The Film Comment Podcast

Film Comment is arguably the best at what it does. I used to listen religiously, though these days I’m more of a high-holiday listener (Cannes, Berlinale, etc.). Can’t go wrong with Devika, Clint, and the stellar rotation of guests.

Venice #6 The Voice of Hind Rajab is Art or Propaganda in ongoing war and because the film is presented at a Festival and endorsed by celebrities justifies a Review I appreciate the critics honest ambivalence

I can’t find enough praise for Devika and Clint’s version of the Film Comment Podcast. Already one of the better ways to keep up with film festivals in the past, it has only improved since 2020 as it came under their control and branched further into the avant garde and documentary world, offering a sympathetic ear to liberatory ideas while avoiding any academic jargon and elitism. Just one note that other listeners may be interested in— in a recent discussion on the film Grisgris, guest Malcolm Harris recommends the streaming service Mubi, where he says he first watched Grisgris. This episode of the podcast was recorded several weeks ago, and since that time it has come to light that Mubi was recently purchased in a record $100 million deal by an Israeli venture capital firm invested in producing weapons and technology for the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Mubi also has a very small catalog of independent and international films nowadays, as it shifts its resources toward bigger European and US productions with Hollywood stars. Today Grisgris is actually no longer available to see on the platform.

Absolutely love the podcast and cannot tell you how many times I have found some amazing films through listening. However - one complaint - and it’s a big one. Your year end list is always the one I am most excited about. However each and every year there is someone in the audience who has perhaps the most ANNOYING laugh I’ve ever heard. They laugh as if something uproariously funny has been said. Let’s be clear you all are funny - but these laughs are so self centered and annoying almost to the point I cannot listen. Hahaha. I sound silly even writing this but I CANNOT be the only one who thinks it.