Explore every episode of the podcast Cinema Flow Podcast

Director Padraic McKinley joins the podcast to discuss The Weight, his new film starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, in theaters September 18th.

Set in Oregon in 1933, the film follows a man who is torn from his daughter and sent to a brutal work camp. He is tempted by the prison warden with early release if he smuggles gold through the deadly wilderness, but betrayal festers within the crew, and he questions how far he'll go to see his child again.

McKinley breaks down his collaboration with his cinematographer on the film's shot choices and lens work, his innovative approach to editing key sequences, shooting the film's tense set pieces and car chase, and how his background as an editor shapes his approach to directing.

🎬 The Weight hits movie theaters September 18th.

Link to The Weight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweightfilm?igsi=ZWtveXFrb3oxam8y

Link to The Weight trailer: https://youtu.be/7YpuMymmiJ8?is=OSfTAkOZ3XElGDqu

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website: https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Director Scott Waugh joins the podcast to discuss Runner, his new action film starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson, in theaters September 11th.

The film follows a delivery man tasked with bringing a new healthy liver to a sick girl, forced to evade ruthless mercenaries who plan on taking the liver for themselves.

Waugh breaks down his approach to shooting action and vehicle sequences, working with stunt coordinators to bring the fight choreography to life, and his own journey from stuntman to director.

🎬 Runner hits movie theaters September 11th.

Link to Runner tickets: https://www.angel.com/movies/runner

Link to Runner trailer: https://youtu.be/m8JUmBgHejI?is=_JyOafbiUX5xX327

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website: https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Stephen Galloway, Dean of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation filmed in-person at his office.

We discuss the current state of the job market, and the pros and cons of climbing the corporate ladder vs. working independently and how to stay resilient in an industry full of rejection.

It's a fascinating look at film education and the current state of Hollywood from someone shaping the next generation of filmmakers.

Link to Stephen's books:

Truly Madly https://shorturl.at/ln2WC

Leading Lady https://shorturl.at/Auy0h

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website:

https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Director Macon Blair joins the podcast to discuss "Idiots", his new film starring Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr., in theaters August 28th.

The film follows two idiots who have hit rock bottom, tasked with transporting a troubled teen to rehab, only for the simple job to spiral into a chaotic journey of drugs, danger, and crime as their passenger derails their plans.

🎬 IDIOTS hits movie theaters August 28th. Get your tickets now!

Link to Macon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macon_blair/

Link to Idiots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idiotsthefilm/

Link to Idiots tickets: https://www.idiotsmovie.com/

Link to Idiots Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/idiots-2026/

Link to Idiots trailer: https://youtu.be/UoAf0LNAn30?is=2sIU1NwDRuOaqDHA

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website: https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Zack sits down with one of his favorite filmmakers, Matt Johnson, to discuss his new film, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, distributed by Neon. They talk about the film's production and the challenges of indie filmmaking. Nirvanna is streaming on Hulu now.

Director Jay Chandrasekhar joins the podcast to discuss Super Troopers 3, his new film written by and starring his fellow Broken Lizard members, in theaters today, August 7th.

The film follows Farva's wildly over-the-top engagement to Thorny's sister, which spirals into chaos as the Super Troopers navigate schemes to break up the couple, crack a pernicious new drug ring, and try to save the wedding along the way.

🎬 Super Troopers 3 hits movie theaters today! Get tickets MEOW!

Link to Super Troopers 3 tickets: https://shorturl.at/aMnFE

Jay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaychandrasekhar/

Super Troopers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supertroopers/

Broken Lizard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenlizard/?g=5

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website: https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Director Kent Jones joins the podcast to discuss Late Fame, his new film starring Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee, in theaters August 7th.

The film follows legendary New York poet Ed Saxberger as his forgotten works captivate an eccentric group of young creatives, reigniting his artistic passion, with his renewed sense of purpose complicated by the bewitching presence of actress Gloria.

Jones breaks down his collaboration with his cinematographer on the film's handheld style, natural lighting, and 1.66:1 aspect ratio, his editing process, and his approach to directing Dafoe and Lee.

🎬 Late Fame hits movie theaters August 7th. Get your tickets!

Link to Late Fame tickets: https://www.magpictures.com/latefame/

Link to the Cinema Flow Podcast website: https://www.cinemaflowpodcast.com/

Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin joins the podcast to discuss the filmed production of Hadestown, one of the most celebrated Broadway musicals of the 21st century, currently playing in movie theaters across North America.

Chavkin breaks down the process of bringing the acclaimed stage show to the big screen.

She also reflects on her other acclaimed work, including Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Moby Dick, and gives us an update on her latest musical The Lunchbox as well as her upcoming play Welcome Table.

🎬 Hadestown is playing in movie theaters right now. Get your tickets!

Link to Hadestown tickets: https://hadestown.com/

Link to Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.chavkin/?hl=en

Director Derrick Borte joins the podcast to discuss his new crime film, THE GET OUT, opening in theaters June 26th and available on digital June 30th.

