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A young adult (YA) novel is a fictional work written for readers aged 12 to 18 that usually explores the experiences and challenges of adolescence.
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This festival has a guaranteed 4-tier set up for each accepted script. (No matter what, all screenplays submitted receive FULL FEEDBACK on their work.) 1) Full Feedback on your script 2) Actors performance video reading of your script 3) Blog interview promotion. 4) Podcast interview on the Film Festival ITunes show
Hammerstone Meets Woofstock, 20min., Canada Directed by Josh Holliday A film that straddles the line between narrative and documentary, landing squarely on comedy. Steve Hammerstone is a small town radio host and big time buffoon, who’s sent to explore Woofstock: North America’s largest festival for dogs.
Get to know the filmmaker:
What motivated you to make this film? My friend and Lisa and I had done these small town radio host characters “Steve and Tawny” on CBC radio and through podcast for many years. Just before the pandemic, we were judges for Woofstock, and had so much fun doing it. Afterwards I had great regret that we had no record of that live event, so I set my sights on the next Woofstock. Unfortunately, COVID-19 came along and threw a wrench in the plan until 2024. I had stayed in touch with one of the founders and organizers over the years, and as soon as I knew a new version was coming, I made sure I was a part of it. I’ve always loved buffoon comedy. After many years working in radio and audio, I finally got around to fulfilling my high school mantra: “I want to write, act and direct for television and film.”
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Well, outside of the ideation and desire to do this project, pre-pandemic, the time started ticking as soon as I knew there was going to be a new Woodstock event. So that was probably in February or March of 2024. That set a very specific deadline for the actual shoot day. Woofstock generally happens over 2 days of a weekend. The day I was selected to judge was the Sunday. After the shoot, I worked with an editor to chop it down to under 20. Once that was done did some titles, post audio, and some audio cleanup. Had a friends and family screening on August 28th, so about 7 months in total from pre-production to final cut.
How would you describe your film in two words!? Buffoon comedy.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Ha! This is a tough one, there are a few. The old wig I’d been using for this character for years had gotten really unruly, so I ordered a new one from this company in BC and what they sent was nothing like what was pictured on their website. They did not answer any emails, or calls, and eventually I had to initiate a chargeback process with my credit card company. I had to make do with the old wig, and put a baseball hat on. I have really bad eyesight, and the glasses I’d used in the past for the character were a pair of my dad’s from the 80s with no lenses. When I did the Woofstock years ago I remember spending most of the day in character in a literal blur. I hunted online for a pair of glasses that were similar that I could get real lenses put in. I did that – and because of my prescription it took awhile. Well, the joke was on me, because the optometrist screwed up, and the lenses were essentially reading glass lenses – super-blurry except reading. It also detracted from the character, because so much of comedy is in the eyes, and the lenses had a real distorting effect. It was too late to get them changed before the event. The new glasses also just didn’t have the same look as my Dad’s old pair. (I’ve since put real lenses in my Dad’s vintage frames.)This was all before the shoot! Shoot day was a whole new challenge.
Thank you again for your feedback! Honored to have won Best Direction for TEA TIME!
Very good festival and very good feedback. I really appreciate the honest feedback that the viewers gave. The reaction they gave was exactly what I was going for when we filmed the movie. The surprise was to have Stratagem the movie get voted for best feature film. Very humbled and honored. Thank you all for your professionalism and communication.
Great festival with many interesting events. Feedback from real people. Great communication and very fast. Thank you for giving opportunity to show our work to the world! Strongly recommend!
This was my first festival experience ever and it was great. I was honored to have my thriller Cut Off as an official selection! Thanks for the feedback and everything.
An especially motivating festival. The feedback component was greatly appreciated and helpful to our overall development. Super excited to have placed as a winner within this festival. Thank you very much for your awesome recognition!
A showcase of the best short films in the world today.
