Month: April 2024

Filmmaker Podcast: YAZAN AL-HAJARI (ETERNAL LINES: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S VERSE IN MUSIC AND MOTION)

festreviews PODCASTS

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/

Get to know the filmmaker:

My drive to create this film sprung from the enchanting layers within Shakespeare’s poetry—their timeless beauty and the myriad interpretations they invite. Each sonnet, with its rhythmic musicality and vivid imagery, became a cornerstone for the film’s narrative and aesthetics. This project was more than an academic endeavor; it was a personal voyage into the heart of these verses, exploring their resonance within my own life and experiences.

The process was two-fold: a devoted study of Shakespeare’s sonnets to honor their original spirit, coupled with a deeply personal journey to discover their significance to me. This wasn’t just about bringing academic analysis to life; it was about letting these verses breathe and speak through my creative lens, intertwining Shakespeare’s insights with my own. In essence, this film was fueled by a blend of fidelity to Shakespeare’s work and my introspective engagement with his poetry, striving to create a visual experience that is as rich and multifaceted as the sonnets themselves.

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:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/
https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Submit via FilmFreeway:\

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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.

Watch Today’s Film Festivals: ASIAN Filmmakers Best of & ANIMATION Short Film Showcase

festreviews Today's Film Festival

Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 = ANIMATION Shorts
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-30-animation

See the Full Lineup of Films:

CLOUT CHASER, 3min,. USA
Directed by Lubomir Atan
The animated video shows two girls in a fierce race to get to Star2 and his riches. They hurdle over a series of blocks and use supernatural powers to battle each other to reach him in a room guarded by a golden dragon and Buddha where he sits on a throne in front of hundreds of gold bars. Star2 narrates the video singing into a microphone: “she a little, little, little, clout chaser, she a little, little, gold digger, she don’t love me, she just love my money, love my money…”

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/clout-chaser-review

ROOM OF MEMORIES, 2min., Australia
Directed by Suniva Maya Miller
The story of heartbreak told from the memory center of the brain.

https://instagram.com/caffeinated_dream_dream

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/room-of-memories-review

CHARCOAL DUST, 4min., USA
Directed by Ian Dooley
Along a quiet stream, an artist uses their medium to capture moments that would otherwise go unseen.

http://iandooleykc.artstation.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iandooleykc/

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/charcoal-dust-review

Festival #2 – ASIAN Filmmakers Best of
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-30-asian-filmmakers

See the Full Lineup of Films:

RICE, RIBS, AND TEA, 6min,. USA
Directed by Lenti Liang
In ‘Rice, Ribs and Tea,’ a Chinese couple’s wedding anniversary takes an unexpected turn when the husband forgets the special day. As disappointment looms, the wife discovers that love isn’t about grand celebrations, but the small gestures of caring in everyday life. This touching short film delves into the essence of true affection, celebrating the beauty found in simplicity and genuine connection.

BLUE BIRDS, 12min,. Taiwan
Directed by Pei-an Chen
When tasked with “Parent Appreciation Assignment”, Aoi faces the challenge of changing her relationship with her mother.

LIP SERVICE, 10min., India
Directed by Arnav Mangla
A muddle of madness and love follows a paranoid woman whose relationship with her husband is hitting the rocks, as she hires an enigmatic lip-reader to inspect her husband’s potential affair.

https://www.arnavmangla.xyz/all-work/lipservice
https://www.instagram.com/filmfhrer/

A GIRL CALLED ZHEN ZHEN, 9min., China
Directed by Liangxue Duan
Zhen Zhen undergoes a traumatic experience when her mother’s morally corrupt boyfriend enters their lives.

APPLAUSE, 8min., UK
Directed by Jinhao Ding
Gwen is about to the most important dance performance of her career, but she is injured accidentally in a rehearsal before the performance, lost the vision temporarily.It also means she will miss this performance.As she want to prove herself through this performance too much.In order to get flowers and applause, she become insane gradually.She start to rehearse at her home constantly and image herself succeeding in this performance. One day,a thief break into her house and watch her dancing unintentionally,therefore, the thief become a only audience of her unconsciously.

