Pop Culture

Cinema Junkie On Truffle Hunting, Guantanamo Detainees, And Getting Off The Grid

March 5

By Beth Accomando

Truffle sniffing dogs, the lingering legacy of Guantanamo Bay detentions, and going off the grid are the subjects of the latest group of film releases.

San Diego Latino Film Festival Will Be Online And At The Drive-In

March 3

By Beth Accomando

The 28th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off March 11. It was the first local film festival forced to cancel its in person event because of COVID-19. The festival founder shares what the pandemic has been like.

Close Out Black History Month With 'Spittin' Truth To Power'

Feb. 22

By Beth Accomando

You can fittingly close out Black History Month with an intergenerational poetry piece called "Spittin’ Truth To Power While Light Leaping For the People."

2021 San Diego Comic-Con Goes Virtual Again Due To Pandemic

March 1

By City News Service

San Diego Comic-Con will go virtual for the second straight year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced Monday.

Andra Day Channels Billie Holiday In New Biopic

'The United States Vs. Billie Holiday' is now streaming on Hulu

Feb. 26

By Beth Accomando

Billie Holiday died at the age of 44 in 1959. She leaves behind a legacy of great songs rendered in her uniquely evocative vocal style. But the new film "The United States Vs. Billie Holiday" (now streaming on Hulu) wants to remind us of the harassment she was subjected to by law enforcement.

Common Ground Theatre Celebrates Late Playwright Douglas Turner Ward

Feb. 24

By Beth Accomando

Common Ground Theatre's mission is “to produce classics and new works by and about people of African descent.” This weekend it showcases "Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward, who died last Saturday.

Streaming Options From Oscar Contenders To Cult Icons

Feb. 22

By Beth Accomando

Oscar winner Frances McDormand may lock another Oscar nomination for her work in "Nomadland," which is on Hulu. Plus, Digital Gym Cinema offers "Minari" and cult classic "Dolemite."

FilmOut Monthly Screening Highlights 'Jumbo'

Feb. 18

By Beth Accomando

FilmOut, San Diego’s LGBTQ film festival, has been on hiatus since the pandemic hit. But it has restarted its monthly film series online and this month's selection is "Jumbo."

Cinema Junkie Podcast 209: The Black Panther Party

Feb. 17

By Beth Accomando

Author David F. Walker released his newest work "The Black Panther Party" just as the new film "Judas and the Black Messiah" covers the murder of Panther member Fred Hampton. In this podcast, Walker discusses his book and the film.

Diversionary Theatre Uses Pandemic Downtime For Major Remodel

Feb. 15

By Beth Accomando

Diversionary Theatre is the third oldest continuously run LGBT theater in the United States. It has decided to take advantage of having to be closed for the pandemic by beginning long-overdue building improvements.

'Saint Maud' Finds Horror At The Intersection Of Faith And Madness

Feb. 12

By Beth Accomando

Horror and faith are provocatively intertwined in the new independent film "Saint Maud," which starts streaming on EPIX today.

Share Your Love For Afrofuturism This Valentine's Day

Feb. 12

By Beth Accomando

For something a little different, sign up for the Afrofuturism Dream Tank for an immersive experience of art, music, comics, science fact and fiction, history, and current events in celebration of Black History Month.

San Diego International Jewish Film Festival Launches Online

Feb. 11

By Beth Accomando

Last year the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival was able to hold an in-person event just before the pandemic hit. But for its 31st year, the festival is moving online.

Cinema Under The Stars Reopens With Hitchcock's 'Notorious'

Feb. 4

By Beth Accomando

Moviegoers have had limited options in recent months, basically, watch at home or in a drive-in. But Friday night Cinema Under the Stars in Golden Hill reopens to screen Alfred Hitchcock’s espionage love story "Notorious."

A Century Of Black Cinema

Feb. 4

By Beth Accomando

The history of Black films in America is both problematic and inspiring. It's problematic in the racial stereotypes presented and how under-represented Black voices have been in the creative process. Yet, there have been amazing examples of Black filmmakers presenting their point of view and countering the white perspective over the past century. Cinema Junkie plans to highlight a century of Black cinema for the month of February.