Uptown Films

This episode was recorded in November 2025.In this episode Gregory sat down with Bryan Ribeiro, the co-founder of the Mount Vernon Independent Film Festival (est 2025)Bryan is a video editor, motion graphics animator, camera operator, and filmmaker. He was born in Queens. He grew up in Brazil and the USA. He started his creative pursuits at a young age- making cat videos using Windows Movie Maker. Initially studying game design, he realized the fun and storytelling aspect in time-based work and shifted to film and video. He studied Design and Technology at Parsons the New School for Design. The well-rounded course took detours into graphic design, web and game coding, woodworking, fashion, and more. After graduating, he met with some like-minded people and started making music videos, shorts, and completed his first feature film- psychological thriller. Since then, Bryan's edited for companies such as Disney Streaming, Viacom, MTV, DailyMail, NFL, AMC, Sony, Universal, STXFilms, Macy's, and Empire Design (trailer house). Right now, his short film Braising is currently on the film festival circuit amassing several screenings, awards, and selections on the global level. He also founded a local film festival in his town- the Mount Vernon Independent Film Festival. Bryan is a huge game and film nerd. He's also geeky about television and graphic novels. A dork about most things actually. He is an avid swimmer. He loves the water and considers himself a nautical individual, though he's drowned like 3 times. He also enjoys exploring his Brazilian background and attempting Portuguese, playing badminton with friends, taking care of his many cats with his partner, and writing in his beat-up idea journal for future projects. Bryan currently resides in Mount Vernon, a suburb of New York City. The social home for Mount Vernon's premiere film festival! Founded by @bryanfilm123 and @dominiqueofskyrimhttps://mountvernoniff.com/

In this episode Gregory is joined by Megan Dhawan, a journalist, filmmaker, photographer, cinephile, programmer, poet and future podcast host!You can find her letterboxd here:https://letterboxd.com/megxxn/films/Please note this episode was recorded July 2025.

In this episode we sit down with Sisa Bueno, Deion & Kamal Browder, two brothers of Kalief Browder to discuss the documentary, FOR VENIDA, FOR KALIEF This documentary debuts the poetry of Venida Brodnax Browder, mother of Kalief Browder- an African-American teenager who inspired incarceration reform in the United States. It is not just a film about incarceration, but one that is about giving a complex humanity to people and communities (Black, Latino, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and Asian) plagued by these issues. The film is an intentional weaving of verité, poetic visuals, rare archival imagery of 1970s New York, and most importantly, deep emotions. The film is a tender journey and exploration into the past, present and future, and delivers nuance and understanding about the long vicious cycle of mass incarceration over the last 50 years. It culminates in the contemporary movement to transform Rikers Island - one of the world’s most notorious jails - into a renewable energy center. This film intertwines spirituality and advocacy, while crafting a cinematic experience that re-imagines the “criminal justice” documentary as a poetic collage.Director - Sisa Bueno Producer - Sisa Bueno, David Felix Sutcliffe, Paola Gadala-Maria, Jasmine Mans Cinematographer - Sisa BuenoEditor - Kristan Sprague, Daniel Chavez Ontiveros Poetry by - Venida Brodnax Browder Narrator - Jasmine Mans This documentary film was made possible with the support of: ITVS, Ford Foundation, Sundance Institute, International Documentary Association (IDA), deNovo Initiative, City of New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), Firelight Media, New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), Film Independent, The Gotham, Jerome Foundation, Hot Docs, Points North Institute, Sunny Side of the Doc, DOK Leipzig.

