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Artwork for Films for Today
Cinema
Kindness
Cultural Growth
Post-War Japan
Dreams
Power Dynamics
Human Relationships
Education
The Leopard
Waking Life
The Purple Rose Of Cairo
Mental Health
Empathy
The Browning Version
When the Wind Blows
Scottish Culture
Hedonism
Watership Down
Tokyo Story
Sans Soleil

Hosted by Jimmy Bernasconi (‘Sacred Cinema’, ABC Radio), ‘Films for Today’ explores how the art of cinema can help us understand the social, cultural and political issues that currently trouble us. Each week, Jimmy selects a seminal film and contemplates its profound insights into the most pressing challenges of our time. For questions or enquiries about the show, you can reach Jimmy at contact@ji... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes238Founded5 years ago
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TV & FilmFilm History

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Artwork for Films for Today

Latest Episodes

Following last week's discussions on the complexities of applied piety, this week's episode contemplates the apparent limits on human grace and forgiveness through the lens of Paddy Considine's 2011 drama, Tyrannosaur.

Contact Us

Email: contact@jim... more

Following last week's contemplations about the inevitably communal aspect of moral life, this week's episode contemplates the inevitable difficulties of piously living for others in its examination of Lars von Trier's 1996 drama, Breaking the Waves. more

Following recent discussions about edgy young men and in light of a recent trend in movies depicting high-strung mothers, this week's episode considers nature, nurture, confusion and chaos through the lens of Lynne Ramsay' adaptation of Lionel Shrive... more

Following recent discussions about the precariousness of elaborate abstract human thought, this week's episode examines the hypocrisies that seem inherent to human governance in John Carpenter's 1981 cult classic, Escape from New York.

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Recent Guests

Ali Gill
Director of Party Animal
Episode: What are the effects of modern discourse? | "Party Animal" (2025) d. Ali Gill w/ Ali Gill and Aimie Sullivan
Aimie Sullivan
Producer of Party Animal
Episode: What are the effects of modern discourse? | "Party Animal" (2025) d. Ali Gill w/ Ali Gill and Aimie Sullivan
Chris Smol
Friend of the show and film expert
Episode: How powerless are we as individuals in the face of existential threats? | "First Reformed" (2017) d. Paul Schrader w/ Christopher Smol
Eddie Bernasconi
Film enthusiast and brother of the host
Episode: 'Bad Santa' (2003) d. Terry Zwigoff w/ Eddie Bernasconi
Henry Bretz
Comedian and film critic from London
Episode: 'Anora' (2024) d. Sean Baker w/ Henry Bretz
Christopher Smol
Film writer based in London
Episode: 'The Remains of the Day' (1993) d. James Ivory w/ Christopher Smol
Chloe Abrahams
Writer and director of The Taste of Mango
Film maker
Episode: 'The Taste of Mango' (2023) d. Chloe Abrahams w/ Chloe Abrahams
Archie Chew
Editor of the film 'Like My Brother'
Episode: 'Like My Brother' (2024) d. Sal Balharrie w/ Archie Chew
Eli Thiele
Co-director and writer of Sofa, So Good
Episode: 'Sofa, So Good' (2024) d. The Thiele Brothers w/ The Thiele Brothers

Host

Jimmy Bernasconi
Host of Films for Today; engages in film analysis and cultural critique.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • 30minute of knowledge

    Without a doubt one of the best and unique film analysis podcasts. The episodes with Lindsay Anderson movies If…. And This Sporting Life are brilliant.

    The 30 minute you wish lasts longer!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    yassijiro
    United States2 years ago
  • Mr

    Not your average film pod. Gets more into the psychological and philosophical elements of cinema. Big fan

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Seamus Owen O'Toole
    Australia5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

One of the most thoughtful film-analysis shows around; the host links cinema to real-world issues with clarity and depth.
The analysis can feel both earnest and playful, which keeps long-form episodes engaging.
Guests and topics stay consistently sharp, with a distinctive voice that makes complex ideas accessible.
Smart, non-snobby critique that digs into psychology and philosophy as well as plot.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How powerless are we as individuals in the face of existential threats? | "First Reformed" (2017) d. Paul Schrader w/ Christopher Smol
Q: So maybe we should just give a little quick summary for if people haven't seen actually the film.
Jimmy gives a detailed overview of 'First Reformed', discussing its minimalist style, themes of despair, and the protagonist's journey through existential crises.
'The Taste of Mango' (2023) d. Chloe Abrahams w/ Chloe Abrahams
Q: How did you approach that relationship we all have to our different context throughout time?
I did not really have any point; I just wanted to document my journey of connecting with my grandma.
'The Taste of Mango' (2023) d. Chloe Abrahams w/ Chloe Abrahams
Q: Were you trying to tap into the kind of weird nostalgia?
I felt that nostalgia, but not for my own childhood; for what I had seen in other people's childhood.
'The Taste of Mango' (2023) d. Chloe Abrahams w/ Chloe Abrahams
Q: Can you talk about how you approached the relationship that you would have?
It was a heartfelt film filled with love, focusing on the intimate moments between mothers and daughters.
'Crocodile Tears' (2024) d. Tumpal Tampubolon w/ Tumpal Tampubolon
Q: Can you talk a little bit more there about the local elements of the film?
The film is co-produced with international partners but retains its Indonesian roots by focusing on universal themes, particularly between parents and children, ensuring it resonates globally.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Films for Today

What is Films for Today about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful film-analysis show that uses cinema to illuminate social, cultural, and political issues. Across episodes, the host examines canonical and provocative films through themes like immortality of the human condition, power structures, relationships, and contemporary anxieties, often drawing connections to current events and broader societal questions. The format blends close-reading of films with personal reflections, making it appealing to listeners who enjoy intellectual discussion, ethical engineering of meaning, and cultural critique. A notable strength is the host's ability to link diverse films to timely issues, offering sharp insights without losing humanity or humor.

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How many listeners does Films for Today get?

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How many subscribers and views does Films for Today have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Films for Today has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Films for Today?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Films for Today:

1. Kermode & Mayo’s Take

How many episodes of Films for Today are there?

Films for Today launched 5 years ago and published 238 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Films for Today?

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What guests have appeared on Films for Today?

Recent guests on Films for Today include:

1. Ali Gill
2. Aimie Sullivan
3. Chris Smol
4. Eddie Bernasconi
5. Henry Bretz
6. Christopher Smol
7. Chloe Abrahams
8. Archie Chew

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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