Today, we’ll be chatting with the writer, director, skater Sean Wang about his beautiful film DÌDI (弟弟), we will discuss the challenges and triumphs he encountered while bringing this story to life. So, whether you’re a film buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who loves a good story, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

DÌDI (弟弟) IN THEATERS NOW!

DÌDI (弟弟) - Official Trailer

SEAN WANG

Sean Wang is a filmmaker from Fremont, CA. His latest short film, NǍI NAI & WÀI PÓ, premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award. Since then, it received Grand Jury Awards at AFI Fest and SIFF 2023 and was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film for the 96th Academy Awards. His debut feature film, DÌDI (弟弟), had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast.

THE SMITH SOCIETY

Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info 

Today we sit down with Gabriela Cowperthwaite and discuss her latest documentary film, The Grab.

Quietly and seemingly out of sight, governments, private investors and mercenaries are working to seize food and water resources at the expense of entire populations. These groups are establishing themselves as the new OPEC, where the future world powers will be those who control not oil, but food.

And it's all beginning to bubble to the surface in real time. Global food prices have hit an all-time high, threatening chaos and violence. Meanwhile, Russia is using food as a weapon against the Ukrainians, and as a geopolitical tool to wield global power.

THE GRAB is a global thriller combining hard-hitting journalism from The Center for Investigative Reporting with the compelling character-driven storytelling of director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, taking you around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats.

THE GRAB Trailer

THE GRAB Site

IN THEATERS NOW!

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info 

On our latest episode, I’m lucky enough to have a chat with Nena Erb. Nena is an ACE, Emmy-winning film and television editor based in Los Angeles. Raised in an Asian American immigrant family, Nena’s father wanted her to be a doctor and her mother wanted her to be a pianist with the LA Philharmonic. Nena wanted to be Andy Warhol.

After graduating with an art degree, a friend brought her into the entertainment industry and she started working in various capacities in production. It was her stint as an associate producer that opened her eyes to the impact of editing. It combined her love of photography with the art of storytelling, and she was hooked. Since then, Nena has edited on productions for HBO, Universal, CBS, Apple, and others. She is experienced in multiple genres from dramas to feature films, documentaries, and comedy. 

In 2016, she received her first Emmy award for her work on HBO’s documentary series Project Greenlight. In 2020, she received an HPA award and her second Emmy award for her work on HBO’s comedy-drama series Insecure. In addition, she has received three ACE Eddie nominations, two for Insecure and the other for CW's acclaimed series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In 2021, she edited three episodes of the HBO coming-of-age series Genera+ion. She's currently editing Downtown Owl for Sony, and the highly anticipated yet-to-be-named comedy feature directed by Adele Lim, and produced by Point Grey and Lionsgate.

Nena’s Emmy nomination this year is for Insecure’s (Season 5 - Episode 8) "Choices, Okay?!" 

Synopsis: At a crossroads in her career, Issa weighs the pros and cons of two viable paths while simultaneously contemplating an important personal next step. Meanwhile, Molly spends an overwhelming day getting her parents' estate plan in order.

Insecure:

Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore

Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales

You can stream Insecure now on HBO Max!

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

Find us on Instagram:

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

Edited by: Marshall Baker

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Today we’re sitting down with David Earl and Chris Hayward from Focus Features’ upcoming title, “Brian and Charles.” The film follows Brian (David Earl), a lonely inventor in rural Wales who spends his days building quirky, unconventional contraptions that seldom work. Undeterred by his lack of success, Brian attempts his biggest project yet: an artificially intelligent robot named Charles (Chris Hayward), who learns English from a dictionary and has an obsession with cabbages. What follows is a humorous and entirely heartwarming story about friendship, family, finding love, and letting go.

David Earl is a comedian, best known for his comedy character Brian Gittins. He has featured in several projects associated with Ricky Gervais, most notably as Kevin "Kev" Twine in the comedy-drama Derek, Extras, After Life and the film Cemetery Junction.

Chris Hayward is a writer/performer with extensive experience of the UK comedy scene. He has written for shows including Cardinal Burns and Trollied, and landed development deals with Channel Four, Sky, BBC, ABC, Fox and CBS. As an actor, he has appeared in shows such as The It Crowd, King Gary, Pls Like, and Friday Night Dinner.

