STUCK, 13min., USA Directed by Emma Grace Lukens A couple’s ambiguous relationship becomes slightly more clear as they lie on their living room floor, discussing their dating lives.
After the events of “Scorekeeper”, Bossk and Boba meet up and head to Honor’s Keep; a cantina on Mon Cala. There they reminisce of past hunts and we learn why the dreaded Darth Vader told Boba Fett, “No Disintegrations” on screen May 21st, 1980. Now, on May 21 2022, on the 42nd anniversary, we are proud to present our version of the events that transpired that day.
“ECTROPY” follows the Artist, a member of the Timeless Presence species who struggles to see his potential. Aided by the young Gaia, the Artist faces existential challenges and immense pressures as they paint the fabric of nature.
The short, Ectropy, gives the viewer a chance to escape to a fantasy world influenced by the forces of nature, where an artist creates sculpture and paintings with abandon. The visuals are breathtaking, with a sci-fi feel. A hot flaring sun, massive smoking explosions and falling boulders contrast with gentle images of soft pliable clay, and lush plants in the process of blooming.
The actor playing the central figure radiates both awe and sombre intensity, as a strong foil to the gentleness and warmth of the adorable girl playing the role of the young Gaia. Underneath it all, the instrumentals match the grandeur of the imagery, notably the full-scale action film orchestral music, and prominent sound effects such as the ongoing undulation of water.
The editing is stellar — such dynamic movement of a variety of images on screen, the most intriguing being the artist’s rapid fingers on glass and the creation of the angelic human statue. This short is effective in its contemplation that, in the end, nature is in control as the artist eventually goes back into the earth from whence he came.
Directed by Vincent J. Roth, Jeff Rector, Mario DeAngelis
Enjoy the latest installment of the “Surge of Power” indie superhero movie franchise known for having lots of celebrities from the sci-fi and superhero genres! “Where There’s Smoke” follows Surge as he teams up with guest superhero, The Smoke (former pro wrestler Eric Moran), as they uncover a mysterious plot of the villain group called The Council. Who is Falling Apple, struggling with childhood trauma and abuse, out for revenge over her father’s murder, and what is her role in The Council’s evil scheme?
Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke brings a fresh outlook to the superhero genre, breaking away from the traditional Marvel/DC universe mold, while still honoring comic book legacies of the past. With special guest appearances from iconic characters, while introducing its own story, the film delivers a thrilling and campy take on superhero storytelling.
At its core, Surge of Power presents a compelling villain origin story. The narrative kicks off with our antagonist’s tragic backstory, an incident gone wrong that sets her on a path of revenge. As the story fast-forwards to the present, she aligns with more formidable forces, creating chaos and destruction. Her vendetta puts our heroes in an intense battle, blurring the lines between allegiance and morality. The confusion over who stands on which side adds an interesting layer to the conflict.
The film’s world-building is commendable. The costuming is well-crafted, seamlessly blending into the universe the film creates. The visual effects are executed effectively, though there’s something slightly off preventing a full immersion into this world. The film’s “weapons of mass destruction” lean into a cartoonish aesthetic, adding a layer of satire to the otherwise high-stakes battles. The action sequences are dramatic, pushing our heroes to their limits. However, as superhero stories often remind us, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
As the story progresses, an unexpected twist adds emotional depth—one of the heroes harbors feelings for the antagonist. His belief that she isn’t inherently evil, but rather manipulated by grief and pain is a compelling narrative thread. Her motivation, rooted in the loss of her family, makes her a sympathetic character rather than a straightforward villain. The reveal strengthens the emotional stakes, showing how pain can be exploited by larger forces with darker agendas.
One of the most poignant moments in the film comes from a mage-like character who foresees catastrophe and pays the ultimate price. Their death underscores the urgency of stopping the impending devastation, leading to a climactic final act where the heroes rally together. In a nail-biting finish, they manage to thwart disaster at the last possible moment.
The film’s use of a necklace as a central narrative device is a smart touch, linking past and present in a meaningful way. The audience is reminded of the young girl from the opening scenes, reinforcing the emotional weight of the antagonist’s journey.
Beyond its action-packed sequences, Surge of Power is packed with self-aware humor and satirical nods to the genre. It embraces camp, delivering sharp dialogue and playful meta-commentary reminiscent of Deadpool. Lines like “Who are we, Suicide Squad?” nearly break the fourth wall, adding to the film’s charm. Structurally, it tells a story within a story, offering a layered experience that acknowledges its comic book roots while modernizing its narrative approach.
Visually, the film is striking, with well-designed locations that add to the cinematic spectacle. The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, providing an uplifting and engaging backdrop to the unfolding events. While tackling serious and emotional themes, Surge of Power maintains a balance, presenting complex ideas in an entertaining and palatable way.
A chilling tale of childhood fear and the unknown, Shadows in the Park follows two sisters on an eerie venture into the forest, where only one senses an ominous presence lurking beyond the trees. The film weaves tension through its atmospheric sound design, autumnal color grading, and the simple yet unsettling premise of what happens when fear twists into something deeper—perhaps even betrayal.
