Wild Territory explores the relationship between a daring wildlife photographer, Etienne Littlefair, and the vast freshwater ecosystems that define Australia’s far north. From free-diving in murky water to find crocodiles and rare turtles, to spending days on end staking out drying riverbeds for parrots and finches, Etienne and his wife Cara go to extreme lengths to photograph rare and under-appreciated species – all with the hope to spread awareness and appreciation for the wildlife and waterways they have come to care so much about. This film is a combination of beautiful imagery, exceptional wildlife, and true human connection with nature. It is a testament to the importance of protecting what we have before it’s gone.
Review by Andie Karveli:
Samuel Riley has single handedly given us an insightful and beautiful documentary about wildlife photographer Etienne Littlefair and his wife, Cara Littlefair.
Putting together a documentary like this is no small feat. Samuel wrote, directed, produced, edited and filmed this stunning short in Australia’s wilderness. He definitely captured the vast beauty of this land with sweeping drone shots to awe inspiring underwater images.
Samuel also introduces us to the talents of Etienne Littlefair and his wife, Cara. Their love of the Australian outback is infectious and the jaw droppingly beautiful photographs Etienne has captured of the wildlife there is unparalleled.
Even if you are not a very outdoorsy person this film will inspire you to explore your own backyards and perhaps see wildlife you hadn’t noticed before
SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION, 7min,. USA
Directed by Destin Gerek
In a society where narratives of male perpetrators and harm inflicted upon women prevail, “Seductive Devotion” emerges as a powerful experimental short film presenting an inspiring alternative. Through captivating imagery and a stirring poetic voiceover, the film portrays a positive model of how a man can profoundly and healingly show up for a woman. It challenges societal norms and redefines love, intimacy, and relationships, highlighting the transformative energy between souls. “Seductive Devotion” celebrates vulnerability, courage, empathy, strength, receptivity, and grace, igniting a yearning for the level of committed desire depicted on screen. In a time marked by mistrust and division, this visually arresting and emotionally resonant film offers a refreshing perspective on the healing power of love and understanding, fostering positive change in our perception and engagement in intimate relationships.
The intense poetry coupled with the brilliant cinematography invokes feelings of intrusion and intimacy in the film SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION. Attention is grabbed instantly through the opening shot, which only builds with the score and the romantic, breathy recitation of the spoken prose. The entire film feels like a moment stuck in time, repeating over and over as the viewer witnesses the extraordinary chemistry between the love artists, Elie Prana and Destin Gerek.
The entire nature of the prose gives the feeling of witnessing a private, almost forbidden nature of the couple. Writer and Director Destin Gerek is brilliant as his shots and poetry touch the soul of a woman’s heart, speaking what many women long to hear from their significant others. It leaves the heart racing when seeing how the man worships his lover as if she’s his entire world. It’s not just about sex, but the desires of each other to create an epic romance by imbedding each other into the other’s spirit.
SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION feels as if it belongs with the classics, as Gerek is not afraid of judgement from his words and film, but using them to touch others soul to soul. The shots and wardrobe gives the feeling of an epic romance from ages long past. The film exudes beauty within every frame.
The film draws from several pop culture references, while still remaining on its own. It’s a beautiful work of art and the desire to know this couples entire story allows imaginations to run wild. The fact that the world is witnessing a small glimpse of what couples usually leave private aids to the feeling of the remarkable short.
EIGHT OF SWORDS, 19min., UK, Drama
Directed by Patricia Downey
Set in Belfast, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street – it could be your street or next door. Helena from Poland and locals Patsy and Eva fight for survival under the rein of Russian Human traffickers.
Review by Victoria Olson:
The film, EIGHT OF SWORDS, gives an inside look at the world of human trafficking from the perspective of the women who’ve been victimized to the point that they’ve become numb to the harsh realities of their world. Director Patricia Downey did a wonderful job at depicting the coldness of a subject many artists refuse to capture in ways that feel realistic. This film was nuanced, showing the reasons each of the women became involved in trafficking drugs and sex while still portraying them as human beings that can easily hide amongst the general public without anyone suspecting that something might be wrong behind closed doors.