Uptown Films Podcast goes international!Guests in this episode include:Elizabeth McIntyre | Co-Founder and DirectorWith a career across conference, exhibition, commissioning and production, Elizabeth’s work includes curation for OKRE, a Wellcome Trust-supported story ideas platform (with a focus on climate and migration), and consultancy for ProQuote Film Berlin (UK and Irish speakers). Previous positions include Director of Sheffield Doc/Fest, Head of Masterschool Documentary Campus and Head of Production & Development (UK Factual) for Discovery Networks International, where she commissioned single films and series for local and global markets, including You Have Been Warned, The Great White Silence and Inside the Gangsters’ Code. Documentary credits include The Lost Children of Berlin for Steven Spielberg, Dangerous Love (BBC), No Place Like Home (BBC) and Five Steps to Tyranny (BBC). Advisory roles include OKRE (supported by Wellcome), UK Muslim Film, Bronx Independent Cinema Center and, formerly, the BAFTA TV/Learning, Inclusion & Talent committees and WFTV trustee. Elizabeth contributes to mentoring and masterclass programmes such as Wonder Women and ScreenSkills (UK), and remains active with the BAFTA TV committee, including as an assessor for their grants. Elizabeth is currently based between the USA, Germany and the UK. Chuka Ejorh | CEO and post director at Blink Studios, NigeriaChuka Ejorh has 20 years experience working on award-winning feature films, TV shows, drama series, documentaries and TV commercials in South Africa and Nigeria and is regarded as one of the top film editors in Nigeria.Chuka founded Blink Studios Ltd in 2015; a company which provides post-production services for film and TV; and post-production supervision and consultation.Listed as one of the top 100 influential Nigerians in Nollywood, Chuka has been nominated for AMVCA and AMAA awards; his films have won awards in Nigeria and across the world (most notably The Milkmaid, which was Nigeria's official submission for the Academy Awards in 2021); and he has mentored and helped scores of young Nigerians begin and sustain their careers in the film industry.

KAZEMBE BALAGUN (he/him), Executive DirectorFor the past twenty years, Kazembe Balagun has been a dynamic force on the NYC’s left intelligentsia scene, bringing together diverse audiences in real time to debate, learn and form solidarity.Kazembe was born in Harlem in 1976, the son of Benjamin and Mildred. As the youngest of three and first generation out of the south New Yorker, Kazembe’s world outlook was formed by his parents’ trade unionism, life in the Polo Grounds Housing Project (“a small southern village transplanted up North as he said”), the LA Rebellion of 1992, and the sounds of Public Enemy, X-Clan, Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang.From 1996-2000 he was a member of The Student Liberation Action Movement (SLAM!) as a student at Hunter College, a broad multiracial front that sought to extend the legacy of the 1969 CUNY Student movements, fighting for a free, democratic, CUNY. In 2008, he came onboard as outreach coordinator for the Brecht Forum, a broadly anti-capitalist cultural space in the West Village. His interest included the intersections of Marxism, Black liberation, and LGBTQ issues, working with diverse collectives such as Theater of The Oppressed, Women on Wednesdays, Ground Floor Collective, Neues Kabarett, Music Now Series, and speakers such as Slavoj Zizek, Angela Davis, and Naomi Klein.“Being around so many speakers, so many musicians and artists, especially in the Village taught me it really wasn’t about code-switching, it was about being polyphonic.” said Kazembe about his experiences at the Brecht Forum. “The sound of jazz really helped me develop coalition politics.” His start in film was unintentional. A class at Manhattan Neighborhood Network to document Brecht Forum events led to a passion for editing. Eventually he joined the Red Channels Collective which programmed films out of the Brecht Forum. He continued his film work as a production fellow at Third World Newsreel.From 2013-2022, Kazembe was a project manager at the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung New York Office, He lives in Co-op City with his son Miles and cat, Leroi. Maysles Documentary Center is a Harlem-based nonprofit organization committed to community, education, and documentary film. We use filmmaking to amplify and expand under-represented artists and narratives, while empowering young filmmakers in creative self-expression, communicating ideas, and advocating needs.

Executive Director Kazembe Balagun of Maysles Documentary Center makes a bold claim as his micro cinema center has the best popcorn of any theater in New York City!Visit Maysles in Harlem today!

Solomon West is a dynamic professional with a Mechanical Engineering background and a multifaceted career spanning cloud infrastructure, software integration, and community health. Certified as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, Solomon is fluent in technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, React, and Jenkins, with hands-on experience in database systems and API development. His business acumen shines through in his understanding of media-tech ecosystems: he’s contributed to platforms where film studios leverage granular viewer data — including trailer views and shares — to optimize distribution strategies and secure funding. Solomon’s cross-industry experience includes engineering project management, application support, and health equity outreach, making him a rare blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and human-centered impact.

Current Episodes from December 2025- Rob Reiner- Warner Brothers Discovery + Netflix Deal- Paramount - Casinos in NYC- Repertory TheatresInterview Segment with Solomon West | Founder of TrailerScopeSolomon West is a dynamic professional with a Mechanical Engineering background and a multifaceted career spanning cloud infrastructure, software integration, and community health. Certified as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, Solomon is fluent in technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, React, and Jenkins, with hands-on experience in database systems and API development. His business acumen shines through in his understanding of media-tech ecosystems: he’s contributed to platforms where film studios leverage granular viewer data — including trailer views and shares — to optimize distribution strategies and secure funding. Solomon’s cross-industry experience includes engineering project management, application support, and health equity outreach, making him a rare blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and human-centered impact.

