And Another Thing...with Shalako

The conversation delves into the expectations placed on filmmakers, particularly black filmmakers, to represent specific cultural narratives. It highlights the industry pressure and lack of originality in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of allowing filmmakers the freedom to tell authentic stories without being burdened by external expectations.TakeawaysFilmmakers' ResponsibilityPressure on Black Filmmakers

As the Oscars come and go, film enthusiasts are always eager to witness the results of a year’s worth of cinematic artistry. In this episode, Shalako reflects on his predictions for the 2025 Oscars and compare them to the actual winners, diving deep into the vibrant film landscape of the past year. Listen as he break down the awards, shares his thoughts, and reveal what this year's Oscars taught us about the film industry.

In this conversation, Shalako discusses the realities of film festivals, emphasizing that acceptance into a festival does not equate to success, and rejection does not reflect a lack of talent. He explores the differences between prestige and regional festivals, sharing insights from his personal experiences in the festival circuit. Shalako also highlights the importance of understanding where a film fits within the festival landscape and the significance of storytelling and technical quality in film submissions.

In this conversation, Shalako discusses the current state of Marvel, particularly in light of the new show 'Wonder Man'. He explores the unrealistic expectations placed on Marvel Studios, the impact of corporate pressures from Disney, and the nature of storytelling within the Marvel universe. Marvel is facing unrealistic expectations from audiences.The novelty of Marvel has worn off, leading to inflated expectations.Marvel's creative survival involves experimenting with different characters and tones.Disney's corporate structure has changed how Marvel operates.Marvel is under more scrutiny than other studios due to its success.Not every Marvel project needs to be a blockbuster hit.The storytelling in comics is often messy and experimental.Casting decisions can be smart storytelling choices.Marvel's challenges reflect broader industry pressures.The audience should allow Marvel to take creative risks.Chapters00:00Marvel's Current Landscape and Expectations02:59Creative Survival vs. Corporate Pressure05:47The Role of Disney in Marvel's Evolution09:07Character Dynamics and Storytelling in Marvel11:03The Future of Marvel and Audience Expectations

The conversation covers the 2025 Oscars nominations and predictions, discussing various categories and sharing opinions on the potential winners. The host provides insights and analysis on each category, highlighting the standout films and performances.Takeaways2025 was a great year for filmThe Oscars nominations and predictionsChapters00:00 Introduction to Oscars Nominations and Predictions05:25 Best Music and International Feature Film Categories14:55 Best Cinematography and Leading Actor/Actress Categories20:44 Supporting Actor/Actress Categories and Writing Categories

In this episode of 'In Another Thing', host Shalako Gordon discusses the exciting landscape of the film industry in 2025, highlighting the diversity of films and the significance of award season. He provides in-depth analyses of four key films: 'Hamnet' by Chloe Zhao, 'Sinners' by Ryan Coogler, 'One Battle After Another' by Paul Thomas Anderson, and 'Marty Supreme' by Josh Safdie, emphasizing their unique storytelling techniques and the directors' approaches. The conversation concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of this year's films on the future of cinema.

In this conversation, Shalako Gordon discusses the omission of the film 'Sinners' from major best films lists, exploring the reasons behind this exclusion and its implications for the film industry. He highlights the film's critical acclaim, cultural significance, and the discomfort surrounding horror films that challenge traditional narratives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of representation and the impact of industry standards on filmmaking and audience perception.

In the world of documentary filmmaking, authenticity and passion play pivotal roles in storytelling. In this podcast episode, we delve into the creative journey of One9, an accomplished filmmaker whose work has redefined how we perceive hip-hop culture through the lens of film. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey from a graffiti artist in Washington, D.C. to the director of the acclaimed documentary on Allen Iverson and Nas, "Time Is Illmatic."

Are minority filmmakers still being supported - or has Hollywood quietly pulled back?In this powerful solo episode, filmmaker Shalako Gordon breaks down the rise and fall of Hollywood's post-2020 diversity push and explores why many creators of color are feeling a sudden shift in opportunity, resources, and visibility.We discuss: What really happened after the 2020 "DEI" boomWhy diversity programs and funding are disappearingUCLA and major media reports showing representation decliningWhy trauma-centered stories still get greenlit over joyful or imaginative Black storiesWhere minority filmmakers can find support today