TwoOhSix Picks - 2021 North Bend Film Festival

The North Bend Film Festival is back after a one year pandemic induced hiatus and the 2021 edition has got a full lineup of programming both virtual and in person. This hybrid format has been the norm for most festivals this year and the fine folks who are in charge of these particular proceedings have gone all out in maintaining the fun and quirky vibe the festival is known for. See below for my election of films you do not want to miss out on during the festival's run.

Silat Warriors: Deed of Death - Movie Review

The Movie: Silat Warriors: Deed of Death

The Director: Areel Abu Bakar

The Cast: Namron, Khoharullah Majid, Feiyna Tajudin, Fad Anuar, Taiyuddin Bakar, Megat Shahrizal, Azlan Komeng

The Story: When a reckless young gambler’s wild lifestyle of illegal betting, drag racing, and brutal street fights pits him against a ruthless criminal enterprise, his luck finally runs out.

Changing Directions Podcast Series: CJ Hunt - Director of The Neutral Ground

Director CJ Hunt joins the Changing Directions podcast interview series to discuss his new documentary The Neutral Ground. The film is one that should be required viewing in the same vein as other recent documentaries Far East Deep South and Summer of Soul.

The Neutral Ground - Documentary Review

The Documentary: The Neutral Ground

The Director: CJ Hunt

The Story: In December 2015, the New Orleans City Council voted to remove four Confederate monuments from public grounds. A forceful group of critics protested the decision, and fearing retaliation, no crew would agree to remove the statues.

The Interview:

Director and producer CJ Hunt was kind enough to take time to join the podcast right in the middle of The Neutral ground's festival run and PBS debut. The film will be available to watch for free on PBS as the season premiere episode of the POV documentary series beginning on July 5th.

Black Widow - Movie Review

The Movie: Black Widow

The Director: Cate Shortland

The Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, William Hurt, Ray Winstone, Rachel Weisz

The Story: A film about Natasha Romanoff in her quests between the films Civil War and Infinity War.