Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them.

#Cinema #Marcus Mizelle #Past #Film #Appreciation #Film Festival #Presentations #Features #Filmmaking #Forte Pictures #Film School #Directing #Producers

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Series en casa•Feed

Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them.

42 episodios

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

updated hace 6 días

Series en casa•Feed

Past Present Feature is a film appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director Marcus Mizelle, showcasing today’s filmmakers, their latest release, and the past cinema that inspired them.

42 episodios

#Cinema #Marcus Mizelle #Past #Film #Appreciation #Film Festival #Presentations #Features #Filmmaking #Forte Pictures #Film School #Directing #Producers

Усі епізоди

1
E41 • Embrace The Unforeseen • AARON ROOKUS, dir. of ‘Idyllic’ at the Rotterdam Int. Film Festival 44:05

hace 6 días44:05

44:05

Netherlands-based director Aaron Rookus explores themes of self-acceptance, mortality, and the quest for fulfillment through the lens of filmmaking ahead of his Rotterdam Film Festival premiere of “Idyllic”. Past inspirations include Tom Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run” and the films of Charlie Kaufman. Aaron speaks on the impact of personal experiences, such as illness and loss, on creative expression and the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of character development in ensemble storytelling, the role of script editors in shaping narratives, and the evolution of film consumption in the digital age. The conversation also reflects on the pervasive issue of loneliness in modern society, exploring themes of urban indifference, the struggle for connection in contemporary life, and the search for meaning amidst life's challenges. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E40 • Dreaming Your Sub-Concious Film Into Reality • GALA DEL SOL, dir. of ‘Rains Over Babel’ at Sundance + Rotterdam Film Festival 47:46

hace 13 días47:46

47:46

Colombian filmmaker Gala Del Sol discusses her debut feature film, “Rains Over Babel”, which just screened at this years Sundance and Rotterdam Film Festivals. Careful not to borrow too heavily, her cinema influences include Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who directed “Black Cat, White Cat”, and her favorite film of all time - “Children of Paradise”, from French director Marcel Carné. Exploring a unique blend of magical realism, punk aesthetics, eclectic score and vibrant sound design, Gala shares her film's themes of loss, identity, and redemption, shaped by the challenges of creating art during the pandemic. She praises the support of her family during production, the role of dreams in creativity, and the collaborative nature of storytelling. Gala speaks on the importance of trusting the creative process, the impact of expectations on artistic expression, and how your film is ultimately a sub-concious reflection of who you were at the moment. Further explored is the concept that dreams, as a form of unconscious expression, can influence our waking lives and potentially manifest into real-world experiences. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E39 • The Burden and Privilege of Legacy • TAD NAKAMURA, dir. of ‘Third Act’ at the Sundance Film Festival 47:44

hace 20 días47:44

47:44

Tad Nakamura, the director of Sundance-bound "Third Act," reflects on his latest documentary, which centers on his father Robert Nakamura, a distinguished filmmaker frequently recognized as a trailblazer in Asian American media. Tad drew inspiration from his father’s 1974 short doc “Wataridori: Birds of Passage”. Tad shares the unique experience of growing up in a filmmaking family, the pressures of legacy, and the profound emotional connections that arise from documenting family stories. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of cinema as a means of exploring time and relationships. Also explored are the challenges of living in the moment, the role of art in coping with life's difficulties, the importance of community and legacy in the creative process, and the significance of elders in providing wisdom and guidance. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E38 • Meta Absurdism Explored Through Docu-Fiction • PASQUAL GUTIERREZ & BEN MULLINKOSSON, dirs. of ‘Serious People’ at the Sundance Film Festival 51:27

hace un año51:27

51:27

Co-directors Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction with their latest film “Serious People”, which just had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Ben discusses his filmmaking journey from Chicago to Shanghai and Pasqual shares the inspiration behind their film, which stemmed from a vivid dream he had, as well as real life - and also from the past works of Roy Andersson (“A Pigeon Sat on a Branch”) and Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”). The discussion delves into the challenges of blending fiction and nonfiction, the importance of casting the right talent, and the creative process of improvisation. They reflect on the personal relationships that influenced the film and the unique challenges of co-directing with a partner. They also dive into the art of long takes, the concept of auto-fiction, and the ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking. They speak about the collaborative spirit that drove the project forward, culminating in their acceptance into Sundance. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E37 • Finding Humanity in Diverse Perspectives • GIANLUCA MATARRESE, dir. of ‘GEN_’ at the Sundance Film Festival 55:41

