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Oscars: Short Film “Clay” Takes Shape for Awards Season with Executive Producer Matthew Modine Making It His Latest Vision Quest

Roger Friedman
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Oscars: Short Film “Clay” Takes Shape for Awards Season with Executive Producer Matthew Modine Making It His Latest Vision Quest

The great actor Matthew Modine has a new vision quest. He and longtime producing partner Adam Rackoff are throwing their hats into the Oscar ring with a short film called “Clay.”

Through their Cinco Dedos Películas banner, Modine — who we all know from great films like “Oppenheimer,” “Birdy,” “Full Metal Jacket” and “Vision Quest,” and of course TV’s “Stranger Things” – and Rackoff — have signed on as executive producers of the new short film which written and directed by Kevin Haefelin and produced by Youmi Haefelin-Roch.

The film is now For Your Consideration for Best Live Action Short Film at the 99th Academy Awards. (Voters can see it on their Academy app.)

“Clay” had its world premiere at the Academy Award®-qualifying Cinequest Film Festival, and continued its festival run at deadCenter Film Festival and internationally, winning Best Short Film at the 10th Riviera International Film Festival in Sestri Levante, Italy. (see the cool poster below)

What’s it about? Emerging from a plaster egg at dawn in Central Park, a baby embarks on a poetic journey through New York City in search of her own form. Told entirely from the child’s perspective and without dialogue, “Clay” explores growth, transformation, and the fleeting space between sensing the world and understanding it.

“Clay is unlike anything I’ve seen,” Matthew tells me. “It’s both delicate and bold — a rare combination in short-form storytelling. Kevin and Youmi are visionary filmmakers, and I’m honored to support their work again.”

The film marks Modine and Rackoff’s second collaboration with the Haefelins, following the Gotham Short Film Showcase-winning “The Fuse,” which qualified for the 96th Academy Awards and was subsequently distributed by Focus Features.

“Clay” grew directly out of Kevin and Youmi’s lives as new parents and artists. Unable to secure childcare for their eight-month-old daughter during development, they began incorporating parenthood itself into the creative process. Youmi, a sculptor, created the film’s practical plaster forms, while their daughter, Leonora Fellini, became the film’s protagonist, allowing the filmmakers to capture her developmental milestones in real time.


“We wanted to capture that fleeting space between sensing and understanding,” said writer-director Kevin Haefelin. “Where everything is still wonder.”

With no spoken dialogue, the film builds its world through image, sound, and music. Its original score was composed by siblings Diego, Nora, and Lionel Baldenweg (In the Land of Saints and Sinners, Home Is the Ocean), while supervising sound editor Loïc Gourbe developed an immersive soundscape reflecting the baby’s shifting perception of the world. The film was mixed in Dolby Atmos.

The project has also been adapted into a fully illustrated children’s picture book, illustrated by Ada and Ekaterina Mitchev, extending the story’s themes of discovery and transformation beyond the screen.

“Clay” is a Kumoshika Productions presentation in association with Cinco Dedos Películas. Written, directed and edited by Kevin Haefelin. Produced by Youmi Haefelin-Roch. Executive produced by Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff. Story by Youmi Haefelin-Roch and Kevin Haefelin. Music by Diego Baldenweg with Nora Baldenweg and Lionel Baldenweg. Supervising sound editor Loïc Gourbe. Starring Leonora Fellini.

 

 

Exclusive: Tom Cruise Movie in Retreat as Warner Bros. Starts Pulling Failed “Digger” from Showing at A Lot of Theaters By the End of Week

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Tom Cruise Movie in Retreat as Warner Bros. Starts Pulling Failed “Digger” from Showing at A Lot of Theaters By the End of Week

Warner Bros. is taking out that shovel and burying “Digger.”

The numbers aren’t in yet, but the “Digger” days in theaters are almost done.

Looking at movie schedules in Manhattan, downtown Chicago, and New York suburbs, the story is clear.

“Digger” will be gone from most prominent theaters after tomorrow, Wednesday. A fuller retreat happens on Thursday. Right now it’s on 3,321 screens. Over 10 days, “Digger” has made just $14.4 million on a cost of $150-$200 million.

