And The Balls Roll On… The Real Story of the Beautiful Game of Skee-Ball, 93min., USA
Directed by Thaddeus O. Cooper, Kevin B Kreitman
This is the story of Skee-Ball—a unique game, patented in 1908 by a long forgotten inventor living in Vineland NJ: Joseph Fourestier Simpson. The film explores the era in which the young inventor grew up, as the industrial revolution created the new middle class, and the explosion of amusement parks that allowed them to flee their crowded industrial neighborhoods for a few hours of pleasure.

http://www.nomoreboxes.com/AndTheBallsRollOn.html
https://www.facebook.com/atbrothemovie

Get to know the filmmakers Thaddeus O. Cooper, Kevin B Kreitman:

1. What motivated you to make this film? 

Thad wanted to get back into shooting video and was looking for a small project—a 10 minute YouTube video about the history of Skee-Ball. He started digging into the real but unknown inventor, and discovered a surprisingly dramatic and moving story, and then the rest of the saga that has its own drama and memorable characters…and we knew we just had to tell the story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
13 years, six of which were just research. We had the first book done by 2016, and the first complete version of the film by 2018, but it had some serious flaws (length and focus), and we went back and rewrote the screenplay—more than once. By the time we were ready to shoot interviews and B-roll, we were shut down by COVID. We got back to doing the real work in 2023. Finally hired a crew to do the East Coast interviews and B-roll. The film was in the can by October 2023. And it took another year to rework the music, and do the post work. But it’s DONE.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Kevin: Fast-play excitement!
Thad: Rollercoaster ride!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Our own inexperience. This was our FIRST real film. We had backgrounds in all of the pieces—writing, film theory, music, video and photography and Thad was a production sound mixer and occasional grip in L.A. for a few years. But becoming producers—the just one more thing…oh, just one more thing… one more contract, was a real slog. We were fortunate to have a lot of resources who gave us advice (CML, Larry Hott/Florentine Films, ) Also, we took Dov Simens Filmmakers Bootcamp many years ago, so we weren’t completely unprepared for the business side of things. But it was still daunting.

What helped was what we learned from our cats. If you want something, never give up. Just keep putting one paw in front of the other until you get it.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Thad: Dumbfounded! When you work on a project for this long, you don’t know what the impact is going to be. You have a skewed perspective.
Kevin: I was just thrilled. It hit exactly what we were trying to get the film to do. They appreciated the drama, the weaving of history through the Skee-Ball story, they liked our narrator and voice actors, and it made them nostalgic!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
For Thad: When I was in 7th grade and worked in the TV studio at my Junior High School
For Kevin: When Thad decided to make this film.

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

Thad: Three Days of the Condor Kevin: Big Trouble in Little China. Or maybe The Princess Bride

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Really love the FilmFreeway platform. It made everything incredibly easy!

9. What is your favorite meal?
Kevin: Seared duck breast over pilaf, with fruit sauce
Thad: Steak frites

10. What is next for you? A new film?
A new book about the inventor of Skee-Ball, Joseph Fourestier Simpson, and a film based on the book—Vineland’s Forgotten Inventor, maybe a short about JD Este. Then, who knows?

CHERRY ON TOP, 15min., Brazil
Directed by Laura Reis
A girl with a bunny head tries to escape from her hunted reality when she discovers a group of colorful and hungry girls to be a part of…but things are not as sweet as it seems

https://www.instagram.com/cerejadobolofilme/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I can think that my motivation came from the desire to send an environment message about animal’s safety, global warming, and the problems our future is warning us about. Obviously, I wanted to do this in my own way, full of visual astonishing images and satire, targeting horror movie fans that can walk out of the section and rethink their views of the world. Another part of me wanted to make this film to honor my inter child that always dreamed about becoming a filmmaker and creating my very unique universe were everything is possible, even magical forests filled with pink, cakes and weird girls scouts to be a part of.

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

I had the idea for the film when I was 19 years old, while doing what I always do alone in my room, drawing weird and unsettling characters, especially girls with bunny heads. With 20 years old, I finally shoot the film, and with 21 I am releasing to the world. So, 3 years in total.