Episode #51 with Kendra Monet, a filmmaker from Harlem.Kendra Monet is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied Film & TV. She creates personal narratives about individuals that dare to use their voices and imaginations to discover themselves. Her student short films have been selected at numerous film festivals including an honorable mention award at the Denton Black Film Festival her coming of age short film "The Walk Home." She was a finalist at the Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival, and she was interviewed by Bronx News 12 about her documentary film "Pulling the Evidence That Remains", a personal narrative on mental health. Kendra is currently working in publicity at Searchlight Pictures, where she has contributed to Academy Award winning campaigns such as Questlove’s "Summer of Soul" and most recently the Academy nominated and acclaimed film: Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain." At the same time, she is in post-production for her short film ATTACHED, a psychological thriller about a struggling actress whose past continues to haunt her that forces her to confront her sense of control. https://www.thekendramonet.com/https://vimeo.com/kendramonethttps://tisch.nyu.edu/film-tv/news/2019/ugftv-student-kendra-brown-interviewd-on-bronx-new-12.htmlChapters:- 00:00Intro- 00:56Kendra's Introduction- 01:15What does it mean to be an independent filmmaker?02:22- How did your experiences at NYU prepare you to become a filmmaker/visual storyteller?04:27- What was your experience like working in Searchlight Pictures, publicity, and now working in the industry?07:18- How has your view on being a filmmaker changed over the past three years?11:34- What is your inspiration in making the short film "Attached"?15:16- Technical approach to the film19:55- What is ShotDeck?22:41- Kendra's past with dancing24:48- What was it like finding the right production designer?31:18- What made you choose to do a backstory and how did it help production?34:30- How often do you rehearse prior to production?37:04- What was the intention behind utilizing 180 degree shutter angles?49:26- Ad break50:16- First project co-writing/producing/directing59:36- Did people talk about the story potentially taking place in D.C.?01:03:49- What was it like confronting someone who you thought wasn't doing their job well?01:20:08- How did you come up with the name "Attached" and how did the final script work for you?

Welcome to episode 50! We made it!In this episode, Emelyn Stuart shares what its like to run an indie cinema in Brooklyn, NY!Emelyn Stuart bio:Emelyn embodies all things are possible when you marry purpose, passion, serious work ethic and commitment. Producing wasn’t an obvious path for this businesswoman that doesn’t deem herself an innate “creative” but it has proven to be a great fit for an extraordinary woman that has allowed making a difference propel her to uncharted territory. With a degree in business and less than a decade in the industry, Emelyn Stuart has exemplified leadership and provided inspiration to filmmakers globally.A vast range of projects that includes a successful off-Broadway play makes Stuart different from her collaborators, but also garners her recognition internationally. Her wildly successful web series, “12 Steps to Recovery,” earned Emelyn the Best Producer award at the 2011 LAWebfest. Stuart is partly responsible for multiple award-winning feature films including The Turnaround and Title VII. Her feature film Life Is Too Short premiered to sold out audiences in New York during its debut screening and in 2017 it was awarded Best Feature Film domestically and internationally at various film festivals. In 2018, the opening of an independent movie theater in New York called Stuart Cinema & Cafe in Greenpoint Brooklyn was realized. It offers distribution deals to independent filmmakers and serves as a resource hub for artists. Stuart Cinema is now expanding to a second screening room + a second location in Brooklyn. In the meantime, Stuart can still be found speaking at conferences and film festivals around the country. In addition to speaking engagements and producing, Stuart continues to receive accolades and awards for her work in the entertainment business. Acknowledged by visionaries in the industry for her accomplishments, she has proven to not only be a name that rings bells but a revolutionary presence that makes a difference.

In this bonus clips, Gordon& Bernadette discuss films they recently watched.

In this episode, contributors, Gordon Taft & Bernadette Mahoney discuss the movies they've watched recently and current events like the inevitability of the monopolization in the Streaming Wars: Netflix, Warner Bros, HBO and Paramount back-and-forth, Saudi Arabian money going into entertainment.

