This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Reunions with old friends, often times through some type of class reunion, are something we cherish for fascinating and unique reasons. For some people see them as an opportunity to re-live old glory days and reflect upon the wonder of youth and simpler times. While there are some, who go there to judge and enjoy the tea regarding everyone’s lives and the ups and downs they have faced. While others, just want to catch up and see how life has treated everyone. But while those are indeed fair reasons to say hello to old faces that have aged like fine wine, we honestly don’t think about the real wonder that reunions could potentially send our way. For they really are something special when you think about it.

Because this is more than a mere chance to catch up. This is a chance to learn about a life, a life that had some kind of impact upon us in our youth, be it good or be it bad, and there’s a lot to learn about greater topics by carefully listening to the stories that those individuals are eager to tell. For they can outright give us perspective on what matters and what is truly important in this life, if we approach that reunion with a level of honesty that we provide our closest friends with. But sadly, few of us approach a reunion in that manner, and in turn few of us know how much perspective about life such raw truth could provide us with. But thankfully stories can fill in those blanks and give us an idea of what such a reunion could do for us, and it just so happens that a brand-new motion picture is screening at the Austin Film Festival that explores just that.

A feat that Re: Uniting accomplishes by plunging us into the heart of a long-awaited reunion for a group of old college friends. All of whom are eager to catch up and enjoy some quiet time at a lake and see how everyone has been, and well… that initially leads to a supremely chill weekend. Where libations flow, old memories echo and good times are had by all. But it doesn’t take long… for the troubles of the world to come forth and complicate the reunion. Giving rise to unrest and surprise, and a shocking revelation. One that will provide this group of friends with perspective that they never expected to find, and an understanding of how important it is to cherish one’s life and one’s decisions since moments slip through our fingers like sand, and by the time this weekend comes to its close… their lives will be forever changed. 

Which at first glance appears to be a plot that is wildly reminiscent of the classic 1980s hit, The Big Chill. With a different focus in hand since there’s no one in the group pondering upon the nature of life and the suddenness of death. But it doesn’t take long for this film to evolve into a powerful parable about so many important elements that we confront in middle age. Such as whether or not we put ourselves in a good position to be a success in life, if we did enough to find love and happiness, and the shocking and uncomfortable reality that our time here is indeed finite, and the importance of enjoying every single second we have of it. Which are themes that outright take you off guard in a good way since you’re not expecting this story to bring forth such powerful truths about what we face in life, but it is welcome, since those are issues, we need to deal with.

But of course, the story goes further than just pointing such matters out. For once they are out in the open, these characters and the viewer are forced to confront so much about the world and life, and how we find perspective and peace regarding those all-important matters. How exactly the film accomplishes that, we simply cannot spoil here, because to do so would ruin the carefully woven tapestry that writer/director Laura Adkin assembled. But rest assured, this is nothing short of a masterpiece about life. One that deeply explores the reality that what lies ahead will be just as hard as what we left behind. And that the only way through it, is through the connections we make, and cherish, and nurture, and this film also explores why it is imperative to maintain those connections throughout the years instead of waiting for that all-important reunion. 

Which really does make for a motion picture that stays with you long after its ended, and moves you deeply as you watch, simply because it speaks to important topics few of us want to face, but need to and need to discuss and what’s amazing is that this film still has more to offer beyond its messages. For it also features, an outright acting clinic, since every single actor in this film offers performances that come from deep within their souls, and that sells the moments in question with a gravity that is rare to see in film. All of which makes this, an essential viewing experience. In large part because of the lessons at hand, but also because… this is just a great motion picture. One that will make you laugh, make you cry and will still find a way to inject hope into your soul, and you simply cannot go wrong with a motion picture that offers that and offers lessons about life, and its meaning.

To learn more about the assembly of this film, please visit our interview with the film's cast, and the film's Writer/Director, Laura Adkin, here. 

