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Articles by Orla Smith

Orla Smith is the former Executive Editor of Seventh Row, a regular contributor at The Film Stage, and a freelance writer with bylines at JumpCut Online, Cinema Year Zero, and Girls on Tops. In her free time she makes movies.

About Orla Smith

Orla Smith is the former Executive Editor of Seventh Row, a regular contributor at The Film Stage, and a freelance writer with bylines at JumpCut Online, Cinema Year Zero, and Girls on Tops. In her free time, she makes movies.

Saeed Taji Farouky's headshot, and cursive text of his name, is set against a collage of stills from his films, including his latest documentary film, A Thousand Fires.

Orla Smith / November 2, 2022

Saeed Taji Farouky: ‘Cinema plays a big part in our construction of the political world’

In this career-spanning interview, British-Palestinian filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky discusses political filmmaking, documentary filmmaking, and telling untold stories.

A still from Kelly Reichardt's Showing Up next to a headshot of Reichardt herself, smiling at the camera.

Orla Smith / May 6, 2022

Showing Up: What we know so far about Kelly Reichardt’s new film

All we know so far about Kelly Reichardt’s upcoming eighth feature, Showing Up, which stars Michelle Williams.

A still of filmmaker Zoe Leigh Hopkins, in front of an orange sphere, and in front of a still from her film, Run Woman Run.

Orla Smith / April 27, 2022

Zoe Leigh Hopkins tells an uplifting story about healing in Run Woman Run

Zoe Leigh Hopkins, director of Run Woman Run, talks about telling a different kind of coming-of-age-in-your-thirties story, filming in her home of Six Nations, and more.

A still of actor Mamoudou Athie, in front of a yellow, orange, and red background, and text that displays his name.

Orla Smith / April 12, 2022

The warm vulnerability of Mamoudou Athie

Mamoudou Athie’s star is on the rise, from indies like Unicorn Store and Uncorked, to the recent Netflix series Archive 81, to the upcoming Jurassic World: Dominion. Here, he discusses his career to date, including his standout knack for creating chemistry with other actors.

A still from Mija, in which a young woman, Doris, sings her heart out, bathed in deep blue light. Next to the still is a purple box featuring white text, which reads, 'Quick thoughts.'

Orla Smith / January 30, 2022

Quick thoughts on Mija: What does the American Dream mean to immigrant families?

In Mija, director Isabel Castro follows young Mexican-American music manager Doris Muñoz, as she rebuilds her career.

A still from All That Breathes in which a flock of black kites fly above a large stone structure, the sun glowing behind them. The still is next to a purple block that features white text, which reads, 'Quick thoughts.'

Orla Smith / January 30, 2022

Quick thoughts: All That Breathes is a stunning climate change parable

All That Breathes, a Sundance 2022 highlight, is a gorgeously-shot documentary about two brothers in New Delhi who have dedicated their lives to healing injured black kites.

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