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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.

Ep:1114: IndieSeen LIVE!: BitterSweet Filmmaker Interview w/ Steve Martini and Gabriela Kulaif

Ep:1114: IndieSeen LIVE!: BitterSweet Filmmaker Interview w/ Steve Martini and Gabriela Kulaif

IndieSeen welcomes Steve Martini and Gabriela Kulaif from the indie comedy, BitterSweet!

In February, Ian and Sujewa reviewed the film, which centers on an autistic man named Sam (writer/director/star Martini), whose life spins out of control following a domestic misunderstanding involving the cops. Gabriela produced the film and stars as Sam's wife, Gigi.

Join us for a special live edition of IndieSeen, as Steve and Gabriel talk about the genesis and filming of Bittersweet; just how closely this screwball, city-spanning comedy is "based on true events", and next week's limited theatrical engagement at LA's Laemmle Theaters--where you can participate in live Q&A events!

We'll also take your questions, comments and SuperChats!

Subscribe, like, and comment on Kicking the Seat here on YouTube, and check us out at:

Show Links

  • Watch the Bittersweet trailer.

  • Info on theaters, tickets, and times for the upcoming Laemmle Theaters BitterSweet events can be found here.

  • Follow BitterSweet on Instagram to keep up with the latest updates!

  • Watch Ian and Sujewa's review of BitterSweet.

  • Catch up with last month's episode, which featured a review of Woody Allen's Stardust Memories and some initial thoughts on Cannes!

  • Subscribe to Raphael's smash hit podcast Inside the Arthouse with Greg Laemmle!

  • As mentioned in the show, Raphael will next appear in the HBO Max series, Task! Watch the trailer here!

  • Support Sujewa's new film project, 53 Spaceships, the latest adventure of Cosmic Disco Detective Rene!

  • Check out Sujewa's latest podcast venture, This Arthouse Life!

  • Watch Sujewa's latest film, Cosmic Disco Detective Rene for free on YouTube!

  • Rent The Secret Society for Slow Romance (the predecessor to Cosmic Disco Detective Rene).

  • Follow Sujewa on X.

  • Check out all the episodes in our “IndieSeen” Playlist!

Ep1113: Dangerous Animals (2025) - Roundtable Review

Ep1113: Dangerous Animals (2025) - Roundtable Review

Ep1112: Target Audience: Karate Kid Legends (2025)

Ep1112: Target Audience: Karate Kid Legends (2025)