Warner Bros. is pulling out totally places like Times Square and elsewhere in Manhattan. On New York’s Upper West Side, the studio will leave behind a VistaVision print on one screen — since they installed the hardware — but “Digger” will cede its IMAX screens and most of its regular ones.

Actual numbers won’t come in for a couple of days, but if you want to see “Digger” before it’s gone, now is the time.

It’s also a good time to pick up a “Digger” popcorn bucket — the one shaped like a cowboy boot. Talk about a collectible!

Lesley Stahl’s Startling “60 Minutes” Piece on West Bank Settlements, Sheep Grazing, and Vigilante Thugs Barely Made it On the Air: Report (Watch)

Roger Friedman
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Lesley Stahl’s Startling “60 Minutes” Piece on West Bank Settlements, Sheep Grazing, and Vigilante Thugs Barely Made it On the Air: Report (Watch)

Lesley Stahl is 84 years old, almost 85, and she doesn’t need to prove herself or secure a legacy.

But there was on Sunday night’s “60 Minutes,” standing in the desolate heat of Israel’s West Bank, watching arm to arm combat between Israeli thugs and Palestinians who can’t get to their homes.

Then the thugs are fighting reasonable Jews, who are trying to help the Palestinians.

Stahl herself is Jewish and has covered the Middle East for decades. But her whole attitude in this extraordinary piece, her thought balloon is: Are you kidding? What the hell is this?

She tells a Jewish settler who’s running sheep all over Palestinian land that if this keeps up, Israel will lose American support. He responds they’ll find others to support them. I did a spit-take. Who? South Korea?

How this piece got onto “60 Minutes” is shocking. According to the Status newsletter, the fights between Stahl and the new CBS brass– Bari Weiss — were so bad Stahl almost quit the show. The whole segment crystallizes Israel’s problems now. Every Israeli voting in the upcoming election should see it.

Watch Ted Koppel, 86, Eviscerate and Sly Put Down Steve Bannon in the Startling Interview from “CBS Sunday Morning” Everyone Should See

Roger Friedman
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Watch Ted Koppel, 86, Eviscerate and Sly Put Down Steve Bannon in the Startling Interview from “CBS Sunday Morning” Everyone Should See

On CBS Sunday Mornings, probably unknown to Bari Weiss, Ted Koppel eviscerated Trump stooge Steve Bannon.

The former long time anchor of ABC News’s “Nightline,” was very sly, but he destroyed Bannon every time he opened his mouth.

If this were a US Open tennis match, Koppel won without breaking a sweat.

Interesting that on CBS Sunday Mornings, Koppel, 86, triumphed. That night on 60 Minutes, it was Lesley Stahl, almost 85, with the only real piece of journalism.

First a clip, then the extended interview. Viva Ted Koppel! He should get awards for this interview. He’s just about the last of Mohicans.

John Lennon’s Son Sean Ono Lennon Comments on Dad’s Estate for First Time, Spends Birthday with Brother Julian

Roger Friedman
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John Lennon’s Son Sean Ono Lennon Comments on Dad’s Estate for First Time, Spends Birthday with Brother Julian

One of the nicest aspects of the post-Beatles world is the friendship between John Lennon’s sons.

Julian and Sean, from Lennon’s two marriages, are very devoted to each other.

It was Julian who recently announced Sean had become a dad. He referred to himself as “uncle.”

This week, Sean indicated he’d spent his birthday — same as John’s, October 9th — will Julian.

In the past, Julian has talked about the problems he had with John’s estate. The murdered Beatle didn’t have a proper will when he was killed on December 8, 1980. He said publicly that he went through a lot of negotiations with Sean’s mother, Yoko Ono.

Folks, let’s be kind to these guys. We adore their father. The sons have lived through the worst thing possible. Life is short. Let them enjoy it.

But when a fan called this out on Twitter, Sean was quick to respond, maybe fpr the first time ever: “Julian and I inherited the same amount from our dad. Our trusts were equal. Although his was slightly more, but negligibly so.”

