Cinema Yūgen

When Kent Hill sits down with Mike Caravella , the conversation becomes a road trip through late-night video stores, desert skies and a low-budget dream that refused to die. From a cancer scare to COVID isolation, Mike's journey into the Mojave gave birth to Astral Plane Drifter — a ragged, hilarious and hallucinatory mashup of westerns, kung fu, and space-horror. Listen as Mike traces the films s...

When a fearless young writer pitched a daring idea — “Mad Max on water” — no one expected the epic that followed. In this episode Kent Hill sits down with Peter Rader , the screenwriter whose audacious debut became Waterworld : the practical-stunt spectacle that weathered critic storms, inspired theme-park spectacles, and now gleams in a definitive 4K restoration. Rader walks us through the mythic...

In this episode we ride alongside a rediscovered film and the people who refused to let it die: Riverbend , a daring 1989 drama about three Black Vietnam veterans who confront a racist sheriff and reclaim their town. From the thrill of finding untouched 35mm prints in a forgotten vault to the intimate memories of cast and crew, the conversation unfolds like a detective story and a love letter to o...

Join Kent Hill and special guests as they peel back the curtain on President Down , a lean, high-energy Asylum original that punches far above its budget. With director Nick Lyon’s theater-like block shooting and a cast led by G. Anthony Joseph and Lorenzo Lamas, the film stitches together intense ensemble set pieces, surprising twists, and a chilling premise about technology, control, and vulnera...

When filmmaker Sean Cisterna adapts a creepy short and assembles an unlikely crew, eight retirees answer the call — drawn by curiosity, camaraderie and the promise of free snacks. What begins as a cheeky invitation to play with fake blood becomes a transformative adventure that rekindles purpose, sparks new friendships and proves creativity has no age limit. Silver Screamers weaves on-set chaos wi...

Join Kent Hill for a freewheeling conversation with cult auteur Richard Stanley as he celebrates restored classics, teases a new British shoot he finally controls, and reveals how public‑domain mischief and indie grit are fueling his next outrageous project. From the psychedelic rebirth of Dust Devil to a chainsaw‑wielding take on Winnie the Pooh, Stanley navigates synchronicity, AI anxieties, and...

Join Kent Hill as Cinema Yugen unwraps Part Two of an unfiltered conversation with film sleuth Paul Rowlands. From laugh-out-loud oddities like Ghost Shark and the misnamed Ice Road Vengeance to the bittersweet art of sequels and the magic behind Top Gun Maverick, this episode moves like a midnight double-feature — surprising, nostalgic and wildly entertaining. Through sharp anecdotes, offbeat mov...

Step into the raw, dust-swept world of Black Pearl, where two now-legendary filmmakers set off in a busted RV with $35,000 and a story that felt bigger than them. This episode unfolds like a road movie turned hero’s quest — late-night edits by candlelight, real fights and real sacrifices, and the moment a young filmmaker severs his dreads on camera to become the character he believes in. We trace...

Host Kent Hill invites fellow cinephile Paul Rowlands into the studio for an unfiltered, laugh-lined conversation that wanders from the blockbuster battleground to the intimate corners of film history. Over coffee and candid asides they pick apart a divisive summer at the box office, question the fate of franchises, and trace how our movie-going rituals have changed. They leap from dinosaur island...

Step into the chaotic, bittersweet world of an indie filmmaker who delivers pizzas by day and chases movie dreams by night. In this episode, Mel House narrates the surreal moments — from a pop-star phone call at a teen pool party to dozing on a park train — that became the heartbeat of his film Inbetweening. Through animated interludes, puppets, and candid memories, the conversation unfolds like a...

Join us on Cinema Yugen as we dive deep into the mind of Joe Hollow, the visionary behind the acclaimed horror film, Flesh of the Unforgiven. With over 74 international awards to his name, Hollow offers an exclusive peek into his fascinating journey from musician to award-winning filmmaker. Known for his unique ability to deliver spine-chilling narratives, he navigates the turbulent landscape of i...

Join us in an engaging episode of Cinema Yugen as host Kent Hill sits down with the esteemed filmmaker Danny Bilson to delve into his iconic journey in the movie industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in Hollywood, Bilson shares remarkable tales from the film sets of his youth to his collaborations with renowned figures like Paul De Meo. Discover how a love for storytelling and a knack for cra...