From the opening frames, the melody hints something is amiss. The warm hues of the fall season contrast with the creeping unease introduced by the sound design, creating a dissonance keeping the audience on edge. As golden hour fades, so does the illusion of safety.
When the younger sibling questions if they should even be out this late, Ellie, the older sister, dismisses her fears with a teasing remark: “Yeah, because the trees are about to get us.” It’s playful, but the film’s careful pacing suggests otherwise—something is about to happen.
The tension escalates as the girls push deeper into the woods, ignoring the younger sister’s growing unease. The whispers start—a faint but chilling intrusion. Suddenly, Ellie is gone, and Alice is left alone, ripped by terror. Her fear isn’t just about what might be lurking—it’s the frustration of not being believed.
The sisters’ dynamic, from teasing to desperation, adds a layer of emotional depth beyond the typical horror trope. Are they simply scaring themselves, or is something truly out there?
The film’s biggest strength is its restraint. It never fully confirms what haunts the park, instead leaving the audience with an open-ended question—was there really something watching them?
Or was it just the tricks of the mind in the isolating vastness of nature? Shadows in the Park thrives in ambiguity, proving that sometimes, the most unsettling horror lies in what remains unseen.
The FEMALE Feedback Film Festival (https://femalefilmfestival.com/) is proud to announce that their 2024 Winner of Best Short Film, I’M NOT A ROBOT, was awarded the Oscar last night for BEST SHORT FILM.
I’M NOT A ROBOT, 20min., Netherlands Directed by Victoria Warmerdam After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot?
DEADLINE TODAY: Submit to the Festival via FilmFreeway:
This festival experience has been fantastic. The feedback videos were outstanding, and the podcast interview was delightful. The communication was excellent, and the value provided was exceptional. Thank you for celebrating Tararau S-K 😊
==================
We love the format of this festival. The video interviews of the festival audience is tremendous fun. And most importantly the festival and the audience totally get it!! Gratitude !
==================
I would highly recommend this festival. Not only was the communication solid throughout, but getting feedback from the judges who watched our documentary was invaluable. Thank you for honoring our film, Burton Rocks Calling!
==================
One of the most incredible festival experiences. Thank you Toronto Documentary Feature and Short Film Festival for such a positive experience. Your out of the box four tier screening & promotion option for filmmakers is truly unique and sets you apart as a festival. Heartfelt gratitude to the festival team members, audience and reviewers for awarding my short film MITTI (discovering Ikigai) as the best environmental film at the festival.
==================
What an unusual and helpful festival! We make these films obviously to share with an audience, and to ideally hear how it resonates with them— so it was very special to be able to receive several people’s articulate responses to our film! And thanks so much for the good communication and the honor of Best Human Interest Film!
HOMEPLANET, 26min., USA Directed by Andrew Pritzker Barefoot on a country highway, a Disoriented Man is picked up by Two Local Cops who suspect he may be a space alien.
I had a funny idea kicking around in my head about two cops picking up guy on a country road because they thought he was a space alien. But when I fleshed out the story I decided it wasn’t really about the cops but the guy they arrested. So the questioned remained, “Who is he and what is he doing there?” When the script refocused it turned from comedy to a character drama. Once I found the emotional thread, I wanted to shoot the film.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was really happy by the response. The reviewers spoke positively about the film and connected to it emotionally. We loved their reactions. They had a personal experience with the film and that’s terrific.
Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 3-day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.
Echoes of the Ice (Indigenous Geographic), 18min., Canada Directed by Matt LeMay In Echoes of the Ice, Inuk filmmaker & Indigenous Geographic Co-founder Crystal Martin embarks on a journey to Iqaluit during late spring to delve into contemporary Inuit life and the profound impacts of climate change. From sharing a traditional meal with family to traveling with Inuit hunters to the iconic floe edge—a hub for traditional hunting and community connection—Crystal experiences firsthand the challenges and resilience of Arctic life.
ICE BREATH, 42min,. Romania Directed by Leonard Alecu Between 2015 and 2024, Leonard Alecu filmed the melting icebergs off Greenland’s East coast. Sailing dangerously close to icebergs, Alecu handled his camera to record the ice masses yielding to the ruthless ocean. Filmed in black and white, Ice Breath is a cinematic poem whose only elusive actor is the filmmaker’s gaze. In 43 minutes, a sequence of flat pictures turn into dynamic tableaux, an existential journey from genesis to extinction. The hypnotic feature of the film is enhanced by the soundtrack Become Ocean, a haunting composition by John Luther Adams suggestive of a relentless tidal surge, of melting polar ice and rising sea levels. Become Ocean received critical acclaim, earning the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Music and the 2015 Grammy for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. More than an environmental documentary, Ice Breath and Become Ocean is an experimental fusion exploring the vast, inscrutable meanings of climate change.
