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The journey from Yugoslavia to New York City is a wild one, and filmmaker Branislav Jankic has been a keen observer along the way. Coming off a debut feature that was released at the height of COVID, Branislav is now at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival with a story about his wife called WHITE BELT (2026). The film traces the journey of supermodel Monika "Jac" Jagaciak from the runway to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It's a tight, accomplished film that shows what he's learned about the process, and it was so cool for him to explain how he made such an exciting and personal film.
In this episode, Branislav and I discuss:
the tight runtime for this film and how he was able to condense so much into the film;
how he got involved in filmmaking -- going from Yugoslavia, Germany, all the way to Tribeca;
why he's able to tackle topics like " addiction, fetishism, and the complexities of identity";
his debut feature, THE WITCH'S CAULDRON (2020), and what he learned from it;
what WHITE BELT is about, in his words;
why he didn't mention himself in the film and his advice for filming when you're married to the subject;
why Tribeca and what's next for him.
Links:
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Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: OUT OF LOVE (2025)
Director: Nathan Ambrosioni
Writer: Nathan Ambrosioni
Stars: Camille Cottin; Monia Chokri; Juliette Armanet
SYNOPSIS
A woman is forced to take care of her niece and nephew after their mother voluntarily disappears.
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The podcast concludes this unreal Cannes Film Festival series with Lightdox founder and CEO, Anne Berthollet. Lightdox has consistently championed stunning documentaries, like GABIN (2026); FLOPHOUSE (2025) and so much more. How is the company able to find such amazing documentaries? What happens when Lightdox grows -- will they be able to maintain their quality offerings? And what is her advice for aspiring documentarians?
See you next year, Cannes!
In this episode, Anna and I discuss:
why she founded Lightdox;
her slate at Cannes and why Lightdox chose these particular films;
the process in selecting her films and what she is looking for;
their sales and distribution strategy in the current market;
is there a redline for films and sales where Lightdox *won't* go?
whether she'll be able to maintain the high quality of Lightdox's slate as the company expands;
how she feels about true crime docudramas in the documentary space;
how documentary filmmakers are surviving right now;
what it's like being at Cannes as a Swiss film company;
what's next for Lightdox.
Links:
Follow Lightdox on Instagram
Lightdox

I'd argue the Pierre Angénieux Tribute is the best thing going at the Cannes Film Festival. Why? Two reasons:
they elevate one filmmaker -- this year, it was Japanese cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa -- by way of tribute. If you haven't seen her work, now is your opportunity. But they don't stop there.
they utilize the platform of that tribute to give a "special encouragement" to a young cinematographer. This year, it was my guest, Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan, who combines Vietnamese and French cultures to offer a new and fresh perspective on storytelling.
Listen to both conversations and tell me this isn't truly amazing what Angénieux is doing at Cannes. May there be 100 more companies that follow their lead.
In this episode, we talk about:
the press release indicated that she "belongs to a new generation of Vietnamese filmmakers who seek to redefine the contours of a national cinema" -- what do those words mean to her?
how she got involved in filmmaking and decide to be a cinematographer;
how much cinematography can be taught?;
her relationship with technology and cinematography;
the amazing respect she has for Akiko Ashizawa;
why there aren't more female cinematographers;
what she's looking for when working with a director and whether she wants to direct;
how she maintains her currency on her equipment.

Indie Film Highlight: Akiko Ashizawa
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My Conversation With Akiko Ashizawa
Pierre Angénieux Tribute

What an incredible honor to be joined by famed cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa, who was honored at the Cannes Film Festival with the 2026 Pierre Angénieux Tribute. We talk about her career, how she thought the tribute was spam!, females in cinematography, and more.
The episode is recorded thanks to a translator.
In this episode, Akiko and I discuss:
how she found out about the Pierre Angénieux Tribute and thought it was spam!;
how she got her start;
what defines Japanese cinema and its visual style;
her views on technology and cinematography;
her mentors and her advice for young cinematographers like Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan;
why there aren't more female cinematographers and whether it's improved since she started.

Akiko's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Shuichi Okita 沖田 修
Links:
2026 Pierre Angénieux Tribute
Akiko Ashizawa