I WISH I WAS A DOG, 12min., Canada
Directed by Katherine Costal
When a young woman’s desire to become a true member of her favourite art club turns her into a dog, she finds the newfound relationship between her and the members poses a different kind of challenge.

https://www.instagram.com/kat_costal

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The phrase “I Wish I Was A Dog” was a thought that had crossed my mind many times whenever I was around a group of people I either really admired or wanted to integrate myself into. Usually everyone in the group were very close-knit already and so they would all have inside jokes with one another and bonding experiences that you just can’t penetrate. Whenever that happens to me, I find that I just end up hanging out at the edge of the group like an extra piece. I thought of the dynamic like the family or friend group in a dollhouse, where sometimes the dolls will come with a pet. I feel like I want to be a dog because they’re very welcomed by humans but they’re also inherently different, so they can’t participate in human activities, and they’re sometimes a metaphor for loneliness. Being a dog means being how I am but literally embodying it in a way that is easier to process than it is for a human, who isn’t expected to experience these feelings as much. When I was thinking about what to do for a shorter film, this experience came into my mind and the idea of a girl turning into a dog immediately followed.

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

Almost nine months, it’s like my baby.

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

Fever Dream

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

Pretty much the same obstacle as my last film, which is coordinating the cast, crew, and location’s schedules to make the shoot dates work. We still had to work with limited time but thanks to the amazing team I had with me we were able to pull it off.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I think development. It’s the stage where everything’s brand new, and I feel very starry-eyed whenever I’m exploring a new idea for a script and it’s all coming together in my head for the first time. At this point it feels like anything is possible and I think this is a large part of filmmaking for me because I really love the brainstorming of: what questions am I trying to answer? What is this film going to do for me? What can I show the audience that will really surprise them or give them something they haven’t seen before? This stage guides all the other stages in creating a strong, cohesive artistic identity.

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

When I was about nine I started recording little movies and music videos with my toys that I had seen other people do. I fell in love with the way people would design their own miniature sets and bring their scripts to life on the camera. I had known before that I wanted to be a writer and it felt like what I wrote branched out into these colourful, modern story ideas that you have to film and watch. Then when I got older I began thinking of making those with real people but hadn’t fully thought of it as making films yet. I always loved comedy and was fascinated with photography as well as drawings which inspired a specific style I felt like I wanted to create. By the time I was seventeen I decided to officially merge the two and make comedy films that told important stories to me and also gave me the thrill that I had gotten so many times from watching exciting media.

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

Other than the children’s DVDs my family had, it was probably Finding Nemo. I feel like I’ve seen it maybe four or five times already, once in a theatre. I don’t know why but I think someone was always showing it to me or it was always playing wherever I was.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate wit on a film?

There are many filmmakers that inspire me, but I would say my dream collaboration would be any of the photographers or artists that I’ve saved online. A lot of my inspiration doesn’t necessarily come from other films, but rather photographs and artwork that I come across where the composition or the colours or the setting just speak to me and I get an itch to create something like it. I’m usually drawn to portraits or landscapes that are showing a different angle than usual and inspire a sense of wonder or curiosity in me. I often wish that I could incorporate their artistry into films whether it’s through cinematography or promotional visuals. Especially because I’m not a visual artist, I can’t recreate it myself so any of the photographers or artists out there making these dreamy, mysterious, or wondrous pictures would definitely be a perfect collab for me.

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

I’ve had a pretty good experience. I’ve found lots of interesting festivals on there, one of which was the Canadian International Film Festival, which was the first time I had a film premiere at a physical festival. I think the site is currently one of the best ways to share your work and I can’t wait to use it again.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Last time I said sushi, so I’ll go with dim sum and some milk tea

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

I’m still going to work on a new film, but I’m also working on something else that’s a different genre and a different medium. I’m really excited to expand my craft beyond filmmaking.

