Month: March 2024

Short Film Review: ETERNAL LINES: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Music and Motion

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ETERNAL LINES: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Music and Motion., 5min., USA

Directed by Yazan Al-Hajari

Eternal Lines: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Motion and Music” is the second part of a series where I delve into Shakespeare’s vast Canon, handpicking songs and sonnets that resonate deeply with me. I’ve woven these pieces into a narrative that, while personal in selection, unveils a connected story, reflecting the universal themes and emotions Shakespeare so masterfully depicted. This project is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless beauty of Shakespeare’s poetry, crafted with deep admiration for his poetic genius. While delving into Shakespeare’s poetry, my goal was not only to breathe new life into these classic texts but also to capture and reflect my own emotional journey as I navigated through the myriad of themes and expressions found in his work. Through a fusion of original music, captivating AI and real footage and visuals, and immersive sound design, I’ve endeavored to present Shakespeare’s poetry in a contemporary light, offering a fresh perspective that honors the essence of his work while inviting modern audiences to experience its magic anew.

Home

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063482441871

https://www.instagram.com/yazanhajari/

Review by Andie Karvelis:

“And one man in his time plays many parts”. This (shortened) quote from Shakespeare could have been speaking about Yazan Al Hajari; he crafted the music and the video for Eternal Lines.


I must admit, the opening notes of the piano are like a siren song that draws you in. The clarity and resonance of the tone keep you engaged, the melody like a wonderful embrace. Gliding on top of the music is this sensational voice over, provided by Sir John Gielgud and Richard Briers as they read Shakespeare’s sonnets 64, 55, 65, and 66.


Visually this is equally as impactful. You are bombarded with various images and Yazan has cleverly added The Bard of Avon in several places as well as himself. There is a nice transitional flow from live action images to A.I. and everything fits together beautifully. Even the music varies and changes within the piece giving you the sense you are watching Shakespeare come to life.

Short Film Review: SWAMPS. 1 minute Animation

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SWAMPS, 1min., Canada

Directed by David Convery

Bello takes a mystery trip through the wood wide web and lands in a swamp – nature’s water treatment plants.

Future Chicken Home

https://www.instagram.com/futurechickenofficial/

Review by Victoria Angelique:

SWAMPS is a short narrative that is aimed at children and invokes feelings of nostalgia as it is reminiscent of the educational commercials in between shows back when there were still Saturday morning cartoons. It keeps the attention of children with a familiar character, a mushroom named Bello, while being short enough so that the information can be retained rather than forgotten. 

The dialogue makes it clear that this is part of a series of shorts following Bello around as they explain the scientific reasoning behind different bodies of water. This particular short depicts SWAMPS, hence the title. It even includes body humor that children enjoy to explain the odor of swamplands in a way that would get little giggles out of the viewers. 

The animation style is mixed with live shots of not only the swamps, but the animals that reside in the murky waters. It combines animated particles to explain why the swamp stinks. Sound is combined with the two visual styles to explain the sounds of the body of water, using the buzzing of the many insects even though it doesn’t go into what type of insects live near swamps. This is probably to keep the interest of children as many would never visit a swamp if they knew how many mosquitoes called the area home. 

The film, SWAMPS, feels like a short that entire families would enjoy. It would educate children in a wholesome way while bringing back fond memories of childhood for the parents watching the animated short. Children would love Bello, which would promote parents searching online for more of the shorts starring the character to broaden their children’s scientific education. 

Short Film Review: SETTING BOUNDARIES.

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SETTING BOUNDARIES, 5min., Poland

Directed by Iza Pajak

Written & Starring: Diana Matlak

A woman tries to set boundaries while struggling to fight for her needs.

Review by Victoria Angelique

The narrative short film, SETTING BOUNDARIES, is a brilliant depiction of a person’s inner voice and how it can be triggered based on interactions with other individuals. The story is an allegory for how a person’s inner fears could be louder than personal desires, especially when other people echo the thoughts that rage inside the mind. 

The black and white setting makes it immediately apparent that the film is a drama, yet never seeing or hearing the person on the other side of the phone allows the viewer to focus on a woman that is facing herself either in a mirror or around a table. It’s the same actress at every angle, except when she answers the phone, then the camera focuses on the woman in a singular frame. Whoever is on the other end of the line is clearly able to manipulate her with a few words, causing the other 4 versions of herself to double down in agreement with the exploiter. 

The sound design is award worthy. The difference in tones between the assertive voice versus the frail voice is a work of art. It makes it feel as if the voice is not the actress, but the audience as they watch this woman unravel only to find her strength to quiet the voice of fear when she finally stands up for herself. The score aids the narrative, starting out quiet and getting louder to shut out the voices as the woman finally finds her courage to say no. She feels triumphant and is able to quiet her inner dialogue as she realizes who she is based on the person on the other line triggering her by calling her a simple name “selfish”. 

