Movies In Focus

Director Adam Rifkin and actor James Paxton join this episode of the Movies in Focus podcast to talk about their new film, Last Train To Fortune . Also starring Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen, Bernadette Peters and Laura Marano, Rifkin’s film is a comedy-western that plays with the genre's well-worn tropes - but it does so with a good heart and good characterisation. As I say in our discussion - it’s like the type of film that Disney would have made and released in the 1990s. During the course of this episode Adam talks about how Last Train To Fortune was written by his mother Michele as part of a screenwriting competition, while James discusses how the film was originally supposed to star his father, the late Bill Paxton, when it was set to be filmed in the 1990s.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his latest film, The Runner starring Gal Gadot and Damien Lewis. The Runner is a tense real-time thriller that sees a lawyer (Gadot) racing across London in attempt to save her abducted son at the behest of a mysterious caller (Lewis). Kevin Macdonald is a prolific filmmaker, adept at both documentaries and dramatic features – having directed the likes of One Day In September, Touching The Void, The Last King Of Scotland and State Of Play . On this episode, Macdonald discusses making an action film on the streets of London, keeping tension and continuity on a real time thriller – and I couldn’t help but ask him about his excellent 2009 political thriller, State Of Play starring Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams and Ben Affleck. This is yet another episode when digs into the minutiae of filmmaking. The Runner hits Prime Video globally on September 2, 2026.

Filmmaker Robert Gamperl joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his enigmatic western short films, Darlin and Stubborn . A former football player (or soccer player, if you're that way inclined) and a very talented film director and director of photography, Robert discusses his love of the western and the effort that it takes to make a selection of short films which embrace the genre. This is yet another fascinating insight into the world of low budget films and the precise nature of short film-making - that offers up a great understanding of why the western genre continues to resonate with filmmakers of all ages. Saddle-up and come along for the ride.

Film historian and author, Danny Stewart returns to the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about cult films - and his books Saluting The Blood of Heroes: Behind The Apocalyptic Film and Silent Trigger: Shooting The Film . Danny previously joined the podcast on episode 48 where he discussed his book on the under-appreciated Kurt Russell film, Soldier . This time around he delves into David Webb Peoples ’ dystopian sci-fi sports movie, Salute Of The Jugger (aka The Blood Of Heroes ) starring Rutger Hauer and Russell Mulcahy ’s stylish Dolph Lundgren actioner S ilent Trigger . Always a pleasure to chat to, Danny has plenty of film knowledge to divulge and this is yet another excellent discussion that digs deep into the forgotten recesses of cult cinema.

Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe joins this 111th episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. Rowe wrote the songs on the soundtrack to Travis Mills’ excellent 2025 western, Frontier Crucible - and these punctuate the film as transitional pieces, much like the way that Leonard Cohen’s songs cut through the icy locales of Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller . It’s a fantastic suite of songs, which are available as an album from his website and on streaming services like Spotify. This conversation goes beyond the music for Frontier Crucible - and it delves into the process of writing and recording songs, storytelling as well as performing music live on stage. It's a fascinating conversation with a great artist - and a wonderful insight into what it takes to be a musician. Listen to the Movies In Focus Frontier Crucible podcast interview Thomas Jane and Travis Mills. Visit www.seanrowe.net

Set in Los Angeles during Christmas, Above The Line sees six Hollywood wannabes get the invite of a lifetime when a mysterious messenger gives them the opportunity to steal the Best Picture Awards belonging to an unscrupulous film producer, played by Gregg Henry. Directed by Jeffrey Scott Collins, Above The Line is an on-point black comedy that takes plenty of potshots at Hollywood and the film business. It’s well shot, with a few nice plot points and good performances. It’s a good comedy in its own right, but it has added zing if you know a little bit about the biz. Jeffrey Scott Collins joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about Above The Line , how to craft a comedy filled with twists, the ups and downs of the movie business - and of course, unscrupulous film producers. Above The Line is available on Digital & On Demand June 26, 2026.

Over the course of the last half century, Gregg Henry has become one of the most prolific - and one of the best character actors around. A man who has notched-up five guest-starring roles in Murder, She Wrote alone and who has starred in six Brian De Palma projects as well as movies like Payback, Jason Bourne and the Guardians Of The Galaxy films - to name but a few. I first noticed him opposite Mel Gibson in Payback - where he more than held his own on screen against that A-list star - and I know that he always gives a great performance, no matter what role he plays In his new film, Above The Line, Henry plays a ruthless Hollywood producer, who gets more than he bargained for when a group of Hollywood wannabes attempt to steal his Best Picture Awards on Christmas Eve. I was thrilled to chat with Gregg Henry about Above The Line , the changing face of movies in the 21st Century — as well what he knows about the rumblings of a new Brian De Palma film.

