America Archives - Williams Town https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com Film Fest Blog Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:42:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-FilmFest-32x32.png America Archives - Williams Town https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com 32 32 Remote Viewing and the Films That Reveal It https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/remote-viewing-and-the-films-that-reveal-it/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:42:56 +0000 https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/?p=193 Just a story… or not? Most people think mind control is just fiction. But behind Hollywood thrillers and conspiracy-filled TV shows lies something real. The government actually ran these programs — MK-Ultra, Stargate, Project Grill Flame, Artichoke, Bluebird. They trulyContinue readingRemote Viewing and the Films That Reveal It

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Just a story… or not? Most people think mind control is just fiction. But behind Hollywood thrillers and conspiracy-filled TV shows lies something real. The government actually ran these programs — MK-Ultra, Stargate, Project Grill Flame, Artichoke, Bluebird. They truly explored the limits of the human mind. What made it into movies is often exaggerated — but sometimes it’s closer to the truth than you’d expect. Buried in those screenplays are fragments of real techniques, actual protocols, and experiments pulled straight from classified files. Remote viewing. ESP. All tested.

If you’re curious about exploring these abilities yourself — the same ones once studied in those secret projects — check out Verevio. It’s a tool for training remote viewing with over 22 trainers designed to help you gradually develop and strengthen every ESP skill you can imagine: intuition, telepathy, precognition, and more.

Classic tools like partner exercises still work. But if you’re looking to level up solo, this app is your best bet.

#1 Remote Viewing Memories (2017)

This found-footage-style documentary digs into the strange afterlife of Ed Dames. He was one of the most controversial figures to emerge from the U.S. military’s psychic spy programs. After leaving work, he set out to build a public-facing remote viewing empire. But instead of secret bases and shadow ops, what followed were VHS tapes, late-night infomercials, and a scramble for legitimacy.

The film also explores his turbulent collaboration with Jonina Dourif (wife of actor Brad Dourif), whose DIY-style training videos briefly captured public interest. But the momentum fades fast. A bitter lawsuit, a hijacked company, and New Age opportunism unravel Dames’ psychic brand. This is how remote viewing came close to pop fame.

#2 Dreamscape (1984)

What if the government was already weaponizing dreams? The story of the next film follows Alex Gardner, a young telepath dragged into a government-run dream project that claims to be helping people.

What starts off looking like therapy turns into something way darker — a program training people to hijack dreams, mess with minds, and even kill without leaving a trace. One of the recruits, Tommy Ray, is basically a psychic hitman in the making.

What makes the film hit harder is when you realize how close it is to real Cold War paranoia. Released just as actual government programs like Stargate were winding down, the movie channels that exact fear: that our own institutions were messing with minds in ways we weren’t supposed to know about. Even the President plays a key symbolic role, as the story asks: What if your mind isn’t safe, even in sleep?

#3 The Dead Zone (1983)

Another movie to explore is David Cronenberg’s The Dead Zone. It is about seeing the future and the weight of knowing it. Christopher Walken plays Johnny Smith, a quiet schoolteacher who wakes up from a coma only to discover he’s developed a kind of psychic sixth sense. One touch, and he’s pulled into other people’s lives — their pasts, their fates, sometimes even their deaths. It’s not treated like a superpower, though. It’s a burden, and you feel that in every scene. The visions aren’t flashy — they’re tragic, personal, sometimes horrifying. What makes the film stick with you isn’t just the mystery or the suspense, but the heartbreak of Johnny’s isolation. It’s one of those rare films that tackles the big stuff — fate vs. free will, doing the right thing when it costs everything — but keeps it grounded in one man’s pain. 

#4 Scanners (1981)

Scanners will seriously blow your mind. David Cronenberg mixes his trademark body horror with a wild story about people called “scanners” who can read minds and move things with their thoughts. The plot follows Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack), a guy just discovering his powers, who gets dragged into a showdown between two scanner groups. One side, led by Dr. Paul Ruth (Patrick McGoohan), wants to use their abilities for good. The other, headed by the ruthless Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), has way darker plans — think world domination.

What really sticks with viewers (besides the unforgettable exploding-head scenes) is how Scanners dives into the terrifying possibilities of psychic powers and what they say about human nature when pushed to the edge. It’s no surprise the film has become a cult favorite for fans of sci-fi horror — still fresh and intense decades later.

#5 The Fury (1978)

Released in 1978 and directed by Brian De Palma at the height of his powers, The Fury is a wild supernatural thriller that mixes psychic powers with shadowy government conspiracies. The story follows Peter Sandza (Kirk Douglas), a former government agent on a desperate mission to find his son Robin, who’s been kidnapped by a secret group looking to exploit the boy’s incredible psychokinetic abilities. At the same time, Gillian (Amy Irving), a young woman with similar powers, gets pulled into the mess when she’s recruited to help track Robin down. The film balances intense psychological drama with explosive supernatural moments.

