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MAN FROM PRETENTIA: Reliving the East Village Art Scene with Chih-Hsuan Liang & Steve Zehentner

Listen at soundsoffilm.com

On this episode of SOUNDS, we dive into “Man from Pretentia,” a compelling documentary that captures the life and legacy of legendary New York gallerist Paul Bridgewater.

Directed by Chih-Hsuan Liang and produced by Steve Zehentner, the film chronicles Bridgewater’s rise in the vibrant East Village art scene, his struggles to keep his gallery afloat, and his relentless commitment to supporting emerging artists.

Through intimate storytelling, Man from Pretentia offers a powerful look at Bridgewater’s passion, resilience, and enduring influence on the art world.

The film is a featured selection at the 2025 Port Jefferson Documentary Film Series.

ANDY KAUFMAN: A Deep Dive with Director Alex Braverman & Tom Needham on SOUNDS Listen at soundsoffilm.com On the latest episode of SOUNDS with Tom Needham, director Alex Braverman joins the show to discuss his new documentary, THANK YOU VERY MUCH a deep dive into the life and career of the enigmatic comedian from Long Island, Andy Kaufman. Through never-before-seen archival footage and intimate interviews with Kaufman’s friends, colleagues, and family, the film explores how his boundary-shattering performances challenged audiences to confront their own assumptions about comedy, reality, and entertainment itself. From his infamous alter egos to his provocative stunts, Kaufman’s work continues to influence today’s blurred lines between performance and authenticity, making his legacy more relevant than ever. Braverman shares his journey in crafting this fascinating documentary, reflecting on the complexity of Kaufman’s persona and the lasting impact of his fearless, shape-shifting artistry. Known for his Emmy-nominated work on

Logan Richardson Talks Yoko Kanno, COWBOY BEBOP & Blues People Big Bang on SOUNDS On the next SOUNDS, Tom Needham speaks with creative musician and composer, Logan Richardson. Hear the conversation at soundsoffilm.com Logan is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Hailing from Kansas City, he has carved out a unique space in jazz, blending blues, hip-hop, and avant-garde influences into a sound that is entirely his own. From sharing the stage with jazz legends to headlining sold-out shows at the Blue Note, Village Vanguard, and The Kennedy Center, Logan has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. His upcoming performance at Town Hall on March 29 is set to be a landmark event, as he joins forces with legendary composer Yoko Kanno for her first-ever live performance in New York City. This extraordinary concert will feature Logan Richardson’s Blues People Big Bang, the Little Kruta string ensemble,

Filmmaker Deirdre Fishel: Families Facing Lewy Body Dementia on SOUNDS with Tom Needham Listen to the conversation at soundsoffilm.com On this episode of SOUNDS, Tom Needham speaks with Deirdre Fishel, an accomplished documentary filmmaker and professor at City College of New York. Deirdre has built a career shining a light on stories that are often overlooked, from the struggles of female police officers to the challenges of aging. Her latest film, “Facing the Wind,” takes on one of the most under-discussed but devastating illnesses—Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Affecting over 1.4 million Americans, LBD impacts cognition, movement, and behavior, yet remains largely misunderstood. Through an intimate lens, Deirdre follows the lives of three couples as they navigate the heartbreaking and complex journey of this disease, particularly focusing on the resilience of caregivers—spouses who fight to hold onto love and dignity in the face of an overwhelming reality. The film is a

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival is still accepting submissions!

Submit here: https: filmfreeway.com/LongIslandMusicandEntertainmentHallofFameMusicDocumentaryFilmFestival

The LIMEHOF Music Doc Festival will feature movies, panels, Q&A’s, performances, and parties.

Save the dates: August 8-10

Director Leonardo Van Dijl Talks JULIE KEEPS QUIET, Hamptons & Cannes Film Festivals on SOUNDS PODCAST Listen to the conversation at soundsoffilm.com On the latest episode of SOUNDS with Tom Needham, we are joined by Belgian writer-director Leonardo Van Dijl, known for his compelling storytelling and nuanced character portrayals. His debut feature film, JULIE KEEPS QUIET (2024), delves into themes of silence, trauma, and resilience within the high-pressure world of elite youth tennis. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered critical acclaim and won the SACD Prize. It was also featured at the Hamptons International Film Festival and is Belgium’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. Van Dijl’s previous work includes the short film Stephanie (2020), which was selected for the Official Competition at Cannes and won an Ensor award at the Ostend Film Festival. Follow the SOUNDS

Listen to music legend Robbie Dupree Talk “Steal Away” & “Hot Rod Hearts” on SOUNDS:

open.spotify.com/episode/6SEB0KJYNGOv1WTZzKcqIM?si=U6I3hNtnSeaqaoVN9_7Ftw

Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sounds-with-tom-needham/id1767167861?i=1000699636892

Catherine Gund Talks Jacqueline Woodson, Meshell Ndegeocello & MEANWHILE on SOUNDS with Tom Needham Podcast Listen at soundsoffilm.com On this episode of SOUNDS, host Tom Needham welcomes award-winning director and activist Catherine Gund to discuss her latest film, MEANWHILE, a docu-poem in six verses that captures artists creating in the midst of chaos. Featuring an extraordinary collaboration between Jacqueline Woodson, Meshell Ndegeocello, and a cast of visionary artists, the film weaves together historical and observational footage to explore identity, race, resistance, and resilience. Rooted in the upheavals of 2020, MEANWHILE uses breath as a symbol of survival and transformation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the creative process rather than a fixed outcome. Gund shares insights into the film’s unique structure, the importance of centering artists’ voices, and how MEANWHILE challenges traditional documentary storytelling. Founder and Director of Aubin Pictures, Catherine Gund is an Emmy-nominated and Academy-shortlisted producer, director, writer,

ENDLESS CALLS FOR FAME: THE STORY OF THE NEW RISING SONS with director Olivia Serafini-Sauli on SOUNDS with Tom Needham Podcast Listen at soundsoffilm.com On the next SOUNDS with Tom Needham is special guest, director Olivia Serafini-Sauli, who is here to discuss her new documentary, Endless Calls for Fame: The Story of the New Rising Sons. The film takes us back to the gritty streets of 1990s New York City, when punk and indie rock were breaking into the mainstream. It tells the story of The New Rising Sons, a band that seemed destined for stardom after signing a million-dollar record deal—only to have their dreams unravel as the music industry shifted at the turn of the millennium. Featuring rare footage from iconic venues like CBGB and The Bowery Ballroom, along with interviews from key figures of the era, the documentary is an intimate look at the fleeting nature of