hace un año55:41

55:41

Italian filmmaker Gianluca Matarrese discusses his documentary project “GEN_”, which is premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Past inspo includes the films of Frederick Wiseman. Gianluca delves into the complexities of his filmmaking philosophy, exploring the therapeutic nature of his creative process, and the importance of community and validation in the industry. He reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, the influences that shaped his work, and the significance of finding humanity in diverse perspectives. Gianluca shares his excitement for the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the dreams and aspirations that drive filmmakers. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E36 • Story First, Jokes Second • DELANEY BUFFETT, dir. of ‘Adult Best Friends’ - Golden Key Winner at KWFF following Tribeca 1:07:04

hace un año1:07:04

1:07:04

Delaney Buffett, recipient of the Golden Key Award at the Key West Film Festival and director of “Adult Best Friends” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, stresses that when creating comedy, the story comes first. Past films discussed include Mike Nichols’ “The Birdcage” and Paul Feig’s “Bridesmaids. She shares insights on developing her film with friends, the significance of real-life experiences in crafting relatable narratives, and the importance of emotional depth in storytelling, including the intricate balance of blending genres. Also discussed are “two-lane directors” such as Billy Wilder and Mike Nichols, who have mastered both comedy, drama, and other genres. Delaney speaks on challenges faced during production, and the importance of communication and collaboration, emphasizing the need for patience and resilience along her filmmaking journey. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E35 • Expand Your Horizon, Stand With the Misfits • WANNES DESTOOP, dir. of ‘Holy Rosita’ - BEST FILM Award at the Torino Film Festival 41:45

hace un año41:45

41:45

Wannes Destoop, director of “Holy Rosita”, which just won the Best Film award at the Torino Film Festival, shares his affinity for misfits and the unique stories they embody. Past films discussed include Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” and Martin McDonagh’s “In Bruges”. He reflects on his documentary roots, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the challenges of modern filmmaking. Wannes shares insights into his casting process, production choices, and the emotional rollercoaster of post-production. Also touched on are the impact of awards and recognition on a film's reach and the complexities of distribution in today's film market. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E34 • Directing Live-Action VFX: Story Comes First • JEFF FOWLER, dir. of ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ from Paramount Pictures 44:13

hace un año44:13

44:13

“Sonic The Hedgehog 3” director Jeff Fowler shares his filmmaking journey, focusing on his experiences with visual effects, animation, and storytelling, having been influenced at an early age by “Star Wars”, “T2”, and “Jurassic Park”. Jeff emphasizes the importance of hard work and passion in achieving success, recounting his time at Ringling College of Art and Design and then being hired by Tim Miller at Blur Studios. He discusses the evolution of visual effects and the path that led him to direct the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Jeff reflects on the challenges and innovations in creating compelling visual narratives, the importance of pre-visualization and storyboarding, and the collaborative process of working with actors and animators. He also shares insights into the production journey of Sonic 3, the impact of fan feedback, and the excitement of expanding the Sonic universe with new characters and stories. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E33 • You Must Fight to Make Your Film • PIA MARAIS, dir. of ‘Transamazonia’ at the New York Film Festival, Chicago International, TIFF 43:45

hace un año43:45

43:45

Pia Marais shares insights from her filmmaking journey, including the making of her atmospheric new film “Transamazonia,” which just screened at the New York Film Festival following a Locarno world premiere. Past inspirations include Werner Herzog’s “Wings of Hope” and Asif Kapadia’s “Amy”. Pia’s latest film explores themes of faith and family dynamics, and she discusses the complexities of casting, production, the importance of film festivals, and the ongoing challenges of securing distribution for independent films. Other topics include the evolving landscape of cinema culture, which has shifted significantly over the years with a need for more curated film experiences, as business decisions heavily influence American cinema these days. Also touched on are the differences between American and international cinema, particularly in funding and audience engagement. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E32 • Inspiring Action Through Activist Filmmaking • BEN RUSSELL, co-dir. of ‘Direct Action’ at the New York Film Festival + Berlinale 44:19

