Author: festreviews

Interview with the Band CAPTAIN DANGER (Keith “E-Day” Eaddy, Roger “Joose” Benford, Aaron Steinberg)

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HOLLY BY CAPTAIN DANGER, 5min., USA
Directed by Aaron Steinberg
Captain Danger soundtracks interstellar misadventures.

https://www.captaindanger.com/
https://www.facebook.com/captaindangermusic
https://twitter.com/captdanger
https://www.instagram.com/captaindangermusic

Get to know the band CAPTAIN DANGER

Keith “E-Day” Eaddy – bass
Roger “Joose” Benford – drums
Aaron Steinberg – guitar, “Holly” music video director

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Our band Captain Danger needed a music video to accompany our single entitled “Holly.” Our goals included making something fun that pointed to our sense of adventure as a group, musically and otherwise. Along the way, we were super-fortunate to enlist (Emmy-nominated) Dane Lawing as Director of Photography, who was keen on capturing a look for the live band sequences that could somehow complement the overall Sci Fi concept. We were striving to create something that could nod to our appreciation for weirdness and humor while also supporting the song’s underlying, more earthbound themes, which explore missed connections and a sense of alienation.

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

It was wrapped up in about a month. (Fortunately! ‘Cause you never know.)

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

Melodious Misadventures

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

Helping out our Director of Photography Dane Lawing transport his absurdly gigantic lighting rig. (Maybe next time he’ll just use an aircraft carrier?)

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

Smiles all around! What fun. And thank you guys again. We were thrilled with how all of your audience members enjoyed and fully understood what we were going for and dug all the various elements at play.

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

Aaron: Very young actually! (Hard to imagine not wanting to try it out, if there was a way.) My early experiments included Super 8 cameras, believe it or not!

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

Keith: Coming To America

Joose: Goodfellas

Aaron: Planet Of The Apes (original 1968)

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

Your feedback concept is excellent and fresh – we appreciate it! We’ll give it some thought in terms of suggestions . . . maybe there are ways to further engage even casual film buffs to want to get more into the act. (Why should official “film critics” have all the fun? Regular people don’t use typically words like “seminal” which is refreshing. Ha!)

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

Film Freeway works well!

10. What is your favorite meal?

BBQ? Indian? Cuban? Mexican? Whaddaya got?

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

Up next is a new music video for our next release! Stay tuned to http://www.captaindanger.com and to our socials for what particular form that may take. At present we’re exploring animated concepts!

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival:

Filmmaker Herve Marcotte (AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE)

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AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE, 52min., France
Directed by Herve Marcotte
In July 2022, I brought together two sixteen-year-olds, Jeanne and Romain, in a house by the sea. They didn’t know each other yet. I was determined to take them seriously, and make them live with all their uncertainties and reserves, an experience in the world of beauty.

http://verissimusfilms.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My first long documentary, “Encounter with Remarkable Souls,” focused on 25-year-olds, so it’s no surprise that “An Ordinary Experience” centers around two 16-year-olds. Initially, my intention was simply to gather two young individuals (not actors). The casting requirement was deeply rooted in my desire to reconnect with my youth. The art theme emerged later.

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

The shooting spanned four days, while the maturation process took a year. I stumbled upon books by chance and shared profound thoughts with trusted friends, as I do with all my films. Then, everything goes with the flow. The assistance of young Amédée Beriot, a student whom I supported during his studies at Lyon École des Beaux-Arts, was crucial in helping me realize my vision during the shooting.

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

A (fictionized) poem

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

Typically, I identify my characters from my family and friends network. However, for this casting, my initial choices for the male character lead fell through twice. Eventually, through a casual conversation about my cinema work with my chiropodist, who happened to be my former neighbor, her 16-year-old son, Romain, was enlisted. The girl, Jeanne, the daughter of my godson, ultimately agreed to participate. She later admitted that my enthusiasm was so infectious she couldn’t refuse.

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

The feedback video moved me to tears. It surpassed my expectations that one of my films, which is headed to an international festival for the first time, could evoke such emotional responses. Inspired by Saint Charles de Foucauld, my films revolve directly or indirectly around universal love, portrayed by young characters (not necessarily in age but in spirit) who make viewers see another perspectives. I am deeply honored that the testimonials confirm this.

