Week 1 of TCFF is already behind us! Time sure flies when you’re having fun. But hey, there are still FIVE days of film festivities left this year, and there are a plethora of awesome films; some will likely garner major awards (Elsinore, La Bola Negra, A Talent for Murder, etc.).

One of the best things about attending TCFF is meeting friends I haven’t seen in a while. 🫶

I only got to see five films last week, as I decided to go to the press screening of Wild Horse Nine after TCFF wraps. Out of those five, I saw three films directed by women, so I’ve already surpassed my yearly goal for the #52FilmsByWomen challenge, woo hoo!! Fingers crossed that I can beat last year’s tally of 62 by year’s end! Those films are marked with an asterisk (*) next to the title.

You Belong Here (Docuseries)

I caught this one on a streaming platform since I’d missed it during Opening Day. The TCFF is showing an eight-part docuseries that features the well-known Kentucky chef Ouita Michel and was created together by actor Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez. Zahn and Gomez have been buddies for years, and they co-founded Macaroni Art Productions together. One of their films together is the indie film She Dances (2025), which also debuted at TCFF.

Over the span of a year, the crew documented Ouita Michel visiting roughly 9 to 10 different communities throughout Kentucky. The series explores how food can unite people—the ones growing it, the chefs cooking it, the folks serving it, and everyone else enjoying it. Staying true to that vibe of community and connection, the episode I watched highlighted Kristin M. Smith, a chef/owner/farmer running The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery in Corbin, Ky. Smith appeared alongside his wife, Dr. Melissa Bond, who’s been candid about her experience coming out as LGBTQ+ in rural Appalachia.

Now I’m curious to check out the remaining episodes. You can stream the You Belong Here docuseries on Amazon Prime Video.

Josephine* (2026)

I had been waiting to see this after it premiered at Sundance. It’s on my list of most anticipated films by women, and it’s truly one of the best films of the year! Written and directed by Beth de Araújo, it’s a gripping and emotional drama that explores the ripple effects of trauma, seen from the perspective of an 8-year-old girl.

Gemma Chan and Channing Tatum are both fantastic, but Mason Reeves totally steals the show. Honestly, she’s the best young performer I’ve come across in ages—her performance is absolutely gripping and basically holds the whole movie together. Yeah, it’s pretty heavy stuff to sit through, but I’m glad I caught it on the big screen. Fingers crossed it will gain substantial traction when it rolls out nationwide in December and that it’ll snag some major award nominations.

Give Me The Ball* (2026) documentary

I missed this one at MSPIFF, so I knew I had to catch it at TCFF. While I don’t follow tennis closely, Give Me The Ball goes far beyond being just a sports film. Directed by Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff, the film centers on tennis legend Billie Jean King, exploring her groundbreaking career, her advocacy for women’s equality, and her lasting influence on society. What makes it special is that Billie Jean narrates the film herself, and her personality is truly engaging and lively.

This special close-up look at a tennis icon and pioneer uncovers the personal struggles hidden beneath her major sacrifices to change her sport and society. It tells a powerful tale of dedication, hardship, and success that brings attention to someone everyone respects but has never truly known until now. Now I’m curious to check out Battle of the Sexes (2017), which chronicles the famous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean and self-described male chauvinist Bobby Riggs.

This documentary is part of the ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentary, produced by Ridley Scott Associates and Story Syndicate, in association with Elton John‘s Rocket Sports. The scenes that highlight her friendship with Elton are a lot of fun to watch!

Small Town Girl (2026)

My friend and former TCFF managing director Bill Cooper directed this independent coming-of-age mystery film. It was shot on location in Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range. The story takes place in a small Midwestern town in 1973, where a 14-year-old girl goes missing. This disappearance brings hidden secrets to light. An unlikely local person is forced to face disturbing truths and point to two suspects. Years later, an unexpected twist shocks the entire community.

I’m impressed by Sofia Salmela in the title role, who got her start in children’s musical theatre in Duluth. She’s easily the movie’s MVP. Written by Beth Hinde, the story deals with themes of bullying and how wild rumors and gossip can spiral out of control in a small town.

Welcome to the Fishbowl* (2026)

I love a good road-trip movie, and that’s one of the main draws of this movie. Welcome to the Fishbowl is a modern screwball road-trip dramedy that follows an aspiring writer and mother in her mid-40s (Succession’s Natalie Gold) who takes a wild and chaotic road trip through Colorado alongside a narcissistic famous author with an epic name, Storm Grandquist.

Since I just finished season 4 of Ted Lasso, it’s great to watch Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins) play against type as a depressed, self-absorbed novelist.

Stay tuned for my upcoming interview post with Jeremy Swift, where we discuss his role in this movie, as well as Downton Abbey and Ted Lasso.

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