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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We firmly believe that when we reach adulthood and settle into our lives, that we will… have life figured out, and it makes sense as to why we hold to that belief. Simply because, our parents had it together, and they always had wise advice to provide us with when we had questions. And of course, in our early days of conquering the world, we could turn to them for more. Because they figured everything out. Of course, we never ask them how they got there, and perhaps we should. Because eventually we discover quite the surprise when we finally do settle in. In that, we don’t know it all, and we have little figured out. Sure, we know how to pay rent and how to handle the adult duties that are expected of us, but those are in many ways, the basics that our parents sent our way. 

But that’s it, and that leads to some unsettling days when we realize we don’t know how to properly connect and communicate with people or our partner, and sometimes… we don’t even know who we are. So, we forge ahead and struggle along the way, all in the hopes of figuring everything out so we have peace. And eventually we do figure it out, and so did our folks, but that was and will be accomplished through quite the complex process. One wrought with confusion and insecurity, and even hurt. To complicate matters further, since we know little of this process, we also have little knowledge of what it looks like or how we even reach it, and thankfully we have storytelling to help us out with that. To at least point us in the right direction, and it just so happens that writer/director Jennifer Cooney has opted to explore this in her new feature, Wild Fire.

Which is a story that introduces us to a group of seven friends who have gathered to celebrate Elliana’s birthday at her lovely home, and they all quickly enjoy laughs upon laughs and fond memories of days gone by. But as the evening continues along, and the alcohol and fatigue continue to flow, the evening takes quite the turn during a game of truth or date. For this particular edition of the game is raw and visceral, and the truths that begin to come out will lead to a fascinating night of discovery for these old friends. The kind that will force everyone to face their fears, their sexuality, and the horrors of life. But more importantly they will face what they don’t see when they look in the mirror in the mornings, their inner selves and that… will bring about a powerful and painful journey for each of them. One that will change their lives in ways they never thought possible.  

Which is a plot… that at first glance appears to be grounded far deeper into a journey of self-discovery instead of one grounded in discovering all of life’s secrets and how to navigate it, and therein lies the trick. For this particular feature makes it clear, that self-discovery IS the secret to understanding life. For this movie takes the time to showcase how honesty about ourselves, our sexuality, our feelings, gives us peace and clarity, and how that clarity can help us to see a way forward and understand life. Because we simply don’t see life objectively, we only see it through our furrowed lens of concern and confusion. Which makes for a refreshing plot and a refreshing journey, one that also has more lessons hidden within that intense game of truth or dare.  
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Such as the fact, that this process of self-discovery won’t be easy. It will bring about pain, for oneself and those around us potentially. Since not everyone is ready to hear the truth about themselves, and not everyone is eager to embrace change and what’s necessary to go on that journey. But we simply must embrace the truth and embrace the journey, because knowing who we are, what we want and where we want to be, is the only way forward in this life, the only way to find peace and all of those magnificent concepts brings forth, a riveting motion picture. One filled with moments that are relatable and moving, and sometimes feel quite familiar in nature, depending on where one is at in life.

For it really does offer clarity and/or confirmation and it also features more than just philosophy. For there are moments of real drama here, and sorrow, alongside joy and beauty. Not to mention, this is a story that also injects a little sultry sexiness into the story to give certain relationships and wants in this story the gravity they require. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that the cast is stellar in this story, and they all sell their journeys and concerns with a raw honesty that is hard to bring forth in film. But it’s here and its glorious and adds to the depth of a must-see story that beautifully showcases the struggles and the horrors of the beauty of life, and the sheer wonder of who we become, when we are finally happy with the person that we see in the mirror. 

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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We like to believe that when we reach a certain age, we will have everything in life figured out, especially in matters of love. We’ll know how to love our significant other, and know what sacrifices need to be made to keep them happy and keep our relationship thriving. Plus, we will know that our love is solid and never can be broken and well, that is why we often find ourselves quite surprised when we come to discover… that we will know none of those things when we enter into adulthood. For we learn instead that love is difficult and painful, and that two souls don’t always sync up perfectly and that their needs change with time and that we may in fact, fail at love through and through.