Revealing Raymond: A Son Uncovers His Father’s Past, 15min., USA
Directed by Mark Kaplan
My Father died in 1965 at the age of 39, when I was 12. He never discussed his childhood, although I knew he spent some of it in a foster home. This is the story of uncovering his painful past and how losing him at such a young age inspired me to try to be the best father I could be.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I recently transferred to digital old 8mm home movies my Uncle had shot in the mid 1950’s that I had on VHS that I hadn’t seen in 20 years. Seeing them again along with having only recently uncovered the before unknown story of my Father’s childhood made me think this might make a compelling story for a short film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
About 3 weeks.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Figuring out what to show on the screen when a literal image or moment being described in the narration didn’t exist.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
The satisfaction of seeing that the complex emotions I was trying to summon up in viewers were being acknowledged.

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

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Day The Earth Stood Still

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Sharing this film to a wide audience.

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Great seafood.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I continue to make political protest art every day, which often are short videos I share on social media. No current plan for a new film project right now.

RED CLOUD: A NEW DAY, 80min., USA
Directed by Alex Kruz
Based on Red Cloud Comic Book Issues 1-6. Vigilante contractor Jake Red Cloud wages a covert war against the Yakuza sponsored human trafficking in the golden triangle. Retaliation by the criminal organization strips Jake of his family, forcing him on the run. While in hiding he forms a deep, spiritual bond with neglected young Anne Parker, becoming the protector she never had—until a violent confrontation with his enemies forces him to make a devastating choice that shatters her childhood.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My background is primarily indigenous from South America, but I’ve also been brought into the North American Apache traditions as an instructor by Robert Redfeather. I am very close to the philosophies and spirituality of Native traditions and I wanted to share those in a project which also pulled from my experience as an independent contractor with NGOs rescuing children from sexual slavery in different parts of the world. There’s this motif of what happens afterwards? Like what happens when you come back from war or putting yourself in bad situations all of the time. How do you relate to the normal world and still manage to love when you’ve seen humanity at some of its worst.

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

to make this film? – One could say 13 years, because we began with the idea and shot the first scene in 2013 with myself (Alex Kruz) and Evgeniya Radilova which you see in the film, but then myself and my two co-directors (Ewa Pirog and Gabriella Kamile) knocked out the rest of the scenes and post prod in a month this year, and now it’s on streaming platforms like Fawesome and others.

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

Kick Ass!

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

Destiny (Standing Rock, COVID, etc). It takes us where we have to go, when we have to go.

Really believe in divine timing.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I think we love every stage of the process, but probably post-production because all of the performances are in the bag and you want to check out what goodies you have to play with.

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

Honestly, it was like a pimple it just appeared and you can’t recall your first one.

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

There are so many and y’all going to think I’m crazy, but The Seventh Seal by Ingmar Bergman (1957).

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with

on a film? I’ve been super lucky to have worked with so many of my heroes, but I think anyone who shows up to work to create, and contribute on a project is exactly who I want to work with.

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

The beauty of the festivals are that you get to see other work alongside yours which is not necessarily mainstream, but it has its beauty and merit, and some of these gems never make it out to the public. So you feel honored to enjoy such works.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Humongous foodie, but at the moment it’s Ev’s Turkey Drumsticks!

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

What is next? Yes, absolutely we’re in pre-production now on “Fallen:The Mirror” which we start shooting in a month , part two of the Fallen trilogy, part 1 “Fallen: The Search of a Broken Angel” is streaming globally. Once that’s done probably going to pick up on Season 2 of our series Star Envoy, which our distributor has told us is probably 10 years ahead of it’s time, but like any art you do it for yourself because it has to come out through you.

BLACK SPACE DIGGER, 4min., Austria
Directed by Bernhard Riegler, Heinz Sambs
When money is no object, art is the answer. In honor of Rene Benko—Austria’s fallen investment star—who blew €2.7 billion.

http://www.reburnt.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The downfall of René Benko: He was an Austrian investment tycoon, who lost more than €2 billion, the track draws a sharp contrast between the fragile financial reality of musicians and the glossy but fragile real estate empires of corporate suits. Because in the end, money only matters while it still holds value.

