Wine Thief is now available on digital and on demand in the UK. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.
🍷 Wine Thief Now Streaming in the UK – A Must-Watch Comedy for Wine Lovers and Film Fans
Great news for UK viewers! After a strong digital release in the US and Canada, Wine Thief is now officially available to rent or buy in the UK. If you’re looking for a fresh, hilarious indie comedy to stream tonight, this offbeat film is the perfect pick. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
About Wine Thief – A Wild Comedy Set in the World of Winemaking
Wine Thief is a bold, off-the-rails comedy that blends sibling rivalry, chaotic ambition, and disastrously funny decisions. With its mix of slapstick humor and winery-world satire, the film delivers a fun, lighthearted watch for fans of indie movies and wine-themed films.
Director: Lana Read Cast: Robert Rusler, Vernon Wells, Houston Rhines
Plot Overview
The story follows Terry, a reckless freewheeler who convinces his successful winemaker brother, Tobin, to fund a ridiculous reality TV show to boost his winery’s fame. What unfolds is pure chaos, a disastrous production crew, hilarious vineyard misadventures, and even sabotage from a rival winery at the Golden World Wine Awards.
Tobin must protect his wine, his reputation, and his sanity as Terry’s schemes spiral out of control.
Where to Watch Wine Thief
You can now stream or rent Wine Thief on major digital platforms, including:
Miguel Huerta and Pasqual Gutierrez in Pasqual Gutierrez’ Serious People. Photo: Tribeca Films/Memory, used with permission.
🎬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.
Rui Pedro Silva in Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge. Photo: MoreThan Films, used with permission.
Fantastic Fest 2025: The Tree of Knowledge World Premiere
Fantastic Fest, held annually in Austin and known as the largest genre film festival in the U.S., is back at the Alamo Drafthouse from September 18–25, 2025. Celebrated for spotlighting fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films, this year’s lineup promises a hauntingly excellent collection of premieres.
One of the most anticipated titles is Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge, having its World Premiere at this year’s festival. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)
In biblical terms, the “Tree of Knowledge” symbolizes free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. For filmmaker Eugène Green, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and renewal, set against the backdrop of Europe’s booming mass tourism.
The story follows Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a Lisbon teenager who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has struck a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses Gaspard to lure tourists, transforming them into animals before killing them. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog he has grown attached to, and in an enchanted manor, encounters the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit—leading to a fantastical and allegorical journey of survival.
About the Director: Eugène Green
Born in New York City on June 28, 1947, Eugène Green is a French filmmaker, writer, theater director, and actor.
Studied literature and art history in Paris
Founded Le Théâtre de la Sapience in 1977, staging both contemporary poetic and baroque theater
Directed his first feature, Toutes les Nuits (1999, released 2001), winner of the Louis Delluc Prize for First Film
Has since directed 10+ feature films and 6 mini-films
His works have screened at Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and other international festivals
In 2019, the Fundação Serralves in Porto hosted the first major exhibition dedicated to his cinema
✨ With The Tree of Knowledge, Green brings his signature poetic and philosophical style to Fantastic Fest, offering audiences a surreal and allegorical tale that blends dark comedy, folklore, and fantasy.
The heartfelt comedy will be released digitally starting in the US and Canada on September 16. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.
The Compatriots Brings Heartfelt Humor and Immigration Stories to VOD This September
Release Date: September 16, 2025 (U.S. & Canada) Platform: VOD Nationwide (with international releases to follow)
Blue Harbor Entertainment has announced that its award-winning festival favorite The Compatriots will be available on Video on Demand across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 16, 2025. Additional VOD releases in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories are coming soon. (EG-PR, 2025)
The film’s release aligns with Citizen Day in the United States (Sept. 17), making its themes of immigration, identity, and belonging especially timely.
A Story of Friendship, Belonging, and Resilience
Marking the narrative feature directorial debut of Spencer Cohen, The Compatriots is a nuanced comedy-drama starring Rafael Silva (Javi) and Denis Shepherd (Hunter), alongside Dakota Lustic, Caroline Portu, Jaison Hunter, and Brandon Grimes.
The story follows Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reconnects with his estranged best friend Hunter, a charming bachelor yearning for deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt mission to keep Javi in the only country he has ever known.
Inspired by Cohen’s childhood best friend Alberto Sayan, a Dreamer from Peru, the film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants—especially those brought to the U.S. as children and now facing deportation to countries they barely remember.
