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"The Trial" (1925, 1962, 1993): Kafka vs Welles vs Jones-Pinter
May 28, 2026
Unknown duration
"The Stranger" (1943, 1967, 2026) | Camus vs Visconti vs Ozon.
May 19, 2026
Unknown duration
Film Festival Round Table
May 11, 2026
Unknown duration
Jennifer's Picks: "Bound" (1996)
May 5, 2026
Unknown duration
Fellini's "I Vitelloni" (1953) & the DNA of the Hangout Movie
Apr 22, 2026
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/28/26 | ![]() "The Trial" (1925, 1962, 1993): Kafka vs Welles vs Jones-Pinter | The Novel: The Trial (Der Prozess) (1925) by Franz Kafka The Films: The Trial (Le Procès) (1962) Directed by: Orson WellesScreenplay by: Orson Welles Produced by: Alexander SalkindStarring: Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Akim Tamiroff, Elsa MartinelliThe Trial (1993) British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)Directed by: David JonesScreenplay by: Harold PinterProduced by: Louis Marks, Jan BalzerStarring: Kyle MacLachlan, Anthony Hopkins, Jason RobardsThe Panel: Host: Eric TrommaterGuests: Erin Brown and Sila BlumeMusic Credits: Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004: V. Chaconne by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performed live by Ben Goldstein. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Game Show Themehttps://youtu.be/UaRrDZWhtWA?si=v_no8Gd_OZ3x5R0s The Chapters: (TBA) 00:00:00 - Introduction & The Philosophy of Solipsism00:02:07 - Opening Thoughts on Welles vs. Jones-Pinter00:06:50 - The Meaning of Der Prozess: Language and Detail00:12:05 - The Rhythmic Deception of Harold Pinter's Dialogue00:22:37 - Structural Traps and Camera Violations00:25:55 - Post-War Systems vs. Internalized Guilt00:30:48 - Game Segment: Mapping the Family Tree of the Void00:36:41 - The Mechanical Breakdown of Linguistic Erosion00:43:19 - Technical Hurdles, Low Budgets, and Lenses00:46:34 - The Quarry: Comparing the Explosive vs. Sterile Endings00:56:33 - Philosophical Lineage: Existentialism and Absurdism00:59:39 - Sign-Off and Where to Find UsConnect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 5/19/26 | ![]() "The Stranger" (1943, 1967, 2026) | Camus vs Visconti vs Ozon. | *WARNING! The FDA highly recommends making peace with the absurdity of the universe before consuming this product.THE HOSTEric Trommater * Support Eric on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/I2I81KK10U Follow on X: @etrommaterTHE PANELErin Brown * Pizza Horse Productions: https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions?si=V91512KJ9HpYNH0b Bluesky: @toadpuppy.bsky.sociJen Trujillo Gilbert Baker Film Festival: https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/Instagram: @GilbertBakerFilmFestSila Blume Website: https://silablume.life/Nicole de Meneses Instagram: @darkrainbowfilms | @bloodpopcornfilmfestGoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shineTHE NOVEL"The Stranger" by Albert Camus (1943)THE MOVIESLo straniero (1967)Directed by: Luchino ViscontiScreenplay by: Luchino Visconti, Suso Cecchi d'AmicoProduced by: Dino De LaurentiisStarring: Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Karina, Bernard Blier, Jacques Herlin, Georges Géret, Georges WilsonCinematography: Giuseppe RotunnoL'Étranger (2025)Directed by: François OzonProduced by: François OzonStarring: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant, Swann ArlaudCinematography: Manu Dacosse*WARNING! The Universe is Cold and Indifferent to your suffering. If you've been a victim of Absurdism you may be eligible for compensation from The Universe.Side Effects Include:• Ennui• Turtle Neck and Beret Wearing• Chain Smoking• Liking "That Band" Before it Was Cool• Ironically Liking Robert Smith• Unironically Liking Robert Smith• Hair Loss"The Stranger" (1942, 1967, 2026). Camus vs Visconti vs Ozon. THE CHAPTERS0:00 Comparing Two Adaptations of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger'2:15 Panelists Share Initial Reactions to Both Film Versions7:28 Exploring Homoeroticism and Cinematic Choices in Ozon's Film15:39 Eric's Evolution of Understanding Camus's 'The Stranger'25:17 From Real-Life Inspiration to Ozon's Controversial Ending37:13 How Camus's Absurdism Became a Political Weapon Today55:25 Society's Absurd Reaction to Meursault's Sincere Normality1:03:16 Meursault's Lack of Empathy and Life's Absurd Choices1:18:45 Examining Female Roles and the Controversial Priest Scene1:33:05 Final Thoughts on Camus, Indifference, and Societal LiesConnect With UsYouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 5/11/26 | ![]() Film Festival Round Table | The Host:Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryThe Panel:Susan GorrellExecutive Director of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF).https://julienfilmfest.com/Jim FarmerFestival Director of Out On Filmhttps://outonfilm.orgJennifer TrujilloSenior Managing Director and Executive Director at the Gilbert Baker Film Festival and Panelist on The World Cinema History Podcast.https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/Joshua R. PangbornWriter/Actor/Filmmaker of Queer Fat-Positive Horror/Comedy. Founder/SideKick Productions.https://www.sidekickproductionsny.comLuke HigginsonWriter/Director/Co-Editor of RELAX, I'M FROM THE FUTURE (2023) and friend of The World Cinema History Podcast.https://www.instagram.com/borrowedtimemediaErin BrownIndependent Filmmaker and Co-Host of The World Cinema History Podcast.https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductionsLaura PetrieFounder and Executive Director Cinema Systers Film Festival.https://cinemasysters.com/krissy mahanworking class filmmaker and founder of dykeumentary films.https://www.dykeumentary.com/The Issues:0:00 Shenanigans, Tomfoolery, and the Podcast's Opening Banter0:55 Introducing Our Distinguished Panel of Film Festival Experts3:11 Volume, AI, and Human Standards in Film Submissions5:18 Balancing Quality, Inclusivity, and Niche Film Curation7:33 Expression, Online Reach, and In-Person Connection13:34 Expanding Reach Through Online Film Festivals17:33 The Struggle for Indies: Big Names Don't Guarantee Entry21:20 Uplifting Voices: Why Queer Film Festivals Are Essential23:29 How Festivals Screen Thousands of Films25:53 Making Festivals Inclusive: Venues, Captions, and Beyond31:33 Getting Artists Paid in the Streaming Era38:16 Prestige, Strategy, and Audience Impact42:30 Celebrating Unique Voices and Community46:47 What is Art's Role in Global Crises? | — | ||||||