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

My profession is Financial Manager, but I purchased my first camera in 2018, and filmmaking has become like a second life to me. I aim to convey insights about inner life to the world. I previously worked as a desert photographer, shooting diapositives together with musical cross-fade editing.

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

“Into the Wild” is a film I’ve revisited several times; it blends adventure with meaning of life.

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

I greatly appreciate the feedback from the festival. It encourages me to continue pursuing my cinematic endeavors my way. Currently, I’m seeking a distributor for my films to reach a younger audience. While I’m unsure of the potential outcomes, winning the award for “Best Documentary” should significantly facilitate the relationship between Verissimus Films and art cinemas.

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

FilmFreeway.com is undoubtedly an excellent platform; everything is clear and reliable. In my opinion, it is the best international platform for festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Eggs and bacon

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

I am currently filming a threefold documentary exploring the intertwined themes of the invisible, silence, and light. There’s a clear progression in my subjects, focusing more on inner life. However, it seems I’ve found a style that resonates well with “An Ordinary Experience,” which makes no compromises in its poetic professional edit, music composition, and sound design. Next I dream of a spiritual festival in France where my films are shown!

My new feature films “Au fil de l’AUTRE” 1hr 22’ is now ready for cinema screening,

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival:

Filmmaker Javier Java Santiago (PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION)

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PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION, 12min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Javier Java Santiago
Juan, an oriental cook in a fast food restaurant in Puerto Rico, tries to make a gourmet dish, to convince his nebulous boss to release him and thus set up a fine restaurant, while Hiu Yan, his co-worker and arts expert supposedly tries to avoid it.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

What motivated me to make this film is the great admiration and respect I have for asian culture, and above all the intrigue and mystery that exists within the kitchen, the sounds and smells of these asian fast food restaurants.

They settle on the island of Puerto Rico or anywhere in the world, mixing their culinary skills with the cuisine, people and local culture, learning the language and becoming part of us, where everyone is equal, demonstrating that there is only one race, the human race.

They take a Puerto Rican food like Tostones con ajo, and include it in their menu and do it better than the Puerto Ricans themselves.

Every time I visit one of these interesting restaurants, there is so much to see, so much to imagine, so much to analyze and learn. It is inevitable to think or write a thousand stories on the subject.

That’s why I took on the task of interviewing Jimmy, (Hiu Yan in the Movie), a Chinese, actor and restaurant owner and friend of mine, who has been living in Puerto Rico for many years, to tell me a little about his story and that of many like him. And from there, I was able to complete the idea for my story. We can understand that in the story there are many elements that can be considered, based on real stories.

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

It took me 7 years to make this short film, from idea to final product.

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

Intriguing comedy

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

The biggest obstacle was getting the money and the location, until I met the actor Shuming (JUAN in the film). It turns out that I found an asian fast food restaurant out of service, with a phone number to call and rent it, I tell my producer Kathy (THE CASHIER GIRL in the movie) who calls Shuming, to see if he knows who owns that restaurant, since all of asian people are they know each other, and it turns out that it was his and there, we were able to get the location after so much searching.

My producer and I say that the universe conspired so that this short film could be made.

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

When I saw the reaction of the public speaking so highly of the project and even the direction, I felt a feeling of satisfaction that I had not felt for a long time, it was very emotional for me, it has been one of the best experiences in my life. That’s why I always say that festivals like this are what make filmmakers like me live their dreams.

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

Since I was a child I always wanted to make movies, but it wasn’t until I decided to take the reins, find a way to make it myself, and do it, that I realized I could make movies.

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

I think “Ghostbusters”

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

That they can expose our works more to industry professionals, such as representatives of film directors and investors. I have a colleague, a film director in Puerto Rico, who is now making films in Hollywood, because he submitted one of his feature film to festivals, and from there he managed to get a representative of film directors to recruit him and get him those new projects.

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

FilmFreeway is excellent. Thanks to them I have been able to submit my project to many festivals, seeking the growth opportunities that you offer.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Chinese food!

