The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Matthew Heineman discusses his new documentary film, The Boy from Medellín, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film provides an immersive look at a dramatic week in the life of international superstar J Balvin. As he prepares for his sold out stadium concert in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, public pressure and political unrest grow around him forcing him to reflect on how he will use his voice.

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his new film, In the Heights, with fellow director Nisha Ganatra in a spoiler-filled Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film tells the story of a likeable bodega owner named Usnavi in the tight-knit community of Washington Heights, NY, who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes for a better life. But when he inherits a fortune, Usnavi discovers he has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring.

Director Maureen Bharoocha discusses her new film, Golden Arm, with fellow director Lucia Aniello in a spoiler-filled Q&A at the DGA theater. The film tells the story of Melanie, a nice girl baker who must trade whisks for barbells after her best friend Danny ropes her into taking her spot at the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship.

Listen to Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin continue their conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part three wraps up the discussion as the nominees talk about working with assistant directors, the last images of their film, and how they handle pressure.

Listen to Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin continue their conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part two finds the nominees discussing actors: tailoring the right approach to an actor’s working style, the importance of establishing confidence in their key collaborators, and readjusting performance to fit the film.

Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Part one finds the nominees discussing advice they've gotten from other directors, how they prepare for the first day on a shoot, and where they like to position themselves on set.

Director Heidi Ewing discusses her new film, I Carry You with Me, with fellow director Rodrigo García in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Iván, a young aspiring chef in Mexico who is working to support the mother of his child. Iván begins an affair with a handsome teacher, who unlike Iván is out as a gay man. After their relationship comes to light, Iván makes the painful decision to cross the border to advance his culinary career, promising his son and newfound love he will return.

Director Nisha Gantra discusses her new film, The High Note, with fellow director Laura Terruso in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Maggie, the overworked personal assistant to superstar singer Grace Davis. When Grace's manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change both of their lives forever.

Director Josh Greenbaum discusses his new film, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, with fellow director Guillermo del Toro in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of best friends Barb and Star, who leave their small Midwestern town for the first time to vacation in Vista Del Mar, Florida and soon find themselves tangled up in adventure, love, and a villain’s evil plot to murder the entire town.

Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite discusses her new film, Our Friend, with fellow director Maryam Keshavarz in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the inspiring true story of Matt and Nicole Teague, whose lives are upended after Nicole is diagnosed with terminal cancer. As Matt's duties become increasingly overwhelming, the couple's best friend makes a huge sacrifice to stay with his friends and lend a hand.