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

Pink and Blood!!

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

I have to say, the rainy days we faced through the shooting days. We had to reschedule our set after shooting the first two days, fearing the rain reports of October 2023. We came back in November, more motivated than ever to finish our work. Glady, we shoot everything in chronological order.

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

Not gonna lie, I cried a bit. Is a fantastic feeling to watch people from another part of the world talking about your film, and specially to understand everything you wanned to express. Cherry on Top is a non-dialogue short film, I wanted it to be that way so it was easier to start conversations all around the world, and I’m so beyond happy that is happening. Right after watching the feedback video, I sent it to the entire crew and cast so we could exchange of the same exited feelings.

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

That happened at a very young age, maybe around 4 or 5 years old. I’m a cinephile since birth, thank you mom and dad for raising me around incredible films, introducing me to horror films such as The Blair Witch (1999) and our family traditions to watch all of the Friday the 13th films in a row. I was the type of kid that forced my friends to be part of my “movies” and loved to be behind the cameras at the family functions (still do), but I can’t remember the exact moment where I discovered that filmmaking was a career to pursue although I can clearly remember my child’s mind creating full on films in my head and waiting for the right time where I could bring them out to the world.

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

That’s a hard one because I was the type of kid to rent the exact same films at my local movie rental store over and over again…but thinking a little fast ford than those times, I think the film I have seen the most in my life is “The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain (2001)”

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 the work that your festival is already doing, is really important especially to us first time filmmakers that need a space to be heard and share our visions. I wish more festivals could give the attention the you’re giving to filmmakers around the world. Something cool that you could implement could be a Q&A (online or present) featuring the film winners of the categories with the film crew and audience.

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

It was great! Not a single problem.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Is safe to say that I preferer sweets over salty foods, but as a proud vegetarian I love the Middle Eastern cuisine, falafel, chick pea, and all its non-meat goodness.

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

I hope new films come to my way, my dream project right now would be a “Cherry on Top” featured film, I still have a lot more to say and explore form its universe. But new ideas are aways coming, and I’ll for sure work on them and make it happen if I think is worth it. I also have a lot of love for music, and want to mix my two greatest loves: films and music, in to one with music videos! So, I hope this type of projects is also in my near future. But one thing I know for sure, my next short film, video clip and feature film, will be very visually awesome filled with my favorite horror references, and featuring a new look to the genre 🙂

DARK ROOM, 11min., USA
Directed by Rogelio Robles
After losing everything, a man slowly and painfully loses his mind right before your eyes. Becoming the serial killer he was destined to be.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was something that I felt I needed to make. Everyone deals with loss and depression differently. I wanted to get this out there and show my perspective on what it would look like for someone to slowly lose their mind.

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

It took roughly about a year to get everything 100% done and out to the world.

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

Insanity overload

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

At first it was finding a good location to film. Then time. Our schedules all didn’t coincide, but we made it work.

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

It’s awesome to get multiple viewpoints and interpretations of the film. Sometimes I hear something I didn’t quite think about before and I’m like wow that was actually awesome!

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

About 3 years ago, I was writing books and it just wasn’t satisfying me. I took the risk finally of putting my writing onto the screen and it turned out to be a great idea and we’re just building from here.

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

As an adult I would have to say it has been my all time favorite film, American Psycho.

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

Honestly what your festival provides to us filmmakers it’s beautiful and I wouldn’t change anything about it.

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

It’s easy, it’s fast and painless. Tons of information on the festival was provided along with reviews. It was a no brainer I wanted to submit to your festival as soon as I came across it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Give me a good steak cooked rare with all the fixings and I’m a happy camper.

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

The premier for Red Room Requiem, which is the follow up film to Dark Room. It will be hitting theaters in January.

