The Brain Wrap: Recent Episodes
Midtown Cinema
The Brain Wrap is a film podcast brought to you by the Midtown Cinema, Harrisburg Pennsylvania's home for independent, foreign, and classic movies. Each episode we'll be talking to artists involved with some of today's best filmmaking.
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Sammi got the chance to speak to Midge Costin, the director of Making Waves.
The film plays at Midtown Cinema on Monday, January 20th at 7:30pm. Get your tickets here.
FEATURED LINKS
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode, we sat down with Stephen McCoy and Kevin Ronca of the film, Nightcrawlers. Also, we got the chance to speak with Marianna Horowitz of PRO•A regarding some of the content of the film.
Nightcrawlers will play at Midtown Cinema Sunday, August 25th at 7:00PM. Get tickets here.
FEATURED LINKS
Nightcrawlers
Moviate
PRO•A
Get Help Now
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Sammi got the chance to speak to Alex Holmes, the director of Maiden.
The film starts at Midtown Cinema August 16th. Get tickets here.
FEATURED LINKS
Maiden
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Mary, Matt, Zack, and Clark chat Midsommar (no spoilers) and The Dead Don't Die (many spoilers!).
Unfortunately, The Dead Don't Die just left, but you can catch Midsommar at Midtown Cinema. Tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on July 4th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
Midsommar
The Dead Don't Die
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Mary and Clark got the chance to speak to Douglas Burke, the creator of Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear!
The film will play at Midtown Cinema June 23rd at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on June 20th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear
Moviate
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Sammi got the chance to speak to Donal Mosher and Michael Palmieri, directors of The Gospel of Eureka.
The Gospel of Eureka plays at Midtown Cinema June 12th at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on June 6th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
The Gospel of Eureka
Midtown Cinema
Zach Spellman
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, we chatted with Wild Nights with Emily director, Madeleine Olnek.
Wild Nights with Emily starts May 17th at Midtown Cinema! Get your tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on May 10th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, we sat down with Julie Sherman and Ayelet Shanken, chairs of the Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival.
The festival starts May 5th, and continues the 10th - 16th. Get your tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on April 6th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Our guest this episode is director Gordon Quinn who talks about his classic film tour for Inquiring Nuns, with Sammi.
This podcast was recorded on March 22nd, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Our guest this episode is director Marshall Curry who talks about his Oscar-nominated film, A Night at the Garden, with Sammi.
This podcast was recorded on March 6th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Midtown Cinema and Brain Wrap staff got on a call together from two sides of the country in order to discuss the nominations for the 91st Academy Awards.
This podcast was recorded on January 22nd, 2019, shortly after the announcement of the nominees. Nick and Stuart were in attendance at Art House Convergence 2019 in Midway, Utah.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas"" by ZACKY
Caitlin Copus and Janet Bixler from Untitled Harrisburg chat stories, locale, and magic.
The 2019 Storytelling Grand Slam is January 17, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Writer and actor Greg Sestero chats collaboration, fans, and about being on the road.
Best F(r)iends: Volume 1 & 2 is available on Blu-ray January 22nd!
This podcast was recorded on January 12th, 2019.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Midtown Cinema and Brain Wrap staff got together to chat about the movies they've liked and also not liked in celebration of a year of movie podcasting!
This podcast was recorded on September 17th, 2018.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Director and producer Yony Leyser chats punk, sexuality, and about his film, Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution.
This podcast was recorded on November 28th, 2018.
FEATURED LINKS
Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Comedian, playwright, actor and ex-gay survivor Peterson Toscano talks faith, identity, and the new film, Boy Erased.
The film starts today at Midtown Cinema! Tickets here.
This podcast was recorded on November 20th, 2018.
FEATURED LINKS
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Doin' Time In The Homo No Mo' Halfway House
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Festival director, writer, and radio host Tracie Hotchner chats pet love, community, and the importance of a theater experience.
The festivals will be showing at Midtown Cinema this weekend! Tickets here.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Vlogger and Harrisburg video entrepreneur Cody Wanner chats video platforms, daily deadlines, and even his sleep schedule!
You can find Cody's vlog here.
FEATURED LINKS
Power of Video Conference Belfast
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Annie Marter of Nine Stories Productions talks industry, growing up in Harrisburg, and upcoming big productions.
Leave No Trace is currently playing at Midtown Cinema! Showtimes can be found here.