The film follows a nightclub owner on the verge of leaving his dangerous past behind, whose plans unravel when a masked gunman robs him and puts him in the crosshairs of a ruthless cartel.

Starring Russell Crowe, Teresa Palmer, Luke Evans, Nina Dobrev, and Aaron Paul.

Borte discusses adapting Thomas Perry's novel "Strip" with co-writer Daniel Forte, and what drew him to the project after making "Unhinged".

We dive into crafting the film's modern noir aesthetic with his cinematographer, managing the balance between comedy and genuine stakes, and the film's killer soundtrack, and much more.

🎬 The Get Out opens in select theaters June 26th and is available on digital June 30th.

Link to THE GET OUT trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB6HNuKxLmo

Link to Derrick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derrickborte/?hl=en

Link to Derrick's X: https://x.com/derrickborte?s=20

Special thanks to Dan R. Howard for creating the new Cinema Flow Podcast theme song that can be heard at the beginning and end of this episode.

Link to Dan's website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/DRH.Composer/Film-Music-Reel

Special thanks to the Ginsberg Libby team for making this interview possible.

Director Michael Tiddes joins the show to discuss his new horror-themed comedy blockbuster, SCARY MOVIE, currently playing in theaters everywhere.

The film stars Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall. It's a hysterical parody of all of your favorite horror movies from the last ten years.

Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeltiddes/?hl=en

Michael's X: https://x.com/MikeTiddes?lang=en

Scary Movie trailer: https://youtu.be/0fZ58S-7QP0?si=av0gYcUs8jV_jyCS

Scary Movie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarymovie/?hl=en

Get your tickets now: https://www.scarymovie.film/home/

Angelique Acuña joins the show for the 2027 Oscars Fantasy Draft.

She and Zack will each draft 10 films that they think will be nominated for Best Picture at the 99th Academy Awards.

Check out Angelique's Substack for some great film writing and Survivor coverage. Link: https://shorturl.at/bOjGo

Angelique Acuña's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuña's Letterboxd:

https://boxd.it/35YDZ

Zack's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/zackbaki

Screenwriter Zachary Donohue joins the show to discuss the new horror film, PASSENGER, currently playing in movie theaters around the world.

The film follows a young couple who witnesses a gruesome highway accident and soon realizes they did not leave the crash scene alone. A demonic presence called the Passenger turns their van life adventure into a nightmare.

Donohue discusses the inspiration behind the story and how the screenplay evolved from first draft to finished film.

🎬 Passenger is currently playing in movie theaters everywhere. Get your tickets now.

Passenger trailer: https://youtu.be/eNIn8kW1kyE?si=mGduyo8o4LUBPJKx

Zachary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donohuezach/

Passenger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passengermovie/

Special thanks to Mortimer PR for making this interview possible.

Writer-director Damien McCarthy joins the show to discuss his new horror film, HOKUM, currently playing in cinemas everywhere.

The film follows Ohm Bauman, a troubled writer who retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents' ashes, only to be consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force him to confront the dark corners of his past.

McCarthy discusses how he crafted Ohm's character arc, turning an unlikeable protagonist into someone the audience roots for by the end. We also dive into the filmmaking craft behind Hokum, including its stunning cinematography, practical effects, and the creative production design that brings the inn to life.

🎬 Hokum is currently playing in cinemas everywhere. Get your tickets now.

Hokum trailer: https://youtu.be/jP2nDyQWBOU?si=0qIkw0G03KDKMxw9

Damien's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hows_themovie_goin/

Damien's Website: https://www.hediesattheend.com/

Hokum Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/hokum/

Hokum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hokum.movie/

Damien's short films: https://www.youtube.com/@millerkarras/videos

Get your tickets now: https://www.fandango.com/hokum-2026-244804/movie-overview

Special thanks to Neon and the Ginsberg Libby for making this interview possible.

Film podcast legend, Sean O'Connell, joins the show. He is the deputy editor of CBR (Comic Book Resources), former co-host of the beloved ReelBlend podcast, and author of three essential film books: Release the Snyder Cut, With Great Power, and Bruce Willis.

Zack and Sean go deep on the legacy of ReelBlend and Sean breaks down his work at CBR. Then the conversation turns to his books: the grassroots fan movement behind the Snyder Cut, the untold history of Spider-Man on film, and what it was like writing a career retrospective on one of Hollywood's most prolific stars, Bruce Willis.

Plus: the results of the legendary 2025 ReelBlend Fantasy Draft are finally revealed.

Timecodes:

01:10 ReelBlend Memories

11:00 CBR: Comic Book Resources

13:32 Release the Snyder Cut

18:49 With Great Power: Spider-Man

23:55 Bruce Willis: A Career Retrospective

Links:

Order Sean's books:

https://spider-man-with-great-power-book.kit.com/

Sean's CBR page:

https://www.cbr.com/author/sean-o-connell/

Sean's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sean_oconnell33/

Sean's X:

https://x.com/Sean_OConnell

CBR YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/@cbr/videos

ReelBlend YouTube archive:

https://www.youtube.com/@ReelBlend

Filmmaker Kirk Jones joins the show to discuss his award-winning film I Swear, opening in cinemas on April 24.