| 5/5/26 | ![]() Jennifer's Picks: "Bound" (1996) | "I'm not suggesting Bound ...is a remake of Pandora’s Box... but as a cinephile, you can’t ignore the visual tether." This week on World Cinema History, host Eric Trommater finds himself in a tight spot—literally. After a "method-acting" introduction that leaves him duct-taped in a storage closet, Jennifer Trujillo takes the lead to dive into the high-contrast, tactile neo-noir world of the Wachowskis’ 1996 debut, Bound.While the world knows the Wachowskis for the sprawling digital philosophy of The Matrix, we look back at their most disciplined work—a film that trades "The Chosen One" for the sharp geometry of a shared wall and the visceral texture of fresh white paint. We explore how Jennifer Tilly’s Violet weaponizes the "Lulu" mask of 1920s icon Louise Brooks, and how the film acts as a bridge between the visual economy of German Expressionism and the modern graphic novel.To wrap things up, Eric steps into his "asshole film snob" persona to issue a challenge: How did the Wachowskis manage to make a couple committing heinous crimes likable, when masters like Godard, Fellini, and Bergman left Jennifer cold? Plot Summary provided by: Nicole de Meneses Hosts Jen Trujillo www.GilbertBakerFilmFestival.LGBT@GilbertBakerFilmFest on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gilbertbakerfilmfest/Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/I2I81KK10U @etrommater on X (aka Twitter) Guests Laura Petrie www.cinemasysters.com Krissy Mahan https://www.dykeumentary.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dykeumentary/ Sila Blume https://silablume.life/ Koom Kankesan https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Shakespeare-Koom-Kankesan/dp/1774151626 Kacy Boccumini @kacyBoccumini on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kacyboccumini/ or Substack @ https://kacyboccumini.substack.com/ Nicole de Meneses https://www.instagram.com/darkrainbowfilms/ https://www.instagram.com/bloodpopcornfilmfest/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shine Rose ‘Maria’ Mitchell Instagram: @rose_maria_mitchell https://www.instagram.com/rose_maria_mitchell/ Soundscape and Clip: https://youtu.be/t2fOvGDnin0?si=TKZcLUn7PD7TrHqbhttps://youtu.be/WjI8chb3FZo?si=vqJkaCGlwFRVLcBohttps://youtu.be/AJre5Fv4498?si=VIwKSmNEgeHqp1C_Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Fellini's "I Vitelloni" (1953) & the DNA of the Hangout Movie | "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a cinephile."This week, the World Cinema History panel breathes in the salt air of 1953 Rimini to tackle Federico Fellini’s early masterwork, I Vitelloni. Following our "Road to Godard" series, we’re pivoting from Maoist groupthink to the "Economic Miracle" of Italy, where the problem isn't a lack of resources—it's a vacuum of purpose.Join Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Sila Blume, Koom Kankesan, and a very skeptical Jennifer Trujillo as we break down the blueprint for the "hangout movie." From the "Overgrown Calves" terrified of an alarm clock to the cinematic DNA that directly informed Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets and Goodfellas, we explore how Fellini used the camera to judge, mock, and ultimately find mercy for his lovable losers.In This Episode:The "Goodfellas" Connection: We analyze how Scorsese lifted Fellini’s "roll call" and tracking shot techniques to introduce his own crew of nobodies on the street corner.Technical Breakdown: We dive into the physics of the 25–28mm lens. Why do these men look "top-heavy" and grotesque? We discuss the "big head" effect and how Fellini used wide-angle distortion as a tool for satire.The Ghost Train: A deep dive into the technical miracle of the final sequence, where Fellini breaks the physical "contract" of the world to film a journey through memory.Nino Rota’s Sound: How the predecessor to The Godfather score turns a pathetic provincial life into a grand, tragic parade.The Cinematic Timeline: We place I Vitelloni in context between the domestic shadows of C’è ancora domani and the cynical "Years of Lead" seen in Seven Beauties.Next Week’s Pick: Jennifer brings us back to the 90s with Bound."One dog goes one way, the other dog goes the other way, and Moraldo is standing in the middle like, 'Whaddaya want from me?'"Chapters0:00 From Goodfellas to Fellini: A Cinematic Opening2:24 Jennifer's Unpopular Opinion: Machismo in 1953 Italy9:20 Unlikable Characters & Sympathetic Satire in Fellini's Film15:07 Placing 'I Vitelloni' in Italy's Post-War Cinematic Evolution21:09 Moraldo's Journey: Narrator, Protagonist, or Moral Compass?26:42 Fellini's Casting Choices: Leopoldo's Intellectual Pretensions30:16 The Blueprint for Hangout Movies: Fellini's Influence on Scorsese33:52 Wide-Angle Lenses: Crafting Grotesque Imagery in Fellini's Style40:23 The DNA of 'The Godfather' Score: Nino Rota's 'I Vitelloni' Music45:17 Moraldo & Fausto: Symbolism in Character Names and Relationships50:11 Breaking the Contract: Moraldo's Escape and Fellini's Artistic Evolution1:02:20 Behind the Scenes: Costumes, Sets, and Fellini's Production Control1:07:25 Final Thoughts on Fellini and Announcing Next Week's Film: 'Bound'Clips Used:Clips from Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas Clips from Federico Fellini's I Vitteloni https://youtu.be/6SPLEPdEBuo?si=rxrnuAMMCgMwSGd9https://youtu.be/pct1uEhAqBQ?si=_oGY9oS4RcJKtTccNouth Jazz B. White (1920)https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=MVf9MNChUIZ1h6E0Christopher Romero Wilson as Charley from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesmanhttps://youtu.be/mRe8J4scGtU?si=aOggHR4uOhDWMZlDhttps://youtu.be/zxtz-L6YLpk?si=XnPtrQG8d-7vSuc8Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 4/18/26 | ![]() Bergman's "Passion (1969):" Silence, Color, and Liv Ullmann | Ingmar Bergman’s "The Passion of Anna"In this episode, we dive into the stark, psychological landscape of