Directed by Richard R. Murray

When a new leader arrives at one of Michigan’s worst schools, he seeks help from a unique firm known for solving “impossible” school problems. But the challenges are enormous, the project has no funding, and the effort will confront bureaucracy, skepticism, indifference, profiteering, and even a pandemic.

https://equityschools.org/portfolio-item/academy-of-warren/

Review by Julie Sheppard:

A remarkable documentary short revealing how a Michigan school is updated from an old, dingy converted grocery store to a state-of-the-art, bright, colourful place of learning.

The main title of Natural Light captures the brilliance of this school design as highlighted many times in the film — the natural light of the new skylights in the ceilings all over the school makes such a positive difference to the environment. After hearing detailed interviews of school staff and expert planners, the viewer learns a lot about school design and benefits of natural light. Surprising stats are provided. For example, students in classes with natural light succeed 20% more than those in windowless classrooms.

It is fascinating to be shown the costly initial architect plans, and then the second set of more affordable, streamlined plans. Also compelling is witnessing the work in progress, and seeing black and white “before” shots and colourful “after” shots. It is encouraging to see the footage of students enjoying the new school playground and sports facilities, and the renovated classrooms.

The cheerful soundtrack throughout the film and the on-screen text about the school’s increasing success and current waiting list both serve to highlight this venture — a truly remarkable achievement to the benefit of students, staff and the community at large.

Submit to the Festival via FilmFreeway:

When a leaked video of his lecture on the Psychology of Oppression goes viral and sparks accusations of anti-Semitism, tenured Palestinian-American professor Karim Hadawi finds himself at a crossroads with a harrowing ultimatum: issue a public apology to salvage his career or risk losing not only his job but also the custody of his beloved daughter. This unexpected challenge forces Karim to navigate a turbulent territory where principles clash with the pressures of public perception, plunging him into a distressing battle for integrity, family, and the preservation of freedom of speech.

Review by Andie Karvelis:

This was written prior to October 2023 and it was inspired by true events.

When a video is leaked of Palestinian-American professor Karim Hadawi’s lecture on the psychology of oppression it sparks accusations of Anti-Semitism and threatens not only the professor’s livelihood but his integrity, his family, and the preservation of freedom of speech.

This story was written by Nader Yousef and adapted into a screenplay by Khaled and Sami Sabawi. Regardless of where you stand on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, this is an incredibly powerful story. Within this technological age, we have a tendency to live in a “cancel culture”. Someone says or does something we don’t necessarily like and we have several online platforms to post on about it. Things can be taken out of context and quickly spiral out of control until someone is now the pariah of the world. Nader, Khaled and Sami were very smart in how this was written because it’s really about freedom of speech.

The cinematography in this was stunning, that is due to Gareth Taylor and his keen eye. Some marvelous camera shots make the look and feel of the entire film gorgeous. Personally, I was so impressed with the cast and Rodrigue Hammal’s directing. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, was very organic, believable and perfectly cast. Waleed Zuaiter portrays Professor Karim Hadawi and you immediately like him, you feel empathy for him as he undergoes this journey and has some very difficult decisions to make. Each and every actor brought this story to life and Rodrigue knew exactly the performance to get from each of them.When a film is this good, you tend to get wrapped up in the story and the score seems to blend
into the world the writers created. I’m one of those individuals that pays attention to the music and James Vader did a sensational job on the score. The filmmakers really made a masterpiece with this film and I definitely look forward to what they will create next.

Voted Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival in the world!

Entering it’s 18th year, WILDsound now gives filmmakers 5 tiers to showcase and promote their film. (all accepted films garner the audience feedback festival, the 2nd bonus screening, and the interviews)

Submit via FilmFreeway:

1) Screening #1 where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the streaming service WILDsound TV (optional)
3) Screening #3 at a sold out public screening at the Carlton Cinemas in Toronto, or the LA LVE Regal Theatre in Los Angeles.

4) Podcast interview at WILDsound Radio on ITunes
5) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

The first film festival screening gives you our award winning Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films.

Festival is also known for it’s Screenplay portion of the festival. We do recorded script readings performed by professional actors. FULL Feedback no matter what on all submissions from industry professionals.

WILDsound Writing and Film Festival – Daily Deadlines