Just watched Mohammad Rasoulof’s THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG, & I am genuinely *shocked* this didn’t win a top three prize in Cannes, & was just given a special award. WOW, you guys. This is what I call leaving the fest on a high note. Thank you, Rasoulof. Thank you, #Telluride.

L O N G L E G S

TITANE (2021) Cinematography by Ruben Impens Directed by Julia Ducournau

My interview with “Anora” director Sean Baker (with inputs from DP Drew Daniels) on the art of crafting grimy American fairytales: backstage.com/magazine/artic…

nature is quite remarkable

Mikey Madison gave up competitive horseback riding to pursue acting. Now, the rising star is getting awards buzz for her role as a determined stripper in ‘Anora.’ trib.al/TIxSlyY

PRESENCE rules. David Koepp in STIR OF ECHOES mode. Steven Soderberg delivers a uniquely entertaining ghost story where the camera is a character. Riveting. #tiff2024

Kicked off #TIFF24 with Steven Soderbergh’s #Presence, a tense, suspenseful but occasionally amusing thriller that will no doubt be anxiety-inducing for the parents of teenagers. Dug how it’s shot from the pov of the spirit haunting a family, revealing a family that is perhaps

Presence: Even as a huge fan of late Soderbergh, this is the coolest thing he’s done in years — a haunted house gimmick elevated by brazen formal discipline, drawing a straight line from its ghost to director as puppetmaster and voyeur. Great ending, under 90 minutes. #TIFF24

PRESENCE shares intimate moments within a family that aren’t meant for our eyes. Arguments, gossip, and sneaky teenage moments. Surprisingly hilariously, and at times endearing. All seen from the perspective of a ghost, Soderbergh gets you uncomfortably close, at times making

First up for me at #TIFF24 is Steven Soderbergh’s haunting new flick Presence. A stylish (obviously) and minimalistic thriller with a surprisingly emotional punch at the end. Good start to the festival!

"I said ‘yes’ even before I read the script. I knew whatever he created was something I would want to be a part of.” - ANORA star Mikey Madison on working with director Sean Baker. 📸: Keith Oshiro for The Cut

The Cut NEON Read the full interview: thecut.com/article/mikey-…

rip longlegs summer, hello longlegs fall

‘the seed of the sacred fig’ is such colossal filmmaking and it absolutely broke me. the exploration of family dynamics from sister to sister, mother to daughter and wife to husband set within the story of what it’s been like for women in iran to stand up for their rights.

"Utterly creative. A documentary that reflects the state of the Internet as it stands and as it turns a mirror on its makers." #SeekingMavisBeacon is now playing at IFC Center and opens in additional cities tomorrow. Explore showtimes and filmmaker Q&As: seekingmavisbeacon.com

"I wanted every aspect of Ani’s career and what she does to be realistic." When director Sean Baker suggested she get dance training before they began shooting ANORA, Mikey Madison had already been doing it for months. Read more via The Cut: thecut.com/article/mikey-…

Hail Satan! #Longlegs

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG is one of the most fearless and moving films I’ve seen this year. Showcasing rebellious women living within a police state. Traditions between generations contend one another, leading to an intense final act that had me in tears. The use of real life

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG is layered and slowly builds into an intimate family drama. What begins as a challenging job promotion expands into religious and political turmoil surrounding the family. Brilliant all around and has not left my mind since. #TIFF24