A faux documentary that charts the chaos around the making (and therefore the unmaking) of a fictitious $500 million epic called Dissident , Chapter 51 positions itself as a true crime documentary which delves into the murder of three lead actresses during production. This is essentially flawless filmmaking, a rare cinematic gem that delivers on an intriguing premise. It would be great without the luscious visuals, but filmmaker and photographer Tyler Shield’s eye as a visual stylist takes Chapter 51 to a whole other level. This delivers on all fronts. It’s not only one of the most interesting films you’ll see this year, but it’s also one of the very best. I was thrilled to have director Tyler Shields join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about how Chapter 51 was made - the choices which help make it such a visually fascinating piece of cinema, film in general, camera lenses and a whole lot more. If you love cinema, you’ll love this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

John Brownell’s Coin is a crypto comedy that sees two slacker friends who, through a series of events, manage to misappropriate political campaign funds in order to launch a cryptocurrency so they can save their local park from developers. Things don’t quite go to plan and the pair find themselves pursued by a hitman. A sort of modern day take on the type of films where Kevin Smith made his name, Coin is an energetic and entertaining comedy with a likeable central duo. Also - it just gives you enough detail on cryptocurrency - if you’re a crypto coin Luddite and know nothing about that sort of thing. . John Brownell joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast ahead of Coin 's launch at the Dances With Films festival. The filmmaker talks about self-financing the comedy, keeping a low budget film on schedule, his passion for film and much more.

Filmmaker Jordan Ruttert joins the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the first episode in a proposed independent TV series, The Reverb , which is premiering at the Dances With Films festival on June 27th, Pitched as a show written by Gen Z for Gen Z, the series will follow a band on the decline that is struck by an unexpected tragedy. They must then turn to old friends in a fight to uncover the truth. A young filmmaker with a big vision, Jordan Ruttert discusses the grand design for The Reverb , being young filmmaker and writing for a specific audience - as well as her plans for the future.

Director-producer Jay Silverman joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his new film Yale . The comedy-drama launches at the Dances With Films film festival on June 18th and it’s a smart, well acted piece that feels like it was lifted straight from the 1990s - and I mean that in a good way. Starring Caitlin McGee and Kevin Dunn , Yale is based on a true story about a troubled author who must confront the deadbeat father who abandoned her as a child in an effort to find a kidney donor for her dying son. It’s a film with good performances and a lot of heart - and it has the potential to be a real crowd pleaser when it reaches an audience. A veteran of film and TV, Jay Silverman joined the podcast to talk about the process of developing Yale with writer Van Billet, the personal connection of cinema, working in the independent film world and much, much more. Find out more about Yale at jaysilvermanproductions.com

The wonderful David Morse and director Joseph T. Walker join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their new film, Broken Land . An excellent small scale drama, the film sees Morse play a widowed Texas rancher who takes an injured migrant (played by Jaklyn Bejarano) under his wing. Broken Land features strong performances and it has a real 1970s feel with characters and performances at the forefront. Morse has long been a favourite character actor of mine and he really excels here, delivering a lot of emotion with very little dialogue. David Morse and Joseph T. Walker talk about how Broken Land came to be, the challenges of making a character driven cinema in today’s film climate and much more. Morse also brought up a film which is a particular favourite of mine - the late, great Richard Donner’s Inside Moves - and I was excited to be able to tell him how much I admire his performance in that film. Broken Land hits On Demand on 12 June, 2026.

Legendary horror icon, Barbara Crampton ( Re-Animator, Chopping Mall, Castle Freak ) and Desiree Staples ( My Divorce Party ), the stars of short film, The Blue Diamond , join this episode of the Movies In Foc us podcast, along with the film’s director and co-writer, Sam Fox ( Fck'n Nuts ). The Blue Diamond is a quirky and energetic sci-fi short set in an 1980s ski resort which deals with personal loss, overbearing parents and… aliens. It’s a vibrant and punchy proof of concept short that hits the senses like cinematic energy drink. Barbara Crampton, Desiree Staples and Sam Fox go into detail on making the film, its origins, the film's 1980s fashion - as well as discussing how The Blue Diamond will become a full length feature.

Jon Keeyes, the director of the new supernatural thriller, Speed Demon joins this special bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. A gonzo mix of The Exorcist meets Speed by way of Murder On The Orient Express , Speed Demon sees a Nun who has lost her faith battling demonic possession on a runaway train. Frankly, if that doesn’t make you want to watch the movie then nothing will! An ensemble film toplined by Katie Cassidy and William H. Macy, Speed Demond is a silly, but very entertaining twist on the Exorcism sub-genre. And when you’ve seen as many of those as I have, any variation on the concept is a very welcome. Jon Keeyes discusses the film and its far-out concept, the joys of making a one location supernatural thriller as well as sequel potential and much, much more. Speed Demon hits U.S. cinemas, on Demand and on Digital on May 31.