Enjoy this rapid fire segment with Eileen Level, founder of PaleFO Cinema!I’m a high-energy cinema professional who’s been working in the film festival industry since 2014. I have experience as a media events manager and short film programmer. I am passionate about teaching the next generation of storytellers about visual and media arts and I'm committed to working with under-resourced youth.The first experience that introduced me to the magic of film was John Landis and Michael Jackson's THRILLER short film.  At the tender age of 5 when Play-Doh and naps at noon were my be-all-end-all,  my life took an unexpected turn at the click of the on-button. I stood there in awe as my eyes widened, in fright as my body froze, and enamored as my heart melted. All at once, THRILLER had disrupted the music industry and my understanding of reality. Without my permission, I was teleported into a fantastical nightmare that awakened my thirst for powerful stories beyond any stand-alone book or song, it had to be an amalgamation of it all!That's the power of film...nothing is left off the table!Aside from the creative impact film has on one individual, the shared experience of films is unmatched. There's an unexplainable pulse that ripples throughout the cinema making human connections far more important than one could imagine.  These connections collectively inspire individuals, expand our basic knowledge of the world around us, and invigorates conversation thus leading us to action and change for the greater good.As an alumna of The New School Media Management graduate program and Social Impact Entrepreneur Fellow, I plan to couple both my education and commitment to film to create a space that encourages community participation.My goal is to build a movie theater for an under-financed community, by gathering a tribe of eager creatives from diverse backgrounds with varying skills and experiences. Through this initiative I plan to bring people together for a shared experience, that will maximize self-expression and leverage community involvement, arts education, and other resources.I'm the creative curator and force behind cinema blog palefocinema.com (pah-leh-fo), spotlighting the importance and uniqueness of movie theaters and film.The meaning of PaleFO Cinema is derived from my Haitian and French roots and love for the cinema.Pale means to "speak" and Fo means "up". These words are my essence and speaking up for the importance of storytelling through film and advocating for the existence of movie theaters is the path I was born for!

In this episode, Gregory Hernandez interviews Eileen Level, the founder of PaleFO Cinema.Eileen Level, a champion of the cinema-going experience, has been working in the film festival industry since 2014 and since then has launched PaleFO Cinema, amplifying voices through the cinematic arena which seeks to look forward to the evolution of the cinescape experience in NYCHA. Beyond this she is the Head of Education at New York International Children's Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying film festival bringing films that represent and celebrate unique, diverse, and historically excluded voices to thousands of students throughout NYC and Newark, NJ! In 2023 Level spoke at SXSW on the 90 minute Film School panel about her journey as a budding exhibitor and mission to quench cinema deserts. Later that year she Founded AniTOMO Manga and Anime Convention, a free event in Brooklyn designed to celebrate diverse perspectives from historically underrepresented communities.PaleFO Cinema Mission StatementA New York City–based volunteer organization founded to address both the diminishment ofcinemas and the lack of youth engagement in underserved communities.PaleFO Cinema Expanded DetailsUnder the umbrella of PaleFO Cinema, Canarsie Outdoor Cinema Mural is an urgent responseto an outdated framework intended to engage our youth and disrupt gang activity and violencewhich has corroded the health, wellbeing and progression of the community. Using the ineffablemagic of film, media literacy and social engagement we would like to occupy crime concentratedareas by positively activating and transforming hotspots of crime activity into hotspots of youthcreativity by partnering with the Department of Public Safety, Local Merchants and CommunityBased Organizations. This will bring together Canarsie’s community for a multi-sensory outdoorcinema experience by transforming our neighborhood's outdoor spaces into ongoing safe andcreative third spaces.PaleFO Cinema's Current ProjectThe Canarsie Beautification Initiative is a collaborative project involving PaleFO Cinema,Canarsie Merchants Association (CMA) The Flossy Organization, and Bink International CharityInc from Brownsville. This partnership aims to transform Canarsie’s commercial corridors,empower local youth through a multifaceted approach and provide a free third space to enhancethe psychological health and wellness of individuals living in POC communities through film andarts exposure in an urban green environment.Central to our project is the creation of an outdoor cinema created by PaleFO Cinema and of amobile community hub by converting a ground level storage container into a versatile space foryouth programming. This hub will offer diverse activities in arts, advocacy, education, andenvironmental stewardship, serving as a focal point for community engagement andbeautification efforts.PaleFO Cinema Project FundersCitizensNYC is known around New York as the city's largest and most well-connectedmicro-granting organization. We’ve spent decades working with leaders around New York tobuild up their communities. Last summer, CitizensNYC launched an exciting new program, theCollaborative Impact Grant, open exclusively to our 2023 grantee partners. This pilot programprovides one $10,000 grant per borough to groups of three grantees, enabling them to developand implement group projects that foster community building, enhance local leadership, andstrengthen partnerships. These projects were developed by our grantees, in partnership withone another, and with our support. PaleFO Cinema Mural Project is a recipient having earned$5,000 to complete the first phase of the mural.