The leader of this particular operation, Patsy, at first glance appears cold and callous. She’s merely doing what it takes to survive so that her daughter is not killed in Cairo. This is something she proves when she’s willing to kill Helena to protect her own child. Helena is quite the opposite, protecting her own son but wanting to go to the police to be done with this world.
This film also has an important aspect that anyone addicted to social media and desperate for fame should see as it portrays the real dangers behind apps such as TikTok. Olivia should have had a bright future, but she trusted who she met online and ends up in a would where she might never see her family again as she’s trafficked to different parts of the world. This is something many individuals, particularly adolescents, should see because it puts the scenario into a real world situation that is understandable and frightening rather than just words that often fall on deaf ears.
Downey used a brilliant technique of not using a score, making this film feel more like a documentary rather than a narrative. This method is a way that will stick with the viewer as they witness what the world is like from the victims and that it is not an easy situation to walk away from to get help.
Human trafficking is a relevant topic discussed on social media platforms and in the news media on how to end it and who’s involved, when a film like EIGHT OF SWORDS shows that it would be difficult to discern who truly is involved as the victims can blend in with the rest of the society. This film can bring further discussion on the travesty that is drug and sex trafficking so that perhaps one day it can be put in the past as a moment of the world’s dark past.
THE BEF, 9min., USA
Directed by Eric Burleson
While being pursued by a police officer, a young boy struggles with his
decisions for the baby in his care and how to help his sick mother.
Review by Andie Karvelis
I love films that surprise me. Films that take me on an emotional journey through compassion, sadness, hope, tenderness, suspense, unease and then jaw dropping shock! When a film can do THAT in under 10 minutes, that’s pretty damn amazing! The Bef did exactly that.
Producer and Director Eric Burleson co-wrote this with Matt Noll and they expertly crafted a riveting story. They left clues along the way, but withheld enough to keep you guessing and ingeniously deliver a twist you don’t see coming. Matt Noll also handled the Cinematography and it is beyond perfect. Eric Burleson’s directorial skills are equally as impressive, as was our main actor, Jacob Shapiro who played “Sammy”.
It’s Sammy’s story that we are following and Jacob does an amazing job conveying a wide range of emotion for a young actor. Part of what makes this story so marvelous is the talent of Eric’s directing and Jacob’s acting skills. What helps tie it all together is a great Make-up artist, Nicolete Tereshko and Visual Effects artist, Mitch Reaser. Roy James is so believable as the cop looking for Sammy and Allison Granite gave an incredible performance as the Mom.
This is one of those films I could go back and watch over and over and still find something new that I missed. I’m going to amend my earlier statement, I love clever films that surprise me.
FIRST SLOVAK PRIDE, 29min,. Slovakia
Directed by Roman Stranai
What is PRIDE? How it came about in Slovakia? Was the 2010 PRIDE parade in Bratislava the first one in Slovakia? Activists from the 2010 PRIDE team as well as Hana Fabry, Jaroslav Gyurik, which where present in queer activism in the early 90s talk about important events which led to the creation of the first PRIDE parade in Slovakia.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase
“First Slovak Pride” is a poignant and inspiring documentary capturing a pivotal historical moment, shedding light on the long road this LGBTQ+ community travels towards true equality and acceptance. Roman Stráñai masterfully guides us through the journey of the first creation of Slovak Pride, providing an intimate glimpse into the struggles, triumphs, and heartfelt experiences of individuals fighting for their right to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Set against the backdrop starting in the early 90s, the film follows the remarkable journey of LGBTQ+ activists as they embark on the groundbreaking mission to establish a safe haven for public expressions of homosexuality and the forging of connections among like-minded souls. Through personal accounts and powerful imagery, the film delves into the complex and emotional process of coming out, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and compassion within a society who has long suppressed these voices.
The documentary’s standout moment is when two brides, adorned in rainbow veils, leave a trail of hope and symbolism through the rainy streets of Slovakia. As raindrops fall, a radiant rainbow emerges in a fountain – a timeless memory that encapsulates both the struggles and the inherent beauty of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for visibility.