Our mission is putting a spotlight on beautiful stories with phenomenal performances. “Brian and Charles” achieves this with such ease – at its core it’s a uniquely charming story that tackles some complex themes in a way that leaves audiences filled with joy, and most importantly, hope.

Brian and Charles:

Directed by Jim Archer

Written by David Earl and Chris Hayward

Produced by Rupert Majendie

Executive Produced by Damian Jones, Mary Burke, Lauren Dark and Ollie Madden

Starring David Earl, Chris Hayward, Louise Brealey, James Michie and Nina Sosanya

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Wardrobe: Aviator Nation: www.aviatornation.com

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a really good one and I’ve been so excited to share it with you. My next guest is an actor I consider one of the greatest of our generation. He’s worked with everyone from Del Toro to Malick, Tarantino to Soderbergh. He’s an extraordinary actor who loses himself in the life of his film and television characters. Ever evolving, he’s a true chameleon and shapeshifter, presenting us with a new and intriguing character. This is Clifton Collins. Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. has acting in his blood. His grandfather, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, became an American icon, starring alongside John Wayne and Mel Blanc throughout his career. Clifton burst onto the scene in 1997, but it was his portrayal of Frankie Flowers in Traffic that forever cemented his status as an actor to be taken seriously. Since then he’s stolen the screen in films like Capote and Sunshine Cleaning. 

Clifton’s latest film Jockey is yet another work of art, with his titular performance earning him the Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Acting.

Jockey tells the story of an aging jockey competing to win one last title for his longtime trainer, who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider, who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream. 

The Smith Society is an interview series focused on storytellers. It’s an intimate look at artists -- who they are, how they got from A to B, a detailed look at what makes them tick and advice to those pursuing a career in telling stories, as well as some insight into the industry, pitching projects, and, of course, how we can make the world a better place.

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

JOCKEY

Directed by: Clint Bentley

Written by: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Produced by: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Nancy Schafer

Co-Producer: Linda Halbert

Executive Producers: Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Linda & Jon Halbert, Cheryl & Walt Penn, Genevieve & Mark Crozier, Cindy & John Greenwood, Ann Grimes & Jay Old, Benjamin Fuqua & Jordy Wax, Clifton Collins Jr.

Line Producer: Kelly Bryant

Associate Producer: Stacey Davis

Director of Photography: Adolpho Veloso

Production Designer: Gui Marini

Editor: Parker Laramie

Music by: Bryce Dessner & Aaron Dessner

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

In this episode of The Smith Society we have the incredible opportunity to chat with the extraordinary director (and dear friend), Alice Gu and learn more about The Donut King.

Alice Gu is an award-winning director and Director of Photography. A Los Angeles native, Alice began her career as a director of photography, working with world-renowned directors like Werner Herzog and Stacy Peralta.

In 2017, Alice garnered attention for her work behind the lens of “Take Every Wave: the Life of Laird Hamilton,” a documentary directed by the Academy Award nominated Rory Kennedy. 

“The Donut King” is Alice’s feature directorial debut and was slated to premiere at the 2020 SXSW film festival. Despite the festival’s cancellation, the film won the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling, and went on to win the One in a Million Award at the 2020 Sun Valley Film Festival. “The Donut King” is about the rise and fall of a Cambodian refugee turned donut tycoon. Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It's the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975, and building an unlikely multi-million-dollar empire baking America's favorite pastry: the donut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees, and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the donut business.

“The Donut King” is executive produced by Academy Award winners Ridley Scott and Freida Lee Mock.

Alice Gu on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gubird

“The Donut King” Trailer: https://youtu.be/aLKugGKgJsQ

“The Donut King” official website: www.donutkingmovie.com

“The Donut King” Spotify playlist: https://bit.ly/the-donut-king-playlist

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Sound Mixer: Paul Stula

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

In this episode we’re going to feature a true triple threat, Justin Chon. Justin Chon is a writer, director and actor who also produced (he’s technically a quadruple threat!) the film “Blue Bayou,” a moving and timely story of a uniquely American family fighting for their future.

A Story that Matters: Speaking to Issues of Today

Blue Bayou Logline: As a Korean-American man raised in the Louisiana bayou works hard to make a life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past as he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home.

