Month: April 2024

Filmmaker Robyn Killian (RIOTS VS. TSUNAMIS)

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RIOTS VS. TSUNAMIS, 6min., USA
Directed by Robyn Killian
When faced with the wreckage in which several local business owner’s life’s work, their shops, were set ablaze and reduced to rubble after protests had devolved into riots in the Los Angeles’ Melrose District, occasioned by the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white police officer in late May 2020, I used the artistic mediums of experimental filmmaking and sound collage to document and express my grief by comparing the effects of two types of disasters, riots and tsunamis.

http://www.robynkillian.com/
https://www.instagram.com/robynrkillian/
https://www.facebook.com/robyn.killian
https://www.twitter.com/RobynKillian

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I made this film to work through my feelings after witnessing the destruction of my neighborhood, The Melrose District of Los Angeles after the George Floyd Riots of 2020. Everything changed. My safety and security was shattered. I felt like this one other time; In 1994 when the Northridge earthquake demolished my home. Since a riot is man-made the destruction feels more insidious than that of a natural disaster.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Because I made this film as coursework while studying at USC film school It is a bit difficult to answer how long it took to make it.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

I would describe my film in the following two words: “Emotional Catharsis.”

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The most formidable challenge I encountered during the completion of this film was the emotional journey of revisiting the profound pain that engulfed my community in the aftermath of the George Floyd riots. Witnessing the devastation inflicted upon local businesses and the shattered morale of my neighbors was not only heartbreaking but also deeply personal. Navigating through these raw emotions while striving to capture the essence of our shared experiences was a profound test of resilience and empathy.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Upon witnessing the audience’s reactions in the feedback video, I was deeply moved by the genuine appreciation expressed for various aspects of the film. One reviewer astutely recognized the meticulous craftsmanship behind the video editing, acknowledging it as the shining star of the piece. Another viewer’s admiration for the seamless intertwining of themes resonated deeply, affirming the depth of thought put into the narrative structure. The vibrant colors and masterful sound editing were lauded for their immersive quality, with the music design hailed as a pivotal element in elevating the film to a higher realm of artistic expression.

Furthermore, the acknowledgment of the film’s uniqueness and its ability to captivate the senses was humbling. To hear that the carefully constructed structure was perceived as dynamic and compelling was immensely gratifying, affirming the countless hours dedicated to crafting a seamless viewing experience. Moreover, to have the film described as clever, thought-provoking, and heartrending underscored its power to evoke a range of emotions and spark meaningful dialogue.

Most importantly, the recognition that the film offered a fresh perspective and shed light on a different set of victims was deeply meaningful. Knowing that it succeeded in raising awareness and fostering empathy from a unique vantage point filled me with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude. To receive such valuable feedback from the audience was truly an honor, reaffirming the impact and significance of the work.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Upon choosing film as the medium for a final project in a course I was taking, I had a revelation: filmmaking was the natural evolution of my artistic expression.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The film I have seen most in my life is, “It’s a Wonderful Life” 1946, closely followed by “Cinema Paradiso” 1988. Both serve as poignant reminders of the profound love I hold for movies.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I appreciate the Feedback videos. They provide an opportunity for filmmakers to learn how their films are received by audiences . Additionally, festivals could help filmmakers to find interesting opportunities for distribution to gain exposure for their films.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

My experience with working on the FilmFreeway site has been advantageous. It allows me to have a central place for my projects and easy access to search festivals that are a good fit for my movies.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m a foodie and enjoy most cuisines, therefore, I dont have one favorite.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

What’s next for me? I’ve been working on another very personal project that I am not quite ready to share.

Filmmaker Giannakopoulos Efstathios (THE SILENT SYNTHETIC SYMPHONY: A Human-AI Collaboration)

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THE SILENT SYNTHETIC SYMPHONY: A Human-AI Collaboration, 7min., Greece
Directed by Giannakopoulos Efstathios
In a silent environment, artificial intelligence meets the boundless human mind and together they unite their powers to create a music and dance piece of scientific fantasy. The lyrics, composed by a robotic mind simulating the writing style of the great author William Shakespeare, draw upon a poem about Silence and how people perceive it today. The music was composed by a team of music producers, while the words are voiced by the unique, yet artificial, voice of the late English actor, Alan Rickman. Our protagonist performs theatrical dance movements, which constitute his unique way of communication. At times, he manages to harmonize with the space-time and feel tranquility within the silence, while at other times, he faces challenges. Will he, however, emerge unscathed from this enthralling blend of the artificial and the human?

