This week brings the first episode of the Film Festival Podcast. I’m joined by the indomitable Chris Olsen as we discuss the 2006 French thriller Tell No One. Be sure to discuss the film in the comments section below, but if you haven’t watched the film yet, be aware that both the podcast and the comments section contain spoilers.

Also, if you want to give feedback on the podcast, you can do so in the comments below, or send an email to filmfestpanic@gmail.com, and we just might read your email on the show.

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This podcast should be appearing on iTunes in the next few days.

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RP Film Festival Podcast: Tell No One

We’re kicking off this year’s film festival with a bang with the 2006 French thriller Tell No One. It’s a fitting choice; The reason this film festival was started was to provide smart, entertaining films that counteract the dregs of mindless summer blockbusters. Every year, when I am inevitably let down by the studio tentpole releases, I am chided by friends, who ask me why I can’t just “enjoy the dumb fun.” The reason, in short, is because of films like Tell No One, which provide the same edge-of-your-seat thrills, but do so with an engaging story, well-rounded characters and top-notch filmmaking. It has enough depth for impassioned discussion, but is accessible enough that almost anyone can enjoy it. Despite winning several Cesar awards, making numerous critic’s top-ten lists and holding a 93% rating at Rottentomatoes.com, (100% with top critics) it was tragically overlooked by American audiences.

You can expect the first episode of the film fest podcast to go up this Friday, along with the discussion thread for this week. As is the case with every entry in this year’s film festival, Tell No One is available on Netflix Watch Instantly. To add it to your queue, click the button below.

Wake up and smell the sunscreen, folks. It’s summer once again, and you know what that means; It’s time once again for the Robot Panic Summer Film Festival. That’s right, all those months of trudging through snow and slaving over essays have finally paid off, and it’s time to kick back and enjoy some great film.

For those of you unfamiliar with the film festival, it was started three years ago as a means to collectively expand our film knowledge while counteracting the worst of the mindless summer action film. But before you say “Why would i do that? Movies are supposed to be FUN!” know that the goal of the festival isn’t to intimidate you or force you to trudge through hours of David Lynch pictures and hours-long Werner Herzog epics (as much as I may love them).

The name of the game has always been accessibility, and in curating the list of films this year, I’ve taken that into account more than ever. This year’s line-up is comprised of 12 great, thoughtful and discussion-provoking films that even the most budding film-lover can enjoy. The list includes French New-Wave films, modern classics, horror films, comedies, some over-looked, and some widely regarded among the best of all time. There’s something here for everyone, and this promises to be the most exciting year yet.

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