DISCONTENT, 24min,. Pakistan
Directed by Areesha Amin
Ashraf wants to pursue his long-lost passion for music after retirement, but the society he lives in views music as disgraceful.

THE SHOES, 6min., Pakistan
Directed by Areesha Amin
A girl has just moved into an apartment and finds an old pair of shoes. Those shoes keep on haunting her.

Deadline Today: WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival

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This festival now takes place every single day giving filmmakers 4 tiers to showcase and promote their film (All accepted films get all four tiers).

Submit via FilmFreeway:

1) Screening #1 where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the streaming service WILDsound TV
3) Podcast interview at WILDsound Radio on ITunes
4) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

All festival dates are now presented in private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

Watch Today’s Film Festivals: Best of STUDENT Shorts. & Best of ASIAN Filmmakers Shorts

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 – Best of STUDENT Shorts:

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/student-april-29th

See the Full Lineup of Films:

THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS, 24min., USA
Directed by Chaya Gurkov
An Orthodox Jewish girl struggled with her mothers expectations for an arranged marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/reelworks

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-shidduch-crisis-review

LOVE LETTERS, 13min., USA
Directed by Abigayle Burch
When Margaret gets accepted to college, her older sister Charlotte comes face to face with a new reality that she is not ready to accept. Charlotte bargains for her sister to stay, and Margaret resorts to good, ole-fashioned subterfuge to get a nagging sister off her back.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/love-letters-review

Festival #2 – Best of ASIAN Filmmakers Shorts

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/asian-filmmakers-april-29th

See the Full Lineup of Films:

SUBAH (AWAKENING), 20min,. USA
Directed by Arnav Magla
The main character is Jai, a 17-year-old runner who is dealing with the recent loss of his mother in a car accident while constantly being pushed for an upcoming, crucial race by his disciplinarian father/coach. Due to Jai’s grief, his sense of time is distorted, further aggravated by his seemingly unaffected younger brother and recurring apparitions of his mother.

https://www.arnavmangla.xyz/all-work/subah
https://www.instagram.com/filmfhrer/

DAEBU (Godfather), 18min., USA
Directed by Al Chang
6 years removed from his once violent life, an ex-mob boss is pulled back in for one night to tie up loose ends, for good.

https://www.instagram.com/4lcfilm

MY BLUE FLEW AWAY, 16min,. China
Directed by Yufei Li, Xuekai Ge
A lost blue crayon, a phone that no one answers, arouses curiosity as a child explores the truth. Chenchen misses his maternal grandmother.I always ask my mom. Where’s my grandmother?The answer is always as far away as the sea.The more the mother suppresses, the more curious the child becomes.That day, Chenchen went alone and conspired to get to the bottom of the matter.On this day,Chenchen went alone and conspired to get to the bottom of the matter.That’s how the door to truth opened.It was not my grandmother who opened the door, but a lie.Chenchen and his mother stand at both ends of the lie.

50K, 14min., Vietnam
Directed by Nguyen Phan Thai Vu
Following the journey of a 50.000 VN? as it changes hands in society, the currency becomes a witness to surprising events and stories, connecting people in unexpected ways.

https://www.facebook.com/StrawberryFieldsForeverrrrrr/
https://letterboxd.com/film/50k-2023/

CYCLE, 3min., India
Directed by Rajendra Ray
Despite his son’s persistent requests, a father had to decline buying a bicycle due to financial constraints caused by monthly EMIs. This situation highlights the difficult choices many families face, balancing the desire to fulfill their children’s wishes with the need to manage finances responsibly. The father’s decision reflects his commitment to fulfilling his financial obligations while also prioritizing his family’s long-term financial stability.

