Month: April 2025

Writer Ronald Kaehler (POOR PLAYERS)

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Five actors are summoned to an empty theater at a late hour to audition for an eccentric director’s production of “Macbeth.” As the night goes on, they realize this is no ordinary audition — and there’s more at stake than just getting a part.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
POOR PLAYERS is a stage play that unabashedly revels in all things eerie about “Macbeth” – especially the themes of illusion and delusion.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Supernatural horror

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Not sure, frankly, if it can be made into a movie since it is so specifically a theatrical piece that embraces and exploits the limitations of the stage and the “real time” unfolding of events. That said, it is inspired by my years of watching and loving horror films. In particular, it riffs on the portmanteau horror films that began way back when with “Dead of Night” and continues to this day (‘Tales from the Crypt” et al.), so maybe there is way to transfer it to cinema.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Dark comedy

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
On and off for five years

6. How many stories have you written?
I’ve written a lot of stuff for children’s TV, some that actually made it to the TV screen, as well as many works for the stage.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
Love of the genre and the challenge of making tropes work within the confines and restrictions of a stage work.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Logistic problems and keeping the supernatural and the mundane coexisting in the dialogue.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Music

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
POOR PLAYERS wasn’t getting much traction in the theater, so I pivoted to screenwriting festivals to get some feedback. Your feedback was smart and good and I applied it in my next pass on the script.

11. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Probably “Night of the Demon” (1957)

Screenwriter Olivier Ross-Parent (TAKE CARE)

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Something has happenned in Mady’s life. As an immigrant woman in America, she has achieved the American dream; A successful career as a doctor of psychology, a lavish home, nice car, and, most importantly a husband and two wonderful children, yet something is missing. Not knowing what it is, she goes looking for it in strange places and in ethically-questionable ways.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?
It’s about an immigrant woman, who has embodied the American dream by becoming a successful psychologist, a wife, and a mother, yet has started living an increasingly destructive double life to escape her existential despair.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thriller. Dark Comedy, maybe. Always find this question hard to answer.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Control and abandon.

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

It’s a tie between Eraserhead, and The Invasion of the Body Snatchers.(1978)

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

2 years, on and off.

6. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written many short films and Take Care is my 4th feature length screenplay, but it is the first I believe deserves to be into a film.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

My observations on the impact mental health care work has on the people who do it and their reasons for doing it in the first place.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

My own ego getting in the way.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I graduated theatre school back in 2016 and have been working as an actor ever since. Every year I fall deeper in love not only with the craft of acting but of filmmaking as a whole. I also love martial arts and work as a stunt performer on occasion.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

The overwhelmingly positive reviews.

11. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Being a cinephile, I wrote a story I want to watch. Take Care is going to be a film that will move you, just like it will disturb you. A film that could make you laugh, just like it could make you cry, push you to introspection, or simply leave you stunned by the Chaos of it all. I think, as a society, we are all collectively becoming more aware of our mental health and how to take care of it, which is a wonderful thing. Something that isn’t talked about enough though is; Who helps the ones who help? This film is about how a person can still slip through the cracks and weaponize their understanding of psychology. How our pride and our ego stop us from healing no matter how smart and educated we can be.

Screenwriter Jennifer LeBeau (LITTLE STEPS)

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Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life.

2. How would you describe this script in two words?


Creepy, salty.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think the premise is unique, though there’s definitely a niche fanbase for haunted dolls—both those who truly believe and those who just enjoy that weird little world. And who couldn’t use a little encouragement to follow their creative dreams… from beyond the grave?

From a production standpoint, this could be made on a very low budget and shot over 2–3 days. There are only three human characters and two locations. The doll is the most important character and would ideally be robotic—but as a backup, I know some talented puppet makers from a previous short I produced.

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Ngl: The Princess Bride. I forced my friends to watch it nearly every day ine summer in middle school.

In the horror genre: Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A perfect film. No notes. Much better than the book.

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I finished the first draft in early 2020, and planned to produce and direct it as my second short film with the Bay Area Indies film group. Then—well, you know—the pandemic.

Also—I had a baby.

I recently returned to it and did a few revisions over the past year.

6. How many stories have you written?

This is my second short script. I’m currently working on a feature.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I was really inspired by the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? The idea that a very talented writer getting caught up in something creative but morally questionable. I learned about the haunted doll economy through a few podcasts (shoutout to My Brother, My Brother and Me and Ghosted! with Roz Hernandez) and thought it would be a really fun combination.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Keeping the length down (always a struggle when you’re writing short films), and trying to wrap up the ending in a neat and satisfying way.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Human rights. Equality for womxn, BIPOC, and the LGBT+ community.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I was searching for festivals that had a screenplay category and was really excited by how The Horror Underground festival supports genre writers. The feedback on my script was incredibly positive, which I appreciated—and the recorded reading was excellent!

Actor/Writer Kahina Benyahia (PHANTOM QUARTZ)

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Phantom Quartz, 12min., France
Directed by Marc DAVID
Nolan Le, a former DGSE agent, aspires to lead an ordinary life with his daughter after several years of service, but fate intervened differently.