Blue Bayou is a moving and timely story of a uniquely American family fighting for their future. Antonio LeBlanc (Chon), a Korean adoptee raised in a small town in the Louisiana bayou, he is married to the love of his life Kathy (Alicia Vikander) and he is the step-dad to their beloved daughter Jessie. Struggling to make a better life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past when he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home.

Justin Chon is known for his '90s LA Riots drama Gook (2017), which won the NEXT category of the Sundance Film Festival and went on to win him the Independent Spirit award for "someone to watch" in 2018. He followed up with a contemporary Koreatown sibling drama MS. PURPLE (2019), which also premiered at Sundance.

Blue Bayou

Focus Features in association with MACRO and eOne presents Blue Bayou

Written and Directed by: Justin Chon

Produced by: Charles D. King, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Justin Chon

Starring: Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham, Emory Cohen

Blue Bayou Trailer: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh59H_d19Kg

Official Website for Blue Bayou: 

www.focusfeatures.com/blue-bayou

Get tickets for Blue Bayou: 

www.focusfeatures.com/blue-bayou/watch/

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

On this episode of The Smith Society we sit down with the wildly creative and brilliant Lee Sung Jin.

Lee Sung Jin is currently the Creator/Writer/Showrunner/Executive Producer of BEEF, a Netflix series starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, produced by A24.

Lee's current television development includes: an A24 animated pilot, THE IMMORTAL JELLYFISH, with writer Joanna Calo, designed by artist Lauren Tsai, and NOWHERE, a half hour pilot with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate Television, directed by Rhys Thomas (DocumentaryNow, Hawkeye).

His past credits include FX’s DAVE, Amazon’s UNDONE, Netflix’s TUCA & BERTIE, HBO’s SILICON VALLEY, and FX’s IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.

On the feature side, he is currently writing BARNEY for Mattel, Valparaiso, and Daniel Kaluuya, as well as an untraditional theatrical experience, OMNI, starring Jaden Smith with Kanye West and Scooter Braun producing. He is also a producer on A24's LURKER, written by Alex Russell, with Eli Bush and Chris Storer producing.

We recorded this interview in the fall of 2019.

Lee Sung Jin: instagram.com/beherelater

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. On this episode we’re going to feature the incomparable Lee Sung Jin. 

thesmithsocietypod.com

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

The Smith Society is a podcast that focuses on the intricacies of storytelling, while giving an open and honest platform for each guest to shine and provide their own insight to empower each listener through the strength of their own experiences.

Smith (noun) - MAKER

Our pilot episode features a short introduction to The Smith Society podcast, the story behind it, what you can expect and what’s in a name. More importantly, this episode features a conversation with the star of the new Focus Features’ film Limbo, Amir El-Masry.

You may know Amir El-Masry from his work in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Tom Clancy's “Jack Ryan,” Industry, The One, or one of his many other roles. But Amir’s performance in Limbo, taking on the lead role of Omar, is by far one of the most extraordinary performances I have seen in years, and as you’ll hear in this episode, it made me rearrange the entire first season of the podcast.

We discuss how important Limbo is for the world, his absolutely incredible performance and how he prepared for it, his favorite football club, how he got into acting, the food I must have when I visit Cairo and much more. Limbo is out now, and I recommend you all see it as soon as possible, then tell all your friends and family to see it. I truly believe this film can make the world a better place.

www.thesmithsocietypodcast.com

Guest: Amir El-Masry: instagram.com/amirelmasry

Limbo: Omar is a promising young musician. Separated from his Syrian family, he is stuck on a remote Scottish island awaiting the fate of his asylum request.

Limbo: www.focusfeatures.com/limbo

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

Email and ask a question or share a thought: me@duanefernandez.com

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacyand California Privacy Notice atart19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

After a brief hiatus...we’re back with a brand new season of The Smith Society podcast! In our premiere episode, we chat with brilliant cinematographer Matthew Chuang. We discuss his early life and trajectory in this business, and we reflect on his stunning work in past films like Blue Bayou, You Won't Be Alone, and Of an Age. We cover all my favorite talking points: pre-production (IYKYK), comfort food, and of course, his latest project — helping create the epic visual world of Chief of War, a new Apple series (coming soon).

More on Matthew Chuang

www.matthewchuang.com

instagram.com/mattscope

Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

Edited by: Marshall Baker

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

On today’s episode we chat with our pals, the very smart and very funny Amy Choi and Rebecca Lehrer. Amy and Rebecca are the dynamic duo behind Mash-Up Americans, a creative studio that helps their clients understand and connect to the dynamic, diverse, modern American audience. 