Episode contains minor spoilers.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Special guest Andrew Wehde of Eighth Grade talks Chicago's film scene, RED cameras, and working with Bo and Elsie.
Eighth Grade starts today! Check showtimes and get your tickets at Midtown Cinema here.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
In honor of the recent film Eating Animals, Matt and Clark got to talk to Seth Dellinger of the Animal Advocates of Central PA and Bradley Jones of Harrisburg VeggieFest.
Harrisburg VeggieFest will take place on Saturday, August 18th at Strawberry Square from 1-4 p.m.
FEATURED LINKS
Animal Advocates of Central PA
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of Midtown Cinema.
On this episode, Clark got to speak to Neal Block, who is a film distributor at Magnolia Pictures. Magnolia is a distribution company responsible for such films as Melancholia, I am Not Your Negro, and very recently, RBG; among many, many others. Listen in as Neal talks about the company, getting into production, and working with people who make films you like!
Note: This podcast was recorded on February 8, 2018, so you may hear about some films that you've seen recently!
Featured Links:
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
The cinema's Abby Tierney got to sit down with two other legal specialists from the Harrisburg area!
A very special thanks to all of our participants! This conversation was recorded at Midtown Cinema on May 25th.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Our own Clark Stefanic got the opportunity to talk to Josh and Cory about Josh's new film, Looking for Andrew.
FEATURED LINKS
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Sammi Melville and Adam Porter got the chance to speak about the Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival with festival chair Julie Sherman and co-chair Ayelet Shanken. They discussed some of the feature films showing this year, as well as the festival in general.
This episode was recorded on May 1st.
FEATURED LINKS
Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival
FILM TITLES MENTIONED
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Our own Clark Stefanic got the chance to speak to Ashley Bell, director of Love & Bananas. Bell's film tells the story of world-renowned conservationist Lek Chailert and her mission to rescue Noi Na - one of the few remaining Asian elephants on the planet.
Featured Links:
Petition to Refuse Elephant Tourism
Help Protect Wildlife Habitats with GreaterGood
Ashley's eBook - Shoot It. Sell It. Show It.: How I Made An Independent Film with Grit & Google
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Doug Weaver
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
While in Midway, Utah for Arthouse Convergence, we chatted with fellow attendee George Myers, Amherst Cinema's General Manager, about the conference, industry, and Amherst's past.
Featured Links:
Arthouse Convergence Conference
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
We sat down with Doug Henderson to chat about the film scene in Harrisburg, York, and beyond.
Featured Links:
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
We got a hold of Sky Bergman to chat about her film Lives Well Lived!
Be sure to catch the film at Midtown Cinema starting March 30th.
Featured Links:
Tickets to Lives Well Lived at Midtown Cinema: http://bit.ly/LivesWellLivedAtMC
Sky Bergman: http://www.skybergman.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Interviewer: Clark Stefanic
We called up Samuel Douek to chat about the Hola Mexico Film Festival! At the time of recording, Samuel works to coordinate next year's lineup of films, while Midtown Cinema gets ready to host this year's roadshow.
The Festival will be featured at Midtown Cinema March 23rd-29th.
Featured Links:
Tickets to Hola Mexico Film Festival at Midtown Cinema: http://bit.ly/HolaMexicoAtMC
Hola Mexico: http://holamexicoff.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Interviewer: Clark Stefanic
Clark had the privilege of getting to chat with Greg Sestero just before Midtown Cinema's screening of The Room.
This podcast was recorded on March 13th, the day that The Disaster Artist was released on DVD/Blu-Ray.
Featured Links:
Tickets to The Room at Midtown Cinema: http://bit.ly/BigPremiereAgain
Greg Sestero: @gregsestero on Twitter
Best F(r)iends: https://www.bf-movie.com/
The Disaster Artist (Greg's book): https://www.amazon.com/Disaster-Artist-Inside-Greatest-Movie/dp/1451661193
The Disaster Artist (movie): http://disasterartist.movie/home/oh-hi
The Room: http://www.theroommovie.com/
Greg & Tommy's Nerdist Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFjFxgHedgM&lc=UgylUzIB4ZH7NblvTK54AaABAg
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Interviewer: Clark Stefanic
Right before the Oscars, Clark and Sammi got to chat with two nominated directors, Victor Caire of Garden Party and Reed Van Dyk of DeKalb Elementary.
