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Apr 30, 2025


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The Ukraine Situation

Meet the Kids of Maidan: My Journey into Ukraine’s Democratic Revolution
by Doniphan Blair
Join me on my 2022 trip to Ukraine, learning about its democratic revolutions, '60s-esque youth movement, psychedelic spirituality and brave fight against fascist invaders.
Twilight in Ukraine
by Doniphan Blair
Maintaining normal life while a genocide is unfolding in Ukraine is not easy.
My Father’s Spanish Civil War
by Doniphan Blair
The Spanish Civil War, where my father fought for the Republicans in 1937, is eerily similar to Ukraine.
The Benefits of Commemoration
by Doniphan Blair
Memorials can heal, I found out on a recent trip to my family's mass grave in Poland.
Ukraine’s Tragic, Complex History
by Doniphan Blair
Ukraine's solidarity and fighting spirit can be understood in the context of its tragic 20th century.

The Conspiracy Theorists

Conspiracy Theory Patterns in the Time of Trump
by Doniphan Blair
Tragically, Trump has long practiced taking advantage of our conspiracy-addled era.
Conspiracy Mirroring: A Schoolyard Psy-Op Goes High Tech
by Doniphan Blair
One of the strangest tactics of conspiracy theorists, "conspiracy mirroring" follows their crazy, inner logic.
Why Trump and QAnon Are So Hard to Stop: Conspiracy Theories and LARPs
by Doniphan Blair
People are finally noting the centrality of conspiracy theories to Jan 6th but not Trump's CT mastery and long lineage or the influence of live action roleplaying games.

The Big Picture

Finally, cineSOURCE’s Weed Report
by Doniphan Blair
Legalizing recreational pot in California produced red tape, price rises, tax losses and misunderstanding but lots of great ganja.
‘Rollbacks’ Dramatizes the Assault On Earth
by Doniphan Blair
Old Dog Documentaries produces a big film on climate change and gives it away.

Tech Talk

The Future of Holograms in Film
by Doniphan Blair
Holograms promised a lot, petered out, but are still providing amazement as moving image mechanisms.
How Bad Are Video Games for Children?
by Karl F. Cohen
Given gaming is a $200 billion worldwide industry, can we stop its damage to children?
Tiktok Takes Over
by Doniphan Blair
A once little-known app popular only with teens, captured our hearts in the pandemic.

Film & Art Makers

Aaron Kurzen: Art Master, Nice Guy, Wild Surrealist
by Doniphan Blair
A disciple of Duchamp and a painter, sculptor and teacher at an elite Manhattan school, Kurzen was also my art master.
Filmmaking from Greece to New York: Interview with Stavroula Toska
by Don Schwartz
Our documentary expert interviews an innovated practitioner of the field.
Creativity in Chinatown and Catching Up with Clara Hsu
by Doniphan Blair
In the cloistered confines of SF's most insular ethnic community, modern art, theater and poetry thrive.

The Alfred Hitchcock Issue

Hitchcock Helmed First Holocaust Doc
by Doniphan Blair
The doc, 'Night Will Fall', covers the making of the first Holocaust doc, helmed by Hitch but shelved for being too soon.
Was Hitchcock a Misogynist or a Feminist: See Chart
by Doniphan Blair • Survey by Davell Swan
CineSource asks the experts and then researches the exact number and quality of Hitchcock's female-centric films.
The Hitchcock Manifesto
by the HitchCult Collective
Alfred Hitchcock is not The Master of Suspense but simply The Master.
The Surrealism of Alfred Hitchcock
by Michael Gould
An excerpt from Michael Gould's 'Surrealism and the Cinema', 1975, one of the first books in English on the subject.
Hitchcock: Bigger Than God?
by Ron Littke
I recently re-watched "The Birds" and its influence on me exceeds religion.