They reveal and re-center stories on the voices of the future — the voices you don’t hear enough today. Important note here, when I started working on the initial idea of this podcast four years ago, they were the first people I called. They have successfully launched a variety of successful shows and were so kind to share their knowledge with me.

They recently launched Grief, Collected and Love & Noraebang - two of my favorite podcasts right now.

>> Grief, Collected 

www.griefcollected.com

Grief is both a deeply individual and collective experience. In the arc of this show they pursue an expansion of our understanding of the many dimensions of grief, as an experience of our bodies, to our communities, to our governments, to our cultures. They are pursuing the answer to a fundamental question: Can we change the shape of our future, by processing our past?

>> Love & Noraebang

loveandnoraebang.com

A fun romantic comedy podcast set in contemporary Los Angeles - It’s kinda an homage to K Drama and Telenovela – familiar tropes like business enemies thwarting love, secondary love interests, long distance drama, companies worried they’re being taken advantage of for their money. But in the end it’s all about two people falling in love in LA in 2022. 

BTW, Love & Noraebang was nominated for an iheart Radio - Podcast of the Year!!

Be sure to follow Mash-Up Americans on Instagram and check out their newsletter - it's the best!

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project.

thesmithsocietypod.com

The Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

Today we are talking with the very talented Margaret Brown about her latest documentary, Descendant.

On July 9, 1860, more than 100 captive Africans were brought to the shores of Mobile, Alabama, on a ship named the Clotilda, under cover of darkness. The international slave trade had been made illegal in the US in 1808, but human trafficker Timothy Meaher made a bet that he could get around the law with his ship. Today, the residents of Africatown, just north of Mobile, count the Clotilda survivors among their ancestors.

The documentary Descendant, brings their stories to light as they grapple with a growing spotlight on their community following the discovery of the sunken Clotilda. The film shows how events that unfolded more than a century ago continue to have lasting repercussions several generations later.

Brown produced the film alongside Kyle Martin and Essie Chambers for Participant and Take One Five Entertainment. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it was picked up by Higher Ground Productions and Netflix for theatrical and streaming distribution. The film was shortlisted for the 2023 Academy Awards, and you can watch it now on NETFLIX. The film currently has a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Descendant was released to select theaters and on Netflix on October 21, 2022.

Descendant Trailer: YouTube

Descendant Website

You can also keep up with Africatown via the Clotilda Descendants Association.

A number of the subjects featured in Descendant are quoted in this Smithsonian article, which details the search for the wreckage of the Clotilda.

You can help Africatown’s community organizations preserve the legacy of their ancestors, combat environmental injustice and spur economic transformation. Learn more about the organizations and ways to get involved here.

Note: The instrument we were discussing throughout the episode was the Akonting. Lepoleon Williams, who plays the instrument in the film, makes them himself. You can check them out in the link below, because they’re such a beautiful instrument!

www.instagram.com/lepoleonwilliams

Descendant:

Directed by: Margaret Brown

Cinematography by: 

Zac Manuel, director of photography

Justin Zweifach, director of photography

Music by: 

Ray Angry

Rhiannon Giddens

Dirk Powell

Edit by: 

Michael Bloch

Geoffrey Richman

Producers:

Margaret Brown, producer

Essie Chambers, producer

Shawn Gee, executive producer

Kate Hurwitz, executive producer

Kern Jackson, co-producer

Kristin Mann, line producer

Kyle Martin, producer

Christine Mattsson, co-executive producer

Questlove, executive producer

Jeff Skoll, executive producer

Tariq Trotter, executive producer

Diane Weyermann, executive producer

Zarah Zohlman, executive producer

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project.

thesmithsocietypod.com

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

Goran Stolevski is our latest guest, and the award-winning Macedonian-born and Australian-raised writer/director’s latest masterpiece, Of an Age, is all I’ve been talking about since I watched it.

Of an Age is a beautiful and moving film about an unexpected and intense twenty-four-hour romance between an eighteen-year-old Serbian ballroom dancer and his best friend’s older brother. A decade later the pair meet for a bittersweet reunion.

Directed with an abundance of love and care by Stolevski, this film was incredibly tender and honest, and the cinematography was as stunning as its performances. What a beautiful story!