Ingmar Bergman’s 1969 masterpiece, The Passion of Anna. As we transition from our Road to Godard series into the new Adaptation era, we explore a film that marks a pivotal moment in Bergman's career—an island of isolation, truth, and structural experimentation.In this roundtable discussion:The Liv Ullmann signed poster: Panelist Koom Kankesan shares the incredible story of how he secured an autograph from Ullmann herself on the vintage poster featured in today’s episode art.Technical Artistry: We break down the experimental use of color and Sven Nykvist’s cinematography, examining how the film's palette mirrors the internal rot of its characters.The Final Scene: A deep dive into the meaning, technical processing, and the haunting, handheld execution of the film's final moments.Atmospheric Recording: Recorded in the "Pirate Podcast" tradition, featuring Sila Blume contributing via a train journey through the Southeast United States, adding a unique, transient texture to the conversation.The Panel:Hosted by Eric Trommater, featuring Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, Sila Blume, and first-time guest Koom Kankesan.Chapters0:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes: Unpacking Bergman's Personal Demons5:37 The Incredible Story Behind Koom's Liv Ullmann Autograph15:56 Unraveling The Passion of Anna's Animal Cruelty Mystery21:39 How Bergman Mastered New Wave Cinema and Challenged Audiences34:12 Is The Passion of Anna Misogynistic? Exploring Trauma and Guilt53:32 Bergman's Control: The Truth Behind The Film's Interview Segments1:01:06 Sven Nykvist's Experimental Color: The Film's Visual Disintegration1:12:23 Analyzing The Passion of Anna's Powerful Ending and Bergman's Legacy1:25:07 Where to Find Our Panelists and What's Next WeekClips used:https://youtu.be/9fQ7wmlxDno?si=Kgn1bF_eZZy3PHpIhttps://youtube.com/shorts/OHrSRXPtNZs?si=tCfEE3s-tqKM-CUShttps://youtu.be/Oa16grXuK1g?si=rG_qhbG6pZAPLyYuhttps://youtu.be/UlEQzzIRlmU?si=XGl4NirbXyitoVhdhttps://youtu.be/_J8t6q2EL7k?si=ZAVAxfFiklF5yD_Lhttps://youtu.be/73vw4xVCPEM?si=gOMJaGllPJtNcFszhttps://youtu.be/r7zDsVZcHg0?si=SlIoBmXr9ei4OaeNhttps://youtu.be/Z4VSvlLsOP4?si=mSKdHmakwvRNcI12https://youtu.be/6YzbFVnY9Nk?si=hexEDm9yS8hazvvRConnect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | ![]() "Weekend" (1967): Cars, Cannibals and The End of Cinema | "A Podcast Found in a Garbage Dump."The journey is complete. In the final installment of our Road to Godard series, we tackle Jean-Luc Godard’s 1967 scorched-earth satire, Weekend. We have traveled from the poetic realism of Grand Illusion to the revolutionary "End of Cinema," navigating a landscape of endless traffic jams and the collapse of the social contract.In this episode, we discuss:The High Concept: Why Weekend might actually be Godard’s most "High Concept" film, surprisingly borrowing the narrative DNA of Road to Zanzibar.The Death of Narrative: How Godard tears up the traditional rules of filmmaking to create something confrontational, sarcastic, and new.The Great Traffic Jam: Breaking down one of the most famous tracking shots in history and its scathing critique of bourgeois consumerism.The Series Wrap-Up: Reflecting on the evolution of film language across our four-film journey—from Grand Illusion, Children of Paradise, and Orpheus to this final destination.Host: Eric TrommaterPanel: Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila BlumeChapters:0:00 Podcast Opening and Panel's Initial Reactions to Weekend5:20 Analyzing Godard's Iconic Traffic Jam and French Cultural Critique12:24 Is Godard's Weekend Funny, Satirical, or Simply Mean-Spirited?25:01 From Nihilism to Maoism: Understanding Godard's Political Evolution31:48 Weekend's Unexpected Link to Road to Zanzibar and Cannibalism43:30 Panelists' Personal Struggles and Weekend's Enduring Cinematic Impact54:10 Reflecting on the Road to Godard: Connecting Influential Films1:00:42 Where to Find Us and What's Coming Next on the PodcastClips used:https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=utq9OwLLKLqMRWoZNouth Jazz B. White (1920)https://youtu.be/w7e-TTRQHMs?si=VAtn3RgwWZC9QUUyRoad to Zanzibar Trailerhttps://youtu.be/4F7sdy2rZws?si=4sRiepWig58Okj6zhttps://youtu.be/OFXmVSEVa7Y?si=dHF1ONW8sONF5Gk2https://youtu.be/CwbYnGhZ2pU?si=2cM3pll3_VoQNxTZhttps://youtu.be/2xaQu3uP6VA?si=zhJkza01jYBlPd_nConnect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 4/1/26 | ![]() Children of Paradise (1945): A Beautiful Corpse? | In the penultimate installment of our Road to Godard series, we dive into the 1945 epic that the Cahiers du Cinéma crowd famously dubbed a "beautiful corpse."Filmed under the extreme constraints and constant surveillance of the Nazi occupation of France, Marcel Carné and Jacques Prévert managed to construct a work of staggering scale—complete with massive sets and a cast of thousands. Host Eric Trommater and panelists Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo examine how this pillar of poetic realism functions as both a defiant act of French culture and a meditation on the elusive nature of love and the stage. We discuss why this film remains a vital touchstone for understanding the cinematic world that Godard would eventually inherit and challenge.Episode Chapters0:00 Welcome to Children of Paradise: Initial Reactions8:46 Unpacking Love, Sincerity, and Character Complexity14:27 Jacques Prévert's Poetic Vision on Screen16:50 Cinematic Resistance During Nazi-Occupied France20:37 The Rich Literary Dialogue and Love's Complexities24:16 Exploring Character Borders and the Nature of Love30:13 Garance's True Love and the Nuances of Romance38:57 Wartime Choices and Troubling Character Stereotypes45:22 Lacenaire's Identity and Prévert's Artistic Rebellion49:59 Godard's "Beautiful Corpse" and Political Backlash53:13 The People's Theater and the Film's Title58:27 The Controversial 4K Restoration: A Visual Debate1:09:00 Final Thoughts on Garance and Film Appreciation1:11:03 Join the Discussion and Next Week's Episode Godard's "Weekend." Clips