UMassterclass

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MMFF with UMassterclass! In this episode, host Rianna Jakson talks to Co-Director Daniel Pope on the meaning of this year's theme, "Before After" and each transformative film of the program! Listen to Rianna speak with director Ishtar Yasin Gutiérrez (My Lost Country / Baladi Aldaia, 2022) and award-winning director/cinematographer David Siev (dir. Bad Axe, 2022).

Featuring the voices of Nefeli Forni Zervoudaki, Kathy Roberts Forde, Daniel Pope, Emma Pildes & Tia Lessin (The Janes, 2022), David Siev & Rosie Walunas (Bad Axe, 2022), Danielle Deadwyler (Till, 2022) (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon).

All events are free and open to the public! To participate in the festival, go to: ⁠https://blogs.umass.edu/mmff/

The 30th annual Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival is curated by Daniel Pope and Nefeli Forni Zervoudaki and presented by the Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Barbara Zecchi, Director.

This year’s theme also explores experiences in the wake of pivotal moments when the “after” has not yet arrived.  Films this season address the global pandemic, reproductive rights, racial justice, migration, and war, as well as personal relationships, transformations, and victories.  From intimate stories to historical upheavals, from heroic struggles to unforeseen joys, this season features documentary films, narrative features, and series spanning stories from Hungary, South Korea, Uganda, United States, Ukraine, Italy, Israel, Denmark, Chile, Iraq, and Cambodia. The festival hosts six filmmakers present for post-screening discussions. Screenings are accompanied by critical introductions by scholars and filmmakers.

With gratitude to the interns of the MMFF30.

Hosted by Rianna Jakson | Edited by Rianna Jakson | Podcast theme by Ryan Gies | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino

Welcome to UMassterclass, the official, award-winning podcast of the Film Studies program at UMass Amherst!

Get a taste of what the show is like, meet every member of the team, and learn more about the origins of UMassterclass!

Hosted by Rianna Jakson & Kiefer Callewaert | Edited by Ryan Gies | Theme Music by Ryan Gies | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino

In this special episode, host Rianna Jakson discusses Pretty Little Liars (showrunner I. Marlene King) and Deep Red (or, Profondo russo) (1975, dir. Dario Argento). This episode was produced through Professor Daniel Pope's Film Writing & Criticism Course of Fall 2022.

Celebrating International Teach Music Week (March 20-26), listen to Rianna take in-depth look at how the music of the hit teen drama series, Pretty Little Liars, was crafted, what defines the music of the Giallo film genre and how they are connected!

With guests Carl Clements, Nefeli Forni, & Briana Hodge. Featuring the works of Michael Suby, an American tv and film score producer and music producer.

Hosted/Edited/Produced by Rianna Jakson | Introduction by Rianna Jakson | Podcast Art by Jacky Celestino | Theme Music by Ryan Gies

First special episode of the new year!

Hosted/Edited/Produced by Kaliska Wiley & Andrew Bove | Introduced by Rianna Jakson | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino | Theme music by Ryan Gies

Welcome to season 3! In their special debut extra for Halloween, hosts Rianna Jakson and Kiefer Callewaert examine the inspirations lifted from classical mythology and literature between The Batman (dir. Matt Reeves) and Se7en (David Fincher). What motivates the "day of reckoning" in each story? How is punishment dealt? How does Michael Giacchino draw on a classical prayer to transform and embellish character's themes?  With special guest Joseph Torres!

Hosted by Rianna Jakson & Kiefer Callewaert | Edited by Rianna Jakson & Ryan Gies | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino | Podcast music by Quentin Callewaert

In this second part of season 2 episode 3, hosts Jacky Celestino and Emily Ko turn to The Green Knight (dir. David Lowery) to continue their discussion on what it means to truly live, how the film relates to an ever-changing, collective definition of a meaningful life, and more! With special guests Edson Oda and Professor Daniel Pope! 

Hosted by Jacky Celestino and Emily Ko | Edited by Emily Ko and Joseph Torres | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino | Podcast music by Quentin Callewaert

In this first part of season 2 episode 3, hosts Jacky Celestino and Emily Ko talk about Nine Days (dir. Edson Oda) and delve into its existentialist themes like what does it mean to live a meaningful life? They also discuss the film’s cultural relevance to the social movements of today, and more. With special guests Edson Oda and Professor Daniel Pope!

Hosted by Jacky Celestino and Emily Ko | Edited by Emily Ko | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino | Podcast music by Quentin Callewaert

Happy second week of this year's MMFF! In this podcast extra, host Emily Ko talks to Guest Curator Laura McGough, Assistant Curator Nefeli Forni, and Co-Director Daniel Pope about this year's theme (Indigeneities), the virtual format, and the history and future of the festival! 

To participate in the festival, go to: https://blogs.umass.edu/mmff2022/

To watch last week's live Q&A with filmmaker Danis Goulet, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCCs9FLMjSg

Hosted by Emily Ko | Edited by Emily Ko | Podcast theme by Quentin Callewaert | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino

In this second part of season 2 episode 2, host Emily Ko talks about Chloé Zhao’s The Rider and Nomadland. She discusses the cowboy identity, feminist filmmaking, nomadic living, and more! With special guests Professor Robin Blaetz and J.D. Swerzenski.

Hosted/edited/produced by Emily Ko | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino

In this first part of season 2 episode 2, host Emily Ko talks about Chloé Zhao’s filmmaking journey, as well as her first feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me. She discusses the film’s contemplative portrayal of life on Pine Ridge, the importance of film as a medium, The Eternals, and more! With special guests Professor Robin Blaetz and Christian Buckley. 

Hosted/edited/produced by Emily Ko | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino