From scratch DJ to graphic novelist to now animation director, Kid Koala joins us on the latest episode of the Showcast to discuss his moving and visual inventive directorial debut, the animated feature Space Cadet, screening at the 2025 Annecy Animation Film Festival. Based on his own graphic novel, the film is poignant tale of interstellar dreams, parental bonds, and "technological" tenderness, all told through a beautiful tactile animation style and an evocative original score. In this conversation, Kid Koala reflects on his early love for animation, the influence of silent cinema legends like Charlie Chaplin, and some of the deeply personal experiences that inspired the film. He also dives into the production process behind Space Cadet, from collaborating on the screenplay to learning the language of animation filmmaking.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(01:08) The Multifaceted Artistry of Kid Koala

(03:45) The Origins of "Space Cadet"

(04:43) Wordless Storytelling

(08:36) A Robot Guardian

(12:08) Making a Film to Remember

(14:21) Learning to Speak the Language of Animation

(18:08) Outro

A group of Polish resistance fighters desperately try escape Nazi forces via Warsaw's sewage system. Listen to a quick review of "Kanal," the 1957 film directed by Andrzej Wajda.

Welcome to "Cinephile Corner," a regular series where TFV's Matt Micucci dives into a randomly selected film, sharing his opinion on a wide range of classics and hidden gems in two minutes or less, in the name of insatiable cinephilia.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(00:24) Review

(01:25) Final Rating and Movie Recommendation

In this episode, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with award-winning filmmaker Hamzah Jamjoom, a leading voice in Saudi Arabia's emerging film industry.

Once a country with virtually no local film culture, Saudi Arabia is now witnessing a cinematic renaissance fueled by ambitious government initiatives and international interest. But as the industry grows, so do questions about its identity, direction, and global perception.

Drawing on Jamjoom's extensive first-hand experience, the latest episode of Publisher's Verdict features a conversation exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping Saudi cinema today, from navigating cultural authenticity and collaboration, to pushing back against Hollywood's long-standing stereotypes of Arab characters.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(04:12) The Emerging Film Industry of Saudi Arabia

(09:02) What distinguishes a Saudi film?

(12:47) Arab stereotypes in Hollywood

(20:01) "Running Dry"

(27:20) Authentic Saudi Stories

(30:19) Outro