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

The next thing is to make the feature film of “Pepper Chicken and Tostones Combination”.

I’m already writing it because there are people interested. Meanwhile, I continue making music for films, which is my daily life, such as coordinating stunt rigging and looking for financing for another short film that I have written ready to film.

Filmmaker Sabrina Ehlert (LAUNCH FEVER)

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LAUNCH FEVER, 23min., USA
Directed by Sabrina Ehlert
Launch Fever is a narrative film inspired by true events. When a highly anticipated mission for NASA and the Columbia STS-107 Crew takes a sharp turn, Mexican American Chief Structural Engineer Rodney Rocha uses his intuition and scientific know-how to challenge NASA’s management, risking his credibility—fearing a greater loss. Sponsored in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

http://www.launchfeverfilm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/launch_fever

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Growing up in a family of engineers, Rodney’s journey struck a chord with me. It felt like a story I could relate to on a personal level. When Rodney gave me his blessing to share his story, it motivated me to develop it into a film told from an honest and authentic perspective.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took a total of 3 years.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finding a way to build the mission control room.

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

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
In a high school filmmaking class, at 18 years old.

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

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
One on one meetings with industry professionals would be incredible.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Amazing! It is such an easy way to apply to dozens of film festivals across the world.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Pozole.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes! I’m currently working on two new proof of concept projects that will be shooting later this year.

Filmmaker Nevin Boila (WAR COUPLES)

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WAR COUPLES, 3min,. USA
Directed by Nevin Boila
In a desert war land, the elite tactical team, only know as BRAVO, must be the eyes and ears for their comrades, ALPHA Team. With time on the essence, both teams need to be on alert for the capturing of the 6 mass villains of the land. A war of stealth, values, and friendship lay on the line as BRAVO Team must overcome their own internal struggles if they wish to accomplish the mission. The question is, will they?

http://www.nevinbolla.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The truth is the motivation was just to film. Any filmmaker’s goal- well the majority of filmmakers- is to bring some type of entertainment to everyone. For me, not only motivation to film was the reason ‘War Couples’ was made, but I also asked myself this question right before I began creating a film, “Is This Possible?” Location, time, money, the team, when making shorts you can have the greatest script in the world, but if you don’t have the proper resources then the story will never be true to what you see it. ‘War Couples’ passed these obstacles because it was not only simple to shoot, but had a great comedy aspect to the end of the film.

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

In total: 3 months. It took a month for me to finalize the screenplay, multiple drafts, and make sure “Is This Possible” to film. Another month to establish the team that we had, the location, time, etc. And a month of me editing it to ensure we got the best out of what we could film.

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

Heighten Stupidity

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

Location. In my opinion, location is by far one of the most challenging aspects for any filmmaker. The right location can immerse the audience in the world of the film better than any sound effects, lighting, or camera angle. One of the greatest opportunities we had while making ‘War Couples’ was the location where we were able to shoot. When we found that spot, we knew it was perfect for our shoot. Always value the shooting location; it can bring your story to life not only for filmmakers but also for actors and actresses who are part of the narrative

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

It was greatly appreciated that everyone gave their opinion on the film. One of the things I dislike most is not criticism itself, but rather not knowing. Many people watch the film, yet most keep their views to themselves. That’s why feedback is crucial for all of us, and I’m very grateful that a feedback video was provided.

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

When I was in third grade, our entire third-grade school put on a ‘play.’ Yes, it’s quite impressive. Each student had a speaking role, and overall, it was an informative play for parents about the rainforest, featuring different creatures—a piece that most of us have done around that age.

My speaking role managed to bring laughter to the audience, which no other student did. The next day, my teacher, Miss Wolley, awarded me the ‘Person of the Week’ in front of the class, specifically for my acting—a concept I didn’t even fully understand back then, let alone recognize as a potential career.

From that moment on, it set off a chain reaction leading me to become an actor, writing screenplays, and eventually, to filmmaking. You never know who will give you that initial push. For me, it was Miss Wolley, and I’ll always remember her for that.

