A highly trained operative, belonging to a clandestine ancient group of expert mercenaries, is given a mission to recover a valuable item for one of the 13 most influential families on Earth. As war breaks out and alliances formed centuries ago crumble, survival becomes the top priority for everyone involved.

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

The Days of Knight is reminiscent of the James Bond and Jason Bourne films or Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series. As a matter of fact, it’s set up as a series and this was the third episode. The clandestine agency and secret operatives going on impossible missions. It’s exciting edge of your seat entertainment and that’s what John P. Martinez delivered.

There were several things that really impressed me about this episode. John did ( almost ) everything. He wrote, directed, edited and played a small role in the episode. That’s a feat in and of itself, and I appreciated how clever he was about telling the story. He used stock footage, sound effects, and some special effects from Adobe & Artlist but blended them into what he shot in a way that was believable. The shots that were supposed to be at night, he created that look in post with a filter or LUT and it worked.

Anthony Martinez ( possibly John’s brother? ) was our Knight operative and he did a great job. I fully believed that he was a secret agent and he carried himself perfectly. The music that was chosen added that suspense and that was thanks to Theatre of Days and Alon Peretz. I absolutely adored the voice-over in the beginning. The effect on it really drew you in and captured your attention and set up the episode beautifully.

Filmmaking on a smaller budget can be done sensationally well, and John P Martinez nailed this. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

The film tells the story of a character’s surprise visit from their future self, bringing a message of hope and redemption.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The power of positive messaging in seconds hits so fast that if someone blinks, they’d miss it in SELF CARE IN SECONDS. Hope amidst despair is a feeling everyone has had and sometimes it takes a reminder from yourself that “you are enough” as the man in the film is confronted with a version of himself from the future knocking on his door.

The viewer doesn’t know what led up to this moment, only that something dramatic happened for a future version of the man to show up to give himself hope in a moment where he needed the vital message of being enough. The whimsical score and lighting seems like this is almost like a dream, something that couldn’t happen in reality but only in dreams when the subconscious could give important messages that reverberate in the soul. It is in dreams when people are most likely to listen to messages, even to themselves, because they are forced to listen. The abrupt ending is almost like waking up with the message of being enough at the forefront of the mind in this short 15 second film. 

The length of this film would be perfect for an advertisement before a longer video as it’s short enough that people couldn’t clip skip. The message would stick, it would peak the curiosity to learn more about self care and to bring a positive message to someone that might be having a bad day. The message of being enough is something that isn’t spread enough and if the right people see this, it could change their lives.

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Writer & Director Curtis Johnson

Producer & Actor Shane Franklin

In the transformative backdrop of Argentina’s evolving democracy and vibrant art scene from 1987 to 1996, “Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads” chronicles the profound and enduring friendship between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family. United by their love for music, they navigate complex family dynamics and the harsh realities of AIDS, with Kita becoming Lorenzo’s caregiver and preserving their bond through storytelling after his death, celebrating a love that transcends boundaries.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads,” is a visual audio book, offering an exploration of friendship, love, and the human condition set against the colorful backdrop of Argentina’s evolving democracy and inspired art. This film chronicles the deep and enduring connection between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family.

Their bond, rooted in a shared love for music, is tested by complex family dynamics and the harrowing realities of the growing AIDS crisis. Kita’s role as Lorenzo’s caregiver becomes the heart of the narrative, as she preserves their friendship through storytelling, celebrating a love that defies societal boundaries.

The film’s aesthetic is a compelling fusion of art and animation, with double exposure techniques enhancing the visual storytelling. This approach solidifies movements behind the painted cells, creating a sense of continuity and depth. The sound design further elevates the experience, with everyday noises, like the hum of cars, integrating and reflecting the emotional landscape of the characters.

The narration is soft-spoken, calming, and deeply engaging, drawing viewers into a world where reality blends seamlessly with what seems to be AI-fabricated art. The story unfolds like a dance, where serene ballet sequences convey the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The music, particularly in these moments, is powerful, bringing the viewer to their knees just as it does Kita, inviting us to read between the lines of love, loss, and longing.

At its core, “Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads” is a story of newfound freedoms, deepening friendships, and the challenges of aging during a time of global uncertainty. It captures the essence of a fairy-tale-like year abroad, where bonds are formed in the face of adversity, laughter is shared without reason, and long-distance friendships thrive on strong communication and a sense of home.

The film also delves into the harsh realities of facing a terminal illness, portraying the fear, vulnerability, and unwavering support that define the experience of caring after someone you love. Kita’s journey is one of profound emotional resonance, illustrating the power of memories and the ways in which love can transcend language barriers and societal norms.

“Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads” is a beautifully crafted story delving into tales on life, love, and the enduring power of friendship, offering a touching tribute to those who navigate the crossroads of life with grace and courage.

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What happens when you grow up in a world where there was only one projected image of what a ballerina “should look like” – down to the pink nude pointe shoes?

Review by Andie Karvelis:

As a child, I remember many lessons that my Gran taught me using various adages. One of them was “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and as usual, Gran was right. Some of the kindest people I have met have been covered in tattoos and piercings, while the most sinister look like they stepped off the pages of Vogue or GQ.

Micah Bullard’s story is moving, powerful and the epitome of not judging a book by its cover. The cinematography in this film was beautiful and the location was so serene it was almost magical. The perfect spot to film this and watch Micah perform.

Sophie Powers and Michelene Mallard Billy did everything. When I say everything, I am not exaggerating. They co directed, co camera operated and shared director of photography roles. Sophie also produced and edited this short film. These two are an amazing team and I look forward to watching whatever they do next. It’s bound to be sensational.

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