Which puts us in a tough place, wherein we find ourselves in a panic of sorts. Where we don’t know what to do to keep our partner happy, to find the spark we once had. And that can lead to all kinds of tough times for us. Wherein we may step away from the person we love out of the belief that we aren’t right for them, or we might hurt them and find what we need elsewhere while keeping them around for stability. Or… we straight up forge ahead and try to figure out how to make it work despite our fears because we want what we want out of love. But to get to any of those points… we need time and a chance to discover what our souls are telling us we need or time to figure out what our significant other needs, and it just so happens that a film screening at the Austin Film Festival explores all of that.

A feat that Midnight at the Paradise accomplishes by introducing us to three couples in crisis. There’s Iris and Geoff, who are married with children and seemingly happy, but Iris isn’t sure this is the life she signed up for. There’s Alex and Anthea, a pair of red-hot lovers heading for marriage, but Alex isn’t sure that leaving the lothario lifestyle behind is a good idea, or if his bride to be is really ‘the one’. And of course, there’s Max and Charmaine, who are no longer a couple but are in a reflective place. For Max is dying and he and Charmaine are ready to ponder upon what went wrong and if it was all worth it, on a night of discovery. For Alex is an old friend of Iris’, and he’s back in town for work and to see Max, who is Iris’ father, and he is also wondering if he should explore what he never did with her, and that decision… will impact all of them deeply in the hours to come.

Which gives rise to a flawless exploration of the subject matter at hand. Of how we deeply worry about the path we’re on romantically, and how it brings us panic and terror and pushes us to be… well… stupid. Because Max, Iris and Alex make some decisions here that frustrate, but they are real in nature, and reflect the places we’ve been and the journey of discovery we went upon, and the clarity they find reminds us of the importance of going on this journey. On what it really means to love and what we must endure when we choose to say, ‘I Do’ or ‘I Love You’ and that gives rise to a powerful story. One that we can all relate to, and one that captivates us because of the depth and thought that went into Bill Robertson’s masterful screenplay. One that leaves no stone unturned in matters of love and also provides the viewer, with some other surprises.
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For in many ways, this motion picture is at the same time… a giant love letter to classic cinema. One that celebrates the wonder of the theater and the emotions and outright awe that film evokes within our heart and how in some ways, our love of cinema relates to our love life. For it is what helps us believe that we will reach a maturity that will define the time we spend with our partner, when in fact… they are just movies. Designed to evoke a response and an experience. Which holds some irony since we are in fact, discussing a movie, but that too… lends to the cinematic lesson and celebration present here. Since this story speaks to film’s evolution and how it has gone from fluffy and tear-jerking entertainment into something deeper and more visceral for each of us.

All of which brings forth, a brilliant story really. One that just plunges us into the midst of a powerful night showcasing the wonder and the folly of the human condition. For our flaws and imperfections are on display often in this story, but so is the majesty of love and the wonders we are capable of, and it is so well-written and so engaging, and the performances are so powerful, that you find yourself enthralled from beginning to end and you’re eager to learn if Iris will stay with her husband or give into Alex’s boyish charms and rebellious ways. And for that matter you must learn if Max and Charmaine find meaning in their love, their lives, and the only way to know… is to meet these flawed and wondrous people at midnight, at the old Paradise theater.
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For screening information, please visit the Austin Film Festival’s website.

