Movie Review

Short Film Review: EARTHLOVE, 6min., Music Video

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EARTHLOVE, 6min., Sweden

Directed by Felicia Konrad, Johan Haugen

EarthLove is a poetic music/dance film with 6 dancers, filmed in the city of Malmö, south of Sweden. “There’s a revolution that needs to happen and it starts from inside each one of us. We need to wake up and fall in love with Earth. We’ve been homo sapiens for a long time. Now it’s time to become homo conscious.” Thich Nhat Hanh

http://www.istillliveinwater.com/

https://www.facebook.com/www.istillliveinwater.com

https://www.instagram.com/feliciavoiceperformer

Review by Andie Karvelis:

We all reside on this little blue rock called Earth. It’s our only home and it gives us so much. Oceans to swim in, grass to play in, trees that provide oxygen, plants that give us sustenance and so much more. If we don’t take care of our home, who will.


Swedish filmmakers and musicians, Kent Olofsson and Felicia Konrad have designed this love letter to the earth through music and dance. Set inside this lush, green forest with a gorgeous pergola, it is the perfect place to film this piece. The Cinematographer, Benjamin Zadig, made excellent use of this beautiful location.


There’s a wonderful contrast between the landscape and the dancers all dressed in bright colors and patterns. The clashing colors all fit the choreography and add to the persona of each dancer. Musically this takes you in so many unexpected directions while using a unique ebb and flow of dissonance. It’s whimsical, heartfelt and has a kind of psychedelic vibe to it that makes you want to just embrace nature and dance.

Short Film Review: DOWN IN FLAMES: THE TRUE STORY OF TONY VOLANCO VALENCI

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Directed by William Joseph Stribling. Written by and Starring: R.J. Lewis

Meet Tony Valenci and his bona fide sideshow of eccentric colleagues. Tony has spent his life dreaming of setting a world record. Despite numerous failures, Tony has never stopped believing in himself. Now, Tony has devised his most ambitious world record attempt yet: to be the first man to blow fire while skydiving. https://www.facebook.com/downinflamesfilm

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The film DOWN IN FLAMES never evokes sadness even when Tony meets his demise. The tone is light and humorous throughout the entire mockumentary. The story is entertaining and great characters are introduced that appear realistic with how the world was set up for the narrative. Circus acts talking about Tony, the Human Volcano, wanting to break a world record without blinking an eye about the danger he’d put himself in until Tony chooses to take it too far by jumping out of plane while blowing fire. 

The special effects and stunts in this film are remarkable. They seem flawless, as if the audience is actually watching these acts through a first person perspective. This can be credited to filmmaker William J. Stribling as every character is vastly different, which makes it quite entertaining to watch.

The editing is what makes this film memorable. Editor, Andy Stein, made this film feel like an actual documentary rather than a mockumentary. Footage is grainy to make it feel like it’s actual home videos of Tony as the characters remember him. The cinematography aids the editing as the set up is traditional documentary style of interviews. The end song feels like Johnny Cash meets the Devil Went Down to Georgia. It could easily become a hit. 

DOWN IN FLAMES is a humorous, yet uplifting story that has the audience rooting for Tony to succeed in his endeavor to break a world record. He seems like a character that would want his every move filmed or photographed since he wants to break the record through a dangerous stunt. Tony’s death doesn’t even bring the tone down as he died doing what he loved, something most sideshow acts succumb to through their dangerous stunts. It makes the film more exciting. 

Feature Film Review: CHANCE ENCOUNTERS. Performance Art

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Chance Encounters documents a one-person show of the same name by Juno award-winning musician and interdisciplinary artist Jesse Stewart. Combining storytelling and innovative music performed on a variety of unusual instruments, the film explores the profound impact that fleeting interactions with strangers can have on us.

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Review by Victoria Angelique:

The production of CHANCE ENCOUNTERS utilizes a brilliant storytelling technique that makes the audience forget this is a one man show. Jesse Stewart teaches important lessons through the people he has encountered that helped shape his life. He proves that people don’t need to spend a lot of money to make music, sometimes it’s the individuals met throughout life’s journey that will lead a person to create music and art in the most unexpected of ways. 

The soundscape that Jesse Stewart creates is ethereal. The items he uses creates a musical adventure that is a combination of nature with a touch of Heaven, even in the darker tones. The idea that earthly or manmade items can make such magnificent sounds is a treat for the ears. This film should be watched at full volume for the best experience. The fact that everyday items such as stones or keys can make music is outstanding, then adding in traditional musical instruments from different cultures makes this show an immersive experience. Stewart is able to flawlessly move throughout time as he tells his story, using music to bring his audience into different cultures. 

The theme of CHANCE ENCOUNTERS is quite powerful because it shows how certain people can change someone for the better. The wisdom of strangers can stick for life, as it clearly did with Jesse. The show has a subtle suggestion that perhaps the encounters a person has really isn’t by chance, but by fate. Throughout the storytelling, each of the people Stewart met seemed to come at a moment when he needed advice. 