The film follows John Davidson, a man living with Tourette's syndrome, as he grows from a misunderstood teenager in the 1980s into someone who discovers purpose through the kindness of others.

Jones shares the origins of the story and how he carefully balanced humor and emotion to create a film that's both deeply moving and genuinely funny.

We also dive into the filmmaking craft behind I Swear, including its cinematography, editing choices, and Robert Aramayo's BAFTA-winning performance.

🎬 I Swear hits U.S. theaters on April 24th.

Kirk's Website: https://www.kirkjones.com/

Kirk's IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428600/

I Swear Trailer: https://youtu.be/10ynpduiRpM?si=8ToKbv7xPYV3_2Me

I Swear Website: https://www.iswearfilm.com/home/

I Swear Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/i-swear/

Writer Ben Hopkins joins the show to discuss his latest film, Fuze.

Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and Sam Worthington, and directed by David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Fuze is a tense action-thriller that begins with the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb at a construction site in the heart of London. What follows is a high-stakes race against time as authorities scramble to evacuate the city before disaster strikes.

🎬 Fuze is in cinemas now in the U.K. and hits theaters in the U.S. on April 24th.

Ben Hopkins' Website: https://benhopkins.eu/

Fuze Trailer: https://youtu.be/vh9FR7R9QCo?si=Jxk7DkoGh_vadLTq

Fuze Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/fuze.film/

Fuze IMDb Page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31189814/

Filmmaker Chandler Levack joins the show to discuss her 2 new films, "Roommates" and "Mile End Kicks" both coming out on the same day.

First up, Roommates, an R-rated teen comedy produced by Adam Sandler and starring Sadie Sandler.

The film follows a naïve college freshman whose dream roommate situation quickly spirals into passive-aggressive chaos.

Levack talks about finding the balance between outrageous comedy and grounded character work, and collaborating with a stacked ensemble cast including Chloe East, Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, Storm Reid, Carol Kane, Ivy Wolk, and Janeane Garofalo.

She also shares insights into the film's underlying themes of communication, boundaries, and personal growth.

We then shift to Mile End Kicks, a romantic comedy starring Barbie Ferreira as a young aspiring writer who moves to Montreal and finds herself entangled in the world of indie rock.

She discusses the film's visual style and her collaboration with Matt Johnson and Zapruder Films.

🎬 Roommates hits Netflix and Mile End Kicks arrives in theaters on April 17th, making for the perfect double feature #MileEndMates

Chandler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevack/

Chandler's X: https://x.com/clevack

Chandler's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/clevack/

Roommates Trailer: https://youtu.be/PF3dDdeSIVc?si=17rrmhM4uIaXJwV6

Mile End Kicks Trailer: https://youtu.be/mzaCmw_VrlI?si=tqPzpFJCCQhenMP9

Mile End Kicks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mileendkicksmovie/

Screenwriter and producer Aaron Lee, joins the show to chat about the new season of Ted on Peacock. He breaks down his episode, Talk Dirty to Me.

We also dive into his impressive career including his work on hit shows like Family Guy and The Cleveland Show, as well as the Comedy Central roasts.

Aaron takes us inside the world of television comedy, sharing how he got his start in the industry and what it takes to build a successful career as a writer.

We dive deep into the writers' room process, how episodes come together from brainstorming to final cut, and what it's like producing on long-running animated series.

If you're an aspiring writer or just curious about how your favorite shows are written, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and plenty of laughs.

Special thanks to Jon Westling for hosting this episode.

📺 Season 2 of Ted is streaming now on Peacock.

Ted Season 2 Trailer: https://youtu.be/C93GFpbp554?si=SwuBBM54JWFUy_-e

Australian actor, Daniel MacPherson, joins the show to chat about his new intense MMA drama BEAST from Lionsgate.

Daniel plays Patton James, a fisherman pulled back into the brutal world of MMA for one final fight after a family tragedy.

In this episode, he breaks down his incredible three-year transformation for the role; training in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, and even traveling to Thailand to work alongside professional fighters.

We also dive into what it was like working with Russell Crowe, the challenges of filming intense fight sequences on an indie budget, and why BEAST delivers one of the most realistic portrayals of MMA ever seen in cinema.

🎬 BEAST opens in cinemas on April 10 in the U.S. and April 23 in Australia.

Daniel MacPherson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmacpherson/

Beast Trailer: https://youtu.be/yJN2mJ4uOas?si=GgxNuepL9xF-SkXe

Beast Website: https://www.beastfilm.movie/home/

Filmmaker Daniel Goldhaber joins the show to discuss his latest horror-thriller, Faces of Death.

Known for his previous films, How to Blow Up a Pipeline and Cam, Goldhaber dives into the inspiration behind this chilling new project, which follows a content moderator who uncovers a disturbing series of videos that may depict real murders.

