Author: festreviews

Feature Film Review: One Second at a Time: Battling the Monster of Addiction

festreviews Movie Review

Synopsis:

A powerful documentary about a father and the resilience of his daughter Christine Ortoll as she confronts mental illness, addiction, and the transformative power of support. Through her personal journals and the unwavering dedication of her loved ones, witness a journey of hope and the creation of a meaningful legacy by her father.

REVIEW by Andie Karvelis

Just saying this film is an honest and heartfelt look at addiction doesn’t do it justice. This is a film about family, about love, about wanting to escape your personal pain and finding yourself addicted to a substance that takes over your life. It’s a story about Christine Ortoll and the family and friends who love her.


Before I say anything about Christine, we need to talk about someone else. Tim Searfoss. “Who’s that?” -I’m sure you are wondering. Tim is the genius who not only directed the film but was the Director of Photography, and wrote this film with Daniel Fajardo. They took Mike and Kim Ortoll’s memories of their daughter, Christine and created a film that makes the viewer feel part of the Ortoll family. From the first few moments of underwater photography, you know this isn’t your average film. It’s beautiful, but haunting and it sets the tone for the story you are about to uncover.


By the time we see Mike Ortoll, we are already invested in him and his family. Mike is responsible for the voice over we are hearing. A voice filled with warmth and sadness, yet an undeniable strength. His candor during his interviews was something that often had me wiping away tears.


Then Tim and Daniel really elevated things (and proceeded to rip my heart out). They cleverly hired actors to portray Christine, her family and friends. Now you are seeing these memories relived and such incredible actors that brought them to life! Christine was portrayed by Sienna Hall as a child and as an adult by Beatriz Ochoa. John Hardy portrayed Mike and Christine’s mom, Kim, played by Tracy Reynolds. Each actor was so incredible and delivered a performance that was nothing short of perfection.


You may think this sounds like it’s a sappy, tear-jerker of a film, it’s NOT. Not by a long shot. It’s incredibly educational as Mike takes you through rehabilitation and what to look for, interviews with therapists and even Mike talking on zoom to a high ranking member of a drug cartel.

The willingness in which Mike shares Christine’s story and how Tim Searfoss presented that story is as if he bottled empathy and infused it into this film. I could go on and on about why I think everyone needs to watch this film but I don’t want to bore you. I will say this, I think this film can help others who have a loved one battling the monster that is addiction…Rest in peace, Christine. You will be missed.

Project Links

Directed by Tim Searfoss

Short Film Review: The Great Basin! Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Desert

festreviews Uncategorized

Synopsis:

The Great Basin! Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Desert is a film, book and print project that addresses climate change, the severe drought in the Western United States, gun culture, the military’s use of the basin and range of Nevada for atomic testing, cultural stereotypes, my own personal history, and my experiences in this mostly remote area. In the 15 minute short film I am creating complex collages of my still and motion captures made in Nevada with appropriated short clips from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, recent weather footage, The Lone Ranger, as well as John Wayne’s and other historic films, cartoons, and many other cultural artifacts, in order to speak to the place and its significance.

Review by Andie Karvelis

Filmmaker Eric Weeks takes you on a unique journey centering around his experience in the remote regions of the Western United States.


What intrigued me most about this film was the creative way Weeks used existing footage from the past to bring attention to present day issues. Climate change, the drought and the Nevada military Atomic testing areas to name a few.


You have super quick cuts of footage and dialogue ranging from the local news to The Lone Ranger and even some Davey & Goliath thrown in for good measure. It’s a creative way to drive your point home about these important issues. The moments of overlapping audio and repeating footage leaves you feeling helpless and confused, but I think that is exactly what you’re supposed to feel. Apathy won’t bring about change, we have to feel in order to act. .

Project Links

Directed by Eric Weeks

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

Short Film Review: FIRST SLOVAK PRIDE. 29min., Slovakia

festreviews Uncategorized

Synopsis:

What is PRIDE? How it came about in Slovakia? Was the 2010 PRIDE parade in Bratislava the first one in Slovakia? Activists from the 2010 PRIDE team as well as Hana Fabry, Jaroslav Gyurik, which where present in queer activism in the early 90s talk about important events which led to the creation of the first PRIDE parade in Slovakia.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase

“First Slovak Pride” is a poignant and inspiring documentary capturing a pivotal historical moment, shedding light on the long road this LGBTQ+ community travels towards true equality and acceptance. Roman Stráñai masterfully guides us through the journey of the first creation of Slovak Pride, providing an intimate glimpse into the struggles, triumphs, and heartfelt experiences of individuals fighting for their right to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Set against the backdrop starting in the early 90s, the film follows the remarkable journey of LGBTQ+ activists as they embark on the groundbreaking mission to establish a safe haven for public expressions of homosexuality and the forging of connections among like-minded souls. Through personal accounts and powerful imagery, the film delves into the complex and emotional process of coming out, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and compassion within a society who has long suppressed these voices.

The documentary’s standout moment is when two brides, adorned in rainbow veils, leave a trail of hope and symbolism through the rainy streets of Slovakia. As raindrops fall, a radiant rainbow emerges in a fountain – a timeless memory that encapsulates both the struggles and the inherent beauty of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for visibility.

“First Slovak Pride” doesn’t shy away from the challenges faced by the activists. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the difficulties they encountered in their bid to organize the Pride March, including the threat of extremist opposition and the eventual cancellation of the first event held. However, the film expertly shifts the focus to the silver linings, highlighting the accidental formation of a rainbow-flag-adorned human chain across a bridge, a testament to the resilience and unity of those pushing for change.

As the years progress, the documentary artfully illustrates the evolution of Slovak Pride from a human rights campaign to a vibrant week-long celebration. Stráñai takes us through the transformation, demonstrating that while progress is being made, the fight for equality is an ongoing battle, a marathon rather than a sprint.

Through compelling storytelling and a well-crafted narrative, “First Slovak Pride” emphasizes the importance of activism and community-building. It serves as a reminder even in the face of adversity, individuals can come together to challenge societal norms, and gradually transform a nation’s perspective. The film underscores the significance of pride, not just as a colorful spectacle, but as a powerful force for social change and acceptance.

Roman Stráñai’s direction shines as he captures the emotional highs and lows of this inspiring journey. With an eye for detail, he guides the audience through the streets of Slovakia, effectively translating the atmosphere and emotions of the era onto the screen. The documentary’s culmination, an awe-inspiring shot of the expanding crowd overlooking the country, leaves a lasting impact, symbolizing the triumph of unity and the emergence of a brighter future.

“First Slovak Pride” is an extraordinary cinematic exploration of a crucial turning point in Slovak LGBTQ+ history. Through Stráñai’s lens, the film honors the bravery of those who dared to demand equality, celebrate diversity, and pave the way for a more inclusive society. This documentary is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, an eloquent call to action, and a vibrant tapestry of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of community.

Project Links

Directed by Roman Stráňai

Watch the Audience Feedback Video: