Behind the Slate

By Making the greatest films ever made accessible to all

Join host, Aaron Strand, for a historical deep dive into the life and work of cinema's greatest directors.

Our mission is to lower the barrier of entry to classic cinema through live screening event... more

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FAQs about Behind the Slate:

How many episodes does Behind the Slate have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.

Behind the Slate episodes:

April 01, 2026 'Possession' Live at Ciné 10-09-25
Today we dive into a film that is as disturbing as it is relatable and bizarre as it is unforgettable: ‘Possession’ from 1981. We explore the chaotic brilliance of Andrzej Żuławski, his turbulent career, and how his personal life shaped this visceral descent into madness, identity, and emotional collapse.
Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA on 10-09-25, this episode captures the raw energy of the screening and the audience discussion that followed, unpacking the film’s intense performances, shocking imagery, and enduring cult legacy.
Follow us on Instagram for updates on upcoming screenings and live recordings!
Email us: [email protected]: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: Behind the SlateYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
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46min
March 18, 2026 'The Battle of Algiers' Live at The Tara 2-26-26
Today we watch one of the greatest war films ever made and the zenith of Italian neo-realism, Gillo Pontecorvo's 'The Battle of Algiers'. I discuss Pontecorvo's incredible backstory of fighting against the fascists in the Italian resistance and the unlikely journey that led him to creating this film with the victorious National Liberation Front of Algeria.
After the film we are joined by @itsgothdad who shares his incredible journey from soldier to activist and how watching 'The Battle of Algiers' in his officer training shaped his view of America's Global War on Terror.
In 2026, our programming in ATL focuses on 'Films Against Fascism' - a selection of films from around the world that deal with anti-fascist themes and take a stand against authoritarianism.
These screenings are presented in partnership with Indivisible ATL.
Follow us on instagram for info about our upcoming shows!
Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
1h 1min
December 23, 2025 Stanley Kubrick Is Not Who You Think He Is
Today we’re diving into Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Christmas classic ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999) - a misunderstood masterpiece that is incredibly prescient of the 21st century we are currently living in. I discuss Kubrick's upbringing and the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that surrounds his reputation. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it’s a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.
Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on January 15th where we will be screening The Coen Brother's 'Fargo’, and in Atlanta, GA on January 22nd where we will be screening Kinji Fukasaku's 'Battle Royale' (2000)
Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: Behind the Slate
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
36min
October 07, 2025 THX 1138
Today we’re diving into George Lucas’ debut film, ‘THX 1138’ (1971) - which I argue is one of the most influential films of all time. We talk about the early life of director George Lucas and how he went from underground race-car driver to wannabe experimental filmmaker. We dive into his USC-nerd-friends “The Dirty Dozen” and how a budding bromance with Francis Ford Coppola led to one of the most important idealistic yet doomed production companies, American Zoetrope. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it’s a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.
Recorded live at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on October 9th where we will be screening Andrzej Żuławski’s film ‘Posession’.
Tickets here: https://www.athenscine.com/movie/possession
Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: Behind the Slate
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
38min
August 26, 2025 68. 'Gojira' Live at Ciné 8-7-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at Ciné in Athens, GA as he presents Ishiro Honda's 1954 film 'Gojira'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.

Come see us for our next live show in Atlanta, GA on September 25th where we will be screening George Lucas' film 'THX-1138'.
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
42min
August 01, 2025 67. 'Harakiri' Live at the Plaza Theatre 7-24-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Masaki Kobayashi's 1962 film 'Harakiri'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.

Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on August 7th where we will be screening Ishiro Honda's film 'Godzilla'.
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
41min
June 20, 2025 66. 'Withnail and I' Live at the Plaza Theatre 5-22-25 (Q&A w/ Murray Close)
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Bruce Robinson's 1987 film 'Withnail and I'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.

Come see us for our next live show, July 24th where we will be screening Masaki Kobayashi's 'Harakiri'
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
35min
June 13, 2025 65. 'The Warriors' Live at the Plaza Theatre 3-27-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Walter Hills's 1979 film 'The Warriors'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a post-film audience discussion!

Come see us for our next live show, July 24th where we will be screening Masaki Kobayashi's 'Harakiri'
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
34min
March 07, 2025 63. 'Cleo from 5 to 7' Live at the Plaza Theatre 1-23-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Agnes Varda's 1962 film 'Cleo from 5 to 7'. Before the screening we hosted the OFFICIAL Agnes Varda lookalike competition (you can check out the video on our Instagram and Tiktok). So this podcast is featuring the-post film audience discussion!

Come see us for our next live show, March 27th where we will be screening Walter Hill's 1979 film 'The Warriors'
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
25min
February 28, 2025 64. 'High and Low' Live at the Tara Theatre 2-4-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Tara Theatre in Atlanta, GA introducing Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film 'High and Low' as part of Videodrome's KUROSAWA NOIR screening series.

Come see us for our next Behind the Slate live show, March 27th where we will be screening Walter Hill's 1979 film 'The Warriors'
Tickets here

Email us: [email protected]
Instagram: @behindtheslatepod
TikTok: @behindtheslatepod
YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
...more
11min

FAQs about Behind the Slate:

How many episodes does Behind the Slate have?

The podcast currently has 73 episodes available.