, enters the couple’s intimacy. Six moments of the relationship articulate the film, thrown like flashes of light. The journey of this love triangle will lead Mariña to rethink her bonds with others and her self-care.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.