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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

Ep263: Making a CIFFerence

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast and Keeping it Reel's David Fowlie preview some of the films from the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival! Who has done their homework, and who needs to get cracking? Which movies are worth seeking out among the dozens (and dozens) to choose from? And what's the best way to approach watching as many films as the festival has to offer? Listen in and find out!

Also, Ian explains why this episode is a bit late; reminds listeners to pitch in to Dr. A.C.'s "Scare-a-Thon"; shares info about a special screening of Adam Green's Victor Crowley, with a Q&A moderated by Patrick Bromley from F! This Movie; and tells you about the stateside release of Dan Hartley's lovely coming-of-age film, Lad: A Yorkshire Story!

Episode 263 has way too many movies to watch!

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Ep264: The Song of CHAVELA

Ep262: The Sunny Side