Director Iza Pajak does a fantastic job at depicting a theme that echos in everyones head, the loud inner voices drowning out what someone really wants. The desire to be heard and do what each person wants is a common trait, making this film relatable to almost anyone that would watch it as everyone has been taken advantage of due to their inner dialogue shutting down rational thoughts to the point that someone is exhausted. 

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1164 – FILMMAKER SANGITA IYER (MITTI – DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL)

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MITTI (Discovering Ikigai), 30min., Canada
Directed by Sangita Iyer
Mitti (Discovering Ikigai) is a story of young woman of colour in Canada who chose organic farming as her career choice. Through her story the film highlights the Japanese concept of Ikigai to inspire others, especially youth, to find their passion and purpose in life. The film also highlights environmental and sustainability challenges the world is facing and how ancient cultures considered Mother Earth with gratitude instead of a commodity. The film also attempts to break stereotypes we have about how/what a farmer looks like. The film poster has been conceived and created by at 12 year art enthusiast who seems to have discovered her Ikigai.

http://www.mettlefilms.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mettlefilms

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/3/30/ep-1164-filmmaker-sangita-iyer-mitti-documentary-festival

Get to know the filmmaker:

This is one of the topics I am passionate about because culturally I was raised to have a sense of gratitude towards Mother Earth who is considered a life giver, the one who nourishes and sustains us and is worshipped as a Divine Mother. As a mother myself, I believe knowing where our food comes from, learning how to grow our own food and being connected to nature is really important for our future generations because as a society we seem to be getting more and more disconnected from nature. When I formed my production company Mettle Films, it was born with a vision of making films for a cause. Films that are simple, yet thought provoking stories of people, places and things which could also be utilized as a learning resource by schools and parents. I also decided to tell this story to support a local young female farmer, and by showcasing her journey, my hope is to empower others to discover their Ikigai.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at http://www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Today’s FREE Film Festival: Deadline Today: FAN FICTION Film & Screenplay Festival

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FREE Film Festival submission & Guranteed acceptance options. 

http://fanfictionfestival.com/

https://filmfreeway.com/FanFictionFestival

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I know it’s often hard to get fan fiction work recognized and when I found out about the festival I saw it is a wonderful opportunity. The quality of the feedback was amazing. I feel like it has helped me understand further into the screenwriting craft and will ultimately help me become a better writer.
– Andrew Akler (Batman: Patient Zero, screenplay)

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Fan Fiction Screenplay Festival:

Guaranteed winner every single month!

In today’s market, agents and producers are looking for new talent who can write under the parameters of existing works and franchises. The art of adding a new twist/plot while knowing the themes and characters of the works you’re writing for. That is why the Fan Fiction Festival has been created.

Submit a FAN FICTION Script of a classic television show, movie series, or iconic franchise. Any past TV show or movie in the history of cinema. For example: You can send in a Friends TV screenplay, or a feature script from the Star Wars universe.

This festival has a guaranteed 4 tier set up for each accepted script. (No matter what all screenplays submitted receive FULL FEEDBACK on their work by industry professionals.)

1st Tier: FULL FEEDBACK on your screenplay (all submissions)

2nd Tier: Accepted scripts (25% on average of submitted entries) get their screenplay performed by professional actors and made into a promotional vehicle.

Then (Tier #3) we will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film. Then after that (Tier #4) we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we chat with you about the process of how the film was made.

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Film Festival: FREE Submissions:

FAN FICTION Film Festival VIRTUAL Events occurs once a month on the WILDsound Streaming Service.

All film submissions are FREE. Opportunity to have your film showcased on the popular streaming service for 48 hours.

(Other opportunities to garner a distribution deal with the company and have your film showcased always on the streaming service.)

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Film Festival: Guaranteed Option to submit:

If you submit for the paid service, ALL submissions get accepted and garner an audience feedback video of their film. Plus, a written movie review on http://www.festivalreviews.org

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Film Freeway Deadline Today: FEMALE Feedback Film Festival

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The FEEDBACK Female Film Festival (FFFF) was created for women filmmakers and screenwriters. The goal is to showcase the best of female talent in film & TV from around the world.

https://filmfreeway.com/FEEDBACKFemaleFilmFestivalFFFF

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Film Festivals (short & feature) occurs 12 times a year (every month) in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Accepted films get their film screened at 2 festivals. The Audience Feedback Festival where you will receive a video of people’s reactions to your film. (Great asset to promote your movie). Plus, the Film Festival Streaming Service Festival where it will be seen by people in the industry and film fans.

Plus, each filmmaker gets the opportunity to do two interviews to further promote them and their work. A blog interview, and a podcast interview on the Film Festival ITunes show.

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Screenplay Readings also take place EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

Every submission received full feedback on their script from an industry professional. Winning scripts get their script performed by professional actors and make into a video for you.


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