Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Judy Irving’s DARK CIRCLE: The Dangerous Intersection of Nuclear Power & Nuclear Energy This classic episode of The Sounds of Film features an in-depth conversation with Tom Needham and acclaimed director Judy Irving about her powerful and deeply personal documentary, Dark Circle. Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5Flu7h0Jh5o0IIazAdBbpO?si=Rag-FGTFQsS_59g5f8RzAw The film examines the far-reaching consequences of the nuclear industry by tracing the often-hidden journey of plutonium—from weapons manufacturing to energy production. Through the eyes of everyday Americans living in the shadows of these technologies, Dark Circle confronts the dangerous intersection of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. Filmed at the notorious Rocky Flats plutonium plant near Denver, a site known for contaminating surrounding communities, and the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in California—built on active fault lines—the documentary captures the real-life impact of the atomic age. It also features some of the first American-shot documentary footage of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, offering rarely-seen testimony
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Harley Flanagan & The CRO-MAGS: WIRED FOR CHAOS on THE SOUNDS OF FILM On this episode of The Sounds of Film, host Tom Needham welcomes punk rock legend Harley Flanagan, founder of the iconic hardcore band Cro-Mags. As a pivotal figure in the New York City Hardcore scene, Harley shares his remarkable story of music, mayhem, and personal redemption. Harley is the subject of the new documentary Wired for Chaos, which traces his turbulent journey from the gritty streets of 1970s New York to his evolution as a musician, martial artist, and survivor. His life embodies the raw energy and resilience that define punk and hardcore culture. Director Rex Miller’s powerful film, which was featured at DOC NYC, frames Harley’s transformation through trauma, addiction, and rage—toward healing and purpose. Harley’s unfiltered conversation on The Sounds of Film brings this intense personal story vividly to life. Follow the SOUNDS OF FILM
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
PRE-SALE tickets for the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival (Aug. 8-10) are available for a very limited time.
1 Day and 3 Day Passes Available
Tickets for the Opening Night Party and Closing Night Awards/Party are also available.
Get your tickets before they are gone: www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-music-doc-festival-update/
Explore the soul of music through the lens of independent filmmaking. The LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival will feature inspiring films about legendary artists, unforgettable concerts, vibrant music scenes, and the cultural impact of music across the globe.
Each day will include 4–5 feature-length documentaries, often paired with short films, and exclusive Q&As with filmmakers following select screenings.
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Slumlord Millionaire: Steph Ching, Ellen Martinez & the Battle for Housing Justice on THE SOUNDS OF FILM Listen at soundsoffilm.com On the next episode of The Sounds of Film with Tom Needham, we turn our focus to Slumlord Millionaire, a gripping new documentary that recently captured the Audience Award at DOC NYC. Directed by Steph Ching and Ellen Martinez, the film profiles the fearless tenants, community activists, and legal advocates standing up against predatory landlords and relentless gentrification in New York City. Through intimate and emotional storytelling, Slumlord Millionaire lays bare the devastating effects of a housing system where the right to live safely and with dignity is increasingly under threat. After also winning the Documentary Award at CAAMFest, the film begins its Oscar-qualifying run at New York’s DCTV Firehouse Cinema—an especially resonant location amid the city’s skyrocketing rent crisis. Across the U.S., rents have surged by 30% over the
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
BEWITCHED: A Tribute to Elizabeth Montgomery with Author Herbie J Pilato on THE SOUNDS OF FILM On this special edition of The Sounds of Film, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Elizabeth Montgomery’s passing with author and classic television historian Herbie J Pilato. Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3r9IYvXMUD82KAbQJuImIS?si=_iBqXMM_RDycCcE7Uu0sLg Pilato, a close friend of the beloved Bewitched star, joins us to discuss his definitive biographies Twitch Upon a Star and The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery. He also shares behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming Bewitched Blu-ray release from Mill Creek Entertainment, for which he served as co-producer and co-writer of the bonus content. This episode offers an intimate look at Montgomery’s enduring legacy on screen and off. Listen to the SOUNDS OF FILM with Tom Needham Podcast at soundsoffilm.com
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Film Editing: Unraveling the Mystery with Director Chad Freidrichs on The Sounds of Film Listen at: soundsoffilm.com On the next episode of the SOUNDS OF FILM Podcast, Tom Needham speaks with acclaimed filmmaker Chad Freidrichs about his groundbreaking new documentary, The Cinema Within. The film explores a fascinating question: Why does film editing work so seamlessly on our brains? Featuring insights from legendary editor Walter Murch, film historian David Bordwell, and leading scientists, The Cinema Within travels from Hollywood to a Turkish village to uncover the subconscious language of editing—and how something as simple as blinking may unlock its secrets. Known for The Pruitt-Igoe Myth, The Experimental City, and Jandek on Corwood, Freidrichs brings a distinctive vision to this four-year project. Inventive and visually striking, The Cinema Within reveals the hidden grammar of film and the way it shapes how we see the world. Tune in for a mind-expanding conversation
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Shout-out to my friend Frank Torres, the talented designer behind the Sounds of Film website.
His work continues to impress and hold up beautifully.
If you’re looking for top-notch design, visit zoinks.graphics
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
RON DELSENER PRESENTS: A Conversation with Director Jake Sumner on THE SOUNDS OF FILM Listen: soundsoffilm.com This week, The Sounds of Film with Tom Needham features an exclusive conversation with filmmaker Jake Sumner, the director of the acclaimed documentary Ron Delsener Presents. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles the extraordinary 60-year career of Ron Delsener, the iconic concert promoter behind New York City’s most legendary live music events. From booking the Beatles at Forest Hills Stadium in 1964 to orchestrating the historic Simon & Garfunkel reunion in Central Park, Delsener helped redefine what a concert could be. Known for his relentless hustle, sharp ear, and rebellious charm, Delsener transformed New York’s music scene—paving the way for what would eventually become today’s billion-dollar live entertainment industry. Directed by award-winning documentarian Jake Sumner (Fantastic Man, Bob of the Park, I Was There When House Took Over the World),
Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film
LAST CALL For Submissions for The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival!
We want your films from around the world that examine music topics like music scenes, music history, tours, biographies, festivals, music education, concerts, culture, music technology and the transformative power of music.
Submit your music documentary by Wednesday, May 21st: filmfreeway.com/LongIslandMusicandEntertainmentHallofFameMusicDocumentaryFilmFestival
And, look for pre-sale LIMEHOF Music Doc Festival passes to be available very soon!
The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival (August 8-10) is one of the most anticipated film festivals of the year.
We hope to see your there!