LAND MASS, 48min,. UK
Directed by Jenni Roditi, Sara Pozin
A new kind of liturgy is about to begin… a Land Mass. This is a spontaneous, vocal-visual liturgy for the land, sung by a unique choir, The Improvisers’ Choir, conducted by composer Jenni Roditi, who is creating her conducting directions as the improvised music is sung.

http://www.theimproviserschoir.com/landmass
https://www.facebook.com/ticsingers
https://twitter.com/ticsingers
https://www.instagram.com/ticsingers

Get to know filmmaker Jenni Roditi:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was the producer Jaka Skapin who motivated me. I had made the recordings and was thinking of an album release. Jaka, a young professional vocal improviser was also helping me with the promotion of the music project. He said he knew a Slovenian film maker who would enjoy making images to the music. He then introduced me Sara Pozin.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
4 years. I applied for funding from Performing Right Society Foundation for the music recording in February 2018. We recorded in July that year. I finished cutting/curating during 2021 lockdown.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
May I used four? Poetic Vocal-Visual Liturgy

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was myself. I was playing several roles and while I knew what I wanted I have a tendency to over think things when something simpler will do much better! I spent quite a lot of my time thinking how I could clarify and simplify.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I thought they were very respectful and considered. There was a nice balance of spontaneous honesty and well thought- through commentary.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I didn’t really.. I’m a musician and the film has come out of that in 2018 when I discussed it with Jaka Skapin.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Better for me to say what music have you heard most in your life? Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments. I used to have it on repeat in my bedsit when I was a student…

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 am considering your other offers which look to be an extension of what you offer beyond the audience feedback. I think you’ve thought it through well.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I think the FF platform works very well, but I have been caught out a few times with what I can only call ‘fake film festivals’. I’ve now found a professional advisor who knows which ones are genuine so I always check with her first now. Her name is Rebekah Louisa Smith and she calls herself the Film Festival Doctor. She’s brilliant.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Grilled salmon, salad and baby new potatoes.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Next for me will be a new composition of mine being performed in November, a composer website designed (long overdue!) and promoting my project Vocal Tai Chi for a 2025 Apprenticeship training here in London .

CHAPTER XIII, 20min., Italy
Directed by (Iris) Concetta Lombardo
Sergio is a writer who has isolated himself from the world. His publishing house puts him under pressure. Stopping at Chapter XIII, he goes into crisis and doesn’t know what to do. A presence, close to him, will force him to “look” inside himself, until he makes an irreversible choice…

https://www.instagram.com/iris_moon_concetta_lombardo

Get to know the filmmaker;

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have always loved cinema and writing stories. I started studying acting seriously in 2019, and then took courses to specialize in screenwriting and directing. I wanted to get involved with a story that could “help” especially those who have been in a situation similar to that of the protagonist or that they are still unable to resolve.

(Ho sempre amato il cinema e scrivere storie. Ho iniziato a studiare seriamente recitazione dal 2019, per poi fare corsi per specializzarmi in sceneggiatura e regia. Volevo mettermi in gioco con una storia che potesse “aiutare” soprattutto chi è passato in una situazione simile a quella del protagonista o che ancora non sta riuscendo a risolvere.)

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

About four months.

(Circa quattro mesi.)

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

Anguishing, hopeful.

(Angosciante, speranzoso.)

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

The budget. it is self-produced by me.

(Il budget. È autoprodotto da me.)

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

I was excited, I am grateful to the public who reviewed my short film. I’m happy that the message arrived, it means a lot to me. It means that the script works and is done well. And that the directorial choices, the actors and the product in general work.

(Mi sono emozionata, sono grata al pubblico che ha recensito il mio cortometraggio. Sono felice che il messaggio sia arrivato, significa molto per me. Significa che la sceneggiatura funziona ed è fatta bene. E che le scelte registiche, gli attori e il prodotto in generale funzionano.)

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

I have always loved cinema since I was a child. Although I had initially taken different paths, in the end I understood that this was my true world, thanks also to my passion/work as a cosplayer, where I had the opportunity to interpret different characters and also create new ones. I decided to start studying seriously in 2019, even though I was already 28 years old. I believe there is no age limit to make your dreams come true!