Get to know writer/actor Kahina Benyahia:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
– The dream of playing a Ethan Hunt character
– The will to mix physical, mechanical stunt and camera work into one process.
– The desire to reunite old friends on a project where everyone can give his favourite and best part.

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

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
– The hardest part was to be able to reunite all our talented friends together at the same time for 6 days.
– The post production was not an easy thing for me, just because it was my first time being part of the whole process : Colorimetry, sound design, editing…

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
– Surprised to realise that the message went through, the words they used were exactly our purpose while we were creating it.
– Happy by the fact that they notice the camera and action performance relevant to a storyline.
– Proud when they were talking about the performance of the little girl.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
– 2015, MISCELLANEOUS shortcut
We wrote it with Marc and 2 other friends, we were stunt performers at the time and had the same positions that in Phantom Quartz :
Marc was directing and I was performing.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
– Back to the future

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
– By proposing more Action awards like Best Stunt, best fight choreography, best stunt coordinator.
– By inviting us to the festival screening

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
– Kahina, our producer deal perfectly with film freeway and told me that it was very easy and intuitive.

10. What is your favorite meal?
– PHO soup

11. What is next for you? A new film?
– Grow as a stunt supervising company (Stunt Workshop International)
– Phantom Quartz movie

Screenwriter Jason Seelman (THE TRAIT)

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A family dinner takes a sinister turn when the children are reminded of a generational ritual at the onset of the father’s terminal illness.

https://www.instagram.com/jason_e_seelmann/

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

The Trait is a window into a family, so consumed by their place in society that they are willing to make an unbelievable sacrifice to maintain their status and secure their longevity, during one of the darkest times in American history.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Psychological Thriller, True Crime

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Family Values

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Not including traditional Christmas flicks, probably My Life, with Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman.

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I wrote the first draft about 3 years ago. It has had a couple subtle changes, but otherwise just as it was first conceived.

6. How many stories have you written?

I have 12 completed scripts, three short have been produced, two proof-of-concept shorts filming this year, plus another 18 scripts in various stages

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

A desire to explore the human condition, good and not so good.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Striking a balance between the real events and the creative licence as the writer.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Filmmaking in general, editing video for other filmmakers and helping them develop stories. I also work in the Art Department in film and tv in Calgary and being part of building worlds is inspiring.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

With the festival growing in popularity, it seemed like a good move.

11. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Genre films are always in demand. Added to that, the growing interest in true crime, the timing has never been better. It is also a slice of American history that is rarely explored.

Screenwriter Hannah Miyamoto (TICKET TO KYIV)

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A carefree young American woman gains a new appreciation for life when she is caught up in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

https://www.instagram.com/hannah_pacificostudios/

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

A quietly-queer young Jewish-American woman gains a new appreciation for life when she is caught up in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama-Lesbian Romance-Suspense & Thriller.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Two words: “History Shaper.”

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

“Casablanca,” the inspiration for “Ticket to Kyiv.”

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Writing began: The day after Election Day 2024.

6. How many stories have you written?

Number of stories written: 1-2 dozen.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

Economic opportunity: With the election of Trump, “Ticket to Kyiv” has high international potential and serves the interests of European leaders.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

I had to wait until winter break.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Social justice, especially anti-racism, feminism, LGBTQ+ equality.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I entered the Female Feedback screenplay contest because “Ticket to Kyiv” is an unusual screenplay, even among stories in which the main characters are female. I am pleased with the feedback I have received because the reader understands what I am trying to do, they found things in the story that I didn’t intentionally place, and most importantly, they reviewed the script from the perspective of my target market, women under 30.

11. What movie have you watched the most times in your life?

“Casablanca,” the inspiration for “Ticket to Kyiv.”

12. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

To persuade the American people to support Ukraine and maintain the NATO alliance.

Filmmaker Marwan Tinhougga (A LIFE BET)

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A LIFE BET, 2min., France
Directed by Marwan Tinhougga
As the game reaches its peak, a debate ensues between Amir and Seydou, while Franck, completely inert to the conversation, takes advantage of the situation. During this poker hand, both cunning and majestic, the discussion between the two friends intensifies, creating such an intense atmosphere that it prompts the viewer to reflect on their own values and life choices in a moment of introspection.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to explore the dilemmas and tensions faced by migrants through a metaphorical story, using the poker game as a stage to reflect on identity, survival, and the exploitation of resources.

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

The project took about 3 months from the initial idea to the final cut, including writing, pre-production, shooting, and editing.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Intense & symbolic.

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

The biggest challenge was to convey a complex message with very limited time and resources, while keeping the story engaging and accessible.

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

I was deeply touched and grateful. It’s always rewarding to see how viewers interpret and connect with the film’s message.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and cinema, but I truly realized I wanted to make films when I started acting and felt the urge to create my own stories.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

There isn’t one specific film, but I often revisit classics from different genres, from animation to drama and comedy.

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

Opportunities for networking and in-depth discussions with other filmmakers and industry professionals are always valuable. I also appreciate receiving detailed feedback from both audiences and juries.