Trump Re-posts Fake Quote from Oscar Winner Denzel Washington Praising Him as President: “Equalizer” Star Never Said It, Of Course

Roger Friedman
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Trump Re-posts Fake Quote from Oscar Winner Denzel Washington Praising Him as President: “Equalizer” Star Never Said It, Of Course

Fake news, thanks to Donald Trump.

He’s re-posted a post containing a quote from Oscar winner Denzel Washington.

The post claims Washington praised him, calling Trump “a great friend and even better president.”

Of course, it’s fake, Washington never said it, or even thought it.

Trump knows this, but he figures his IQ starved audience on Truth Social would believe it.

In face, Washington keeps a tight lip on all things, especially politics. He’s never spoken for or against Trump. He considers himself an independent. Nevertheless, he support Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008 and was his guest at the 2009 Inaugural.

Trump just lies, and thinks no one will catch it.

Remembering Soul Man Sam Moore, The Greatest of All the R&B Singer, on His 91st Birthday: A Great Artist, Husband, Father, Friend

Roger Friedman
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Remembering Soul Man Sam Moore, The Greatest of All the R&B Singer, on His 91st Birthday: A Great Artist, Husband, Father, Friend

October 12th — Sam Moore would have turned 91 today. I met him late, in 1999, and he became part of my documentary called “Only the Strong Survive.” I had no idea we would become like family (his and mine) for twenty five years.

I don’t do a lot of these “would have been such-and-such an age” pieces anymore because the older you get, and the more people shuffle off this mortal coil, it just gets sadder.

But I’ve been thinking about Sam, who Bruce Springsteen called “the greatest soul singer on this planet.” A raft of stars including Bruce, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Steve Winwood, Paul Rodgers lined up to guests on Sam’s 2006 album, “Overnight Sensational.” When the record came out, Ahmet Ertegun came down to the launch party in a million degree humidity to homage to Sam.

When the movie played the Hamptons Film Festival, Atlantic Records’ Jerry Wexler came out on the street wiping away tears. He said to Sam, “I’m so sorry.” After San & Dave was over Sam recorded an album with King Curtis and Aretha Franklin in 1971. Jerry wouldn’t release it. It would have made his whole solo career. When “Plenty Good Lovin'” finally was released 20 years ago, every review was four star.

Because of that decision, Sam drifted in the 70s. He had major drug problems. Ten years later he married his wife, the legendary Joyce, who took over his management. He turned his life around. It was too late for hit records, but he was in huge demand for live shows and “royal” performances at the Kennedy Center and so on.

Sam’s voice was unique — a bass tenor, maybe. He could go low, with great texture. But that tenor lasted until the last minute. He could sing anything and make it seem like he’d invented it. We all know “Soul Man” and those songs, but listen to him sing “Imagine.” It will blow you away.

I was very lucky to have Sam as a friend. Sam Moore! Come on! Are you kidding? He loved to gossip, and we talked all the time about the old days — and the new ones. He’d crack up laughing at some of the craziness in showbiz these days, and his laugh was infectious. We were always shaking our heads. I was so lucky to go on gigs backstage, places most people don’t get to see, and to meet people who liked me because they loved Sam.

So happy birthday, Sam. I know you’re with Aretha, and Wilson Pickett, and Sam Cooke, and Lou Rawls and even Cissy and Whitney — you’re all having a grand time.

Remembering R&B Great Sam Moore, the Original Soul Man, on the First Anniversary of His Death: We Lost a Giant

Senior Rockers 911: Mike Love, Art Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight Battling Health Issues, Trying to Stay Viable (Videos)

Roger Friedman
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Senior Rockers 911: Mike Love, Art Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight Battling Health Issues, Trying to Stay Viable (Videos)

Yes, it sucks to get old.

And it really sucks if you’ve been a massive music star for five or six decades and can’t let go.

Such is the case with Mike Love of the Beach Boys, the tremendous singer Art Garfunkel, and pop star Barry Manilow.

It’s also an emergency issue for Gladys Knight.

Today, though, Mike Love is the story. It looks like the 85 year old fell asleep on stage during a show last night. An audience member posted a video that made it look like John Stamos, who plays with the band, gently mocking him and trying to rouse Love’s attention.