Filmmaker Paul Bunnell - the man behind The Ghastly Love of Johnny X - joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his new film, an offbeat reimagining of the now lost Lon Chaney horror film, A Blind Bargain . Shot on Kodak film, this 1970s set horror comedy sees Jake Horowitz’s Dominic Fontaine make a Faustian pact with Crispin Glover’s mysterious Dr. Gruder. A fascinating guest with decades of filmmaking behind him, Bunnell talks about how he became attached to A Blind Bargain , working with the legendary Back To The Future star Crispin Glover - and why he was insistent on shooting this quirky pic on Kodak film. We also get into the mechanics of what its like shooting on film, in an industry which is now so focused on digital filmmaking. This is another must listen episode for film fans who really enjoy cult curiosities.

Michael Schilf’s The Wolf And The Lamb is a real curio of a western-horror hybrid with a stacked cast that includes Cassandra Scerbo, Adrianne Palicki, Zach McGowan, James Landry Hébert, Q’orianka Kilcher and Clint Howard. A strange blend of western series, Deadwood and Stephen King's Salem’s Lot , this a true ensemble film that really plays with the horror slow burn as a quiet evil begins to envelope a Montana town - when its children go missing one by one. Cassandra Scerbo, Adrianne Palicki, Zach McGowan, James Landry Hébert ganged up on Niall Browne when they joined this episode of the Movies In Focus to talk about making The Wolf And The Lamb . It’s a boisterous episode - but one that’s must for fans of any of the actors involved or those who love westerns and/or horror films.

You might have certain expectations when going into a film called The Yeti . However, filmmakers Gene Gallerano and William Pisciotta blow those expectations out of the water with their surprising new monster film. A horror pic with a difference, this period creature feature has a strong cast that includes Brittany Allen, Eric Nelsen, Jim Cummings, William Sadler and Corbin Bernsen. The Yeti follows a group of explorers as they venture into the Alaskan wilderness - but the bleak elements are not the only danger they find lurking in the snowy mountains. Merging horror with adventure, The Yeti leads you on one journey and then takes you in a direction which is filled with some very intriguing twists and turns, Gallerano and Pisciotta joined Niall Browne on episode 99 of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about how they made this surprising horror. The pair discuss how they designed the look of this richly textured film, creating a monster for the screen as well as working with the ensemble cast. There’s a lot covered in this chat, which delves deep into the making of this excellent new genre film.

Returning guest Pen Densham joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. Pen is a hugely talented writer, producer and director, who is probably best known for writing and producing Kevin Costner’s iconic 1991 adventure, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves alongside his film-making partner, John Watson. He also has a whole host of other interesting film credits to his name - including: Blown Away with Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones, cult favourite Tank Girl , Bill Murray comedy Larger Than Life and submarine thriller Phantom with David Duchovny and Ed Harris. On the TV front, Pen has also been involved in the reboot of The Outer Limits, Poltergeist: The Legacy and The Magnificent Seven , to name but a few. This time around I talked with Pen about his fascinating photography and his new coffee table book, Qualia . We also discussed his passion for creativity, Artificial Intelligence in film - and of course, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves .

Kathryn Ferguson’s Nostalgie is an exceptional short film that was given an Honourable Mention in the competition shorts section at the Belfast Film Festival, where it was Based on the short story by author Wendy Erskine (and adapted by Stacey Gregg), Nostalgie follows Drew Lord Haig (Aidan Gillen), a former ’80s pop star who is given a shot at reliving his glory years by taking a gig at a gathering of a small Belfast men’s club. Things aren’t quite what they seem, and Drew’s night of glory takes a dark turn. Nominated for Best Short Film at both the 2026 IFTA Awards and the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Nostalgie captured my attention from the moment I first watched it at the QFT in Belfast. Kathryn Ferguson joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the film, chatting about everything from the film’s politics, the inspirations for the character of Drew Lord Haig, how Bastille’s Dan Smith wrote the music, and much more.

Jeremiah Kipp, the filmmaker behind the film adaptation of the video game, The Mortuary Assistant joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. Now, as I admit in my chat with Jeremiah, I haven’t played the video game - but I did enjoy the film! It’s an atmospheric horror that reminded by quite of a bit of the 1962 genre classic Carnival of Souls. It's a small, contained chiller that creeps along and gets under your skin. The Mortuary Assistant sees Willa Holland star as Rebecca Owens, a newly appointed assistant to Paul Sparks’ mortician, Raymond Delver. Her first night on the job doesn’t quite go to plan and soon things begin to go bump in the night. I caught up with director Jeremiah Kipp for a discussion that covered video game adaptations, horror movies, independent film versus superhero epics and a whole lot more. It was a fun chat - one that’s a worth a listen for horror movie fans and gamers alike.