Festival Accolades
Since its premiere, The Compatriots has made an impressive run on the festival circuit, earning:
Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – Woods Hole Film Festival
Emerging New England Filmmaker Award – Woods Hole Film Festival
Best LGBTQ Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
Best Narrative Feature – San Antonio Film Festival
It has also been featured at the Maui, Ojai, Chelsea, and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.
Director’s Statement
“Dreamers are not an abstract concept; they are our neighbors, nurses, teachers—and in my case, my best friend Alberto,” says director Spencer Cohen. “They are integral parts of our communities, and they deserve to feel safe in the country they call home. I hope audiences will see Javi as their best friend and fight for policies that give permanent protection to millions like him.”
About Blue Harbor Entertainment
Founded in 2023 by Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina, and Seth Needle, Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers. With decades of combined industry experience, the company offers full-scale distribution and marketing solutions for theatrical, digital, and television releases—providing a flexible, filmmaker-first approach in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Release Date Reminder:The Compatriots premieres on VOD September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.
Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.
Comedian Gianmarco Soresi brings his comedy tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Photo: Jim Cambridge, used with permission.
Gianmarco Soresi Brings His “Drama King” Tour to San Antonio
📅 September 12–14, 2025 📍 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club – San Antonio, TX
Comedy fans in San Antonio, get ready—Gianmarco Soresi, the quick-witted comedian, actor, and viral social media sensation, is bringing his Drama King Tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club for three nights of sharp, high-energy stand-up. (Shark Party Media, 2025)
A Comedian on the Rise
Fresh off being named one of Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know”and Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025,” Soresi is making waves in the comedy world. He recently hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and taped his first hour-long comedy special at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater—release details coming later this year.
The Gianmarco Style
Known for his razor-sharp societal observations and animated, upbeat-yet-dark comedic style, Soresi has earned praise from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and more. He’s performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy, and even The Real Housewives of New York.
His acting credits include Billy Crystal’s Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, and The Last OG. In 2022, he was selected as a JFL New Face, cementing his spot as one of comedy’s must-watch performers.
Beyond the Stage
When he’s not touring, Soresi keeps busy in NYC with:
The Silver Lining – his recurring new-material showcase with guest comics
The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi – a live podcast with co-host Russell Daniels and special guests
A set on Netflix’s Verified Stand-Up
🎟 Show Details
Venue: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 📍 618 Northwest Loop 410 #312, San Antonio, TX 78216
Sandra Hüller stars in the heist comedy Two to One. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Heist comedies blend the thrill of elaborate adventures with sharp humor, making them a favorite among movie lovers. These films captivate audiences with clever schemes and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone. The balance between tension and comedy—watching a team of misfits outwit authorities or rival thieves keeps viewers engaged while delivering laughs. Classics like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job showcase stylish execution, witty banter, and satisfying payoffs. The genre’s mix of high stakes and humor makes for endlessly entertaining, feel-good storytelling that invites audiences to root for the underdogs.
London, UK: Tull Stories is delighted to announce that Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One (Zwei zu eins) will be hitting UK cinemas from May 2nd after its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival. (Strike Media, 2025)
A light-hearted ensemble comedy about friendship, community, love, and capitalism, Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One is set in the long, hot East German summer of 1990.
Maren, Robert and Volker have known and loved each other since childhood. In the final weeks before reunification and with Germany about to change forever, the trio stumble across a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless East German currency, left to rot in Government storage.
With just days to work out what to do with this unexpected windfall before it becomes useless, the three assemble the friends and neighbours living in their crumbling apartment block and together hatch an elaborate plan to exchange the cash for goods – outwitting the incoming Westerners and their capitalism before time runs out.
But can a community previously living under strict socialist values handle this sudden wealth…?
Two To One had its World Premiere opening Munich Film Festival, where Screen Daily said it was a “comedy with heart.” It features stand-out performances from Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, Toni Erdmann), Max Riemelt (Berlin Syndrome, Sense8,) and Ronald Zehrfeld (Phoenix, Barbara).