http://www.3shumanai.com/
https://www.facebook.com/3shumanai

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I had the desire to express myself, to share ideas and emotions. The goal and inspiration for my work were to merge arts and creative editing techniques, and to visually and aurally capture the concept of “silence.” The silence experienced by people today through the social pressures they face. However, to achieve the desired result, artificial intelligence had to work for us, to make the impossible possible. By training the system, we obtained the material that “we lacked” and proved that targeted exploitation of technology can give us tangible results.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From the initial idea to “the final export” took about a year. Some shots had to be done at specific times and dates, which imposed certain strict deadlines on us.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Silent screams

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was that for first time in my life, i have to manage many talented and special people and to instill blind trust in them. As a control freak I am, this added anxiety and extra headaches for me.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was a unique blend of pride, emotion, and excitement. With a big smile.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Three years ago, I attended some film festivals and discovered that I could reach, but also surpass, that level. So, since then, I’ve been simply looking for the right opportunity.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I never watch a movie for a second time. I like to hold onto the first impression. However, Greek television often aired “Alive”, (1993) and it was a movie that even today, its remake, “Society of the Snow” (2023) is shocking to watch.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
You can post films official teasers, and have all the social media very active.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The platform works great for me. It is clear and easy to navigate.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Seafood dishes.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Maybe a short documentary. I want to try something different this time.

Filmmaker Woody Yocum (GROCERY RUN)

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GROCERY RUN, 2min., USA
Directed by Woody Yocum
Just a quick run to the store for milk and eggs….and everything we could squeeze into two minutes flat. Directed and animated by Woody Yocum. Music composed and performed by Klaus Ebert.

https://instagram.com/woodyyocum

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/grocery-run-review

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
All of our shorts are collaborations between me and our great composer/master musician Klaus Ebert. Short animated film is a perfect outlet for both of us. This is our seventh short film together and we hope to continue into the distant future. I am the solo animator/visual artist on our projects. This is a blessing and curse as it is wonderful to have the freedom to experiment and take risks with new styles and approaches but animation also has a tendency to bury one in work. I have worked in the animation business for almost fifty years, starting out at Nelvana in its infancy in 1975. I have spent more than the last thirty years in LA with the last more than twenty five years at Disney TV Animation. The pressures of TV production have a tendency to confine us to roles that we are especially efficient at and decades can fly by doing a one part of the process that you know and are known for. Having the opportunity at the end of my career to explore new subjects and styles but also to do all the parts of the animation process I love, is something I wouldn’t trade.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
This film took about four months to make from starting to build the puppets to final comp and mix. Our process is a stop frame hybrid. I build the puppets out paper, wire, latex and hot glue, using tiny magnets instead of ‘tie downs’ in the feet. I have a very small shooting stage with a tin floor above which I built a large soft light box. I shoot almost all the character animation over green screen with our backgrounds as photoshop docs that I comp in After Effects.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
‘Paper World’ the style I am embracing is make all the characters and settings feel like they are crafted from paper.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My greatest obstacle is in cleaning up the inevitable flaws in my shoots. It is difficult and time consuming to track stop frame animation and this is a problem that I continue to try to search for easier approaches for/

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was thrilled! I really appreciate the thoughtful responses from each of your reviewers. They really spoke to the goals that I had in mind in crafting the world of our little story. It gave me a real boost!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
It’s always been my dream but for me many of the NFB films of the sixties and seventies opened my eyes to the possibilities and I was lucky enough to go the Sheridan College in Oakville in the early days of their animation program.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
There are too many to say. For my favorite piece of animation though, I would have to say Genie’s ‘You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me’ song from Aladdin animated by Eric Goldberg. People will still marvel at that hundreds of years from now.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I love your video reviews! I gives any filmmaker such a boost to see an audience ‘gets’ what they are trying to do. You have a really extraordinary festival and we really appreciate being part of it.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Film freeway is flawless! It os the machinery that makes so much possible in the indie film world.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Anything with family around the table.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, there are several in the works and I am working on refining our stop frame hybrid technique for larger productions.

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1184 – ANDY CARRUTHERS (TARARUA S-K)

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TARARUA S-K, 22min., New Zealand
Directed by Andy Carruthers
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to push your limits in the wild, facing the ultimate physical challenge? The Tararua SK Traverse is waiting for you.

YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/AndyCarruthers62

Tararua S-K Film


https://www.facebook.com/TararuaSK
https://www.instagram.com/tararuask_film/

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1184-filmmaker-andy-carruthers-tararua-s-k/id1406973270?i=1000651839418

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1184-filmmaker-andy-carruthers-tararua-s-k

Get to know the filmmaker:

I want to inspire people to go on an adventure ⛰️

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

April 2024 – Movie Trailers Festival

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A showcase of the best new movies and their respective trailers from around the world today.

AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:
MOVIE TRAILER: FROM FRAGILE TO FAMOUS
Director: THE TAN MAN
Documentary Trailer: BAMBI
Edited Trailer: ROMAN
Environmental Trailer: DREAM BIG FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN
Experimental Trailer: EYES ON US
Fantasy Trailer: PROJECT ETHER
Horror Trailer: CHASING ZOMBIES
Inspirational Trailer: PARROT
Human Interest Trailer: GHOST ON A ESTONIAN FARM
LGBTQ+ Trailer: WITH MYSELF
Most Unique Movie Trailer: BEEMOVIE
Parody Trailer: OUR WARS
Performances: A LITTLE TOUCH OF HARRY
Sci-Fi Trailer: SCEPTER
Slapstick Trailer: MASTER CHANCLA
Story: THE LAST HAND
TV Show Trailer: CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN: EP. 1

See the Full Lineup of Films:

FROM FRAGILE TO FAMOUS, 3min.
Directed by Lawrence Riggins

MASTER CHANCLA, 1min.,
Directed by Mariano Mendoza
A mexican KungFu Master with unique Martial Arts created by Master Chancla

http://www.marianomendoza.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MarianoBigDawg17
https://instagram.com/mexicanbigdawg

A LITTLE TOUCH OF HARRY, 1min.,
Directed by Neill Fleeman
Trailer for the film A Little Touch of Harry

http://pemarstonfilms.com/

GHOST ON A ESTONIAN FARM, 1min.,
Directed by Magdaleena Unt, Nikolai Unt
At the heart of the story is a woman with cancer who has three months left to live. He arrives in long-term depression, looking for a cure for cancer in the books. Inexperienced discovers cursed text in the painting. The spell worked. Her is diagnosed with cancer.

PARROT, 1min,.
Directed by Cameron Faulkner
After forcibly being sold a parrot, Ollie is thrust into a surprise birthday party hosted by his roommates. The night spirals into chaos as he tries to regain control and sort his life out. Based on an unbelievable true story.

https://instagram.com/parrotfilmofficial/

OUR WARS, 1min,.
Directed by Geo Thelen
In a Galaxy Not So Far Away…
Musk v. Zuckerberg
a Movie Trailer Parody

https://thelencreative.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ThelenCreative/
https://www.instagram.com/instatoblast/

SCEPTER, 2min.,
Directed by Jim S. Beeson
Dr. Karen Morrow is the lead computer engineer aboard the space station ‘SCEPTER’ – a terraforming facility orbiting the planet ‘Therion Prime’ in the Sagittarius clusters. While preparing for the installations first mission a saboteur named Eric Dyrne (thinking that the station is vacant) infiltrates the facilities power nodes and plants a virus in the computer’s software turning the engines into thermonuclear bombs.

https://threerings4.wixsite.com/spiritwar-picures

PROJECT ETHER, 2min.,
Directed by Jim Beeson
Professor Alexander Cheyne is a world renowned physicist specializing in the quantum teleportation of matter. His work with The CIAs remote viewing project ‘ICARUS’ led to his discovery that the minds of certain individuals called ‘sensitive’s’ are literally creating wormholes through space which explains the phenomena of psychic ability. All humans have this ability to some degree.

THE TAN MAN, 43 seconds
Directed by Greg James Blount
Jason, a charismatic Jewish/Italian New Yorker, appears to be just another successful entrepreneur, owning a chain of bustling tanning salons. However, there’s more to Jason than meets the eye. While the salons are a front for his legitimate business, it is the hidden world behind the back door that truly defines him.

https://www.soundtreeent.com/the-tan-man

DREAM BIG FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN, 3min.,
Directed by Peter Vordenberg
The trailer for Dream Big, a documentary about listening rather than talking in order to make progress in our fight against climate change.

BEEMOVIE, 2min
Directed by Vera Sebert
In this film bees are neither artificially animated nor do they appear as documented objects of study. They themselves take on the role of human actors. The meaning of their actions remains uncertain and offers a manifold projection surface for human recipients. The cinematic images provide insight into an alienated world, which, when viewed, is inevitably adapted to ours.

CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN: EP. 1 , 2min.
Directed by Dr. Lisa Spencer
Dr. Lisa Spencer fights to change laws in the US and abroad to better protect children.

EYES ON US, 3min,.
Directed by Ilysa Spencer
This spy trailer introduces two CIA agents struggling between love and hate.

BAMBI, 2min.,
Directed by Ilysa Spencer
This true crime story, that happened in my hometown the year my dad died, comes full circle when the investigating PI meets me and hands me the torch.