Stolevski came to prominence with short films including Would You Look at Her, winner of the Best International Short at Sundance 2018. Collectively his shorts played over 200 festivals worldwide including Clermont-Ferrand, Palm Springs, Melbourne and Raindance. He also directed three episodes of the fourth season of International-Emmy-winning series Nowhere Boys.

Goran's feature debut You Won't Be Alone is steeped in Macedonian folklore with a genre twist. Produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings at Causeway Films, with Focus Features handling worldwide distribution, You Won't be Alone premiered in competition for the Grand Jury prize at 2022 Sundance Film Festival, receiving rave reviews from critics. The film stars Noomi Rapace, Carloto Cotta, Anamaria Marinca and Alice Englert.

Of an Age:

Written and Directed and Edited by: Goran Stolevski

Produced by: Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings

Starring: Elia Anton, Thom Green, Hattie Hook

Of an Age Trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtfkhimcnLY

Official Website for Of an Age: 

https://www.focusfeatures.com/of-an-age/

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project.

thesmithsocietypod.com

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

The incomparable Deniese Davis sat down with me for one of my favorite Smith Society conversations to date. Davis is not just one of the smartest people I know, she has the rare gift of insightful and meaningful conversation. 

Davis is also a baller – she played competitive sports growing up – a lover of musicals AND enjoys the occasional Take Five, which is of course one of the best candy bars of all time. We’re practically twins!

Three-time Emmy nominee Davis began her career producing short films, music videos and digital content, which included Issa Rae’s acclaimed web series, The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl. Davis went on to serve as co-executive producer of Insecure, the award-winning HBO comedy series. Davis produced A Black Lady Sketch Show and served as an executive producer for Rap Sh!t.

Davis is also the co-founder of ColorCreative, a management company dedicated to supporting diverse creators, and she launched Reform Media Group in 2020 as a means to produce socially and culturally relevant television and film content. The company focuses on amplifying marginalized voices across the entertainment industry.

Recently, Deniese Davis and her Reform Media Group entered into a development deal with Tyler Perry Studios with the goal of bringing more diverse storytelling across both television and film.

Deniese Davis: @msdeniese 

Reform Media Group: @reform.media

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

This is unlike any other interview we’ve ever featured on The Smith Society. Today we’re going to sit down with Harry Turner, who is the subject of the documentary film Wildcat. We’re not going to be talking about acting, world building or writing; we’re going to talk about the complexities of life, and what he hopes his film conveys to audiences.

Wildcat is a journey into a rarely seen, often misunderstood world of extraordinary beauty, lush biodiversity and deep emotion. The film follows an unlikely family unit: a traumatized veteran of the war in Afghanistan, a scientist looking for sanctuary from her chaotic childhood, and an orphaned ocelot kitten with little chance of surviving without their help. Filmed primarily in Peru’s Amazonian rainforest, Wildcat explores the redemptive power of the wilderness through the eyes of these three singular beings.  

(TW: Suicide) When British Army veteran Turner returned from active duty, the horrific events he witnessed left him struggling with PTSD and chronic depression. Obsessed by thoughts of self-harm and even suicide, Harry looked to disappear in the wilderness, where an unexpected encounter with conservationist Samantha Zwicker offered him a second chance. Samantha and Harry rescue a one-month-old ocelot from the black market together, and decide to reintroduce the cat into the wild. Falling in love with both the kitten and Samantha, Harry agrees to become the adoptive “mother” of the ocelot, spending 18 months in a remote compound deep in the jungle, devoting himself entirely to the cat. From bottle feeding to the cat’s first successful rodent hunt, Harry celebrates their milestones. But Harry must wrestle with his own demons if he and the cat are going to survive.

Directed by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Beck Frost (who also collaborated on the National Geographic film Person of the Forest), Wildcat is produced by Frost, Lesh, Alysa Nahmias (Art & Krimes by Krimes, Unrest) and Joshua Altman (All These Sons, Minding the Gap).