Goldhaber breaks down his creative choices, from shooting on 35mm film to crafting an atmospheric, retro-inspired tone, and shares insights into working with a standout cast including Barbie Ferreira, Dacre Montgomery, Josie Totah, Jermaine Fowler, and Charli XCX.

They also touch on practical vs. visual effects, the story's themes, and the collaborative writing process with Isa Mazzei.

Plus, Goldhaber shares behind-the-scenes stories and advice for aspiring filmmakers.

🎬 Faces of Death hits theaters April 10th from the IFC, the Independent Film Company.

Don't miss this deep dive into one of the year's most unsettling and thought-provoking horror films.

Daniel Goldhaber's Website: https://www.danielgoldhaber.com/

Faces of Death website: https://www.facesofdeathmovie.com/home/

Daniel's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/chronopictures/?hl=en

Daniel's Letterboxd List of "Faces of Death" influences: https://boxd.it/5yYd4

Daniel's Letterboxd Profile: https://letterboxd.com/chronopictures/

Daniel's X Profile: https://x.com/chronopictures

Faces of Death trailer: https://youtu.be/Nl1UfQ_kkmM?si=CWCDDm5ZDQNu4pql

Special thanks to The Lede Company for making this interview possible.

We are joined by filmmaker Kirill Sokolov to discuss his new horror/comedy/action film, They Will Kill You, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

He talks about the film's origins, Sokolov's transition from Russia to Hollywood, and the challenges of crafting such a visually bold and action-packed movie.

From inventive cinematography and wide-shot stunt work to insane practical effects and unforgettable set pieces, this is a deep dive into one of the most entertaining films of the year.

They Will Kill You is now playing in cinemas worldwide, don't miss this conversation.

Follow Kirill Sokolov on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kusok_kirla/

Link to watch They Will Kill You trailer: https://youtu.be/AqNFJUihSHg?si=-KBcHgEaDy6K7pTN

Rate and review They Will Kill You on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31728330/

Rate and review They Will Kill You on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/they-will-kill-you/

This week, we're joined by filmmakers Sean McGrath and Jon Westling for part two of a March Madness style bracket to determine the greatest found footage horror movie of all time.

Subscribe to Sean's Substack:

https://substack.com/@seankymcg

Watch "Rodge's Horror Lodge" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@RodgesHorrorLodge

Send an Email to Rodge:

rodgeshorrorlodge@gmail.com

Follow Rodge on Letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/rodgelodgeguy/

Follow "Brainbugs" on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/brainbugsmovie/

Watch Jon's film "Road Trip Runaway" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zClHt0NBuwQ

Follow Jon on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/dadsradplaid/

Follow Sean on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/sean.mcg/

Watch "The Man Who's Seen RIPD 47 Times" on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/FKmC5kZc2wk?si=nVO8wXhcukyEM9Mn

This week, we're joined by filmmakers Sean McGrath and Jon Westling for part one of a March Madness style bracket to determine the greatest found footage horror movie of all time.

We also chat about their upcoming projects, including "Rodge's Horror Lodge" and their films "Wildman" and "Brainbugs".

The bracket starts at 14:52

Subscribe to Sean's Substack:

https://substack.com/@seankymcg

Watch "Rodge's Horror Lodge" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@RodgesHorrorLodge

Send an Email to Rodge:

rodgeshorrorlodge@gmail.com

Follow Rodge on Letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/rodgelodgeguy/

Follow "Brainbugs" on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/brainbugsmovie/

Watch Jon's film "Road Trip Runaway" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zClHt0NBuwQ

Follow Jon on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/dadsradplaid/

Follow Sean on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/sean.mcg/

Watch "The Man Who's Seen RIPD 47 Times" on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/FKmC5kZc2wk?si=nVO8wXhcukyEM9Mn

On this episode, Angelique Acuña, Sean McGrath, and Zack Abdulbaki break down the 98th Academy Awards.

After Angelique and Zack made their predictions last week, they are joined by Sean McGrath to review the ceremony, react to the big winners, and discuss the biggest surprises of the night.

Did our predictions hold up, or were there some major upsets?

Tune in for our full recap and reactions to Hollywood's biggest night.

Plus, be sure to check out Angelique's Substack for more great film writing and Survivor coverage. 🎬🏆 Link: https://shorturl.at/bOjGo

Angelique Acuña's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuña's Letterboxd:

https://boxd.it/35YDZ

Subscribe to Sean's Substack:

https://substack.com/@seankymcg

Watch "Rodge's Horror Lodge" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@RodgesHorrorLodge

Send an Email to Rodge:

rodgeshorrorlodge@gmail.com

Follow Rodge on Letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/rodgelodgeguy/

Follow Sean on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/sean.mcg/

Watch "The Man Who's Seen RIPD 47 Times" on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/FKmC5kZc2wk?si=nVO8wXhcukyEM9Mn

Zack's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/zackbaki

Don't forget to check out Angelique Acuña's Substack. Here's a link:

https://angeacunamatata.substack.com

Rising actress Emma Halleen joins the show to talk about her breakout role as Bella Grant in The Beauty, now streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.

