It was a true pleasure speaking with writer/director Jon Bell and actor Shari Sebbens about their powerful new feature The Moogai—a chilling and culturally resonant Australian horror story poised to make a major impact on audiences. With Causeway Films behind it—the same powerhouse production company that brought us The Babadook and Talk to Me—anticipation is understandably high, and after our conversation, mine has only grown stronger. The Moogai marks a bold feature debut for Bell, one of Australia’s most seasoned Indigenous screenwriters, whose credits include Cleverman and The Warriors.

In recent years, Matthew Finlan has steadily built a name for himself as a dynamic, emotionally resonant actor. With standout performances in both Hell of a Summer and All The Lost Ones, Finlan proves he's not only a rising star in the world of genre cinema but also an artist who brings depth and nuance to every role he takes on. In Hell of a Summer, Finlan tackles a fresh spin on the classic slasher archetype, blending humor, heart, and horror with ease.

From Twin Galaxies to heartfelt ballads, Walter Day has lived a life unlike any other. Most people recognize him as the iconic referee from The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters—a soft-spoken and sharply dressed figure whose striped shirt became as recognizable as the arcade legends he helped chronicle. But as Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day shows us, there’s far more to Walter than his legendary contributions to the world of video games.

Stephen Cognetti has made a name for himself in the horror world as the mastermind behind the Hell House LLC franchise, a series that has captivated found-footage enthusiasts and solidified its place in modern horror. Since the release of the original Hell House LLC in 2015, Cognetti has continued to expand the eerie mythology surrounding the Abaddon Hotel, delivering a mix of tension, mystery, and genuinely effective scares. However, with his latest project, 825 Forest Road, Cognetti has taken a bold step outside his comfort zone.

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the filmmaking duo behind indie gems like Half Nelson, Mississippi Grind, and It's Kind of a Funny Story, have built a career on intimate, character-driven storytelling. Their latest project, Freaky Tales, is an ambitious departure from their previous work, blending anthology-style storytelling with a heightened sense of genre play. While the film itself may not resonate as strongly as their past efforts, it retains the duo’s signature charm and keen eye for human moments amid chaos.

As part of the dynamic ensemble in Cold Wallet, Raul Castillo and Melonie Diaz bring depth and intensity to this gripping crypto-heist thriller. Directed by Cutter Hodierne and presented by Steven Soderbergh, the film follows a group of vigilante Redditors who attempt to take down a financial scammer, only to find themselves caught in a dangerous game. The film's timely narrative, set against the volatile world of cryptocurrency and online justice, is elevated by the presence of these two accomplished actors.

Presented by Steven Soderbergh, Cold Wallet is a gripping crypto-heist thriller that marks an exciting collaboration between director Cutter Hodierne and actor Josh Brener. The film follows a group of vigilante Redditors seeking revenge after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam, only to find themselves ensnared in a deadly game. For me, Cutter Hodierne wasn’t a name I was familiar with before setting up interviews for Cold Wallet, but getting to know him has been a rewarding experience.

Paul Tremblay has long been a fixture in modern horror literature, known for his ability to weave psychological tension with supernatural dread. His involvement in First Word on Horror, a documentary series examining the evolution of horror literature, further cements his status as both an influential creator and a thoughtful critic of the genre. The series aims to explore horror’s lasting impact on readers and culture, and Tremblay’s voice adds depth to the conversation, particularly as someone who has seen his own work transcend the page and reach mainstream audiences.