WILDCAT is out NOW on Amazon Prime Video! Check it out and please share your thoughts with us on IG! www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod

WILDCAT

Featuring: Harry Turner, Samantha Zwicker

Directors: Melissa Lesh, Trevor Beck Frost

Producers: Alysa Nahmias, Joshua Altman

Emerald Arch:

Emerald Arch is a US based Nonprofit focusing on global conservation efforts with a speciality in human-wildlife conflict, education for future generations & the protection of land in the Amazon.

www.emeraldarch.org

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

I am so EXCITED to share the wonderful conversation I had with the incomparable, unfairly talented, multifaceted and all around extraordinary human, Chelsea Devantez. We discuss so many things: careers, maritime law, how to get promoted in a writers room, the best enchiladas in New Mexico and so much more!

Devantez is an Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, director, and actor. Most recently she was Jon Stewart’s head writer for The Problem with Jon Stewart, on Apple TV Plus which she left to begin an overall deal with 20th century Fox to develop her own TV shows. Devantez is currently writing a book of essays which will be published by Hanover Imprint at Harper Collins next fall. Last year she sold a single-cam to CBS titled “This is Our Year,” which was inspired by her growing up with a single mom in the Southwest. Devantez hosts the podcast, “Celebrity Book Club,” on Stitcher which was the very first pick for Apple Podcasts Spotlight Program and has been downloaded over 3 million times.

Devantez wrote for Tina Fey, Robert Carlock and Meredith Scardino's show Girls5Eva, on Peacock, both seasons of Liz Meriwether’s Bless this Mess on ABC, Mike Schur and Josh Malmuth’s Abby’s on NBC, Jon Stewart’s HBO Project, The Opposition with Jordan Klepper on Comedy Central, and Mike Meyers’ Gong Show revival.

Her short film, “Basic,” which I wrote, directed and starred in, was an official selection of SXSW 2020 as well as Santa Barbara International Film Festival and many more. It won “Best Comedy” of the year at HollyShorts and “Best Indie Short” of the year at Festigious, and several other awards for best score.

More about Chelsea Devantez:

https://www.chelsearosedevantez.com

Follow Chelsea Devantez on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chelseadevantez

Tomasito’s - Santa Fe

https://tomasitas.com

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

I’m excited to share a conversation I had with the INSANELY talented, writer director. Agnieszka Smoczyńskai is a Polish film and television writer and director. She is most known for her debut feature film THE LURE which was released in the US by the Criterion Collection in 2017. She is working on DERANGED, a science fiction opera with David Bowie's music.

THE SILENT TWINS is the astounding true story of twin sisters who only communicated with one another. As a result, they created a rich, fascinating world to escape the reality of their own lives. Based on the best-selling book The Silent Twins, the film stars Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance.

It’s an extraordinary film and it was so thoughtfully assembled by Agnieszka. She creates such beautiful worlds in her films. Absolutely stunning and surreal. The Silent Twins is a captivating work of art. The story is extraordinary, the performances were unforgettable and the production was - ABSOLUTELY - exquisite. Every little detail in this film was considered and masterfully placed with care. Agnieszka delivered a masterpiece.

I love this quote by Letitia Wright, who plays June Gibbons: 

“We're looking at the lives of two beautiful, young Black women, two young girls who were just trying to understand themselves within a society that was quite difficult to grow up in. Beautiful creatives. Today, they would be geniuses in this era.”

THE SILENT TWINS is presented by Focus Features and is in theaters September 16th

Starring: Letitia Wright, Tamara Lawrance

Kuba Kijowski - Director of Photography

Jagna Dobesz - Production Designer

Dumebi Anozie - Hair & Makeup Designer

Katarzyna Lewińska - Costume Designer

Agnieszka Glińska - Editor

Produced by: Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Joshua Horsfield, Anita Gou, Ben Pugh, Ewa Puszczynska 

The Silent Twins Trailer: 

https://youtu.be/lEN2rk__Xms

Official Website for The Silent Twins: 

https://www.focusfeatures.com/the-silent-twins/

The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.

Host: Duane Fernandez

Find us on Instagram:

instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/

The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence

Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Marshall Baker

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

This episode is a deep dive into the enduring value of Blu-rays and DVDs—what they preserve, what they offer and why they still matter.

I explore how the simple act of owning a movie creates a more meaningful connection to the story. From the thrill of the hunt to the joy of liner notes, bonus discs, and director’s commentary, there’s something sacred in the tangible experience of film.

As studios consolidate and content vanishes with little warning, physical media isn’t just about nostalgia -- it’s about preservation, access, and control. Whether you're a longtime collector or just Blu-ray curious, this is a conversation about keeping cinema real, visible, and in your hands.