U, 7min., Japan
Directed by SHOGO SAWADA
Everyday information is complicated, but there are many people who do not have their own opinions. Don’t you resonate with the opinion of those who say beautiful words on TV and SNS “similar to yourself”? In art, I think that “the attitude of trying to understand for yourself” also increases the value of the work. From the above, the theme is “Don’t quit thinking”. Since it’s a student film, I can’t find any information about it. Even if it comes out, it’s only my SNS. This work pursues the “possibilities” that only student films can create. Please find your own answer.

MAKOTO, 7min., USA
Directed by Fumi Matsuura

DETO YETI, 20min., Russia
Directed by Aydar Sharipov
The ethnobotanist girl went into the wild in search of a rare plant. According to legend, this plant brings good luck to the locals. She does not even suspect that along the way she will have to break off co-dependent relationships and look at the world in an adult way.

Feature Film Review: SURVIVING TO THRIVING. Directed by Karin Isabelle Ochsner

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As a fearless explorer with a disability, surfer and surf coach Karin Ochsner immerses herself in the raw beauty of nature. Her remarkable healing journey unfolds in the face of adversity.

http://www.surfingtosurvive.com/film2

https://www.instagram.com/surfingtosurvive/

Review by Andie Karvelis:

Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of a pity party? I know I have. Most humans can get bogged down feeling sorry for themselves, especially in this technological age. Life is hard.

We struggle, we whine ( I’m so guilty here ), sometimes we even say “Forget it” and throw the towel in on something that’s just too difficult. There are times we just need inspiration and times we need a good swift kick in the…

Karin Ochsner is both inspiring and a refreshing kick in the pants. This documentary is an incredible tale of endurance, bravery and the unyielding spirit of a woman who wasn’t going to give up. You see Karin has a very rare immune system illness that makes her allergic to, well, everything. Imagine being allergic to almost everything in your house that you have to sleep outside. Salt water is the only water you can tolerate, and even when you think you have it under control, your allergies change.


I cannot imagine what Karin has gone through but I do know she never once threw herself a pity party. She adapted constantly. The interviews with Karin, her friends, co-workers, and doctors were all a testament to this wonderful woman’s spirit.

The cinematography alone in this film is absolutely stunning. That is thanks to Andy Bowles and several other talented Directors of Photography. Andy Bowles and Karin Ochsner produced this inspiring film together and they make a fantastic team.

Next time I start to whinge about my paltry issues, I am going to think about Karin and find the motivation to overcome my obstacles.

Short Film Review: WE ARE STARDUST: THE INTERCONNECTION OF ALL THINGS

festreviews film festival reviews, Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review

Synopsis:

What connects all things on this beautiful and unique planet we call home? Can we reach deep into our collective universal past to understand that everything is carefully intertwined and dependent on everything else? Filmmaker Barb Barton presents a visually stunning and thought-provoking journey into the origin and interconnection of all things. This documentary short film is designed to inspire the viewer to see their place in life through a different lens and focus not on what separates but connects us. Can a broader view help us heal our relationships with nature and each other?

Review by Victoria Angelique:

Director Barb Barton created a visually captivating film that is a cinematic masterpiece. The soothing narration of Ruelaine Stokes takes the audience on the journey throughout time and space to prove the film’s thesis that all life on Earth came from stardust. It’s told in a way that feels like it’s something from a fairy tale, making the concept easy to understand through a familiar trope. 

This film has fantastic graphics, combining computer graphics with a compilation of real photographs to create a stunning environment. This film really should be shown in an immersive theater as it is not only a scientific film, but a beautiful work of art. One of the most stunning graphics is when the filmmaker takes a woman lying on Earth to zooming out to the furthest region telescopes can possibly go in the universe, far beyond our solar system, before zooming back down to Earth and through the woman’s eye. This really drives the point home that all life is interconnected to stardust.

This is a historical and scientific film that really shows how miraculous life on Earth is by depicting how everything is truly connected in the grand design from the universe. Barton shows that not only human life was created from stardust, but how all the elements and creatures on Earth were created from dust. It gives a full understanding of the phrase spoken at funerals, “from dust to dust”. 

