Behind the Slate

The late Agnès Varda is the darling of Filmstagram Bros and Letterboxd Girlies - everyone’s favorite cat-loving feminist grandma. But what was she really like?Join host Aaron Strand as he discusses the incredible story behind Varda’s most commercially successful film ‘Vagabond’. After the screening he is joined by renowned french film scholar and personal friend of the Agnès Varda, Dr. Richard Neupert, who discusses her work and life from a first-hand perspective.Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA on 11-20-25.Follow us on Instagram for updates on upcoming screenings and live recordings!Email us: [email protected]: Behind the Slate TikTok: Behind the SlateYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Today we dive into a film that is as disturbing as it is relatable and bizarre as it is unforgettable: ‘Possession’ from 1981. We explore the chaotic brilliance of Andrzej Żuławski, his turbulent career, and how his personal life shaped this visceral descent into madness, identity, and emotional collapse.Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA on 10-09-25, this episode captures the raw energy of the screening and the audience discussion that followed, unpacking the film’s intense performances, shocking imagery, and enduring cult legacy.Follow us on Instagram for updates on upcoming screenings and live recordings!Email us: [email protected]: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: Behind the SlateYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Today we watch one of the greatest war films ever made and the zenith of Italian neo-realism, Gillo Pontecorvo's 'The Battle of Algiers'. I discuss Pontecorvo's incredible backstory of fighting against the fascists in the Italian resistance and the unlikely journey that led him to creating this film with the victorious National Liberation Front of Algeria. After the film we are joined by @itsgothdad who shares his incredible journey from soldier to activist and how watching 'The Battle of Algiers' in his officer training shaped his view of America's Global War on Terror.In 2026, our programming in ATL focuses on 'Films Against Fascism' - a selection of films from around the world that deal with anti-fascist themes and take a stand against authoritarianism. These screenings are presented in partnership with Indivisible ATL.Follow us on instagram for info about our upcoming shows!Email us: [email protected]: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Today we’re diving into Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Christmas classic ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999) - a misunderstood masterpiece that is incredibly prescient of the 21st century we are currently living in. I discuss Kubrick's upbringing and the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that surrounds his reputation. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it’s a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on January 15th where we will be screening The Coen Brother's 'Fargo’, and in Atlanta, GA on January 22nd where we will be screening Kinji Fukasaku's 'Battle Royale' (2000)Email us: [email protected]: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: Behind the SlateYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Today we’re diving into George Lucas’ debut film, ‘THX 1138’ (1971) - which I argue is one of the most influential films of all time. We talk about the early life of director George Lucas and how he went from underground race-car driver to wannabe experimental filmmaker. We dive into his USC-nerd-friends “The Dirty Dozen” and how a budding bromance with Francis Ford Coppola led to one of the most important idealistic yet doomed production companies, American Zoetrope. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it’s a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.Recorded live at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on October 9th where we will be screening Andrzej Żuławski’s film ‘Posession’. Tickets here: https://www.athenscine.com/movie/possession Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: Behind the Slate YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com