Mira Nair, acclaimed director of Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, and Monsoon Wedding, speaks with WIE about the evolution of culture in a globalized world and the tenacious social resilience—what Nair calls the unique plasticity—of her native India. Her forthcoming feature film, entitled Namesake (scheduled to open in March '07), explores similar themes in a story about shifting identities, ethnic roots, and the restless mixing of Eastern and Western cultures. In this lively conversation, Nair covers a broad range of subjects and experiences, artistically, professionally, and personally. She speaks about her filmmaking career, her life in the West, and her directing plans for the future, which include a film chronicling the eight weeks of spiritual and creative ferment the Beatles experienced in northern India in 1968. You can preview her new film Namesake at Foxsearchlight.com

Independent filmmaker Randy Olson would like to bring your attention to a red letter date he thinks is worth celebrating: February 12th. That date marks the birthday of the father of evolution himself, Charles Darwin. It's only fitting then that Randy Olson, professor of marine biology turned independent filmmaker, is excited about the release of his new film, Flock of Dodos. The film chronicles—as well as cajoles, parodies, criticizes, and illuminates—the currently oversimplified, overhyped debate taking place between the proponents of evolution and the advocates of intelligent design. Olson, who sells hats on his website emblazoned with the word EVOLUTIONIST, in case you were wondering which side of the debate he's on, has plenty to say about both camps in this on-the-road interview for Unbound. Check out his website for screenings at a theatre near you.

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