The Abiding, 11min., USA
Directed by Ally May
A lonely woman reminieces about the three great loves of her life while she decides if trying again is a risk worth taking.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Honestly, my motivation was/is to take every opportunity to develop as a director. I was at a festival, I had a room, a crew and actors, so I put it together really fast and shot it.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I wrote the script several years ago and had it sitting in my computer. Then I got the bright idea to shoot in about a month before we did. So, realistically, about a month.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was blocking the scenes. We did not have access to the hotel room until the day we shot, so had no time to plan out blocking.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
The first woman was very sterile, it seemed like she hadn’t watched it and was just reading text. The other two that gave feedback seemed very genuine and thoughtful.

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

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Too hard to answer truthfully. Star Wars, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Bridget Jones Diaries, My Life as a Dog, The English Patient, The Piano, Splendor in the Grass. I’ve seen the movies I love so many times I can’t keep track. I watch them over and over, to learn from, to cheer me up, to calm me down, to inspire me.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
As a director, the thing I need most is to be connected with people in search of my skill set. So help us actually make connections with producers looking for directors.

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

10. What is your favorite meal?
Risotto with fresh peas and asparagus.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’m shooting my first feature film in October. STAGULATION – A woman strangled by routine begins to unravel when the past—both imagined and real—starts to dance around her.

JP Cenzo – What You Want (It’s Not Me) Official Story Video, 4min,. USA
Directed by Paul Cenzoprano
JP Cenzo band music story video, the birth, life and death of a relationship.

https://www.instagram.com/jpcenzo/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-jp-cenzo-what-you-want

Get to know filmmaker Paul Cenzo:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: I was motivated by a vision of the song’s deeper meaning. The song is about relationships and how they come together and fall apart. I believed a visual would add depth and perspective to a song I believe speaks to the universal issues of love and relationships that we can all relate to.]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: It was a one day shoot in September 2024, that took about 1 ½ months to prepare and about another month of editing sessions to complete]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: Broken Romance]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: Renting a vintage automobile for the shoot. The shoot would not have worked without it. I had so many options I was working on and felt like it was turning into a disaster procuring a the car. Owner’s would let me drive it or want extra insurance, or just would not commit. The week of the shoot I got unbelievably lucky. I company called Cloud 9 Exotics had a vintage 1966 Cadillac

DeVille convertible and I rented it like a regular rental. It was awesome. Cloud 9 Exotics car was more of a luxury/Sports car rental IE Lamborghini and Ferries, but they purchased the 1966 Cadillac in an Estate Sale. The car only had 1200 miles on it.]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: I thought the feedback was insightful and provided some perspectives I had not fully considered, like the use of masks, as way to hide yourself from a partner. Also it felt great that many of symbolism and subtext was picked up by the audience, IE that Sasquatch represented conflict between them.]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: When we were completed the final mix and speaking to Don Chaffin who was engineering the final mix and was helping produce the final song suggested shooting a video with a vintage car and that he had a drone camera we could use.]

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

[Fifth Element]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: Doing broadcast interviews, raw public reaction in addition to the feedback. I think this Festival has done a fantastic job, having the audience feedback on video is unique and first festival I have encounter that is doing that and send it to us to watch😊]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: It’s a great platform, and I use it to keep track of my projects and the status of the festivals I have entered.]

10. What is your favorite meal?

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: That’s easy, root beer, Sicilian pizza slice and for dessert, Savoiardi cookies and milk]

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

[JP Cenzo Band’s Paul Cenzo: We just finished shoot four song episodic videos, each song start with an late-night format, show host introduce a comedy sketch, then a song from JP Cenzo performance. We start editing in two weeks. We used the same actors from the “What You Want (It’s Not Me) Video.]

She Loves Her John, 7min., USA
Directed by Ivan Alejandro Rivero
“She Loves Her John” is a story about redemption, the feelings that arise after betrayal, and the thoughts of moving forward.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1) What motivated you to make this film?

I really wanted to push myself to be able to tell a raw and honest story. Something that resonated with people, but the kind of something where you dont really want to share it with your friends. Something that made everyone watching feel human.

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

I think it took about 10 month for full completion since the day Gordon Williams, the writer and producer, put the project on my desk! I think this is something hes been working on for years, which shows in the level of honesty and how raw the script is.

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

Raw Love

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

For this script I knew I had to find the right actors for the role. We needed people that understood these emotions to a deeper level than what was written on the page. Aside from that I was truly blessed to have Gordon by my side, all the other minor inconveniences were taken care of by him!

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

I love that they enjoyed the film and were able to get something out of it. Thats the filmmakers dream, to be able to tell a story that resonates with audiences in one way ot another.