This amazing work of art should be shown in the NASA tourist centers. It’s written in a way that people of all ages could understand and it doesn’t contradict religious opinions to be controversial. The scientific descriptions combined with the elements gives a deep understanding of how life on Earth was created.

Project Links

Deadline Today: TORONTO COMEDY Film & Screenplay Festival

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Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of COMEDY Directors, Producers, Writers, and Actors at the festival in Toronto.

The Toronto Comedy Festival occurs every single month.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Various options to submit to the Festival. A HYBRID model. Cinema screenings for audience feedback video (not an online festival). Blog and podcast interviews. And bonus Virtual screening (optional!) geared to create community over distance, PLUS, get your film seen by the right people.

For FILMS:

– Submit your short or feature film.
– NEW OPTION for guaranteed submission.

For SCREENPLAYS:

– Submit your screenplay (feature, TV, short) and get full feedback no matter what from the industry. Winners get their script performed by professional actors.

– Also option to submit a 1 page script (guaranteed winner).

– Another option is to submit your screenplay for a 10 day or less turnaround for your feedback.

Get your Short Film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get a audience video.
– Offers filmmakers to get their works showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Then the filmmaker will receive and audience reaction video on their film.

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Comedy Festival.
– 0ffers screenwriters, novelists and storytellers at all levels the fantastic opportunity to hear their stories read aloud using TOP PROFESSIONAL ACTORS.

Deadline Today: FANTASY/SCI-FI Film & Screenplay Festival

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FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream now and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in fantasy/sci-fi are a gigantic multi-billion dollar market. This portion of the Film & Writing Festival serves the Fantasy and Sci-Fi filmmakers and writers from all over the world.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festiva (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!

Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto

All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

Watch Today’s Film Festivals: LATINO Filmmakers Shorts & EUROPEAN Festival Feature Film

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Festival #1 – EUROPEAN Feature Film
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/28th-astral

ASTRAL, 71min,. Spain
Directed by Miguel Angel Mengó
Isabela is found in the middle of the forest after days missing. One night, Isabela had dreamed of crossing the barriers of space and time, where a girl exactly like her, Daniela, returned her gaze.

https://www.miguelangelmengo.com/instant%C3%A1neas/
https://www.facebook.com/Instant%C3%A1neas-890634344397316/
https://www.instagram.com/mv.audiovisuales/

Festival #2 – LATINO Filmmakers Shorts Festival
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-28-latino

See the Full Lineup of Films:

AL REVES, 3min., Venezuela,
Directed by Luis Figeuredo
A music video by Human Productions featuring Danny Pryp and Pat Gales. ‘Al Revés’ is an original song performed by Danny Pryp.

Danny Pryp


https://facebook.com/dannypryp
https://instagram.com/dannypryp

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/al-reves-review

OJUE, 13min,. USA
Directed by Fernando Alberto Broce
A panamanian fashion designer living in the US, who is embarrassed about her culture, is forced to bring her dad with dementia (who is convinced that he is still in Panama) to her most important exhibition.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/ojue-review

AMARA & VANESA, 4min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Jose A Rodriguez Mazzini
Two university students meet at the Río Piedras Market to talk about whatever comes up. Then the unexpected happens.

https://instagram.com/amara_y_vanesa

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/amara-vanesa-review

ÑUÑUYACHIY: BREASTFEEDING WITH AFFECTION AND CARE, 23min., Spain
Directed by Jose Miguel Soriano, Ricardo Macian
In early 2009, the establishment of the first breast milk bank in Lima, Peru, began to take shape. This initiative involved the collaboration of researchers and healthcare professionals from the National Institute of Maternal Perinatal Health in Lima and the University of Valencia. This documentary showcases the individuals who made it possible and provides a firsthand account of the experiences that enabled the implementation of this top-notch healthcare project. The initiative has significantly contributed to enhancing maternal and perinatal health, ultimately improving the quality of life for Peruvian families and their infants

https://www.facebook.com/61553328459626
https://www.instagram.com/documental_banco_leche_materna

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/nunuyachiy-review