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Glamour of the Casino: Festival Standouts https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/glamour-of-the-casino-festival-standouts/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:45:23 +0000 https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/?p=161 The surge of online gambling has reshaped both betting and filmmaking landscapes. Online casinos like Jokaroom casino and virtual betting platforms ignited a wave of fresh storytelling. Specialized gambling film festivals like the Las Vegas International Film Festival and CineVegasContinue readingGlamour of the Casino: Festival Standouts

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The surge of online gambling has reshaped both betting and filmmaking landscapes. Online casinos like Jokaroom casino and virtual betting platforms ignited a wave of fresh storytelling. Specialized gambling film festivals like the Las Vegas International Film Festival and CineVegas emerged, spotlighting filmmakers exploring the intricacies of gambling.

As the global fascination with gambling persists, films about it captivate audiences with high-stakes drama and deep insights into human nature. Here’s a glimpse into gambling-themed films celebrated at festivals worldwide.

My Investigation into the Casino Cinematic World: Festival Stardom

Alright, buckle up folks! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glitzy, adrenaline-pumping universe of casino-centric films that have dazzled the global film festival circuit since the ’90s. Trust me; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill popcorn stuff. We’re talking high-stakes drama, intense card game showdowns, and a peek into the dark underbelly of gambling.

The Casino’s Allure at Festivals

Let me tell you, the explosion of online gambling didn’t just shake up the betting scene — it also gave filmmakers a whole new world to explore. Platforms like Jokaroom casino and virtual betting opened up doors to stories that delve into this digital frontier. And hey, let’s not forget the rise of specialized gambling film festivals like the Las Vegas International Film Festival and CineVegas. These places are like Disneyland for filmmakers digging deep into the complexities of gambling.

As I roamed through these cinematic wonders, one thing became crystal clear: the marriage between the silver screen and the thrilling world of gambling promises an epic legacy of storytelling and entertainment.

From Vegas Glitz to Addictive Depths

Hold onto your seats because I’m taking you through the adrenaline-pumping flicks that left audiences gasping for more. Think “Rounders” and “Casino.” These bad boys aren’t just movies; they’re rollercoaster rides into the heart of high-stakes gambling. Matt Damon’s stint in “Rounders” or Martin Scorsese’s take on Sin City in “Casino” have etched themselves into the brains of every movie buff out there.

The Card Game Showdown

Card games aren’t just about shuffling decks; they’re about psychological warfare, and boy, have they inspired cinematic gems! “21,” where MIT students master blackjack, or “Molly’s Game,” the high-stakes poker hostess’s story, blend the thrill of the game with complex human behavior. It’s like chess on steroids!

The Dark Side of Betting

Now, let’s take a walk on the wild side, shall we? “The Gambler” and “Owning Mahowny” don’t sugarcoat things. These movies dive headfirst into the grim realities of addiction and obsession in the gambling world. Trust me; they’ll make you think twice before doubling down at the casino.

Festival Glimmer

Film festivals aren’t just about rubbing shoulders with celebrities (though that’s a bonus). They’re where these gambling-themed movies get the recognition they deserve. Cannes, Sundance, and TIFF — these hotspots aren’t just fancy names; they’re ground zeroes for celebrating the diverse narratives within the gambling universe.

Cannes, Sundance, TIFF: Where Magic Happens

Cannes? Think glitz, glamour, and movies from around the globe strutting their stuff on the red carpet. Sundance? It’s like the cool kid on the block, showcasing indie films and giving budding filmmakers a shot at stardom. And TIFF? It’s the holy grail — a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, international gems, and indie darlings. It offers a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, international cinema, and critically acclaimed independent films. TIFF serves as a platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents to showcase their movies, often leading to significant recognition and awards. It’s also a key event for films aiming for critical acclaim and commercial success.

Final Showdown: Did You Know?

Hold onto your hats because here’s a mind-blowing fact: the first film to feature a roulette wheel was none other than “Casablanca” in 1942! Gambling films aren’t just about entertainment; they peel back the layers, showing us the psychological intricacies and societal impacts of the gamble.

So, in the realm of American cinema, gambling isn’t just a theme — it’s a heartbeat, pulsating with allure, drama, and risk. These festival-favorite narratives aren’t just stories; they’re rollercoasters that have gripped audiences and critics alike, taking us from the neon-lit dazzle of Las Vegas to the underground dens of card sharks. And let me tell you, it’s been one heck of a ride!

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Montreal World Film Festival https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/montreal-world-film-festival/ Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:37:46 +0000 https://www.williamstownfilmfest.com/?p=48 Although the most famous Canadian film festival is the most authoritative Toronto one, it is not Toronto that got the FIAPF's "A" accreditation, but Montreal's one, which comes to the end of summer. … Continue readingMontreal World Film Festival

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Canada, Montreal / founded in 1977

Takes place in August – September

Although the most famous Canadian film festival is the most authoritative Toronto one, it is not Toronto that got the FIAPF’s “A” accreditation, but Montreal’s one, which comes to the end of summer. The Toronto show, we should remind, is held without a jury and competition as such, with an increased attention to Canadian and North American films proper, while Montreal is ready to accept films from all over the world.

Even in Montreal’s main competition, it’s not often that you see films by truly well-known masters, and the presence of additional sections for debut and student films clearly indicates that the organizers are aiming to discover new names. These films are juxtaposed with selections of recent international feature films and documentaries. Curiously, the festival, if you put aside the easy-to-explain love for French cinema, remains one of the most “hospitable”, since the native North American cinema has not won here for 20 years.

Montreal also organizes a film market, but there is almost no public information about it.

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