Interview with Matt Greenberg (quality control specialist at HBO and Warner Bros) stops by to chat about his career, pathways others can follow to do what he does, and some of his favorite movies!Matt also serves as a board member for the nonprofit Bronx Independent Cinema Center.Make sure you follow Matt on Letterboxd and check out his podcast (2000 Frames Per Second)!

Recorded in October of 2025, our trio of contributors Max De Mazza, Gordon Taft & Bernadette Mahoney discuss Current Events such as Diane Keaton, Paramount/CBS, NYC Mayoral Election, One Battle After Another and More!

Recorded in September of 2025, our trio of contributors Max De Mazza, Gordon Taft & Bernadette Mahoney discuss Current Events such as Robert Redford, Tariffs, Mergers, Boycotts, and More!

In this short clip, Actress Allison Worrell shares her experience during the audition process for Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest.

In this short clip, contributors, Gordon Taft, Max De Mazza, Bernadette Mahoney discuss their favorite Robert Redford films.Let us know which Robert Redford film is your favorite in the comments!

We welcome back Allison Worrell to discuss her work on Spike Lee's latest film, "Highest 2 Loweest"Allison Worrell is a New York City-based actor who you can see in Spike Lee’s newest film, “Highest 2 Lowest”. In the Denzel Washington crime thriller, she plays a police technician. It was released in theaters August 15th and is now streaming on Apple TV+.Allison has had roles on American Horror Story, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and in OFF-Broadway plays.She graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and English Literature. Allison is a former broadcast journalist— in the TV news realm she has experience writing, producing & has done on air reporting.

Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.

This episode was recorded in April of 2025 at a studio in Port Morris, run by Green Canvas Productions LLC.Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.

Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.

April Hernandez Castillo & Zalo Castillo are a media power couple!

In this short clip, April shares wisdom of understanding your value as in the entertainment business.She boasts over 2 decades of experience as an actor and producer.

In this live podcast short clip, Zalo Castillo discusses the documentary project by Lion Chaser Media about Joe ConzoBorn and raised in the Bronx, Joe Conzo Jr. acquired a passion for photography as a young boy attending the Agnes Russell School on the campus of Columbia University. He continued his formal artistic education at the School of Visual Arts (NYC).During his early development, “Joey” bore witness to the volatile state of South Bronx community activism, and to the vanguard world of New York’s Puerto Rican cultural music scene. On any given day, he could find himself at the heels of his grandmother, the late Dr. Evelina López Antonetty (a dynamic leader and passionate activist ), engaged in a defiant act of civil disobedience for the educational rights of minorities in the South Bronx. On another day, he’d find himself clinging to the shirt-tail of his father, Joe Conzo Sr. (longtime confidant and biographer for the legendary orchestra leader and musician the late Tito Puente), behind-the-scenes with the giants of Latin music like Machito, Charlie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco and Ray Barretto. These two vivid realities would have a profound effect on how Joey viewed his environment through the lens of a camera.Coming of age as a young man and as a budding photographer, in the mid 70s, proved to be baptism by fire, during an unprecedented chapter of New York City urban decay. Joey was a part of a generation that had refused to be erased by corrupt politicians and a disparaging educational system. His talents had found their niche within the collective acts of defiance that boldly re-invented the very world that left them for dead. This socio-cultural movement would eventually be recognized in American History books as Hip Hop.

This live podcast was recorded at the Dugout Bar in The Bronx near Yankee Stadium.April Hernandez Castillo & Zalo Castillo are the founders of LionChaser MediaLionChaser Media specializes in creating promotional media assets for businesses looking to elevate their online presence and increase their customer base. Through LCM's unique approach producing quality content, we partner with our clients to conceptualize ideas, collaborate on strategies, and create digital assets designed to capture the attention of the relevant target audience.