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

The idea grew in about one week. The music video itself was shot in one afternoon/evening last autumn.

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

Money, Money

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

Cow shit on the field we shot the video

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development.
Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Development

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

When I saw Stranger Days for the first time. Music and film in a perfect blend

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

Reality Bites

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Kathryn Bigelow

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

Really good so far

10. What is your favorite meal?

Kaiserschmarrn

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

Finishing the album to the song Black Space Digger

ACT!, 13min., USA
Directed by Freddy Barouh
Ten minutes before showtime, a theatre group unravels into warm-up disasters, personal drama and backstage chaos as they scramble to survive opening night.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I’ve always been drawn to comedy, especially the kind that comes from real human behavior. What motivated me to make ACT! was the desire to explore the world actors live in right before a performance—the pressure, the unpredictability, and the small, often funny moments that happen behind the scenes.

I was particularly interested in how different personalities, backgrounds, and energies collide in one shared space, and how that naturally creates both tension and humor. As an actor, I also wanted to challenge myself by stepping directly into that world, which is why I chose to play the character of Austin. It allowed me to explore that environment from within and shape a performance that reflects the reality of what actors experience in those final moments before going on stage.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The film took around six months from development to completion, with about two months in pre-production, a couple of days of filming, and a longer post-production process.

Because the film is a comedy, we were very precise in the editing stage. We treated the film like a puzzle, constantly refining timing, rhythm, and structure to make sure each moment landed effectively. The first cut was significantly different and much longer, and through multiple revisions we shaped it into the final version.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
One of the biggest challenges was translating the rhythm of comedy from the script into something that felt natural on screen. Comedy relies heavily on timing and energy, and finding that balance between precision and spontaneity took a lot of adjustment throughout the process.

We also filmed at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, which meant we had a very limited window to bring everything together. That required a strong sense of focus and coordination from everyone involved, both in front of and behind the camera, to make sure we captured the full vision within that time.

5. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
My favorite stage is being on set, because that’s where the character fully comes to life. It’s the moment where you can explore, adjust, and respond in real time with your scene partners.

When working on ACT!, I approached the performance by experimenting with different comedic techniques. At first, I leaned into pushing the physicality and rhythm of the character to find the humor, but I realized it felt slightly forced. I then shifted toward a more grounded approach—playing the truth of the moment and letting the humor emerge naturally from the situation. That adjustment helped me direct the cast with more clarity, and at the same time allowed me to shape my character Austin into a more authentic and effective performance.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized it at a very young age. I’m originally from Greece, where I was introduced early on to the world of performance through ancient Greek tragedies and comedies. As I grew older, that exposure developed into a deeper interest in how stories are brought to life on screen.

I’ve always believed that every character exists within a very specific world, and while you are always bringing a version of yourself into the role, it’s about shaping that into something that serves the story. For me, storytelling is about connection—if even one person is moved, entertained, or affected by the work, then it has value.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
The Shawshank Redemption is a film I’ve gone back to many times. It’s a powerful story that combines emotional depth with a sense of hope, focusing on friendship and the ability to find light even in the darkest circumstances. That balance is something I really connect with as an actor and filmmaker.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
I’ve always been very inspired by Aaron Sorkin’s work, particularly his writing style. His dialogue has a very distinct rhythm and precision that creates momentum and clarity for actors. I’ve studied works like A Few Good Men and The Social Network, and I find the structure and pacing of his scripts incredibly engaging.

I think writing like that becomes a powerful tool in an actor’s hands, because it gives you a strong foundation to build a performance on while still leaving room for interpretation.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
My experience with FilmFreeway has been very positive. It’s a practical and efficient platform that allows filmmakers to connect with a wide range of international festivals and opportunities, making the submission process both accessible and streamlined.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Sushi.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m currently developing a new project centered around a comedic character I’m excited to play. The story explores someone who becomes increasingly overwhelmed by modern life and starts finding unconventional ways to distance himself from that pressure.