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If there is one thing, we search for above all in this life, it would be meaning. For we are creatures that need depth regarding our existence, really. Because despite being smart and understanding the power of the atom and our very DNA, we don’t know why we are here, and we don’t know why our lives take the turns they do. Because sometimes, life is tough, and it hurts, and the people we love hurt us and don’t get things right and all of that… can weigh deeply upon our souls and push us to well… search for that meaning in some unique ways. Sometimes, that involves a little soul searching and some positive thinking to find the beauty in who we are and what surrounds us, and other times… it involves some rough rides emotionally and mentally.
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Wherein we decide that being selfish is the way to go, and that we should cut off all contact with the tough stuff and focus on what is beautiful in our lives. And other times… we find that meaning through lamentation. Wherein we ponder deeply upon the past and what could have been if different paths were taken, and what’s fascinating… is that none of those routes to discovering the meaning we seek, is incorrect in nature. Because this strange universe finds ways to put us on the path to get what we want. And there are singular moments that show us that our path for discovery prepared us for the big moment when we find the meaning we crave, and it just so happens that a film screening at the Austin Film Festival explores all of that in a powerful, and sometimes whimsical manner.

A feat that For When You Get Lost accomplishes, by introducing us to a woman named June who is searching for meaning and peace regarding her life and the past she wants to leave behind, and well… the big moment she’s waited for to obtain all of that may be upon her. For her father has grown ill with stage four cancer and wants to see June before his time on this earth ends. Which inspires June to hit the road and collect her sister, who has cut off most ties with the family because of that sordid past, to see their father one last time. For June believes that this is it, the moment that will heal everyone and define their meaning and well… she is indeed right about that. But not in the manner that she thinks, for the road trip that awaits her and her sister Cami, will open her eyes to so much regarding the meaning of life, and what each moment means to us.

Which really is… the perfect way in which to explore how we find meaning in life, because this is a plot that is quite realistic in nature. Because we have been or will be where June is at in this film, staring down death and pondering up why we are here and what our purpose is and that allows for this movie… to explore some powerful musings regarding the meaning of life, the kind that are actually impactful and not fluffy or nonsensical. For this is that rare film that offers no giant answers about our existence here. Instead… it explores what we should really be looking for in this life, in this moment, and what we truly need to embrace and celebrate on a daily basis. For those elements are what give us meaning and sustain us, and everything else… are moments that are lost to time and should be forgotten.
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Yet, while that powerful exploration is worth the price of admission to this film alone, it offers so much more for the viewer. Because at its heart, this film is a comedy, a movie that echoes the lost soul nature of Sideways but with beer in place instead of wine, and it features those dark moments of humor that we all take part in and will never admit to, making this a very human motion picture. One that is less a grandiose road trip where IPAs are frowned upon, and more of a slice of life. Where people aren’t always at their best, where they stumble and fall and pick themselves up again and get lost and use the guides that we all use in life, to find themselves again. Making this a timeless story that anyone can enjoy at any point in their life to find clarity and wonder and meaning when it seems all hope is fading fast.

Which is a testament to Jennifer Sorenson’s deeply personal and beautiful script, one that gives rise to a story that quite frankly, we all need to experience. Simply because, it clarifies meaning at a time when we all need it, and are all searching for it, so why not let a motion picture help us along?  Because that’s what great storytelling does. It teaches us about the human condition, as it entertains and it also doesn’t hurt that those important moments come forth courtesy of some powerful direction from Michelle Steffes, who coaxes the reality out of actors, that are clearly passionate about giving us their best and that makes this film essential viewing. Because it really is something unique and refreshing, and most important of all… it speaks to us on a fundamental level by pointing us in the right direction when we aren’t sure where life is taking us.

For screening information, please visit the Austin Film Festival’s website.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture ‘I’ll Be There’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Something that we can all agree upon in this life, is that family has a profound impact upon us. Sometimes that impact is of course, good in nature. Since family can be there for us in a time of need and lift us up when we are feeling low, and they of course… can teach us how to be better people. While other times, that impact can be negative. For family only knows what it knows, and we learn and misstep together and that can bring about hurt, trauma, ugly disagreements and sometimes… outright rifts. Where we separate from them in every sense of the world to heal and steer clear of what was likely quite toxic in nature. But even then… family still finds a way to have an impact upon our lives. 
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For the news that one of them is ill or preparing to pass… or perhaps preparing to celebrate something wonderful brings them back into our lives, for better or worse. But what matters most about this fact about family, is that regardless of what kind of impact they had upon us, they are to be cherished and celebrated. For the bad we endured put us on a powerful path toward the light and the good, sustains us and pushes us daily and what’s fascinating, is that it often takes a singular moment in time to learn to appreciate our family and embrace them and understand what they truly mean to us. And it just so happens that the Austin Film Festival recently screened a motion picture that explores that moment.