Check out this short clip for Episode 43April Hernandez Castillo:As an actress, April reached critical heights in her portrayal of Eva Benitez in the award-winning movie, Freedom Writers. She has garnered roles in Showtime's Nurse Jackie, Person of Interest, ER, 30 Rock, Elementary, Law&Order SVU, and The Following. April received a SAG Award nomination for best ensemble cast in the hit show Dexter. She had a recurring role on NBC's New Amsterdam. April now travels across the United States sharing her story of perseverance and survival, using examples of how the power of her voice has made her a courageous leader. She facilitates workshops for youth groups, students organizations, women events, school administrators in how to deal with the epidemic of intimate partner violence.April alongside her husband and business partner Zalo Castillo are the cofounders of Parental Voices Matter. A workshop/program created to ignite, educate, and support parental communities. A format created by parents for parents/guardians. We realized how under served parents are and they need to be informed and motivated just as much as our children do. We facilitate the workshop together which is so exciting.Zalo Castillo:Experienced Principal Owner of LionChaser Films, Inc., with a demonstrated history of working in the film making and photography industries. Skilled in Photography, Web Video, Documentaries, Video Editing, and Video Production. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science - BS focused in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Chapters:00:00:48:18 About Kyra Peters00:00:00:00 - 00:00:09:29 Intro00:14:52:01 - 00:15:18:29 Mid-break promo00:18:20:02 - 00:19:55:20 Kyra's Inspiration for "If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin"00:31:45:03 OutroFull episode featuring Kyra PetersKyra is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world.  This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies.  Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .

In this clip, Kyra Peters discusses NYU not being her first choice of school after graduation from the Cinema School and taking part in the Ghetto Film School.Kyra Peters is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world.  This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies.  Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .

In this clip, Kyra Peters the importance of visual imagery of the Bronx, where she grew up in her film work. Her approach is to treat the Bronx like a character.Kyra Peters is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world.  This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies.  Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .

Here's the full episode featuring Wilfred La SalleDirector’s Statement:The Security Guard was made to unite America, not divide it further.No politics. No sides. Just truth, heart, and humanity.Director Bio: Wilfred La Salle is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter celebrated as the greatest independent filmmaker in the world. Known for his groundbreaking approach to indie filmmaking on a zero-dollar budget, La Salle founded La Salle Productions to provide a platform for emerging talent from all walks of life, showcasing unknown actors and actresses. His ability to produce a high-quality film every year in different genres, unheard of in any industry has solidified his reputation as a revolutionary force in filmmaking.His directing credits include the acclaimed shorts Hilo and Hilo II, as well as his first full-length feature, Graves. La Salle's work on Hilo II earned international recognition, winning Best Debut Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy and Best Film at the Madras International Film Festival in 2020.In 2024, he released Oculus, followed by his sixth film, The Security Guard, which has received an extraordinary level of media attention and brought La Salle national recognition. This attention earned him invitations to appear on major outlets, including PIX 11, ABC 7, FOX 5's Good Day New York, News 12, NY1, BronxNet, and The Bronx Times.In a historic achievement, La Salle secured a two-year distribution deal with Fox Soul and is now in talks with NBC to have The Security Guard featured on Peacock. This marks the first time in history that an independent filmmaker has accomplished. Once again proving La Salle's ability to break barriers in the industry.Unlike other pretentious independent filmmakers who treat filmmaking as a hobby or chase festival awards and IMDb credits for appearances, La Salle is fully dedicated to his craft. For him, filmmaking is not a side project it is his life. He does not seek validation through meaningless accolades, his work speaks for itself. With an unwavering commitment to his vision, his cast, and storytelling that resonates, he is not here to play he is here to create, innovate, and dominate.La Salle's commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity in an industry filled with mediocrity sets him apart. His unmatched talent, consistency, and innovation have redefined independent filmmaking, proving that success without traditional studio backing is not only possible but achievable at the highest level.With a relentless commitment to authentic storytelling, La Salle's work not only inspires but also elevates the standard of independent cinema, making him simply the greatest independent filmmaker of all time. No one is operating at his level, and his contributions to the art form are unmatched.

