Alex thinks she is at home alone, finishing up her “work,” when her brother Ansel interrupts. Now, she must clean up all the evidence before he can see it.
This film has been a seed in my mind for many years now. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into this. It is my thesis to complete my undergraduate degree. I think it perfectly captures my weird sense of humor and love for all things horror. Making this film meant everything to me as my friends and family rallied around to support me. It is my baby, and bringing it to life has been one of my greatest honors. I hope it makes you laugh.
Rosalyn, a wealthy and talented high school senior, grapples with immense grief after the loss of her brother in a surfing accident. The void left behind by his absence consumes her, and she begins a descent into addiction—alcohol becoming her solace as she numbs the pain and confusion. Amidst her downward spiral, she finds herself in a complex relationship with two other people, Isaac, and Emma. Drawn to the comfort and sweetness of their affection, the throuple provides a fleeting sense of escape, but Rosalyn’s internal struggle with grief and substance abuse complicates her search for self-love, growth, healing and identity.
Directed by Noely Mendoza Written by Zoe Manzotti
Cast: Zoe Manzotti, Kelli Garner, Michael Landes, Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson
Director Statement I was immediately drawn to the story of two young women who refuse to wait for permission or apologize for their desires. In a culture that pressures young people, especially women, to suppress their sexuality and conform to rigid expectations, watching these characters take control felt both powerful and necessary. Their boldness in pursuing what they want becomes an act of rebellion against societal constraints.
The setting became equally important to the narrative. California’s Spanish Colonial architecture carries a haunting beauty built on histories we collectively refuse to acknowledge. The grand estates of places like Rancho Palos Verdes function as fortresses of privilege: stunning yet exclusionary. I wanted these structures to operate as characters themselves, gorgeous but subtly menacing, reflecting the beautiful facades that often mask darker truths.
At its core, this film explores how the throuple evolves into a chosen family. When traditional family structures and societal institutions fail to provide the love and acceptance young people desperately need, they must forge their own networks of care and support. These three characters discover something authentic together: a way of loving and supporting each other that surpasses the hollow relationships they witness in the adult world around them.
Stylistically, we employed handheld cinematography inspired by verité techniques and my background in documentary filmmaking. Multiple perspectives unfold simultaneously, creating an intimate, unguarded viewing experience. Rather than observing from a distance, audiences discover these pivotal moments alongside the characters, fostering deeper emotional connection and authenticity.
This story feels particularly urgent in our current moment. Young people are actively redefining love, relationships, and family structures while traditional institutions crumble around them. In an era defined by uncertainty and upheaval, the most radical act might simply be creating your own version of home: building the love and stability that the world has failed to provide.
Watch the 2 winning comedy short films from the September 2025 COMEDY Festival.
Detectives & Dragons, 8min., Canada Directed by Lucas Candelino, Benjamin Kostecki, Evan McDowell A know-it-all detective is tasked with incriminating a murder suspect through a fantasy role-playing game by recreating the scenario of the killing. Tensions escalate when he goes off-script.
I have to really thank the actors for my reading, nothing short of terrific as they were, nothing short of incredibly smart, attractive, and perceptive as they were. They brought the script to life. – F. Maffai
FULL FEEDBACK on your stage play from our committee of Professional Playwriters, Production Heads and Story Consultants. Get a best scene of your stage play performed at the writing festival and made into a video for the winner.
Submit your 10 Page Play, 1 Act Play, or Full Stage Play to the Festival.
SUBMIT your STAGE PLAY Today You will receive feedback on your play in 3-5 weeks
True crime novels detail the actions of people affected by or associated with a crime. They often explore the motivations and psychological factors behind criminal behavior, as well as the consequences of those actions.
A travel story is a piece of writing that describes a location, its people, culture, and customs. It can also be a narrative of a journey that provides information about the physical, biogeographic, and ethnographic characteristics of an area.
Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the YOUNG ADULT Festival.
The top YOUNG ADULT Festival and Contest in the World today!
– 0ffers screenwriters, novelists and storytellers at all levels the fantastic opportunity to hear their stories read aloud using TOP PROFESSIONAL ACTORS (see below for recent performance readings).
– Offers filmmakers to get their works showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Then the filmmaker will receive and audience reaction video on their film (see below for recent film festival videos)
– One of the best places in the world for the writers to sell their script and/or obtain and agent.
– No matter what happens, you will receive full feedback on your work by our established committee. No other place in the world will you get coverage for the price you pay.
– Even if you’re just looking for feedback of your work, this is the festival for you.
– It’s there for all to see. The proof is in the viewership. These videos garner 1000s of views online. Some of the screenplay readings are more popular than actual studio films made!
– We specialize in showcasing Family stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.
We loved how this festival operates! We entered our film, Sanguine Deposit, and we were thrilled to screen with them, but the feedback video was amazing! For filmmakers submitting our first film, we found this valuable information and worth the price of entry. Thank you and best wishes on your ongoing festivals.
Deadline Today to Submit via FilmFreeway:
Very wonderful festival and I am honored to have been awarded. Great offerings as well for filmmakers.
Great festival! Audience feedback video very proud and amazing. I’m so honored to have won Best Short Film award. Highly recommend this festival.
Such a great festival! They were really supportive after my film won, providing me with audience feedback for my movie and resources to help spread the word about it and connect with other filmmakers. I highly recommend this festival!
Wonderful experience. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
Thank you for being part of the festival and reach out people to watch our movie.
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Once you’re a mom, always a mom. It’s like riding a bike, you never forget.
Every human walks around with a certain kind of sadness. They may not wear it on their sleeves, but it’s there if you look deep.
Humans have a light side and a dark side, and it’s up to us to choose which way we’re going to live our lives. Even if you start out on the dark side, it doesn’t mean you have to continue your journey that way. You always have time to turn it around.
Watch the best of new films from around the world today by signing up for the FREE 3-DAY trial going to http://www.wildsound.ca (Also on Roku, FireStick, and your Itune (app))
“Some of the things that Ainsley has to say are shocking and there were moments where I thought, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to pull this off,'” Randolph admitted to The Hollywood Reporter one month later. “I want to find the most human version of this character that I can, and I work really hard at doing that.”
Festival Reviews 