Year: 2024

Watch the DOC International Showcase – April 20/21 event

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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/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/april-20-doc-international

See the Full Lineup of Films:

THE ROAD OF INHERITANCE, 9min., China
This is about the inheritance of traditional craft of sword-making by craftsmen.

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

WORLD WAR II: THE SHIPWRECKS OF TRUK LAGOON, 45min., Germany
Directed by Christian Wehrle
“World War II: The Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon” is a 45-minute documentary that dives into the haunting underwater world of Chuuk Lagoon, a site of immense historical and ecological significance. Once a formidable fortress for the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II, this tranquil Pacific lagoon now cradles a ghostly fleet of sunken warships and aircraft, remnants of the devastating Operation Hailstone. Through a blend of captivating underwater footage, historical insights, and expert interviews, the documentary unveils the stories of these submerged relics. It explores the ecological transformation of these wrecks into vibrant marine habitats, while also pondering the ethical considerations of diving in this underwater graveyard. The film invites viewers on a reflective journey, intertwining the lagoon’s war-torn past with its present status as a unique sanctuary for marine life, leaving a lasting impression of the intricate ties between history, humanity, and the natural world.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555290403495

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/world-war-ii-the-shipwrecks-of-truk-lagoon-review

Watch DOC Shorts – HUMAN INTEREST Festival – April 19-20 event

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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/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/apr-19-doc-human-interest

See the Full Lineup of Films:

FOR EVERYTHING THERE WAS A SEASON, 20min., USA
Directed by Trevor Bloom
A changing climate alters the fragile balance of survival for both wildlife and people in the Greater Yellowstone region. Visualized as the story of each of the four seasons, we’ll show you how a changing world is impacting nature and humans – and give you tangible actions we can all use to make a positive difference.

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

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/for-everything-there-is-a-season-review

THE LOST JEWS OF PAKISTAN, 12min., USA
Directed by Alexander Nilsen
Imagine a scenario where a teenage boy’s compassion shines through for a religious community that was forgotten, transforming a neglected graveyard into a place of beauty and solace. That’s the heartwarming story we captured in our documentary: The Lost Jews of Pakistan. It’s a tale that will inspire audiences and remind them of the incredible power of unifying religions while honoring our ancestors.

Welcome

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1191 – Filmmaker Yiou Wang (WATER ALWAYS GOES WHERE IT WANTS TO GO)

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WATER ALWAYS GOES WHERE IT WANTS TO GO, 5min., Romania
Media Artist Yiou Wang
“Water Always Goes Where It Wants to Go” is an ecoperformance CG art video of the body in synergy with the storied landscape of water. How can we go back to something we already have? We are born out of water, and water constitutes our body, our territories, and our myths. Mapping water through the body, in between transitory space for waters, the short film investigates the relationship between the self, its embodied and somatic dialogues, and these physical and symbolic waters, questioning how we can return to our first water, the common body.

Works

https://www.instagram.com/yiou_wang_/

Get to know the filmmaker:
This short film is the natural product of a very rich and interesting conversation Alina and I have. Many of our ideas clicked and crosspollinated. Alina is an actress and performance artist, who expresses through her body; I am a visual artist who expresses through image and form. We are both empaths who share an intuitive, embodied connection to a larger, more-than-human world. Alina has been introducing to the world the method of ecoperformance for many years, where she embodies a forest, a river, a crow, or an ancient mythic being and shapeshifts in synergy with the consciousness of the embodied. We began to focus on water, as water is our first body – the amniotic fluid is where we come from, and our common body. In many precolonial cultures and epistemologies, the land is often also corporeal. In Tuva, the mountain peak is the heart of mountain ranges, where rivers are the aortas, the soil’s blood vessels.

Alina and I wanted to create a branch of artworks embodying water combining her ecoperformance and my virtual filmmaking. She performs embodying water from our animistic perspective, and I do the motion capture, transferring her movement to the avatars of water. The scenography is designed with a root in theatre arts, where I put my 3D scanned natural environment pieces in the scene reminiscent of stage.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It is hard to pinpoint the start of this project, since Alina and I have been communicating for a year and our minds grew into this rich constellation. Since the beginning, we agreed to draft some proposals to apply for certain live performance art grants. After that, we thought why not make a film to further illustrate our proposal? And the actual production and editing of this film was about three weeks. But it’s hard to say it’s only three weeks, because a lot of the models I put into the environment were from my longtime habit of 3D scanning in my forest hikes.

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: EXPERIMENTAL, DANCE, MUSIC Film Festival

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Festival occurs 3 times a month at our Los Angeles and Toronto events. See website for next events: https://experimentalfilmfestival.com/

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Festivals take place at various Cinemas in downtown Toronto, Canada, for the audience feedback video.