Now Stamos has published a fuller picture of what happened, saying Love is facing “serious health issues.”

As for the others: Garfunkel had to postpone a big UK tour because of a respiratory infection. He had some important dates coming up and is clearly disappointed. But at 84, his health comes first.

Manilow stopped in the middle of a show the other night. More cancelled dates followed. He’s been battling lung cancer and just wants to finish his farewell tour.

Gladys Knight, 81, just played two shows despite audiences recording her clear frailty and possible dementia. Her family is frightened for the R&B great, and blame her manager husband for keeping her on the road.

See Stamos’s post below, and beneath that the video of him trying to get Mike Love’s attention.

Also, see the Gladys Knight video below. It’s very disturbing.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by John Stamos (@johnstamos)

“Gilded Age” Redux: Cornelius Vanderbilt and Family Returned to Grand Central Station Last Month, for “Real” via Hologram

Roger Friedman
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“Gilded Age” Redux: Cornelius Vanderbilt and Family Returned to Grand Central Station Last Month, for “Real” via Hologram

I just started watching new episodes of “The Gilded Age.” I can’t tell you anything about it yet, but you know the cast of characters.

Mr. Russell is still locked in battle with the Vanderbilt family over trains. It’s 1886 on the show.

But back here in 2026, the Vanderbilts have not gone away.

A month ago, during Fashion Week, some of the family reappeared at Grand Central Station in the form of holograms.

This was thanks to much descended relative Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin and partner Michaela Seewald. Costin, Founder and CEO of the House of Vanderbilt and Co-Founder of SohoMuse, and Michaela Seewald, Founder and CEO of V24 Media. You can imagine Bertha Russell throwing them a party at her mansion immediately.

In the past, Consuelo has used Grand Central — sort of her ancestral home — to promote her fashion line. But this time, in a scene out of the sitcom, “Ghosts” — she brought along the family that gave her her name.

Use Aexa Technhology, modern day Consuelo introduced Cornelius Vanderbilt, Alva Vanderbilt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and even her forerunner, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan to a crowd of fashionistas. Former “Access Hollywood” host Mario Lopez was the emcee.

Rather than treating heritage simply as nostalgia, the moment underlined one of the themes behind the evening: using an extraordinary American legacy as a platform for what comes next.

When I heard this, I was watching “The Gilded Age” trying to imagine how the Russells and Van Rijns of the show would react to see themselves in 2026. For one thing, they were very well preserved! They’d probably have been thrilled to meet V&S’s international designers including Lorena Saravia of Mexico, Stockholm-based Dustin Glickman of DSTN and Paris couturier Nabil Hayari of Hayari Paris.

You’ve got to see this, it’s the future — and the past:

Box Office: “Social Reckoning” Bombs Spectacularly with $5.5 Mil Weekend, Gives Sony The Biggest Hit and the Biggest Flop of Year

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: “Social Reckoning” Bombs Spectacularly with $5.5 Mil Weekend, Gives Sony The Biggest Hit and the Biggest Flop of Year

For a while there, Sony Pictures could do no wrong.

“Spider Man: Brand New Day” was the biggest hit of the year, grossing over $2 billion worldwide.

You can’t do better than that.

But now Sony has the biggest flop of the year, also, worse than Tom Cruise’s “Digger.”

“The Social Reckoning” opened with a $5.5 million weekend. Ouch!

Aaron Sorkin directed Jeremy Strong and Jeremy Allen White in a massive disaster about Facebook. It got pitched as the sequel to “The Social Network,” long ago hit about the early days of the social media platform.

But this movie had nothing to do with the first. And it had no “gotcha” moment where something shocking was revealed. It was just a lot of talk talk talk.

And now the talk is all bad. It’s definitely as bad as “Digger,” which now stands at $14 million in the US and $35.3 million worldwide.

These two films together will pull the 2026 average down considerably after the massive successes of “The Odyssey” and “Spider Man.”

By the way, this is the second movie starring Jeremy Strong and Jeremy Allen White that fizzled. The first was “Deliver Me from Nowhere.” I don’t think they will do a third movie together.

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