Emma discusses stepping into the spotlight during the show's final episodes, her process for building the character, and what it was like working with an all-star cast and director Michael Uppendahl.

She also reflects on her earlier work in the Ryan Murphy universe, including her lead role in the American Horror Stories Season 3, Episode 1, "Bestie".

She also shares stories from projects like Monster: The Ed Gein Story, AFI short films The Erl King and Children of Change, and her upcoming features Glance and Gettysburg 1863.

It's a great conversation about acting, career growth, and the exciting projects ahead for one of Hollywood's promising young talents.

Timecodes:

00:30 The Beauty

21:23 American Horror Stories: Season 3, Episode 1 "Bestie"

29:32 Monster: The Ed Guin Story

32:25 The Erl King

34:15 Children of Change

36:34 Glance

38:17 Gettysburg 1863

40:12 Dream Roles

Links:

Emma Halleen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.halleen/

Emma's IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11495673/

Variety article about The Beauty: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/the-beauty-prosthetics-bloody-transformation-scenes-1236679006/

The Erl King: https://watch.afi.com/movie/the-erl-king

Children of Change: https://watch.afi.com/movie/children-of-change

On this episode of Cinema Flow, Angelique Acuña and Zack Abdulbaki share their final predictions for the winners of the 98th Academy Awards.

If you've got an Oscars betting pool or you're filling out your ballot, consider this your last-minute cheat sheet.

Listen to the show, copy our homework, and see if our predictions help you take home the win. 😉

Plus, be sure to check out Angelique's Substack for more great film writing and Survivor coverage. 🎬🏆 Link: https://shorturl.at/bOjGo

🎧 Listen now and get ready for the Oscars!

Angelique Acuña's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuña's Letterboxd:

https://boxd.it/35YDZ

Zack's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/zackbaki

Don't forget to check out Angelique Acuña's Substack. Here's a link:

https://angeacunamatata.substack.com

This week, we're diving into the short film categories for the 98th Academy Awards: Live Action, Animated, and Documentary.

Joined by Angelique Acuña, we break down the standouts and our predictions for who might take home the Oscar.

Also, we share our reactions to the 32nd Actor Awards. Timecode for that is 17:39

Please check out Angelique Acuña's Substack. Here's a link:

https://angeacunamatata.substack.com

Angelique Acuña's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuña's Letterboxd:

https://boxd.it/35YDZ

Zack's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/zackbaki

Streaming Guide for the short films:

Documentary:

All the Empty Rooms - Netflix

The Devil is Busy - HBO Max

Armed Only with a Camera - HBO Max

Live Action:

A Friend of Dorothy - YouTube, Disney+

Jane Austen's Period Drama - YouTube

The Singers - Netflix

Animated:

Butterfly - YouTube

Forevergreen - YouTube

Returement Plan - YouTube

Don't forget to subscribe to Angelique's Substack:

https://substack.com/@angeliqueacuna?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwNt5xNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp6Th8XgWeg7CYqBjAqTV9p8z51bHPK_-gDo5KkTghcvIeE2yYjydQ1pY7h8S_aem_-Ovns0-PDFaQqgLyp4GHkA&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Angelique Acuña joins the show to break down the 2026 movie release calendar. She and Zack rate each upcoming film as a "smash" or "pass," sharing their excitement, skepticism, and bold predictions for the year ahead.

Please subscribe to Angelique's Substack. Here's a link:

https://angeacunamatata.substack.com

Angelique Acuña's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuña's Letterboxd:

https://boxd.it/35YDZ

Zack's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/zackbaki

The 35 movies covered (with timecodes):

February 27th

Scream 7 - (1:32)

March 6th

Hoppers - (2:39)

The Bride - (4:00)

March 20th

Project Hail Mary (5:20)

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (6:20)

April 1st

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (7:18)

April 3rd

The Drama (8:25)

April 24th

Michael (9:02)

May 1st

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (10:09)

May 8th

Mortal Kombat 2 (10:42)

The Sheep Detectives (11:13)

May 15th

Poetic License (12:16)

May 22nd

I Love Boosters (12:54)

The Mandalorian and Grogu (14:14)

June 12th

Disclosure Day (15:02)

Scary Movie 6 (16:26)

June 19th

Toy Story 5 (17:05)

June 26th

Jackass 5 (18:23)

Supergirl (20:00)

July 1st

Minions and Monsters (21:55)

July 10th

Moana (23:20)

July 17th

The Odyssey (24:37)

August 7th

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (26:00)

August 28th

Coyote Vs Acme (26:44)

The Dog Stars (28:05)

September 18th

Resident Evil (29:15)

October 2nd

Digger (29:50)

October 9th

The Social Reckoning (31:12)

November 20th

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (32:38)

November 25th

Hexed (34:38)

November 26th

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew (35:39)

Netflix:

The Adventures of Cliff Booth (37:19)

December 18th

Avengers Doomsday (38:06)

Dune Part 3 (38:06)

December 25th

Werwulf (41:16)

Angelique and Zack's most anticipated: (42:06)

Substack plug / Outro: (43:02)

Don't forget to subscribe to Angelique's Substack:

https://substack.com/@angeliqueacuna?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwNt5xNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp6Th8XgWeg7CYqBjAqTV9p8z51bHPK_-gDo5KkTghcvIeE2yYjydQ1pY7h8S_aem_-Ovns0-PDFaQqgLyp4GHkA&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

We are joined by entertainment journalist and The InSneider publisher Jeff Sneider co-host of The Hot Mic and FYC: For Your Consideration.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of 2016's incredible movie lineup, Zack and Jeff go head-to-head in a fantasy-style 2016 Movie Draft. They revisit one of the best years in modern film, picking ten films each.