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

The Lord of the Rings

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

A way to communicate with other filmmakers that submitted to the festival. It would be great if winners/finalists could reach out to them and let them know how much you enjoyed their work.

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

Very convenient. I love that the layout allows you to pick any festival that fits your needs. It brings organization to submitting to festivals easier than any third party.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pizza with a “Glass” bottle of Mexican Coke. This should be everyone’s last meal by law.

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

I’m acting in some drama films that I’m excited to share with everyone when it’s premiering. Additionally, I’m currently working on a couple of full feature screenplays and just finished a tv series comedy screenplay. You have to keep working – no sitting and waiting and hoping and praying.

Today’s Writing Festival Deadline: CRIME/MYSTERY Novel Festival

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Garner FULL FEEDBACK on your crime/mystery novel by our committee of industry professionals. Get a transcript reading of your book performed by professional actors at the Crime/Mystery Festival and made into a promotional video for your novel.

Submit here: https://crimemysteryfestival.com/crimemystery-novel-festival/

Or on Submittable: https://manager.submittable.com/opportunities/discover/296375

The #1 Crime/Mystery Festival and Contest in the World today!

– Offers 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).

– One of the best places in the world for the writers to add sales to their self-published novel 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.

– We specialize in showcasing Crime/Mystery stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.

EP. 1238 – SCREENWRITER RHYESS NASH (SAND – PART I “BURIAL”)

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Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buP7_6XCNEg

Summary: After Nefret goes missing, it puts Mazim’s place in the war in doubt, but despite his family’s safety, he won’t leave without Nefret, which leads him to face horrifying consequences.

Get to know the writer:

My screenplay is about, thematically, the struggle of reconciliation. The protagonist, Mazim Al-Farouq, chooses to have he and his family (wife and son) remain in their home village of Zareda, despite the encroaching invaders. His extraordinary super power is also his vice as he cannot emotionally live without his steppe eagle, Nefret. In reality, he should leave and put his human family members first, but he refuses to abandon his avian companion. This decision indirectly results in the death of son, Mezut. The remainder of the script explores the fallout from this tragedy.

Mazim and his wife, Layla, along with Mazim’s close friend, Firadh, escape the village upon the invasion, but Mezut falls to the sword by the Sojan warlord. Mazim and Layla must now emotionally reconcile the damage done by their beloved son’s demise. And Mazim, alone, must reconcile the fact that he could have saved his son from death and himself from unbearable guilt. As Layla grows increasingly resentful of Mazim, blaming him for Mezut’s death, the couple grows emotionally apart. However, despite this falling out of love, they must pick themselves up and return to the village to bury their son so that his soul may find peace in the Field of Reeds, for only those buried can find their way out of the Underworld and into Paradise.

Subscribe to the podcast:

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Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: CHICAGO Feedback Film Festival

festreviews deadlines, festival deadlines

Submit your Short Film and get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival in Chicago.

Submit your film via FilmFreeway:

The fastest growing film festival in the world today:

Your film will get screened in front of a large, broad audience.

– We are a feedback festival and you will actually hear what people and film lovers think of your film.

– Your film is screened and then talked about with the audience, lead by a Professional Industry moderator. (NOTE: Screenings are now held in private to maximize the audience feedback video you will receive.)

– We then post the audience feedback video online right after the festival for you to watch.

NEW Showcase: Submit your FEATURE FILM and receive an audience feedback promotional/testimonial video of your film. Great video to use to get into more festivals and/or promote your film.

Watch Today’s Film Festivals: Best of STUDENT Shorts & ACTION Feature Film Winner

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

watch Film Festival #1: ACTION Feature Film Winner
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-princes-feature-film

THE PRINCES, 90min., Action
Directed by Luiz Rosemberg Filho
On a hot night in Rio de Janeiro, two men seek pleasure and ultraviolence. They invite two prostitutes to accompany them on this risky and intense adventure. A critique of the social system that evokes Passolini, Lynch and Jodorowsky. The posthumous film by Luiz Rosemberg Filho

Watch Film Festival #2: Best of STUDENT Shorts
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/may-26-student-shorts

See the Full Lineup of Films:

MOB FAMILY TIES, 9min., Canada
Directed by Britt Dallyn
After grandpa Michael begins to unintentionally rat on old associates due to his mental decline, the Leslie’s, a mob family, face a moral dilemma whether they need to whack grandpa or not as they host his possible final meal in this send up of traditional TV sitcoms.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-mob-family-ties

SOULSUCKER, 6min., Canada
Directed by Karl Strass-Hundal, Sam Cmelo
A security guard has his spark reignited.