Featured Links:
Garden Party: https://www.gardenparty-movie.com/
DeKalb Elementary: https://www.dekalbelementaryfilm.com/
Illogic: http://illogic.fr/
The Academy Awards: http://www.oscars.org/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Guest Interviewer: Sammi Melville
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Other Songs: "body rock" and "skinny cigar" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Nick Lucier sits down and chats with local film buffs and movie goers about Call Me By Your Name, an Oscar-contender playing at Midtown Cinema!
Special thanks to all of our guests!
Featured Links:
The Central Voice: thecentralvoice.com
Call Me By Your Name Movie: http://sonyclassics.com/callmebyyourname/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Moderator: Nick Lucier
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Clark Stefanic sits down with the owners and/or operators of Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville, Hollywood Theater in Dormont, and Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg - three Pennsylvania-based indie theaters.
Special thanks to our guests Brian Mendelssohn and Joseph Morrison!
Featured Links:
Row House Cinema: http://rowhousecinema.com/
Hollywood Theater: https://www.thehollywooddormont.org/
Art House Convergence Conference: http://www.arthouseconvergence.org/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Interviewer and Host: Clark Stefanic
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, Annie Sarcone hosted a round table discussion about the film "Battle of the Sexes."
Special thanks to our guests Wendy Cheesman, Gretchen Little, and Tonya Lovelace!
Featured Links:
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Interviewer and Host: Annie Sarcone
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, our very own Matt Miller got the chance to speak with Dan Didier about his film, "Don't Break Down: A Film About Jawbreaker."
Special thanks to Mike Felumlee, Josh Caterer, and Gordon Withers.
Featured Links:
Dan Didier: https://www.dontbreakdown.com/ http://www.aboutfacemedia.com/people/dan-didier
Gordon Withers: https://www.gordonwithers.com/
Moviate: moviate.org
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Stuart Landon
Editor: Matt Miller
Featured Music Artists: The Smoking Popes and Gordon Withers
Featured Song: "You Spoke To Me" by The Smoking Popes
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Interviewer: Matt Miller
On this episode of The Brain Wrap, we chat with award-winning biographer Kenneth Slawenski about his book, "J. D. Salinger: A Life," and how it was adapted for the film "Rebel in the Rye."
Special thanks to Ken, Nick Reiner a.k.a. DJ Salinger, and all of the Midtown Cinema patrons featured!
Featured Links:
Kenneth Slawenski: http://www.deadcaulfields.com/
Nick Reiner: https://www.dj-salinger.com/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Host: Stuart Landon
Editor: Clark Stefanic
Featured Music Artist: DJ Salinger
Theme Song: "no mas" by ZACKY
Interviewers: Matt Miller and Annie Sarcone
In this special episode of The Brain Wrap, we recap Harrisburg-based filmmaking event, Vidjam of Horror, and even hear from Vidjam's founder, Sam Miller.
Special thanks to Sam, Casey, Nate, Zack, and Sammi and all of the filmmakers featured!
Featured Links:
Vidjam:
http://vidjam.org/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP
Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic
Hosts: Stuart Landon and Clark Stefanic
Editor: Clark Stefanic
Music: "no mas" by ZACKY
This time on The Brain Wrap, we are featuring underground film icon, Mike Kuchar, as well as local film creator and promoter, Hamza Ahmad.
Special thanks to Hamza, Mike, Jim, and all of the Midtown Cinema patrons featured!
Featured Links:
Harrisburg-Hershey Film Festival: http://harrisburghersheyfilmfestival.com/
Hamza Ahmad: http://zapcityfilms.com/
Mike Kuchar: http://www.kucharbrothers.org/mike-kuchar/
Moviate: http://www.moviate.org/
Zach Spellman: https://zacky.bandcamp.com/
Midtown Cinema: http://www.midtowncinema.com/
THE BRAIN WRAP Producers: Matt Miller and Clark Stefanic Host: Stuart Landon Editor: Clark Stefanic Music: "no mas" by ZACKY Interviewers: James Hollenbaugh and Clark Stefanic
Swim Team chronicles the story of the Jersey Hammerheads, a team of competitive high school swimmers on the autism spectrum. Beginning on the first day of practice, and ending at the Special Olympics Summer Games, the film follows relay team members Mikey, Robbie, and Kelvin in and out of the water, as they and their families find support, understanding, and encouragement in the community they've created. Our very own Sammi Leigh Melville was able to chat with director Lara Stolman about the film, her connection to the subject matter, and more!