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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.

Ep428: Philosophy of the Werewolf Ninja

Today, The Kicking the Seat Podcast gets wild with the Werewolf Ninja Philosopher! Ian talks to writer/director Sujewa Ekanayake and star Art Shrian Tiwari about bringing this "Slow Cinema" gem to life. Due to a series of transportation misadventures, the interview took place in two parts during Friday's Chicago premiere at Facets Cinematheque.

First up, Tiwari talks about leaving behind a Wall Street career to become an actor, and the journey to finding this unique character. Next, Ekanayake gives Ian a lesson in non-narrative filmmaking by partially breaking down Paul Schrader's diagram* from "The Transcendental Style in Film". These unconventional conversations opened the door to some follow-up discussions that you can look forward to soon.

And if you want to catch Werewolf Ninja Philosopher during its Chicago run, head to Facets now through Thursday, July 25th. As a bonus, Sujewa Ekanayake will be on hand for audience Q&As following tonight's 7pm and 9pm screenings! Tickets available here.

Episode 428 only watches Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 4:48

Werewolf Ninja Philosopher Trailer: 4:48 - 7:09

Art Shrian Tiwari Interview: 7:09 - 55:00

Transition Music: 55:00 - 55:15

Sujewa Ekanayake Interview: 55:15 - 1:10:07

Outro Music: 1:10:07 - 1:10:29

*Included here so you can play along!

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Ep429: #MeowToo

Ep427: Paws for Effect