Distributed By: Tull Stories Theatrical Release: May 2nd 2025 Short Synopsis: As German reunification looms in the summer of 1990 three close friends in Socialist East Germany hatch an elaborate plan to make a fortune when they find a bunker full of soon-to-be-worthless currency. With the help of their friends and neighbours they tackle progress and capitalism head-on. Directed By: Natja Brunckhorst Cast: Sandra Hüller, Max Riemelt, Ronald Zehrfeld, Ursula Werner, Peter Kurth, Martin Brambach and Kathrin Wehlisch Run Time: 116 minutes
The out of body indie dramedy Me, Myself & The Void is now available for streaming on major Video On Demand platforms worldwide. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Black comedies blend humor with darker themes, exploring taboo subjects like death, morality, and societal dysfunction. This genre often highlights the absurdity of life’s challenges, using satire to provoke thought while entertaining. By comparing comedic elements with grim scenarios, black comedies encourage audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the human condition. Films like Dr. Strangelove and Fargo exemplify this style, revealing the complexities of human nature and the often absurd realities of existence. The humor can be unsettling, but it ultimately invites viewers to find laughter amid despair, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
In today’s movie news, there’s a new comedy/black comedy out on digital: Me, Myself & The Void.
Los Angeles, CA--Echobend Pictures is excited to kick off their slate of exciting and original features with the worldwide video on demand release of Me Myself & The Void, a black comedy set in the human mind, where a man must confront…himself. Me Myself & The Void is available on digital platforms including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)
Me Myself & The Void is an Echobend Pictures feature directed by Timothy Hautekiet from a script he co-wrote with Nik Oldershaw. Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender, All That) stars as a struggling comedian caught at a crossroads in his life, while trapped outside the bounds of space and time. He is forced to question who, where and what he is, reflecting on his life and those in it, including Chris W. Smith (De Sena’s comedy partner in their popular sketch comedy channel Chris and Jack) and Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Raya and the Last Dragon).
The supporting cast is rounded out by Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Sophia Esperanza, Kristen Carey, Darren Dupree Washington, Danielle Dallas Roosa.
Me Myself & The Void world premiered at Dances with Films and went on to screen at fests around the world. At FilmQuest, Me Myself & The Void won the award for Best Ensemble Cast and scored nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing and Best Score.
Ahead of the worldwide release, director/co-writer Hautekiet shared: “Above all else, I hope the film offers an engaging mystery with many laughs. I wanted to frame a whodunnit around a relationship and have our hero searching through his own memories for clues to uncover what happened. The film has an emphasis on mental health and seeks to start a conversation about modern relationships, ambition and isolation. This is the film I needed five years ago before I began to take my mental health seriously.”
A down on his luck stand-up finds himself in a void world, hovering precariously between life and death. It is in this void that our hero, Jack, must discern how he ended up face down on his bathroom floor and find a way out before it’s too late.
Me, Myself & The Void Producers: Ryan Blewett, Zubin Asaria, and Ryan Turner for Echobend, Executive Producer: Zubin Asaria Run Time: 85 minutes
Still from Me, Myself & The Void. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Karen the Origin Story’ is the second book in the Amish Sovereignty series by Andre Johnson. Photo: Andre Johnson, used with permission.
Literature and fiction does not always have to be so serious. Humor is essential to lighten life’s heavier moments, especially when dealing with history and everyday life. By now we have all heard of the term ‘Karen’ in modern slang. It usually refers to a middle class white woman who is seen as extraordinarily entitled or demanding. Today’s book highlight is “Karen the Origin Story” by Andre Johnson and it touches on that subject; it is available on Amazon. If you enjoy the lighter side of fiction, consider this humorous title by Andre Johnson.
Andre Johnson is the author of “Karen the Origin Story,” book 2 of 3 in the Amish Sovereignty series which also includes “Amish” and “Karen the Horror Story.”
“Karen the Origin Story” Noah and Anita are fraternal Amish twins. These twins and two of their friends go on their Rumspringa. While on Rumspringa, the group realizes that things are a little different and that they really like chili cheese fries. Midway though Rumspringa, they realize that they need to make a difference before going home. (Andre Johnson, 2024)
For anyone unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is a rite of passage and period of growth for Amish young people during which they face fewer restrictions on their behavior and are not subject to the usual community norms. It usually begins at age 16 and ends when a youth chooses to either be baptized in the Amish church or leave the community. (Google)
The podcast turned sci-fi thriller comes to Video On Demand on January 12, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Buffalo 8is thrilled to open their 2024 line up with the North American VOD release of First Time Caller, the feature adaptation of the fan-favorite podcast “The Earth Moves” from directors J.D. Brynn and Abe Goldfarb. Based on Gideon Media’s acclaimed podcast, First Time Caller is a darkly hilarious look at success, power, loneliness, and the apocalypse. First Time Caller debuts on Cable and Digital VOD on January 12, 2024, including Prime Video, Vudu, Vubiquity, Cox, and Comcast. (Justin Cook PR, 2023)
First Time Caller– Brent Ziff is an internet shock-jock at the top of his game. Fans and followers tune in from coast to coast to be insulted and enlightened by their favorite on-air provocateur. But on one very unusual night, Brent’s world is rocked by a long-time listener who calls in with a grave message.