A feat that I’ll Be There accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Grace who finds herself at a familial crossroads. For despite keeping some ties with her family, her hard upbringing and the difficulties that accompanied her being part of a blended family, prompted her to move away at the first opportunity available and forge a life that was a little more peaceful. But when her brother AJ informs her, he is coming to her new home city, Los Angeles, to have his bladder cancer treated by the best doctors there… Grace has no choice but plunge herself back into family life and all of the memories both good and bad that brings forth during an eerily somber time. For the legend, Michael Jackson, also dies at the same time AJ is admitted into the hospital, and that too… weighs heavy on Grace since she has deep emotional ties to Michael’s music. But what matters most, is that all of this wanton surprise will force Grace to finally reflect upon her past, her family, and what exactly they mean to her and what they should mean going forward.

Which is… the perfect plot in which to explore the central theme of this film. Because often times… what makes us appreciate family or at least learn to understand what it means to us… is crisis. For the fragility of life is on display when crisis strikes, and it forces everyone to really think about the journey and the ups and downs the journey brings and that leads… to some powerful moments in this film. The kind that feels, painfully real at times, specifically Grace’s musings upon her past and the parts of it she wants to forget but cannot. For it is part of her, and the only way for her to make peace with it… is to decide whether or not to accept and embrace her family for who they are, flaws and all. However, while those elements and that journey alone would have been enough to carry this film, it offers so much more to the viewer and the landscape of cinema as a whole.
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For this is that rare film that uses a moment in pop culture history as an anchor point and catalyst for Grace’s journey, and we don’t acknowledge enough, that moments such as the death of the King of Pop have a profound impact upon us and signal so much regarding our life and the next chapter that awaits us. And this movie deserves a round of applause for adding another layer of realism through that and of course… it is a film that is deeply steeped in proper representation. After all, the days of the perfectly Caucasian family, with two-point-five kids, sitting around the table while dad carves up the Saturday Night Roast are gone. And Grace’s family is what America really looks like now, making this a trailblazing film, one that also features… some amazing acting. 

For every single actor in this story brings their A-game, with Jasmine Bachelor and Ryan Cooper leading the charge as Grace and AJ respectively. Since their intense interactions in this film, and the worries that Grace faces, feel authentic and move you, because of what these two bring to the table. And of course… you’re captivated from beginning to end with this film, courtesy of the magnificent direction of Andrew Shea and the majestic writing of Cindy McCreery and all of these elements work to combine to provide the viewer… with a deeply personal viewing experience. One that truly calls to us and leaves us wondering what we should do with our own family concerns and troubles or celebrate what is in front of us. For we only get one family in this life, and it is important we remember that. 

For screening information, please visit the Austin Film Festival’s website.

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the motion picture being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we deeply cherish the coming-of-age story and understandably so. For the day when a teenager or a young adult comes to harbor a deeper understanding of the world and their mortality and morality, is a big day. A formative one that puts them on a path toward adulthood and important discoveries untold, and that is why… so many filmmakers and writers and creatives everywhere, make these stories grandiose and powerful in nature. To capture the gravitas of the day the world makes sense to us. But while that outright celebrates that journey in a deep manner, there is one slight problem with how we cherish and present these stories. In that, by going this route often, they have in some respects… lost their way. 
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For they do at times, put this moment in a very cliché light. As though the epiphanies a character will go through when say, facing death, or heartbreak, are universal in nature. And the same goes for how they come to their understanding of the world and well… that’s just not correct. For the coming-of-age moment is vastly different for people. For some, it is subtle in nature, and for others, it’s important but not earth-shattering and doesn’t instantly change a life, and it doesn’t always have to relate to severe trauma. Thankfully though, we are in an era of storytelling now where creatives understand that and are eager to tell coming-of-age stories that reflect what the process actually looks like in life and what real teens experience when they cross that threshold, and it just so happens that a film that features a refreshing take on the coming-of-age story is about to screen at the Austin Film Festival.