Vidiots Foundation - Become a member, donate, get involved:

A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema, Vidiots is dedicated to inspiring human interaction around film through communal theatrical presentations and preserving, growing, and providing access to its diverse DVD, BluRay, and rare VHS collection, showcasing the work of emerging, master, and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable film events, and vital education programs.

https://vidiotsfoundation.org/

The Smith Society

Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez

The Smith Society theme song: Steady Cadence

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Ian Rene

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

Duane Hansen Fernandez is a writer and director. Born from a Danish mother and Filipino father, Fernandez's ethnic background towed him from his birthplace in Los Angeles, California to numerous corners and countries of the world throughout the years. It was these years that taught him to use his art to reflect an influence from his many cultural environments.

Once dreaming of becoming an archaeologist, that passion never really went away, although it evolved. Fernandez found himself becoming his own archetype of an anthropologist -- seeking to understand how people live and interact with one another, but also how they make their lives meaningful. Why do people do what they do? What are their untold stories? Most importantly, how can we make the world a better place by telling them?

Fernandez has had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders in the industry, from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, Marvel, Searchlight, A24, Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate, to Paramount, Sony Pictures, NBC, Fox, and FX.

GUEST HOST: Niklaus Lange boasts a diverse and successful 30 year career in the media industry. Lange has transitioned seamlessly from on-screen talent to a sought-after behind-the-scenes creative force garnishing 200+ million video views and documentary filmmaking awards.

A PLACE TO FALL DOWN

The directorial debut of Duane Hansen Fernandez, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a moving short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with overwhelming grief after losing his beloved wife. The film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose’s emotional journey as he navigates balancing his daily life and with his profound sense of loss. Just when he thinks he might drown, he’s reminded the world works in mysterious ways.

Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey), A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma? Collins Jr. portrays the grief-stricken Jose with subtlety and elegance, proving it’s in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit shines the brightest. 

Teaser Trailer: A Place to Fall Down - Teaser Trailer

Instagram: A Place to Fall Down IG

The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott

Edited by: Ian Rene

Recorded at: Westlake Studios

A PLACE TO FALL DOWN - FILM CREDITS

Director: Duane Hansen Fernandez

Writer: Duane Hansen Fernandez

Producer/s: Duane Hansen Fernandez & Rebecca Parks Fernandez

Director of Photography: Tobin Oldach

Editor: Danielle L. Statuto

Executive Producer/s:Kristy Sowin, Devin Stinson

First Assistant Director: Devin Stinson

Jose: Clifton Collins Jr.

Charlotte: Erika Christensen

Scott: Niklaus Lange

Margo: Larissa Dias

Meditation App: David George

Grandpa & Lita: Toon$ & Boops Machado

Camera First Assistant: Jordan Martin

Digital Image Technician: Conrad Radzik

Gaffer: Robert Oliva

Key Grip: Adam Shambour

Sound-Mixer: Amanda Beggs, C.A.S.

Texture Photographer: Devin Stinson

Still Photographer: Paul Clear

Hair & Makeup Artist: Laurie Hallak

Key Production Assistant: Nash Oldach

Composer: Wink Winkelmann

Consulting Music Supervisor: Thomas Page

Automotive Consultant: Jasen Remington

Assistant Editor: Lucia Wang

Colorist: Miles Kula

Audio Post-Production: Eleven

Sound Mixer/Sound Designer: Jordan Meltzer

Sound Mixer, Producer: Andrew Smith

Graphic Design - Garage Logo: Chris Scott

End titles by: Endcrawl

SCORE

Track: A Beautiful Disaster 1

Written by: Wink Winkelmann

Produced by: Duane Hansen Fernandez

Bass & Guitar: Wink Winkelmann

Keys: Rashon Murph

Guitar: Yunus Iyriboz

Drums & Percussion: Garrit Tillman

Multitrack Engineer: Ian Rene

Multitrack Asst. Engineer: Patrick Gardner

Mix Session Engineer: Ian Rene

Mix Session Asst. Engineer: Hayden Duncan

Courtesy of: VOKSEE

Recording/Mixing Studio: Westlake

Special thanks: Chelsea Devantez, Nena Erb, Genesis Automotive, Valerie Lertyaovarit, John 'Pliny' Eremic, Fatima Albuquerque

Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.

See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info