Mike McCahill had always wanted to be a journalist of some nature. He recalls being deeply influenced by the early independent cinema of Spike Lee, Tarantino and Linklater in the 90s, talks about the dangers of approaching the star rating as shortcut than shorthand which he prefers, and ruminates on certain shady practices of film festivals. He also delineates his enduring long term association with MAMI and Indian cinema. He advises aspiring writers on film to religiously watch stuff outside their comfort genre and read all kinds of criticism. He swears by Lijo Jose Pelissery, and to know his favorite football teams and beloved Indian films , hear the interview!