Film Forward

DMX’s connection with his passionate fanbase is on full display in the riveting documentary, DMX: Don’t Try To Understand. This immersive film follows Earl “DMX” Simmons through one eventful year of his life.

We are honored to be joined by the film’s director, Christopher Frierson, who discusses their odd first encounter, what it was like touring with the hip-hop legend, and stories about the man, Earl Simmons.

The incredible documentary is available to stream now on HBO MAX. Check it out and let us know what you think.

What do Ethan Hawke, Jim Carrey, Terry Gilliam, Fritz Lang, and Robin Wright have in common? Sci-Fi premonitions!

Film Forward returns with one of our patented Gimme Three episodes. The theme for this installment is Sci-Fi Premonitions. Host Nicholas Ybarra and guest David Chiu each recommend three amazing science-fiction films that accurately predict the future.

Enjoy this fun discussion, and let us know what you think of the films!

Film Forward is thrilled to be joined by award-winning actor and author Murisa Harba. Murisa discusses her insightful and eye-opening book Acting With Energy.

In Acting With Energy, Murisa outlines her signature CHAKRA APPROACH to performance. This episode is not only a must-listen for aspiring actors but also aspiring writers and directors.

Acting With Energy is available to purchase now on Amazon.

In this episode of Film Forward, the accomplished producers Daniela Alatorre and Elena Fortes discuss their brilliant and inventive documentary, A Cop Movie.

The Netflix doc, A Cop Movie, takes us deep into the Mexican police forces with the story of Teresa and Montoya, together known as ‘the love patrol.’ In this thoroughly original and unpredictable documentary, the filmmakers play with the boundaries of nonfiction and immerse the audience into the human experience of police work within a dysfunctional system.

A Cop Movie is available to stream right now on Netflix. Check it out, and let us know what you think! This genre-bending documentary is not to be missed.

Earlier this year, LADFF had the honor of screening a compelling and pertinent film, In The Dark of the Valley, which airs this Sunday, November 14th on MSNBC - 10 PM ET and 7 PM PST.

In the Dark of the Valley is a deep dive into the nuclear meltdown at Santa Suzana Field Lab and the persistent effort to hide the meltdown and its effects on the community. More importantly - the film follows the people who are working tirelessly to get that site cleaned up and hold the responsible parties accountable.

In this edition of Film Forward, we revisit our discussion with the film’s director, Nicholas Mihm, and a mother who took it upon herself to fight for what is right - Melissa Bumstead.

On this episode of Film Forward, we are joined by the filmmakers of the wildly creative and raunchy short film 1-800-D-Direct.

While working a mundane job selling dishwashers in 1960’s Manhattan, Joyce and Frances secretly start a secret database of all the meant in New York City-based on sexual performance.

This jam-packed episode features director Clare Macdonald and writers/producers/stars Haley Bishop and Gemma Yates-Round.

You can see 1-800-D-Direct at LADFF’s REEL WOMEN showcase, screening October 15th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at LADFF.com.

The powerful and pertinent film Jane is set during the burgeoning women’s rights movement in the era before Roe v. Wade. Teresa and Josie are a part of an underground group that breaks the law and risks everything to help women access safe abortions. When their trusted doctor doesn’t show up, will they be forced to turn away women in need?

On this episode of Film Forward, we are honored to be joined by the film’s writer/director, Natalija Vekic.

Natalija discusses her research process for the film based on actual events, the collaboration with her incredible cast (Mishel Prada, Mekenna Melvin), and some of the challenges she and her team experienced when shooting their most crucial scene.

You can see Jane on the big screen at LADFF’s Reel Women Showcase at the Let Live Theatre in West Hollywood. October 16th! Tickets are available now at LADFF.com

Bring Your Own Brigade is a gripping investigation into our landscape's hidden fire stories and on-the-ground experiences of firefighters and residents struggling through deadly fires.

We discuss this incredible documentary with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker. Lucy discusses her experiences filming intense fire sequences and what she learned from these personal and heartbreaking stories.

Bring Your Own Brigade is the most in-depth look at the horrifying wildfire epidemic. It is a must-see film - you can see it now on the big screen in select theaters! It will also be available on the CBS News App and Paramount+ on August 20th.

Not Going Quietly follows Ady Barkan, whose life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS. Still, a confrontation with a powerful senator catapults him to national fame and ignites a once-in-a-generation political movement.

In today’s episode of Film Forward, we are joined by director Nicholas Bruckman and producer Amanda Roddy. They discuss the challenges of filming a documentary on the road, the insanity of watching Ady’s rapid fame, and what they learned from Ady’s journey.

Not Going Quietly plays in select theaters (Los Angeles: Laemmle Town Center 5 in Encino). See it on the big screen and let us know what you think! It is an uplifting, empowering, and inspiring film.

The Pine Ridge Reservation (in South Dakota) declares a State of Emergency when youth suicide rates reach the highest levels in the country. A respected female elder leads the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s suicide prevention team while mentoring a group of suicide-survivor teenagers to find their voice.

This is the story of The Bears on Pine Ridge - a powerful, eye-opening, and empowering documentary by filmmaker Noel Bass. In this episode of Film Forward, Noel discusses the making of his first film, what it was like living on the reservation, the relationships he built and how people can help the Bear program.

The Bears on Pine Ridge will be streaming at LADFF.com from August 9th - August 14th. It is a film that must be seen - check it out and let us know what you think!