Cinetopia Radio

Cinetopia

Regular film show from the Cinetopia podcast team, reviewing the latest releases (slanted towards arthouse cinema), and interviews with film professionals as well as highlighting industry specific masterclasses we produce in Edinburgh. Cinetopia is a organisation aiming to make film and filmmaking more approachable and diverse within Edinburgh and beyond. We offer low-cost film screenings for local communities & organise free networking events that bring filmmakers in the early stages of their careers together with seasoned professionals and festival directors together.

  1. Jul 17

    July 2026: 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival Preview, The Invite, Blue Heron, and Rosebush Pruning

    Cinetopia's Amanda Rogers is joined by show regulars Jim Ross (Take One Magazine) and Garry Arnot (Cinema Perspective) for a preview of the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026, discussing some of the films they're most looking forward to seeing at this year's festival. The team also reviews The Invite, Blue Heron, and Rosebush Pruning, exploring each film's themes, filmmaking and performances. Show running times [00:00] Introduction [02:45] Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026 Preview [15:20] The Invite (dir. Olivia Wilde) [39:48] Blue Heron (dir. Sophy Romvari) [56:20] Rosebush Pruning (dir. Karim Aïnouz)

    July 2026: 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival Preview, The Invite, Blue Heron, and Rosebush Pruning

  2. Jun 28

    June 2026: Backrooms, Disclosure Day, and Acting reviews

    Originally aired 18 June 2026. Cinetopia's Amanda is joined by show regulars Emma Jamieson and Mariana Duarte to discuss some of the month’s most talked-about new releases. The team begins with Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, before moving on to Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg, and concluding with Acting, directed by Sophie Fiennes. From internet-born horror and blockbuster science fiction to an intimate exploration of the actor’s craft, the conversation explores the films’ themes, filmmaking and performances. Show runing times [08:00] Backrooms (dir. Kane Parsons) [40:53] Disclosure Day (dir. Steven Spielberg) [01:03:53] Acting (dir. Sophie Fiennes)

    June 2026: Backrooms, Disclosure Day, and Acting reviews

  3. Apr 20

    April 2026: The Drama, Project Hail Mary & Rose of Nevada + Mark Jenkin Interview

    In this month’s episode of the Cinetopia podcast, we review three new releases that each unfold in their own distinct world. We begin with The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, a dramedy already generating conversation around its central twist. We then turn to Project Hail Mary, a science-fiction story built around a deeply unexpected relationship, before discussing Rose of Nevada, the latest from Mark Jenkin, a quietly uncanny, time-bending mystery starring Callum Turner and George MacKay. We also sit down with Mark Jenkin to talk about the film, his creative process, and how it connects to his earlier work as part of a Cornish trilogy. Plus, we look ahead to our Fiends in the Furrows folk-horror festival, including outdoor screenings of Enys Men and Rose of Nevada. Show Running Order00:15:30 – The Drama (dir. Kristoffer Borgli) Review00:44:23 – Project Hail Mary (dir. Phil Lord & Christopher Miller) Review01:06:52 – Rose of Nevada (dir. Mark Jenkin) Review01:24:46 – Mark Jenkin Interview01:56:20 – Closing Cinetopia is an Edinburgh-based film exhibition and events platform dedicated to curating distinctive cinema experiences across screenings, festivals, and live events. From new releases to archive works, Cinetopia brings audiences together through thoughtful programming, conversation, and a focus on film as a shared cultural experience. Find out more at www.cinetopia.co.uk Check out our Fiends in the Furrows festival, running from 23–26 April: www.fiendsinthefurrows.com

    April 2026: The Drama, Project Hail Mary & Rose of Nevada + Mark Jenkin Interview

  4. Feb 20

    February 2026: Wuthering Heights, The Chronology of Water & The Shepherd and the Bear + MOVE Summit Interview

    In this February edition of the Cinetopia Radio Show and Podcast, Amanda is joined by Cinetopia contributors Garry Arnot and Rosie Beattie for reviews of new releases. This month’s reviews include Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water, and Max Keegan’s documentary The Shepherd and the Bear. The episode also features an interview conducted by Veronica Buccino with Tom Bryant from MOVE Summit, Scotland’s animation and VFX gathering, which is taking place this week in Edinburgh. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. [00:00] Introduction & Awards Season Check-InAmanda welcomes listeners, introduces Cinetopia contributors Garry Arnot and Rosie Beattie, and shares Oscar and awards season predictions. The team also previews the Glasgow Film Festival 2026 [13:05] Review: "Wuthering Heights" — dir. Emerald Fennell [40:05] Review: The Chronology of Water — dir. Kristen Stewart [47:28] Review: The Shepherd and the Bear — dir. Max Keegan [01:01:00] Interview: Tom Bryant — MOVE SummitInterview conducted by Veronica Buccino. [01:19:30] Closing - Final thoughts and wrap-up.