Join us for a captivating dive into the world of 90s cinema as Kent Hill sits down with acclaimed director Russell Mulcahy to unravel the mystique of The Shadow. In this engaging episode, explore the rich tapestry of a pre-Marvel era when comic book adaptations were rare gems. Delve into the production tales of this beloved classic, featuring an exceptional cast led by Alec Baldwin, alongside scre...

Join us for an exhilarating episode of Cinema Yugen as we dive into the world of budget filmmaking with the ingenious Todd Sheets. Known for his remarkable ability to create epic films without extravagant resources, Todd shares the inspiration and challenges behind his latest venture, "Wolf Moon Rising." This episode is a must-listen for fans of werewolves, space adventures, and classic horror fil...

Step into the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe as Cinema Yugen invites you to explore "The Imp of the Perverse," an adaption of one of Poe's most chilling narratives. This stunning black-and-white short film, created by Domenic Migliore and starring horror icon Bill Oberst Jr., delves into the human psyche's terrifying urge for self-destruction. Unearth the mysterious impulses that drive us to ac...

Join us on Cinema Yugen as we dive deep into the cinematic universe of the remarkable Swedish-American director, Harley Wallen. Famous for his gripping action films, Wallen has now turned his lens toward the poignant and haunting narrative, Finding Nicole. In this intimate discussion, Wallen shares his creative evolution and bold deviation from traditional genres to focus on a powerful story that...

Join Kent Hill on Cinema Yugen as he revisits one of his earliest interviews with the legendary Australian actor, Vernon Wells. From his unforgettable role in Mad Max to the comedic and action-packed film Innerspace, Vernon shares the fascinating journey of his career. Discover behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as the chaotic interviews and surreal moments on set, including how a table mishap almo...

Dive into an enthralling tale of cinematic history with Erick Wofford, the passionate fan behind "Krull: The Unofficial Film Companion." In this captivating episode of Cinema Yugen, we unravel the mysterious journey of Krull—a film that was poised to be the talk of the town, yet stumbled at the box office, only to rise as a beloved cult classic. Join us as we traverse the fascinating landscape of...

Join Kent Hill on Cinema Yugen as he welcomes back the powerhouse duo of Alexander Nevsky and Joe Cornet for an enthralling discussion on their latest film, The Wide West. In this epic Western adventure, set in 1907, three-time Mr. Universe Alexander Nevsky takes on the role of Max, a professional gambler who finds himself in the midst of a small Californian town under siege. As the dust settles,...

In this thrilling episode of Cinema Yugen, host Kent Hill takes you on a journey through the dusty and dangerous world of "The Protector," a high-stakes road movie that promises not only grit and intensity but also surprising emotional depth. Joining Kent are the brilliant mind behind the film, writer-director Raul Gasteazoro, and stars Marguerite Moreau and Matt Fahey, who share their insights an...

Step into the quietly unnerving world of "House of Abraham," where psychological horror and atmospheric dread intertwine to explore themes of grief, consent, and the seductive allure of surrender. Featuring standout performances by Lukas Hassel and Natasha Henstridge, this meticulously crafted tale lures viewers into a chilling narrative that defies conventional horror tropes. In this captivating...

In this captivating episode of Cinema Yugen, we delve into the fascinating and eerie world of Hollywood horror with the legendary Nancy McLoughlin. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Nancy takes us on her extraordinary journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated actress and writer, famed for her roles in terrifying classics like Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives. Nancy shares her...

Join us in this thrilling episode of Cinema Yugen, where we dive into the world of horror and film-making with the incomparable Joe Knetter. From his early days captivated by the genre's chills to becoming a master storyteller in his own right, Joe's journey is nothing short of enthralling. Discover how the 80s horror scene sparked his passion for writing, leading him to craft gripping narratives...

Step into the evocative world of Portland, Oregon, where romance, turmoil, and nostalgia intersect in the offbeat dark comedy, Beth + Jeremy and Steve. Set against a retro-mod visual palette reminiscent of 1980s Portland, this film delves into a forbidden love triangle, capturing the essence of emotional connectivity through music and ambient storytelling. The narrative follows Beth, a woman in a...

Join us for an unforgettable episode of "Cinema Yugen" as Kent Hill, also known by his Megaforce codename: "Wombat," reunites with Bob Lindenmayer, aka "Speeder." Over a year after their initial conversation with Barry Bostwick, the legendary Ace Hunter, they delve once again into the captivating documentary, Making Megaforce. Experience the heartwarming tale of friendship between Bob and Barry, a...