Shane Slater
Shane Slater is a passionate cinephile whose love for cinema led him to creating his blog Film Actually in 2009. Since then, he was a Staff Writer for AwardsCircuit.com, where he primarily covered non-English and documentary films. Based in Kingston, Jamaica, he relishes the film festival experience, having covered TIFF, NYFF and PAFF-LA among others. He is a proud member of the African-American Film Critics Association.
Latest stories
More stories
-
Best of 2020: Top 10 Non-English Language Films of the Year
In the now iconic words of Bong Joon-ho, once you overcome the barrier one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films. And in 2020, that statement continued to be true with a slate of extraordinary cinematic works from around the world. From wartime dramas to forbidden romances, […] More
-
in Interviews
Interview: The Cast and Crew of ‘Blizzard of Souls’ Discuss the Impact of their Ambitious War Epic
Based on a beloved novel, Blizzard of Souls recounts the events surrounding a pivotal era in Latvian history, as the country fought for its independence in the aftermath of World War I. Told from the perspective a teenage boy who joins the fight, it is an epic tale of tragedy, courage and hope. In celebration […] More
-
in Interviews
Interview: Eché Janga Talks Dutch Oscar contender ‘Buladó’ and Showcasing Curaçaon Culture
In Eché Janga’s new film Bulado, a young girl named Kenza is caught in a culture clash between the traditional views of her grandfather and the more Westernized attitudes of her father, a single parent. With touches of magical realism informed by indigenous beliefs, this visually and emotionally appealing drama puts Curaçao on the world […] More
-
in Interviews
Interview: Heidi Ewing on the Making of ‘I Carry You with Me’
With its swoon-worthy cinematography, sizzling romantic chemistry and poignant storyline, I Carry You with Me is one of the most affecting films of the last few years. Telling a bittersweet gay love story of two Mexican immigrants who seek a brighter future in the United States, the film speaks to contemporary concerns with keenly felt […] More
-
Awards Radar Best of 2020: Top Ten Documentaries of the Year
Documentary aficionados perhaps make this claim every year, but 2020 truly felt like a standout year for non-fiction filmmaking. As the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered theaters worldwide and the blockbuster films that pack them, documentaries were able to shine brighter than ever before. And in this historic year of social and political change, documentaries complimented the […] More
-
in InterviewsInterview: Documentarian Tommy Oliver Reflects on ’40 Years a Prisoner’
Back in 1978, one of the most controversial shootouts took place in Phildaelphia, when a standoff between police and a predominantly Black primitivist group called MOVE resulted in the death of a police officer. In the aftermath, several members of the group were imprisoned, including a man named Mike Africa Sr. and his wife Debbie […] More
-
in Interviews
Interview: Jasmila Žbanić Discusses ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ and the Legacy of the Bosnian War
With its harrowing true story of a UN translator desperately trying to save her family during the Bosnian War, Quo Vadis, Aida? is sure to be one of the top Oscar contenders for Best International Feature Film. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić, this searing drama chronicles events surrounding the siege of Srebrenica by the […] More
-
Oscars: ‘Time’ and ‘Crip Camp’ Surge Ahead as Documentary Race Takes Shape
While the Oscar shortlists for Best Documentary Feature are still nearly 3 months away, some of the major precursor awards are already sounding off on this year’s top contenders. Emerging from this first wave with several mentions, three films – Garrett Bradley‘s Time, James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham‘s Crip Camp and Viktor Kossakovsky‘s Gunda – […] More
-
DOC NYC Film Review: ‘The Last Out’ Compellingly Explores the Intersection of Politics and Sports
The trade embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba has long been a source of international attention for its harmful effects on the Cuban people and economy. While its restrictions are superficially related to commerce between the two nations, its ramifications permeate throughout various aspects of Cuban life. Sami Khan and Michael Gassert’s affecting […] More
-
DOC NYC Film Review: ‘Belushi’ Is an Ordinary Tribute to a Comedy Icon
The concept of “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” has long cemented itself as a certain ideal of the aspirational celebrity lifestyle. But as many narratives and documentaries have proven, there can be a fatal downside to the fast life of fame and success. R. J. Cutler’s new documentary Belushi looks back on the life […] More
-
DOC NYC Film Review: ‘Once Upon a Time in Venezuela’ Is a Humble Elegy to a Dying Village
In the public consciousness, the South American nation of Venezuela is often associated with oil, beauty queens and in more recent years, a dire combination of political and economic instability. It hardly comes as a surprise therefore, when these elements emerge in Once Upon a Time in Venezuela, the new documentary from director Anabel Rodríguez […] More
-
DOC NYC Film Review: ‘The Letter’ Shines a Light on Elder Abuse in Kenya
Since time immemorial, human beings have struggled to fully comprehend the world around them. As we thus attempt to find meaning and purpose in our lives, we’ve often turned to religion and spiritual beliefs for solace. But what happens when those beliefs are manipulated and twisted to justify inhumane actions? Such is the case in Christopher […] More
Load More
Congratulations. You've reached the end of the internet.