In this short clip Wilfred La Salle sits down with Gregory Hernandez to discuss his process of finishing feature films each year.Director’s Statement:The Security Guard was made to unite America, not divide it further.No politics. No sides. Just truth, heart, and humanity.Director Bio: Wilfred La Salle is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter celebrated as the greatest independent filmmaker in the world. Known for his groundbreaking approach to indie filmmaking on a zero-dollar budget, La Salle founded La Salle Productions to provide a platform for emerging talent from all walks of life, showcasing unknown actors and actresses. His ability to produce a high-quality film every year in different genres, unheard of in any industry has solidified his reputation as a revolutionary force in filmmaking.His directing credits include the acclaimed shorts Hilo and Hilo II, as well as his first full-length feature, Graves. La Salle's work on Hilo II earned international recognition, winning Best Debut Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy and Best Film at the Madras International Film Festival in 2020.In 2024, he released Oculus, followed by his sixth film, The Security Guard, which has received an extraordinary level of media attention and brought La Salle national recognition. This attention earned him invitations to appear on major outlets, including PIX 11, ABC 7, FOX 5's Good Day New York, News 12, NY1, BronxNet, and The Bronx Times.In a historic achievement, La Salle secured a two-year distribution deal with Fox Soul and is now in talks with NBC to have The Security Guard featured on Peacock. This marks the first time in history that an independent filmmaker has accomplished. Once again proving La Salle's ability to break barriers in the industry.Unlike other pretentious independent filmmakers who treat filmmaking as a hobby or chase festival awards and IMDb credits for appearances, La Salle is fully dedicated to his craft. For him, filmmaking is not a side project it is his life. He does not seek validation through meaningless accolades, his work speaks for itself. With an unwavering commitment to his vision, his cast, and storytelling that resonates, he is not here to play he is here to create, innovate, and dominate.La Salle's commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity in an industry filled with mediocrity sets him apart. His unmatched talent, consistency, and innovation have redefined independent filmmaking, proving that success without traditional studio backing is not only possible but achievable at the highest level.With a relentless commitment to authentic storytelling, La Salle's work not only inspires but also elevates the standard of independent cinema, making him simply the greatest independent filmmaker of all time. No one is operating at his level, and his contributions to the art form are unmatched.

In this full episode, Gregory Hernandez interviews Nicholas Bruckman.Nicholas is an Emmy-nominated director and the CEO of People’s Television, a NYC and DC-based creative studio that produces award-winning independent films as well as video storytelling for the world’s leading brands, foundations, and social movements. His feature documentary Not Going Quietly, won the audience award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and was one of the most-lauded documentaries of the year, receiving over 25 international nominations and awards, including 2x Emmys, Critics Choice, IDA Awards, Cinema for Peace, and Cinema Eye Honors. The film was broadcast worldwide on PBS and Vice Media, and is currently streaming on Hulu. His most recent feature documentary, Minted, about the NFT craze, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and broadcast on PBS Independent Lens in January 2025. Minted will be released on Netflix in 2025. Through People’s TV, Nick leads a team of filmmakers and creatives producing branded films, commercials, and digital campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, and political causes.

Do you know about SVOD, TVOD, Airline, Educations Rights for movies?

In this clip, Nicholas discusses the importance of working backwards on distribution and what are the three C's that Netflix purchases.Nicholas Bruckman is an Emmy-nominated director and the CEO of People’s Television, a NYC and DC-based creative studio that produces award-winning independent films as well as video storytelling for the world’s leading brands, foundations, and social movements. His feature documentary Not Going Quietly, won the audience award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and was one of the most-lauded documentaries of the year, receiving over 25 international nominations and awards, including 2x Emmys, Critics Choice, IDA Awards, Cinema for Peace, and Cinema Eye Honors. The film was broadcast worldwide on PBS and Vice Media, and is currently streaming on Hulu. His most recent feature documentary, Minted, about the NFT craze, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and broadcast on PBS Independent Lens in January 2025. Minted will be released on Netflix in 2025. Through People’s TV, Nick leads a team of filmmakers and creatives producing branded films, commercials, and digital campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, and political causes.

In this short clip, Jade Nwachukwu discusses what makes a Costume Design powerful and iconic.

In this full episode, new contributor Bernadette Mahoney, interviews Jade Nwachukwu, the founder of Aforieke.Jade was born and raised in the Bronx to a mother from Ghana and a father from Nigeria. The former model and FIT Fashion Business graduate decided to create a brand that will pay homage to her West African background, her Caribbean influenced neighborhood, and her passion for explorations.The name "Aforieke" is a combination of three out of the four market days from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. Sometimes, people are named after the market day they are born. Her mother was born on "afor", herself on "orie", and her daughter on "eke", with the 3 generation of women creating Aforieke. The logo is inspired by an Adinkra symbol from Ghana, called the "bese saka" symbol which represents abundance, affluence, and unity. Aforieke represents the affluence of West African women, the abundance of culture and traditions of women passed down from generation to generation, and the unity of West African and Caribbean women. Shop right here:https://aforieke.com/

In this short clip, new contributor, Bernadette Mahoney interviews Jade Nwachukwu about the connection between Fashion, Costume Design & Film.Aforieke (Ah-fo-ree-kay) is a sustainable West African-Caribbean inspired women's resortwear brand. Experience vibrant colors richer than each cultures' histories, distinct prints, and fabrics so soft that even when fully clothed you will feel naked. Our timeless staples are eco conscious, made with quality, to order and to fit just you. So join our family, and let us join you on your next adventure!The name Aforieke is more than just a brand name—it’s a testament to Jade’s rich cultural background and her vision of creating clothing with meaning, purpose, and a story.