NOTE: The festival has created a hybrid festival with 4 tiers to enhance your film and your festival experience. All accepted films receive all four tier options:

Tier #1 – Your film plays at either a public live event where we will record the audience reactions of your short or feature and then send you the feedback video. Or, it plays at a private festival event where the audience will record their comments/reactions to your film on their camera or phone, then we edit them and send you a promotional video. No matter what you will receive a promotional video of your film of people commenting on your film.

Tier #2 – We put up your film live on the Film Festival Streaming Service for 30 hours and invite a select industry audience to watch it. With this system, some films have already received a distribution deal as many platforms are looking for solid feature and short films. We can not guarantee anything of course but this has been very helpful to many in the past. (see testimonials below)

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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The goal of this festival is to showcase the best of new experimental short films and independent music videos from around the world. Films that don’t get a fair shake from other film festivals because programmers don’t know where to “categorize” these films. There isn’t a typical linear story occurring so most festivals can’t truly understand the talent and beauty around these films.

We want to showcase films that showcase true originality and talent from filmmakers from every corner of the globe. And also showcase new musicians who have made a music video and want it to be shown.

MOVIE Trailers Film Festival – Deadline TODAY (Guaranteed Acceptances)

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MOVIE Trailers Film Festival – Deadline TODAY

For a limited time EVERY SINGLE submission gets accepted.

NEW: Introducing the FESTIVAL for TRAILERS Festival.

Designed to get your film seen by industry executives and festival directors.

Festival for Trailers – Monthly (Free to Watch. $10 to Submit)

(submit there, or use the link and submit via FilmFreeway)

https://filmfreeway.com/FestivalforTrailersMonthly

Festival occurs every single month and streams for a week on the WILDsound Film Festival streaming service channel for FREE. Guaranteed to be watched by 1000s of people.

Trailers for both completed projects and scripts are eligible. They can be for films, scripted and unscripted TV shows, books, web series or games.

The prize is to get is seen by the right people so meetings can occur and/or you can get some waivers by festival directors.

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Watch Black & White Festival Feature Showcase: MEMORY OF WATER – April 19/20 event

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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/

Watch the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/black-and-white-memory-of-water

MEMORY OF WATER, 76min., France
Directed by Michael LASSERRE

Loïc, a photo artist plagued by doubt, is preparing his new exhibition, but his stubbornness to create his ultimate work of art will see him forced to confront a ghostly figure from his past.

Short Film Review: A LETTER TO THE ABSENT. Directed by Isabelle Catherine Donohue

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Synopsis:

The girl is on her own, without a family, without a home. She had encountered a boy who was also on his own and abandoned. they become very close. A relationship forms between them. After a heated fight…they split up and decide to go their own ways. The girl has been reflecting on her relationship with the boy. She is reconsidering her decision of leaving him, but knows it was the right thing to do, for both of them. She tries to shake the idea of him. Yet, she cannot seem to get him out of her head. She still feels so much regret. She decided sending a goodbye letter would be the best thing to do in order to help her truly forget about him and move on. The girl writes her letter to the boy recounting their relationship, memories together and their fight that divided them. She ends the letter saying how she’ll never go back to him, it’ll just end up hurting the both of them. Film ends with a shot of the girl getting into an old black Mercedes (the boy’s car, mentioned in letter).

Review by Andie Karvelis:

Breakups…We’ve all had them. Sometimes we are the one doing the breaking and sometimes we are the breakee. Either way it hurts, you feel guilty, you second guess yourself and you replay all the good and bad times in your mind.

Isabella Donohue created Letters to the Absent with the help of Annie Htay and Georgia Gleason and it’s a film we all can relate too. Those moments of self doubt after you have called it quits with someone you truly care for. I loved the effect that was placed on the footage, it really made it look like memories that were being re-lived. The voice over was heartfelt as it read this letter outloud to the person whose heart has just been broken.

The music choices were well thought out. Can’t ever go wrong with having Joy Division for the end credits! The music underscoring the film sometimes overpowered the voice over, especially when the lyrics kicked in. A little softer music volume would have been perfect because everything that is being said is so super important. Nice twist at the end, it really leaves you wondering what happens between this couple.

Short Film Review: GLIESE. Directed by Jorge Guimerá

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Synopsis:

Nacho awakens on the advanced planet Gliese. He is there by mistake and discovers that death does not exist. He must decide whether to remain on Gliese accepting his new condition or return to Earth with his needy younger brother and end the conspiracy forever.

Review by Victoria Angelique

The science fiction narrative short film, GLIESE, is a very nuanced story with compelling, well-developed characters. It utilizes several expert filmmaking techniques that make it hard to look away from this masterful work. The story is captivating with mystery and intrigue as it tells a story of brothers, Nacho and David. 