AUDIENCE WINNERS: Best Action: VERTIGO SPRITZ Best Micro-Short: antisocial Best Adventure: AKASHIC SPHERES Best Story: THE CORNER ROOM Best Animation: SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL Best Direction: LAST TOUCH Best Performances: HAPPY PLACES
THE CORNER ROOM, 15min., USA Directed by Gita Farid An homage to the tragic ending of the Ann Frank story. It always saddened me that Ann Frank didn’t survive to see the Liberation although it was only months away. Two women hidden in an attic apartment in the Jewish Quarter in a town in Poland are joined by their younger brother, a fighter in the Resistance. There is a round-up…
SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL, 5min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendesv Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
antisocial, 2min., Germany Directed by Tobias Rothacker I am the hero, I’ll remain, See only me, push you away, Embrace destruction, face the pain, Transforming swiftly in my own domain!
Akashic Spheres, 11min., USA Directed by James Scott Mystical orbs hold the power to control the multiverse are being sought by dark forces who plan to use them for evil. Captain Everest must find them first to save mankind.
LAST TOUCH, 25min., Uzbekistan Directed by Gulnara Ivanova This is the story of a man trapped in a cycle of self-punishment, unable to break free from the torment of his own guilt. Each day, he finds new ways to inflict pain upon himself, believing it to be penance for his past mistakes. Blind to the damage he’s causing, he begins to destroy not only himself but also the world around him—relationships, opportunities, and dreams crumble under the weight of his relentless self-blame. It is only when he confronts the truth—that forgiveness must come from within—that he can hope to heal and rebuild the shattered pieces of his life.
HAPPY PLACES, 20min., USA Directed by Nich Frost A mysterious stranger interrupts the evening of a seemingly normal family to visit his childhood home. But his presence progresses towards a possibly ominous outcome.
A showcase of the best BLACK & WHITE films from around the world.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero Best Direction: We’re Nothing Best Story: Ice Cream Sidewalk Best Micro-Short: THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia
We’re Nothing, 4min, USA Directed by Kelly Hughes Music video collaboration between director Kelly Hughes and Italian Post-Metal band Postvorta. Hughes filmed most of the footage in Kitsap County in WA State (Port Orchard, Gorst, Sunnyslope, Bremerton, Suquamish) with a mostly local cast.
Ice Cream Sidewalk. 5min., USA Directed by Randy Zuniga
Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero, 28min., USA Directed by JZ Murdock Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero is a unique anti-war film blending historical documentary, visual poetry, and the haunting music of Maurice Ravel. Based on the poem by JZ Murdock, the film delves into Ravel’s time as a truck driver in World War I, reflecting on the profound impact of his music and the devastating effects of war.
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN – a tale from the Barbagia region in Sardinia, 3min., Italy Directed by Samantha Comizzoli In a Sardinian’s village of Barbagia, a mother writes to her son in prison beacuse. She is to old to work the land, so she can’t makes the vegetable garden. The son finds an ingenious solution.
Head Over Heels, 12min., UK Directed by Ignacio Rodo When conventional therapy fails, it’s time for a crazy approach.
Hello, min., USA Directed by Lauren A. Poole A disaster brings three people into irritating proximity of each other.
Indyana Jones – End of the world, 25min., Finland Directed by Petri Puroano Sometimes filming a movie is not easy when people involved in the film-production have a different vision of the final product. Star wanna-be faces these challenges and struggles with motivation to move forward when dealing with the demands from the films director, producer and reacting to animals on set. All this dream-chasing moves “Indyana” into direction that was not planned. The film is a parody, almost like a mockumentary while trying to show respect towards the original movies which this one is based on. This shortfilm, fan film, is a prequel-film that launches season 5 for “We Sock” webseries & feature film.
A showcase of the best LGBTQ+ films in the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Short Film: Astronaut’s Uniform Best Direction: Reflections of Us
Reflections of Us, 15min., USA Directed by Sanna Lexhed Anna wants to have a perfect relationship, devoid of any negativity. Her partner, Charlie, wants to have honest, difficult conversations about their feelings. When the two stumble upon an ice rink in the park, we see Anna at her best: spontaneous, fun, pushing Charlie out of her comfort zone. Later that night, Charlie receives devastating news from her mom over the phone. Instead of asking Charlie about it, Anna avoids Charlie and acts as if everything’s fine. As their relationship falls apart, Anna must overcome her fear of opening up if she wants to keep Charlie in her life.