A feat that Egghead & Twinkie accomplishes, by introducing us to… Egghead and Twinkie. A pair of best friends that are enjoying their last summer together before college in the most unique way imaginable. Courtesy of a road trip. Simply because Twinkie is eager to check out some art-related viewings in Texas, and what better time to do that, than before this dynamic duo is split up? But alas, Twinkie isn’t being honest with Egghead about the real reasons for the trip. For in reality, she’s eager to meet her online crush, the very one that helped her come to understand her sexuality and inspired her to express that truth to her parents, and she needs this time way to really learn this aspect of herself with the one person that she sees as a brother. Despite the fact that Egghead has feelings for her. Which means… this will be a trip of self-discovery for both of them, one that will change their lives forever.

Which is a delightful plot that offers up a coming-of-age story for a new generation. Because this… this is the kind of stuff that teenagers are actually going through in life. For so many teens are trying to understand themselves and understand who they will be tomorrow and who they actually want to love in this life and that is precisely what we get here. An intimate journey of self-discovery, one that is filled with mistakes and follies that feel genuine and relatable, the kind that we learned from when we hit our own more low-key coming of age and that alone, makes this film worth the price of admission. Because that’s a refreshing and inventive story, one that finally offers real honesty when it comes to the coming-of-age story and the film’s wonder doesn’t end there.
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Because it also brings about, representation and lets a community speak, whose voices are often silenced in film. Making this a pioneering film as well, since there are not enough coming-of-age/coming out stories for the LGBTQIA+ community, and this film deserves absolute praise for exploring what coming out can actually be like for people in the world. Since such a move raises awareness regarding an act that happens daily in our world and teaches us… to embrace when that moment happens so that the person embracing their sexuality doesn’t feel awkward or worried about being honest about themselves. They can instead, feel pride in knowing who they are and well, what’s even more incredible… is that there are still more wonders to share regarding this feature.

For it is also, a delightful comedy. One that understands the importance of laughing at the awkwardness of life, and how sometimes the things we make out to be big in our heads, are silly and goofy, and should be seen as such. And that allows for certain moments in this film to never get too heavy, because it also features some important moments of growth for this duo, the kind that are somber in their own way and well… all of these elements combine to bring forth an absolute must-see film. For Egghead & Twinkie is poignant, important, and beautiful and joyous, and it truly reinvents the coming-of-age story at last. Plus, it features a magnificent cast, and Sabrina Jie-A-Fa (Twinkie) and Louis Tomeo (Egghead), deserve a shout out, since they nail every moment big and small, and this movie also features a powerhouse script from writer/director Sarah Kambe Holland and hopefully, you get to see this motion picture at the Austin Film Festival or in a theater soon. Because this story is something quite special and absolutely what the world of cinema needs right now.

For screening information, please visit the Austin Film Festival’s website.

It is definitely safe to say, that cinephiles are filled with joy right now. Simply because we are days away from the Austin Film Festival, and all the amazing stories it is going to send our way. And of course… since we are inching closer and closer the time has come for as much material regarding this year’s festival selections to head our way. Such as trailers, like the one that was recently released to get us excited for a powerful coming-of-age story.
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For the trailer for Egghead & Twinkie is out into the world now, and it is one we absolutely need to share with you. For it is poignant, important, full of representation, and a lot of fun, and it should motivate anyone and everyone at the festival to give it a look. So, without further ado, here is that trailer for all of you to enjoy, as the countdown continues to this film’s debut at one of the finest film festivals in all of the land.