Used. https://youtu.be/81J56YChYo4?si=pU8ccBbm_Bz-uwt0https://youtu.be/jKorhmX5IDo?si=rWoKjCU9pvCuMoschttps://youtu.be/wNl9ksUI-bU?si=nCQ6VMQwcVv3DSwohttps://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc?si=-8EDa8W6CeD8Zv4Vhttps://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0?si=_pfOoPiDjTJo6CCdhttps://youtu.be/rpMvf4Gdn-4?si=8jPi_lxKBa5wp03Vhttps://youtu.be/KZBdgRR85sw?si=y8aCRsDm1RlhGyKChttps://youtu.be/0RRWCxfkmtA?si=qAK4_OENas2QpIQ3Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 3/21/26 | ![]() Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy: WTF is This? | Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy | WTF is This?Host: Eric TrommaterPanel: Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer TrujilloIn this episode, we step through the mirror into the cinematic life of Jean Cocteau. We examine the foundational trilogy—The Blood of a Poet (1930), Orphée (1950), and The Testament of Orpheus (1960)—not as technical exercises, but as a shared space where the image carries a specific, undeniable weight.We’re moving past the usual "film school" vocabulary to discuss how Cocteau demands a unique kind of recognition from his audience. From the post-war static of the car radio to the literal thresholds of death, we explore how these films function when we stop treating them as "social commentary" and start treating them as a lived, theological reality. We also place Orpheus ('50) in its proper sequence on our "Road to Godard," between the elegance of Grand Illusion ('37) and the eventual collapse of Weekend ('67).YouTube Chapters: Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy00:00 John Simon's Challenge: Try Harder for Cocteau04:00 Jean Cocteau: Poet, Painter, Filmmaker, Surrealist10:00 The Poet's Struggle: Art, Self-Portrait, and Discomfort14:00 Through the Mirror: Cocteau's Evolving Symbolism of Mortality22:00 Cocteau's Practical Effects and Filmmaking Legacy28:00 Eric's Journey: Cocteau's Films and Digital Restoration34:00 The Uncomfortable Truth: Punishment and Fetish in Art41:00 From Myth to Modernity: Orpheus and the Burden of Celebrity44:00 Orpheus's Obsession: Radio Signals and the Nature of Addiction56:00 Jean Cocteau's Controversial Wartime Conduct and Queer Aesthetic1:03:00 Unpacking Power Dynamics: From Nazis to Modern Political Parallels1:16:00 The Final Film: Cocteau's Confession and Technical Decline1:20:00 Recurring Motif: Eyes, Perception, and Artistic Cameos1:27:00 Unstuck in Time: Immortality, Death, and Evolving Perceptions1:34:00 Cocteau's Complex Legacy: Confession, Narcissism, and Horses1:42:00 Children of Paradise: Next Week's Film and Podcast Wrap-upClips and Music Featured:Archival Resonance: German troops marching (1939) and the BBC’s 1945 broadcast of the crossing of the Rhine, grounding the Orphic myth in the shadow of history.Sonic Texture: The surrealist "horse-sense" of the Mr. Ed theme, the precision of Saint-Saëns' Violin Sonata No. 1, the ethereal "Space Ambience" by Alexander Nakarada, and Philomena Cunk’s vital inquiry: "What the f*** is this?"Links:German Troops Marching: https://youtu.be/cQXS6yWuyWw1945 BBC Broadcast: https://youtu.be/67m3jOU94PwMr. Ed Theme: https://youtu.be/6GAbc5uQXJoSaint-Saëns Violin Sonata: https://youtu.be/qdmz1PjC1oMSpace Ambience: https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQCunk (What is this?): https://youtu.be/2ek8WvBI48wOrpheus Clip 1: https://youtu.be/c4CeP3tuHVUOrpheus Clip 2: https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0Orpheus Clip 3: https://youtu.be/m5NHeauBtTMConnect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehistApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: http://spotify.comX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance).Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory | — | ||||||
| 3/5/26 | ![]() Jethro Waters Exclusive Interview: "Gunfighter Paradise" (2025) | A Conversation with Jethro Waters. In this episode, our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila Blume—sits down with a true polymath of modern film: Jethro Waters. Jethro serves as the writer, director, editor, and cinematographer for his debut feature, Gunfighter Paradise. He even steps in front of the lens as the film’s lead actor under the nom-de-plume Braz Cubas. Together, we explore the grueling yet rewarding journey of bringing a first feature to life, the intentionality behind the film's striking visual language, and the technical artistry of the lenses and camera techniques used to capture it. We also engage in a broader dialogue on the future of independent cinema as it navigates the shifting tides of a streaming-dominated world.Music Featured in This Episode:Sci-Fi Music for YouTube Videos (No Copyright) – https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0Sid Hemphill: Complete Library of Congress Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/cTjA1a1CjQsMuddy Waters: Field Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYcNouth Jazz - B. White (1920) – https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQChapters:0:00 Eric's Provocative Godard Comparison and Erin's AI Test2:36 The Story Behind Jethro's Alias and Nancy Buirski 's Influence 8:58 Exploring Gunfighter Paradise's Religious Themes and Dark Humor16:40 Geeking Out and Unpacking Gunfighter Paradise's Layered Visuals and Narrative Structure27:52 Jethro Waters on Gun Culture and Southern American Identity41:25 A Technical Dive into Gunfighter Paradise's Cinematography59:35 Navigating the Independent Film Landscape and Building Community1:10:58 The Film's Emotional Impact and the Mummified Cat Story1:20:50 Jethro Waters' Future Projects and Podcast Preview for The Road to GodardConnect With Us:YouTube: World Cinema HistoryApple Podcasts: World Cinema History on AppleSpotify: Listen on SpotifyX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Your contributions through Ko-fi help us keep the film history conversation alive. Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a massive difference.Member Benefits Include:Exclusive Bonus EpisodesAccess to attend Live RecordingsFuture exclusive perksThe high honor of having your name mispronounced on air (our sincerest apologies in advance!)Join the club here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory | — | ||||||
