Sierra McCormic and James Sunshine on KILLING MARY SUE

Welcome to Following Films, where we dig into the stories behind the movies—and the people—who challenge the way we watch them. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, I’m joined by philosopher and film lover Matthew Strohl, author of the new book Hard to Watch, a passionate and thought-provoking call to expand the way we engage with cinema.We’re living in a golden age of movie access—between streaming, physical media, repertory theaters, and more, there’s never been a better time to explore the full range of what cinema has to offer. And yet, most of us tend to stick with the familiar, the comfortable, the easily digestible.In Hard to Watch, Matthew argues that we’re missing out by avoiding the so-called “difficult” films—the ones that challenge, provoke, confuse, or even frustrate us. From the rigorous minimalism of Jeanne Dielman to the body horror surrealism of Titane, Matthew makes the case that these films can be deeply rewarding—if we’re willing to meet them on their own terms.Described as part film guide, part self-help book, Hard to Watch is both an enthusiastic celebration of cinematic ambition and a thoughtful roadmap for getting more out of the films that don’t come with easy answers.Matthew Strohl is a professor of philosophy at the University of Montana, and his writing explores the intersection of aesthetics, art, and popular culture. He’s also the author of Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies—so it’s safe to say his taste is both expansive and refreshingly open-minded.In our conversation, we’ll talk about what it means to truly watch a film, why discomfort can be a gift, and how embracing the hard stuff can change the way we see not just cinema—but ourselves.Let’s get into it.

Welcome to Following Films, where we explore the creative journeys behind the films that inspire us. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today’s guest is Steven Martini—an award-winning screenwriter, actor, musician, and the director of the deeply personal new indie film BitterSweet.This film is more than just a story—it’s Steven’s story. BitterSweet is based on his own real-life breakdown, a turning point that led to his late autism diagnosis and forced him to reexamine everything: his identity, his creative process, and his role as a father.Steven not only wrote and directed the film—he also stars in it alongside his wife, actress and producer Gabriela Kulaif. You might know his earlier work, including Lymelife and Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire, both of which earned acclaim and were executive produced by Martin Scorsese.BitterSweet is an unflinching look at undiagnosed autism, toxic masculinity, and the trials of early parenthood. It opens in select theaters June 11 and hits VOD worldwide July 3.In our conversation, Steven opens up about the emotional and artistic journey behind the film, the challenges of telling such a personal story, and the catharsis of turning pain into art.Let’s jump into it.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films. I’m Chris Maynard, and today I’m talking with director Destry Allyn Spielberg about her new film, Please Don’t Feed the Children.It’s a tense, gripping horror-thriller set in a world where a virus has wiped out the adult population, and a group of orphans finds themselves taken hostage by a mysterious woman with a dark secret. The film features a fantastic cast — including Michelle Dockery, Giancarlo Esposito, and Zoe Colletti — and marks Destry’s feature directorial debut.Please Don’t Feed the Children arrives exclusively on Tubi this Friday, June 27, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned — this is a great conversation you’re going to want to hear!

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast, I’m Chris Maynard. Today I’m joined by two special guests from the bold new film Killing Mary Sue. It’s a darkly comic thriller about a corrupt senator plotting to kill his biggest liability — his rebellious step‑daughter — only for her to discover she has a hidden talent as an unstoppable killer.The film is currently available on VOD, and I’m excited to be talking with its star, Sierra McCormick, and its writer and director, James Sunshine. We’ll dig into the making of this unique story, what drew them to it, and what it was like to bring such a sharp and intriguing character to the screen. Stay tuned — you’re listening to the Following Films Podcast.

Welcome back to The Following Films Podcast, where we look at the craft of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the people who bring it all to life. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today’s episode is a short one, but a good one.We’re joined by two remarkable guests: acclaimed actor Dermot Mulroney, whose filmography spans everything from My Best Friend’s Wedding to Young Guns and Yellowstone… and director Salvador Litvak, whose bold new film Guns & Moses is already sparking conversation across the country.Inspired by real events, Guns & Moses follows a desert rabbi who becomes an unlikely warrior when his community is attacked—blending the intensity of an action-thriller with the heart of a deeply personal story. It’s a film that takes on antisemitism, courage, and what it means to protect what matters most… all with style, grit, and yes, a little Hitchcock flair.We talk about the making of the film, the urgency of its message, and the humanity behind the characters. So stay tuned—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

You're listening to Following Films, the podcast where we dig beneath the surface of cinema to uncover the stories behind the screen. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today we’re going deep into the heart of Diablo — a lean, ferocious action-thriller starring Scott Adkins that lands today in theaters and on demand.Diablo is the story of Kris Chaney — a man fresh out of prison, carrying the weight of a promise and running from the kind of danger you can’t hide from. Directed by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, the film mixes brutal martial arts choreography, a relentless villain, and a surprising emotional core.In this special episode, I’m joined first by Scott Adkins, who talks about the physical and emotional challenge of playing Kris — a man torn between violence and redemption.Then, I speak with Alanna de la Rossa, who plays Elisa — a pivotal role that grounds the story with vulnerability and strength. We dive into her experience on set, working opposite Adkins, and what it meant to represent her Colombian roots in an international action film.And finally, I close things out with director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, who shares his vision for Diablo — from crafting terrifying villains to building tension through movement, silence, and raw human conflict.This is one of our most action-packed episodes yet — and there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than just fists and bullets.Welcome to Following Films. Let’s get into Diablo