Who built the better roster? Tune in to find out — and don't forget to check out The Hot Mic, FYC, and Jeff's newsletter, The InSneider. 🎬

Timecodes:

03:14 Movie Draft 2016

33:06 Next Year's Oscar Predictions

40:32 Below the Line Oscar Predictions

Links:

The InSneider Newsletter: https://www.theinsneider.com/

The Hot Mic: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWhZZEYoeaYDnefV6OuvQBaMudPxARbPa&si=FzthjeqznIlQyfrW

FYC: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPlwQzXEf5ypOLgG9NSSBJrJCegurGHbY&si=xt4Uoch57yXvQIox

Jeff Sneider's Twitter: https://x.com/TheInSneider?lang=en

Jeff Sneider's Blogspot: https://theinsneider.blogspot.com/

Jeff Sneider's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinsneider/?hl=en

Zack sits down with one of his favorite filmmakers, Matt Johnson, to discuss Matt's new film, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, distributed by Neon. They talk about the film's production and the challenges of indie filmmaking. Nirvanna hits theaters on February 13th, don't miss this inspiring conversation.

Follow Nirvanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntbtstm/

Link to watch Nirvanna trailer: https://youtu.be/y2K9ccMREOI?si=qByi-9l5Vnp0LFyG

Rate and review Nirvanna on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35522483/

Rate and review Nirvanna on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/nirvanna-the-band-the-show-the-movie/

Nirvanna fan website: https://nirvannathebandthe.show/

Awards season is officially here! Boone Haslerud joins the show to predict the winners of this year's Academy Awards.

Boone Haslerud's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/boonehaslerud/

On this episode of the Cinema Flow Podcast, host Zack Abdulbaki sits down with writer, director, and rising creative Juss Thrasher, creator of the breakout web series Unrequited,

He shares his approach to self-distribution, grassroots marketing, and building an audience independently.

The conversation also looks ahead to what's next for the series, including the possibility of a season two, and Juss's long-term goals as a filmmaker.

Links:

Juss Thrasher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juss.thrasher/

"Unrequited" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unrequited.series/

Watch "Unrequited" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSWfTemQjAg

On this episode of the Cinema Flow Podcast, host Zack Abdulbaki sits down with actor, writer, filmmaker, and all-around creative force Eric Toms.

Eric takes us back to the very beginning, sharing his experience as a stand-up comedian, including unforgettable experiences touring the world and opening for comedy legends like Norm Macdonald, Tracy Morgan, and Lewis Black.

The conversation also explores Eric's work in television, including Reality Binge, his love for sketch comedy, and the podcast "Making Movies Is Hard" which he produces. Eric also chats with us about his debut play My Dad's Kid which premiered at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, a hilarious and heartfelt story about family, rivalry, and long-buried secrets.

Plus, Eric shares how he got into photography, the origins of Night of Shorts Night, and his passion for championing short filmmakers, where he and Zack first crossed paths.

It's a wide-ranging, funny, and insightful conversation about creativity, persistence, and carving your own lane in the film industry.

Eric's Website: www.erictoms.com

Eric's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomsfunny/?hl=en

Making Movies is Hard! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952

Submit your film to Night of Shorts Night: https://www.erictoms.com/night-of-shorts-night

Eric's Merchandise: https://www.redbubble.com/people/tomsfunny/explore?page=1&sortOrder=recent

On this special episode of the Cinema Flow Podcast, host Zack Abdulbaki is joined by actor, writer, and filmmaker Eric Toms to react to the 98th Academy Awards nominations.

Zack and Eric dive into the biggest surprises, snubs, and headline-making nominees across the major categories, sharing honest reactions, industry insight, and plenty of laughs along the way. 

Whether you're an awards-season junkie or just love talking movies, this episode is a must-listen.

Eric's Website: www.erictoms.com

Eric's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomsfunny/?hl=en

Making Movies is Hard! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952

Submit your film to Night of Shorts Night: https://www.erictoms.com/night-of-shorts-night

Eric's Merchandise: https://www.redbubble.com/people/tomsfunny/explore?page=1&sortOrder=recent

Adam Elara and Andrew Vaughan join the podcast to conduct the 2026 box office draft.

Adam, Andrew, and Zack each draft eight blockbuster movies set to be released in 2026 with the goal of making the most money possible against the production budget.