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

I’ve always loved movies and I originally wanted to make music for them but once i started college i was able to dip my toes on film and telling short stories and I made a friend there that was just as obsessed with movies as I was and we started doing them for projects little did I know i was getting more and more addicted to it the more i did it. Ive always been a story teller, i was just happy i found my favorite medium to tell them and i’ve been blessed to surround myself with good friends that are also obsessed with it.

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

Treasure planet has to be the one.

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 love the idea of the audience feed back, very sad to miss and not be able to go personally to a festival so its very fun to ble able to see what people thought about it.

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

Filmfreeway is definitely easy to use and very user friendly.

10) What is your favorite meal?

A good lasagna is hard to pass up. I love cooking but thats one of the few meals ive always been weary of cooking due to the long preparation process!

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

I’m taking a break at the moment from narrative work, but i’ve been preparing to film a documentary soon and i’m very excited for it! After that I’m planning on making more narrative films, hopefully a feature.

Shame, 5min., USA
Directed by Kelly Lynn Warren
When a woman is sexually assaulted by a mutual friend the night before, her confrontation with her best friend leads to tragic consequences.

https://www.instagram.com/shametheshortfilm/

Get to know actor/writer/produer Ashna Sharan:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was a peer counselor in college and know of people in my life who have been sexually assaulted. I wanted to raise awareness of the issue and show it from the perspective of two friends instead of focusing on the assailant. The ultimate goal of Shame was to take it to universities and spark dialogue among students.

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

9 months

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

must-see, impactful

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

One of our actors had an emergency and had to back out of filming on Day 1, so I had to recast the same night because we were shooting the next day. Our actor, Sophia Cofino, stepped in and nailed the part.

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

I was grateful to see the positive responses. The audience understood the message of the film and felt the emotions that the director, Kelly Lynn Warren, and I were hoping people would feel when watching it.

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

I was an actor first and then learned how to make films in the pandemic. I realized very quickly that after directing several projects that I would prefer to attach a director to my projects instead. Collaboration is what filmmaking is all about! Kelly Lynn Warren did a great job directing the short film, Shame. I could not have done it without her and the rest of our amazing crew.

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

Jurassic Park

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 festival is unique in that we actually got feedback which is always nice to know. It’s useful and it helps us see what resonates with people who are watching it for the first time. Other elements of festivals that we’ve enjoyed are physical screenings and well-moderated Q&As where we get to network and meet other filmmakers afterwards.

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

Film Freeway makes it easy to apply and it’s convenient.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan

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

My next short film, Reminisce, is a proof-of-concept for a feature film. I have submitted it to film festivals and am waiting to hear the results.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

High Ground is a dramatic, near-future story set in climate-ravaged Miami. Gloria Tejeda, a brilliant, physically disabled architect, becomes an unexpected hero. As rising seas and political polarization threaten lives and values, her fight against societal judgment, and radical extremists transforms her from a misunderstood figure into a national symbol of strength, vulnerability, and moral courage.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama, with elements of Science Fiction, Social Commentary, and Thriller. It delves into abstruse disability issues and touches on Romance and Political Satire.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

High Ground is a blend of personal and planetary crisis, addressing timely issues of climate change, misinformation, overcoming disabilities, and extremism. Gloria is emotionally insecure and physically limited, yet her internal and external challenges bring out inner strength. Her journey is inspiring, cinematic, and relevant. The story delivers suspense, emotional weight, visual spectacle, and a message of hope in a divided world. It is a story that needs to be told.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Empowering, Relevant.

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Dr. Strangelove.

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

The characters and situations revealed themselves to me over several months. A year later, after many editing sessions, it is time to share them with the world.

6. How many stories have you written?

I have written two novels, three screenplays, dozens of short stories mostly for children, and one poem.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

A passion to explore what it means to stand your ground in a collapsing world. I was inspired by people who persevere despite disabilities, by the disinformation crises in our culture, and by a desire to tell a story where hope emerges through empathy, truth, and radical honesty.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Balancing character-driven drama and speculative world-building. Avoiding cliché while writing a lead character with a disability required deep empathy and research. Emotional vulnerability was key—and not easy to write truthfully.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about architecture and design, particularly sustainable and inclusive spaces— which inspired my world-building in High Ground. I care deeply about social justice and the arts as tools for transformation.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I saw Female Film Festival Feedback as a platform that values bold, socially relevant stories.

Your feedback was motivating and affirming—it confirmed Gloria’s voice, and the questions the screenplay raises will resonate with the audience.

