HEDGEHOG IN AFRICA, 3min., Ukraine
Directed by Oksana Karpus, Alexander Sparinsky
Musical adventures cartoon for the youngest; because this continent attracts everyone – beasts, pirates, children…and cinematographers.
http://sparinsky.kiev.ua/
https://www.instagram.com/aleksandr.sparinsky/
WATCH FILM HERE: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/hedgehog-in-africa
This is the story of Skee-Ball—a unique game, patented in 1908 by a long forgotten inventor living in Vineland NJ: Joseph Fourestier Simpson. The film explores the era in which the young inventor grew up, as the industrial revolution created the new middle class, and the explosion of amusement parks that allowed them to flee their crowded industrial neighborhoods for a few hours of pleasure.
Project Links
Review by Victoria Angelique:
Skee-ball is a familiar arcade game seen across the globe. The documentary, AND THE BALLS ROLL ON: THE REAL STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF SKEE-BALL tells the emotional rollercoaster it took for the game to become a staple of amusement parks, while intertwining the invention of Skee-ball with American history.
The voice over is enthusiastic, really painting the picture of the landscape that Joseph Simpson grew up in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His story is one of resilience, Simpson never let failure stop him. He would always move onto the next venture, hoping that it would finally bring him fortune. Joseph Simpson really gives a great message of never give up, even when all hope seems lost. He kept trying, even after the game was sold and he was forbidden to make more games.
Intertwined with the story is American history throughout the past century. This shows that Simpson’s struggles were not unique to him, but the entire nation. Skee-ball kept the spirit of competition alive. Tournaments gave people a reason to come together from all walks of life, advertising to both the rich and the poor. Tournaments that have evolved throughout the decades, still bringing people of all ages to compete in good spirit for a trophy to prove they are the best at the arcade game of Skee-ball.
The combination of a historical biography and American history makes this a unique documentary. It keeps the audiences interested as the film seamlessly transitions from one period to the other by displaying historical events alongside the evolution of Skee-ball. The only thing missing is advice on how to win tickets when playing Skee-ball, but as the tournament competitors would attest to, practice makes perfect and that would be the only way to truly learn how to play.
Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of COMEDY Directors, Producers, Writers, and Actors at the festival in Toronto.
Submit via FilmFreeway:
The Toronto Comedy Festival occurs every single month.
Various options to submit to the Festival. A HYBRID model. Cinema screenings for audience feedback video (not an online festival). Blog and podcast interviews. And bonus Virtual screening (optional!) geared to create community over distance, PLUS, get your film seen by the right people.
For FILMS:
– Submit your short or feature film.
– NEW OPTION for guaranteed submission.
ACTION/ADVENTURE Screenplay Festival (Feature, Short, TV Pilot)
Submit here: https://actionadventurefestival.ca/deadlines/
Get your screenplay performed by professional actors at the Action/Adventure Festival.
The Fastest Growing ACTION/ADVENTURE Festival and Contest in the World today!
– 0ffers screenwriters at all levels the fantastic opportunity to hear their stories read aloud using TOP PROFESSIONAL ACTORS (see below for recent performance readings).
– 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 Action/Adventure stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.
LISTEN to the PODCAST: http://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/10/16/ep-1331-filmmaker-porter-justus-carved-in-stone
CARVED IN STONE, 30min., USA
Directed by Porter Justus
Cast out by the academic community at her college for her extreme beliefs that artifacts belong with their cultures, not locked up in some museum, young historical photographer AMELIA SLOANE is shocked to learn a former and beloved professor has bequeathed to her a collection of valuable and rare artifacts – including the legendary sword Excalibur – and a mysterious message “You’ll know what to do with this.”
Get to know the filmmaker:
There were a number of reasons for this film. I learned a long time ago that sometimes to com up with good story is turn one on its head, and so I wanted to explore a character who’s mission was the opposite to what is usually expected. In this case, what if Excalibur needed to be returned instead of claimed, so that just turned into a exploration into culture reclamation and restoring history to its rightful origins.
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PRETTY, 6min., Brazil
Directed by Alexandre Mourani
The short “Pretty”, in addition to a creation experience involving a script where the protagonist performs an action and mixing the Neo-Noir (Black and White) look with the suspense audio, creates another story(s) in people’s imaginations. ) giving space to denounce the increase in crimes of female violence during the pandemic.
http://www.severaentertainment.com/
https://www.facebook.com/severaentretenimento
https://www.twitter.com/Amourani
https://www.instagram.com/severaentertainment
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/pretty
SPOOKY SOCIETY, 14min., USA
Directed by Bryson Lima
In the historic city of Savannah, Georgia a group of teens form a powerful bond while creating a ghost-hunting vlog for social media. The friends go on adventures to the city’s most haunted sites, while uncovering the truth behind their supernatural legends.
https://www.instagram.com/spookysocietytv/
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/spooky-society
THE CHALLENGER, 9min,. USA
Directed by Brandon Paradise
The true story behind the tragic undoing of the Challenger Space Shuttle, through the eyes of the people who designed it.
https://belkmedia.com/
https://www.instagram.com/brandonparadise_/
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-challenger
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.
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/happy-places
NO MIDDLE GROUND, 6min., USA
Directed by George Villalba
An undercover agent must make the ultimate sacrifice in dealing with a dangerous and vengeful druglord.
https://instagram.com/vfilmsaudiovisual
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/no-middle-ground
Uber – Aplicativo Móvel, 9min., Brazil
Directed by Thiago Medeiros
Amid São Paulo’s ruthless traffic, Uber driver Cláudio and passenger Maurício share personal experiences and revelations. As their bonds strengthen, a sudden kidnapping puts not only Cláudio’s family but also the unexpected connection between driver and passenger at stake. In a short film full of twists, “Uber: Mobile App” explores the complexities of human relationships in the face of challenging situations in the bustling Brazilian metropolis.
https://www.facebook.com/Thiagosmedeiros
https://www.instagram.com/thiagofilme
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/uber-aplicativo-movel
THE APPARITION, 15min., Portugal
Directed by Canuto
In a place like any other, Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia have their faith put to the test.
https://www.facebook.com/joao.ribeiro.5496
https://www.instagram.com/canut.o/
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-apparition
AESTHESIA, 20min,. Philippines
Directed by MiCah Viluan Capadiso
Hitting puberty, a 16-year-old man, Ely, asks his mother why his father left them. Longing for a father’s love, his feelings and sensitivity became more and more intense. One night, his friend Pao asks him to use drugs to feel numb, escape reality, and be in life’s fantasy, but overcoming his sensational desire leads him to get out of control and rape his own girlfriend.
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/aesthesia
BATHWATER, 14min., Canada
Directed by Brian Nolin, Ian Nsenga
After his sister dies during an abortion, Blair kidnaps her husband, the doctor, and a judge to decide who’s responsible for this family tragedy: the husband who pressured her into it, or the doctor who went through with it.
http://briannolin.com/https://instagram.com/briannolinwriter
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/bathwater
BERGAMOT, 15min., Brazil
Directed by Hsu Chien
Inspired by real events. Bergamot, the name given to tangerine in southern Brazil. This fruit with such a characteristic smell and for many an aphrodisiac, will trigger a night of seduction, sensual dancing, blood and revenge on an ordinary night in Rio de Janeiro. BERGAMOTA, is a Suspense/Slasher/LGBTQI film released in September 2023 in Brazil, and has participated in more than 97 film festivals in Brazil and around the world, winning 75 awards to date. (50) Fifty as Best Film, (3) Three as Best Director, (3) Three as “Best Cinematography”, (3) Three as Best Screenplay, (12) Eight as “Best Actor” (Marcio Rosario), (1 ) Hum as Best Makeup/Special Effects, (1) Hum as Best Art Direction and (1) Hum as Best Original Music.
https://www.instagram.com/bergamota_o_filme/
Watch film directly here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/bergamot
In a world driven by corporate greed and unethical genetic experimentation, Darien, the pioneering human clone, finds himself obsolete against a superior 2nd Generation Clone, leading to his and his mentor’s targeting. Following his mentor’s death, Darien’s hidden hybrid nature—combining human and vampire DNA—surfaces during a critical confrontation, granting him unexpected survival. Marked as a “Tainted” failure yet possessing newfound powers, Darien faces an ambiguous future, embodying the narrative’s critique of ambition’s perils and the poignant fallout of manipulative sciences.
Review by Julie Sheppard:
This fabulous sci-fi action flick, Tainted, has all the high energy of a combat video game, but with an added emotion-infused touch. You can sense that there is a backstory between the youthful Darien and Jarred, perhaps a previous friendship but now a chilling rivalry. There is also a father/son type of fondness between the brave Dr. Cole and the loyal Darien. The fine acting of this trio gives the film more depth and dimension than a simple display of combat.
Saying that, the combat choreography is sensational – lots of lightening-fast moves and capable use of weaponry, complete with bright flames and sparks. The muted-coloured clinical setting is a suitable backdrop to give focus to the sparring figures. Also impressive is the make up, notably the oozing gore and the terrifying face of the monster. I appreciate the high-tech computer voice, the (mostly) off screen maniacal laughter, the soulful choir, and the intense sound effects.
Indeed, this film offers both the satisfying entertainment one might get from a video game, and the real sense that justice is done, without the viewer ever having to reach for a joystick!
Project Links
“Breaking Out” is centered around a tumultuous piano improvisation David Glass recorded several years ago. The short film is a psychological rollercoaster containing a variety of footage that express a wide range of intense emotions and strong forces of nature, and yet there is a beauty to the chaos. As in a ballet, the music is in synchronicity with the dramatic scenes.
Review by Julie Sheppard:
Breaking Out is a riveting short – – it is a cross between startling imagery and brilliant solo piano improvisation by David Glass.
Beginning somewhat slowly, it takes precious little time for the piano to go from “0 to 60” in pace and intensity. The visual imagery follows a similar trajectory. Before you know it, the screen is filled with immense billows of fast-moving smoke, and other images surging toward the viewer. Speed is also present with a scene of a frantic sex act.
David Glass is obviously an accomplished pianist. His nimble fingers seem to attack the keys with both delicacy and ferocity. Although the end credit lists the piano as “improvisation”, the clever link between the piano and the visuals seems well rehearsed and contemplated. Many of the images are quite nightmarish, in perfect synch with the fierceness of the piano, notably the scenes of humans fighting viciously, a fierce lion attacking his prey, a tornado destroying a house, and faces screaming in fear.
The film successfully startles the viewer into reflecting on the frustrations of life and the common human need, once in a while, to break out.
Festival designed to expose and promote films and screenplays that work outside the system and break the boundaries in the horror genre. To bring a voice to the talented independent filmmakers & writers within the horror genre.
Submit to the Festival via FilmFreeway:
Submit your HORROR films and screenplays today to the festival.
Our mission is to promote screenplays, films and videos that dissent radically in form, technique, or content, and challenge and transcend commercial and audience expectations using the audience FEEDBACK festival format that the flagship festivals uses.
Film festival occurs with a private audience at least 6 times a year in Montreal and Los Angeles. Each accepted film received 2 festival screenings. Private cinema screening where they will receive their audience feedback video. And the virtual screening (4-6 weeks after) that is an industry showcase of the best HORROR films from around the world today.
Screenplay Festivals occur once a month. We perform a transcript script of the winners in a studio using professional Canadian actors and post them online for the entire world to see. (Great proof of concept video to use to promote your script.)
NOTE: Accepted works also get the opportunity to do two interviews: A blog interview and an ITunes Film Festival podcast interview.
LISTEN to the podcast: http://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/8/27/ep-1319-writeractor-paul-pecorino-amp-director-drue-pennella-the-destruction-of-jane
THE DESTRUCTION OF JANE, 12min,. USA
Directed by Drue Pennella
The Destruction of Jane is a campy, over the top, erotic, outrageous comedy which follows Miss Jane Parker to the African Jungle where it all began. Witness Tarzan and Jane’s first encounter, in what now has become a rather heralded expedition in the African Jungle, and one of our greatest love stories.
http://www.youtube.com/@thedestructionofjane9756
https://www.instagram.com/destructionofjane
Get to know Writer/Actor Paul Pecorino:
A1: I was motivated by an unstoppable combination of caffeine, an overactive imagination, and a jungle of weeds in my backyard that screamed “cinematic masterpiece.” I thought, why not turn my backyard chaos into a hilarious, campy adventure? Plus, playing both a gorilla and a damsel in distress was just too good to pass up.
Festival Reviews 