    February 2026: Wuthering Heights, The Chronology of Water & The Shepherd and the Bear + MOVE Summit Interview

  5. Jan 1

    December 2025 | Kontinental ’25, Pillion, Alpha + Christy

    Cinetopia Radio – December Edition (originally aired on EHFM on 18th December 2025) Cinetopia Radio host Amanda Rogers is joined by Cinetopia contributors Isy Santini and Kat Zabecka for the final episode of 2025, looking at Kontinental ’25, Pillion, Alpha and Christy. Film Reviews 03:13 – Kontinental ’25Radu Jude’s Kontinental ’25 uses satire to examine bureaucracy and moral uncertainty in contemporary Europe. 20:25 – PillionA relationship study set within a UK gay biker BDSM subculture, focused on power, intimacy and control. 38:15 – Alpha — dir. Julia DucournauAlpha continues Ducournau’s exploration of the body, identity and transformation, extending themes of authorship and violence seen across her previous work. 47:38 – ChristyStarring Sydney Sweeney, Christy is a biopic of boxer Christy Martin, tracing her rise in the sport alongside her relationship with her abusive husband and trainer. We finish with a round-up of our individual favourite films from 2025.

    December 2025 | Kontinental ’25, Pillion, Alpha + Christy

  6. 11/30/2025

    November 2025: Jay Kelly, The Running Man, Bugonia, Wake Up Dead Man, plus Queer East & French Film Festival Interviews

    Film reviews, festival conversations and special interviews with Yi Wang (Queer East) and Richard Mowe (French Film Festival UK). Episode Overview In this November edition of the Cinetopia Radio Show and Podcast, Amanda is joined by contributors Emma and Mariana for a packed episode of reviews and festival conversations. We begin with Jay Kelly, Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer’s new Hollywood character story starring George Clooney, before diving into Edgar Wright’s adrenaline-fuelled The Running Man, Yorgos Lanthimos’s wonderfully deranged Bugonia, and Rian Johnson’s latest Benoit Blanc mystery, Wake Up Dead Man. We also feature two interviews:• Yi Wang, Director of the Queer East Film Festival, speaking about this year’s programme.• Richard Mowe, Director of the French Film Festival UK, discussing the festival’s history and its 2025 highlights. Plus, a reminder to explore Cinetopia Recommends — our weekly guide to film events and opportunities across Scotland — and Cinetopia Connect, our free digital platform for screenings, jobs and community listings. [00:00] IntroductionAmanda welcomes listeners, introduces contributors Emma and Mariana, and sets up the films and interviews featured in this month’s episode. [03:40] Jay Kelly — dir. Noah Baumbach (co-written by Emily Mortimer)A Hollywood character story starring George Clooney as a man confronting the public version of himself — glossy, charming and tinged with self-reflection. [19:24] The Running Man — dir. Edgar WrightA high-energy, near-future chase thriller faithful to Stephen King’s novel, full of commentary on surveillance, spectacle and the machinery of entertainment. [31:20] Bugonia — dir. Yorgos LanthimosA ferocious conspiracy satire starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. Wild, uncomfortable, brutally funny — Lanthimos back in sharp form. [42:43] Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — dir. Rian Johnson Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, but Josh O’Connor absolutely steals the show in the third instalment of Rian Johnson’s cult mystery franchise. [56:09] Interview: Yi Wang — Director, Queer East Film FestivalVeronica Buccino speaks with Yi Wang about this year’s Queer East On The Road programme. [01:23:45] Interview: Richard Mowe — Director, French Film Festival UK - Richard Mowe reflects on the festival’s history and its 2025 highlights.

    November 2025: Jay Kelly, The Running Man, Bugonia, Wake Up Dead Man, plus Queer East & French Film Festival Interviews

  7. 11/01/2025

    October 2025: London Film Festival Edition + Jali Film Weekender interview

    This month (October) the Cinetopia team — Amanda, Robert, Rosie and Emma — dive into the 2025 BFI London Film Festival from both sides of the border, unpacking the highlights, surprises and cinematic trends that defined this year’s programme. Episode breakdown: [00:00] Introduction & Festival Overview How this year’s LFF felt from both London and Scotland, what’s new, and how regional audiences are engaging with the festival. [15:00] Frankenstein — dir. Guillermo del Toro A bold and emotional reinterpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic, part-filmed in Scotland, blending gothic spectacle with del Toro’s empathy for the monster within. [28:05] I Was Just an Accident — dir. Jafar Panahi A road-movie-style reflection on guilt and redemption, rich with Panahi’s quiet humour and humanism, blurring the line between fiction and reality. [37:00] Die My Love — dir. Lynne Ramsay Ramsay returns with a visceral, intimate portrait of motherhood and rage, shot through with her trademark precision in image and sound. [46:45] Hamnet — dir. Chloé Zhao An emotional, gorgeous film that reimagines Shakespeare’s family life through the loss of his son, capturing the texture of grief and creative legacy. [01:01:00] Mastermind — dir. Kelly Reichardt Autumnal in tone and quietly comic, Reichardt’s latest turns the art-heist genre inside out, reflecting on the absurdities of creative ambition and failure. [01:10:15] Interview: Jali Collective — Tomiwa Folorunso and Carmen Thompson Amanda speaks with the co-founders of Jali Collective, a grassroots Edinburgh-based collective widening access to African cinema and celebrating Black, African and diaspora stories through film and culture. Join us for festival reflections, film chat, and a little cross-border cinephile gossip — from London to Edinburgh and beyond.

    October 2025: London Film Festival Edition + Jali Film Weekender interview

  8. 09/21/2025

    Cinetopia Radio Sep 2025 – Highest 2 Lowest, Honey Don't!, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, Happyend & Paul and Paulette Take a Bath + Interviews with Paul Sng, Marta Massa & Hannah Papacek Harper

    Cinetopia Radio – September Edition Cinetopia Radio host Amanda is joined by the Cinetopia team — Isy Santini, Simon Bowie, and Kat Zabecka — for this month's episode, where we review five distinctive new releases and bring you a set of exciting conversations with filmmakers and festival organisers. Film Reviews 4:50 - Highest 2 Lowest (dir. Spike Lee)- Lee's English-language reinterpretation of Kurosawa's High and Low stars Denzel Washington as a music mogul who faces a moral crisis when a ransom plot targets his chauffeur's son. Relocated to contemporary New York, Lee transforms the classic crime thriller into a sharp exploration of inequality and power. Streaming on Apple TV+ 15:40 - Honey, Don't! (dir. Ethan Coen) Margaret Qualley stars as a small-town private investigator delving into strange deaths tied to a mysterious church. The second in Coen's "lesbian B-movie trilogy," this neo-noir dark comedy mixes absurdist humor with genre conventions in his typically offbeat style. In UK cinemas now 24:35 - Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk (dir. Sepideh Farsi) - Shot through video calls over 200+ days, this documentary captures life in Gaza through exchanges between filmmaker Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna. A poignant meditation on survival under siege, made more profound by Hassouna's tragic death in an airstrike after the film's Cannes selection. Distributed by Dogwoof - www.dogwoof.com 36:33 - Happyend (dir. Neo Sora) - Set in near-future Tokyo bracing for a devastating earthquake, Sora's narrative debut follows teenage friends navigating personal struggles as foreshocks predict disaster. The film weaves fragments of youth and anxiety into a haunting meditation on memory and belonging. UK distribution by Modern Films - www.modernfilms.com 50:28 - Paul and Paulette Take a Bath (dir. Jethro Massey) An American photographer and French girl spark an unusual friendship around reenacting notorious Parisian crimes from bygone eras. This surreal British debut won the Audience Award at Venice Critics' Week. Distributed by Conic Films Alongside the reviews, we feature three in-depth interviews: 1:04:00 Paul Sng joins Amanda Rogers to discuss Reality is Not Enough, his new documentary portraying author Irvine Welsh, ahead of its UK release later this month. 1:23:40 Marta Massa, representing Iberodocs, talks with Veronica Buccino about the festival's mission to celebrate Ibero-American culture through film 1:37:18 Hannah Papacek Harper chats with Clara Strachan about her award-winning short Lost for Words, which took home the North Light Award at Montrose LandxSea Film Festival.

    Cinetopia Radio Sep 2025 – Highest 2 Lowest, Honey Don't!, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, Happyend & Paul and Paulette Take a Bath + Interviews with Paul Sng, Marta Massa & Hannah Papacek Harper
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About

Regular film show from the Cinetopia podcast team, reviewing the latest releases (slanted towards arthouse cinema), and interviews with film professionals as well as highlighting industry specific masterclasses we produce in Edinburgh. Cinetopia is a organisation aiming to make film and filmmaking more approachable and diverse within Edinburgh and beyond. We offer low-cost film screenings for local communities & organise free networking events that bring filmmakers in the early stages of their careers together with seasoned professionals and festival directors together.

Information

  • Creator
    Cinetopia
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cinetopia
  • Show Website
    Cinetopia Radio

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