Backyard Docs Festival Director Hansen Bursic Previews 2026 Event
Starting September 24 and running through September 27, the Backyard Docs Film Festival will screen a series of feature-length and short documentaries. Now in its third year, the festival has defined itself as a celebration of stories by and about the people who live in the Rust Belt and Appalachian regions.
“Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” Needs More Flesh
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is supposed to be a release, an explosion of flesh and fluids, but its scream is not as triumphant as one might hope.
“Tony” Lacks Anthony Bourdain’s Understanding of the Human Condition
Tony is stagnant, missing the truth behind the man who could make friends with anyone.
Composer Marcus Trumpp Sets Sail with “Mutiny” Score
Countless working artists decided to pick up their craft because of a film from the eighties. One such artist is composer Marcus Trumpp, whose early exposure to The NeverEnding Story put him on the path he’s on today.
“Pure Scum” is a Nightmare of a Night
The ending of Pure Scum is a kick when the audience is already down, but there’s no better way to finish a movie like this one.
Bryant Eberhart Wants to Make You Cry with “Your Brother Theo.”
Every filmmaker has a movie or a collection of films that sets them on the path to pursuing this medium. For Altoona-based writer/director Bryant Eberhart, it’s less about a particular movie and more about a genre.
“Cuddly Toys” is Sharp Around the Edges
An impossible balancing act that somehow comes together, Cuddly Toys is blisteringly unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
Nick Sweeney & Samantha Mustari Talk Finding Home in “Noah Kahan: Out of Body”
Noah Kahan: Out of Body, directed by Nick Sweeney and produced by Samantha Mustari, is not your traditional concert documentary. It’s as intimate as the man at the center of the universe.
“Sawtooth Mountain” Looks for Elusive Scares & Bigfoot
Sawtooth Mountain holds its hairy cards to its chest, but confidently deals a tension-building hand in a game of survival that’s buoyed by a strong cast of actors.
“Nimrods” Can’t Make Mainstream Punk
Nimrods needs more bite to match the fervor of the punks who paved the way.
“The End of Oak Street” Cares More about its Dinos Than its Humans
The End of Oak Street has wrapped itself in the trappings of the blockbuster greats of yesteryear without seeing it through all the way.
Before “Field of Dreams,” There was the Pittsburgh-shot “Angels in the Outfield”
On Thursday, August 13, Major League Baseball will host their third edition of the Field of Dreams Game with the Philadelphia Phillies facing off against the Minnesota Twins. While Pittsburgh's Pirates won’t be in Iowa, there’s a piece of baseball filmmaking unique to the Steel City.
The More You Think About “One Night Only,” the Crazier it Becomes
One Night Only is a small stumbling block on the road to a rom com renaissance, with brief moments of glory.
Locarno: “Bruton” is Another Showcase of Theo Rossi’s Greatness
Bruton acts as both a character study and a succinct exploration of the reality of the Florida prison system. It offers no judgment, just the quiet observation Grashaw does best.
“The Best Pizza is in LA” is a Cheesy Love Letter to the City of Angels
The Best Pizza Is in LA is a love letter to a city, one delicious bite at a time.
Kennywood Takes Center Stage in “Adventureland”
As the summer begins to wind down, what better time to turn our attention to a Pittsburgh staple.
“Lucky” - Episode Five Recap: Are We Bad People
It has taken five episodes, but Apple TV+’s Lucky has finally stopped to take a breath.
Run Away and Fall in Love with Prime Video’s “Sterling Point”
Created, written, and directed by Megan Park (of The Secret Life of the American Teenager fame), Sterling Point is a razor-sharp return to form. It’s the perfect blend of dreamy teen romance, improbable situations, and a distinct lack of parental oversight.
“Mustache” is a Delight
In order to enjoy Mustache, you just have to be willing to go back to the awkward teenage years of finding yourself — the often uncomfortable, sometimes profound, and always shifting time when the tickle of a prepubescent mustache can change the world.
“Sheep in the Box” Doesn’t Open the Lid on AI
What Sheep in the Box needs is Kore-eda’s trademark humanistic touch, and it’s a shame it’s missing.