For Your Reference

Latest Episodes:

Interview with “Slanted” Writer/Director, Amy Wang May 29, 2025

Show notes

An insecure Chinese-American teenager undergoes experimental surgery to appear white, hoping to secure the prom queen title and peer acceptance. Slanted will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 9th, 13th & 15th.

As suggested by Amy, double feature watching of Slanted & Being There

Check out the video interview.

Interview with “Mistress Dispeller” Director, Elizabeth Lo May 27, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

With strikingly intimate access, Mistress Dispeller follows this unfolding family drama from all corners of a love triangle. Mistress Dispeller will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 7th, 8th & 13th.

Note: this interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.

Interview with “Farming the Revolution” Director, Nishtha Jain May 26, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Farming the Revolution captures a mass movement in vivid close-up, as 12 million farmers challenge the Indian government, forcing it to retract its unjust farm laws.

Farming the Revolution will be screening at this year's Sydney Film Festival (SFF) on June 5th & 7th. This film is also a part of Collection: Focus on Nishta Jain screening The Golden Thread and Gulabi Gang.

Note: this interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.

Interview with "Betray: Thirst" Writer/Director, Jaron Lockridge May 20, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

This week we have the opportunity to chat with Jaron Lockridge for Betray: Thirst, the second offering of the Betray series. We discuss his hands-on approach of producing, writing and directing as well as the importance of friendships and keeping love alive.

Check out the video interview.

Betray: Thirst is available on Apple TV + and Amazon Prime.

Interview with “Final Destination Bloodlines” Directors Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein May 13, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

This week we have the opportunity to chat to Adam & Zach about Bloodlines, focusing on the presence of Bludworth in the franchise and reflect on the life and legacy of icon Tony Todd. Rest in love.

Check out video interview.

FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES ONLY IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS MAY 15

As suggested by Zach & Adam, big recommend to pair Bloodlines with Candyman. We also have a full review on the podcast.

Interview with “The Wedding Banquet” Director, Andrew Ahn May 08, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we discuss the impact of queer Asian cinema, Andrew reflects on the significance of his works, including his remake of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet, and the evolution of queer community dynamics since 1993. We delve into themes of culture, sexuality, and family explored in his films and discuss how these elements resonate with audiences. Andrew also shares personal insights on queer family building and recommends essential queer literature and films, including Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet and Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

Check out the video interview.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Celebrating Queer Asian Cinema
00:57 The Impact of 'The Wedding Banquet'
02:55 Exploring Identity and Authenticity
05:27 Family Dynamics and Growth
06:24 Modern Queer Family Building
09:41 Hope and Optimism in Filmmaking
11:51 Queer Literature Recommendations
13:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Drop, On Swift Horses, The Correspondent, Clowns in a Cornfield & Tinā May 06, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

In this week's Reference Max we have something for everyone, intoxicated by the thrill of Drop, galloping into the visual arms of On Swift Horses, getting insight on the danger and importance of journalism in The Correspondent, making new friendos and lovers with Clowns in a Cornfield and finding the harmony in Tinā.

NOTE: On Swift Horses is currently out in US cinemas and has just been announced as part of Sydney Film Festival program. Clown in a Cornfield in AUS cinemas May 8 and US cinemas May 9.

Thanks to studios & PR for interviews on most of the films covered...

Interview with “DROP” Director, Christopher Landon (video/audio)

Interview with “On Swift Horses” Director, Daniel Minahan (audio only)

Interview with “The Correspondent” Director, Kriv Stenders (audio only)

Interview with “TINĀ” Director/Writer, Miki Magasiva and Actor, Anapela Polataivao (video/audio)

Interview with “TINĀ” Director/Writer, Miki Magasiva and Actor, Anapela Polataivao Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Director/Writer Miki Magasiva and Actor Anapela Polataivao join us on the podcast to chat about TINĀ. We delve into representation, storytelling and balancing traditional and cultural musical numbers.

Check out the video interview.

TINĀ is in Australian cinemas May 1.

Interview with “On Swift Horses” Director, Daniel Minahan Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

We sit down with Director Daniel Minahan to discuss recently released On Swift Horses. Travelling back to the 1950s, Dan walks us through colour themes and visual language that reflect emotional journeys as well as the filmmaking process from book to screen.

On Swift Horses is out in US cinemas now. We will update if there is a date for AUS.

This interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.

Sinners - Religion & Blues Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Pass the vibe check and the juke joint of remembering bodies, conversating numbers and strum humming. Pierce the veil of life and death with Sinners this week.
Check out our write ups for press events we were invite to:
Our question for Ryan Coogler was asked:
Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and now Sinners—you have a poetic ability to speak truths. How do you balance heart and story? Are they one and the same, or do you see them as separate?

Blood on the Bayou: 7 Takeaways from the Sinners Press Junket with Ryan Coogler & Crew
Sinners: Inside Ryan Coogler’s Genre-Bending, IMAX-Shot, Blues-Infused Horror Masterpiece

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected