profile pic ian.jpg

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 Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy 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.

Ep870: Spotlight India: NAYAK (1966)

Ep870: Spotlight India: NAYAK (1966)

Ian Simmons

In this very special episode of "Spotlight India", Ian welcomes filmmaker Shashwat Mookherjee to talk about Satyajit Ray's landmark 1966 film, Nayak!

En route to Delhi to receive an award, a Bengali film star reevaluates his success through his fellow passengers, dreams, and past experiences.

Before digging into the movie, we get to know Sashwat and talk about his fascinating journey, which includes creating short films, attending the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and founding the IIT Madras BS Film Society.

Plus: Shashwat shares an important announcement live on the show!

Show Links

  • Watch the Nayak trailer.

  • Watch the Watch the trailer for Shashwat's upcoming documentary, Breaking Barriers.

  • Watch Shashwat's short films on YouTube (and be sure to subscribe!).

  • Follow IIT Madras BS Film Society on Instagram.

  • Watch Ian and Shashwat's recent interview for the Indian Institute of Technology Madras Film Society about film criticism!

  • And catch up with previous "Spotlight India" episodes.

  • Subscribe to, like, and comment on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel!

Ep871: Target Audience: THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (2023)

Ep871: Target Audience: THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (2023)
What If He Doesn't Survive? THE MANDALORIAN Season 3 / Episode 7 - Round Table Review

What If He Doesn't Survive? THE MANDALORIAN Season 3 / Episode 7 - Round Table Review