Welcome to Following Films, the show where we talk to the creators behind today’s most compelling cinema. I’m your host, and today we’re honored to be joined by filmmaker Amir Kovacs, director of the beautifully animated new feature, Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho.Now available on major VOD platforms, Walls of Jericho is a powerful retelling of the biblical story from the Book of Joshua—a tale of faith, endurance, and divine triumph. Set after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the film follows Joshua and the Israelites as they confront the towering walls of Jericho with little more than their faith and God's instructions. What unfolds is a miraculous victory, brought to life through stunning animation and a moving score.The film has already garnered major festival recognition, winning “Best Animated Film” at the 2025 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and earning a top-three spot for “Best Picture” at the International Christian Film & Music Festival. It’s a cinematic achievement that blends timeless storytelling with artistic innovation.Today, Amir Kovacs joins us to talk about adapting this epic for the screen, working with a global creative team, and the vision behind Walls of Jericho. Whether you’re drawn to animation, inspired by stories of faith, or just curious about what goes into making a film like this, you’re in the right place.

I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags, and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS. Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller, this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation.This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood — Harley’s lived through it all. And the film, which features interviews with Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Michael Imperioli, and the late Anthony Bourdain, shows a side of him many haven’t seen before.Now, quick heads up — there’s a slight audio issue on my end during this episode. I didn’t realize my mic wasn’t plugged in, so you’ll hear me through my laptop’s onboard mic. It’s definitely listenable, just a bit rougher than usual — but honestly, it kind of fits the vibe of this episode.So with that, let’s get into it. This is Harley Flanagan — loud, raw, and real

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by acclaimed horror filmmaker Sean Byrne — the visionary behind The Loved Ones and The Devil’s Candy.Sean is back with his most intense and ambitious film yet: Dangerous Animals — a razor-sharp fusion of shark thriller and serial killer horror, set against the vast, unforgiving waters of the Australian coast. With a bold script from screenwriter Nick Lepard, and haunting performances by Hassie Harrison and Jai Courtney, this is a film that doesn’t just scare — it lingers.Shot on location, loaded with tension, and layered with unexpected emotional depth, Dangerous Animals is a high-concept genre film that asks: What if the real monster isn’t in the water, but standing right beside you?Dangerous Animals opens exclusively in theaters tomorrow — June 6, 2025. You’ll want to see this one on the biggest screen possible, surrounded by people gripping their seats just as hard as you are.In today’s episode, Sean and I dive into the making of the film, the creative evolution of its characters, and what it means to make horror with heart — and teeth.Let’s get into it.

Show Notes – Following FilmsEpisode Title: “GOING POSTAL: Filmmakers Tda Sallee & Jason Sikorsky on Gaming’s Most Notorious Underdog”Hosted by: Chris MaynardGuests: Ted Sallee & Jason Sikorsky, directors of GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLDNow Streaming on VODEpisode Summary:Host Chris Maynard sits down with filmmakers Tad Sallee and Jason Sikorsky to unpack their five-year journey making GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD—a bold, heartfelt, and cinematic deep dive into one of gaming’s most controversial franchises. What started as a casual conversation in Tucson turned into an unexpected story of friendship, chaos, controversy, and creative grit.Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert and steeped in gaming subculture, the film tells the behind-the-scenes story of Postal—a cult-favorite game infamous for its violence, and beloved for its refusal to conform. But at its heart, GOING POSTAL isn’t just about a game. It’s about two creators, Mike J. and Vince, and their decades-long fight to keep their vision alive.In This Episode:How a ramen lunch sparked a five-year filmmaking odysseyTucson roots and the strange comfort of seeing Arizona on screenThe evolution from YouTube docuseries to fully cinematic filmThe unexpected emotional core: Mike J., Vince, and the underdog bond that drives it allBalancing voices: how fans, historians, and critics helped shape the narrativeCourting controversy: how Postal leaned into the chaos—and whyWhy GOING POSTAL is more than a hot take on violent games—it's a story of survival and passion in indie gamingAbout the Film:GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD chronicles the story of Postal, one of gaming’s most infamous franchises, and the unlikely duo behind it. What unfolds is a decades-long journey filled with backlash, cult fandom, and a relentless belief in staying true to your vision.Now available on VOD – Stream it wherever you rent or buy films.Links & Resources:Watch GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD now on VOD https://goingpostaldoc.com/Learn more about Postal and Running With Scissors: https://runningwithscissors.com/Read POSTAL by Brock Wilbur https://www.amazon.com/Postal-Brock-Wilbur/dp/1940535220Join the Conversation:Like what you heard? Subscribe to Following Films, leave a rating or review, and share your thoughts. Are you Postal enough?