23: Persepolis

The work of Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar moves into the limelight in this episode of the STUDIOCANAL Presents podcast - in particular, a pair of his earlier movies. Kayleigh Donaldson joins regular host Simon Brew, examining and discussing both Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown and Kika. There's also time for the latest STUDIOCANAL news, as well as a fresh double bill recommendation as well...

Founded back in 1999 by Tomm Moore, Paul Young and Nora Twomey, Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon has earned a worldwide reputation off the back of films such as The Secret Of Kells, Song Of The Sea and The Breadwinner. In a very special episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents, the trio join regular host Simon Brew to talk about the story of Cartoon Saloon, its films, and its birthday. It's quite the tale...

A real treat in this episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents, as regular host Simon Brew is joined by Academy Award winner Walter Murch to talk about the 1974 classic The Conversation. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Conversation was the movie he made between the first two Godfather films, and for actor Gene Hackman, he called it one of his favourite roles. No wonder: a superb, paranoid thriller, The Conversation also marked Walter Murch's first credit as editor, and he was also the sound designer on the film. He has plenty of stories to tell. The Conversation has been remastered in 4K, and is back in UK cinemas, with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release too.

Creature features have been omnipresent in cinema since its early days, and in this episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents, we're putting them firmly centre stage. Joining regular host Simon Brew is a man who's just directed a creature feature of his own: Kiah Roache-Turner. He's the man behind the newly-released rampaging spider film Sting. As you're about to discover, he's scared of spiders - but he does have a host of recommendations!

The spotlight falls upon the Oscar-nominated animated film Persepolis for this episode of the STUDIOCANAL Presents podcast. Regular host Simon Brew is joined by writer and critic Kambole Campbell, and the pair delve into a modern animated classic. They chat about the source comic book, the mix of dark and light in the film, and its distinctive animation style. That, and the telling of Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical story in such an effective way, Plus: Kambole brings along too his double bill pick from the STUDIOCANAL catalogue. And there’s just about time for a news update as well…

The rich history of Ealing Studios comes into the spotlight in this latest episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents, and in particular two of its comedies that are amongst the finest films in British cinema history: Kind Hearts & Coronets, and The Lavender Hill Mob. Host Simon Brew is joined by Ealing expert and fan Dr Benedict Morrison, and the pair explore the history, importance and joy of the films – whilst namechecking a few others for the watchlist too! Plus, as always, the latest news from the world of STUDIOCANAL as well…

Now playing in cinemas, Wicked Little Letters brings together Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and an awful lot of foul language! Shepherding it to the screen? That’d be director Thea Sharrock, who joins Simon for this episode of the STUDIOCANAL Podcast. They talk about the making of the film, the true story underpinning it, and getting the tone right. As much as the film is a comedy, it’s got a resonant true story at the heart of it, and Thea talks about getting the balance of the film, and the challenge of editing. Plus we’ve got more news from the world of STUDIOCANAL as well…

It may not have got the recognition it deserved on its original release, but Michael Powell's stunning 1960 film Peeping Tom is now rightly regarded as a flat-out classic. It's also the subject of the latest episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents. Regular host Simon Brew is joined by film critic Lillian Crawford to talk about the film, its legacy, and the impact it had on Michael Powell's career. Plus, there's time for one or two more recommendations from the STUDIOCANAL catalogue too...

Just in time for Christmas, our latest delve into the STUDIOCANAL catalogue salutes a festive treat from yesterday: The Holly & The Ivy. Often overlooked, it’s a film that’s a firm favour of Sir Christopher Frayling. He joins regular host Simon Brew to talk about the film, and also to dig into a few further treats from the catalogue. Some of which have more of a festive edge than others…

We’re deep in spooky season at the time of this latest episode of STUDIOCANAL Presents – and that was all the reason we needed to invite podcaster, musician, writer, actor, and huge movie fan Scroobius Pip to join us. Along with regular host Simon Brew, the focus of the chat this time is primarily on Joe Cornish’s modern favourite Attack The Block, and just why it continues to endure so well. Plus a few words too for Ana Lily Amirpour’s acclaimed 2014 vampire movie, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. There’s even time to talk about a quick cuddle, too…