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SXSW Film Festival 2024: Babes, My Dead Friend Zoe, Y2K
The first full day of features at the Paramount (after Opening night premieres of “Road House” and Netflix’s “3 Body Problem—and an AM preview of new episodes of “Hacks”) felt like a purposeful attempt by the programmers to offer escape. Sure, one of the films centers some very serious themes, but all three movies want…
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True/False 2024: Coming Home Again
True/False is a rare gem. As a critic based in Chicago—whether it’s Cannes, Karlovy Vary, Sundance, SXSW, NYFF, or TIFF—I’m always venturing out of the Midwest to a festival in another region or another country. But no matter who I’ve asked: programmers, critics, publicists, or filmmakers—True/False has always been described as a kind of Eden…
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True/False 2024: Ibelin, Alien Island, Yintah
Usually, I make it a rule to not rewatch films at festivals; When my time on the ground is so limited, I would rather discover a new title rather than re-explore (in fact, the only time I’ve ever rewatched any film at a festival was with “Dolemite is My Name” at TIFF). True/False, however, offered…
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True/False 2024: A Photographic Memory, There Was There Was Not, Three Promises
Like many festivals and observers, True/False, the preeminent nonfiction film festival in Columbia, Missouri, has had displacement on its mind while considering a central question: How do we hold onto what once was? For many filmmakers, the preservation of memories, homes, and legacies begins by picking up a camera. Film is often a peculiar tool…
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A.I. Is Learning What It Means to Be Alive
Given troves of data about genes and cells, A.I. models have made some surprising discoveries. What could they teach us someday?
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Why Cabbage Is the Coolest Menu Item
This stolid supporting player has slowly risen to a starring role in creative restaurants across the country. Some diners, though, may need a little coaxing.
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Elon Musk Has a Giant Charity. Its Money Stays Close to Home.
After making billions in tax-deductible donations to his philanthropy, the owner of Tesla and SpaceX gave away far less than required in some years — and what he did give often supported his own interests.
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Marc Lore Is Trying to Build the Amazon of Food Delivery
Marc Lore, the entrepreneur behind Diapers.com and Jet.com, would like to disrupt food delivery. But he really wants to build a brand that actually lasts.
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Kari Lake Tries a New Tactic: Mending Fences
The close Trump ally is courting former foes and trying to mend fences as she runs for Senate in Arizona. But bad blood from her 2022 campaign simmers at home.