Cinema Yūgen

Join Kent Hill and special guests as they peel back the curtain on President Down, a lean, high-energy Asylum original that punches far above its budget. With director Nick Lyon’s theater-like block shooting and a cast led by G. Anthony Joseph and Lorenzo Lamas, the film stitches together intense ensemble set pieces, surprising twists, and a chilling premise about technology, control, and vulnerability at the highest level.

Through candid on-set stories, casting revelations, and reflections on crafting tension with limited resources—plus a look at how practical effects, set rentals, and clever VFX bring Air Force One-like scale to life—this episode reads like a behind-the-scenes mini-thriller. Tune in to hear why President Down feels like a lost 90s mid-range action gem, and discover the moments that make it a memorable, character-driven ride.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://youtu.be/_FUuwyFCMe8

https://tubitv.com/movies/100044520/president-down

https://filmthreat.com/reviews/president-down-action-review/

When filmmaker Sean Cisterna adapts a creepy short and assembles an unlikely crew, eight retirees answer the call — drawn by curiosity, camaraderie and the promise of free snacks. What begins as a cheeky invitation to play with fake blood becomes a transformative adventure that rekindles purpose, sparks new friendships and proves creativity has no age limit.

Silver Screamers weaves on-set chaos with tender interviews, revealing personal histories, laughter between takes and the quiet longing behind each participant’s smile. By the final screening the group isn’t just proud of the film they made — they’re already asking, "When’s the next one?"

CHECK IT OUT:

https://youtu.be/DpT0fO2svr8

https://mythicproductions.ca/project/silver-screamers/

https://www.facebook.com/silverscreamersdoc#

https://filmthreat.com/reviews/silver-screamers-horror-drama-review/

Join Kent Hill for a freewheeling conversation with cult auteur Richard Stanley as he celebrates restored classics, teases a new British shoot he finally controls, and reveals how public‑domain mischief and indie grit are fueling his next outrageous project.

From the psychedelic rebirth of Dust Devil to a chainsaw‑wielding take on Winnie the Pooh, Stanley navigates synchronicity, AI anxieties, and the survival of true cinematic art — inviting listeners to ride along on a strange, stylish, and wildly entertaining creative comeback.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://theofficialrichardstanley.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Otto-Rahn-Grail-Hunter-Cathars/dp/B0DH3N7KV3

https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/products/hardware-1990-1990-4k-blu-ray-collectors-edition?srsltid=AfmBOorWHEDqzywl67mtExxENIkW5A_m9LSj3xF0b2YkSEsk1un4GN-M

https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/products/dust-devil-1992-1992-4k-blu-ray-collectors-edition?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=a713d26d2&pr_rec_pid=9084623159554&pr_ref_pid=8850699878658&pr_seq=uniform

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1523308435?ref_=ast_author_ofdp

https://winniethepoohbloodandhoneyshop.com/

Join Kent Hill as Cinema Yugen unwraps Part Two of an unfiltered conversation with film sleuth Paul Rowlands. From laugh-out-loud oddities like Ghost Shark and the misnamed Ice Road Vengeance to the bittersweet art of sequels and the magic behind Top Gun Maverick, this episode moves like a midnight double-feature — surprising, nostalgic and wildly entertaining.

Through sharp anecdotes, offbeat movie lore and a shared love of cinema’s strange corners, Kent and Paul guide listeners through a cinematic scavenger hunt: posters that promise more than the film delivers, the rise and fall of franchises, and the small human moments that make great movies unforgettable. Tune in and get lost in stories that make you laugh, groan and remember why you loved the movies in the first place.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.money-into-light.com/

Step into the raw, dust-swept world of Black Pearl, where two now-legendary filmmakers set off in a busted RV with $35,000 and a story that felt bigger than them. This episode unfolds like a road movie turned hero’s quest — late-night edits by candlelight, real fights and real sacrifices, and the moment a young filmmaker severs his dreads on camera to become the character he believes in.

We trace the film’s origins from New Zealand campsites to improvised stunt choreography, exploring how urgency, idealism, and the dawn of digital cinema birthed a hybrid myth of ancient warriors and emergent technology. Along the way, themes of environmental alarm, cultural identity, and political urgency surface, making the film feel eerily relevant two decades later.

Tune in for an intimate, cinematic telling of obsession and invention: a behind-the-scenes adventure that reads like a legend and sounds like confession — an invitation to rediscover a micro-budget epic that refused to stay small.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.indicanpictures.com/past-releases/p/black-pearl?fbclid=IwY2xjawMjSeNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQSGtNZzlEV2plZFhvOG9IAR5KoPXGKh75kHmXcKNWwnTePYfmVSwriULz_m9pCXVNT1q5Pxs96106VWmMOA_aem_Bd4hYa6kMkw6EWGiZ_-98A

https://www.ebay.com/itm/364232070778

https://www.amazon.com/-/es/10-000-D-Legend-Black/dp/B001B0H78G

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Pearl-Raul-Gasteazoro/dp/B0FC5HRL8X

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1299347/?ref_=ttvg_ov_bk

Host Kent Hill invites fellow cinephile Paul Rowlands into the studio for an unfiltered, laugh-lined conversation that wanders from the blockbuster battleground to the intimate corners of film history. Over coffee and candid asides they pick apart a divisive summer at the box office, question the fate of franchises, and trace how our movie-going rituals have changed.