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| 2/27/26 | ![]() Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott on "CSA: Confederate States of America" (2004) | We are joined by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott (Best Adapted Screenplay for Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman) to discuss his 2004 mockumentary, C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America.Alongside our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo—we explore Willmott’s searing speculative history that imagines a world where the North lost the Civil War. We dive into the film’s use of satire to expose the enduring reality of white supremacy., We examine how the film’s fictional advertisements and the underlying structures of American identity remain uncomfortably close to the present day.Content Warning: This episode contains a candid discussion of systemic racism and features the use of racial slurs in the context of analyzing the film’s satirical and historical themes.Chapters0:00 Chasing the EGOT: Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott . 7:16 Kevin's Filmography: Unearthing the Houston Riot of 191713:14 Hollywood's Slavery Problem and Confederate Flags17:24 Uncomfortable Truths in CSA's Satirical Ads24:52 Blending Formats for Historical Mockumentary Realism35:30 Why America Struggles with Slavery's Emotional History45:02 USA vs. CSA: Expanding or Limiting Freedom54:54 How Society Changes and Racism is Taught1:07:06 Voting Against Self-Interest and Racial Prejudice1:16:53 The Lost Cause Narrative and Modern America1:20:27 Why Modern Society is More Stupid and Divided1:34:13 Out-Satirizing Reality and Closing Discourse1:39:30 Social Media and Next Episode PreviewMusic in this EpisodeSpace Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comShe Has Freckles on Her But, She is Nice | https://youtu.be/pNcjs30BZTsLead Belly - Midnight Special | https://youtu.be/zIC2hVvKzVQElmer Bernstein - Appointment with Destiny Theme | https://youtu.be/Qt6eKU3v1XENouth by Jazz B Whitehttps://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=5N4jm7bNgvfV-8-8Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and our sincere apologies in advance for mispronouncing your name on air.Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory | — | ||||||
| 2/19/26 | ![]() Is Ralph Bakshi's "Coonskin" (1975) Racist? (Explicit) | Is Ralph Bakshi's Coonskin (1975) Racist?Spoiler: Yes.In 1975, Ralph Bakshi’s Coonskin—a jagged, mixed-media parody of Song of the South—sparked massive protests for its depictions of Harlem, the Mob, and the LGBTQ community. Decades before Roger Rabbit, Bakshi was already blending live-action and animation to create a disturbing, distorted lens of Black America. Host Eric Trommater, joined by Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo, examines a film that has been a personal touchstone for Eric since childhood. We move past the simple binary of "is it racist?" to ask: Why did Bakshi make this, and what can we learn about race today?In this Episode:The Cast: Dual roles from Scatman Crothers, Charles Gordone, and Philip Michael Thomas.The Controversy: Why CORE protested the film and its near-erasure from history.The Satire: Evaluating Bakshi’s "hidden message" against the weight of his stereotypes.Episode Timestamps0:00 — The Panel's Unanimous Verdict on Bakshi's Controversial Film2:37 — Ralph Bakshi's Intentions and the 'White Tourist' Aesthetic5:32 — Erin's Dislike vs. Sila's 'Bleak Beauty' in Coonskin's Art7:36 — Jennifer's Take on Coonskin's Blended Reality and Shocking Elements9:38 — Sila's Deep Dive into Coonskin's Intellectual Depth and Poetic Scenes16:37 — Bakshi's Tape Recorder Tour and the Miss America Metaphor19:22 — Panel Debates Ralph Bakshi's Authority to Create Coonskin23:11 — Suppressed by CORE, Defended by NAACP, and Erik's Unironic Love26:05 — Coonskin's Portrayal of Italian Mafia and Homosexual Stereotypes29:03 — Jennifer's Critique of Coonskin's Queer Characters and Lack of Depth37:30 — Sila Questions the Depth of Coonskin's Satire and Its Intent42:44 — How Bakshi Amplifies the Voices of His Characters in Coonskin46:47 — The Symbolism of Miss America and Its Disturbing Parallels to Racism53:12 — The Role of Black Collaborators and the 'Deliberately Ugly' Art Style57:27 — Defending Coonskin's Visuals as Intentional and 'Punk Rock Beauty'1:05:30 — Questioning Bakshi's Intelligence and the Validity of His Satire1:13:58 — Sila's Argument for Experiencing Art Beyond Pure Intellectual Analysis1:17:17 — Malcolm the Cockroach, Awkward Interactions, and the Satisfaction of Otherness1:26:05 — Unexpected Penises, Film's Message, and Next Week's EpisodeConnect & Support:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehistApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the DVD Extras Club on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory | — | ||||||
| 2/12/26 | ![]() Black History Month: Ousmane Sembène's "Black Girl" (1966) | For Black History Month, we are exploring the roots of independent African filmmaking. Black Girl serves as a powerful starting point for this journey, tracing the movement of a young Senegalese woman from Dakar to the French Riviera. We discuss Sembène's transition from literature to film as a means of communicating with a non-literate audience, effectively creating a new visual language for a post-colonial era. Next Week: Oscar Winning Screenwriter Kevin Willmott joins us to discuss his 2004 Mockumentary "CSA: Confederate States of America." Musichttps://youtu.be/NpTyPVbs-64?si=ZMXUHYLQ4Q0ejUI4https://youtu.be/guexLrL44t0?si=UmYYD5vTdrXkGwz4Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 2/7/26 | ![]() Black History Month: Djibril Diop Mambéty’s " Touki Bouki" (1973) | The Road to Godard hits the streets of Dakar. In this episode of the World Cinema History Podcast, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant, avant-garde energy of Djibril Diop Mambéty’s 1973 landmark, Touki Bouki. Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo and Sila Blume break it all down. Erin and Eric were rather cold on Godard's Breathless. Will the warmer climate of Senegal warm up them to the same techniques? As part of our Black History Month celebration, we examine how Mambéty’s radical style and jagged editing bridge the physical and psychic gap between Senegal and the elusive dream of the West. Clips Used: Alexander Nakarada Space Ambience https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=LKAgAfA8tooq41bIHello Goodbye. Touki Bouki opening song. Josephine Baker sings "Paris, Paris, Paris." https://youtu.be/guexLrL44t0?si=rvCVfQhD8bbFPsTdMartin Scorsese on Touki Bouki https://youtu.be/o555EiqRC10?si=5U41jyqcen-YOd4jVeggie Tales The Song of the Cebu. https://youtu.be/_uv8Ej4CEoQ?si=Dus5IoYU-J8JVCmLAfrican Drums. No Copyright https://youtu.be/LmtCfMncFSk?si=hB-bJzGzzo5ynl_dConnect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterJoin the World Cinema History DVD Extras ClubSupport the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include:Bonus EpisodesAttending Live RecordingsOur Love and AppreciationFuture exclusive perksHaving your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!) | — | ||||||