A showcase of the best from the STYLE, EXPERIMENTAL, FASHION festival.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Micro-Short: NAKIELSKY Best Dance Film: HYPNAGOGIA Best Experimental: MX. Best Story: BLACK AND CATHIE Best Performances: SEEKING TRANQUILITY Best Direction: RIPPLES Best Visual Design: LAST LOVE Best Documentary: Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor Best Music Video: Maria Niklińska Marlen – make it
Mx., 5min., UK Directed by WWenen Lusa “Mx.” is a title used as a gender-neutral alternative to Mr. or Ms., reflecting inclusivity in gender identity. This film delves into the tension between gender identity and societal expectations, highlighting the quest for selfhood amidst oppression. Through the lens of diverse, non-binary lesbians, it showcases their struggles with physical acceptance, cultural pressures, and homophobia. The narrative emphasizes the symbolic power of costumes and dance as tools for inner awakening and liberation, illustrating the beauty and strength found in diverse identities. By following the journeys of these individuals, “Mx.” challenges societal norms and questions how the fashion industry can lead the way in accepting varied gender expressions, ultimately portraying the ongoing fight for identity acceptance and understanding.
BLAKE AND CATHIE, 8min., Argentina Directed by Ileana Gómez SHORT FICTION FILM ABOUT WILLIAM BLAKE, ENGLIH WRITER AND PAINTER.
Hypnagogia, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor Hypnagogia is the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. A sensation of semi-consciousness or trance where images float sometimes randomly, sometimes sequentially through our minds.
Seeking Tranquility, 4min., UK Directed by Ysabelle Taylor An improvised dance film in collaboration with dancer Aleth Berenice and composer Alberte Erantis. Filmed at Acosta Dance Centre, located in a historic building of the Woolwich Royal Arsenal in London.
Last Love, 18min., Russia Directed by Dmitri Frolov The musical and poetic composition “O my prophetic soul” on the verses of Fedor Ivanovich Tyutchev for the Reader, Pianist and String Orchestra of the composer Sergei Aleksandrovich Oskolkov served as a sound basis for the philosophical parable about the Love of the human and divine, about the cycle of life, about the decline of civilization, That the latter will be the first. The film is shot as a dream, and the use of the aesthetic series of experimental cinema only emphasizes this state. The universal sound gives him the poetry of Fedor Tyutchev (1803-1873), deeply played by Leonid Mozgovoy behind the scenes. The young actors Natalya Surkova and Vladimir Zolotar, who existed in the frame, had a difficult task to show the first people not burdened with the intellectual work of subsequent generations. It was necessary to abandon today’s problems and try to imagine themselves as original people, and then immediately move to the very end of time. The plot begins with them and ends with humanity. This author wanted to show continuity: the first love and the supposed last is an indivisible whole of one eternal Love.
Tomasz Kwiecien – Professional skating instructor, 6min., USA Directed by Dominika Machel Tomasz Kwiecień is on a mission — to get as many people involved in blading as possible, not just kids but adults too. His passion for skating knows no limits — he even set a Guinness World Record by completing a full marathon… skating backwards! Blading in schools?
Nakielsky, 1min., Poland Directed by Dominika Machel This isn’t a story – it’s a collision of senses. Movement, sound, image – equal, sharp as glass, precise as a blade. Nothing leads, nothing follows. They coexist in tension, in a rhythm that doesn’t obey rules but rises from the clash of motion, sound, and visuals. Each sense holds its ground – sight never overshadows hearing, sound never silences the body. But everything penetrates everything else – without that, there’s no meaning. The layers merge, not in harmony, but in friction – and that friction sparks reaction.
A showcase of the best FAMILY films in the world today.