Jesse Stewart is a captivating storyteller. If the film is able to fully immerse someone into his stories, he is probably even more remarkable live. If people don’t enjoy one man shows, CHANCE ENCOUNTERS will change that opinion. The combination of music with amazing storytelling is  something everyone should watch.

Short Film Review: WE ARE STARDUST: THE INTERCONNECTION OF ALL THINGS

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Synopsis:

What connects all things on this beautiful and unique planet we call home? Can we reach deep into our collective universal past to understand that everything is carefully intertwined and dependent on everything else? Filmmaker Barb Barton presents a visually stunning and thought-provoking journey into the origin and interconnection of all things. This documentary short film is designed to inspire the viewer to see their place in life through a different lens and focus not on what separates but connects us. Can a broader view help us heal our relationships with nature and each other?

Review by Victoria Angelique:

Director Barb Barton created a visually captivating film that is a cinematic masterpiece. The soothing narration of Ruelaine Stokes takes the audience on the journey throughout time and space to prove the film’s thesis that all life on Earth came from stardust. It’s told in a way that feels like it’s something from a fairy tale, making the concept easy to understand through a familiar trope. 

This film has fantastic graphics, combining computer graphics with a compilation of real photographs to create a stunning environment. This film really should be shown in an immersive theater as it is not only a scientific film, but a beautiful work of art. One of the most stunning graphics is when the filmmaker takes a woman lying on Earth to zooming out to the furthest region telescopes can possibly go in the universe, far beyond our solar system, before zooming back down to Earth and through the woman’s eye. This really drives the point home that all life is interconnected to stardust.

This is a historical and scientific film that really shows how miraculous life on Earth is by depicting how everything is truly connected in the grand design from the universe. Barton shows that not only human life was created from stardust, but how all the elements and creatures on Earth were created from dust. It gives a full understanding of the phrase spoken at funerals, “from dust to dust”. 

This amazing work of art should be shown in the NASA tourist centers. It’s written in a way that people of all ages could understand and it doesn’t contradict religious opinions to be controversial. The scientific descriptions combined with the elements gives a deep understanding of how life on Earth was created.

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Film Review: HIT-GIRL: A Kick-Ass Christmas Story. Directed by Kevin Barile

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Synopsis:

Mindy McCready is home alone on Christmas Eve when a gang of criminals invade her house looking for a stolen package. Mindy deals with them directly as her alter-ego, HIT-GIRL.

https://www.instagram.com/barilliant_action

Review by Andie Karvelis:

Marvel Cinematic Universe or the MCU has become synonymous with blockbuster action films. It put a ( well deserved ) spotlight on Superheroes and Anti-Heroes giving them a household name. Which makes me ridiculously happy because I am one of those geeky chicks that loved the comics. So to see your favorite characters come to life on screen ( and done RIGHT ) makes you as giddy as a little kid at Christmastime.


That is exactly how I felt watching this film. Kevin Barile wrote and designed the action sequences on Hit Girl – A Kick-Ass Christmas Story and it does not disappoint! As a matter of fact, this is done so flawlessly you could very well be watching a Disney Plus Christmas special. Yeah Disney, you heard me.


Kevin Barile was incredibly clever in the way he wrote this, designed the action sequences, and the cast and crew he chose. Plus he did all this in just 4 weeks. Are you paying attention, Disney? You should be. Robert Steven Brown was the Stunt Coordinator on this and what a team he and Kevin make! They are absolute pro’s. The stunt choreography was so seamless with the camerawork that it sold each and every hit, fall, flip, gunshot and kick. These guys knew where to slow down a hit to the face and add that bit of comedy. Even with the talent of Kevin and Robert calling the shots, you still need a fantastic stunt team. Check! They got that. Each and every stunt performer was beyond amazing, including Sammie Nicol who was Hit Girl’s stunt double. They didn’t shy away from some of the more difficult stunt work like a fire stunt and a high fall. Pretty. Dang. Amazing.


This film is more than just great stunts though. Tony Diaz handled the Cinematography and it’s just beautiful, then again… it IS Tony Diaz doing the visual effects and cinematography so of course it’s gonna be gorgeous. They captured the essence of what a Marvel Kick-Ass film is. Robert Dill is pure genius as Tax Man. So many times his delivery had me laughing out loud and I loved the “refrigerator” scene. His stunt work was equally as brilliant. Angie Estevao is a natural on camera, you immediately adore her and she did an exceptional job in this.

There is definitely magic with this group of filmmakers and I, for one, can’t wait to see what they will do next.

Directed by Kevin Barile

DOP: Tony Diaz

Sound Designer: Francois Blaignan

Original Music: Hayley Rosenthal

Starring: Angie Estevao, Robert Dill

Short Film Review: THE WINDOW WASHER. Comedy

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Synopsis:

When a young couple quarrel in a cafe, the window washer decides to get in on the action.

Review by Andie Karvelis:

We’ve all had an experience where we’ve been in our favorite coffee house and witnessed a couple having an argument. Awwwkwaaaard. You want to look at them, but don’t want to look at them and you can’t help but overhear everything. When the window washer also happens to be a mime, it’s an opportunity too good to pass up. For the mime.