“First Slovak Pride” doesn’t shy away from the challenges faced by the activists. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the difficulties they encountered in their bid to organize the Pride March, including the threat of extremist opposition and the eventual cancellation of the first event held. However, the film expertly shifts the focus to the silver linings, highlighting the accidental formation of a rainbow-flag-adorned human chain across a bridge, a testament to the resilience and unity of those pushing for change.
As the years progress, the documentary artfully illustrates the evolution of Slovak Pride from a human rights campaign to a vibrant week-long celebration. Stráñai takes us through the transformation, demonstrating that while progress is being made, the fight for equality is an ongoing battle, a marathon rather than a sprint.
Through compelling storytelling and a well-crafted narrative, “First Slovak Pride” emphasizes the importance of activism and community-building. It serves as a reminder even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to challenge societal norms, and gradually transform a nation’s perspective. The film underscores the significance of pride, not just as a colorful spectacle, but as a powerful force for social change and acceptance.
Roman Stráñai’s direction shines as he captures the emotional highs and lows of this inspiring journey. With an eye for detail, he guides the audience through the streets of Slovakia, effectively translating the atmosphere and emotions of the era onto the screen. The documentary’s culmination, an awe-inspiring shot of the expanding crowd overlooking the country, leaves a lasting impact, symbolizing the triumph of unity and the emergence of a brighter future.
“First Slovak Pride” is an extraordinary cinematic exploration of a crucial turning point in Slovak LGBTQ+ history. Through Stráñai’s lens, the film honors the bravery of those who dared to demand equality, celebrate diversity, and pave the way for a more inclusive society. This documentary is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, an eloquent call to action, and a vibrant tapestry of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of community.
A WAY FOR TOMAS, 29min., Columbia
Directed by Andrés Ricaurte / Martín Agudelo Ramírez
Tomás, desperate, knocks insistently on the door of a lonely house. Nobody opens it. When he leaves the place, he sees some bushes moving and goes into a wooded path. Along the way, from his memories, he faces several episodes of fear in his life until he reaches the exit of the path, which takes him back to the door of the house. Tomás enters and talks with a woman (who represents death), at which point he decides to face his fears.
REVIEW by Victoria Angelique
The powerful Columbian film, A WAY FOR TOMÁS imparts a powerful message that will stick with the viewer. The idea of confronting Death head on certainly isn’t unique, but it’s rarely done in such a profound and memorable way through every part of a film is rare. The attention is captured instantly through the beautiful cinematography. Every shot is carefully designed, to enhance the struggles that Tomás has been going through his entire life.
The story begins with Tomás meeting with his younger self, at the moment where his ability to dream of the future died with the death of his father. The focus of a toy airplane signifying life to the young boy when Death takes his dad is a powerful tool to show how significant a parent’s role plays in a person’s life. He allows himself to become afraid to live and love as Tomás goes through his past selves, relishing in the dark moments over the happy ones. The soundscape aids in the storytelling by allowing sound and visuals to tell the story, overshadowing the dialogue as the struggles Tomás faces plays out on the screen.
The dialogue is carefully crafted, especially in regards to Death. The wisdom in her words could be spoken to anyone resigned to sadness and anger like Tomás when he confronts her face to face. She’s straightforward, but a message that many need to actually live their life rather than just existing in this world. The fact that Death gives Tomás a choice shows the importance of free will. She could have very easily gone on her way without confronting this particular lost soul, but his emotional state was taking over his entire world so it left her with no choice but to force him to face his fears.
The filmmakers leave it open to interpretation whether Tomás chooses to finally live or if he’ll disregard Death’s message, but the important part is the powerful sentiment behind the mythical character’s words. She allowed him to confront his fear of living and of death, but to still continue on his way with the choice to live as he has been or actually live life to its fullest.
A WAY FOR TOMÁS is a beautiful film that directors Andrés Ricaurte and Martin Agudelo Ramierz created as their passion for the material shines through in every frame. It’s a film that deserves every award it has received and stands as a gorgeous work of art.
Festival Reviews 