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

My experience with FilmFreeway has been very positive—it’s user-friendly and makes it easy to submit and track projects internationally.

What is your favorite meal?

I enjoy discovering new cuisines, but I have a soft spot for Moroccan and French dishes.

What is next for you? A new film?

Yes, I’m currently developing a feature-length comedy and continuing to look for new opportunities as an actor, writer, and director.

Filmmaker Michael Rognlie (BAD CHEMISTRY)

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Bad Chemistry, 20min., USA
Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE Tallent
In Bad Chemistry, a traumatized young woman goes to stay with her deceased boyfriend’s parents, only to discover chilling truths lurking beneath their kindness. This horror short explores grief, psychological torment, and the dark side of family.

https://www.badchemistrymovie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/miromakesmovies/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? – Bad Chemistry was inspired by a fleeting thought that entered my mind, driving home late one night through a wooded area. An image of a crazed madman running out of the trees with a baseball bat was the catalyst and I built the story around that.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? There were around seven days of production on this film, with about a month of post production.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Finding a car to ruin with fake blood.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? It’s always insightful to hear what an audience thinks of your film. Makes you smile when they like it.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? Immediately upon having the idea manifest.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? I’ve probably watched The Shining, Christine, and Casino Royale the most. I guess maybe the National Treasure movies because they are always on TV.

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 all are doing it right, but live screenings are the goal for me.

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

10. What is your favorite meal? Rib Eye Steak. Chocolate Chip cookie fresh out of the oven.

11. What is next for you? A new film? A new film which I co-wrote with the lead of Bad Chemistry. “Dotted Line” is slated for production in June 2025.

Filmmaker J.A. DellaRipa (ANOTHER SATURDAY)

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Another Saturday, 14min., USA
Directed by J.A. DellaRipa
A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt very proud because the audience’s comments and reactions showed me that the film’s message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors’ deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Back in high school, I subscribed to the Turner Classic Movie magazine because I loved reading about the movies of the 30s and 40s. I knew then that I wanted to be a film major in college which was a great experience working both behind and in front of the camara. With a few career detours over the course of my life, I have returned full circle to my first love and interest for film and the creative arts.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Outsiders (1983) is one of my most favorite movies that I watch over and over. I first read the book in my 7th grade English class which happened to be the same year the movie came out. Some scenes in my original script paid homage to The Outsiders.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The whole experience has been so helpful to me as a filmmaker. If any additions would be implemented, I’d suggest a continual pathway to connect to mentors in the industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was a wonderful experience. The platform is easy to use and all the information about film festivals is easily accessible. All of one’s submissions, deadlines, and reviews are conveniently in one place which helps with multiple submissions and projects.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Lasagna that I make from my Nonna’s recipe.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on a documentary about my dad, Luigi DellaRipa who is 90 years old and still works as a tailor.

Filmmaker Ash K. Tysowski (AFTER THE SPREAD)

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After the Spread, 3min., Canada, Musical
Directed by Ash K Tysowski
A group of teenagers navigate their night-life, and their emotions, to the song “After the Spread” by “the Idea of machines”

https://www.ashtanimation.com/animation/after-the-spread\

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film was a collaboration between myself and the Idea of machines. I was fresh out of college when they approached me to work on “After the Spread” and it’s my first real gig as a professional animator. Full of ambition, I was motivated by the desire to get my work out there, to make a name for myself in the film and animation industry.

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

From start to finish this film took me a year to complete. November 2025 to November 2025.

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

Transformative and hopeful!

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

My biggest obstacle was a poor production choice of my own design. I won’t get into the nitty gritty of the animation process but essentially I left my first pass of animation too rough. It made the whole of animation take much longer than it needed to as I needed to tighten up thousands of drawings. I ended up learning quite a bit from this mistake in the end though so it was all worth it.

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

Watching the audience’s reactions was very exciting! Before now I’ve only had my work praised by my close friends and family. It was gratifying to be recognized for my creative choices by a wider audience.

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

I realized I wanted to be an animator, going hand in hand with making films in said medium, when I was in the 9th grade. I watched a lot of cartoons and animated films at the time. Not only was it just an interest of mine but it was something that helped me get through the rougher periods of my adolescence. Animation inspires and comforts me in a way nothing else does and I want to be able to pass that feeling on to someone else through my work.

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

The film I’ve seen most in my life would either be the original “The Lion King” or “How to Train Your Dragon”. Both were films I would watch on repeat as a kid and still like to give a rewatch to this day! Both are brilliant films despite their marketing towards a younger audience.

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

My experience with this festival has been great! From my limited festival experience so far it seems like it provides more marketing opportunities than most. My only request may be public in person screenings. It was unclear to me whether or not that was something the Experimental, Dance and Music Festival offered.

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

Filmfreeway has been great! It makes applying to festivals super accessible and makes the process quick and easy!

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favourite meal is probably spaghetti carbonara. I’m always excited for a good creamy pasta!

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

Yup! Another film is already in the works. The Idea of machines and I have been in talks to collaborate on another video for their next album, it will serve as a bit of a follow up to After the Spread. So far I’ve got a start on concept art and pre-production for the new project!