| 1/31/26 | ![]() Miguel Ángel Ferrer | An Outlaw Filmmaker's Journey | In this installment of World Cinema History, we move from the historical Road to Godard into the contemporary trenches of independent cinema. We are joined by writer-director Miguel Ángel Ferrer, whose film The Shadow of the Sun—Venezuela’s 2023 Oscar entry—is a study of survival and using your dreams as a roadmap to becoming your best self.The Roundtable Discussion:Bypassing the Permission Slip: Miguel details the conviction required to walk across the Colombian-Venezuelan border on foot to reach his own set after his funding vanished mid-shoot.The Short Film Lineage: We trace Miguel’s stylistic development through his short films, deMonica and Innocent Attraction. The panel discusses how these earlier works established the visual frequency and Outlaw spirit that define his current feature work.The Unconscious Heritage of Resistance: We discuss Glauber Rocha and the Aesthetics of Hunger, exploring how Miguel captured the natural light and resilience of Venezuela while avoiding the heavily packaged traps of "poverty porn."Authentic Frequency: A look at the documentary eye required to bridge the gap between professional actors and raw newcomers like Anyelo Lopez.The Peer-to-Peer Interrogation: Jennifer Trujillo, Nicole de Meneses, and Sila Blume join Eric to discuss the evolution of Miguel’s shorts, the ethics of self-financing, and the point of no return on an independent set.The Historical Bridge:Host Eric Trommater synthesizes these modern guerrilla hacks with the legacy of Jean-Luc Godard and Italian Neorealism, proving that while the technology changes, the Outlaw contract between the filmmaker and the truth remains the same.Support the Signal:Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club. Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and future exclusive perks. Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryCHAPTERS0:00 Introducing Miguel Ángel Ferrer: An Outlaw Filmmaker's Journey1:59 Miguel's Conviction: Self-Financing 'The Shadow of the Sun'4:51 Achieving High Quality on a Micro-Budget with Community Support7:27 Anamorphic Lenses & Natural Light: Capturing Venezuela's Landscape14:21 From Nat Geo to Outlaw: Ingenuity on an 18-Day Shoot26:25 The Authentic Performance: Discovering Anyelo Lopez for the Film34:11 Resilience, Not Victimhood: Navigating the Aesthetics of Hunger46:47 Miguel's Philosophy: Becoming Your Best Self Through Filmmaking49:48 From 'deMonica' to Feature: Stylistic Development & Unheard Music57:26 Nuance & Acceptance: Alex's Journey of Self-Discovery1:10:18 Badass Women & The Thrilling Future of the 'deMonica' Feature1:18:38 Exploring Faith, Science, and Humanity in Miguel's Films1:22:41 The Legacy of Outlaw Filmmaking & World Cinema History's FutureMusic Clips Used:Alma Llanera: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alma_Llanera_-_Instrumental_al_arpa.oggNouth by Jazz B White: https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQSavfk Dramatic and Epic Music: https://youtu.be/XuVK1TSTt6cSpace Ambience by Alexander Nakarada: https://creatorchords.comINFINITY Epic Futuristic Space Theme: https://youtu.be/4F7sdy2rZwsAmbient Atmosphere: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfP6i5T0-DkIpo7FRcofaXJ0RMIZnQx7MPublic Domain African Music: https://youtu.be/cJjk5aVze1c"African Royalty" by The Free Cat https://youtu.be/cJjk5aVze1c Connect With Us:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehistApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterNext: We begin our celebration of Black History Month with Touki Bouki. | — | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | ![]() "Breathless" (1960) vs "Nouvelle Vague" (2025) | In the first installment of our Road to Godard series, co-hosts Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, and Jennifer Trujillo dive into the 1959 production that changed everything. We’re putting Jean-Luc Godard’s revolutionary Breathless (À bout de souffle) side-by-side with Richard Linklater’s 2025 film, Nouvelle Vague. While its place in the history of cinema is undeniable, Eric and Erin find themselves largely unimpressed by the film itself. We explore the chaotic energy of the original Paris shoot and the legendary personalities involved—from Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo to the critics-turned-directors of Cahiers du Cinéma.In this episode:* Historical Weight vs. Personal Taste: Why Eric and Erin aren't fans of the film, despite its massive influence.* The Seberg Paradox: We discuss why a film leaning on sexist tropes became a sensation among women and female critics like Pauline Kael in 1960.* The 1959 Production: Jump cuts, stolen scenes, and a revolution on the streets of Paris.* Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague (2025): A look at the meta-cinematic portrayal of Truffaut, Godard, and the icons of the era.* Why Breathless remains the definitive—if polarizing—starting point for our Road to Godard series. A sneak peek at future episodes on "La Grande Illusion"(1937), "Children of Paradise"(1945), "Orpheus" (1950), and Godard's own "Weekend" (1967).CONNECT WITH USYouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZzApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmAX (Twitter): @etrommaterSUPPORT THE SHOW: JOIN THE DVD EXTRAS CLUBJoin here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory(Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)MUSIC & CLIPSMusic:Fallen Petals, Shady Business, and Dark Conspiracy via https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-musicSpace Ambience by Alexander Nakarada: https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=DXoxw4XMpnVwDVz8Nouth Jazz by B. White (1920): https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=utq9OwLLKLqMRWoZFeatured Clips:Eurotrash: How to watch a Godard Film: https://youtu.be/7xSNuGp2Gxs?si=X6THVHfbOakKfc15Godard on Classic Film Editing: https://youtube.com/shorts/76f6iIpRPco?si=xuyqkhwLvB6kG9GxRoad to Godard Series: Episode 1 (1959) | — | ||||||