(Ho sempre amato il cinema sin da bambina. Nonostante avessi inizialmente preso strade diverse, alla fine ho capito che era questo il mio vero mondo, grazie anche alla mia passione/lavoro da cosplayer, dove ho avuto modo di interpretare personaggi diversi tra loro e anche crearne di nuovi. Ho deciso di iniziato seriamente con lo studio nel 2019, nonostante avessi già 28 anni. Credo non esista un limite d’età per realizzare i propri sogni!)

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

I don’t have a specific movie. The films I have seen most (and willingly watch again) are: The Crow, directed by Alex Proyas; Corpse Bride, directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson; El labirinto del fauno, directed by Guillermo Del Toro; What Dreams May Come, directed by Vincent Ward.

(Non ho un film specifico. I film che più ho visto (e rivedo volentieri) sono: The Crow, regia Alex Proyas; Corpse Bride, regia Tim Burton e Mike Johnson; El labirinto del fauno, regia Guillermo Del Toro; What Dreams May Come, regia Vincent Ward.)

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

Having some feedback on a technical level wouldn’t be bad. For those (like me) who are at their first job, it could be useful for future jobs, to improve more and more!

(Avere qualche feedback a livello tecnico non sarebbe male. Per chi (come me) è al primo lavoro, potrebbe essere utile per lavori futuri, per migliorare sempre di più!)

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

Great experience, communication was great!

(Ottima esperienza, la comunicazione è stata eccezionale!)

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love pizza!

(Adoro la pizza!)

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

I already have an idea in mind for my new short film, it will definitely be released in 2025. In the meantime, I’m working on my first play, I’ve already completed the dramaturgy, I’m working on the implementation.

(Ho già in mente un’idea per il mio nuovo cortometraggio, sicuramente uscirà nel 2025. Nel frattempo, sto lavorando alla mia prima opera teatrale, ho già completato la drammaturgia, sto lavorando alla messa in opera.)

THE CAPTOR, 64min., USA
Directed by Sean De La Nuez
An ex-soldier with PTSD decides to become the vigilante of his neighborhood, taking justice into his own hands against porch pirates.

https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz
https://www.instagram.com/alejandra.alanis.ortiz/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by the growing problem of porch piracy, and I wanted to explore the idea of vigilante justice, questioning where the line is between right and wrong in taking matters into your own hands.

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

From initial concept to final product, the film took about 2 and half years to complete.

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

“Intense retribution.”

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

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right balance between action and emotional depth in the characters, while also managing production constraints like budget or time.

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

It was surreal and incredibly gratifying to see the audience connect with the themes of the film, and their reactions gave me a lot of insight into how it resonated with different people.

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

I realized I wanted to make films as a kid, when I would grab any camera I could find and create home videos for fun. But it wasn’t until high school, when I took a TV production class, that I truly fell in love with the process. It felt like stepping into a toy store, there was so much to explore, and I wanted to learn everything. As I discovered the power of storytelling, especially when paired with visual elements, I began to take it more seriously. I started with short films, honing my craft, until I felt ready to tackle full-length features.

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

The film I’ve watched the most is “The Dark Knight”. It never fails to inspire me with its incredible performances and masterful storytelling. From start to finish, it’s relentlessly intense, with every scene and shot serving a purpose. There’s no wasted moment, the film keeps driving forward with a sense of urgency that I really admire.

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

More opportunities for networking with other filmmakers and industry professionals would be great, along with masterclasses on the business side of filmmaking to help bridge the gap between creative and professional success.

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

FilmFreeway has been a smooth and convenient platform to use, making the submission process straightforward and allowing easy access to a variety of festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal has to be tacos. I love the endless possibilities when it comes to choosing fillings and toppings, and the creative freedom that comes with making them. Plus, the process of assembling them is just as enjoyable as eating them!

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

I’m currently in post-production on my next film, and I’m excited to take my storytelling to the next level. Moving forward, I’m eager to explore new genres or even dive into a series, challenging myself to push the boundaries of my creativity even further.