ROMAN, 5min.,
Directed by Nina Calori, Valérie Piola Caselli
A mother, a son, a secret ….

THE LAST HAND, 10min,.
Directed by Denis Crampton
Four Assassins play a high stakes game of poker, when Big Al dies at the table it seems only right that the game is abandoned, however Willie has no intention of stopping his winning streak.

WITH MYSELF, 2min.
Directed by Leonardo Corbucci
Laura broke up with her boyfriend, Alex, the same day as the Covid-19 pandemic lock-down struck, her emotions spiral out of control as she realizes her boyfriend cheated on her. As she seeks revenge, she unexpectedly finds a special person, in a special moment, leading her to question and understand her sexual identity, with

http://withmyselfmovie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/with_myself_movie/

CHASING ZOMBIES, 3min.
Directed by Mike Ancas
This documentary was shot at the George A. Romero Filmmaking Program, with special effects by Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects Program. The story involves iconic zombie extras from the original Dawn and Day of the Dead who, decades later, find themselves in demand at Pop Culture Comicons. We chase down these zombies to see why these early Romero films resonate so much with fans. Meanwhile, the crew shooting this film set out on a horrifying adventure of their own.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26920161/

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1185 – ELYA RANDRIANAIVO (BLUE DANCE)

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BLUE DANCE, 9min., France
Directed by Elya Randrianaivo
A widow is torn between traumatic terrorist memories and her son’s needs of attention.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29306931/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
https://instagram.com/lechoduntircourtmetrage

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1185-filmmaker-elya-randrianaivo-blue-dance

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1185-filmmaker-elya-randrianaivo-blue-dance/id1406973270?i=1000651839698

Get to know the filmmaker:

Exploring a space to lament without being consumed with sadness

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

Short Film Review: SAUDADE. Horror / Thriller / Surrealist / Drama.

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Synopsis: A dancer faces a ghost of her past and has to come out victorious to find her true self once again.

Directed by: Josie Hull

Written by: Gica Pucca and Constantin Augustinus Sieve

Produced by: Diana Cody

Executive Produced by: Gica Pucca and Constantin Augustinus Sieve

Review by Victoria Angelique

The short dance film, SAUDADE, captures the attention of the audience immediately with the gorgeous cinematography that begins within the first frame. Director of Photographer, Christian Olsen, is incredibly gifted as he captures the smoke dancing across the screen and wrapping it’s way around the Female Dancer’s body. The director, Josie Hull, has the Dancer move into her memory as the smoke envelopes her body. 

The tattoos on the Dancer’s body, whether intentional or real, works with the film as a way of symbolizing the ribbon that weaves her to the Male Dancer. She is fighting to escape him, but the happy memories bring her back to him. She is fighting to cut the tie so that she live happily once again now that the relationship has ended. 

The score is this film is magnificent. It truly brings the film to life through going from intense notes to melancholy ones to bring the audience into the memory of the Female Dancer’s past. The music and the movements couple together to show the toxicity of the relationship, depicting how an abusive partner can keep hold of a person’s memory as she fights with herself to move on and learn to be happy once again in life.  The Male Dancer has limited movements, showing his power over the Female Dancer early on in their relationship. He still haunts her mind as she struggles to reclaim her own happiness long after the relationship has ended. The Female Dancer shows her own power as she forces him from her memory.

Dance films are rarely able to capture such powerful themes in such a short timeframe. SAUDADE is successful as it captures the mental anguish that an abusive relationship can have on a victim as the Female Dancer tries to escape her memory before she figures out how to overcome it and move on with her life. It takes time, but the feeling of relief when she is able to put her memories in the past and remember what makes her happy is something that will last with viewers.

Screenwriter Podcast: EP. 1186 – JOHN WOODARD (A HOLIDAY CAROL)

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Watch Today’s Podcast:

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPTlkoZJlg

Modern day adaptation of Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” Evan Scrooge lives his life as a rich, greedy, bitter, closeted gay man, who despises the holidays. Until one Christmas Eve night, when his dead, ex-lover and business partner, Jake Marley, along with the three spirits of Christmas Present, Past, and Yet to Come, show Scrooge the errors of his ways. Leading Scrooge to open his heart and love for the holidays, as well as his sexuality.

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1186-screenwriter-john-woodard-a-holiday-carol

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1186-screenwriter-john-woodard-a-holiday-carol/id1406973270?i=1000651840241

Get to know the writer:

It’s about two men seeking to find love, who spot each other, mutually attracted, but are unable to meet as one is whisked away in his cab.. Both now set on finding the other again, setting into motion a serious of comedic events.

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.