Amy Paonessa from The Bloodlust podcast joins Andrew and Sam for the 550th episode of the Cinema File, in which we run down our respective mid-year top 5 movie picks for 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Newsroom: Athens Banner Herald

Cinema File: Episode 550 with top 5 movies of 2021 (so far)

1971 cult classic "Harold and Maude" turns 50 this year, and it also happens to be OnlineAthens entertainment writer Andrew Shearer's all-time favorite movie. This is a recording made directly after his friend Xtina watched it for the first time, so things get a bit sniffly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: Happy 50th, Harold. Happy 50th, Maude.

For her debut feature film, "No Ordinary Love," due on June 14, 2021, Fort Worth, TX-based writer-director Chyna Robinson took on the very real and highly sensitive issue of intimate partner violence and masterfully wove it into the cinematic medium. The result is a powerful viewing experience with an urgent message. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: Interview with writer-director Chyna Robinson ("No Ordinary Love"

For her debut feature film, "No Ordinary Love," due on June 15, 2021, Fort Worth, TX-based writer-director Chyna Robinson took on the very real and highly sensitive issue of intimate partner violence and masterfully wove it into the cinematic medium. The result is a powerful viewing experience with an urgent message. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew hasn't been to the movies since March 2020, but the lure of Chris Rock starring in a horror movie was enough to get him back in a theatre. He recorded this podcast from his car directly after seeing "Spiral: From the Book of Saw." Which was scarier: the movie or going back to the movies during a worldwide pandemic? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: Is "Spiral: Saw" scarier than going back to the movies?

DJ Sean Swift is one of the few artists from the early years of the Athens hip-hop scene that’s still in the game today. From a bedroom in Stonehenge to internet radio, Swift is now spinning for a worldwide audience at www.djseanwift.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Athens Hip-Hop History: Interview with DJ Sean Swift

Why do we care about the 2021 Oscars? Because for once – and it took a worldwide pandemic for it to happen – everyday film fans actually got to see all the Best Picture nominees in the comfort of their own homes weeks before the ceremony. Join former Blockbuster co-workers Andrew and Sam as they give their picks and predictions for this year's "Superbowl Of Cinema." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: Oscar picks for 2021 (the year they let us see the movies)

Released the same year as "Star Wars," Japanese experimental filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi's teenage horror masterpiece "House," a.k.a. "Hausu" came out. Panned by nearly all critics in its day, the effects-heavy mystery was a hit with young audiences due to its expert marketing campaign, youth-centered story and wild visuals. Decades later, "House" holds up beautifully, and remains a gorgeous and gory work from one of cinema's most original minds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: Spend a night in 'House,' the weirdest movie ever made

From making music on a 4-track in the living room of Nellie B Apartments to performing on television in London, Athens hip hop legend Ken "Duddy Ken" Richardson helped put the Classic City on the map for the Southern sound. In this lunchtime recording from March 11, 2021, Ken speaks to OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer about how his journey influenced the production work he does today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Athens Hip Hop History: Interview with Duddy Ken

Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam review a bunch of movies they watched in March 2021 including "Jumbo," "Godzilla vs. Kong," "Slaxx," "Tina," "Coming 2 America" and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: It's girl-meets-fairground ride in 'Jumbo'

In this interview recorded on March 19, 2021, the one year anniversary of the launch of Kino Lorber's virtual screening platform, Athens Ciné executive director Pam Kohn speaks to Kino Lorber senior vice president of theatrical and nontheatrical distribution and acquisitions Wendy Lidell about the impact it had on keeping independent theaters going. Conversation moderated by OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema File: How virtual screenings helped save indie theaters (and me)

Shannon Smith is recognized by founding members of the Athens hip hop scene as the Classic City's first woman MC. In the first interview about her music since the 90s, Smith spoke to the Banner-Herald about rapping as a language in her early years, later experiences while advancing her career, and what lead to her current life as a counselor and activist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Athens Hip Hop History: Interview with Shannon Smith

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