CHRISTMAS CREW, 7min., Canada
Directed by Moumita Das
“Christmas Crew – A Story About Collective Kindness” is a heartwarming documentary that follows the inspiring journey of John and Junie White, affectionately known as the Christmas Crew. What began as a simple act of generosity in their living room has blossomed into a remarkable community tradition, transforming the lives of many in Cape Breton’s Sydney and Glace Bay areas.

https://www.facebook.com/dasmoumita

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I am always drawn to human interest stories. They captivate me because of their realness, and I find immense joy in discovering and sharing the stories of real-life heroes. By pure coincidence, I came across the Christmas Crew, a group of kind-hearted people who spread joy during the holiday season by providing turkey dinners to those in need. Their generosity and compassion inspired me to create a film that would tell their story and share it with the world.

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

The idea for the film came to me while I was supporting the Curling for a Cause event, where I met John and Junie. When they shared their story at a Rotary Club event, I knew it was something special. The filming itself took 2-3 days. On the first day, we planned and packed alongside the volunteers, and on the second day, we captured the actual event when the food was distributed. The entire production of the documentary took about 10-15 days to complete.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Collective Kindness.

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

This was my first time living and working in Canada, and filming in such cold conditions was a challenge. I shot the documentary in mid-December in the Atlantic provinces, where the cold winds were extreme. However, seeing the 100+ volunteers working alongside me, despite the weather, inspired me to push through without complaints.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talk about your film in the feedback video?

The audience feedback was invaluable. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to watch and review my film. I was overjoyed that they appreciated my work, and winning the Best Human Interest Film award, as chosen by the audience, was a truly humbling experience.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My love for cameras began early on, starting with photography. I won several contests as a photographer, which further fueled my passion. Later, after completing my Master’s in Mass Communication, I found more opportunities in videography and became increasingly drawn to social issues. Eventually, this led me to become a filmmaker.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

I have always been a fan of documentaries, across all genres. I especially love short films because they are able to convey a wide range of emotions and moods in just a few minutes.

What other elements of the festival experience could we and other festivals implement to support filmmakers like you?

Since my documentary was self-funded, I believe film festivals could offer more support for independent projects like mine. This would encourage filmmakers to continue bringing unique and meaningful stories to the world.

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

So far, it has been a great experience. I appreciate how seamless the entire process has been.

What is your favorite meal?

A good Chicken Caesar Salad.

What’s next for you? Another film?

Yes, I am currently working on my next project, which is another human interest story. I’m meeting more amazing people and learning about their real-life heroic journeys.

THIS IS IT, 106min., Netherlands
Directed by Trieu Hyunh
An Amsterdam band creates and records a song in 1 day. The result is taken to Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. There, the band leader Trieu, finds amazing Gili musicians to study and to invite for a collaboration. The Gili musicians get to see their own shows. In the process, Trieu refinds an old lost friend.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Being a regular to Gili Trawangan, I noticed the amazing talent and skills of the Indonesian musicians on that tiny island. Knowing their hard work, I wanted to do something to create a bigger stage for them, outside of Gili as well. At some point, I decided to make a documentary. I have made short documentaries before, but this was the first feature documentary film. Talking to several people about the idea, I put myself under pressure and basically just started with test shoots and all was going very well.

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

The first idea was raised in june 2023. Then the execution was accelerated because the Amsterdam studio owner was going on holiday for 6 weeks, so we had to rush towards shooting 6 weeks sooner than expected. After the shooting day in Amsterdam, when we recorded the song, 5 days later I was in Gili. In Gili there were 8 shooting days. There was a rough idea, but I left open to the odds what was going to happen. On Gili, we planned a day, shot a day, at night I edited and showed the results to the musicians. The musicians watching their own shows is part of the documentary as well. I just wanted to helpt the musicians by showing them their own amazing performances. The biggest burden of a musician is that you rarely get yourself properly. I gave that to them. And them watching themselves, was also part of the film.

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

Feel good.

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

The post-production towards 5.1 audio and a digital cinema package. It is just an intensive process.

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

Insightful and please that they liked it and highlighted what we found important.

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

When I saw these amazing musicians, who deserved to be properly documented.

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

Avengers end game

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

Our visuals are not on the website, I would like to have heard the dates, I would wanted to drop by, I would loved to have a ceremony for the winners

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

Good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Nasi goreng

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

Adventure…!