Adam Elara's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adamelara

Listen to "Brown Man Down" by Sikeen:

https://sikeenmusic.com/en-usd/pages/music

Follow Sikeen music on Instagram: https://linktr.ee/Sikeenmusic

Adam Elara's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/adamelara/

Andrew Vaughan's Production Company: https://www.shaywanproductions.com

Andrew Vaughan's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/avproshots/

Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/

This week we're putting one of modern cinema's biggest stars to the test in "Timothée Chalamet: Smash or Pass."

Joined by returning guests Sean McGrath and Angelique Acuna, we dive into Timothée Chalamet's filmography, breaking down the hits, the risks, and the roles that sparked debate.

From indie breakthroughs to blockbuster moments, we revisit Chalamet's most talked about performances and decide which ones truly deliver and which ones miss the mark.

Please check out "Brainbugs". The new film that Sean McGrath worked on as a cinematographer. It will be shown at Look Cinemas in Glendale.

Tickets available here:

https://tinyurl.com/mspm276

"Rodge's Horror Lodge" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@RodgesHorrorLodge/videos

Trailer for "Wildman" starring Sean McGrath: https://youtu.be/ZZ7k_qwb9_Y?si=0H0-1QHr7HYovck5

Sean McGrath's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS8WVyQkSkp/?img_index=1

Angelique Acuna's Substack:

https://angeacunamatata.substack.com/

Angelique Acuna's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Angelique Acuna and Isabella Caron return to the Cinema Flow Podcast to share their top ten favorite films of 2025.

Please check out their previous appearance on the podcast in the "Film Stud Gorls" reunion episode.

You can also check out the Film Stud Gorls archive below.

Links:

Film Stud Gorls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/filmstudgorls

Film Stud Gorls on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/filmstudgorls

Film Stud Gorls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmstudgorls/

Angelique Acuna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

This week on the Cinema Flow Podcast, we're joined by filmmaker Matthew Gentile, writer and director of American Murderer, now streaming on Hulu.

In our conversation, Gentile breaks down the journey of bringing American Murderer to life from researching the real life story and crafting tension on the page to directing performances and navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking.

Matthew Gentile's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewgentiledirector/

"American Murderer" Trailer: https://youtu.be/VGBkLhI-vAg?si=V9iYkPG4kqFskVuj

Matthew's AFI short film "Frontman": https://watch.afi.com/movie/frontman

Matthew's AFI short film "Lawman": https://watch.afi.com/movie/lawman-1

"American Murderer" on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/movie/5098d9ea-32fe-45ca-8a3c-c692aff61ed2

Roy Farrell joins the show to review Joaquim Trier's new film "Sentimental Value," winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes. Distributed by Neon.

He discusses the movie's themes of family trauma and artistic self-reflection, standout performances from Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning, and which moments resonated most.

Links to Roy's podcast, "Vs. the Odds":

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65vsvHVKIkXLnA1UhO3UFe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vs-the-odds/id1573129297

The Film Stud Gorls are back! We reunite Angelique Acuna, Hunter Freedman, and Isabella Caron for a nostalgic crossover episode.

The "gorls", reflect on their three-year podcast run, then give us their Oscar predictions for the forthcoming Academy Awards.

Oscar Predictions start at 8:26

Links:

Film Stud Gorls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/filmstudgorls

Film Stud Gorls on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/filmstudgorls

Film Stud Gorls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmstudgorls/

Angelique Acuna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelique.acuna/

Hunter Freedman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterreine/?hl=en

Zack sits down with filmmaker and YouTube film critic Chris Stuckmann to discuss his directorial debut, Shelby Oaks, distributed by Neon. They talk about the film's production and the challenges of indie filmmaking. Shelby Oaks hits theaters on October 24th, don't miss this inspiring conversation.

Link to Chris Stuckmann's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ChrisStuckmann

Link to Shelby Oaks website: https://www.shelbyoaks.film/

What Happened to Riley Brennan? Website: https://whathappenedtorileybrennan.com

Follow Chris Stuckmann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisstuckmann

Follow Shelby Oaks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyoaksfilm

Link to watch Shelby Oaks trailer: https://youtu.be/ShelbyOaksTrailer

Rate and review Shelby Oaks on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/ShelbyOaks

Rate and review Shelby Oaks on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/shelby-oaks/

On this episode of the Cinema Flow Podcast, we sit down with writer/director Blake Tamarkin and actor Anthony Casabianca to dive into the making of their new film Third Wheel, premiering September 9th on Apple TV and Amazon.

The film follows Ray, a hopeless romantic navigating heartbreak, loneliness, and the awkward comedy of being single while surrounded by love-struck friends.

Blake and Anthony share insights into the filmmaking process, building authentic characters, and how they struck the balance between humor and emotional depth.