75 Minutes/USA
Abe Goldfarb and Brian Silliman reprise their roles from “The Earth Moves” as Brent and Leo, alongside vocal performances from Greg Proops, Ophira Eisenberg, and Ashlie Atkinson. Mac Rogers, who wrote the original podcast, adapted the script. Patrick Terry produced for Cinedata. Gerry Ohrstrom, Thomas Campbell Jackson and Lawrence Starr are executive producers, alongside Buffalo 8’s Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor, Nikki Stier Justice and Grady Craig.
First Time Caller world premiered at the Seattle Film Festival and earned the Grand Jury Prize, along with awards for Best Actor (Goldfarb) and Best Director (Goldfarb and Brynn). The film went on to win Best Feature Film at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival and was the headliner as the Opening Night Feature at the Bowery Film Festival. On the festival circuit, Film Threat hailed First Time Caller as “extremely inventive, quite a ride!”
5000 Space Aliens will be available November 21, 2023. Photo: Google
Director Scott Bateman and Producer Lucas A. Ferrara are excited to share the trailer for their new genre-bending animation, 5000 Space Aliens, which is coming to digital download worldwide on November 21,2023. Get ready to meet a new space alien every second in this bonkers and groundbreaking one-of-a-kind animated film. (October Coast, 2023)
Imagine meeting a space alien. Now imagine meeting one space alien every second. This is what happens in Scott Bateman’s groundbreaking animated film 5000 Space Aliens. Scott Bateman has turned found footage, vintage photo studio pictures from Venezuela and Romania, scraps from a 100-year-old psychology textbook, and more into 5000 one-second shots of animated characters.
Instead of a typical narrative, 5000 Space Aliens is more like a ride: You just let the hypnotic rhythm of images wash over you. This one-of-a-kind animated extravaganza was made by just one animator, director Scott Bateman. Bateman also created the electronic-tinged soundtrack.
5000 Space Aliens was Medusa Underground Film Festival’s ‘Best Picture’ and has received multiple ‘official selections’ at a raft of international festivals. Pulled from the mind of Director Scott Bateman whose previous work includes The Bateman Lectures on Depression and You Your Brain & You. Not your average filmmaker, Bateman took the incredible leap to fund his projects via game shows, winning $100,000 (and a cruise) on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, as well as becoming a one-day Jeopardy! champion.
On making the film, Scott Bateman says, “Storytelling is everywhere these days, it’s ridiculous. But not everything has to tell a story. I believe movies can do other things as well, and still be fun and entertaining to watch. So with 5000 Space Aliens, I set out to create an entertaining, non-narrative film.
5000 Space Aliens has a visual rhythm of one shot per second, and it is an absolutely hypnotizing movie-going experience. It’s like a ride: you don’t have to think, you just let it wash over you. The music acts as a thread through the whole film, your friend who’s on the ride with you.
I’m very happy that it all worked. 5000 Space Aliens is a very fun movie to watch with a group of friends at home or in a theater. There are so many ‘What did I just see?’ moments, and it’s highly re-watchable.
But also, I wanted to make a film but had no money at the time. So I was looking for a way I could make a movie all by myself. This was a fun challenge, as it’s been one so rarely. I did all this animation, created all this music, did the editing, all of it. I had a blast making this film, and I’m so happy it’s a blast so audiences can experience this groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind film. There’s never been another film like this.”
“…If you’re looking for something quirky, off-beat, and extremely entertaining, check out this unique film. And while you’re at it, you’d best fasten your seatbelts, as you’ll likely encounter some turbulence as this mesmerizing movie takes you on a fast-paced, high-speed joyride. An engaging alternate reality awaits.” – Lucas A. Ferrara, Producer
SA Examiner 