AUDIENCE AWARDS: Best Feature Film: what about the children Best Short Film: Tree House Best Direction: Repeated Memories Best Documentary: Memories of Occupation – Pyrgi Best Story: A Better Place Best Animation: Chronicles of Francine Best Cinematography: The Time permeates on the street Best Visual Design: Lariat Best Performances: Tadareru/Becomes Sore Best Micro-Short: F (V)
what about the children, 81min., USA Directed by Cortez Mack, Anthony Hill, Selena Sumrell an inspirational film about the struggling relationship between the parent and the child, and how the child deals with the neglect
Repeated memories, 15min., Uzbekistan Directed by Soo-Min Park Jong in studies in Uzbekistan and works as a part-time carer. Same as always, he spoon-feeds patients, cleans rooms and also toilet. One day, he gets a call from his friend, Ha-yeong. “I have a job for you. There an one old man who is blind and deaf. He is just waiting for his dying day. Your job is acting like his son and eating dinner with him. It’s for 100 dollars for a day. I’ll send you some details.”
TREE HOUSE, 12min., South Korea Directed by Soo-Min Park Won-Jae (70) ‘s wife passed away a few years ago. He climbs the mountain to visit her grave for the memorial day of his wife’s death. The young married couple, Jung-Heon (38) and Moon-seon (36), think that the ceremony is nothing more than an simple act. They just want to finish things up quickly. Only Ha-yeon (6), his granddaughter, can understand his heart.
F (V), 1min., Venezuela Directed by Jimmy Alejandro Castro Zambrano Jimmy Alejandro Castro Zambrano
Tadareru/Becomes Sore, 17min., Japan Directed by Keishi Suenaga Kazuya and Miyuki Matsuhashi’s May-December marriage has lost its spark. It’s already been four days since Miyuki’s younger sister, Chiharu, showed up on their doorstep. Living each day in frustration, Miyuki can’t bear Chiharu’s reckless abandon, nor her husband’s favourable treatment of Chiharu any longer. One day on her way home, Miyuki spots Kazuya and Chiharu holding hands, and her suspicion grows…
LARIAT, 5min., Directed by Komalankutty Methil Any companion becomes an unwelcome companion at times
The Time permeates on the street, 28min., South Korea Directed by Soo Min Park After a successful experimental theatre performance in Seoul, Min-su is urgently asked to perform at an arts festival in Busan, so he goes back to his homeland. One day before the performance, he goes to his hometown of Suyeong to prepare for the play. There he meets his ex-lover, Su-min. She works in the office of the festival’s secretariat. She had to work on that day in the field because of her chef, which a fan of Min-su is. She asks him for an interview. He didn’t have time for it, but he said yes on the condition that she would help him prepare for the play. They walk along the streets and have formal interview(?) about recent updates. Suddenly, they meet someone who knows Min-su in front of a school and it makes them recall to the past. Su-min’s interview and Min-su’s play subtly change their relationship. With different ideas and values for the future, they begin to clash over the present and their marriage, which is another beginning for them. The two, travelling to the past, is subtle…
CHRONICLES OF FRANCINE, 3min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendes In the heart of the Bermuda Triangle lies Monster Island, a land of secrets, danger, and twisted power. Francine, known as Fran, returns to the island as a spy on a deeply personal mission. Raised by Dr. Frankenstein Jr. after losing her parents, Fran is the last heir of the Sorcerers’ Clan and carries her father’s legacy—a legacy shattered when the dark sorcerer Zoriky turned her father into a statue. Now, she’s back to end Zoriky’s reign and uncover the mysteries of Monster Island.
A Better Place, 12min., Canada Directed by Tammy Boyer Death is hard for the living to deal with and little Maggie struggles to understand it. She soon realizes that death can be a blessing for the dead as she tries to convince everyone that what awaits us is actually a better place.
Memories of Occupation – Pyrgi, 10min,. Greece Directed by Dimitris Argyriou In April 1944, during the Nazi Occupation of Greece, the village of Pyrgoi was the scene of one of the country’s deadliest massacres. Over 300 civilians — men, women, children, and the elderly — were executed by German troops and local collaborators. The village was burned to the ground.
Festival Reviews 