The El Dorado Film Festival has treated cinema lovers to a fascinating variety of short films from all around the globe. But it has always taken the time to showcase an exciting range of filmmakers with Arkansas connections. The year’s Arkansas Shorts Block featured an impressive group of films that offer just a sample of the … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Queen of the Ring” (2025)
“Queen of the Ring” takes us on a historical journey through the underground turned mainstream world of women’s wrestling. Writer-director Ash Avildsen does so by telling the story of Mildred Burke, a pioneer of her day who overcame a litany of obstacles and biases to put women’s wrestling on the map. From the early 1930s … Continue reading
EDFF 2025 REVIEW: “Breakup Season”
Set during what the late, great Andy Williams christened as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, writer-director H. Nelson Tracey’s “Breakup Season” is a hard movie to categorize (which is actually a strength). At times you’ll swear you’re watching a romantic comedy. Other times it plays like a sensitive domestic drama. And it’s all … Continue reading
Random Thoughts: The 2025 Academy Awards
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but mercifully the 2025 awards season has come to an end. I usually love this time of the year which culminates in the star-studded Oscars ceremony. But this year has felt more curated than ever before and it has highlighted why people shouldn’t take these things seriously. So to … Continue reading
EDFF 2025 Rundown: Short Film Block #2
Day 4 of the 2025 El Dorado Film Festival was jammed packed with films of every make and model, style and flavor. To kick things off, the day’s program was opened with Short Film Block #2, yet another curated collection of shorts from around the world. Block #2 once again featured an eclectic group of … Continue reading
EDFF 2025 REVIEW: “Max Dagan”
Writer-director Terre Weisman tells a deeply human story with “Max Dagan”, a penetrating crime drama that follows two shattered families whose overwhelming personal animosity towards each other leaves everyone involved wounded in one way or another. Weisman’s feature premiered in New York at Dances With Films and just screened at the El Dorado Film Festival. … Continue reading