The Film Situation

057 - Julian Biba : Festival Director, Producer, Storyteller

On this episode of The Film Situation, host Zef Cota sits down with Julian Biba—a filmmaker, producer, novelist, and director of the NY True Venture Film Festival—to discuss his unconventional journey into filmmaking. From his early days as a bodyguard to finding himself at the Cannes Film Festival with his first short film, Julian shares how his real-life experiences have shaped his storytelling across film, literature, and festival programming.

Plus, Julian and Zef break down two of his favorite movie scenes:
THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) & Tony Scott's MAN ON FIRE (2004).

@julianbiba

Hosted by Zef Cota

056- Kubrick: An Odyssey with Nathan Abrams & Robert P. Kolker

In this episode of The Film Situation, we sit down with acclaimed Stanley Kubrick biographers Nathan Abrams and Robert P. Kolker, co-authors of KUBRICK: AN ODYSSEY, to explore the genius of one of cinema’s most enigmatic directors.

From the Bronx to London, Stanley Kubrick’s legacy continues to fascinate and influence filmmakers and cinephiles alike. We dive deep into his obsessive attention to detail, behind-the-scenes stories from his most iconic films, and what made him such a singular force in cinema history.

Hosted by Zef Cota

055 - JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey - THE STRIKE

On this episode of The Film Situation, I sit down with documentary filmmakers JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey to discuss their powerful PBS documentary THE STRIKE. The film tells the gripping story of a historic 30,000-person hunger strike inside California’s prison system—an act of mass resistance that exposed the brutal reality of long-term solitary confinement.

We dive into how JoeBill and Lucas first met, the years-long process of making the film, and the incredible resilience of the men who organized the strike. They also share the challenges of visually telling a story set largely within prison walls, their influences, and the emotional impact of screening THE STRIKE inside San Quentin.

This conversation sheds light on a major but largely overlooked moment in U.S. history—one that changed lives and reformed the prison system. THE STRIKE premieres on PBS, bringing this urgent story to audiences across the country. Tune in to hear how the film came together and why it’s essential viewing.

 Follow the film at thestrikefilm.com and on Instagram @thestrikefilm

054 - Tom Chaves – From Gaffer to DP & The Future of Cinematography

On this episode of The Film Situation, we sit down with gaffer-turned-DP Tom Chaves to discuss his 15-year journey in the industry, the challenges of transitioning from lighting to camera, and the harsh realities of being pigeonholed in the film business. Tom shares insights on AI’s growing impact on cinematography, the evolving landscape of indie filmmaking, and his own experiences working on everything from music videos to micro-budget features to high-end commercial gigs.

We also dive into his deep love for cinema and discuss scenes from the Brazilian film CITY OF GOD and Tony Kaye's AMERICAN HISTORY X.

Hosted by Zef Cota

053- 2025 Oscar noms & THE BRUTALIST

Discussion between Jon Difilippo & Zef Cota about the 2025 Academy Award nominated films.

Warning there may be spoilers!

052 - A Tribute to David Lynch (r.i.p.)

In this special emergency episode of THE FILM SITUATION, we pay tribute to the life and work of legendary filmmaker David Lynch, who has profoundly influenced the world of cinema.

David Lynch’s films, from BLUE VELVET to TWIN PEAKS, have captivated audiences with their unique blend of surrealism, haunting visuals, and complex storytelling. In this episode, we reflect on his unmatched contributions to film and explore the lasting impact of his art and philosophy.

Zef Cota co-hosts with Alex Gray, and guest Heather Buckley who share their experiences and thoughts on Lynch’s work, his philosophy, and his influence on their own lives and careers. His quote, “Keep your eye on the donut and not the hole,” is just one example of his ability to inspire and provoke thought about life, creativity, and the human experience.

Join us as we honor a true visionary in cinema, offering our heartfelt condolences and celebrating the indelible mark he’s left on the world.

051 - Catherine Marie Thomas - Costume Designer

In this episode we sit down with acclaimed costume designer Catherine Marie Thomas to explore her storied career. Known for her work on iconic films like KILL BILL, GREY GARDENS, THE PROPOSAL, and the Netflix hit LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND, Catherine shares fascinating insights into the art of costume design.

From her unconventional start at Juilliard to collaborating with legendary directors like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Altman, Catherine discusses her creative process, memorable projects, and the challenges of designing for both film and television. We also dive into two of her favorite movie scenes: the unforgettable showdown from KILL BILL, featuring Uma Thurman, and a key moment from THE SUBSTANCE, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.

Episode hosted by Zef Cota, with co-host Laura Popovic.

050 - Bill Fishman - Film Director

In this episode, Zef Cota welcomes acclaimed filmmaker Bill Fishman, director of the cult classic TAPE HEADS and numerous iconic music videos for bands like the Ramones and Counting Crows. Bill dives into the making of his latest project, WALTZING WITH BRANDO, a fascinating biopic starring Billy Zane as the legendary Marlon Brando.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tahiti, the film explores Brando's ambitious dream to build an eco-friendly resort on a remote island, based on the memoir of architect Bernard Judge. Bill shares insights into casting Billy Zane, the creative process behind capturing Brando’s essence, and how Zane’s nuanced portrayal balances authenticity and grounded performance without falling into imitation.

The conversation also touches on the film’s exploration of Brando’s disillusionment with Hollywood, his quest for personal freedom, and the challenges of bringing this larger-than-life story to the screen. Plus, hear a bit about John Heder's role in the film (and how to correctly pronounce his name).

Listen in for an inspiring look at storytelling, creative collaboration, and reimagining the legends of cinema.

Hosted by Zef Cota

049 - Claire McKey Berkman - Writer & Director

In this episode we sit down with the multifaceted Claire McKey Berkman to discuss her dynamic career spanning TV, theater, film, and web content. From her beginnings in creative writing and theater at Pitzer College to working in tv and film production in Los Angeles, Claire has embraced every aspect of storytelling. After moving to London to earn her MFA in Advanced Theatre Practice at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she pushed the boundaries of her craft by writing and producing an immersive musical.

Claire shares insights into the power of collaboration, the intersection of music and narrative, and the unique challenges of creating across multiple mediums. Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, or creative dreamer, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for embracing a multidisciplinary approach to your craft.

We also discuss some of her favorite movie scenes, from WICKED (2024) to SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004).

Hosted by Zef Cota

048 - Matthew Canada - Cinematographer

In this episode of The Film Situation, we sit down with NYC based cinematographer Matthew Canada to explore his unique journey from studying jazz theory at a music conservatory to crafting breathtaking visuals for narrative films and cinematic commercials. Matthew shares how his diverse life experiences, including earning a degree in marketing, have shaped his artistic approach to cinematography, where art and science seamlessly merge.

We dive into his early days filming music videos in New York City, his passion for narrative storytelling, and how he uses framing, lighting, and subtext to enhance story and character. Matthew also opens up about the collaborative nature of filmmaking, discussing his work with directors, production designers, and actors, and how he balances meticulous technical preparation with on-the-spot creative instincts.

To wrap things up, we delve into some of Matthew’s favorite movie scenes, including Martin Scorsese's iconic GOODFELLAS and Todd Phillips' gripping THE JOKER, unpacking what makes them so visually and emotionally impactful.

Hosted by Zef Cota