At the same time, I’m continuing to focus on acting while developing new work as a filmmaker, with the goal of building projects that combine strong performances with engaging storytelling.

Today’s FilmFreeway Testimonial: EXPERIMENTAL, DANCE, MUSIC Festival (209 FIVE Star Reviews!)

https://filmfreeway.com/ExperimentalFilmMusicVideoFestival

The audience feedback videos are great promotional tools and they have several other offerings that are beneficial to filmmakers. Truly enjoy having my work considered #experimental #filmfestival #filmfreeway #dance #music

When former high school sweethearts Daniel and Tyler meet again years after a painful breakup, they’re forced to confront the scars of their past – including Tyler’s attempt to ‘cure’ his love through religious conversion therapy. They try to bury the hatchet and find closure, but old wounds may be too deep to heal.

Project Links

•  Instagram

Review by Andie Kay:

Separate Roads is a short film about love, growth, closure and moving on. Daniel Garcia wrote (and starred in) this film with Director, Shalina Saleira. The film opens in the past as we follow the voice over of Daniel Garcia in a very poetic, but unclear opening. I found myself wondering if this was unrequited love, if there was a relationship, or perhaps just a secret admirer situation.

Once we got to the present day it started to become more clear just what was happening. I really appreciated the subject matter Daniel and Shalina tackled in this story. It’s important and impactful to be able to address conversion therapy, sexual orientation, and denial. I have to commend the Cinematographer, Elias Chenri for such an amazing job. Each frame was absolutely gorgeous; the camera angles reflected the intimacy of the scenes.

Ryan Redebaugh composed the soundtrack, which I completely fell in love with. Ryan nailed the tone and mood of this film, heightening the emotional scenes with music.

The lesser of two evils… is still evil.

After a devastating car accident leaves his wife on the brink of death, Ben Rosen is approached by a mysterious, dying man in a hospital corridor who offers him an impossible bargain: her life in exchange for their future firstborn child.

https://darkrose.io/original-ips/nevertellnew

https://www.instagram.com/darkrosestudios

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The concept trailer for NEVER TELL is outstanding and proof that AI can be used as a tool for promoting a future motion picture to raise funding and gain an audience. This short film can fool anyone, because it appears to be real people rather than generations, that makes someone quickly get lost in the story. There are parts that make the viewer gasp in shock and then question their own morality about how far they would be willing to go to save a life. 

The visuals on screen appear to have outstanding makeup and special effects, knowing the tools used to create this piece, shows that the creator behind the story deeply cares for this new dark, fairytale. The visuals change from high definition blood, to a man frustrated as he awaits for the news of his wife after a horrific car accident. The old man behind him is a flash, appearing impish and demonic, but as they sit to talk, the old man is calm and comforting until he offers Ben a deal to save Andi. The tone changes to a sinister, raspy voice as Ben and the old man talk, something Ben doesn’t notice as he is consumed by his grief. 

The Old Man is clearly demonic, but is he the Devil or is he the modern version of Rumpelstiltskin? These are two figures that are known for making deals, with Rumpelstiltskin having a proclivity of obtaining the first born child in his deals. Many fairytales are typically lighthearted, but this modern twist makes the viewer wonder what happens after the deal is made because it is clear that this is going to be a psychological thriller. 

Ben makes the deal without Andi’s permission, in his desperation to save her, but would she agree about giving up their firstborn child in exchange for her life? This is something that most likely would be answered in the feature film as the foreshadowing is set up for Andi to get pregnant and have this couple fighting the dark forces for their unborn child.

Ever posted “I’m fine” while your world was quietly falling apart? Hashtag Wars is a glam satirical short film exploring influencer culture, meme commentary, and millennial identity in the digital age. The story follows Madison Lane, a glamorous social media mogul whose carefully curated empire begins to unravel after a corporate takeover shifts control of her brand. As memes, comments, and hot takes swirl online, Madison fights to maintain the polished “unbothered” persona that built her success while quietly confronting the emotional cost of public performance.