They leap from dinosaur islands and James Bond’s surprising fate to superhero reboots and the cult afterlives of forgotten ’80s gems, folding in personal anecdotes and on-set lore — including a moving, mischievous tribute to Terrence Stamp. Each topic becomes a mini-story, revealing not just films but the people and passions behind them.

Part reflection, part film-school seminar, and all conversational charm, this episode invites listeners to sit back, remember why cinema mattered, and imagine how it might rise again. Tune in for part two to keep the conversation rolling.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.money-into-light.com/

Step into the chaotic, bittersweet world of an indie filmmaker who delivers pizzas by day and chases movie dreams by night. In this episode, Mel House narrates the surreal moments — from a pop-star phone call at a teen pool party to dozing on a park train — that became the heartbeat of his film Inbetweening.

Through animated interludes, puppets, and candid memories, the conversation unfolds like a patchwork film itself: equal parts humor, heartbreak, and hard-won courage. It’s a story about momentum lost and regained, the strange rituals of survival in the film industry, and the stubborn love that keeps creators going.

Tune in for an intimate, unvarnished look at what it really takes to make a movie — the push, the hustle, and the quiet perseverance that turns setbacks into stories worth telling.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://upstartfilmworks.weebly.com/

https://tubitv.com/movies/100036097/inbetweening

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCB4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

https://filmthreat.com/reviews/inbetweening-review/

https://youtu.be/pRheZpXsBpQ

Join us on Cinema Yugen as we dive deep into the mind of Joe Hollow, the visionary behind the acclaimed horror film, Flesh of the Unforgiven. With over 74 international awards to his name, Hollow offers an exclusive peek into his fascinating journey from musician to award-winning filmmaker. Known for his unique ability to deliver spine-chilling narratives, he navigates the turbulent landscape of independent film-making with passion and resilience.

Listen as Hollow reflects on the trials of creating impactful horror on a shoestring budget, and his relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence. He shares candid insights into the inspirations, influences, and the inevitable writer's block faced by anyone who dares to walk the path of a creative artist. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance for aspiring filmmakers, packed with storytelling that will both educate and entertain.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3770762/

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Joe-Hollows-Diary-of-Death-Presents-Flesh-of-the-Unforgiven/0HSAIXYPF97ERGB0NMGJDWP056

https://youtu.be/WGVslJNdWAs

Join us in an engaging episode of Cinema Yugen as host Kent Hill sits down with the esteemed filmmaker Danny Bilson to delve into his iconic journey in the movie industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in Hollywood, Bilson shares remarkable tales from the film sets of his youth to his collaborations with renowned figures like Paul De Meo. Discover how a love for storytelling and a knack for crafting enticing scripts led to cult classics such as Trancers and Zone Troopers.

As the conversation unfolds, Bilson reflects on the challenges and triumphs of bringing beloved stories to life on both the big screen and television. From the inception of the fan-favorite The Flash series to writing the scripts that laid the foundation for the timeless Disney film The Rocketeer, this episode captures the essence of Bilson's cinematic legacy.

With vivid anecdotes and personal insights, listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes revelations and the unyielding passion that has fueled Bilson's enduring career. Whether you're a fan of his B-movie classics or his acclaimed television work, this episode is a treasure trove of Hollywood memories and creative inspiration.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0082677/

https://youtu.be/P84mvtrZemc

https://youtu.be/RdrBCBSyFRk

https://youtu.be/I68627xyDPA

Join us for a captivating dive into the world of 90s cinema as Kent Hill sits down with acclaimed director Russell Mulcahy to unravel the mystique of The Shadow. In this engaging episode, explore the rich tapestry of a pre-Marvel era when comic book adaptations were rare gems. Delve into the production tales of this beloved classic, featuring an exceptional cast led by Alec Baldwin, alongside screen legends like Sir Ian McKellen and Tim Curry.

Listen as Russell shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes, from working with the legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith to collaborating on thrilling effects with Stan Winston. Discover the artistic vision that brought this dark and stylish film to life, showcasing a cross-section of talent both in front and behind the camera. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the allure of The Shadow, this episode invites you to experience the magic of film-making through the eyes of those who crafted it.

CHECK IT OUT:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111143/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611683/?ref_=tt_ov_1_1

https://youtu.be/h0mk2cdU4ms