Kutoven “Ku” Stevens is a senior in high school in Nevada and an all-state track star. For as long as he can remember he has always loved running and for long distance runners who grow up in the US, there’s another little-known fact that the University of Oregon is where the best of the best runners attend. Ku knows this which is also funny because I myself had a long-distance career in the early 2000s and the lore of Oregon was well known amongst my peers back then.

Thats where this documentary starts but Ku takes us on a journey of self-discovery and a mission to honor those who came before us. Ku talks about his great grandfather Frank who at a very young age was subjected to an Indian Boarding School known as Stewart.

The purpose of this school and others like it was to assimilate Native American children and tear them from their families and their cultures. This was the policy of federal government at the time. And as dark as that already seems what the children faced while at these schools was nothing short of torture. Ku’s grandfather escaped Stewart school one day and made the 50-mile trek back to his reservation where Ku and his family seek to honor him by sharing his story and others like it.

Remaining Native is a wonderful coming of age tale and shines a light on the complexities on our nation’s history. It’s never too much to ask to remember. Some still need to heal from the darkness that once took place at these boarding schools. This film can be a lesson to many who have their own healing that they look to find. It comes from a community, it comes from honoring and not running from your past but for your past, and most importantly, bringing light to the darkness.

Synopsis: Ku Stevens wants to be an elite runner, but when the remains of Native children are found, Ku must face his family’s past while attempting to run towards his future.

See a trailer for the SXSW Award Winning film here and visit the site at https://www.remainingnativedocumentary.com/.

Written and directed by Andrew Patterson, The Rivals of Amziah King had its world premiere in Austin, Texas during the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, which received a standing ovation. The film stars Mathew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Tony Revolori, and a special appearance from Kurt Russell.

This crime, thriller film has a well written storyline by Patterson, with plenty of comedic scenes that is set in a beautiful country backdrop. The film revolves around a group of country folks that are a fondly close community and have each other’s back not just only in a time of need, but as a way of life – like gathering up to play some music, sing and enjoy some cold drinks – a unique form of relationship.

Despite McConaughey’s 6 year acting absence, he delivered an exceptional performance as Amziah King, the beekeeper that operates the family honey farm and the former foster parent to Kateri. McConaughey did not miss a beat sharing his musical talents with the other cast members, turning up the jam sessions with catchy tunes.

Newcomer Angelina LookingGlass was a natural portraying the part of Kateri – the orphaned young lady who takes over her foster’s struggling business and encounters some nasty rivals that want to control the honey market. Kateri finds that inner queen bee and takes action to protect the family honey business. Kateri can be sweet as honey but will not hesitate to lash out a lethal sting if you do her and her beloved community harm.

I was impressed with the overall performance. The connection between the cast was visible throughout the film, which kept the audience engaged. I did want to see more of Kurt Russell’s character, however the choice of limiting his screen time did allow to focus on Kateri’s story. I believe this wonderful independent film sets the tone for 2025 film makers and will truly be a buzz worthy of an Oscar nomination.

The release date for The Rivals of Amziah King is TBD.

SXSW is one of the best festivals to find a new movie going experience and Hallow Road did just that and so much more. Supported by two extremely talented leads in Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Jack Reacher), the film follows two parents that get that phone call all parents fear. An accident has occurred involving their teenage daughter and there are severe complications to the incident that I won’t share as I rather the audience discover the plot the same way I did.

The parents are an hour away from reaching their daughter who is alone and frightened. Matthew and Rosamund are at their very best as they traverse through a variety of emotions and revelations surrounding the family dynamic. It’s a masterclass that is a sight to behold. During a post viewing Q&A both Matthew and director Babak Anvari shared that am uncut 5-hour take was filmed for usage of the movie. In other words, its Matthew and Rosamund working together as a unit. Moving through the intensity of each scene hand in hand while sitting in car for the majority of the film. A truly remarkable feat for any two actors.

Not enough can be said about director Babak Anvari. His te3chnical skills are shown throughout. The use of unorthodox camera angles, dramatic close ups, and creative decisions on how to display digital text or car readings all add to the anxiety inducing tone of the project. There are moments you won’t anticipate. Moments of dread and absolute terror. This all enhanced by only hearing the audio conversation between the parents and their daughter. The viewer mostly left to their imagination of the nightmare that the young actress is going through.

Our verdict, Hallow Road is a must-see thrilling experience for all. A great accomplishment in performances by Matthew and Rosamund as well as a technical achievement for director Babak Anvari.