Written, directed and Produced by Robert Tartell. The Window Washer is a comedy where our lovely mime, played by Heba Toulan, just can’t help but get involved in the argument on the other side of the glass. As you can imagine, pandemonium ensues..

The cinematography is really gorgeous, thanks to Carlos Felipe Garcia. Especially the work he achieved in not getting reflections in the glass. Clever sound design by Macleod Williams with cafe chatter and the music by #Uppbeat fit this piece so well.


The Window Washer tells a fun and complete story all within 7 minutes.

Film Review: SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION. Directed by Destin Gerek

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SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION, 7min,. USA
Directed by Destin Gerek
In a society where narratives of male perpetrators and harm inflicted upon women prevail, “Seductive Devotion” emerges as a powerful experimental short film presenting an inspiring alternative. Through captivating imagery and a stirring poetic voiceover, the film portrays a positive model of how a man can profoundly and healingly show up for a woman. It challenges societal norms and redefines love, intimacy, and relationships, highlighting the transformative energy between souls. “Seductive Devotion” celebrates vulnerability, courage, empathy, strength, receptivity, and grace, igniting a yearning for the level of committed desire depicted on screen. In a time marked by mistrust and division, this visually arresting and emotionally resonant film offers a refreshing perspective on the healing power of love and understanding, fostering positive change in our perception and engagement in intimate relationships.

http://seductivedevotion.com/
https://instagram.com/destingerek

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The intense poetry coupled with the brilliant cinematography invokes feelings of intrusion and intimacy in the film SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION. Attention is grabbed instantly through the opening shot, which only builds with the score and the romantic, breathy recitation of the spoken prose. The entire film feels like a moment stuck in time, repeating over and over as the viewer witnesses the extraordinary chemistry between the love artists, Elie Prana and Destin Gerek.

The entire nature of the prose gives the feeling of witnessing a private, almost forbidden nature of the couple. Writer and Director Destin Gerek is brilliant as his shots and poetry touch the soul of a woman’s heart, speaking what many women long to hear from their significant others. It leaves the heart racing when seeing how the man worships his lover as if she’s his entire world. It’s not just about sex, but the desires of each other to create an epic romance by imbedding each other into the other’s spirit.

SEDUCTIVE DEVOTION feels as if it belongs with the classics, as Gerek is not afraid of judgement from his words and film, but using them to touch others soul to soul. The shots and wardrobe gives the feeling of an epic romance from ages long past. The film exudes beauty within every frame.

The film draws from several pop culture references, while still remaining on its own. It’s a beautiful work of art and the desire to know this couples entire story allows imaginations to run wild. The fact that the world is witnessing a small glimpse of what couples usually leave private aids to the feeling of the remarkable short.

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Film Review: EIGHT OF SWORDS. Directed by Patricia Downey

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EIGHT OF SWORDS, 19min., UK, Drama
Directed by Patricia Downey
Set in Belfast, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street – it could be your street or next door. Helena from Poland and locals Patsy and Eva fight for survival under the rein of Russian Human traffickers.

Review by Victoria Olson:

The film, EIGHT OF SWORDS, gives an inside look at the world of human trafficking from the perspective of the women who’ve been victimized to the point that they’ve become numb to the harsh realities of their world. Director Patricia Downey did a wonderful job at depicting the coldness of a subject many artists refuse to capture in ways that feel realistic. This film was nuanced, showing the reasons each of the women became involved in trafficking drugs and sex while still portraying them as human beings that can easily hide amongst the general public without anyone suspecting that something might be wrong behind closed doors.

The leader of this particular operation, Patsy, at first glance appears cold and callous. She’s merely doing what it takes to survive so that her daughter is not killed in Cairo. This is something she proves when she’s willing to kill Helena to protect her own child. Helena is quite the opposite, protecting her own son but wanting to go to the police to be done with this world.

This film also has an important aspect that anyone addicted to social media and desperate for fame should see as it portrays the real dangers behind apps such as TikTok. Olivia should have had a bright future, but she trusted who she met online and ends up in a would where she might never see her family again as she’s trafficked to different parts of the world. This is something many individuals, particularly adolescents, should see because it puts the scenario into a real world situation that is understandable and frightening rather than just words that often fall on deaf ears.

Downey used a brilliant technique of not using a score, making this film feel more like a documentary rather than a narrative. This method is a way that will stick with the viewer as they witness what the world is like from the victims and that it is not an easy situation to walk away from to get help.

Human trafficking is a relevant topic discussed on social media platforms and in the news media on how to end it and who’s involved, when a film like EIGHT OF SWORDS shows that it would be difficult to discern who truly is involved as the victims can blend in with the rest of the society. This film can bring further discussion on the travesty that is drug and sex trafficking so that perhaps one day it can be put in the past as a moment of the world’s dark past.

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Film Review: FIRST SLOVAK PRIDE. Doc Short. Slovakia

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FIRST SLOVAK PRIDE, 29min,. Slovakia
Directed by Roman Stranai
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.

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

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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.

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Directed by Tim Searfoss