NIGHT OF SIX CENTURIES, 7min,. Israel
Directed by Alina Lebedeva
The time machine has been created. It is used to rescue innocent people. The first is a girl sentenced to stake by inquisition.

LA POMME- a day with Asmodeus, 11min., Nigeria
Directed by Theo-Ziny Joel
“A man of God faces a tough challenge when he’s grieving. A lustful demon tests his beliefs, making him confront his desires and faith.”

BACKPACK, 12min., Israel
Directed by Alina Alexander Lebedeva
When parents and school cannot do anything, HE takes the charge

READ MY BODY, 11min., Nigeria
Directed by Theo-Ziny Joel
Bala wants to be a warrior like his father. He wants to own a machete too and go to war, instead of going to school.

https://web.facebook.com/theozinyjoel/
https://twitter.com/YorubaHausaBoy
https://www.instagram.com/theo_ziny/

FIND ME ONLINE, 19min., Uganda
Directed by Brian “Vons” Mukisa
A story about a couple Eric(Joseph Alvin Mumpi) & Veronica(Mutesi Brenda) where a fashion-star pretty lassie Suzzan(Nabakiibi Joana Jojo) from an online dating site barges into their relationship. Eventually, Veronica abducts Eric & Suzzan where Veronica stabs Eric to death.

SURVIVOR, 13min., Iran
Directed by Karim Azimi
Some immigrants by the sea are waiting for them to cross the sea.. A young couple with other immigrants are going to the light of the world, but they have problems when their baby is born.

WILDsound Podcast: EP. 1227 – FILMMAKER TOR KRISTOFFERSEN (DIRECT ACTION)

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DIRECT ACTION, 13min., UK
Directed by Tor Kristoffersen
A teenage environmentalist leads a protest
against a coal mine, setting her on a collision course
with her father, the police and courts.

https://www.instagram.com/torkistoffersen/

Get to know the filmmaker:

A few things – the first is obviously the climate crisis, which is pretty much the backdrop (in some way) for all the scripts I write – having this unprecedented and existential issue staring us in the face, which we’re not really dealing with has always motivated me to try and tackle it in some small way and I think fictional stories are a very important way of doing that. In England we’ve got a government which after making some good noises about Net Zero has started giving the green light for more coal mines and oil fields, while at the same time introducing some draconian laws making peaceful protest virtually illegal and giving some pretty hefty sentences to climate protesters which is pretty alarming. Most climate protesters don’t want to go out and start marching down streets (you can trust me on that) but they’re pretty well informed on the science – indeed the ones I know are some of the most educated people in our society such as doctors and scientists so it’s quite alarming when we start locking these people up for trying to raise awareness of the subject. I totally appreciate that their tactics can divide the room but the reason they’re doing this is because we’re ignoring the problem.

The other main issue I was interested in was how a lot of young females were being dealt with (particularly by the press in the UK) for taking part in these protests — basically how they were being branded as ‘fanatical’ and that reminded me of the suffragette movement. We look back on that with selective amnesia in the UK, Emily Pankhurst and the woman who fought for their rights are now rightly celebrated but at the time they were horribly vilified and they had to use some pretty hard core tactics which are never mentioned. A lot of women were imprisoned for simply wanting rights and I found there to be an interesting parallel here. So out of that (and a few women I have met) Emily Phliips was born – I then really liked the idea that her mum had played a role in activism but her dad saw work opportunities in the mine – this enabled me to bring the other side I wanted to explore as well – which is the struggle a lot of people have with paying the bills and how lack of political leadership makes the transition away from fossil fuels very real and economically scary for a lot of people. These are themes I was able to explore more in the feature but they’re touched on very lightly here.