Indie Film Weekly [EP 5]: Sing Sing (2023) & A Woman Under the Influence (1974)
Indie Film Weekly
Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.
Each week on this podcast, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.
In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.
Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream right now on services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, or other subscription platforms.
This podcast is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.
New in Theaters
Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!
First up, we have DIG! XX, directed by Ondi Tim-oh-ner. This documentary revisits the iconic rock documentary DIG! - 20 years later, exploring what happened to the rivalries, friendships, and music that defined The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the lasting impact of the original film and how the music world has evolved since. Fun fact: The filmmakers discovered never-before-seen footage from the original shoot, adding fresh insights into the dynamics between the bands. This sequel offers behind-the-scenes stories that fans of the first DIG! won’t want to miss.
Next, there’s Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwee-dar. Based on true events, this powerful drama follows a group of incarcerated men who put on a play inside the walls of Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Led by Colman Domingo in a standout performance, the film celebrates creativity, resilience, and redemption. Worth noting - Many of the actors are formerly incarcerated individuals, bringing some serious authenticity to their roles.
Finally, Grand Theft Hamlet, directed by Fiona Dourif, is a modern-day reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic play. Set in the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency, the film uses Hamlet’s timeless themes of betrayal and ambition to comment on contemporary greed and innovation. The filmmakers collaborated with blockchain experts to ensure the cryptocurrency details were as realistic as possible.
So, look for these films in a theater near you: DIG! XX, Sing Sing, and Grand Theft Hamlet.
Films to Rent or Download
Looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV, or YouTube Movies:
First, The Gutter directed by Isaiah and Yassir Lester. The story follows Walt a frequently fired bartender who lands a job at AlleyCatz, a rundown bowling alley. There, he discovers an unexpected talent for bowling. Encouraged by his colleague Skunk Walt enters the professional bowling scene, aiming to save AlleyCatz from foreclosure. However, his rapid rise attracts detractors, including retired bowling champion Linda Curson played by Susan Sarandon who seeks to undermine his success. The film premiered at South by Southwest and is a great blend of humor and social commentary. If you are seeking a comedy that combines sports underdog themes with sharp wit, The Gutter offers an entertaining experience.
First up is Elevation, directed by George Nolfi, is an intense survival thriller set on a remote mountain. When a climbing expedition turns perilous, the group faces both the elements and moral dilemmas that test their limits. Nolfi’s direction emphasizes the psychological tension as much as the physical stakes, creating a gripping tale of resilience and human frailty. Filmed in the breathtaking Andes, the film immerses viewers in its stark and stunning environment, adding a layer of realism to this harrowing journey.
Next, The World According to Allee Willis, directed by Alexis Spraic, is a vibrant exploration of the life and legacy of Allee Willis, the creative force behind timeless hits like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland.” Spraic’s documentary captures Willis’s eclectic spirit, her groundbreaking contributions to music, and her impact on popular culture. Featuring intimate interviews and rare footage from Willis’s archives, the film celebrates her unique approach to art and life, offering a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary talent.
To recap, check out The Gutter, Elevation, and The World According to Allee Willis on your preferred rental or download platform.
Indie Classic on SVOD
And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re highlighting A Woman Under the Influence, directed by John Cassavetes. This groundbreaking film, released over 50 years ago in 1974, stars Gena Rowlands in an unforgettable performance as Mabel, a woman struggling with mental illness and societal expectations. The film’s raw, unfiltered portrayal of marriage, identity, and mental health has cemented it as a masterpiece of American independent cinema. During filming, Rowlands insisted on minimal rehearsal to preserve the raw emotion in every scene, which became a hallmark of her performance. You can stream it on Max and several other platforms.
And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.
If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!