Director Jorge Guimerà is brilliant through the use of sound, effects and lighting to display the differences between Earth and Gliese. Earth has natural lighting, whereas Gliese has blue or bright white tones making it feel ethereal. The graphics start out strong in the very beginning of the film, coupling with special effects, this continues throughout the film with inventive gadgets that are beyond our world. It is ironic that the Gliese people have such advanced technology such as spirit removal, yet are using firearms to kill. 

Strong themes take the storytelling to the next level as the film isn’t focused on just one as many short films do, but multiple motifs. The first is that Gliese is not simply an extraterrestrial planet, but a metaphor for the afterlife where immortality resides and people cannot return to life on Earth. It certainly doesn’t appear to be Heaven or Hell, as Nacho is killed by the Gliese beings and abducted. His mind seems to torture him with the desire to protect his brother to the point he struggles to find peace within his new existence. The film also seems to allude to the idea of fate, as Nacho saw clues leading up to his death while still fighting the inevitable. 

This is a heartwarming film not only about the love of brothers, but poses the question that if given the chance to say goodbye once a loved one passes on, would someone do what Nacho does and do anything to have the chance to say farewell or would they accept their fate as the majority of the Gliese and learn how to adjust to the afterlife.    

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1192 – FILMMAKER ALIJAH JOHNSON (CIRCLES)

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CIRCLES, 6min., USA
Directed by Alijah Johnson
“Circles” is a visually stunning short film that takes the audience on a symbolic journey of personal transformation. The protagonist undergoes a profound metamorphosis, depicted through allegorical scenes representing different stages of self-discovery and growth. “Circles” explores the intricate dance between self-discovery, vulnerability, determination, sacrifice, and artistic power. Through its rich symbolism and powerful visuals, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of transformation and the circles they navigate in becoming their true selves.

https://www.instagram.com/alijah.aj/?hl=en

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/circles-review

Get to know the filmmaker:

Well, the inspiration behind “Circles ” stemmed from a deeply personal experience I went through a breakup with my ex-girlfriend. Instead of letting that experience crush me, I decided to channel that energy into something transformative. It was like becoming an alchemist, transmuting pain into creative fuel. As I delved deeper into exploring energies and self-discovery, I realized the power we have over our own filters. I believe we create filters we have a process of interpreting information that we’re not fully aware of and become aware of we choose to let in and how we process it. Which takes a lot of self exploration to become aware of. This journey of self-awareness and transformation became the driving force behind the film. I wanted to emerge from that dark phase as a completely new person, (dark night of the soul double entendre for the mountain scene) and this film captures that journey of metamorphosis. This film was like medication for me, especially during a period of depression and profound personal transformation. Going through a metamorphosis is very uncomfortable, much like many processes in nature where growth is necessary. For instance, plants breaking through soil or butterfly coming out a cocoon. It’s not pretty or comforting, but it’s necessary for growth. A lot was Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, the theme of circles reflects the idea that we can get stuck in one perspective or state of consciousness, trapped by our irreplaceable filters. This film served as a reminder that exploring new perspectives is essential for personal growth, even if it means destroying old aspects of ourselves. The process of making the film was just as therapeutic as the final product. It taught me that I have the power to bring my visions to life and that the journey as an artist brining things from the unseen world that you only have access to, to reality is challenging but rewarding. Ultimately, “Circles” became a message to myself, guiding me through my own transformation and helping me learn valuable lessons not only when I was making it but also for myself in the future.

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: LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival

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This festival is designed to showcase the best of LGBTQ+ stories from around the world today! We accept screenplays (short, TV Pilot, feature) and short & feature films.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Film Festivals:

Festivals occur every single month. We accept an assortment of shorts & feature films from around the world today monthly. We are proud to announce that we will be using the audience feedback format where all accepted films receive a video of people talking about their film at the festival. Excellent video to use for promotional purposes too. NOTE: To enhance the feedback video for the filmmakers, all festivals are held for a private selected audience only.

Screenplay Festivals:

We are proud to showcase 2-5 winning LGBTQ+ screenplays at our festival every single month!! Go to the site and watch the winning readings each month.

All entries receive full feedback from the industry. Accepted screenplays get their screenplays performed by professional actors.

One of North America’s leading gay destinations, Toronto has been holding Pride observances since the ’70s. The Pride parade draws more than 1.2 million spectators and participants annually, making it one of the top such draws in the world. The cinema is located in the Church & Wellesley area, where all of the Pride Events take place.

LGBTQ+ festivals occur 12 times a year. Go to the website for information on the next events.

All submissions receive feedback on their film no matter what.