hace un año44:19

44:19

Ben Russell delves into the concept of observational cinema, sharing insights on his latest co-directing effort “Direct Action” (with Guillaume Cailleau), which portrays a radical activist community in France. It debuted at Berinale and just screened at the New York Film Festival. Past films discussed include Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and the observational films of Frederick Wiseman and The Maysles Brothers. Ben shares his experience transitioning as a filmmaker from America to France, exploring the differences between American and European cinema, and the impact of public funding on film production. The discussion also touches on filmmaking techniques, audience engagement, and the importance of creating context for films. Ben emphasizes the power of cinema to inspire action and reflection, advocating for a more immersive and community-oriented approach to filmmaking. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E31 • The Serious Business of Effective Comedy • EGIL PEDERSEN, dir. of ‘My Father’s Daughter’ at TIFF + Reykjavik Int. Film Festival 44:46

hace un año44:46

44:46

In this conversation, Egil Pedersen reflects on his experiences growing up in a small Norwegian village and how he transitioned from short films to his first feature film, “My Father's Daughter,” the first-ever Sámi-language premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. His cinema inspirations include David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” and “Show Me Love” (orig title: Fucking Amal) directed by Lukas Moodysson. Egil touches on the challenges and opportunities in the Norwegian film industry, the importance of cultural representation, and the evolution of his creative process. The discussion also delves into the nuances of humor in film and the intricate relationship between comedy and drama, exploring how these genres can intersect and enhance storytelling. He also discusses the importance of identity in his film, the challenges of navigating film festivals, and the excitement of future projects, all while reflecting on the inspirations that have shaped his filmmaking journey. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E30 • Creating Controversial Characters • ERIK POPPE, dir. of ‘Quisling - The Final Days’ at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival 47:10

hace un año47:10

47:10

In this conversation, Erik Poppe - the director of “Quisling - The Final Days”, which just premiered at TIFF following the Norwegian Film Festival, discusses his journey from photojournalism to filmmaking, emphasizing the role of art in raising questions and engaging audiences. He reflects on his influences, including Francois Truffaut’s 1970 film ‘The Wild Child”, the importance of personal narratives, and the challenges of portraying controversial characters - how creating empathy for these characters can be challenging yet rewarding. Erik also shares his insights on his filmmaking process, the significance of preparation for film festivals, and how art's primary role is to provoke thought and discussion - through simplicity and truthfulness. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E29 • Shoot First, Ask Questions Later • AFOLABI OLALEKAN, dir. of ‘Freedom Way’ at the Toronto Int. Film Festival 33:39

hace un año33:39

33:39

In this episode, Afolabi Olalekan discusses the vibrant Nigerian film industry, dubbed Nollywood, and his latest film, Freedom Way, which premiered at the Toronto Int. Film Festival. His past inspirations include Cary Fukunaga’s ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Afolabi shares the challenges he and his crew faced during production, such as police corruption and the need to swap out his lead actors halfway through filming. He also stresses the importance of using storytelling to create social change, highlighting the power of cinema to address societal issues. Afolabi reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, and the personal growth experienced through his creative process. He also talks about his future projects and the significance of film festivals like TIFF. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary 52:29

hace un año52:29

52:29

Mumbai-based director Subhadra Mahajan discusses her debut feature film ‘Second Chance’ which just had its Hollywood premiere at AFI, following a World premiere at Karlovy Vary earlier this year. Past inspirations include her love for the Iranian New Wave and Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’. She speaks on her filmmaking journey, influenced by classic Hollywood films, and reflects on her storytelling process, character development, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the themes of healing, nature, and the unlikely friendships made while making films. Subhadra emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional filmmaking rules to foster creativity, the challenges of working with a low budget, and the significance of community in film festivals. What Movies Are You Watching? Like, subscribe and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature…

1
E27 • Navigating Cultural Sensitivity Through Magical Realism • JASON JACOBS & DEVON DELMAR, dirs. of ‘Carissa’, Best Film Nom at the Venice Film Festival 29:12

hace un año29:12