Dr. Doc: Our Prolific Documentary Blogger

image Into The Night: Portraits of Life and Death

Hunting for Hedonia

Can Art Stop a Bullet: William Kelly’s Big Picture


Click for Popular or Important Articles

Annual Oakland Issue

Oakland Sports Resurrect; Activists & Artists Remain Strong
by Jay Randy Gordon
Star cineSOURCE author surveys radical developments in sports, nonprofs and film.
Randy Gordon, cineSOURCE’s Most Prolific Writer
by Doniphan Blair
A survey of some J. Randy Gordon greatest cineSOURCE articles.

Breaking News

Zhan Petrov: A New Voice in Improv Film from Ukraine
by Doniphan Blair
This filmmaker's journey crosses war-torn borders as well as styles of cinema.
Cohen’s Cartoon Corner May ‘25
by Karl Cohen
Our marvelous maven of animation surveys whats up this month.
Norwegian Film Saves Sex and Love
by Doniphan Blair
'Love (Sex Dreams)' towers above the crowded field at recent Sonoma Festival.
Cohen’s Cartoon Corner Apr ‘25
by Karl Cohen
Everything in animation courtesy of our expert, from avant-garde to Disney.
Ukrainian Movie Combines Opposites Beautifully
by Doniphan Blair
This award winner brings together art and war, animation and documentary, and more.
The Passing of Tony Reveaux
by Doniphan Blair
It was a honor to work with Tony Reveaux, a great film writer as well as human being.
Julie Rubio’s New Feature: Painter Tamara de Lempicka
by Dave Fonseca
Julie Rubio's new documentary brings alive the fascinating story of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka.

Alt Middle East Views

Why Arab Liberals Support Israel
by Doniphan Blair
Egyptian feminist and policy expert Dahlia Zaida on opposing radical Islamism, Arab hypocrisy and Four-Way War.
Did Arabs and Jews Like Each Other in 1948?
by Doniphan Blair
Many Palestinians appreciated the skills, investment and medical services provided by Jewish immigrants.
Mohamed Diab: Feminist, Sufi & Blockbuster Egyptian Director
by Doniphan Blair
One of Egypt's biggest screenwriters, now director, discusses everything from film to religion and the delicate political situation.

Holocaust Films and Related Research

Incredible Animation about the Holocaust
by Karl F. Cohen
Odd as it might sound, there is a large oeuvre of recent animated films about the Holocaust.
Bruno Loewenberg: Artist and Survivor
by Doniphan Blair
Journey with a German artist through oppressive childhood, hipster Berlin, Buchenwald and escape (originally published by Clinton St Quarterly, 1982).
Darwin and Love: What I Learned Making a Holocaust Movie
by Doniphan Blair
When making a documentary, not every discovery is filmed, especially on location in Poland, but those may be important.
Holocaust Films/Books: What’s Been Achieved/Missed
by Doniphan Blair
We survey 138 different Holocaust films and books, including fresh findings on Kafka and film noir, in our first book-length article.

In Memoriam

An Open Letter to My Dear Friend John Edmiston Milich
by Doniphan Blair
My dear old friend John Milich died recently so I am putting back up this essay about his immense genius but one flaw.
Antero Alli: Narratives Crafted for the Ages
by Doniphan Blair
Filmmaker and agnostic mystic Alli articulates but does not explain his new film, his old films, 'paratheater,' Leary and more.

San Francisco News

Will AI Destroy Animation?
by Karl F. Cohen
Our animation editor investigates the oncoming tsunami of AI in animation as well as its current state.
SF Art Institute: Remembrance and Legacy
by Doniphan Blair
Although the 150-year-old Institute went down ignominiously, it is not forgotten and the shame on San Fran society still smarts.
Frida and Diego in Love
by Doniphan Blair
One of history's greatest art couple, painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera make our poly-hipster artists look like pikers.
I’m Charlie Walker, A San Francisco Original
by Jay Randy Gordon
Our exclusive interview with Charlie Walker, star of 'I'm Charlie Walker', a well-reviewed SF bio-pic about when he led the cleanup of a Bay Area oil spill.