11. What movie have you watched the most times in your life?

Dr. Strangelove

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?
Admiral’s Log is mostly an allegory. It’s largely about respecting the deep mystery of unknown cultures and possible personal intrusions into things beyond human control or understanding.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?
The gemstone itself, created for various reasons. Its origin is well beyond known science. It also has an “opposite” version, yet to be revealed.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?
Reckon I started 1975, in Northtown (North Las Vegas). I was way into Edward Gorey’s “Amphigorey” hardback at the time. Didn’t quite get it all at age 9, but found it hugely outré inspiring. Have written ever since.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
That’s a toughie. Had many a dinner with fantastically interesting and even famous individuals, but in death it would be the brilliance and wildness of Mozart, in life the utter genius (in many fields) of Jim Cameron. Maybe meet Jim at Peter’s Donuts, eh? For a six of vegan crullers.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?
The added dimension; the actor’s long-proven ability. Extension of the material for the enjoyment of others, beyond words on a page.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?
Everything. Over 1-million words, for sure. Maybe more. Many items are posted at Andromeda Snow Globe, many not: https://archive.org/details/@andromeda_snow_globe

7) What is your passion in life?
Unending experiences, creative and relational, with places and people unending. And really good food.

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem is love.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

I am a therapist and I had a client who was processing what love meant to them and I decided to write a poem on what love meant for me.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry since the summer of 2020.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Lol, this is a great question umm maybe my high school sweet heart who passed away my junior year of high school or God I think that would be a dinner of questions rather than eating.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I want to get my poetry out there and I think this a great way for my poetry to be heard.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes, I have written a short story and submitted elsewhere, but didn’t get accepted which is okay.

7) What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is to create a space in my world to generate positive energy and love to others and in hopes they do the same.

In post-Civil War America, a tormented young woman marked by ancestral abuse becomes the unwilling vessel for a curse born of ancient blood—but as the darkness awakens within her, so too does a scream powerful enough to end it.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

In post-Civil War America, a tormented young woman marked by ancestral abuse becomes the unwilling vessel for a curse born of ancient blood—but as the darkness awakens within her, so too does a scream powerful enough to end it. She was supposed to carry the curse. Instead, she becomes its end.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Gothic Horror/ Dark Fantasy

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

For its rich visual potential, supernatural elements, compelling and relatable protagonist (Eliza’s Journey), Emotional Depth, Multi-Generational Scope, good vs. evil, horror/supernatural thriller demand: The horror genre remains a consistent box-office draw, diverse casting opportunities. Psychological Depth, Haunting Motifs and Potential for Franchise Expansion.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Haunting Resilience

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Die Hard (LOL)

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Months. Since October 2024

6. How many stories have you written?
I have 5 published books and two screenplays in circulation.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I never thought about screenplays until a friend read some of this story and really encouraged me.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
The never ending battle of storyline changes.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about finding inspiration in the quiet poetry of others.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I’m new to submitting to festivals. Found a few that inspired me. One being yours. As expected, feedback will always vary. It’s the constructive feedback that educates.

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your screenplay about?

Sarah Smythe believes she only needs to follow the cards supplied by her company to make her first knife sale when she finds the perfect customer but they’re too sharp!

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Comedy, Dark comedy, Horror

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I would love that! The script is short, quirky, funny and you will be on the edge of your seat hoping Sarah will be okay. I would love to see someone take my vision and make it visual.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Slasher horror or campy comedy

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Do you mean besides The Lion King, which I watched over and over again with my kids?

LOL! I used Where the Crawdads Sing, directed by Olivia Newman and based on the book by Delia Owens as a research project to see how the book was adapted to film by Lucy Alibar.

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Don’t ask! Far too long. LOL!

6. How many stories have you written?

I have a series of three novels—just manuscripts at the moment, another novel—historical fiction with a supernatural element, two feature length film scripts and several short scripts.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

My son sold knives to pay for college and the knife company sponsored a contest for a film short about knives. I was intrigued so I asked him about the deadline and he responded ‘tomorrow’. The film was not to be but the seed was sown.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The biggest obstacle for me is when to call it finished. I still go and tweak it every so often.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family and my friends, and traveling.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival?

I knew my script could always be improved and another set of eyes—seasoned eyes never hurts so I entered Sharp for Life for feedback.

What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I felt the feedback was genuine and thoughtful as if the reviewer liked the script and was sincere in making it better and not just fulfilling a task they were given. So, I edited my script with their comments in mind and entered it again. The feedback must have been good. I won!

What movie have you watched the most times in your life?

Since you asked again—I am also an actress. I played creepy Josephine who introduced the premise of the plot in Angel of Death. Directed by Thomas Zuchowski, it has been in a couple film festivals and when it’s screened, I’m there.