Link to watch Third Wheel on Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Wheel-Digital-Purchase

Link to watch Third Wheel on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/third-wheel

Link to purchase Third Wheel on Blu-Ray and DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Wheel-Blu-ray-DVD

Learn more about Full Out Films: https://fulloutfilms.com/

Watch Two of a Kind short film: https://youtu.be/Two-of-a-Kind

Follow @anthonycasabiancaa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonycasabianca

Follow @blaketamarkin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaketamarkin

Follow @thirdwheel_film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdwheel_film

Follow @fullout_films on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullout_films

Rate and review Third Wheel on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/ThirdWheel

Rate and review Third Wheel on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/ThirdWheel

Check out Zack and Anthony's short film, Scorpion Cocktail: https://www.scorpioncocktail.com

Get ready for a hype-filled episode as we count down our Top Ten Most Anticipated Movies of 2026—and we're joined once again by Karim Alkhouli.

From long-awaited sequels and bold original ideas to rumored passion projects and potential awards contenders, we break down the titles that have us most excited for the year ahead. Expect plenty of speculation, hot takes, and a few surprise picks along the way.

If you're a movie lover looking to get ahead of the buzz, this episode is your ultimate preview guide. Don't miss it!

Karim's Instagram handle:

@karimalkhouli

Join us for a spirited episode featuring special guest Karim Alkhouli as we dive into The Fantastic Four: First Steps!

We start with an in-depth review of the film—exploring its fresh take on Marvel's First Family, the chemistry between the new cast, and how it sets the stage for future MCU entries.

From there, we open things up to a fun and thoughtful discussion about superhero fatigue, what we want from Phase 5, and how this film fits into the evolving landscape of comic book cinema.

Whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan, a casual moviegoer, or just here for the hot takes, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and plenty of bold opinions. Tune in!

Karim's Instagram handle:

@karimalkhouli

Join us for a lively episode featuring special guests Angelique Acuna and Katie Isherwood!

We kick things off with a brief review of The Naked Gun reboot—touching on its absurd humor, rapid-fire gags, and how it stacks up against the original comedy classic.

Then we shift gears into a wide-ranging conversation about the movies we're most excited for in the rest of the year, our favorite films so far, and our early predictions for the upcoming Oscars.

Whether you're here for laughs, movie recommendations, or a bit of awards season speculation, this episode has something for every film fan. Don't miss it!

Film Stud Gorls podcast: https://youtube.com/@filmstudgorls

Writer and director Ethan Gathman joins the Cinema Flow Podcast to discuss his latest short film, Pookie and Peanut, and share the journey behind his debut feature, Jit. From creative inspiration to behind-the-scenes insights, this episode explores Ethan's unique voice in independent filmmaking and what's on the horizon for his career.

"Pookie and Peanut" short film, on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/PookieAndPeanut

Trailer for "Jit": https://youtu.be/JIT

Ethan's website: https://www.ethangathman.com/

Instagram handle: @thats_ethangathman

Sean Levitt and Liam Myers join the show to compete in a movie-trivia competition. Play along at home to see if you can beat them!

Time codes:

Game #1: Rotten Tomatoes Game (0:27)

Game #2: IMDb Game (8:04)

Game #3: What Year Was It? (8:58)

Sean Levitt recommends "The Turnaround" a 25-minute-long sports documentary on Netflix.

Liam Myers recommends A24's "Friendship" starring Tim Robinson. As well as "Chime" by Kiyoshi Kurosawa.

Follow them on Letterboxd:

@seanlevitt

@LiamMyers

Join us for an in-depth discussion of the new film; "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" with special guest Karim Alkhouli.

We dive deep into Tom Cruise's death-defying stunts, the film's high-octane action sequences, and whether this entry lives up to the franchise's legendary reputation.

From practical effects to plot twists, no stone is left unturned in this review. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or new to the "Mission: Impossible" universe, this episode offers a thoughtful and passionate film discussion that you won't want to miss!

Chapters:

NON-SPOILER REVIEW BEGINS AT (00:48)

SPOILERS BEGIN AT (23:58)

Instagram handles:

@karimalkhouli

@cinema_flow_podcast

Katie Ann O'Keefe is a cinematographer and director that has worked on many films, including the documentary, "Live From the Space Stage: A Halyx Story" which you can watch for free on the Defunctland YouTube channel.

Link to watch -> https://youtu.be/f0rDLvg-Lfs

We also talk about an upcoming short film she directed called "The Shadow in the Mirror". As well as several short films she's worked on, including "Creative Reasoning" and "The Stardust Motel".

Instagram handles:

@katieannsvisuals

@cinema_flow_podcast

If you're an up-and-coming filmmaker living in California, then you should definitely submit your short film to "The Great Film Club". You can submit any short film you've made for free, then have it shown up on the big screen in Los Angeles.

For more information, visit: https://linktr.ee/thegreatfilmclub

The founder of the club, Sabrina Torres, joins the Cinema Flow Podcast to discuss the club as well as her short film, "Tape".

Watch her short film "TAPE" here: https://linktr.ee/tapeashortfilm

Instagram handles:

@sabrinathegreat_

@thegreatfilmclub

@tapeshortfilm

Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/sabrinathegreat_