Trying to make an independent film about a gay man and a terrorist bonding in a Brazilian prison cell was not an easy thing to do in the early 1980’s. Nevertheless, producer David Weisman did exactly that, making Kiss of the Spider Woman not only a reality, but an Oscar-winning hit. We talk with Weisman about his beginnings, and the struggle of making an independent film without a road map.

While independent filmmakers certainly have more options in 2008, one hurdle that remains is distribution. We talk to documentarian Anne Sundberg about her latest film, The End of America. Five months ago it was an idea, today it can be viewed for free online at SnagFilms.com.

Karina checks in with two winners. Synecdoche, New York opens tonight, and Luke and Brie are on a First Date just made a quiet splash at the Hamptons Film Festival.

 

 FilmCouch 93 [40:46m]: Play Now | Download

(Subscribe to FilmCouch–Spout’s weekly movie podcast–in the iTunes store or to our RSS feed and an episode will download each Friday)

0:00 - Intro, listener question about the FilmCouch Group on Spout

4:51 - Kiss of the Spider Woman

20:29 - The End of America

30:41 - Karina’s Media diet: Luke and Brie are on a First Date, Changeling, Synecdoche, New York

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