In this episode, we interviewed Ninoska Carolina, the founder of Mott Haven Film Festival and Bronx Film Festival.Ninoska Carolina grew up in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx. She graduated from the City College of New York (CCNY-CUNY) with a degree in Communications specializing in Advertising and Public Relations. She also has a Master's degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University (NYU). After attending many film festivals due to her sister's successful Sexo y Tortillas short film, Ninoska decided she could help filmmakers from The Bronx and all of NYC have a voice in the film industry.

In this short clip, Ninoska shares her desire to screen a film from the Bronx at the Mott Haven Film Festival that earns an Oscar nod.Additionally Ninoska shares the process and joy of winning a Proclamation from the Borough President's Office for "Mott Haven Film Festival Day"The Mott Haven Film Festival is now in its fifth year.

We're featuring Jerry Landi, @landijerry the co-founder of "Cinema On The Sound"@cinemaonthesound In this clip, we discussed past cinemas in the Bronx that Jerry frequented and later inspired him to start Cinema on the Sound.Cinema on the Sound is located on City Island City Island Avenue thanks to the efforts of owner Peter Gennari and filmmaker Jerry Landi, the theater’s manager and curator.

In this episode we interviewed Jerry Landi, the co-founder of Cinema on the Sound, an independent movie theater on City Island in The Bronx.We discusses classic films, restoration films, the old cinemas in the Bronx, horror films and meeting giants in our industry.Follow @cinemaonthesound on Instagram

In this clip, Jacob Stebel and Gregory Hernandez discusses the changing landscape of the film/tv industry in the United States, the importance of reading and writing for indie filmmakers, past collaborations and how indie filmmakers can set themselves apart.

In this clip, Jacob Stebel, the Program Director at the Ghetto Film School (GFS) discusses the origin of the school which is now in its 25th year.

In today's episode, we interviewed Jacob Stebel aka Jacob Steebs.Jacob is a teacher, writer, photographer, and producer from Long Island, NY where he spent his teenage years and early twenties working on public access shows, and managing an arthouse movie theater, while writing and acting in several short films. After co-writing and producing the no-budget feature Freaks, Nerds & Romantics, a story about the unraveling of a punk band and their local music scene, he finished his BA in English at Stony Brook University, graduating Summa Cum Laude before getting his MA in English Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College.After graduating, Jacob brought his enthusiasm for working with young people and his love of writing to The Cinema School, the first public high school in the nation to require four years of study in narrative filmmaking. A strong partnership with Ghetto Film School developed, as Jacob contributed to four years of International Thesis Films, serving as script advisor and on-location production support to the Fellows in Stockholm, Sweden (2014) and A Coruña, Spain (2015). His work with students has been featured on ABC7, PIX11, & NY1 News, and written up in The Atlantic.After nearly a decade of teaching in the South Bronx, Jacob is delighted to transition to developing student filmmakers at Ghetto Film School, bringing his passions for education, film, diversity, and equity of access to this inspiring organization and its deserving students.

in this short clip, Shaun shares his approach to crafting authentic characters.

In this episode we interviewed Shaun Seneviratne to discuss "BEN AND SUZANNE, A REUNION IN 4 PARTS" his first feature film shot on location in Sri Lanka. The romantic reunion of Ben Santhanaraj and Suzanne Hopper is thwarted when Suzanne's boss asks her to work during their holiday road trip. Joined by their driver Mohammed, they embark on a chaotic, horny, and (ultimately) loving journey across Sri Lanka.

In this short clip, Shaun Seneviratne, a Sri Lankan-American filmmaker and educator discusses his experience filming his first feature, "Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts," shot on location in Sri Lanka. His shorts screened at Nantucket, Montclair, CAAMFest, San Diego Asian, and Bushwick. He teaches at the Brooklyn STEAM Center, co-hosts Rohmercast, and runs Redacted Screenings. He's based in New York City.

In this short clip, Vega dishes how he went from the music industry to the film industry.