| 1/3/26 | ![]() Bonus: Remembering Rob Reiner and the La Monte Afterparty | In this special bonus installment, we reflect on a filmmaker who defined the American cinematic landscape for decades. We also circle back to the studio for a final word on our recent guest.The PanelJennifer Trujillo, Sila Blume, Eric Trommater, and Erin Brown.Remembering Rob Reiner (March 6, 1947 – December 14, 2025)The panel gathers to remember the life and legacy of Rob Reiner. Following his passing this past December, we take a moment to look at his run of films:This Is Spinal Tap (1984)Stand by Me (1986)The Princess Bride (1987)When Harry Met Sally… (1989)Misery (1990)A Few Good Men (1992) Additionally, we host a debate on the origins of the mockumentary form, questioning if Peter Watkins' The War Game (1966) should be considered the true first of its kind. The La Monte AfterpartyTo close out the episode, we briefly recap the final insights from Christine La Monte after she left the studio. We share the post-script thoughts and industry reflections that surfaced once the formal mics were cut, rounding out our time with her before we return to our main series.Upcoming ScheduleNext: Tokyo Story (1953) — Ozu and the geometry of agingFollowing: Nouvelle Vague (2025) — Linklater’s look at the birth of the New WaveRoad to Godard 1: Grand Illusion (1937) — Renoir’s foundational workRoad to Godard 2: Children of Paradise (1945) — Carné and the theater of lifeRoad to Godard 3: Orpheus (1950) — Cocteau’s poetic underworldRoad to Godard 4: Weekend (1967) — The end of cinemaCheck us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 12/31/25 | ![]() Christine La Monte interview | Viva Verdi! & Turandot | Producer Christine La Monte joins the show to discuss her Oscar-shortlisted film Viva Verdi! and Ai Weiwei’s Turandot. We talk about the residents of Casa Verdi and the bridge between opera and cinema history.Host: Eric TrommaterPanel: Erin Brown, Sila Blume, Jennifer TrujilloSpecial Guest: My cousin, Jordan Best (Vocals, "O mio babbino caro" by Puccini) https://www.bestsoprano.com/ Links & Info:Listen to "Sweet Dreams of Joy": https://youtu.be/dpAOquDGcUs?si=gli5b6F6hq8FFKfPNext week: Ozu’s Tokyo StoryFilms recommended by Christine Le Monte The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, an Academy Award-winning 2013 documentary-short film directed, written and produced by Malcolm Clarke about the oldest living Holocaust survivor.The Age of Champions, a 2011 documentary about The Senior Olympics.Kokuho from 2025, this year's Japanese entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar. Check us out on YouTube https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount.In this episode, the panel sits down with writer and producer Christine La Monte to discuss her work on Viva Verdi! and Ai Weiwei’s Turandot. Even for those who don't follow opera, this conversation is a deep dive into the "third act" of life and the preservation of artistic legacy.[00:03:08] The Producer’s Role: Christine explains her journey from major studios to independent projects, serving as the bridge that ensures a director's vision is faithfully translated to the screen.[00:18:27] Viva Verdi!: The heart of the discussion is a retirement home in Milan built by Giuseppe Verdi for musicians.[00:20:40] A Living Liturgy: We explore a place where the elderly masters and young students share a common language of music, proving that art provides a shared recognition that sustains us through old age.[00:34:04] Ai Weiwei’s Turandot: We also look at how activist artist Ai Weiwei used Puccini’s final work to comment on modern authoritarianism.[00:40:04] Art as Witness: A raw look at how art functions as a public witness to history, even under the pressure of a global pandemic.[01:13:26] Looking Ahead: The panel concludes by previewing the end of the current series with Ozu’s Tokyo Story before beginning the Road to Godard, featuring Grand Illusion ('37), Children of Paradise ('45), Orpheus ('50), and Weekend ('67). | — | ||||||
| 12/20/25 | ![]() Umberto D (1952): Pathos, Pensions, and the Goodest Boy | This week on World Cinema History, we continue our series on Aging and Mortality in 1950s Cinema. Having explored the bureaucratic cages of Kurosawa’s Ikiru and the cold Swedish apathy of Bergman’s Wild Strawberries, we now arrive in the blistering, post-war economic hangover of Vittorio De Sica’s 1952 film, Umberto D.Host Eric Trommater is joined by Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Italianophile Audra Angelique to dissect a film that was so honest about Italian poverty it was publicly accused of "slandering Italy" by the government.In this episode, we discuss:The World’s Most Synchronized Dog: Why Flike is the true star of the film (and why he’s such a good boy).The 18,000 Lire Problem: We break down Umberto’s debt—roughly $340 in today’s money—and why such a "small" sum was a catastrophic, life-ending figure for a pensioner.The Irony of Neo-Realism: How a movement dedicated to "truth" was built on a foundation of noisily dubbed studio dialogue and non-professional actors.The Great Debate: Eric offers a pointed rebuttal to Erin’s preference for this film over China is Near, arguing that while Umberto D. leaves us paralyzed by outrage, Bellocchio’s satire provides a Brechtian "false happy ending" that allows us to process the hypocrisy of the political center.From Realism to Satire: Finding the seeds of Commedia all’italiana in the film’s darkest moments—from professional beggars to Flike holding the hat in his mouth.Join us as we explore the "poetry of the ordinary" and the political minefield that defined one of the most influential eras in film history.Sound CreditsOpening Audio: Courtesy of Martin Scorsese’s introduction to Umberto D. on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).Musical Theme: Canto di Lavoro composed by Alessandro Cicognini.Classical Selections: * Vivaldi, Concerto for Viola d'amore in A Minor, RV 397.Rossini, La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie) Overture.Next Week: We conclude our series with Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Story.Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 12/13/25 | ![]() Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" (1957): A Road Trip to Solitude | In this episode, we take an existential road trip from Lund to Stockholm to discuss Ingmar Bergman's 1957 film, Wild Strawberries—or Smultronstället—a film about aging, isolation, and confronting a lifetime of emotional coldness.Host Eric Trommater is joined by panelists Erin Brown (experiencing Bergman for the first time) and Sila Blume for a deep dive into the film's structure. We examine how Bergman uses unsettling dream sequences and unreliable, sunlit flashbacks to hold the protagonist, Dr. Isak Borg (played by Swedish cinema legend Victor Sjöström), accountable for his solitude. We also discuss the controversy surrounding Bergman's biography, explore the tension between public gesture and private acceptance of mortality, and ask: Does the critical habit of viewing every film as autobiography serve the art?Key Cast Credited: Victor Sjöström (Dr. Isak Borg), Ingrid Thulin (Marianne), Bibi Andersson (Both Saras), and Max Von Sydow.Source & Music Credits:Interview Excerpt: Ingmar Bergman on The Dick Cavett Show (1971)Special Thanks for the sound clips: The Swedish Chef (from The Muppets)Cold Open Music: "Glädjens blomster" (Traditional/Elias Sehlstedt)Main Theme Music: "Excelsior! Concert Overture" (Wilhelm Stenhammar)Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 12/3/25 | ![]() Taika Waititi, "Jo Jo Rabbit," and the Art of Anachronism. | Erin Brown hosts a discussion with Eric Trommater and Jennifer Trujillo on one of her favorite movies, 2019's "Jojo Rabbit." The film features Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson and Scarlett Johannson in a tale of a young boy and his imaginary friend Adolph Hitler, played by the movie's Writer-Director Taika Waititi. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 11/20/25 | ![]() WCH Pod: "Ikiru" (1952). D: Akira Kurosawa. Guest: Luke Higginson. | Luke Higginson, who wrote, directed and edited "Relax I'm from the Future," joins Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Audra Angelique and Jennifer Trujillo to unpack one of his favorite films by his favorite director Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru." Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 11/14/25 | ![]() WCH Pod: "I Know Where I'm Going!" (1945). Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Presburger. | Eric Trommater, Erin Brown and Jennifer Trujillo are joined from Bonnie Scotland by Leonard Hockerts from Understanding Movies. We look at Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's romantic comedy "I Know Where I'm Going!" Set in the Hebrides Islands, of Scotland, and starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livsey, the film was made during the last days of World War II. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 11/5/25 | ![]() "Let the Right One In" (2008). Terror on Ice. | Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Nicole de Meneses and Jennifer Trujillo end their month-long look at horror with Tomas Alfredson's (The Snowman and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) 2008 adaptation of John Ajvide Lindqvist's vampire novel "Let the Right One In," set in snowy Sweden. Later remade by Matt Reeves, the original drew a mixed reaction from Eric and Erin while Nicole and Jennifer found it a masterfully done work that mixed genuine scares with a queer romance and a coming of age story. Nicole De Meneses is a writer-director-producer and runs Dark Rainbow Films. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shineJennifer A. Trujillo runs the Gilbert Baker film festival, showcasing LGBTQIA+ narrative films, shorts and documentaries. https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbtCheck us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
| 10/26/25 | ![]() "Near Dark" (1987), and the Vampire-Western-Romance. | Eric Trommater and Erin Brown are joined by Jennifer Trujillo of The Gilbert Baker Film Festival and "Vampire Director" Nicole de Meneses to discuss one of Nicole's favorite films, "Near Dark" (1987). Coming on the heels of our month long look at women behind the camera, we got a chance to celebrate both Spooky-Season and Katherine Bigalow, the first woman to ever win an Academy Award for best director. Part Vampire film, part Western, part Romance, "Near Dark" stars Adrian Pasdar as Caleb Colton, Jenny Wright as Mae, Lance Henriksen as Jesse Hooker, Bill Paxton as Severen and Jenette Goldstein as Diamondback. We also took a moment to remember our dear friend Mark Redfield who passed away just hours before we recorded the episode. To support Nicole de Meneses' new Sapphic Vampire Film go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shineFor more information on The Gilbert Baker Film Festival: https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbtFriend of the show Sav Rodgers is also making a new film and we encourage everyone to check it out at: https://pancakeskank.com/Check us out on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA or follow us on X (The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter): @etrommater Consider joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club.Benefits include:* Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future * Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (sorry in advance) To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistoryand make a recurring monthly payment for any amount. | — | ||||||
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