Project Links

•  Facebook
•  X
•  Instagram

Review by Julie C. Sheppard:

Fame can be fleeting as a social influencer, and we see this in the meaningful short, Hashtag Wars. Lead character Madison finds herself in the doldrums after her online business is taken over. Fortunately, there is a strong character arc in the film, and she is able to transition from despondency, to finding enjoyment through laughter, to developing concern for someone outside herself when she learns of the serious health problems of her new male friend, Daniel. Of special note, the performer playing Madison has such a thoughtful and endearing performance style, accentuated by her gentle, expressive eyes.

The atmospheric tones of the main scenes are effectively distinct from one another. Madison’s perky bright kitchen scene as she records a video is in high contrast to the smoky bluish feel of the entertaining stand-up club, to the frigid tone of the outdoor mugging scene, and finally to the warmer atmosphere of the scene when she lovingly relates to Daniel.

This film is largely without a musical score until the final scene between the two leads, a scene of connection and bonding, especially needed for Madison, who is quite disillusioned and disconnected for much of the piece. This transition is encouraging for her, given that the world of social influencing can be so transient and temporary.

If Only For Memories, 6min., USA
Directed by Ari Roman
A grieving young man searches his dreams for a few more sweet memories with his fiancé

Get to know the filmmaker:

It was a combination of things. A series of failed romantic relationships led to a lot of retrospective thinking. I was weighing my thoughts and actions against my past thoughts and actions constantly. I found a similarity between that retrospective thinking and how I would pick my dreams apart. I then combined the two and had an idea for a script!

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The initial concept with some development began in Jan of 2024. It took a quick pause as I focused on my other film, Kiss Of God. Once distribution for Kiss of God was wrapped up in August 2024, I began writing If Only Form Memories. I finished writing in late September, filmed for two days in November, and began editing in January 2025. I picture locked mid April then raced to the finish line with color, foley, and score being completed by the first week of May.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Hmmm… Intense ambiance?

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Largest obstacle was definitely in the editing room. This film has a lot of experimental elements to it and that brought about a lot of imposter syndrome. The film I was editing didn’t look like anything the people in my circles were making. I wasn’t sure about the style or the presentation. Was it too weird? Does it look amateur? Am I capable of making this footage into something interesting? Luckily I had the guidance of some amazing mentors, including Soudabeh Moradian. They helped me overcome those fears, trust my instinct for how this story should be told, and that different does not equal amateur.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development.
Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.
What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
Anyone who knows me for more than eight seconds knows that my favorite stage is production. Writing is great, editing can be rewarding, but my favorite place to be has always been on set. I love being active, feeling useful, and doing anything I can to improve the film in those crucial moments.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always had an appreciation for artists. Doing anything in your power to create something meaningful to you is admirable. It wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that I actually considered that lifestyle for myself. Now I’m knee deep in that life and I patiently waiting for the moments where I get to submerge myself.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Hundreds of Beavers! Genius, crafty, indie, hilarious, mind blowing, and unlike anything else I’ve seen release in recent years. The perfect makings for a film with timeless rewatchability

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
Working with Spielberg would be great, but before that I would take an opportunity to get all the amazing people I’ve met and worked with so far onto an Ari dream team.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway has the best system I’ve seen, but I do think there needs to be better discovery options. I’d like something where I can describe the film I have with different drop down options and be shown festivals that are looking for something similar. If Only For Memories, as an example, is a short with experimental elements. That is very hard to get into programming. I wish there was an easier way to find a proper audience.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I love a charcuterie board with hummus!

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently, I am working on as many sets as possible and going wherever that takes me. I’m writing a few things on the side: another short that’s pretty far along, a couple projects that I’d film on the road while traveling, and a horror feature that’s faaaaar away from being finished. Feeling very excited every morning to keep chipping away at it all. Day by day getting a little closer to seeing the next thing finished!