Oakland Stories

Letter from Oakland: A Progressive City in Crisis
by Doniphan Blair
Oakland's elevated levels of murder, car break-ins and homelessness compel us to become creative, collaborative and honest.
‘Sorry to Bother’ Busts Wide Open Oakland Cine
by Doniphan Blair
In a tour-de-force, sci-fi satire on Oakland, capitalism and love, rapper Boots Riley turns cineaste and conquers most obstacles.
Oakland’s One-Man Social Service
by Doniphan Blair
Roscoe Bryant, star of new doc, ‘Ghost Town to Havana’, is unrelenting in getting Oakland’s kids and parents into baseball.

Matriarchal and Romantic Research

Romanticism and Its Discontents, East and West
by Doniphan Blair
Japan had the earth's first romantic movement in the 11th C, which flourished until WWII brought negative consequences.
The Nude in the Age of Trump and Porn
by Doniphan Blair
Can the nude, as an art form, survive a time of open sexuality, aggressive misogyny and misguided attempts to control both?
Alfred’s Obsession with Matriarchy
by Doniphan Blair with Davell Swan
While Hitch had many tales he liked to retell, why so many about strong women?
26 Women Take on Muslim Film Deficit
by Doniphan Blair
She'll probably hate me for saying this: If there ever was a classical revolutionary matriarch, it's Catinca Tabacuru.
Into The Night: Portraits of Life and Death
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Popular/Important Stories                     On Racism and Prejudice

Romanticism and Its Discontents, East and West
by Doniphan Blair
Japan had the earth's first romantic movement in the 11th C, which flourished until WWII brought negative consequences.
Oakland in the Time of Corona
by Doniphan Blair
Oakland's encounter with the pandemic is refracted through the prism of multiculturalism.
In Memoriam: Alt-Filmmaker Bruce Baillie
by Doniphan Blair
We remember the beloved and maverick filmmaker who was also a Bay Area cinema activist and organizer.
Finally, cineSOURCE’s Weed Report
by Doniphan Blair
Legalizing recreational pot in California produced red tape, price rises, tax losses and misunderstanding but lots of great ganja.
Karl Cohen: The Cartoon King
by Doniphan Blair
Cohen, our animation expert since our 2008 start, has been active in local film since screening cartoons to the hippies.
Should We Re-Censor Henry Miller?
by Doniphan Blair
Is it time for Miller's #MeToo moment, or was he maverick enough to legitimize his shocking revelations mixed with porn?
Rob Nilsson: Enfant Terrible, Old Master of the Indie
by Doniphan Blair
Alt-film master Nilsson, 79, is touring with his second film, shooting his last, writing his autobiography and doing art shows.
Feminist Makes Movie about Boys and Babies plus Interview
by Doniphan Blair
In '39 and a Half', Kara Herold moves from art film to features in a fresh, feminist AND funny look at motherhood and her mother.
History of Advertising and Capitalism
by Doniphan Blair
Advertising can seem strange, but it is the logical combination of info and art used by all living entities from bugs and people to politics, religions and, of course, markets.
Summer of Love Shows, Movies & Festivals Beg Question: What Went Wrong with Hippie Intellectuals?
by Doniphan Blair
Although Blair came late to The Haight, he studied it and surveys '60s art and ideas, successes and failures, AND its future.
Brief History of Modern Lovers Commune and Ancient Currents Gallery
by Doniphan Blair
A loose group of artists and friends created a gallery, bands and much more in 14 years.
The Nude in the Age of Trump and Porn
by Doniphan Blair
Can the nude, as an art form, survive a time of open sexuality, aggressive misogyny and misguided attempts to control both?
Extra Action Band: The Revolution Continues
by Doniphan Blair
We look indepth at this seminal, still-powerful tribal, punk hippie band, including great chat with Simon Cheffins.
Spectacular ‘Zen Dog’ Delivered by Indie Fest
by Doniphan Blair
A gorgeous road/mind trip movie with enough great acting, story and style to deliver cine-enlightment.
Bruce Conner: A Filmmaker/Artist’s Cracked Vision
by Doniphan Blair
The enigmatic artist dominated many media, from sculpture to film, and provided high art guidance to the hippies.
Cine Collectives Come Back, Finally!
by Doniphan Blair
CineSource looks at the trend to collectivize from Brooklyn to Bombay, Oakland to Hollywood's Aussie darlings, Blue-Tongue.
Team Tangerine Interview Each Other
by Doniphan Blair
Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch's spectacular film, 'Tangerine', about two transgender prostitutes on Hollywood Blvd on Christmas Day, shot on an iPhone and in Oscar contention, led this author back to their other films and their secret method.
The Jew and the Cowboy: Saul Zaentz and Creedence Clearwater
by Doniphan Blair
Saul Zaentz and John Fogerty created two cultural forces, in film and music respectively, but their partnership was problematic and one-sided.
Film Manifestos: Hot or Just Hot Air
by Doniphan Blair
Although art manifestos are often flamboyant fluff, their fascinating history shows entrenched ideologies can be effected through 'mere' words.
Dennis Hopper: A Wild Life of Art, Success and Sorrow
by Doniphan Blair
Dennis Hopper was such a mystery man, hidden behind sunglasses and goofy sidekick character in the '60s-icon "Easy Rider" few realized he was a great filmmaker and actor.
Predicting the Future Thru Film: The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari
by Doniphan Blair
Germans got so obsessed with film in the 1920s, they not only made many masterpieces but used art to rorschach test their future.
Bruno Loewenberg: Artist and Survivor
by Doniphan Blair
Journey with a German artist through oppressive childhood, hipster Berlin, Buchenwald and escape (originally published by Clinton St Quarterly, 1982).
Creativity in Chinatown and Catching Up with Clara Hsu
by Doniphan Blair
In the cloistered confines of SF's most insular ethnic community, modern art, theater and poetry thrive.
Feras Fayyad: Fighting the Syrian Regime Thru Film
by Doniphan Blair
A young film artist takes on documenting terrible atrocities and produces two award-winning films about Syria.
Soros, Jewish Bankers and Interest Explained
by Doniphan Blair
The history of moneylending should be exposed and understood, not hidden and ceded to haters, fascists or fake newers.
The Tribe Versus Civilization Manifesto
by Doniphan Blair
Part of the natural tension between uni- and multi-cultural structures, tribe vs civilization must be solved for societies to function.
Interview with Tobias Schneebaum: Artist, Author, Cannibal?
by Doniphan Blair
A gay painter and writer from Manhattan, Schneebaum ended up living with tribal people in Peru, New Guinea and elsewhere, and writing the famous memoir about the former, 'Keep the River on Your Right', also the name of the excellent documentary.
Om Prakash Sharma: Painting, Post-Colonialism and Tantra
by Doniphan Blair
Indian artist and sitarist Sharma provides breathtaking images but also sophisticated mixing and ideas reaching back in time.
The West Oakland Multicultural Manifesto
by Doniphan Blair
If Oaklanders can’t create the earth’s most advanced multiculturalism, who can?
Holocaust Films/Books: What’s Been Achieved/Missed
by Doniphan Blair
We survey 138 different Holocaust films and books, including fresh findings on Kafka and film noir, in our first book-length article.
The Black Panther Filmography
by Doniphan Blair
Although Stanley Nelson's new doc is excellent, movies about the radical group may need to get more penetrating to impress West Oaklanders, where the Panthers originated.
CAN ALL BE FORGIVEN? Art, Sufism and Radical Islam
by Doniphan Blair
Our lack of defense of art and Sufism, Islam's peaceful path, has given a great opening to radical militants.
‘The Green Prince’ of Peace Documentary
by Doniphan Blair
A son of Hamas, who spied for Israel, tells all and achieves peace, at least within.


















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