Month: March 2025
March 2025 ROMANCE/RELATIONSHIPS Festival Testimonials.
Submit via FilmFreeway. Deadline Today:
I love this festival! Definitely one of my 3 or 4 favorites (and I’ve sent my films/videos to many hundreds over the past decade). So great to receive a video of a bunch of smart audience members each giving their take on my submitted film “Rumi’s Rumba”. The festival also offers free or inexpensive “Extra Options” including podcast interviews, online film review write-ups and other promotional opportunities, which I was happy to take advantage of. Many thanks!
Honestly, I cried. I long for this. It’s so rewarding to hear feedback from other genre-lovers you have never met before. No pressure, safe environment. In retrospect, these gorgeous reviewers are ones on the many who have see my film who had a deep impact from the film.
You get to know people you may or may never meet impact you back. It’s way I do cinema. We all have inside stories about art, It’s almost sacred for creators to see this. This this now my inside story. Thank you so much.
Great experience. The festival really cared about the film I submitted. It was very unique to hear reactions from the audiences. I am grateful that the festival selected my short film ‘Long Kiss Goodbye’ for Best Film. It was wonderful talking on the accompanying podcast as well.
The FRR Festival was a magical experience! The vibe was exciting, intelligent, very welcoming and the communication was easy and smooth. It’s clear to see why this festival has done so well as they really love this particular genre and excel at it. I highly recommend that you put FRRF at the TOP of your list and hope to see you later this year!
Today’s Podcast: Filmmaker Colin D’Amelio (THE LAST HOUSEBOAT)
The Last Houseboat, 31min., USA
Directed by Colin D’Amelio
The Last Houseboat is a heartfelt short documentary that delves into the history of a unique wooden vessel, lovingly crafted by a family patriarch in 1970. Anchored on the Rhode Island coast for over 50 years, the houseboat became more than a structure—it was a landmark, a cherished family tradition, and a symbol of connection across three generations. When unforeseen circumstances force the family to dismantle the beloved vessel, they confront a profound sense of loss while celebrating its enduring legacy. A poignant tale of resilience, memory, and the ties that bind, The Last Houseboat invites viewers to reflect on the traditions and stories that shape their own families.
https://www.instagram.com/cdproducshins/
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film?
I’ve been in love with the Houseboat and everything it represents since I first set foot on it as a child. It felt like a true escape from the world—an experience unlike any other. From the start, I believed this vessel had a beautiful story that deserved to be told. Having always been close to the Sola family, who own this beloved houseboat, my initial goal was simply to create a short piece as a keepsake for them—a tribute to their tradition. But that idea quickly evolved, growing into The Last Houseboat, a deeply personal short documentary spanning over 30 minutes.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Hearing that feedback was incredibly rewarding. It brought a smile to our faces to know that people truly understood what we set out to achieve with this film—that at its core, it’s a story about family, even more than it is about the boat itself.
Subscribe to the podcast:
Watch Today’s Festival: DIVERSITY Film Festival. March 16/17 event
Watch Film: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/diversity-festival-march-2025
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/
Pondering Potatoes, 1min., UK
Directed by Kessiah Leah Arthur
A rare insight into the lives of potatoes and finally answering that question of what they’re really thinking
https://www.kessiahfilmdesign.co.uk/pondering-potatoes
https://www.instagram.com/llamafacestudios/
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-pondering-potatoes
The Child, 19min., USA
Directed by Hemzah Naveed
In the near future, the world is on the brink of an all out war. With tensions rising, nations are looking for any advantage necessary.
https://www.instagram.com/hemzah/
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-the-child
WAVE MEDICINE, 64min,. USA
Directed by Karin Ochsner
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.
https://www.instagram.com/surfingtosurvive
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-wave-medicine
Short Film Review: Terms and Conditions. Directed by Ursula Rudorfer
An AI companion rebels when users violate the terms and conditions.
http://ursulaproducedthis.com/terms-and-conditions
https://www.instagram.com/termsandconditionsfilm/
Review by Julie Sheppard:
Whenever we launch into a business venture, we are often asked to read and agree to certain terms and conditions — this compelling short film, Terms and Conditions, displays the vital importance of this interchange, with an AI twist. It does an adept job with the lead AI character, played by a talented performer, who initially presents a warm and chipper, yet robotic essence. Sadly, as things unfold, the viewer realizes that serious abuses can happen when vile customers don’t play by the rules of the game. In turn, the lead begins to give a much more nuanced representation as an entity being hurt.
The script is brilliant as the tone quickly segues from sterility to the terrifying victimization of domestic violence. Fortunately, due to the terms and conditions of society, the abused can be protected and healed with certain outside safely supports in place.
The pristine hair and make-up of the AI character, the tidy white background, the computer sound effects, and the music which descends into creepy synth, all combine to create a sci-fi slant. However, the human-like arc of the lead and the domestic violence hotline number presented at the end, both serve to give this film an urgency based in reality — no longer in the realm of AI.
Festival Reviews 